
inference engine
An inference engine is a core component of expert systems that applies logical rules to a knowledge base to analyze information and draw conclusions or make decisions. Think of it as a reasoning tool that mimics human thinking: it processes data, considers relevant rules, and infers new facts or solutions. It helps computers solve complex problems by systematically analyzing input data and deducing outcomes, enabling automated reasoning similar to expert judgment across various domains like medical diagnosis, troubleshooting, or decision support systems.