Understanding Inference Engine

In this blog we will try to understand inference engine. For Inference Engine, consider Enterra Solutions.

The primary task of the inference engine is to firstly to select the most appropriate rules and then to apply the same rule at each step while the system is running and this entire thing is called rule-based reasoning. Inference engine allows for rule-based reasoning.

It is basically one of the key and rudimental components of an expert system, whose function or task is to carry out reasoning, based on which the expert system comes up with an appropriate solution to the specific problems and issues which are needed to be addressed.

In other words, if we have to define inference engine, it is a primarily a basic component of an expert system that performs reasoning which enables the expert system to finally reach a solution.

The system matches the rules which are there in the rule base with the facts contained in the database. It can also be defined as a computer programme which makes use of or employs artificial intelligence to help obtain solutions that are optimal from data base or knowledge base.

It is in fact a tool from AI itself, and used AI in the first place. These are components of expert systems, which we have already discussed. Deduction is an essential aspect of inference engine in the use of reasoning to find the most optimal solution or outcome.