CLIPS

A Tool for Building Expert Systems

Developed at NASA’s Johnson Space Center from 1985 to 1996, the C Language Integrated Production System (CLIPS) is a rule‑based programming language useful for creating expert systems and other programs where a heuristic solution is easier to implement and maintain than an algorithmic solution. Written in C for portability, CLIPS can be installed and used on a wide variety of platforms. Since 1996, CLIPS has been available as public domain software.

Adventures in Rule‑Based Programming

Published in 2022, this game‑based tutorial covers the basics of developing applications in CLIPS. Copies can be purchased in paperback, hardback, and eBook formats.

Documentation

Basic
Programming Guide

The Basic Programming Guide documents the CLIPS programming language. Available in PDF.
V6.4.1     V6.31     V6.24

Advanced
Programming Guide

The Advanced Programming Guide provides information on compiling CLIPS and use of the C Application Programming Interfaces. Available in PDF.
V6.4.1     V6.31     V6.24

Interfaces Guide

The Interfaces Guide documents the CLIPS Integrated Development Environments, wrapper classes, and example programs. Available in PDF.
V6.4.1     V6.31     V6.24

User’s Guide

The User’s provides an introduction to CLIPS and rule-based programming. Available in PDF.
V6.4.1     V6.31     V6.24

Adventures in
Rule-Based
Programming:
A CLIPS Tutorial

Published in 2022, this tutorial covers the basics of developing applications in CLIPS. Copies can be purchased in paperback, hardback, and eBook formats.
Learn More

Expert Systems:
Principles and Programming

The first half of this textbook covers expert system theory and the second half focuses on programming with CLIPS. Copies can still be purchased through Amazon and other book sellers.
4th Edition

Support

Questions

Several Forums are available for posting questions.
Stack Overflow     CLIPS Expert System Group     CLIPS SourceForge Forum

Examples

Example programs are available on SourceForge and GitHub
SourceForge     GitHub Gary Riley     GitHub CLIPS

Bug/Feature Requests

These can be submitted via the SourceForge CLIPS ticket page.
SourceForge CLIPS Ticket Page

Other

Questions regarding CLIPS can be sent via electronic mail to support@clipsrules.net.
Contact