The general algebraic modeling system (GAMS) is a high-level modeling system for mathematical optimization. GAMS is designed for modeling and solving linear, nonlinear, and mixed-integer optimization problems. The system is tailored for complex, large-scale modeling applications and allows the user to build large maintainable models that can be adapted to new situations. The system is available for use on various computer platforms. Models are portable from one platform to another.
GAMS was the first algebraic modeling language (AML) and is formally similar to commonly used fourth-generation programming languages. GAMS contains an integrated development environment (IDE) and is connected to a group of third-party optimization solvers. Among these solvers are BARON, COIN-OR solvers, CONOPT, CPLEX, DICOPT, MOSEK, SNOPT, SULUM, and XPRESS.
GAMS allows the users to implement a sort of hybrid algorithm combining different solvers. Models are described in concise, human-readable algebraic statements. GAMS is among the most popular input formats for the NEOS Server. Although initially designed for applications related to economics and management science, it has a community of users from various backgrounds of engineering and science.
1976 GAMS idea is presented at the International Symposium on Mathematical Programming (ISMP), Budapest
1978 Phase I: GAMS supports linear programming. Supported platforms: Mainframes and Unix Workstations
1979 Phase II: GAMS supports nonlinear programming.
1987 GAMS becomes a commercial product
1988 First PC System (16 bit)
1988 Alex Meeraus, the initiator of GAMS and founder of GAMS Development Corporation, is awarded INFORMS Computing Society Prize
1990 32 bit Dos Extender
1990 GAMS moves to Georgetown, Washington, D.C.
1991 Mixed Integer Non-Linear Programs capability (DICOPT)
1994 GAMS supports mixed complementarity problems
1995 MPSGE language is added for CGE modeling
1996 European branch opens in Germany
1998 32 bit native Windows
1998 Stochastic programming capability (OSL/SE, DECIS)
1999 Introduction of the GAMS Integrated development environment (IDE)
2000 End of support for DOS & Win 3.