ECLiPSe - from LP to CLP

TL;DR

ECLiPSe is a versatile Prolog-based system that supports constraint programming, combining language extensions, solver libraries, and tools for developing and teaching combinatorial problem solving.

Contribution

The paper details language extensions, implementation features, and components that advance the integration of logic programming with constraint logic programming.

Findings

Supports multiple constraint solvers and interfaces

Enhances teaching of combinatorial problem solving

Provides a comprehensive environment for constraint programming

Abstract

ECLiPSe is a Prolog-based programming system, aimed at the development and deployment of constraint programming applications. It is also used for teaching most aspects of combinatorial problem solving, e.g. problem modelling, constraint programming, mathematical programming, and search techniques. It uses an extended Prolog as its high-level modelling and control language, complemented by several constraint solver libraries, interfaces to third-party solvers, an integrated development environment and interfaces for embedding into host environments. This paper discusses language extensions, implementation aspects, components and tools that we consider relevant on the way from Logic Programming to Constraint Logic Programming.