SWRLBuiltInFAQ

Table of Contents What is a SWRL built-In? How are built-ins used in rules? Does the SWRL language define any built-ins? Can I define my own built-ins and use them in SWRL rules? How are SWRL built-ins defined in the SWRLAPI? Does the SWRLAPI include implementations for the Core SWRL built-ins? Does the SWRLAPI include implementations for any other built-ins?

What is a SWRL built-In?

SWRL built-ins are user-defined predicates that can be used in SWRL rules.

How are built-ins used in rules?

An introduction to the use of built-ins can be found here.

Does the SWRL language define any built-ins?

No. The SWRL language itself does not define any built-ins. However, a set of Core SWRL built-ins are defined in the SWRL Submission.

Can I define my own built-ins and use them in SWRL rules?

Yes. SWRL supports the definition of user-defined built-ins and allows those built-ins to be used in rules.

How are SWRL built-ins defined in the SWRLAPI?

The SWRLAPI has a subcomponent called the built-in bridge that provides a mechanism to define Java implementations of SWRL built-ins. These implementations can then be dynamically loaded by the bridge and invoked from a rule engine.

Does the SWRLAPI include implementations for the Core SWRL built-ins?

The SWRLAPI has a library called the Core Built-In Library that defines most of the Core SWRL built-ins.

Does the SWRLAPI include implementations for any other built-ins?

Yes - several built-in libraries are provides. The set of built-in libraries currently provided by the SWRLAPI is described here.