ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Integer programming

Integer programming is like playing a game where you have to pick certain items from a list, but you can only pick whole numbers (like 1, 2, 3, and so on) and not any fractions or decimals (like 0.5 or 1.7).

Imagine that you have a big box filled with different toys and you have to choose some toys from it. But your mom tells you that you can only pick whole-number ones. For example, you can choose 1 teddy bear, 2 cars, and 3 dolls, but you cannot pick half of a toy or only part of it.

In the same way, integer programming is a method of solving problems, like figuring out the best way to use limited resources or how to schedule tasks in the most efficient way. But it only looks at solutions where all the answers must be whole numbers, like 1, 2, 3, and so on.

Overall, integer programming is like a game of choosing whole-number solutions for problems, rather than allowing any fraction or decimal values.
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