Test2::Util::ExternalMeta3p

Usage

    package My::Object;
    use strict;
    use warnings;
    use Test2::Util::ExternalMeta qw/meta get_meta set_meta delete_meta/;
    ...

    my $inst = My::Object->new;
    $inst->set_meta(foo => 'bar');
    my $val = $inst->get_meta('foo');

Overview

This package lets you define a clear, and consistent way to allow third party tools to attach meta-data to your instances. If your object consumes this package, and imports its methods, then third party meta-data has a safe place to live.

Where is the data stored?

This package assumes your instances are blessed hashrefs, it will not work if that is not true. It will store all meta-data in the "_meta" key on your objects hash. If your object makes use of the "_meta" key in its underlying hash, then there is a conflict and you cannot use this package.

Exports

$val = $obj->meta($key)

$val = $obj->meta($key, $default)

This will get the value for a specified meta $key. Normally this will return "undef" when there is no value for the $key, however you can specify a $default value to set when no value is already set.

$val = $obj->get_meta($key)

This will get the value for a specified meta $key. This does not have the $default overhead that meta() does.

$val = $obj->delete_meta($key)

This will remove the value of a specified meta $key. The old $val will be returned.

$obj->set_meta($key, $val)

Set the value of a specified meta $key.

Meta-key restrictions

Meta keys must be defined, and must be true when used as a boolean. Keys may not be references. You are free to stringify a reference "$ref" for use as a key, but this package will not stringify it for you.

Source

The source code repository for Test2 can be found at <https://github.com/Test-More/test-more/>.

Maintainers

Chad Granum <[email protected]>