A multiparadigm programming approach for developing knowledge-based systems

Knowledge-based systems are large and complex software systems which are difficult to understand and design. A multiparadigm programming approach, based on an integration of the object-oriented programming paradigm and the logic programming paradigm, is reported for the development of these systems. Such an approach promotes both the analysis and synthesis processes which are essential in understanding and designing large knowledge-based systems. Moreover, this approach emphasizes an equal and co-operating partnership between each programming paradigm for problem analysis and solving. A multiparadigm programming language, EXL, is developed for this purpose. EXL integrates the object-oriented programming paradigm and the logic programming paradigm by 'stitching' them together with the notion of logical object. In this way, EXL provides structural level modularization and relational level modularization in building knowledge-based systems.