Rule-Based Systems
Rule-based systems are a type of artificial intelligence that uses a set of predefined rules to make decisions or inferences, often applied in expert systems, automation, and decision support. They operate by applying logical rules (typically in an 'if-then' format) to input data to derive conclusions or trigger actions. This approach is common in domains like business process automation, diagnostic tools, and simple AI applications where explicit knowledge can be codified.
Developers should learn rule-based systems when building applications that require transparent, deterministic decision-making, such as in regulatory compliance, fraud detection, or diagnostic systems where rules are well-defined and interpretability is crucial. They are particularly useful in scenarios where machine learning might be overkill or where human-readable logic is necessary for validation and debugging, such as in business rule engines or workflow automation.