13.38. RHS Convenience Methods

update(object, handle);

Tells the engine that an object has changed (one that has been bound to something on the LHS) and rules that need to be reconsidered.

update(object);

Using update(), the Knowledge Helper will look up the facthandle via an identity check for the passed object. (If you provide Property Change Listeners to your Java beans that you are inserting into the engine, you can avoid the need to call update() when the object changes.). After a fact's field values have changed you must call update before changing another fact, or you will cause problems with the indexing within the rule engine. The modify keyword avoids this problem.

insert(newobject());

Places a new object of your creation into the Working Memory.

insertLogical(newobject());

Similar to insert, but the object will be automatically retracted when there are no more facts to support the truth of the currently firing rule.

retract(handle);

Removes an object from Working Memory.