There are several ways in which selection and execution of rules can be implemented for the forward chaining.
These are:
- linear execution - After finding and executing a single
rule, the next rules are examined and executed in turn. After
reaching the last rule the system goes again to (backtracks) the beginning.
- hierarchical interpretation - From the beginning to the
first executed rule (one with satisfied preconditions), then the
system goes to the beginning and repeats the cycle.
- linear interpretation with rule switching - This is
the hierarchical interpretation, but when the system reaches
the executed rule, it jumps to the rule or rules indicated by the
recently executed one.
- linear examination with context switching - After some
rule is executed, the current state of the system is evaluated (a
context), then execution of rules can be switched to a different set
of rules appropriate for this context.
Igor Wojnicki
2005-11-07