knowledge base

Organized repository of knowledge (in a computer system or an organization) consisting of concepts, data, objectives, requirements, rules, and specifications. Its form depends on whether it supports an (1) artificial intelligence or expert system based retrieval, or (2) human based retrieval. In the first case, it takes the form of data, design constructs, couplings, and linkages incorporated in a software. In the second case, it takes the form of physical documents and textual information.