This command sets and prints the maximum number of chunks that can be created in a single decision cycle. If count is not given, this command prints the maximum number of chunks that can be created. If count is given, it must be a positive integer and is used to reset the number of chunks allowed.
The "max-chunks" parameter controls the maximum number of chunks that can be created in a single decision cycle. After this limit has been reached in a decision cycle, Soar proceeds to decision phase even if quiescence hasn't really been reached yet. The default initial setting of the "max-chunks" parameter is 50.
In Soar8, chunks may be built during both the Propose Phase or the Apply Phase. If Soar8 builds more than the max-chunks limit in either of these phases, Soar8 proceeds to the next phase (either Decision or Output) even if quiescence has not been reached.
If max-chunks are reached, and Soar moves on to the next phase, a warning message is printed.
The command issued with no arguments, returns the maximum chunk count:
max-chunks
The next example makes use of Tcl command abbreviation while setting the max-chunks to 100:
max-c 100
Note that the commandname uses dashes to separate the words. There is also a Soar variable "max_chunks" (with underscores) that can be used to set the chunk limit through the the Tcl set command. If count is not given, 'set max_chunks' prints the maximum number of chunks that can be created. If count is given, it must be a positive integer and is used to reset the number of chunks allowed.