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NAME

Rose::DB::Object::MakeMethods::Generic - Create generic object methods for Rose::DB::Object-derived objects.

SYNOPSIS

  package MyDBObject;

  our @ISA = qw(Rose::DB::Object);

  use Rose::DB::Object::MakeMethods::Generic
  (
    scalar => 
    [
      'type' => 
      {
        with_init => 1,
        check_in  => [ qw(AA AAA C D) ],
      },

      'set_type' => { hash_key => 'type' },
    ],

    character =>
    [
      code => { length => 6 }
    ],

    varchar =>
    [
      name => { length => 10 }
    ],

    boolean => 
    [
      'is_red',
      'is_happy' => { default => 1 },
    ],
  );

  sub init_type { 'C' }
  ...

  $o = MyDBObject->new(...);

  print $o->type; # C

  $o->name('Bob');   # set
  $o->set_type('C'); # set
  $o->type('AA');    # set

  $o->set_type; # Fatal error: no argument passed to "set" method

  $o->name('C' x 40); # truncate on set
  print $o->name;     # 'CCCCCCCCCC'

  $o->code('ABC'); # pad on set
  print $o->code;  # 'ABC   '

  eval { $o->type('foo') }; # fatal error: invalid value

  print $o->name, ' is ', $o->type; # get

  $obj->is_red;         # returns undef
  $obj->is_red('true'); # returns 1 (assuming "true" a
                        # valid boolean literal according to
                        # $obj->db->parse_boolean('true'))
  $obj->is_red('');     # returns 0
  $obj->is_red;         # returns 0

  $obj->is_happy;       # returns 1

  ...

  package Person;

  our @ISA = qw(Rose::DB::Object);
  ...
  use Rose::DB::Object::MakeMethods::Generic
  (
    scalar => 'name',

    set => 
    [
      'nicknames',
      'parts' => { default => [ qw(arms legs) ] },
    ],

    # See the Rose::DB::Object::Metadata::Relationship::ManyToMany
    # documentation for a more complete example
    objects_by_map =>
    [
      friends =>
      {
        map_class    => 'FriendMap',
        manager_args => { sort_by => Friend->meta->table . '.name' },
      },
    ],
  );
  ...

  @parts = $person->parts; # ('arms', 'legs')
  $parts = $person->parts; # [ 'arms', 'legs' ]

  $person->nicknames('Jack', 'Gimpy');   # set with list
  $person->nicknames([ 'Slim', 'Gip' ]); # set with array ref

  print join(', ', map { $_->name } $person->friends);
  ...

  package Program;

  our @ISA = qw(Rose::DB::Object);
  ...
  use Rose::DB::Object::MakeMethods::Generic
  (
    objects_by_key =>
    [
      bugs => 
      {
        class => 'Bug',
        key_columns =>
        {
          # Map Program column names to Bug column names
          id      => 'program_id',
          version => 'version',
        },
        manager_args => 
        {
          sort_by => Bug->meta->table . '.date_submitted DESC',
        },
        query_args   => [ state => { ne => 'closed' } ],
      },
    ]
  );
  ...

  $prog = Program->new(id => 5, version => '3.0', ...);

  $bugs = $prog->bugs;

  # Calls (essentially):
  #
  # Rose::DB::Object::Manager->get_objects(
  #   db           => $prog->db, # share_db defaults to true
  #   object_class => 'Bug',
  #   query =>
  #   {
  #     program_id => 5,     # value of $prog->id
  #     version    => '3.0', # value of $prog->version
  #     state      => { ne => 'closed' },
  #   },
  #   sort_by => 'date_submitted DESC');

  ...

  package Product;

  our @ISA = qw(Rose::DB::Object);
  ...
  use Rose::DB::Object::MakeMethods::Generic
  (
    object_by_key =>
    [
      category => 
      {
        class => 'Category',
        key_columns =>
        {
          # Map Product column names to Category column names
          category_id => 'id',
        },
      },
    ]
  );
  ...

  $product = Product->new(id => 5, category_id => 99);

  $category = $product->category;

  # $product->category call is roughly equivalent to:
  #
  # $cat = Category->new(id => $product->category_id,
  #                      db => $prog->db);
  #
  # $ret = $cat->load;
  # return $ret  unless($ret);
  # return $cat;

DESCRIPTION

Rose::DB::Object::MakeMethods::Generic is a method maker that inherits from Rose::Object::MakeMethods. See the Rose::Object::MakeMethods documentation to learn about the interface. The method types provided by this module are described below.

All method types defined by this module are designed to work with objects that are subclasses of (or otherwise conform to the interface of) Rose::DB::Object. In particular, the object is expected to have a db method that returns a Rose::DB-derived object. See the Rose::DB::Object documentation for more details.

METHODS TYPES

array

Create get/set methods for "array" attributes. A "array" column in a database table contains an ordered list of values. Not all databases support an "array" column type. Check the Rose::DB documentation for your database type.

Options
default VALUE

Determines the default value of the attribute. The value should be a reference to an array.

hash_key NAME

The key inside the hash-based object to use for the storage of this attribute. Defaults to the name of the method.

interface NAME

Choose the interface. The default is get_set.

Interfaces
get_set

Creates a get/set method for a "array" object attribute. A "array" column in a database table contains an ordered list of values.

When setting the attribute, the value is passed through the parse_array method of the object's db attribute.

When saving to the database, if the attribute value is defined, the method will pass the attribute value through the format_array method of the object's db attribute before returning it.

When not saving to the database, the method returns the array as a list in list context, or as a reference to the array in scalar context.

get

Creates an accessor method for a "array" object attribute. A "array" column in a database table contains an ordered list of values.

When saving to the database, if the attribute value is defined, the method will pass the attribute value through the format_array method of the object's db attribute before returning it.

When not saving to the database, the method returns the array as a list in list context, or as a reference to the array in scalar context.

set

Creates a mutator method for a "array" object attribute. A "array" column in a database table contains an ordered list of values.

When setting the attribute, the value is passed through the parse_array method of the object's db attribute.

When saving to the database, if the attribute value is defined, the method will pass the attribute value through the format_array method of the object's db attribute before returning it.

When not saving to the database, the method returns the array as a list in list context, or as a reference to the array in scalar context.

If called with no arguments, a fatal error will occur.

Example:

    package Person;

    our @ISA = qw(Rose::DB::Object);
    ...
    use Rose::DB::Object::MakeMethods::Generic
    (
      array => 
      [
        'nicknames',
        set_nicks => { interface => 'set', hash_key => 'nicknames' },
        parts     => { default => [ qw(arms legs) ] },
      ],
    );
    ...

    @parts = $person->parts; # ('arms', 'legs')
    $parts = $person->parts; # [ 'arms', 'legs' ]

    $person->nicknames('Jack', 'Gimpy');   # set with list
    $person->nicknames([ 'Slim', 'Gip' ]); # set with array ref

    $person->set_nicks('Jack', 'Gimpy');   # set with list
    $person->set_nicks([ 'Slim', 'Gip' ]); # set with array ref
bitfield

Create get/set methods for bitfield attributes.

Options
default VALUE

Determines the default value of the attribute.

hash_key NAME

The key inside the hash-based object to use for the storage of this attribute. Defaults to the name of the method.

interface NAME

Choose the interface. The default is get_set.

intersects NAME

Set the name of the "intersects" method. (See with_intersects below.) Defaults to the bitfield attribute method name with "_intersects" appended.

bits INT

The number of bits in the bitfield. Defaults to 32.

with_intersects BOOL

This option is only applicable with the get_set interface.

If true, create an "intersects" helper method in addition to the get_set method. The intersection method name will be the attribute method name with "_intersects" appended, or the value of the intersects option, if it is passed.

The "intersects" method will return true if there is any intersection between its arguments and the value of the bitfield attribute (i.e., if Bit::Vector's Intersection method returns a value greater than zero), false (but defined) otherwise. Its argument is passed through the parse_bitfield method of the object's db attribute before being tested for intersection. Returns undef if the bitfield is not defined.

Interfaces
get_set

Creates a get/set method for a bitfield attribute. When setting the attribute, the value is passed through the parse_bitfield method of the object's db attribute before being assigned.

When saving to the database, the method will pass the attribute value through the format_bitfield method of the object's db attribute before returning it. Otherwise, the value is returned as-is.

get

Creates an accessor method for a bitfield attribute. When saving to the database, the method will pass the attribute value through the format_bitfield method of the object's db attribute before returning it. Otherwise, the value is returned as-is.

set

Creates a mutator method for a bitfield attribute. When setting the attribute, the value is passed through the parse_bitfield method of the object's db attribute before being assigned.

When saving to the database, the method will pass the attribute value through the format_bitfield method of the object's db attribute before returning it. Otherwise, the value is returned as-is.

If called with no arguments, a fatal error will occur.

Example:

    package MyDBObject;

    our @ISA = qw(Rose::DB::Object);

    use Rose::DB::Object::MakeMethods::Generic
    (
      bitfield => 
      [
        'flags' => { size => 32, default => 2 },
        'bits'  => { size => 16, with_intersects => 1 },
      ],
    );

    ...

    print $o->flags->to_Bin; # 00000000000000000000000000000010

    $o->bits('101');

    $o->bits_intersects('100'); # true
    $o->bits_intersects('010'); # false
boolean

Create get/set methods for boolean attributes.

Options
default VALUE

Determines the default value of the attribute.

hash_key NAME

The key inside the hash-based object to use for the storage of this attribute. Defaults to the name of the method.

interface NAME

Choose the interface. The default is get_set.

Interfaces
get_set

Creates a get/set method for a boolean attribute. When setting the attribute, if the value is "true" according to Perl's rules, it is compared to a list of "common" true and false values: 1, 0, 1.0 (with any number of zeros), 0.0 (with any number of zeros), t, true, f, false, yes, no. (All are case-insensitive.) If the value matches, then it is set to true (1) or false (0) accordingly.

If the value does not match any of those, then it is passed through the parse_boolean method of the object's db attribute. If parse_boolean returns true (1) or false (0), then the attribute is set accordingly. If parse_boolean returns undef, a fatal error will occur. If the value is "false" according to Perl's rules, the attribute is set to zero (0).

When saving to the database, the method will pass the attribute value through the format_boolean method of the object's db attribute before returning it. Otherwise, the value is returned as-is.

get

Creates an accessor method for a boolean attribute. When saving to the database, the method will pass the attribute value through the format_boolean method of the object's db attribute before returning it. Otherwise, the value is returned as-is.

set

Creates a mutator method for a boolean attribute. When setting the attribute, if the value is "true" according to Perl's rules, it is compared to a list of "common" true and false values: 1, 0, 1.0 (with any number of zeros), 0.0 (with any number of zeros), t, true, f, false, yes, no. (All are case-insensitive.) If the value matches, then it is set to true (1) or false (0) accordingly.

If the value does not match any of those, then it is passed through the parse_boolean method of the object's db attribute. If parse_boolean returns true (1) or false (0), then the attribute is set accordingly. If parse_boolean returns undef, a fatal error will occur. If the value is "false" according to Perl's rules, the attribute is set to zero (0).

If called with no arguments, a fatal error will occur.

Example:

    package MyDBObject;

    our @ISA = qw(Rose::DB::Object);

    use Rose::DB::Object::MakeMethods::Generic
    (
      boolean => 
      [
        'is_red',
        'is_happy'  => { default => 1 },
        'set_happy' => { interface => 'set', hash_key => 'is_happy' },
      ],
    );

    $obj->is_red;         # returns undef
    $obj->is_red('true'); # returns 1 (assuming "true" a
                          # valid boolean literal according to
                          # $obj->db->parse_boolean('true'))
    $obj->is_red('');     # returns 0
    $obj->is_red;         # returns 0

    $obj->is_happy;       # returns 1
    $obj->set_happy(0);   # returns 0
    $obj->is_happy;       # returns 0
character

Create get/set methods for fixed-length character string attributes.

Options
check_in ARRAYREF

A reference to an array of valid values. When setting the attribute, if the new value is not equal (string comparison) to one of the valid values, a fatal error will occur.

default VALUE

Determines the default value of the attribute.

hash_key NAME

The key inside the hash-based object to use for the storage of this attribute. Defaults to the name of the method.

init_method NAME

The name of the method to call when initializing the value of an undefined attribute. Defaults to the method name with the prefix init_ added. This option implies with_init.

interface NAME

Choose the interface. The default is get_set.

length INT

The number of characters in the string. Any strings shorter than this will be padded with spaces to meet the length requirement. If length is omitted, the string will be left unmodified.

overflow BEHAVIOR

Determines the behavior when the value is greater than the number of characters specified by the length option. Valid values for BEHAVIOR are:

fatal

Throw an exception.

truncate

Truncate the value to the correct length.

warn

Print a warning message.

with_init BOOL

Modifies the behavior of the get_set and get interfaces. If the attribute is undefined, the method specified by the init_method option is called and the attribute is set to the return value of that method.

Interfaces
get_set

Creates a get/set method for a fixed-length character string attribute. When setting, any strings longer than length will be truncated, and any strings shorter will be padded with spaces to meet the length requirement. If length is omitted, the string will be left unmodified.

get

Creates an accessor method for a fixed-length character string attribute.

set

Creates a mutator method for a fixed-length character string attribute. Any strings longer than length will be truncated, and any strings shorter will be padded with spaces to meet the length requirement. If length is omitted, the string will be left unmodified.

Example:

    package MyDBObject;

    our @ISA = qw(Rose::DB::Object);

    use Rose::DB::Object::MakeMethods::Generic
    (
      character => 
      [
        'name' => { length => 3 },
      ],
    );

    ...

    $o->name('John'); # truncates on set
    print $o->name;   # 'Joh'

    $o->name('A'); # pads on set
    print $o->name;   # 'A  '
enum

Create get/set methods for enum attributes.

Options
default VALUE

Determines the default value of the attribute.

values ARRAYREF

A reference to an array of the enum values. This attribute is required. When setting the attribute, if the new value is not equal (string comparison) to one of the enum values, a fatal error will occur.

hash_key NAME

The key inside the hash-based object to use for the storage of this attribute. Defaults to the name of the method.

init_method NAME

The name of the method to call when initializing the value of an undefined attribute. Defaults to the method name with the prefix init_ added. This option implies with_init.

interface NAME

Choose the interface. The get_set interface is the default.

with_init BOOL

Modifies the behavior of the get_set and get interfaces. If the attribute is undefined, the method specified by the init_method option is called and the attribute is set to the return value of that method.

Interfaces
get_set

Creates a get/set method for an enum attribute. When called with an argument, the value of the attribute is set. If the value is invalid, a fatal error will occur. The current value of the attribute is returned.

get

Creates an accessor method for an object attribute that returns the current value of the attribute.

set

Creates a mutator method for an object attribute. When called with an argument, the value of the attribute is set. If the value is invalid, a fatal error will occur. If called with no arguments, a fatal error will occur.

Example:

    package MyDBObject;

    our @ISA = qw(Rose::DB::Object);

    use Rose::DB::Object::MakeMethods::Generic
    (
      enum => 
      [
        type  => { values => [ qw(main aux extra) ], default => 'aux' },
        stage => { values => [ qw(new std old) ], with_init => 1 },
      ],
    );

    sub init_stage { 'new' }
    ...

    $o = MyDBObject->new(...);

    print $o->type;   # aux
    print $o->stage;  # new

    $o->type('aux');  # set
    $o->stage('old'); # set

    eval { $o->type('foo') }; # fatal error: invalid value

    print $o->type, ' is at stage ', $o->stage; # get
integer

Create get/set methods for integer attributes.

Options
default VALUE

Determines the default value of the attribute.

hash_key NAME

The key inside the hash-based object to use for the storage of this attribute. Defaults to the name of the method.

init_method NAME

The name of the method to call when initializing the value of an undefined attribute. Defaults to the method name with the prefix init_ added. This option implies with_init.

interface NAME

Choose the interface. The get_set interface is the default.

with_init BOOL

Modifies the behavior of the get_set and get interfaces. If the attribute is undefined, the method specified by the init_method option is called and the attribute is set to the return value of that method.

Interfaces
get_set

Creates a get/set method for an integer object attribute. When called with an argument, the value of the attribute is set. The current value of the attribute is returned.

get

Creates an accessor method for an integer object attribute that returns the current value of the attribute.

set

Creates a mutator method for an integer object attribute. When called with an argument, the value of the attribute is set. If called with no arguments, a fatal error will occur.

Example:

    package MyDBObject;

    our @ISA = qw(Rose::DB::Object);

    use Rose::DB::Object::MakeMethods::Generic
    (
      integer => 
      [
        code => { default => 99  },
        type => { with_init => 1 }
      ],
    );

    sub init_type { 123 }
    ...

    $o = MyDBObject->new(...);

    print $o->code; # 99
    print $o->type; # 123

    $o->code(8675309); # set
    $o->type(42);      # set
objects_by_key

Create get/set methods for an array of Rose::DB::Object-derived objects fetched based on a key formed from attributes of the current object.

Options
class CLASS

The name of the Rose::DB::Object-derived class of the objects to be fetched. This option is required.

hash_key NAME

The key inside the hash-based object to use for the storage of the fetched objects. Defaults to the name of the method.

key_columns HASHREF

A reference to a hash that maps column names in the current object to those in the objects to be fetched. This option is required.

manager_args HASHREF

A reference to a hash of arguments passed to the manager_class when fetching objects. If manager_class defaults to Rose::DB::Object::Manager, the following argument is added to the manager_args hash: object_class => CLASS, where CLASS is the value of the class option (see above). If manager_args includes a "sort_by" argument, be sure to prefix each column name with the appropriate table name. (See the synopsis for examples.)

manager_class CLASS

The name of the Rose::DB::Object::Manager-derived class used to fetch the objects. The manager_method class method is called on this class. Defaults to Rose::DB::Object::Manager.

manager_method NAME

The name of the class method to call on manager_class in order to fetch the objects. Defaults to get_objects.

interface NAME

Choose the interface. The get_set interface is the default.

relationship OBJECT

The Rose::DB::Object::Metadata::Relationship object that describes the "key" through which the "objects_by_key" are fetched. This is required when using the "add_now", "add_on_save", and "get_set_on_save" interfaces.

share_db BOOL

If true, the db attribute of the current object is shared with all of the objects fetched. Defaults to true.

query_args ARRAYREF

A reference to an array of arguments added to the value of the query parameter passed to the call to manager_class's manager_method class method.

Interfaces
get_set

Creates a method that will attempt to fetch Rose::DB::Object-derived objects based on a key formed from attributes of the current object.

If passed a single argument of undef, the hash_key used to store the objects is set to undef. Otherwise, the argument(s) must be a list or reference to an array containing items in one or more of the following formats:

  • An object of type class

  • A reference to a hash containing method name/value pairs.

  • A single scalar primary key value

The latter two formats will be used to construct an object of type class. A single primary key value is only a valid argument format if the class in question has a single-column primary key. A hash reference argument must contain sufficient information for the object to be uniquely identified.

The list of object is assigned to hash_key. Note that these objects are not added to the database. Use the get_set_now or get_set_on_save interface to do that.

If called with no arguments and the hash key used to store the list of objects is defined, the list (in list context) or a reference to that array (in scalar context) of objects is returned. Otherwise, the objects are fetched.

The fetch may fail for several reasons. The fetch will not even be attempted if any of the key attributes in the current object are undefined. Instead, undef (in scalar context) or an empty list (in list context) will be returned. If the call to manager_class's manager_method method returns false, that false value (in scalar context) or an empty list (in list context) is returned.

If the fetch succeeds, a list (in list context) or a reference to the array of objects (in scalar context) is returned. (If the fetch finds zero objects, the list or array reference will simply be empty. This is still considered success.)

get_set_now

Creates a method that will attempt to fetch Rose::DB::Object-derived objects based on a key formed from attributes of the current object, and will also save the objects to the database when called with arguments. The objects do not have to already exist in the database; they will be inserted if needed.

If passed a single argument of undef, the list of objects is set to undef, causing it to be reloaded the next time the method is called with no arguments. (Pass a reference to an empty array to cause all of the existing objects to be deleted from the database.) Any pending set_on_save or add_on_save actions are discarded.

Otherwise, the argument(s) must be a list or reference to an array containing items in one or more of the following formats:

  • An object of type class

  • A reference to a hash containing method name/value pairs.

  • A single scalar primary key value

The latter two formats will be used to construct an object of type class. A single primary key value is only a valid argument format if the class in question has a single-column primary key. A hash reference argument must contain sufficient information for the object to be uniquely identified.

The list of object is assigned to hash_key, the old objects are deleted from the database, and the new ones are added to the database. Any pending set_on_save or add_on_save actions are discarded.

When adding each object, if the object does not already exists in the database, it will be inserted. If the object was previously loaded from or saved to the database, it will be updated. Otherwise, it will be loaded.

The parent object must have been loaded or saved prior to setting the list of objects. If this method is called with arguments before the object has been loaded or saved, a fatal error will occur.

If called with no arguments and the hash key used to store the list of objects is defined, the list (in list context) or a reference to that array (in scalar context) of objects is returned. Otherwise, the objects are fetched.

The fetch may fail for several reasons. The fetch will not even be attempted if any of the key attributes in the current object are undefined. Instead, undef (in scalar context) or an empty list (in list context) will be returned. If the call to manager_class's manager_method method returns false, that false value (in scalar context) or an empty list (in list context) is returned.

If the fetch succeeds, a list (in list context) or a reference to the array of objects (in scalar context) is returned. (If the fetch finds zero objects, the list or array reference will simply be empty. This is still considered success.)

get_set_on_save

Creates a method that will attempt to fetch Rose::DB::Object-derived objects based on a key formed from attributes of the current object, and will also save the objects to the database when the "parent" object is saved. The objects do not have to already exist in the database; they will be inserted if needed.

If passed a single argument of undef, the list of objects is set to undef, causing it to be reloaded the next time the method is called with no arguments. (Pass a reference to an empty array to cause all of the existing objects to be deleted from the database when the parent is saved.)

Otherwise, the argument(s) must be a list or reference to an array containing items in one or more of the following formats:

  • An object of type class

  • A reference to a hash containing method name/value pairs.

  • A single scalar primary key value

The latter two formats will be used to construct an object of type class. A single primary key value is only a valid argument format if the class in question has a single-column primary key. A hash reference argument must contain sufficient information for the object to be uniquely identified.

The list of object is assigned to hash_key. The old objects are scheduled to be deleted from the database and the new ones are scheduled to be added to the database when the parent is saved. Any pending set_on_save or add_on_save actions are discarded.

When adding each object when the parent is saved, if the object does not already exists in the database, it will be inserted. If the object was previously loaded from or saved to the database, it will be updated. Otherwise, it will be loaded.

If called with no arguments and the hash key used to store the list of objects is defined, the list (in list context) or a reference to that array (in scalar context) of objects is returned. Otherwise, the objects are fetched.

The fetch may fail for several reasons. The fetch will not even be attempted if any of the key attributes in the current object are undefined. Instead, undef (in scalar context) or an empty list (in list context) will be returned. If the call to manager_class's manager_method method returns false, that false value (in scalar context) or an empty list (in list context) is returned.

If the fetch succeeds, a list (in list context) or a reference to the array of objects (in scalar context) is returned. (If the fetch finds zero objects, the list or array reference will simply be empty. This is still considered success.)

add_now

Creates a method that will add to a list of Rose::DB::Object-derived objects that are related to the current object by a key formed from attributes of the current object. The objects do not have to already exist in the database; they will be inserted if needed.

If passed an empty list, the method does nothing and the parent object's error attribute is set.

If passed any arguments, the parent object must have been loaded or saved prior to adding to the list of objects. If this method is called with a non-empty list as an argument before the parent object has been loaded or saved, a fatal error will occur.

The argument(s) must be a list or reference to an array containing items in one or more of the following formats:

  • An object of type class

  • A reference to a hash containing method name/value pairs.

  • A single scalar primary key value

The latter two formats will be used to construct an object of type class. A single primary key value is only a valid argument format if the class in question has a single-column primary key. A hash reference argument must contain sufficient information for the object to be uniquely identified.

These objects are linked to the parent object (by setting the appropriate key attributes) and then added to the database.

When adding each object, if the object does not already exists in the database, it will be inserted. If the object was previously loaded from or saved to the database, it will be updated. Otherwise, it will be loaded.

The parent object's list of related objects is then set to undef, causing the related objects to be reloaded from the database the next time they're needed.

add_on_save

Creates a method that will add to a list of Rose::DB::Object-derived objects that are related to the current object by a key formed from attributes of the current object. The objects will be added to the database when the parent object is saved. The objects do not have to already exist in the database; they will be inserted if needed.

If passed an empty list, the method does nothing and the parent object's error attribute is set.

Otherwise, the argument(s) must be a list or reference to an array containing items in one or more of the following formats:

  • An object of type class

  • A reference to a hash containing method name/value pairs.

  • A single scalar primary key value

The latter two formats will be used to construct an object of type class. A single primary key value is only a valid argument format if the class in question has a single-column primary key. A hash reference argument must contain sufficient information for the object to be uniquely identified.

These objects are linked to the parent object (by setting the appropriate key attributes, whether or not they're defined in the parent object) and are scheduled to be added to the database when the parent object is saved. They are also added to the parent object's current list of related objects, if the list is defined at the time of the call.

When adding each object when the parent is saved, if the object does not already exists in the database, it will be inserted. If the object was previously loaded from or saved to the database, it will be updated. Otherwise, it will be loaded.

Example setup:

    # CLASS     DB TABLE
    # -------   --------
    # Program   programs
    # Bug       bugs

    package Program;

    our @ISA = qw(Rose::DB::Object);
    ...
    # You will almost never call the method-maker directly
    # like this.  See the Rose::DB::Object::Metadata docs
    # for examples of more common usage.
    use Rose::DB::Object::MakeMethods::Generic
    (
      objects_by_key =>
      [
        bugs => 
        {
          interface => '...', # get_set, get_set_now, get_set_on_save
          class     => 'Bug',
          key_columns =>
          {
            # Map Program column names to Bug column names
            id      => 'program_id',
            version => 'version',
          },
          manager_args => { sort_by => 'date_submitted DESC' },
          query_args   => { state => { ne => 'closed' } },
        },

        add_bugs => 
        {
          interface => '...', # add_now or add_on_save
          class     => 'Bug',
          key_columns =>
          {
            # Map Program column names to Bug column names
            id      => 'program_id',
            version => 'version',
          },
          manager_args => { sort_by => 'date_submitted DESC' },
          query_args   => { state => { ne => 'closed' } },
        },
      ]
    );
    ...

Example - get_set interface:

    # Read from the programs table
    $prog = Program->new(id => 5)->load;

    # Read from the bugs table
    $bugs = $prog->bugs;

    # Calls (essentially):
    #
    # Rose::DB::Object::Manager->get_objects(
    #   db           => $prog->db, # share_db defaults to true
    #   object_class => 'Bug',
    #   query =>
    #   {
    #     program_id => 5,     # value of $prog->id
    #     version    => '3.0', # value of $prog->version
    #     state      => { ne => 'closed' },
    #   },
    #   sort_by => 'date_submitted DESC');
    ...
    $prog->version($new_version); # Does not hit the db
    $prog->bugs(@new_bugs);       # Does not hit the db

    # @new_bugs can contain any mix of these types:
    #
    # @new_bugs =
    # (
    #   123,                 # primary key value
    #   { id => 456 },       # method name/value pairs
    #   Bug->new(id => 789), # object
    # );

    # Write to the programs table only.  The bugs table is not
    # updated. See the get_set_now and get_set_on_save method
    # types for ways to write to the bugs table.
    $prog->save;

Example - get_set_now interface:

    # Read from the programs table
    $prog = Program->new(id => 5)->load;

    # Read from the bugs table
    $bugs = $prog->bugs;

    $prog->name($new_name); # Does not hit the db

    # Writes to the bugs table, deleting existing bugs and
    # replacing them with @new_bugs (which must be an array
    # of Bug objects, either existing or new)
    $prog->bugs(@new_bugs); 

    # @new_bugs can contain any mix of these types:
    #
    # @new_bugs =
    # (
    #   123,                 # primary key value
    #   { id => 456 },       # method name/value pairs
    #   Bug->new(id => 789), # object
    # );

    # Write to the programs table
    $prog->save;

Example - get_set_on_save interface:

    # Read from the programs table
    $prog = Program->new(id => 5)->load;

    # Read from the bugs table
    $bugs = $prog->bugs;

    $prog->name($new_name); # Does not hit the db
    $prog->bugs(@new_bugs); # Does not hit the db

    # @new_bugs can contain any mix of these types:
    #
    # @new_bugs =
    # (
    #   123,                 # primary key value
    #   { id => 456 },       # method name/value pairs
    #   Bug->new(id => 789), # object
    # );

    # Write to the programs table and the bugs table, deleting any
    # existing bugs and replacing them with @new_bugs (which must be
    # an array of Bug objects, either existing or new)
    $prog->save;

Example - add_now interface:

    # Read from the programs table
    $prog = Program->new(id => 5)->load;

    # Read from the bugs table
    $bugs = $prog->bugs;

    $prog->name($new_name); # Does not hit the db

    # Writes to the bugs table, adding @new_bugs to the current
    # list of bugs for this program
    $prog->add_bugs(@new_bugs);

    # @new_bugs can contain any mix of these types:
    #
    # @new_bugs =
    # (
    #   123,                 # primary key value
    #   { id => 456 },       # method name/value pairs
    #   Bug->new(id => 789), # object
    # );

    # Read from the bugs table, getting the full list of bugs, 
    # including the ones that were added above.
    $bugs = $prog->bugs;

    # Write to the programs table only
    $prog->save;

Example - add_on_save interface:

    # Read from the programs table
    $prog = Program->new(id => 5)->load;

    # Read from the bugs table
    $bugs = $prog->bugs;

    $prog->name($new_name);     # Does not hit the db
    $prog->add_bugs(@new_bugs); # Does not hit the db

    # @new_bugs can contain any mix of these types:
    #
    # @new_bugs =
    # (
    #   123,                 # primary key value
    #   { id => 456 },       # method name/value pairs
    #   Bug->new(id => 789), # object
    # );

    # Write to the programs table and the bugs table, adding
    # @new_bugs to the current list of bugs for this program
    $prog->save;
objects_by_map

Create methods that fetch Rose::DB::Object-derived objects via an intermediate Rose::DB::Object-derived class that maps between two other Rose::DB::Object-derived classes. See the Rose::DB::Object::Metadata::Relationship::ManyToMany documentation for a more complete example of this type of method in action.

Options
hash_key NAME

The key inside the hash-based object to use for the storage of the fetched objects. Defaults to the name of the method.

interface NAME

Choose the interface. The get_set interface is the default.

manager_args HASHREF

A reference to a hash of arguments passed to the manager_class when fetching objects. If manager_args includes a "sort_by" argument, be sure to prefix each column name with the appropriate table name. (See the synopsis for examples.)

manager_class CLASS

The name of the Rose::DB::Object::Manager-derived class that the map_class will use to fetch records. Defaults to Rose::DB::Object::Manager.

manager_method NAME

The name of the class method to call on manager_class in order to fetch the objects. Defaults to get_objects.

map_class CLASS

The name of the Rose::DB::Object-derived class that maps between the other two Rose::DB::Object-derived classes. This class must have a foreign key and/or "many to one" relationship for each of the two tables that it maps between.

map_from NAME

The name of the "many to one" relationship or foreign key in map_class that points to the object of the class that this relationship exists in. Setting this value is only necessary if the map_class has more than one foreign key or "many to one" relationship that points to one of the classes that it maps between.

map_to NAME

The name of the "many to one" relationship or foreign key in map_class that points to the "foreign" object to be fetched. Setting this value is only necessary if the map_class has more than one foreign key or "many to one" relationship that points to one of the classes that it maps between.

relationship OBJECT

The Rose::DB::Object::Metadata::Relationship object that describes the "key" through which the "objects_by_key" are fetched. This option is required.

share_db BOOL

If true, the db attribute of the current object is shared with all of the objects fetched. Defaults to true.

query_args ARRAYREF

A reference to an array of arguments added to the value of the query parameter passed to the call to manager_class's manager_method class method.

Interfaces
get_set

Creates a method that will attempt to fetch Rose::DB::Object-derived objects that are related to the current object through the map_class.

If passed a single argument of undef, the hash_key used to store the objects is set to undef. Otherwise, the argument(s) must be a list or reference to an array containing items in one or more of the following formats:

  • An object of type class

  • A reference to a hash containing method name/value pairs.

  • A single scalar primary key value

The latter two formats will be used to construct an object of type class. A single primary key value is only a valid argument format if the class in question has a single-column primary key. A hash reference argument must contain sufficient information for the object to be uniquely identified.

The list of object is assigned to hash_key. Note that these objects are not added to the database. Use the get_set_now or get_set_on_save interface to do that.

When fetching objects from the database, if the call to manager_class's manager_method method returns false, that false value (in scalar context) or an empty list (in list context) is returned.

If the fetch succeeds, a list (in list context) or a reference to the array of objects (in scalar context) is returned. (If the fetch finds zero objects, the list or array reference will simply be empty. This is still considered success.)

get_set_now

Creates a method that will attempt to fetch Rose::DB::Object-derived objects that are related to the current object through the map_class, and will also save objects to the database and map them to the parent object when called with arguments. The objects do not have to already exist in the database; they will be inserted if needed.

If passed a single argument of undef, the list of objects is set to undef, causing it to be reloaded the next time the method is called with no arguments. (Pass a reference to an empty array to cause all of the existing objects to be "unmapped"--that is, to have their entries in the mapping table deleted from the database.) Any pending set_on_save or add_on_save actions are discarded.

Otherwise, the argument(s) must be a list or reference to an array containing items in one or more of the following formats:

  • An object of type class

  • A reference to a hash containing method name/value pairs.

  • A single scalar primary key value

The latter two formats will be used to construct an object of type class. A single primary key value is only a valid argument format if the class in question has a single-column primary key. A hash reference argument must contain sufficient information for the object to be uniquely identified.

The list of object is assigned to hash_key, the old entries are deleted from the mapping table in the database, and the new objects are added to the database, along with their corresponding mapping entries. Any pending set_on_save or add_on_save actions are discarded.

When adding each object, if the object does not already exists in the database, it will be inserted. If the object was previously loaded from or saved to the database, it will be updated. Otherwise, it will be loaded.

The parent object must have been loaded or saved prior to setting the list of objects. If this method is called with arguments before the object has been loaded or saved, a fatal error will occur.

If called with no arguments and the hash key used to store the list of objects is defined, the list (in list context) or a reference to that array (in scalar context) of objects is returned. Otherwise, the objects are fetched.

When fetching, if the call to manager_class's manager_method method returns false, that false value (in scalar context) or an empty list (in list context) is returned.

If the fetch succeeds, a list (in list context) or a reference to the array of objects (in scalar context) is returned. (If the fetch finds zero objects, the list or array reference will simply be empty. This is still considered success.)

get_set_on_save

Creates a method that will attempt to fetch Rose::DB::Object-derived objects that are related to the current object through the map_class, and will also save objects to the database and map them to the parent object when the "parent" object is saved. The objects do not have to already exist in the database; they will be inserted if needed.

If passed a single argument of undef, the list of objects is set to undef, causing it to be reloaded the next time the method is called with no arguments. (Pass a reference to an empty array to cause all of the existing objects to be "unmapped"--that is, to have their entries in the mapping table deleted from the database.) Any pending set_on_save or add_on_save actions are discarded.

Otherwise, the argument(s) must be a list or reference to an array containing items in one or more of the following formats:

  • An object of type class

  • A reference to a hash containing method name/value pairs.

  • A single scalar primary key value

The latter two formats will be used to construct an object of type class. A single primary key value is only a valid argument format if the class in question has a single-column primary key. A hash reference argument must contain sufficient information for the object to be uniquely identified.

The list of object is assigned to hash_key. The mapping table records that mapped the old objects to the parent object are scheduled to be deleted from the database and new ones are scheduled to be added to the database when the parent is saved. Any previously pending set_on_save or add_on_save actions are discarded.

When adding each object when the parent is saved, if the object does not already exists in the database, it will be inserted. If the object was previously loaded from or saved to the database, it will be updated. Otherwise, it will be loaded.

If called with no arguments and the hash key used to store the list of objects is defined, the list (in list context) or a reference to that array (in scalar context) of objects is returned. Otherwise, the objects are fetched.

When fetching, if the call to manager_class's manager_method method returns false, that false value (in scalar context) or an empty list (in list context) is returned.

If the fetch succeeds, a list (in list context) or a reference to the array of objects (in scalar context) is returned. (If the fetch finds zero objects, the list or array reference will simply be empty. This is still considered success.)

add_now

Creates a method that will add to a list of Rose::DB::Object-derived objects that are related to the current object through the map_class, and will also save objects to the database and map them to the parent object. The objects do not have to already exist in the database; they will be inserted if needed.

If passed an empty list, the method does nothing and the parent object's error attribute is set.

If passed any arguments, the parent object must have been loaded or saved prior to adding to the list of objects. If this method is called with a non-empty list as an argument before the parent object has been loaded or saved, a fatal error will occur.

The argument(s) must be a list or reference to an array containing items in one or more of the following formats:

  • An object of type class

  • A reference to a hash containing method name/value pairs.

  • A single scalar primary key value

The latter two formats will be used to construct an object of type class. A single primary key value is only a valid argument format if the class in question has a single-column primary key. A hash reference argument must contain sufficient information for the object to be uniquely identified.

The parent object's list of related objects is then set to undef, causing the related objects to be reloaded from the database the next time they're needed.

add_on_save

Creates a method that will add to a list of Rose::DB::Object-derived objects that are related to the current object through the map_class, and will also save objects to the database and map them to the parent object when the "parent" object is saved. The objects and map records will be added to the database when the parent object is saved. The objects do not have to already exist in the database; they will be inserted if needed.

If passed an empty list, the method does nothing and the parent object's error attribute is set.

Otherwise, the argument(s) must be a list or reference to an array containing items in one or more of the following formats:

  • An object of type class

  • A reference to a hash containing method name/value pairs.

  • A single scalar primary key value

The latter two formats will be used to construct an object of type class. A single primary key value is only a valid argument format if the class in question has a single-column primary key. A hash reference argument must contain sufficient information for the object to be uniquely identified.

These objects are scheduled to be added to the database and mapped to the parent object when the parent object is saved. They are also added to the parent object's current list of related objects, if the list is defined at the time of the call.

For a complete example of this method type in action, see the Rose::DB::Object::Metadata::Relationship::ManyToMany documentation.

object_by_key

Create a get/set methods for a single Rose::DB::Object-derived object loaded based on a primary key formed from attributes of the current object.

Options
class CLASS

The name of the Rose::DB::Object-derived class of the object to be loaded. This option is required.

foreign_key OBJECT

The Rose::DB::Object::Metadata::ForeignKey object that describes the "key" through which the "object_by_key" is fetched. This is required when using the "delete_now", "delete_on_save", and "get_set_on_save" interfaces.

hash_key NAME

The key inside the hash-based object to use for the storage of the object. Defaults to the name of the method.

key_columns HASHREF

A reference to a hash that maps column names in the current object to those of the primary key in the object to be loaded. This option is required.

interface NAME

Choose the interface. The default is get_set.

share_db BOOL

If true, the db attribute of the current object is shared with the object loaded. Defaults to true.

Interfaces
delete_now

Deletes a Rose::DB::Object-derived object from the database based on a primary key formed from attributes of the current object. First, the "parent" object will have all of its attributes that refer to the "foreign" set to null, and it will be saved into the database. This needs to be done first because a database that enforces referential integrity will not allow a row to be deleted if it is still referenced by a foreign key in another table.

Any previously pending get_set_on_save action is discarded.

The entire process takes place within a transaction if the database supports it. If not currently in a transaction, a new one is started and then committed on success and rolled back on failure.

Returns true if the foreign object was deleted successfully or did not exist in the database, false if any of the keys that refer to the foreign object were undef, and triggers the normal Rose::DB::Object error handling in the case of any other kind of failure.

delete_on_save

Deletes a Rose::DB::Object-derived object from the database when the "parent" object is saved, based on a primary key formed from attributes of the current object. The "parent" object will have all of its attributes that refer to the "foreign" set to null immediately, but the actual delete will not be done until the parent is saved.

Any previously pending get_set_on_save action is discarded.

The entire process takes place within a transaction if the database supports it. If not currently in a transaction, a new one is started and then committed on success and rolled back on failure.

Returns true if the foreign object was deleted successfully or did not exist in the database, false if any of the keys that refer to the foreign object were undef, and triggers the normal Rose::DB::Object error handling in the case of any other kind of failure.

get_set

Creates a method that will attempt to create and load a Rose::DB::Object-derived object based on a primary key formed from attributes of the current object.

If passed a single argument of undef, the hash_key used to store the object is set to undef. Otherwise, the argument must be one of the following:

  • An object of type class

  • A list of method name/value pairs.

  • A reference to a hash containing method name/value pairs.

  • A single scalar primary key value

The latter three argument types will be used to construct an object of type class. A single primary key value is only valid if the class in question has a single-column primary key. A hash reference argument must contain sufficient information for the object to be uniquely identified.

The object is assigned to hash_key after having its key_columns set to their corresponding values in the current object.

If called with no arguments and the hash_key used to store the object is defined, the object is returned. Otherwise, the object is created and loaded.

The load may fail for several reasons. The load will not even be attempted if any of the key attributes in the current object are undefined. Instead, undef will be returned.

If the call to the newly created object's load method returns false, then the normal Rose::DB::Object error handling is triggered. The false value returned by the call to the load method is returned (assuming no exception was raised).

If the load succeeds, the object is returned.

get_set_now

Creates a method that will attempt to create and load a Rose::DB::Object-derived object based on a primary key formed from attributes of the current object, and will also save the object to the database when called with an appropriate object as an argument.

If passed a single argument of undef, the hash_key used to store the object is set to undef. Otherwise, the argument must be one of the following:

  • An object of type class

  • A list of method name/value pairs.

  • A reference to a hash containing method name/value pairs.

  • A single scalar primary key value

The latter three argument types will be used to construct an object of type class. A single primary key value is only a valid argument format if the class in question has a single-column primary key. A hash reference argument must contain sufficient information for the object to be uniquely identified.

The object is assigned to hash_key after having its key_columns set to their corresponding values in the current object. The object is then immediately saved to the database.

If the object does not already exists in the database, it will be inserted. If the object was previously loaded from or saved to the database, it will be updated. Otherwise, it will be loaded.

The parent object must have been loaded or saved prior to setting the list of objects. If this method is called with arguments before the object has been loaded or saved, a fatal error will occur.

If called with no arguments and the hash_key used to store the object is defined, the object is returned. Otherwise, the object is created and loaded.

The load may fail for several reasons. The load will not even be attempted if any of the key attributes in the current object are undefined. Instead, undef will be returned.

If the call to the newly created object's load method returns false, then the normal Rose::DB::Object error handling is triggered. The false value returned by the call to the load method is returned (assuming no exception was raised).

If the load succeeds, the object is returned.

get_set_on_save

Creates a method that will attempt to create and load a Rose::DB::Object-derived object based on a primary key formed from attributes of the current object, and save the object when the "parent" object is saved.

If passed a single argument of undef, the hash_key used to store the object is set to undef. Otherwise, the argument must be one of the following:

  • An object of type class

  • A list of method name/value pairs.

  • A reference to a hash containing method name/value pairs.

  • A single scalar primary key value

The latter three argument types will be used to construct an object of type class. A single primary key value is only a valid argument format if the class in question has a single-column primary key. A hash reference argument must contain sufficient information for the object to be uniquely identified.

The object is assigned to hash_key after having its key_columns set to their corresponding values in the current object. The object will be saved into the database when the "parent" object is saved. Any previously pending get_set_on_save action is discarded.

If the object does not already exists in the database, it will be inserted. If the object was previously loaded from or saved to the database, it will be updated. Otherwise, it will be loaded.

If called with no arguments and the hash_key used to store the object is defined, the object is returned. Otherwise, the object is created and loaded from the database.

The load may fail for several reasons. The load will not even be attempted if any of the key attributes in the current object are undefined. Instead, undef will be returned.

If the call to the newly created object's load method returns false, then the normal Rose::DB::Object error handling is triggered. The false value returned by the call to the load method is returned (assuming no exception was raised).

If the load succeeds, the object is returned.

Example setup:

    # CLASS     DB TABLE
    # -------   --------
    # Product   products
    # Category  categories

    package Product;

    our @ISA = qw(Rose::DB::Object);
    ...

    # You will almost never call the method-maker directly
    # like this.  See the Rose::DB::Object::Metadata docs
    # for examples of more common usage.
    use Rose::DB::Object::MakeMethods::Generic
    (
      object_by_key =>
      [
        category => 
        {
          interface   => 'get_set',
          class       => 'Category',
          key_columns =>
          {
            # Map Product column names to Category column names
            category_id => 'id',
          },
        },
      ]
    );
    ...

Example - get_set interface:

    $product = Product->new(id => 5, category_id => 99);

    # Read from the categories table
    $category = $product->category; 

    # $product->category call is roughly equivalent to:
    #
    # $cat = Category->new(id => $product->category_id
    #                      db => $prog->db);
    #
    # $ret = $cat->load;
    # return $ret  unless($ret);
    # return $cat;

    # Does not write to the db
    $product->category(Category->new(...));

    $product->save; # writes to products table only

Example - get_set_now interface:

    # Read from the products table
    $product = Product->new(id => 5)->load;

    # Read from the categories table
    $category = $product->category;

    # Write to the categories table:
    # (all possible argument formats show)

    # Object argument
    $product->category(Category->new(...));

    # Primary key value
    $product->category(123); 

    # Method name/value pairs in a hashref
    $product->category(id => 123); 

    # Method name/value pairs in a hashref
    $product->category({ id => 123 }); 

    # Write to the products table
    $product->save; 

Example - get_set_on_save interface:

    # Read from the products table
    $product = Product->new(id => 5)->load;

    # Read from the categories table
    $category = $product->category;

    # These do not write to the db:

    # Object argument
    $product->category(Category->new(...));

    # Primary key value
    $product->category(123); 

    # Method name/value pairs in a hashref
    $product->category(id => 123); 

    # Method name/value pairs in a hashref
    $product->category({ id => 123 });

    # Write to both the products and categories tables
    $product->save; 

Example - delete_now interface:

    # Read from the products table
    $product = Product->new(id => 5)->load;

    # Write to both the categories and products tables
    $product->delete_category();

Example - delete_on_save interface:

    # Read from the products table
    $product = Product->new(id => 5)->load;

    # Does not write to the db
    $product->delete_category(); 

    # Write to both the products and categories tables
    $product->save;
scalar

Create get/set methods for scalar attributes.

Options
default VALUE

Determines the default value of the attribute.

check_in ARRAYREF

A reference to an array of valid values. When setting the attribute, if the new value is not equal (string comparison) to one of the valid values, a fatal error will occur.

hash_key NAME

The key inside the hash-based object to use for the storage of this attribute. Defaults to the name of the method.

init_method NAME

The name of the method to call when initializing the value of an undefined attribute. Defaults to the method name with the prefix init_ added. This option implies with_init.

interface NAME

Choose the interface. The get_set interface is the default.

length INT

The maximum number of characters in the string.

overflow BEHAVIOR

Determines the behavior when the value is greater than the number of characters specified by the length option. Valid values for BEHAVIOR are:

fatal

Throw an exception.

truncate

Truncate the value to the correct length.

warn

Print a warning message.

with_init BOOL

Modifies the behavior of the get_set and get interfaces. If the attribute is undefined, the method specified by the init_method option is called and the attribute is set to the return value of that method.

Interfaces
get_set

Creates a get/set method for an object attribute. When called with an argument, the value of the attribute is set. The current value of the attribute is returned.

get

Creates an accessor method for an object attribute that returns the current value of the attribute.

set

Creates a mutator method for an object attribute. When called with an argument, the value of the attribute is set. If called with no arguments, a fatal error will occur.

Example:

    package MyDBObject;

    our @ISA = qw(Rose::DB::Object);

    use Rose::DB::Object::MakeMethods::Generic
    (
      scalar => 
      [
        name => { default => 'Joe' },
        type => 
        {
          with_init => 1,
          check_in  => [ qw(AA AAA C D) ],
        }
        set_type =>
        {
          check_in  => [ qw(AA AAA C D) ],        
        }
      ],
    );

    sub init_type { 'C' }
    ...

    $o = MyDBObject->new(...);

    print $o->name; # Joe
    print $o->type; # C

    $o->name('Bob'); # set
    $o->type('AA');  # set

    eval { $o->type('foo') }; # fatal error: invalid value

    print $o->name, ' is ', $o->type; # get
set

Create get/set methods for "set" attributes. A "set" column in a database table contains an unordered group of values. Not all databases support a "set" column type. Check the Rose::DB documentation for your database type.

Options
default VALUE

Determines the default value of the attribute. The value should be a reference to an array.

hash_key NAME

The key inside the hash-based object to use for the storage of this attribute. Defaults to the name of the method.

interface NAME

Choose the interface. The default is get_set.

Interfaces
get_set

Creates a get/set method for a "set" object attribute. A "set" column in a database table contains an unordered group of values. On the Perl side of the fence, an ordered list (an array) is used to store the values, but keep in mind that the order is not significant, nor is it guaranteed to be preserved.

When setting the attribute, the value is passed through the parse_set method of the object's db attribute.

When saving to the database, if the attribute value is defined, the method will pass the attribute value through the format_set method of the object's db attribute before returning it.

When not saving to the database, the method returns the set as a list in list context, or as a reference to the array in scalar context.

get

Creates an accessor method for a "set" object attribute. A "set" column in a database table contains an unordered group of values. On the Perl side of the fence, an ordered list (an array) is used to store the values, but keep in mind that the order is not significant, nor is it guaranteed to be preserved.

When saving to the database, if the attribute value is defined, the method will pass the attribute value through the format_set method of the object's db attribute before returning it.

When not saving to the database, the method returns the set as a list in list context, or as a reference to the array in scalar context.

set

Creates a mutator method for a "set" object attribute. A "set" column in a database table contains an unordered group of values. On the Perl side of the fence, an ordered list (an array) is used to store the values, but keep in mind that the order is not significant, nor is it guaranteed to be preserved.

When setting the attribute, the value is passed through the parse_set method of the object's db attribute.

When saving to the database, if the attribute value is defined, the method will pass the attribute value through the format_set method of the object's db attribute before returning it.

When not saving to the database, the method returns the set as a list in list context, or as a reference to the array in scalar context.

Example:

    package Person;

    our @ISA = qw(Rose::DB::Object);
    ...
    use Rose::DB::Object::MakeMethods::Generic
    (
      set => 
      [
        'nicknames',
        'set_nicks' => { interface => 'set', hash_key => 'nicknames' },

        'parts' => { default => [ qw(arms legs) ] },
      ],
    );
    ...

    @parts = $person->parts; # ('arms', 'legs')
    $parts = $person->parts; # [ 'arms', 'legs' ]

    $person->nicknames('Jack', 'Gimpy');   # set with list
    $person->nicknames([ 'Slim', 'Gip' ]); # set with array ref

    $person->set_nicks('Jack', 'Gimpy');   # set with list
    $person->set_nicks([ 'Slim', 'Gip' ]); # set with array ref
varchar

Create get/set methods for variable-length character string attributes.

Options
default VALUE

Determines the default value of the attribute.

hash_key NAME

The key inside the hash-based object to use for the storage of this attribute. Defaults to the name of the method.

init_method NAME

The name of the method to call when initializing the value of an undefined attribute. Defaults to the method name with the prefix init_ added. This option implies with_init.

interface NAME

Choose the interface. The get_set interface is the default.

length INT

The maximum number of characters in the string.

overflow BEHAVIOR

Determines the behavior when the value is greater than the number of characters specified by the length option. Valid values for BEHAVIOR are:

fatal

Throw an exception.

truncate

Truncate the value to the correct length.

warn

Print a warning message.

with_init BOOL

Modifies the behavior of the get_set and get interfaces. If the attribute is undefined, the method specified by the init_method option is called and the attribute is set to the return value of that method.

Interfaces
get_set

Creates a get/set accessor method for a fixed-length character string attribute. When setting, any strings longer than length will be truncated. If length is omitted, the string will be left unmodified.

Example:

    package MyDBObject;

    our @ISA = qw(Rose::DB::Object);

    use Rose::DB::Object::MakeMethods::Generic
    (
      varchar => 
      [
        'name' => { length => 3 },
      ],
    );

    ...

    $o->name('John'); # truncates on set
    print $o->name;   # 'Joh'

AUTHOR

John C. Siracusa (siracusa@mindspring.com)

COPYRIGHT

Copyright (c) 2005 by John C. Siracusa. All rights reserved. This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the same terms as Perl itself.