FAQ

1.  What is the DTC? 

•  It is a Decision Table Compiler.  The compiler's input (source) is a TAB delimited "table" of actions and conditions (usually using a spreadsheet). The output is procedural "instructions" to evaluate the conditions in the table and determine the actions. With the inclusion of some simple template text the output can be used as source for other language compilers.

2.  Why was the DTC written? 

• The DTC was created in 1993 while trying to create a real time embedded system with complex conditional logic. There were many challenges having to do with the small power CPUs and providing worst case runtime guarantees, not to mention the actual work of writing the code. The DTC was created to solve these problems.

3.  How do I know if the DTC is appropriate for my problem? 

• Does your problem include complex conditional logic? Complex is relative. With as little as 3 binary conditions, there are eight possible outcomes.
• Do the conditions change often or does the work to hand code them take too long?
• Are you using a rules engine for one of the above, but don't use all the features or the engine is too slow?
• Does the part of your system that evaluates the conditional logic execute too slowly or does not run in a predictable amount of time?

4.  Do I have time to use the DTC? 

• The DTC is very easy to understand and use if the ideas of conditional logic and how to translate them into procedure is understood.

5.  Is the DTC a model checker? 

• If you consider a decision table a logic model, then yes. The DTC provides analysis of the decision logic for conflicts and unused conditions.

6.  Can the DTC be used for safety-critical systems? 

• Absolutely

7.  What are the most combinations the DTC can manage? 

• The only limiting factor is memory and the DTC is frugal with it.

8.  What languages does the DTC support?

• Almost all languages are supported.  The TAB delimited input includes templates for "code" generation of conditional tests and actions.

9.  How much does the DTC cost? 

• The DTC will be provided as a service. The TAB delimited input is submitted and processed. For small inputs, the cost will be nothing.