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How to … implement a new VRP ProblemInstance

Goals

One way to implement a new VRP variant is by implementing a new VRPProblemInstance. This is a suitable possibility if the VRP variant requires additional model data. A VRPProblemInstance is responsible for storing all information about a VRP instance like coordinates, distances, demands, etc. By extending a VRPProblemInstance it is possible to add additional data as additional constraints or flexibility to a VRP variant. It is also necessary to implement a new VRPEvaluator (see How to ... implement a new VRP Evaluator?) to interpret the new data.

In addition to the new VRPProblemInstance a new parser for reading the additional data from a file is required. In order to integrate the new parser into HeuristicLab a VRPInstanceProvider and other components are also required.

After this tutorial you will be able to implement you own VRP variants that require additional model data. You will also have a basic understanding of the concepts and architecture concerning the VRPProblemInstance, the VRPInstanceProvider and related components.