Expert systems

About this book

This explains the concepts behind expert systems to readers who know about computing but are unfamiliar with the latest research and with what they can do themselves in building and using expert systems. An expert system is a software package that encapsulates specialist knowledge about a particular area of expertise and is capable of making intelligent decisions within that area. Expert systems are now used in medical diagnosis, geology, organic chemistry, and computer fault-finding. Expert systems have given rise to a set of 'knowledge engineering' techniques, breaking the tradition of "Data + Algorithm = Program" with a new style of software design based on "Knowledge + Inference = System" which is an evolutionary change with revolutionary consequences. This book explains why, and gives readers a starting point to begin work on practical knowledge engineering projects.