Re: Mainstream Prolog

On 2 Sep 2006 22:18:53 -0700, mctodd333@xxxxxxxxxxx wrote:

Hello!

I'm a recent CS graduate and I've recently developed an interest in
Prolog. I was wondering how popular it is in the software business
world.

Depending on the notion of "popularity". Definitely less than Java,
less than C++, less than Perl, less than Python but more than Lisp

What kind of applications would companies work on in Prolog?

According to my knoledge, this is mostly constraint programming.
However, this knowledge is a bit limited... I say what I see...

I understand it's quite an old language and what was wondering if there
companies that still use it today. How many of you use it daily in your
company?

It is not that much the issue whether language is old or new. The
issue is whether a) it is easier and faster to develop functionality
in prolog than in other languages, b) what is the cost of
development tools and runtime fees, c) How easily Prolog integrates
with pieces written in other languages d) How easy it is to find
skilled programmers.

In some situations the answer is "yes" in other is "not". However,
the issue of using/not using Prolog in production environment is
first of all business decision rather than technical. There are many
factors against Prolog, even if it is technically superior: a)
having One More Language creates a lot of organizational problems
and additional costs, b) There is always the worry what happens if
the only skilled Prolog programmer leaves the company and there is
nobody else in the radius of 300 miles.

Generally, I don't think that Prolog programmers are in great need.
It can happen that you will find a company that would need Prolog
programmer, but this would require rather deep search and patience.

Also, are there any sample commercial applications written in Prolog
online?

No. Companies don't put commercial application available on-line,
especially in source form. Moreover, companies usually don't
disclose the technology they are using, and in general require the
vendor to sign the NDA agreement. It happens sometimes that the fact
of using this or that technology is disclosed, but, there are no
details.

A.L.
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Introducing Perl Programmers to Prolog
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