Rule-based programming is a programming paradigm where the program's behavior is determined by a set of rules. These rules define the relationship between different entities and specify how the program should respond to different situations.
In rule-based programming, rules are typically expressed in the form of logical statements or conditions. These rules can be organized into a rule base, which acts as a knowledge base for the program. When given some input or conditions, the program uses its rule base to derive conclusions and make decisions.
[[Declarative programming]], on the other hand, is a programming paradigm that focuses on describing what needs to be achieved rather than explicitly specifying how it should be done. It emphasizes expressing problems in terms of constraints and relationships between variables, rather than relying on explicit control flow.
Rule-based programming can be seen as a form of declarative programming because it allows programmers to specify high-level rules and conditions without explicitly defining control flow or step-by-step instructions. Instead of writing detailed procedures or algorithms, programmers declare relationships and constraints that guide the program's behavior.
In summary, rule-based programming is a specific approach within declarative programming that relies on rules and logical statements to determine program behavior. It shares the declarative nature of focusing on what needs to be achieved rather than how it should be achieved.