Introduction

## 2.1 Introduction

ECLiPSe now provides a common syntax for the main arithmetic constraints provided by different constraint solvers. The basic idea is that the name and syntax of the constraint determines the declarative meaning, while the operational semantics (the algorithmic constraint behaviour) is determined by the module which implements the constraint. This principle simplifies the development of applications that use hybrid solution methods. Constraints can be passed easily to different, even multiple, solvers.