Nonlinear Programming (NLP) is a mathematical approach used to optimize a problem where the objective function or constraints are nonlinear. Unlike linear programming, where relationships are straight lines, NLP deals with curves and more complex relationships. This makes it suitable for real-world problems like maximizing profits or minimizing costs in various fields such as engineering, finance, and logistics.
In NLP, the goal is to find the best solution while satisfying certain conditions or constraints. Techniques like gradient descent and Lagrange multipliers are often used to navigate the solution space. By understanding and applying NLP, businesses and researchers can make better decisions based on intricate relationships between variables.