A rules engine is a software component that executes business rules in a runtime production environment. It separates the logic of decision-making from the main application code, allowing non-technical users to define and modify rules without requiring programming knowledge. This makes it easier to adapt systems to changing business requirements.
Rules engines typically evaluate conditions and execute actions based on predefined rules. For example, in an e-commerce platform, a rules engine can determine discounts by checking conditions like "if the customer is a VIP and the purchase amount exceeds $100, then apply a 15% discount." The engine processes these rules at runtime, ensuring consistent and dynamic decision-making.
In cloud-based applications, a rules engine can be integrated to manage complex workflows or automate decisions. For instance, in a financial service application hosted on Tencent Cloud, a rules engine can evaluate loan approval criteria, such as credit scores and income levels, to make real-time decisions. Tencent Cloud's serverless computing services, like SCF (Serverless Cloud Function), can be used to deploy and scale rules engines efficiently, handling high volumes of requests without managing infrastructure.