When a generic function is called, CLIPS selects the method for that generic function with highest precedence for which parameter restrictions are satisfied by the arguments. This method is executed, and its value is returned as the value of the generic function. This entire process is referred to as the generic dispatch. Below is a flow diagram summary:
The solid arrows
indicate automatic
control transfer by the
generic dispatch.
The dashed arrows
indicate control
transfer that can only
be accomplished by the
use or lack of the use
of
call-next-method or
.override-next-method