(Version 1.5 now available. Improved active database capabilities and test suite bug fixes.) (09-08-99)

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Overview

Venus is a family of forward chaining  rule-based systems that is derived from and embeded within C++. All systems in the family are based upon the LEAPS match algorithm. Venus has several important features.

• The execution engine is based on the LEAPS matching algorithm, so it is both fast and space efficient.
• The system features a modular and object influenced rule language. The language syntax is based on C++, so it has a low learning curve relative to traditional rule languages that are based on LISP.
• The combination of a C++ based language and C++ based implementation allows easy embedding into other applications. Thus Venus, unlike most other rule systems, can exist as a component in a larger system.
• The system can inference over data stored in databases, providing an active database capability.

Who

Venus lives at the University of Texas at Austin, both in the Department of Computer Sciences and the Applied Research Laboratories.

Professor Daniel P. Miranker heads the Venus project. A variety of students currently contribute to Venus. Primarily Lance Obermeyer and Lane Warshaw.

Distribution

The distribution includes:

• Venus compiler and rule debugger
• Program test suite
• Sample rule-based query optimizer for relational databases
• Documentation and selected papers

Click here for distribution information.