Unpredictable dynamic predicate behaviour

Question

I have a problem that requires me to add elements to a list that are spread across various predicates. Rather than doing via argument based lists I've opted to use a dynamic list predicate. I simple example can be seen below. When I initially used it it worked fine but now if I use any argument as X it keeps retrieving previous argument data from the list even after closing the program and recompilation. Does anybody know what's wrong with it?

//list declarations
:- dynamic listD/1.
listD([]).

//pushes X onto the list then retrieves the entire list for verification
sample(X):-
    assert(listD(X)),
    listD(Y),
    write(Y).


Example usage

sample([adam]).
//prints adam fine
sample([fred]).
//prints adam again

take the time to learn proper Prolog: avoid assert as far as possibile — CapelliC, Apr 27 '13 at 23:28
was my answer helpful at all? something else still not clear? — Will Ness, Apr 28 '13 at 15:08

score 0 · Answer 1 · answered Apr 27 '13 at 21:30

0

Use retractall to clean up the state when you start.

sample(X):-
    retractall(listD(_)),
    assert(listD(X)),
    listD(Y),
    write(Y).

answered Apr 27 '13 at 21:30

Will Ness

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Unpredictable dynamic predicate behaviour

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