Rule resolution is the sophisticated internal search algorithm that the system uses to find the best or most appropriate rule instance to apply in a situation. Rule resolution applies to most, but not all, classes derived from the Rule- base class.

Rule resolution uses as input values:

• The name of the rule needed (one or more key parts)
• A starting location in the class hierarchy, often determined by context
• Your RuleSet list
• The current date and time, which may cause time-qualified rules to take precedence
• Circumstance property and value
• The value of the as-of date property
• When to use directed inheritance and when to use pattern inheritance

While the rule resolution algorithm is fast and invisible, it is important to understand how it operates. See How the system finds rules through rule resolution for a description of this algorithm and a list of exceptions.

Rules can be defined that apply to external classes as well as internal classes. However, no class inheritance processing occurs during rule resolution for external classes.

	as-of date processing, available rule, circumstance, directed inheritance, external class, pattern inheritance, RuleSet list, time-qualified rule, withdrawn rule
	Class hierarchy — Concepts and terms How the system assembles and uses your RuleSet list

Definitions — R