ECLiPSe (not to be confused with the popular IBM-originated Eclipse Java IDE) is an open-source Constraint Logic Programming (CLP) system designed for solving complex combinatorial optimization, planning, scheduling, and resource allocation problems. It functions both as a high-level declarative modeling language and a deployment platform, combining the reasoning power of logic programming with advanced mathematical solvers. Key Features and Architecture
Prolog Extension: The core language is a highly optimized superset of Prolog, allowing programmers to write compact, declarative logic while embedding complex rules.
Multiple Built-in Solvers: ECLiPSe features specialized libraries supporting finite domain propagation, interval propagation (for continuous domains), and linear programming solvers.
Hybrid Problem Solving: A major strength is its ability to combine different algorithmic approaches (such as math programming and local search) concurrently on the same problem variables.
Extensible Ecosystem: It includes an incremental compiler, debugging/profiling tools via its tkeclipse interface, and interfaces for embedding code into host environments like Python, Java, PHP, and C/C++. Common Applications
The system is widely used across academic research and commercial environments for tasks such as:
Logistics and Transport: Optimizing route planning and supply chain distribution.
Staff Scheduling: Managing shift combinations, hospital rotas, and course timetabling.
Engineering Design: Solving complex physical engineering placement parameters, such as the optimal placement of water valves. Background and Availability
Originally developed in 1992 at the European Computer-Industry Research Centre (ECRC) in Munich, the platform’s development later migrated through Imperial College London and Parc Technologies. It was acquired by Cisco Systems and officially open-sourced in 2006 under the Mozilla Public License. ECLiPSe Home
June 2013: Chris Meudec contributed the Path Traversal Conditions Solver, which finds application in the area of program analysis, ECLiPSe-CLP
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