mixed-integer nonlinear programming

Mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) is a type of mathematical optimization that involves finding the best solution when some decision variables can only be whole numbers (like 0 or 1), while others can be continuous. The relationships between variables can be nonlinear, meaning they don't form straight-line relationships. This approach is used to solve complex problems where decisions involve both discrete choices and nonlinear dynamics, such as optimizing production schedules, designing engineering systems, or managing resources efficiently. It combines features of mixed-integer programming and nonlinear optimization to handle real-world scenarios with diverse constraints and unpredictable relationships.