The principal search mechanism in GAMS is based on a tree-structured
taxonomy of mathematical and statistical problems. Each node in this
tree is termed a problem class, and is designated by a tag, an
alternating sequence of letters and numbers (e.g., D2b1). Each module
in GAMS is assigned to one or more problem classes. To locate software
GAMS users find a class that describes the problem they wish to solve
and then view the modules with that classification.
Component
A component is a retrievable object associated with a package or
module. Examples of module components are Source, Fullsource (source
plus dependencies), Documentation, and Example. Available components
vary from module to module and package to package. Note that source
is not always available (it is never available for commercial software
indexed in GAMS).
Cross-index
A cross-index collects in one place references to information
available from a variety of sources. GAMS is an example of a
cross-index of mathematical and statistical software.
Module
In GAMS we use the term module to denote a unit of software that
can be used to solve a particular problem. A module can be a Fortran
subprogram, a C procedure, a stand-alone program, or a command in a
system. Modules are what you are searching for when you use GAMS.
Package
A package is a collection of modules related by authorship, maintenance,
or distribution. A package can be a subprogram library, an interactive
system, or a moderated collection of programs.
Repository
A repository is an Internet site that maintains and distributes a
collection of software packages. In GAMS some repositories are free
public-access sites, such as netlib, while others are
computer systems accessible only by NIST staff. (In the latter case
GAMS has made special arrangements to redistribute selected components.)
Virtual repository
GAMS does not maintain a software repository of its own. Instead, it
is a cross-index of a variety of repositories maintained by others.
Nevertheless, it does provide many facilities of a software repository,
such as search and retrieval of source and documentation. Thus, GAMS
can be viewed as a virtual repository.
Glossary