Dr. K.
Lakshmi
Forward and Backward Chaining are the
modes used by the Inference Engine to
deduce new information from the knowledge
base.
Inference Engine is one of the major
components of the intelligent system in
Artificial Intelligence that applies a set of
logical rules to the existing information
(Knowledge Base) to deduce new information
from the already known fact.
Forward chaining is also known as a forward
deduction or forward reasoning method when
using an inference engine.
Forward chaining is a form of reasoning
which start with atomic sentences in the
knowledge base and applies inference rules
(Modus Ponens) in the forward direction to
extract more data until a goal is reached.
It follows a bottom-up approach i.e. from the
atomic statement to conclusion
It is also called a Data-driven approach as it
relies on existing data to reach the goal state
It is conclusion driven i.e. its objective is to
reach the conclusion from the initial state
It is widely used in the Expert System like
CLIPS and Production rule system
Rule 1: IF A is human THEN A is mammal
Rule 2: IF A is a mammal THEN A is a living
form
Rule 3: IF A is a living form THEN A is mortal
Fact: Shyam is human
From these inference rules, we have to reach
the Goal
Goal: Is Shyam a mortal?
Start with the Known fact. We know that Shyam is
human (From the Fact statement).
Using R1 we can infer that Shyam is a mammal.
Since it is not a Goal Statement so continue.
Then jump to Rule 2: if Shyam is a mammal then
it as a living form so we can say that Shyam is a
living form. Since it is not a Goal Statement so
continue
Using R3, Since Shyam is a life form so it must be
Mortal. Since it is the goal statement so Exit
Knowledge Base (Initial State)
Rules:
◦ R1 – if X is a power driven then X requires a power
source
◦ R2 – if X is a machine tool then X has a tool holder
◦ R3 – if X is a machine tool then X is power driven
Fact:
◦ F1 – A lathe is a machine tool
F1 matches R2
F1 matches R3
Knowledge Base (Intermediate State)
Fact:
◦ F1 – A lathe is a machine tool
◦ F2 – A lathe has a tool holder
◦ F3 – A lathe is power driven
Rules:
◦ R1 – if X is a power driven then X requires a power
source
◦ R2 – if X is a machine tool then X has a tool holder
◦ R3 – if X is a machine tool then X is power driven
F3 matches R1
Knowledge Base (Final State)
Fact:
◦ F1 – A lathe is a machine tool
◦ F2 – A lathe has a tool holder
◦ F3 – A lathe is power driven
◦ F4 – A lathe requires a power source
Rules:
◦ R1 – if X is a power driven then X requires a power
source
◦ R2 – if X is a machine tool then X has a tool holder
◦ R3 – if X is a machine tool then X is power driven
Forward Chaining Backward Chaining
1. Forward chaining starts from Backward chaining starts
known facts and applies inference from the goal and works
rule to extract more data unit it backward through inference
reaches to the goal. rules to find the required
facts that support the goal.
2. It is a bottom-up approach It is a top-down approach
3. Forward chaining is known as Backward chaining is known
data-driven inference technique as as goal-driven technique as
we reach to the goal using the we start from the goal and
available data. divide into sub-goal to
extract the facts.
4. Forward chaining reasoning Backward chaining reasoning
applies a breadth-first search applies a depth-first search
strategy. strategy.
Forward Chaining Backward Chaining
5. Forward chaining tests for all Backward chaining only tests
the available rules for few required rules.
6. Forward chaining is suitable for Backward chaining is suitable
the planning, monitoring, for diagnostic, prescription, and
control, and interpretation debugging application.
application.
7. Forward chaining can generate Backward chaining generates a
an infinite number of possible finite number of possible
conclusions. conclusions.
8. It operates in the forward It operates in the backward
direction. direction.
9. Forward chaining is aimed for Backward chaining is only
any conclusion. aimed for the required data.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jg9dukM
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYIjxRfO
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