What does "Fluents" mean?

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Fluents are important concepts used in planning and action models. They represent changing facts or states in a system. For example, if you're planning to make a sandwich, the fluents might include whether the bread is on the table, if the butter is spread, or if the sandwich is complete.

In planning, fluents help us understand how different actions affect the state of a system. When one action occurs, it can change the value of a fluent, like turning "bread on the table" from false to true.

By using fluents, planners can create models that predict what will happen when specific actions are taken. This makes it easier to figure out a series of steps needed to achieve a goal, like completing a task or solving a problem. Understanding fluents allows for more effective planning and decision-making in various tasks.