The Prentice Hall Essence of Computing Series provides a concise, practical and uniform introduction to the core components of an undergraduate computing degree. Acknowledging the recent changes within Higher Education, this approach uses a variety of pedagogical tools - case studies, worked examples and self-test questions - to underpin the student's learning.Since their conception in the 1960s, expert systems have become widespread in areas as diverse as medical diagnosis and the analysis of financial markets. By concentrating on tools and technologies, The Essence of Expert Systems provides the reader with an understanding of how to build expert systems, underpinned by a discussion of the theoretical concepts and techniques involved. Among the most commonly used tools for building expert systems are expert system shells, and these are used within the book as an aid to teaching where appropriate. The end result is a completely self-contained text for computing, engineering or business students taking a first course in expert systems.Key Features? Techniques illustrated with a range of shells.? Chapters devoted to design and implementation using VP-Expert.?
Extensive use of tables for summarising information.? Sharp focus on key concepts, backed up by end-of-chapter exercises and extensive further reading.Keith Darlington is Senior Lecturer in Computing and Artificial Intelligence at the South Bank University,