initialization/1 — The Logtalk Handbook v3.47.0 documentation

# `initialization/1`

## Description

    initialization(Goal)

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

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

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 `initialization` as an operator for a lighter syntax. But this makes the code non-portable and is 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).