Dakota

6.8easy start · #5 of 20
in Generative Design Software

Free to practise onyes
Free trialnot on record
Well documentedyes
Runs where you workyes

Runs on Linux, Mac, Windows.

Dakota is ranked #5 of 20 in generative design software on The Geeks Club. It runs on Linux, macOS, Windows. There is a free plan.

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: Yes
Simulation integration: Yes
Optimization methods: multi-objective

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The record

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

Where it ranks on The Geeks Club

Best Generative Design Software in 2026#5 of 20

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Sources

dakota.sandia.gov· checked 3 Oct 2026
dakota.sandia.gov/about-dakota/· checked 3 Oct 2026
dakota.sandia.gov/installation/· checked 3 Oct 2026
dakota.sandia.gov/license/· checked 3 Oct 2026
dakota.sandia.gov/packages/· checked 3 Oct 2026
dakota.sandia.gov/manuals/· checked 3 Oct 2026
dakota.sandia.gov/screencasts/· checked 3 Oct 2026