The interface should work with all BARON versions. However, licenses typically cover the BARON version available when the license was issued and any newer versions released during the maintenance period, so your license may not work with older BARON versions.

The MATLAB interface may accept the algebraic structure, but BARON does not accept factorial directly. Loops cannot depend on the value of a decision variable. 

If the variable is a bounded integer, you can model factorial exactly using binary variables to select among known factorial values for each possible integer value.

This error means ALAMO was launched without a required input file. To fix it, provide an ALAMO input file (e.g., example.alm) as a command-line argument when starting ALAMO. 

No. BARON requires an algebraic model (explicit equations), so black-box/unknown models are not supported.

Yes—BARON’s interface is generally backward/forward compatible with many CPLEX versions. See CplexLibName option in the BARON User Manual and provide the full path to the CPLEX library file (.dll / .dylib / .so).

Avoid naming conflicts by setting barscratch to something unique per run (e.g., random value or based on the process id (pid)).

The interface uses a scratch directory with a default name unless you override it. Control the scratch directory name/location using barscratch.

The OPTI Toolbox page lists methods for efficiently building large nonlinear constraint sets (e.g., programmatic construction patterns).

You need to purchase a BARON license. Alternatively, you can run BARON for free via the NEOS server (subject to NEOS limits/policies).

Putting the license file on the MATLAB path is not sufficient. Ensure you specify the complete path to the license file in the BARON options.

You may be running an older BARON executable while your license only supports newer versions. Remove/avoid the old executable or reorder your PATH so the newest BARON is found first.

Most commonly: (1) your BARON executable version is incompatible with the license you’re using, or (2) the license path is specified incorrectly.

Confirm:

1. You copied the BARON executable into the Interface folder.
2. Install with root/admin privileges if possible (to avoid repeated installation). Then:

• Rename the executable from baron to barin.
• Put a copy of your BARON license somewhere on your PATH (if unsure, place it next to barin in the interface folder).

You can find ALAMO tutorials on the official ALAMO Downloads page, which includes example files, user guides, and documentation to help you get started. For additional help, you can also email info@minlp.com.

Run BARON directly from the system command line to confirm the license works and the executable wasn’t corrupted. Example on Windows: open cmd, navigate to the BARON folder, and run baron.exe path-to-file-to-run.

Demo mode indicates you need a valid BARON license. Contact sales@minlp.com to purchase a license.

Place the Intel library in the same directory as the BARON executable (which becomes barin.exe after renaming).

Email info@minlp.com. Include:

• A screenshot of warnings/errors

• If BARON runs, use filekp to generate the scratch directory and send it, including the .bar file so support can reproduce and diagnose the issue.

To request an ALAMO license:

1. Please visit the ALAMO Licenses page to view available types and pricing. Academic users, CAPD sponsors, and DOE researchers qualify for free licenses. 

2. Send an email to sales@minlp.com with the following information:

   1. Your name, email, and institution

   2. License type (e.g., annual single-user)

We will send payment instructions (if applicable), followed by your license file and activation details.

ALAMO does not offer a free trial for commercial use. However, commercial users can purchase a monthly license at a low cost to evaluate the software. If you later purchase an annual license, the cost of your initial monthly license can be credited toward the upgrade.

If you requested an ALAMO license but have not received it within 30 minutes, please:

1. Check your spam or junk folder for an email from @minlp.com or @theoptimizationfirm.com.

2. If not found, email info@minlp.com to follow up and confirm your request was received.

Delays can occasionally occur due to email filters or missing information in the request.

Browser errors during license registration are often due to:

• Network restrictions (e.g., firewalls on institutional or government networks) 

• Outdated browsers or unsupported versions

• Disabled JavaScript or strict browser privacy settings

Try using a different browser (e.g., Chrome or Firefox) or network. If the issue persists, contact info@minlp.com to generate a license for you.

Go to https://minlp.com/baron-licenses-capd-sponsors and submit a new request. Renewals are free for active sponsors.

Yes! Researchers affiliated with U.S. national laboratories can create a user account and request a free license here. If you have questions, email info@minlp.com.