BARON is a general nonlinear optimizer capable of solving nonconvex optimization problems to global optimality. Decision variables may be continuous, integer, or a mixture of the two. BARON has been used for applications in the chemical process industries, pharmaceuticals, energy production, engineering design, and asset management.
Linear and nonlinear objectives and constraints including arithmetic, logarithmic, and exponential operators, in continuous and discrete variables.
Global optimization for problems that have potentially many locally optimal solutions.
Advanced branch-and-bound for global optimization incorporating constraint propagation, interval analysis, and duality.
Advanced branch-and-bound for global optimization incorporating constraint propagation, interval analysis, and duality.
Baron for AMPL is a specialized version of the solver, designed exclusively for use within the AMPL environment. It includes key enhancements that make the solver even more powerful, allowing it to handle larger, more complex optimization problems with greater efficiency and speed.
Baron for AMPL is more than just a solver – it’s an enhanced optimization experience. AMPL provides a purpose-built solver interface that allows Baron to handle large-scale optimization problems with greater efficiency and scalability. By leveraging AMPL’s modeling language, users gain faster insights, improved workflow efficiency, and a better return on their solver investment, all while maintaining the flexibility and power of Baron.
AMPL’s solver interface optimizes problem structures before they reach the solver, reducing computation time and improving efficiency. By intelligently reformulating nonlinear and nonconvex programs, AMPL enables BARON to explore solution spaces more effectively and converge to global optima, helping organizations tackle the most complex decision-making challenges across industries.
One of AMPL’s key advantages is its ability to automatically reformulate problems into solver-friendly formats. This ensures that even highly nonlinear and nonconvex models are structured in a way that BARON can process more effectively, improving global search and convergence reliability. Whether transforming nonlinear expressions, restructuring disjunctive constraints, or simplifying large models, AMPL ensures that BARON achieves robust performance and consistently finds high-quality global solutions.
To help users get the most out of Baron, AMPL offers consulting services and dedicated support plans for solver tuning and model optimization. Our experts provide solver diagnostics, advanced tuning, and optimization strategies to improve computation times and solver performance. Whether refining a problem formulation or troubleshooting solver behavior, AMPL’s specialized services ensure users achieve the best possible results with Baron.
Access this world-class solver in the AMPL License Portal, available on Windows, Linux, and macOS
Baron can be used with AMPL from various programming languages using our dedicated APIs
For Python enthusiasts, Baron is also accessible as a module with amplpy, blending seamlessly with your Python projects.
How to install using amplpy:
# Install Python API for AMPL:
$ python -m pip install amplpy --upgrade
# Install AMPL & solver modules:
$ python -m amplpy.modules install baron # install Baron
# Activate your license (e.g., free ampl.com/ce or ampl.com/courses licenses):
$ python -m amplpy.modules activate <your-license-uuid>How to use:
from amplpy import AMPL
ampl = AMPL()
...
ampl.solve(solver="baron", baron_options="option1=value1 option2=value2")For learning optimization and benchmarking solvers – a one-time 1 month free trial of Baron is available with a free Community Edition license.
For building and testing optimization models with commercial solver integration and full support, ensuring a smooth path to enterprise deployment.
AMPL starting at
$300 / month
Billed annually, includes updates and basic support.
Baron starting at
$170 / month
Billed annually, includes updates and basic support.
Build a custom plan – designed for large teams, multiple processes, high computational demands, or unique workflows.
All custom licenses built to your specific needs.
AMPL and BARON work together to tackle some of the most complex global optimization challenges. From engineering design to energy systems, organizations rely on BARON’s proven ability to find high-quality global solutions to nonlinear and nonconvex problems that traditional solvers struggle to resolve.
AMPL and BARON enable energy providers to solve highly nonlinear planning and operations problems, such as unit commitment, power flow optimization, and capacity expansion. By finding globally optimal solutions, organizations can minimize costs, reduce emissions, and ensure reliable energy delivery across integrated systems.
BARON and AMPL are used in engineering design problems that involve nonlinear performance measures, disjunctive choices, and strict technical constraints. From aerospace to automotive applications, engineers apply BARON’s global optimization capabilities to identify designs that maximize efficiency, safety, and performance under real-world conditions.
AMPL and BARON are widely applied in chemical process optimization, where nonlinear reaction dynamics and nonconvex models make global solutions essential. By optimizing reactor operations, feedstock blending, and production planning, companies achieve higher yields, lower costs, and more sustainable operations.
Get the most out of Baron with these essential resources—documentation, tutorials, and expert guides to help you optimize efficiently.
Baron for AMPL Documentation
Your go-to reference for using Baron, covering everything from installation to advanced solver techniques.
Baron Parameters & Options
Fine-tune Baron’s performance with a full list of solver parameters and configuration options.
MP Modeling Guide
Learn how to use the AMPL MP library to create flexible, solver-agnostic optimization models that work seamlessly with Baron.
Baron for AMPL on Google Colab
Run Baron with AMPL directly in your browser using pre-configured Google Colab notebooks – no installation required.
Baron for AMPL Change Log
Stay up to date with the latest improvements, bug fixes, and feature updates for the Baron-AMPL interface.
How to Use Baron for AMPL
Best practices for setting up Baron with AMPL, running models, and optimizing solver performance.
BARON, standing for Branch And Reduce Optimization Navigator, is a sophisticated solver specializing in global optimization. Its unique strength lies in its ability to find globally optimal solutions for complex, nonconvex optimization problems, distinguishing it from other solvers that may only find locally optimal solutions.
Yes, BARON seamlessly integrates with AMPL, a popular modeling language for optimization. This integration allows users to take advantage of AMPL’s intuitive modeling capabilities alongside BARON’s robust optimization algorithms, creating a powerful combination for solving complex problems.
BARON excels in solving a wide range of optimization problems, particularly those involving nonconvex and nonlinear formulations. It is ideal for applications in chemical process optimization, energy management, financial modeling, and engineering design, where finding the global optimum is crucial.
BARON is designed to be accessible to both experts and newcomers in optimization. When used with AMPL, it offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies problem formulation and solution processes, making it approachable for users with varying levels of experience.
New users have access to comprehensive documentation, including a detailed user manual and case studies. Additionally, there is a supportive community forum and a customer service team available for technical support and guidance.
BARON is equipped to efficiently handle large-scale optimization problems, thanks to its advanced algorithmic framework. It can process a high number of variables and constraints while maintaining performance and accuracy, making it suitable for complex industrial applications.
Yes, prospective users can access a trial version of BARON. This allows them to evaluate the solver’s capabilities and compatibility with their specific optimization needs before committing to a purchase.
While the cost of BARON may vary based on licensing options and usage requirements, it is competitively priced considering its advanced global optimization capabilities. Prospective users can contact the sales team for detailed pricing information and to discuss the best licensing option for their needs.
Access a complete optimization application building platform with simple pricing, or work with our team to design a custom package specifically for your business needs.
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