Prolog

Prolog (PROgramming in LOGic) is a logical programming language developed in the 1970s. It was created by Alain Colmerauer and Robert Kowalski at the University of Marseille and the University of Edinburgh, respectively. Prolog is a member of the family of logic programming languages and is used for artificial intelligence programming. It is best known for its use of declarative programming to allow a programmer to define relationships between objects and then ask questions about them.

The properties that make Prolog unique from other programming languages are its use of Horn-style logic, its lack of an iteration (for-loop) construct, and its ability to prove facts by searching for proofs (deduction). The language is used in writing computer programs that can reason logically and manipulate symbolic data. As a declarative programming language, it is easy to describe information about objects, actions, and relationships between objects, but difficult to describe how algorithms should operate upon them.

Prolog is used in a variety of tasks, including natural language processing, theorem proving, database interaction, game playing, controlling robots, and programming various kinds of expert systems. It has been used extensively in artificial intelligence, bioinformatics and linguistics. Prolog is widely used in academia, particularly in the field of computer science and is considered a foundational language for artificial intelligence research.

Given its emphasis on logical inference, a number of inference methods have been developed for Prolog, including resolution, SLD resolution, linear resolution, and constraint logic programming. Prolog is written in a syntax that is formal and concise. Its data structures are robust and allow for efficient manipulation of symbols and terms, including lists and trees. Symbolic data and data structures are also used heavily in Prolog, and these can be procesed by its built in Prolog interpreter or by an external interpreter. As well, Prolog supports a wide range of standard and proprietary software libraries.

In recent years, Prolog has become a popular choice for many web and mobile development projects, given its potential for rapid development and scalability. Many large companies use Prolog and its libraries for their core web technologies including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft.

Overall, Prolog is a highly versatile and powerful language that is useful for developing AI systems, web development, natural language processing, and game playing.