Dakota

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Score6.9

Rank#3 of 20

PriceFree

Free planYes

Runs onLinux, macOS, Windows

Summary

Dakota provides software for optimization and uncertainty quantification using computational models. Its methods include optimization, parameter estimation, sensitivity or variance analysis, and uncertainty quantification. Engineering analysts can use it to explore design choices and assess confidence in computational predictions. The C++ toolkit connects simulation codes with iterative systems-analysis methods. Its capabilities can be combined in approaches such as hybrid optimization, surrogate-based optimization, and optimization under uncertainty. Dakota lists MPI as a utility for parallel distributed-memory communication. Installation instructions also describe an optional PYTHONPATH setup for using the dakota.interfacing Python module. Prebuilt binaries are available for macOS, Windows, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 and 8; other platforms require building from source. Dakota versions 5.0 and newer are offered under the GNU Lesser General Public License. Some optional numerical libraries, including DOT, NLPQLP, and NPSOL/NLSSOL, require separate commercial licenses. Documentation is provided for releases 6.17 and later through Dakota’s documentation site, with older manuals available for download. User support is directed to GitHub Discussions.

Who it is for

Dakota suits engineering analysts using computational models to explore designs, analyze uncertainty, or assess prediction confidence. Users on platforms without prebuilt binaries need to build from source.

What is good

Includes optimization and uncertainty analysis methods.
C++ toolkit connects simulation codes to analysis methods.
Versions 5.0 and newer use the GNU LGPL.
Prebuilt binaries cover macOS, Windows, and specified Red Hat releases.

What to know first

Other platforms require building from source.
Some optional numerical libraries need separate commercial licenses.
Release documentation is provided for 6.17 and later.

Verdict

Dakota offers a broad set of computational-model analysis methods through an extensible C++ toolkit. Check the supported binary platforms and any separate licenses needed for optional numerical libraries.

Dakota plans and pricing

All plans

Dakota Free Open-source software under GNU LGPL dakota.sandia.gov · 3 Oct 2026

Compared on generative design software

Free plan: Yesdakota.sandia.gov
Simulation integration: Yesdakota.sandia.gov
Optimization methods: multi-objectivedakota.sandia.gov

Facts

Purpose: Dakota provides software for optimization and uncertainty quantification using computational models.dakota.sandia.gov · 3 Oct 2026
Analysis methods: Its methods include optimization, uncertainty quantification, parameter estimation, and sensitivity or variance analysis.dakota.sandia.gov · 3 Oct 2026
Advanced strategies: Dakota capabilities can be combined in strategies such as hybrid optimization, surrogate-based optimization, and optimization under uncertainty.dakota.sandia.gov · 3 Oct 2026
Software interface: The C++ toolkit provides an extensible interface between simulation codes and iterative systems analysis methods.dakota.sandia.gov · 3 Oct 2026
Intended users: The project describes its use for engineering analysts exploring designs and assessing confidence in computational predictions.dakota.sandia.gov · 3 Oct 2026
Operating systems: Prebuilt binaries are available for macOS, Windows, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 and 8; other platforms require building from source.dakota.sandia.gov · 3 Oct 2026
Python support: The installation instructions provide an optional PYTHONPATH setup for using the dakota.interfacing Python module.dakota.sandia.gov · 3 Oct 2026
License: Dakota versions 5.0 and newer are available under the GNU Lesser General Public License.dakota.sandia.gov · 3 Oct 2026
Commercial extensions: Some optional numerical libraries, including DOT, NLPQLP, and NPSOL/NLSSOL, require separate commercial licenses.dakota.sandia.gov · 3 Oct 2026
Parallel computing: Dakota lists MPI as a utility for parallel distributed-memory communication.dakota.sandia.gov · 3 Oct 2026
Documentation: Documentation for releases 6.17 and later is provided through Dakota’s documentation site, while older manuals are available for download.dakota.sandia.gov · 3 Oct 2026
Support: The project directs users to GitHub Discussions for user support.dakota.sandia.gov · 3 Oct 2026
Training resources: The project offers screencasts covering introductory use, input files, sensitivity analysis, and sampling.dakota.sandia.gov · 3 Oct 2026
Project history: The Dakota project was initiated in 1994.dakota.sandia.gov · 3 Oct 2026