Logic programming facts for kids
Logic programming is a cool way to make computers think using mathematical logic. Imagine you're teaching a computer rules and facts, and then it uses those to figure out answers. It's like giving the computer a set of clues and asking it to solve a mystery!
Some computer languages are made just for this. One of the most famous is called Prolog. Long ago, a smart person named Alonzo Church used similar ideas in something called lambda calculus. Logic programming has also been used in other languages like LISP.
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What is Logic Programming?
Think of a computer program as a set of instructions. In logic programming, these instructions are written as "rules" and "facts."
Rules and Facts
- Facts: These are things that are definitely true. For example, a fact could be: "The sky is blue." or "Socrates is a human."
- Rules: These are statements that say if something is true, then something else must also be true. For example, a rule could be: "If X is a human, then X is mortal."
When you give a computer these facts and rules, you can then ask it questions. The computer will use its rules and facts to try and find an answer.
How Computers "Think"
Let's say you have these facts and rules:
- Fact: "Socrates is a human."
- Rule: "If someone is a human, then they are mortal."
If you ask the computer, "Is Socrates mortal?", it will look at its facts and rules. It sees that Socrates is a human (fact). Then it applies the rule: if someone is human, they are mortal. So, the computer can figure out that "Socrates is mortal."
What is Negation as Failure?
Sometimes, a computer might not be able to prove something is true. In logic programming, if the computer can't find a way to prove something is true based on its facts and rules, it often assumes that thing is false. This idea is called negation as failure.
For example, if you don't have a fact that says "The sky is green," and you don't have any rules that could lead to "The sky is green," the system will assume "The sky is NOT green." It's like saying, "If I can't prove it, it must not be true."
Where is Logic Programming Used?
Logic programming is used in many interesting areas, especially where computers need to make smart decisions or understand complex information.
Artificial Intelligence
It's very useful in artificial intelligence (AI). For example, it can help build systems that:
- Understand human language.
- Make plans or solve problems.
- Help doctors diagnose illnesses.
Databases and Expert Systems
Logic programming can also be used to:
- Search and manage information in large databases.
- Create "expert systems" that act like human experts in a specific field, giving advice or making recommendations.
See also
In Spanish: Programación lógica para niños
