directive

# `initialization/1`

## Description

    initialization(Goal)

When used within an object, this directive defines a goal to be called after the object has been successfully loaded into memory. When used at a global level within a source file, this directive defines a goal to be called after the source file is successfully compiled and loaded into memory.

The loading context can be accessed from this directive by calling the logtalk_load_context/2 predicate. Note that the usable loading context keys depend on the directive scope (file or object).

Multiple initialization directives can be used in a source file or in an object. Their goals will be called in the same order as the directives at loading time.

Note

Arbitrary goals cannot be used as directives in source files. Any goal that should be automatically called when a source file is loaded must be wrapped using this directive.

Categories and protocols cannot contain `initialization/1` directives as the initialization goals would lack a complete execution context that is only available for objects.

Although technically a global `initialization/1` directive in a source file is a Prolog directive, calls to Logtalk built-in predicates from it are usually compiled to improve portability, improve performance, and provide better support for embedded applications.

Warning

Some backend Prolog compilers declare the atom `initialization` as an operator for a lighter syntax. But this makes the code non-portable and is therefore a practice best avoided.

## Template and modes

    initialization(@callable)

## Examples

    % call the init/0 predicate after loading the
    % source file containing the directive

    :- initialization(init).

    % print a debug message after loading a
    % source file defining an object

    :- object(log).

        :- initialization(start_date).

        start_date :-
            os::date_time(Year, Month, Day, _, _, _, _),
            logtalk::print_message(debug, my_app, 'Starting date: ~d-~d-~d~n'+[Year,Month,Day]).

    :- end_object.

See also

logtalk_load_context/2