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Symbolic programming

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In computer programming, symbolic programming is a programming paradigm in which the program can manipulate its own formulas and program components as if they were plain data.[1]

Through symbolic programming, complex processes can be developed that build other more intricate processes by combining smaller units of logic or functionality. Thus, such programs can effectively modify themselves and appear to "learn", which makes them better suited for applications such as artificial intelligence, expert systems, natural language processing, and computer games.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a broad area of computer applications characterized by the use of symbolic rather than numeric computations. Symbolic computation means that symbols, consisting of names rather than numbers, are manipulated.

Languages that support symbolic programming include Wolfram Language,[2] LISP, Nim, and Prolog.[3]

References

  1. ^ Michael A. Covington (2010-08-23). "CSCI/ARTI 4540/6540: First Lecture on Symbolic Programming and LISP" (PDF). University of Georgia. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-03-07. Retrieved 2014-12-29.
  2. ^ Wolfram Language Notes for Programming Language Experts
  3. ^ "Symbolic programming on Business Glossary". allbusiness.com. Retrieved 2013-11-20.