timefold-solver
An AI constraint solver for Java and Kotlin to optimize routing and scheduling.
Optimize vehicle routing, employee rostering, and complex planning problems.
Timefold Solver is an open-source AI constraint solver designed for Java and Kotlin developers. You can use it to build planning applications that solve vehicle routing, task assignment, and employee scheduling problems.
What it is
It solves complex planning and optimization problems using constraint programming algorithms. Developed by the original OptaPlanner team, it targets operational planning challenges like school timetabling, cloud optimization, and maintenance scheduling.
Who it's for
It suits Java and Kotlin developers building enterprise planning and scheduling software. It does not suit teams working outside the JVM ecosystem or those needing a no-code drag-and-drop scheduler.
Key features
Constraint Programming AI
Solve complex combinatorial planning problems programmatically.
Vehicle Routing Support
Optimize routing problems out of the box with dedicated algorithms.
Employee Rostering
Build shift schedules and task assignments matching operational constraints.
JVM Native
Integrated directly into Java and Kotlin codebases using Maven.
Up and running in 3 steps
Our honest verdict
What's great
- Forked and maintained by the original OptaPlanner team
- First-class support for Java 21+ and Kotlin development
- Handles diverse problems from conference scheduling to job shop scheduling
- Includes a rich set of official quickstart repositories to accelerate setup
Where it falls short
- Requires writing code in Java or Kotlin to define and solve problems
- Has a commercial Enterprise Edition alongside the open-source Community Edition
- Building from source requires JDK 21+ and Maven 3.9.11+
Pricing & license
The Community Edition is free and open source under the Apache-2.0 license. A separate commercial Enterprise Edition is available for organizations requiring advanced enterprise features and official vendor support.
Open remote AI-training roles
873 open remote AI-training roles, updated November 15, 2026; most pay $20–$170 an hour. Zekai lists them free; the application goes to the employer’s platform.
Alternatives
Use it, or have us set it up
FAQ
What is the relationship between Timefold Solver and OptaPlanner?
Timefold Solver was forked from OptaPlanner on April 20, 2023, by the original creators to continue developing the planning engine.
Is Timefold Solver completely free?
The Community Edition in this repository is open-source under the Apache-2.0 license, while the Enterprise Edition is a commercial offering requiring a paid license.
What programming languages are supported?
Timefold Solver is built natively for Java and Kotlin applications running on JDK 21 or higher.
