A kernel architecture for a computer aided knowledge engineering workbench

Within the context of the Esprit-project Kads-II methodology is being developed which will support the entire life-cycle of the development of a knowledge based system (KBS). This methodology called CommonKads is to be supported by a CASE workbench. This article describes how this workbench was constructed. Emphasis is laid on the characteristics of knowledge engineering that necessitate workbench features that differ from those found in more 'conventional' CASE workbenches. It points out how those features have influenced the architecture and design of the workbench and gives an overview of the context in which the new workbench will be placed resulting in a description of what the workbench is expected to supply. Since two of the major requirements of this workbench are that it should support the knowledge engineering activity according to the CommonKads methodology and that it should be easily modifiable and extensible, the necessity of a kernel supplying a set of basic services for addressing these constraints is discussed.<>