Class::DataStore 0.07

Class::DataStore is a Perl module for generic OO data storage/retrieval.

SYNOPSIS

my %values = ( one => 1, two => 2 );
my $store = Class::DataStore->new( %values );

# using get/set methods
$store->set( three, 3 );
my $three = $store->get( three );

# using AUTOLOAD method
$store->four( 4 );
my $four = $store->four;
my @four = $store->four; # returns a list

my $exists = $store->exists( three ); # $exists = 1
my $data_hashref = $store->dump;
$store->clear;

Class::DataStore implements a simple storage system for object data. This data can be accessed via get/set methods and AUTOLOAD. AUTOLOAD calls are not added to the symbol table, so using get/set will be faster. Using AUTOLOAD also means that you will not be able to store data with a key that is already used by a instance method, such as "get" or "exists".
This module was written originally as part of a website framework that was used for the Democratic National Committee website in 2004. Some of the implementations here, such as get() optionally returning a list if called in array context, reflect the way this module was originally used for building web applications.

Class::DataStore is most useful when subclassed. To preserve the AUTOLOAD functionality, be sure to add the following when setting up the subclass:

use base Class::DataStore;
*AUTOLOAD = &Class::DataStore::AUTOLOAD;
This module is also a useful add-on for modules that need quick and simple data storage, e.g. to store configuration data:
$self->{_config} = Class::Datastore->new( $config_data );
sub config { return $_[0]->{_config}; }
my $server = $self->config->server;
my $sender = $self->config->get( sender );