# PENLAB: A MATLAB solver for nonlinear semidefinite optimization

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1311.5240 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1311.5240/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 20 Nov 2013.

## Built on by (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [Learning Dissipative Neural Dynamical Systems](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2309.16032/) (2023)
- [Exact Combinatorial Optimization with Temporo-Attentional Graph Neural Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2311.13843/) (2023)

## Abstract (arXiv)

PENLAB is an open source software package for nonlinear optimization, linear and nonlinear semidefinite optimization and any combination of these. It is written entirely in MATLAB. PENLAB is a young brother of our code PENNON citepennon and of a new implementation from NAG citenaglib: it can solve the same classes of problems and uses the same algorithm. Unlike PENNON, PENLAB is open source and allows the user not only to solve problems but to modify various parts of the algorithm. As such, PENLAB is particularly suitable for teaching and research purposes and for testing new algorithmic ideas. In this article, after a brief presentation of the underlying algorithm, we focus on practical use of the solver, both for general problem classes and for specific practical problems.