In the term linear programming,
programming refers to mathematical programming.
In this context, it refers to a
planning process that allocates resources—
labor, materials, machines, capital—in the
best possible (optimal) way so that costs are
minimized or profits are maximized. In LP,
these resources are known as decision
variables. The criterion for selecting the
best values of the decision variables (e.g.,
to maximize profits or minimize costs) is
known as the objective function. Limitations
on resource availability form what is
known as a constraint set