The Howdy Glossary

SICStus Prolog is a commercially distributed Prolog compiler and development system known for its extensive range of built-in predicates and advanced features such as Constraint Logic Programming over Finite Domains (CLP(FD)), foreign function interfacing libraries, and a meta-interpreter. It supports the modular structuring of large applications and includes vital development tools like a top-level shell, debugger, profiler, and an optimized compiler capable of producing standalone executables. This robust feature set makes SICStus Prolog highly respected within the Prolog community for developing applications in symbolic computation, AI algorithms, natural language processing, and knowledge-based systems.

Developed primarily by Swedish programmers Mats Carlsson and Konstantinos Sagonas under the aegis of SICS (Swedish Institute of Computer Science), SICStus Prolog stands out due to its strong academic and industrial presence. The system has established itself as a prominent commercial Prolog development tool providing comprehensive functionalities aimed at addressing both academic research needs and industrial application requirements. It facilitates efficient constraint solving with CLP(FD), allows for advanced programming techniques through its powerful meta-interpreter, and expands functionality via foreign function interfacing libraries.

In competition with other systems like SWI-Prolog, GNU Prolog, XSB, and B-Prolog—which offer varying strengths such as open-source accessibility or specific capabilities—SICStus distinguishes itself with its commercially supported environment ensuring dedicated updates and stability. Its combination of CLP(FD) support, module structuring capabilities for large applications, foreign function interfacing libraries availability alongside essential development tools like debuggers and profilers form a compelling suite that caters to both academia's detailed requirements in research projects involving complex algorithms or natural language processing tasks as well as industry's demand for sophisticated application development solutions.