Logic programming
Logical programming is a programming paradigm in which a set of attributes that a solution should have are specified rather than set of steps to obtain such a solution. A widely used logical programming language is Prolog. Another, more commercial language is Mercury.
Schematically, the process is facts + rules = results. For a different approach, see Inductive logic programming.
The point of logical programming is to bring the style of formal logic to computer programming. Mathematicians and philosophers find logic a successful tool for developing bodies of theory. Many problems are naturally expressed as a theory. To say a problem needs solving is often equivalent to asking if a new hypothesis is consistent with an existing theory. Logic provides a way to prove whether the question is true or false. The process of constructing a proof is well-known, so logic is thought to be a reliable way to answer questions. Logical programming systems automate this process. Artificial Intelligence was an important influence on the development of logical programming.
The Expert systems, where the program generates a recommendation or answer from a large model of the application domain.
Example languages
The canonical example of a logic programming language is Prolog. A more recent example is Mercury.
Category:Logic programming languages provides an exhaustive list.
See also
