AMPL, short for A Mathematical Programming Language , is a high-level programming language, developed at Bell Labs, for describing and solving high complexity problems for large scale mathematical computation (i.e. large scale optimization and scheduling type problems). AMPL does not solve those problems directly; instead, it calls appropriate external solvers (such as MINOS, IPOPT, SNOPT and so on) to obtain solutions. AMPL handles linear and nonlinear optimization problems, in discrete or continuous variables.

One particular advantage of AMPL is the similarity of its syntax to the mathematical notation of optimization problems. This allows for a very concise and readable definition of problems in the domain of mathematical programming. Many modern solvers available on the ) accept AMPL input.

AMPL was created by Robert Fourer, David Gay and Brian Kernighan. It is currently maintained by AMPL Optimization LLC.

The primary competitor to AMPL is General Algebraic Modeling System (General Algebraic Modeling System), originally developed at the World Bank.

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