Knowledge Query and Manipulation Language

In the Knowledge Query and Manipulation Language ( KQML ) are, to the MURCH and JOHNSON is a programming language and a protocol for exchanging knowledge. It is based on SGML, the precursor of XML, and was proposed in 1993 as a standard. The KQML supports network programming, which is used in the context of agent technology for knowledge-based systems and intelligent agents. In order for a collective intelligence or swarm intelligence is trying to establish analogous to our brain or the Internet.

KQML has similar aims as CORBA, Java RMI and other platforms for distributed computing.

KQML was supported by the Knowledge Sharing Effort Initiative ARPA (now DARPA ).

KQML is inspired by the theory of speech acts, to classify types of messages. In KQML terminology, the names of the various forms performative. The standard defines 36 different types of performative, such as requests, commitments, cancellations, etc. A KQML message is also called KQML package. In addition to the performatives used a packet contains the actual content, the names of the sender and the recipient, and details of the language of the content and an ontology. The actual contents of the package can be used in various languages, such as Prolog, KIF or KQML itself, be written. The language is indicated with, so the recipient knows how to interpret the data, or whether he can interpret the data. The specification of an ontology, ie, a particular field of knowledge, in whose vocabulary the message is to be interpreted, is to resolve possible ambiguities. The general structure of a KQML package is given by: