parnass (05/10/83)
In response to the origin of the term "linear programming",
Cooper and Steinberg give this explanation:
o+ "The term 'programming' in the name of our subject
'linear programming' should be considered a synonym
(even though it is not) for It is often confused with
the use of the word 'programming' for digital comput-
ers. There is no real connection, however. The use of
this word arose in the context of the formulation of
logistics problems for the U. S. Air Force, where the
'programming' of activities is in common parlance.
Hence, when we speak of linear programming problems, we
mean linear optimization problems."
This excerpt is from the text "Methods and Applications of
Linear Programming", by Leon Cooper and David Steinberg,
1974, published by W. B. Saunders Company, page 2.
These authors suggest the following reference for a detailed
history of the subject:
Dantzig, G. B.: "Linear Programming and Extensions. Princeton,
N. J., Princeton University Press, 1963.
Hope this helps.
Robert S. Parnass
Bell Laboratories
Naperville, IL 60566
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