ICS.BROWNE@R20.UTEXAS.EDU.UUCP (09/15/86)
Object-Oriented Programming Meeting
Friday, September 19
2:00-3:00 p.m.
Taylor 3.128
BiggerTalk:
An Object-Oriented Extension to Prolog
Speaker: Eric Gullichsen
MCC Software Technology Program
BiggerTalk is a system of Prolog routines which provide a capability for
object-oriented programming in Prolog. When compiled into a standard
Prolog environment, the BiggerTalk system permits programming in the
object-oriented style of message passing between objects, themselves
defined as components of a poset (the 'inheritance structure')
created through other BiggerTalk commands. Multiple inheritance of
methods and instance variables is provided dynamically. The full functional
capability of Prolog is retained, and Prolog predicates can be invoked
from within BiggerTalk methods.
A provision exists for storage of BiggerTalk objects in the MCC-STP
Object Server, a shared permanent object repository. The common external
form for objects in the Server permits (restricted) sharing of objects
between BiggerTalk and Zetalisp Flavors, the two languages currently
supported by the Server. Concurrent access to permanent objects is
mediated by the server.
This talk will discuss a number of theoretical and pragmatic issues of
concern to BiggerTalk and its interface to the Object Server. Some
acquaintance with the concepts of logic programming and object-oriented
programming will be assumed.