:answer

:answer

type: message selector
location: built-in
source file: xlobj.c
Common LISP compatible: no
supported on: all machines

SYNTAX

(send <class> :answer <message> <args> <code> )
        <class>         -       an existing class
        <message>       -       the message symbol
        <args>          -       formal argument list to the <msg> method
                                of the same form as a lambda argument list
        <code>          -       a list containing the method code

DESCRIPTION

The :ANSWER message selector adds or changes a method in the specified <class>. This method consists of the <message> selector symbol, the <arg> formal argument list and the executable code associated with the <message>.

EXAMPLES

        (setq myclass (send class :new '(var))) ; create MYCLASS with VAR
        (send myclass :answer :isnew '()        ; set up initialization
                '((setq var nil) self))
        (send myclass :answer :set-it '(value)  ; create :SET-IT message
                '((setq var value)))    
        (send myclass :answer :mine '()         ; create :MINE message
                '((print "hi there")))          
        (setq my-obj (send myclass :new))       ; create MY-OBJ of MYCLASS
        (send my-obj :set-it 5)                 ; VAR is set to 5
        (send my-obj :mine)                     ; prints  "hi there"

NOTE: When you define a <message> in a <class>, the <message> is only valid for instances of the <class> or its sub-classes. You will get an error if you try to send the <message> to the <class> where it was first defined. If you wish to add a <message> to the <class>, you need to define it in the super-class of <class>.

MESSAGE STRUCTURE: The normal XLISP convention for a <message> is to have a valid symbol preceeded by a colon like :ISNEW or :MY-MESSAGE. However, it is possible to define a <message> that is a symbol without a colon, but this makes the code less readable.