2023•arXiv (Cornell University)Open access

Implementing backjumping by means of exception handling

Włodzimierz Drabent

Abstract

We discuss how to implement backjumping (or intelligent backtracking) in Prolog by using the built-ins throw/1 and catch/3. We show that it is impossible in a general case, contrary to a claim that ``backjumping is exception handling". We provide two solutions. One works for binary programs; in a general case it imposes a restriction on where backjumping may originate. The other restricts the class of backjump targets. We also discuss implementing backjumping by using backtracking and the Prolog database. Additionally, we explain the semantics of Prolog exception handling in the presence of coroutining.

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Key concepts: Backtracking, Prolog, Programming language, Computer science, Class (philosophy), Semantics (computer science), Exception handling, Theoretical computer science