paip

PAIP, short for Paradigms of Artificial Intelligence Programming, is a computer science book by Peter Norvig that teaches AI programming concepts through extensive examples in the Lisp language. First published in 1991 by Morgan Kaufmann, the book presents a collection of AI programs implemented in Common Lisp and uses these programs to illustrate a range of AI techniques in a practical, hands-on manner. The emphasis is on building usable AI software rather than only presenting theory.

Contents and approach: The book covers Lisp fundamentals and programming patterns, with substantial focus on problem solving by search, knowledge representation, inference, planning, and natural language processing. The examples are designed to demonstrate both classical AI algorithms and the practical considerations of constructing AI programs in Lisp, including code readers can study and adapt.

Impact and legacy: PAIP is regarded as a foundational text in AI programming and Lisp culture. It helped popularize Lisp for AI work and influenced many students and practitioners who learned AI programming by examining explicit Lisp implementations. The book’s combination of theoretical concepts, design guidance, and runnable code contributed to its enduring status in academic and hobbyist circles.

Availability: The book’s code samples and accompanying materials have circulated in various online forms, and the PAIP acronym is commonly used to refer to the work within programming and AI communities. It remains a notable reference for those studying Lisp-based AI programming methods.