CVX featured in new optimization textbook

It is always uplifting to see one’s work cited in a scientific publication. How much more of a thrill it is, then, to see it incorporated into a textbook, and presumably into courses that rely upon the book!

For years, the textbook Convex Optimization by Stephen Boyd and Lieven Vandenberghe has been used in courses around the world, and many have incorporated CVX into their assignments and exams. On October 27, a new book was released that should do the same: Introduction to Nonlinear Optimization: Theory, Algorithms, and Applications with MATLAB by Amir Beck, Associate Professor of Industrial Engineering and Management at the Technion.

From the book’s web page:

This book provides the foundations of the theory of nonlinear optimization as well as some related algorithms and presents a variety of applications from diverse areas of applied sciences. The author combines three pillars of optimization—theoretical and algorithmic foundation, familiarity with various applications, and the ability to apply the theory and algorithms on actual problems—and rigorously and gradually builds the connection between theory, algorithms, applications, and implementation.

Chapter 8, a sample of which is provided on the site, Prof. Beck provides a surprisingly comprehensive introduction to CVX, offers an number of examples of complete CVX models, and includes several exercises calling upon readers to build their own CVX models.

It really is a wonderful source of encouragement that CVX is trusted enough to be incorporated into teaching. You’ve made our day, Prof. Beck, thank you!