Global variable in Drools rule

Question

Is there any way I can get back the Integer value updated in Drools rule. I am passing the string in my rule. I can see my rule running but I am not getting the updated global variable's value. Here is my Drools rule file :

import com.MessageType;

global java.lang.Integer delayInSeconds;

rule "Delay for Update"
when 
String(this == MessageType.UPDATE.getType())
then
System.out.println("Running delay rule.....");
delayInSeconds = 10;
update(delayInSeconds); // This gives me runtime error. If I remove it I dont get error but dont get updated value.
end

I have also tried this : kcontext.getKieRuntime().setGlobal("delayInSeconds" , 10); but no luck :(

I know I can pass this variable by setting in POJO. So just wanted to confirm if there is any way by we can get updated value using global Integer. Please suggest.

Answer 1

Global variables are a different species. You can read them, you can use them almost (!) like plain old variables, but:

Any update of a global variable must be done via the API method KieRuntime.setGlobal().

In your rule, you could use

drools.setGlobal( delayInSeconds, Integer.valueOf(10) );

You cannot use update with a global - it is not a fact. Also, rules will not react to a change of a global. Use a fact if you need this.