# CLIPS

> public domain software tool for building expert systems

**Wikidata**: [Q165372](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q165372)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CLIPS)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/clips

## Summary
CLIPS is a public domain software tool for building expert systems, developed in 1985 by the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center. It is a rule-based programming language that uses the Rete algorithm for efficient rule processing, making it a foundational tool in artificial intelligence.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Programming language and expert system tool
- **Inception**: 1985
- **Developer**: Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center
- **License**: Public domain
- **Latest stable version**: 6.4.1 (released April 21, 2023)
- **Primary use**: Artificial intelligence and expert system development
- **Algorithm**: Uses the Rete algorithm for rule processing
- **Platforms**: iOS, Java Native Interface, Common Gateway Interface
- **Influenced by**: Lisp and OPS5
- **Named after**: OPS5
- **Website**: [clipsrules.net](https://clipsrules.net/)

## FAQs
### Q: What is CLIPS used for?
A: CLIPS is primarily used for building expert systems, which emulate the decision-making ability of human experts. It is a rule-based programming language that processes rules efficiently using the Rete algorithm.

### Q: Is CLIPS free to use?
A: Yes, CLIPS is in the public domain and is free to use without licensing restrictions.

### Q: What programming paradigms does CLIPS support?
A: CLIPS is an object-based and rule-based programming language, designed for expert system development.

### Q: How does CLIPS process rules?
A: CLIPS uses the Rete algorithm to efficiently process and match rules against data, making it suitable for complex decision-making systems.

### Q: What platforms can CLIPS run on?
A: CLIPS can run on iOS, Java Native Interface, and Common Gateway Interface, among other platforms.

## Why It Matters
CLIPS is significant in the field of artificial intelligence as one of the earliest and most influential tools for building expert systems. Its public domain status has made it widely accessible, allowing researchers and developers to create systems that emulate human expertise. The Rete algorithm, which CLIPS employs, optimizes rule processing, making it efficient for applications in decision support, medical diagnosis, and other domains requiring complex reasoning. By being open-source and platform-independent, CLIPS has played a crucial role in democratizing expert system development, enabling innovation across various industries.

## Notable For
- **Public domain software**: CLIPS is freely available without licensing restrictions, making it accessible to a broad audience.
- **Rule-based processing**: Uses the Rete algorithm for efficient rule matching, a key innovation in expert system design.
- **Expert system foundation**: One of the earliest and most influential tools for building expert systems, influencing later AI research.
- **Cross-platform compatibility**: Runs on multiple platforms, including iOS and Java Native Interface, enhancing its versatility.
- **Inspiration for successors**: Has inspired other rule-based languages like Jess, furthering the development of AI tools.

## Body
### Overview
CLIPS (C Language Integrated Production System) is a public domain software tool for building expert systems. Developed in 1985 by the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, it is a rule-based programming language that uses the Rete algorithm for efficient rule processing. CLIPS is designed to emulate the decision-making ability of human experts, making it valuable in fields requiring complex reasoning.

### Development and History
- **Inception**: CLIPS was developed in 1985 by the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center.
- **Influences**: It was influenced by Lisp and OPS5, incorporating elements of both functional and rule-based programming.
- **Versions**: The latest stable version is 6.4.1, released on April 21, 2023.

### Technical Features
- **Programming Paradigm**: CLIPS is an object-based and rule-based language, supporting both paradigms.
- **Algorithm**: Uses the Rete algorithm for efficient rule processing, optimizing performance in expert systems.
- **Platforms**: Compatible with iOS, Java Native Interface, and Common Gateway Interface, among others.

### Availability and Accessibility
- **License**: Public domain, allowing free use without licensing restrictions.
- **Website**: Official resources are available at [clipsrules.net](https://clipsrules.net/).
- **Source Code**: The source code is hosted on SourceForge and accessible via Apache Subversion.

### Impact and Legacy
- **Expert Systems**: CLIPS has been a foundational tool in the development of expert systems, influencing later AI research.
- **Open Source**: Its public domain status has made it widely accessible, enabling innovation across various industries.
- **Inspiration**: Has inspired other rule-based languages like Jess, furthering the development of AI tools.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "SoftwareApplication",
  "name": "CLIPS",
  "description": "Public domain software tool for building expert systems",
  "url": "https://clipsrules.net/",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q118398565", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CLIPS"],
  "applicationCategory": "Expert System",
  "operatingSystem": ["iOS", "Java Native Interface", "Common Gateway Interface"],
  "softwareVersion": "6.4.1",
  "datePublished": "1985",
  "license": "Public domain",
  "programmingLanguage": "CLIPS"
}

## References

1. CLIPS User’s Guide
2. [Source](http://www.clipsrules.net/)
3. [2015](https://sourceforge.net/projects/clipsrules/files/CLIPS/6.30/)
4. [2021](https://sourceforge.net/projects/clipsrules/files/CLIPS/6.40/)
5. [Download Latest Version clips_windows_projects_641.zip (1.6 MB). 2023](https://sourceforge.net/projects/clipsrules/files/CLIPS/6.4.1/)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. [Source](https://sourceforge.net/projects/clipsrules/)
8. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)