What is mixed integer-linear programming?

Defines mixed integer-linear programming.

Mixed integer-linear programs are linear programs in which some variables are required to take integer values, and arise naturally in many applications.

The integer variables may come from the nature of the products (e.g., a machine may, or may not, be rented). Mixed integer-linear programs are solved using the same technology as integer programs (or vice-versa). For instance, a branch-and-bound algorithm can exploit the linear relaxation and its branching procedure is applied only to integer variables.