Rule-Based Programming is a broad presentation of the rule-based
programming method with many example programs showing the strengths of
the rule-based approach. The rule-based approach has been used
extensively in the development of artificial intelligence systems, such
as expert systems and machine learning. This rule-based programming
technique has been applied in such diverse fields as medical diagnostic
systems, insurance and banking systems, as well as automated design and
configuration systems.
Rule-based programming is also helpful in bridging the semantic gap
between an application and a program, allowing domain specialists to
understand programs and participate more closely in their development.
Over sixty programs are presented and all programs are available from an
ftp site. Many of these programs are presented in several versions
allowing the reader to see how realistic programs are elaborated from
`back of envelope' models. Metaprogramming is also presented as a
technique for bridging the `semantic gap'.
Rule-Based Programming will be of interest to programmers, systems
analysts and other developers of expert systems as well as to
researchers and practitioners in artificial intelligence, computer
science professionals and educators.