In the general discussion, Victor Marek expressed with regard to Swifts's questions his view that LP may be conceived as an assembly language, which is too complicated for the real programmer.
Michael Gelfond replied that in his view, LP and ASP in particular is both an assembly and a specification language. Furthermore, in his view it is not the case that ASP is not widely used because it is a complicated language, but rather because few people know about it at present.
Mirek Truszczynski adds to this that in his opinion, the distinction line between an assembly and a higher level programming language is by the handling of the programs through the engine.
With respect to using ASP for applications, an integration in hybrid systems, in extension to Victor Marek's comments the development of libraries is pointed out as an important issue. Michael Gelfond suggests to focus on two kinds of libraries:
He also adds that the development of ASP application is not well-accepted by the research community, and that it is difficult to publish such work. He sees this a major problem for the dissemination of ASP to applications. Gerd Brewka seconds this and raises the issue how to get credit for applications in the research community. There is some discussion but no real conclusion.
The views on applications are different. Chitta Baral points out Microsoft's initiative for next generation knowledge bases, and in particular the AP Chemistry Test as a knowledge-based systems challenge, and suggests that the ASP community works on or towards this application. An application like this could attract a lot of interest on ASP. In connection with this, John Schlipf asked whether a killer application might help, but remained reserved about this.
Mirek Truszczynski said that perhaps the ASP researchers should not do the development of applications themselves, but should see about that applications are done. This, however, leaves the question how knowledgeable and well-skilled persons can be found for the applications. According to Michael Gelfond suggestions, students could be for an initial step be the ideal candidates.
Finally, Victor Marek points out that, after a longer period of foundational research, now ASP systems are available, and expresses his confidence that applications will follow.