Objects with logic

ABSTRACT

This paper describes an approach to the integration of logic and object programming where predicates, logic expressions, and a generalized search protocol that support Prolog-like reasoning are implemented as an integral part of an object-oriented language. This logic programming facility provides 1) domain-based reasoning, 2) functional arguments, 3) support of the abstraction power of object-oriented languages, and 4) matching of complex object patterns, none of which are available in Prolog. The integration does not require logic facts to be local predicates in the environment; instead, facts are represented as objects in the application model. This permits recursive reasoning and backtracking on predicates that are defined on different domains. The design concepts and implementation of this approach are presented and its application is illustrated by an example.

REFERENCES

• 1: Bobrow, D. G., and Stefik. M. I., The LOOPS Manual, Xerox Corp., Palo Alto, CA, 1983.
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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  F. Theory of Computation
  F.4 MATHEMATICAL LOGIC AND FORMAL LANGUAGES
      F.4.1 Mathematical Logic
          Subjects: Logic and constraint programming

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.1 PROGRAMMING TECHNIQUES
  D.3 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES

General Terms:
Design, Languages