EasyLocal++ a 25-year Perspective on Local Search Frameworks

EasyLocal++ is a white-box C++ framework for designing local search algorithms. Over the years, it has been successfully used across various domains, such as timetabling, rostering, scheduling, and logistics, and has produced state-of-the-art results in benchmark datasets and competitions. Beyond research, EasyLocal++ has found practical use in real-world and industrial settings, demonstrating the flexibility and adaptability of the framework for different applications. In this paper, we position EasyLocal++ within the existing literature by comparing its capabilities with those of available alternative/similar tools. We then trace its history from its initial design 25 years ago to the current version. Furthermore, we describe its architecture, highlighting its design principles and functionalities. We also discuss the features developed to simplify the design of local search methods and enhance their performance. Lastly, we explore potential future perspectives and developments.