---
name: "Tie::Handle"
section: "3pm"
platform: "linux"
package: "perl-5.004-doc"
version: "5.004.05-6"
release: "Debian 2.2 (Potato)"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/Tie::Handle/3pm"
---

# Tie::Handle(3pm)

base class definitions for tied handles

## NAME

Tie::Handle - base class definitions for tied handles

## SYNOPSIS

```
    package NewHandle;
    require Tie::Handle;

    @ISA = (Tie::Handle);

    sub READ { ... }            # Provide a needed method
    sub TIEHANDLE { ... }       # Overrides inherited method

    package main;

    tie *FH, 'NewHandle';
```

## DESCRIPTION

This module provides some skeletal methods for handle-tying classes. See the *perltie* manpage for a list of the functions required in tying a handle to a package. The basic **Tie::Handle** package provides a `new` method, as well as methods `TIESCALAR`, `FETCH` and `STORE`. The `new` method is provided as a means of grandfathering, for classes that forget to provide their own `TIESCALAR` method.

For developers wishing to write their own tied-handle classes, the methods are summarized below. The the *perltie* manpage section not only documents these, but has sample code as well:\

- TIEHANDLE classname, LIST

  The method invoked by the command `tie *glob, classname`. Associates a new glob instance with the specified class. `LIST` would represent additional arguments (along the lines of the *AnyDBM\_File* manpage and compatriots) needed to complete the association.\

- WRITE this, scalar, length, offset

  Write *length* bytes of data from *scalar* starting at *offset*.\

- PRINT this, LIST

  Print the values in *LIST*\

- PRINTF this, format, LIST

  Print the values in *LIST* using *format*\

- READ this, scalar, length, offset

  Read *length* bytes of data into *scalar* starting at *offset*.\

- READLINE this

  Read a single line\

- GETC this

  Get a single character\

- DESTROY this

  Free the storage associated with the tied handle referenced by *this*. This is rarely needed, as Perl manages its memory quite well. But the option exists, should a class wish to perform specific actions upon the destruction of an instance.

## MORE INFORMATION

The the *perltie* manpage section contains an example of tying handles.