Inference Engines

Inference engines, also known as semantic reasoners or reasoning engines, provide the technological glue that allows computer mediation to take place. Inferencing is the process where computers draw connections between pieces of data or metadataData about data. Metadata provides a context for research findings, ideally in a machine-readable format. It enables discovery of data via an electronic interface, and correct use and attribution of findings. Related Guide that have been previously described by a human. In the semantic webThe transformation of the web from an inherently human-interpretable medium to an inherently computer-interpretable medium. In the semantic web, machines can read and understand the content published in the network., these data points generally reside in an ontology. Inferencing is used in other areas of computer science as well, though generally in more limited and less distributed data sets.

Inference engines rely on a formalized language of logic to implement rules about the world in which inferencing takes place. This language is distinct from ontologiesA type of relational controlled vocabulary, which provides for categories, relationships, rules and axioms among metadata elements. Typically a hierarchy of classes and terms, an ontology is a machine-readable way of relating metadata terminology. Related Guide and uses concepts, roles, and individuals to describe the relationshipConnections between metadata terms within a vocabulary. These relationships can connect terms by scope, provenance, or other well-defined criteria. between objects in the world. This allows computer software to find implicit facts using the explicit descriptions in your ontologies.

Potentially, this could uncover information that you aren't aware of or help to confirm or make clear assumptions you already have about your particular domain.

There are many inferencing engines, each with its particular specialty or purpose. Many of the available software libraries also contain some functionality for handling reasoning and inferencing. The W3CWorld Wide Web Consortium maintains a list of popular inferencing engines along with brief descriptions.