Like CLIPS 5.0, CLIPS/Ada 4.4 is a forward chaining rulebased language. The program contains an inference engine and a language syntax that provide a framework for the construction of an expert system. It also includes features for debugging an application. CLIPS/Ada is based on the Rete algorithm developed by C. L. Forgy which is a very efficient method for performing repeated pattern matching. A CLIPS program consists of facts and rules called productions. The collection of conditions and actions to be taken if the conditions are met is constructed into a rule network. As facts are asserted either prior to or during a session, CLIPS/Ada pattern matches the number of fields. Wildcards and variables are supported for both single and multiple fields. CLIPS/Ada allows the inclusion of userdefined subprograms (outside functions which may be written in a language other than Ada). CLIPS/Ada itself can be embedded in an Ada program such that the expert system is available as a simple subroutine call.