An Integrated Package for Linear Programming

Batterham (1987) described a computer program which eases entry of mathematical programming data. Users of the program first use a text editor to enter data in a relatively efficient format, which the program then converts into MPS format as required by most mathematical programming solution programs. Alternatively the program can read and convert data from a microcomputer spreadsheet data file. This note is a description of a microcomputer program which has advantages over each of these procedures. The program, GULP (General, User friendly Linear Programming), is an integrated package of procedures for data entry, matrix printing and model solution. GULP has particular advantages for education and has been used in a number of courses in Western Australia.