goal-directed programming

noun
UK /ɡəʊl dɪˈrɛktɪd ˈprəʊɡræmɪŋ/
US /ɡoʊl dɪˈrɛktɪd ˈproʊɡræmɪŋ/

A way of writing computer programs where you tell the computer what result you want and it figures out how to get there.

In goal-directed programming, you describe the desired outcome and the system searches for the steps to reach it.

SYNONYMS

goal-oriented programmingoutcome-driven programmingdeclarative goal programmingtarget-based programming

RELATED WORDS

logic programmingconstraint programmingartificial intelligenceplanningbackward chaining

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A programming style in which each procedure is written to achieve a specific, clearly stated objective.

The team adopted goal-directed programming so every function had a single measurable purpose.

3. An approach in AI where an agent selects actions that move it closer to a defined goal state.

The robot used goal-directed programming to navigate the maze toward the exit.

4. A method of software design that starts from the desired end result and works backward to the implementation.

With goal-directed programming, developers first wrote the acceptance tests and then built the code to pass them.