{ $values { "class""a class" } { "group""a protocol, generic word or tuple class" } { "quot""a quotation" } }
{ $description "Defines a class to consult, using the given quotation, on the generic words contained in the group." }
{ $notes "Usually, " { $link POSTPONE:CONSULT: } " should be used instead. This is only for runtime use." } ;
HELP:CONSULT:
{ $syntax "CONSULT: group class getter... ;" }
{ $values { "group""a protocol, generic word or tuple class" } { "class""a class" } { "getter""code to get where the method should be forwarded" } }
{ $description "Defines a class to consult, using the given code, on the generic words contained in the group. This means that, when one of the words in the group is called on an object of this class, the quotation will be called, and then the generic word called again. If the getter is empty, this will cause an infinite loop. Consultation overwrites the existing methods, but others can be defined afterwards." } ;
"This vocabulary defines methods for consultation and mimicry, independent of the current Factor object system; it is a replacement for Factor's builtin delegation system. Fundamental to the concept of generic word groups, which can be specific protocols, generic words or tuple slot accessors. Fundamentally, a group is a word which has a method for " { $link group-words } ". One type of group is a tuple, which consists of the slot words. To define a group as a set of words, use"
"One method of object extension which this vocabulary defines is consultation. This is slightly different from the current Factor concept of delegation, in that instead of delegating for all generic words not implemented, only generic words included in a specific group are consulted. Additionally, instead of using a single hard-coded delegate slot, you can specify any quotation to execute in order to retrieve who to consult. The literal syntax and defining word are"
