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1. Definition #

Rules can be defined as one means for creating derivation knowledge. Thereby, a basic syntax exists that can be slightly varied to create different types of rules. Those types substantially vary in their distinct rule actions and they are explained in more detail after the presentation of the basic syntax.

2. Syntax - Basics #

Rules are defined by the Rule tag in KnowWE. The basic syntax is as follows (rc = rule condition):

%%Rule
IF (rc) 
THEN (rule action) 
%

Since the Leeloo release it is possible to define more than one action to be executed for a rule. Different rule actions are separated by a semicolon in the THEN clause.

%%Rule
IF (rc) 
THEN (action1; action2; action3) 
%

Furthermore it is possible to add an exception condition to the rule, like in the following example:

IF (rc) 
THEN (rule action) 
EXCEPT (rc2) 

The following operators can be used to build more complex expressions from simple rule conditions:

• NOT( rc ) --- true, if rc does not apply
• (rc) AND (rc2) --- true, only if both rc and rc2 apply at the same time
• (rc1) OR (rc2) --- true, if at least one of rc and rc2 does apply

3. Different rule types #

As previously mentioned, the different rule types vary in their rule actions, that is, the part of the rule following the THEN keyword. In the following the rule types available in KnowWE are listed and shortly explained. For a more detailed explanation and syntax examples please refer to the separate pages for each rule type.

A. Scoring Rules #

Scoring rules (diagnosis rules) are used to assign specific score points to a solution. See the page about scoring rules. for the syntax and an overview of the possible score points.

B. Abstraction Rules #

It is possible to assign values to a question via abstraction rules. That way, the program sets certain answer values depending on those answer values provided by the user for previous questions. See the page about abstraction rules for the syntax and further detail.

C. Indication Rules #

Indication rules basically initiate the presentation of certain, subsequent questions or questionnaires to the user depending on previously provided answers. For syntax and further detail see the page about indication rules.