C Plus Prolog is a project that embeds a Prolog interpreter within C++ code, allowing for logic programming within a C++ application. It aims to provide a seamless integration where Prolog predicates can be called directly from C++ and vice-versa, enabling the combination of Prolog's declarative power with C++'s performance and imperative features. The project leverages a modified version of SWI-Prolog, a popular open-source Prolog implementation, and offers a bidirectional interface for data exchange between the two languages. This facilitates the development of applications that benefit from both efficient procedural code and the logical reasoning capabilities of Prolog.
The GitHub repository titled "C Plus Prolog" by user needleful presents an ambitious undertaking: the creation of a programming language that seamlessly blends the strengths of C++ and Prolog. This hybrid language aims to leverage C++'s performance and low-level control capabilities alongside Prolog's declarative logic programming paradigm. The project envisions a synergistic relationship where C++ code can call Prolog predicates and vice versa, facilitating a powerful combination of procedural and logical programming styles.
The integration is envisioned to be deep and bidirectional. C++ programmers would gain access to Prolog's logic and reasoning capabilities, allowing for complex tasks like pattern matching, constraint solving, and knowledge representation to be embedded directly within their C++ programs. Conversely, Prolog programmers would be empowered to leverage the performance and extensive libraries of C++, enabling them to write Prolog code that can interact directly with system resources and perform computationally intensive tasks that might be inefficient in pure Prolog.
The repository details a complex implementation strategy involving a sophisticated parsing mechanism and a custom runtime environment. It sketches a plan for converting Prolog's logical expressions into a form suitable for execution within the C++ environment, potentially leveraging C++'s template metaprogramming capabilities for optimization. While the project appears to be in its early stages of development, the outlined architecture suggests a desire for a robust and performant implementation that goes beyond simple interoperability and aims for a genuine fusion of the two languages. The repository highlights the potential benefits of such a hybrid language, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and expert systems, where both performance and logical reasoning are crucial. The outlined approach intends to address the shortcomings of each language in isolation by complementing them with the other's strengths, ultimately leading to a more expressive and versatile programming paradigm.
Summary of Comments ( 45 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43357955
Hacker News users discussed the practicality and niche appeal of C Plus Prolog. Some expressed interest in its potential for specific applications like implementing rule engines or program analysis tools, while others questioned the performance implications of embedding Prolog within C++. One commenter suggested that a cleaner approach might involve interfacing Prolog with a language like Rust. Several pointed out the project's age and apparent inactivity, raising concerns about maintainability and documentation. The potential for improved tooling using C++-based IDEs was mentioned as a possible benefit. Overall, the discussion centered around the specialized nature of the project and the trade-offs involved in its approach.
The Hacker News post titled "C Plus Prolog" (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43357955) has a modest number of comments, generating a brief discussion around the project. No single comment overwhelmingly dominates the conversation, but a few key themes and interesting points emerge.
One commenter expresses intrigue, questioning whether the project acts as a Prolog interpreter embedded within C++, allowing Prolog code to be executed directly. They further ponder the possibility of bidirectional communication between the C++ and Prolog components, imagining scenarios where Prolog could be utilized for tasks like constraint solving or symbolic manipulation within a larger C++ application.
Another commenter, seemingly familiar with Prolog development, points out that the "cut" operator (!) and negation by failure are notably absent from the project's feature list. They suggest these are essential features for practical Prolog programming, hinting that their absence might limit the project's usefulness for more complex logic programming tasks. This comment also raises the question of whether the project implements a full unification algorithm, crucial for Prolog's core functionality.
A subsequent reply acknowledges the missing features but clarifies that the primary goal of the project isn't to create a fully-fledged Prolog implementation. Instead, it aims to demonstrate a simpler approach to implementing a Prolog-like system within C++. This comment effectively reframes the project, suggesting it should be viewed more as an educational exercise or a proof-of-concept rather than a production-ready tool.
Finally, another commenter briefly mentions a different Prolog interpreter written in C++, called "scryer-prolog," implying it might be a more mature or feature-complete alternative for those seeking a robust Prolog implementation. This comment serves as a helpful pointer for anyone interested in exploring other options within the same domain.
In summary, the discussion around "C Plus Prolog" on Hacker News focuses on its functionality, clarifying its scope as a demonstrative implementation rather than a full Prolog interpreter. Commenters highlight missing features crucial for complex Prolog programming and suggest alternative, potentially more robust implementations. The overall tone remains inquisitive and informative, providing context and further avenues for exploration within the realm of Prolog and C++ integration.