DB-Prolog: a database programming environment for CACSD

DB-Prolog, a database programming language based on the extension of Prolog, is introduced for the purpose of computer-aided control systems design. Structural properties of data can be modeled using the classification generalization, and aggregation abstractions, while the dynamic behaviors can be captured in derivation rules. Furthermore, all data items may persist in an external database and be manipulated directly in the underlying language. A system of integrity constraint definition and maintenance is incorporated to keep the database consistent at all times. The data modeling concept is presented, and the syntax and semantics for various extensions are given. Other aspects, such as built-in operators, the strategy for maintaining consistency, and communication with an external numerical package Pro-Matlab, are mentioned briefly. An example is presented to demonstrate some of the potential benefits of DB-Prolog as an environment for CACSD