A Framework for Prolog Debugging

This paper extends the scope and optimality of previous algorithmic debugging techniques (i.e., diagnosis) of Prolog programs, amenable to realistic implementation. A new framework is set forth, the “Select&Query” algorithm schema. It provides a uniform treatment for more error types and a larger Prolog subset, including programs with comitments (“cuts”) and meta-logical predicates, though not side-effects. It can incorporate standard and also user-provided heuristics that profit from domain information. Integration with conventional execution browsers is easily accomplished.