LINGO Overview

Lingo's capabilities include solving simultaneous linear and non-linear equations and inequalities. This may be called Linear Programming, Integer Programming, Quadratic Programming, Nonlinear Programming, or Non-linear Optimization. You can use it for decision support [planning] in such areas as production, distribution, marketing and finance. For more information, please refer to the Lingo Users' Manual, or to "Modeling and Optimization with GINO". Lingo is an extension of Gino, which it will replace [caution: Gino files may require minor modifications, to run under Lingo]. Lingo is also an extension of Lindo [it uses the same linear solver, for example].

Lingo is supported as "special purpose software" by University Computing Services. Documentation is available at the Center for Statistical and Mathematical Computing; the consultants there can answer basic to advanced questions.

Note: If you are a student using Lingo for a class exercise, questions about your class work should be directed first to your instructor or associate instructor.

LINGO Functionality: Good

Breadth of Functionality: Fair

Lingo is an optimization modeling language which can be be used to solve both linear and nonlinear models. It is an extension (a superset) of Gino.

Reliability and Robustness: Excellent

Lingo has no bugs!

State of the Art: Fair

LINGO is a very good program for doing a particular sort of large calculation, but its interface might be considered dated.

User Friendliness: Good

Lingo is command-line driven. It has a very limited set of commands, which makes it easier to manage, and a very good help system. Use the commands HELP and COM for more information.

LINGO Help: Good

Network-based help: None.

Program Help System: Good

The help system is easy to use, and contains examples.

To start the help system, type help.

Lingo Program Availability: Excellent

Lingo is available on UITS systems. For details, see the Math Software Availability page.

UITS may offer this software for personal and departmental purchases. See the Sales page for more information.

LINGO Training and Support: Fair

Document Availability: Fair

Full documentation is available for reference and short term loan various Software Manual Locations. Documents are also available for reference at the UITS Stat/Math Center.

Training Availability: None

Lingo is used for several courses in the School of Business, whose instructors normally provide information for their students.

User Goup: None

There is no formal Lingo user's group.

Lingo is classified as Special Purpose software, made available at the request of one or more instructors, who provide primary instruction in its use. Limited consulting support is also available from Stat/Math Consulting from 9 am to 5 pm (M-F) via email, phone, and for walkins [an appointment is recommended for walkin consulting]. The UITS HelpDesk and STC consultants may also provide some very basic support.

Other Consulting Support: Fair

Lingo is used for several courses in the School of Business, so a good deal of information is available "through the grapevine."