Using Prolog in Windows NT Network Configuration

Microsoft embedded the Small Prolog interpreter within Windows NT's network configuration subsystem (NCPA.CPL) to declaratively solve the "plumbing" problem of binding interdependent drivers and protocols. According to the paper, components were abstracted as objects with interface classes; Prolog facts and rules then determined all valid bindings and load orders via backtracking. This centralized, declarative approach reportedly simplified installation, prevented invalid configurations, and allowed vendors to add components via declarative scripts rather than procedural code. Microsoft stated the system contributed to Windows NT Advanced Server being judged as particularly reliable and simple to configure.