When using an expert system, two kinds of integration are important: embedding CLIPS in other systems, and calling external functions from CLIPS. CLIPS was designed to allow both kinds of integration.
Using CLIPS as an embedded application allows the easy integration of CLIPS with existing systems. This is useful in cases where the expert system is a small part of a larger task or needs to share data with other functions. In these situations, CLIPS can be called as a subroutine and information may be passed to and from CLIPS. Embedded applications are discussed in the Advanced Programming Guide.
It also may be useful to call external functions while executing
a CLIPS construct or from the toplevel of the interactive interface.
CLIPS variables or literal values may be passed
to an external function, and functions may return values to CLIPS.
The easy addition of external functions allows CLIPS to be extended
or customized in almost any way. The Advanced Programming Guide
describes how to integrate CLIPS with functions or systems written
in C as well as in other languages.