Class::Meta provides an interface for automating the creation of Perl classes with attribute data type validation. It differs from other such modules in that it includes an introspection API that can be used as a unified interface for all Class::Meta-generated classes. In this sense, it is an implementation of the "Facade" design pattern.
One might argue that there are already too many class automation and parameter validation modules on CPAN. And one would be right. They range from simple accessor generators, such as Class::Accessor, to simple parameter validators, such as Params::Validate, to more comprehensive systems, such as Class::Contract and Class::Tangram. But, naturally, none of them could do exactly what I needed.
What I needed was an implementation of the "Facade" design pattern. Okay, this isn't a facade like the GOF meant it, but it is in the respect that it creates classes with a common API so that objects of these classes can all be used identically, calling the same methods on each. This is done via the implementation of an introspection API. So the process of creating classes with Class::Meta not only creates attributes and accessors, but also creates objects that describe those classes. Using these descriptive objects, client applications can determine what to do with objects of Class::Meta-generated classes. This is particularly useful for user interface code.
To install this module, type the following:
perl Build.PL
./Build
./Build test
./Build install
Or, if you don't have Module::Build installed, type the following:
perl Makefile.PL
make
make test
make install
This module requires these other modules and libraries:
- Data::Types 0.05 or later
- Class::ISA 0.35 or later
The test suite requires:
( Test::Simple 0.17 or later
Copyright (c) 2002-2011, David E. Wheeler. Some Rights Reserved.
This module is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the same terms as Perl itself.