Many developers have argued about building automatic pattern software (i.e. a
PatternsTool or
PatternSolver)
- Those for it argue that it can serve as a general template the developers can tweak as necessary (see PatternSolver).
- Those against it argue that it misses the point (see KoansMetaphorsAndParables).
Both sides might reference the
PatternHaltingProblem.
Suppose:
- We have a prototype PatternSolver program.
- Under certain circumstances, it can solve the problem properly, guiding the developer to the optimal solution.
- Under other circumstances, it cannot solve the problem properly, needing to defer to the developer the burden of finding a good solution.
- The PatternSolver needs a formal way to determine when it needs to defer to the developer.
The question is if a PatternSolver can know when defer to the developer.
Note: a
PatternSolver is also limited by the
GeneralHaltingProblem limitation for
TuringMachines. That is, a
PatternSolver would not be capable of solving for itself completely.