PROLOG is an AI programming language based on predicate calculus. It was developed in 1972 at the University of Marseille by a team of specialists. Who headed this development team?

Introduction / Context:
PROLOG (from ‘‘PROgrammation en LOGique’’) is a declarative AI language that expresses knowledge as relations and solves problems via logical inference (resolution and unification). Understanding its origins provides context for logic programming’s influence on AI, natural language processing, and symbolic reasoning systems.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Development occurred around 1972 at the University of Marseille (often spelled Marseilles in older texts).
• The language is rooted in predicate calculus and Horn clauses.
• We need the name of the project lead.

Concept / Approach:

Alain Colmerauer led the team that created PROLOG, collaborating with Philippe Roussel and influenced by work in automated deduction. The language's operational semantics, based on unification and depth-first search with backtracking, enabled concise problem statements and rapid prototyping for AI tasks.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Historical accounts of logic programming attribute the initial PROLOG implementation and design leadership to Alain Colmerauer's group, confirming this selection.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

John McCarthy: Led Lisp and AI research at Stanford, not PROLOG.

Seymour Papert: Known for LOGO and constructionism.

Nicklaus Wirth: Designed Pascal, Modula, Oberon.

None: Incorrect because Colmerauer is the recognized leader.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing logic programming (PROLOG) with functional or list-processing traditions (LISP) due to their shared AI heritage.

Final Answer:

Alain Colmerauer