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From: ntm1169@dsac.dla.mil (Mott Given)
Newsgroups: comp.ai.shells
Subject: Re: Expert system shell info request
Message-ID: <8019@uklirb.informatik.uni-kl.de>
Date: 3 Jun 91 12:19:28 GMT
References: <8009@uklirb.informatik.uni-kl.de>
Sender: shell@uklirb.informatik.uni-kl.de
Organization: Defense Logistics Agency Systems Automation Center, Columbus
Lines: 51
Approved: shell@dfki.uni-kl.de
Posted-Date: Thu Jun  6 11:50:29 GMT 1991


From article <8009@uklirb.informatik.uni-kl.de>, by kroger@cognet.ucla.edu (James Kroger):
> Hi. I am wondering about some of the capabilities of CLIPS,
>  .... Thus, can anyone (COSMIC ?) provide any info about
> CLIPS' ability to:
> -- interface with LISP (CLOS)
> -- handle objects (inheritence, etc.)

        Yes, it has objects with multiple inheritance.

> -- provide means to make a graphical interface for the end user
        
	No, it doesn't have this.  But you can do this by modifying the
	C source code to tie function keys on the PC to commands, or by
	using the curses software package under UNIX.

> -- browse rules/objects/etc.
        
	 Yes, you can do this in a non-graphical interface, displaying 
	 either a list of the above, or displaying them in "pretty print"
	 fashion one-at-time.

> -- debug, trace
         
	 Yes, you can debug or trace.  It even has a utility called CSRV
	 that helps you do some V&V on your application.

> -- provide explanations for deductions to the end user

      You need to build your own explanation facilities into your
      application.

> -- also, is CLIPS only a forward-chainer?
 
       Yes, but you can simulate backward chaining by the way you build
       your application.

> Also, does anybody know of any other shells currently available
> which include rules, objects, and the above capabilities?
> The ability to chain backwards and forwards
> would be nice.
> Hopefully in CLIPS' price range...

   Other software includes:
     Intelligence Compiler from IntelligenceWare (800-888-2996), costs
     around $500.
-- 
Mott Given @ Defense Logistics Agency Systems Automation Center,
             DSAC-TMP, Bldg. 27-1, P.O. Box 1605, Columbus, OH 43216-5002
INTERNET:  mgiven@dsac.dla.mil   UUCP: ...{osu-cis}!dsac!mgiven
Phone:  614-238-9431  AUTOVON: 850-9431   FAX: 614-238-9928 I speak for myself