# nlopt

> optimization software

**Wikidata**: [Q117025920](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q117025920)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nlopt

## Summary
NLopt is optimization software designed for solving nonlinear optimization problems. It provides implementations of various algorithms for local and global optimization, supporting multiple programming languages. The software is open-source and maintained on GitHub.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Software (non-tangible executable component of a computer)  
- **Latest stable version**: 2.9.1 (released November 25, 2024)  
- **Source code repository**: Hosted on GitHub at [https://github.com/stevengj/nlopt](https://github.com/stevengj/nlopt)  
- **Open Hub ID**: nlopt  
- **Notable versions**:  
  - 2.4.2 (July 20, 2017)  
  - 2.7.0 (November 19, 2020)  
  - 2.8.0 (August 9, 2024)  
  - 2.9.0 (November 10, 2024)  

## FAQs
### Q: What programming languages does NLopt support?  
A: NLopt provides interfaces for C, C++, Python, MATLAB, GNU Octave, and other languages, making it accessible across multiple platforms.  

### Q: Is NLopt free to use?  
A: Yes, NLopt is open-source software, available under the GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL).  

### Q: What types of optimization problems does NLopt solve?  
A: NLopt supports both local and global optimization algorithms, including gradient-based and derivative-free methods.  

## Why It Matters  
NLopt is significant in computational optimization because it consolidates diverse algorithms into a single, accessible library. Researchers and engineers use it for applications ranging from machine learning to engineering design, where efficient optimization is critical. Its open-source nature encourages collaboration and adaptation, while its multi-language support broadens its usability. By providing both global and local optimization methods, NLopt addresses a wide spectrum of problem complexities, making it a versatile tool in scientific computing.  

## Notable For
- **Comprehensive algorithm support**: Includes both local and global optimization methods.  
- **Multi-language compatibility**: Interfaces with C, C++, Python, MATLAB, and others.  
- **Active development**: Regularly updated with new versions and improvements.  

## Body  
### Versions and Release History  
- **2.4.2**: Released July 20, 2017 ([GitHub](https://github.com/stevengj/nlopt/releases/tag/nlopt-2.4.2))  
- **2.7.0**: Released November 19, 2020 ([GitHub](https://github.com/stevengj/nlopt/releases/tag/v2.7.0))  
- **2.8.0**: Released August 9, 2024 ([GitHub](https://github.com/stevengj/nlopt/releases/tag/v2.8.0))  
- **2.9.1**: Latest stable version, released November 25, 2024 ([GitHub](https://github.com/stevengj/nlopt/releases/tag/v2.9.1))  

### Technical Details  
- **Source code**: Hosted on GitHub under the repository `stevengj/nlopt`.  
- **License**: GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL).  
- **Optimization methods**: Supports gradient-based, derivative-free, and global optimization algorithms.

## References

1. [Release 2.4.2. 2017](https://github.com/stevengj/nlopt/releases/tag/nlopt-2.4.2)
2. [Release 2.5.0. 2018](https://github.com/stevengj/nlopt/releases/tag/v2.5.0)
3. [Release 2.6.0. 2019](https://github.com/stevengj/nlopt/releases/tag/v2.6.0)
4. [Release 2.6.1. 2019](https://github.com/stevengj/nlopt/releases/tag/v2.6.1)
5. [Release 2.6.2. 2020](https://github.com/stevengj/nlopt/releases/tag/v2.6.2)
6. [Release 2.7.0. 2020](https://github.com/stevengj/nlopt/releases/tag/v2.7.0)
7. [Release 2.7.1. 2021](https://github.com/stevengj/nlopt/releases/tag/v2.7.1)
8. [Release 2.8.0. 2024](https://github.com/stevengj/nlopt/releases/tag/v2.8.0)
9. [Release 2.9.0. 2024](https://github.com/stevengj/nlopt/releases/tag/v2.9.0)
10. [Release 2.9.1. 2024](https://github.com/stevengj/nlopt/releases/tag/v2.9.1)
11. [Release 2.10.0. 2025](https://github.com/stevengj/nlopt/releases/tag/v2.10.0)
12. [Release 2.10.1. 2026](https://github.com/stevengj/nlopt/releases/tag/v2.10.1)