Kaleidoscope: A Constraint Imperative Programming Language

Authors: Gus Lopez, Bjorn Freeman-Benson, and Alan Borning

Published in Constraint Programming, B. Mayoh, E. Tougu, J. Penjam (Eds.), NATO Advanced Science Institute Series, Series F: Computer and System Sciences, Vol 131, Springer-Verlag, 1994, pages 313-329. 174-180. Also published as UW Tech Report 93-09-04.


Abstract

The Constraint Imperative Programming (CIP) family of languages integrates constraints and imperative, object-oriented programming. In addition to combining the useful features of both paradigms, there are synergistic effects of this integration, such as the ability to define constraints over user-defined domains. We discuss characteristics of the CIP family and provide a rationale for its creation. The synergy of constraints and objects imposes additional challenges for the provision of constructs, such as object identity and class membership, that are well-understood in conventional language paradigms. We discuss the benefits and challenges of combining the constraint and imperative paradigms, and present our current ideas in the context of the design and implementation of the Kaleidoscope'93 language.


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