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