NAME
Return::DataButBool - Return a boolean value that also has arbitrary numeric and string values
VERSION
This document describes Return::DataButBool version 0.0.3
SYNOPSIS
use Return::DataButBool;
sub whatever {
...
return $ok ? data_but_true( $count ) : data_but_false( $count, $error );
}later in the code using this function:
my $total = 0;
for my $thing ( @stuff ) {
my $rc = whatever( $thing );
$total += $rc; # numeric value
if( !$rc ) { # boolean value
carp "Error happened: $rc"; # string value
}
}DESCRIPTION
Perl's Zero-But-True ( 0e0 ) is a most handy tool (See String::ZeroButTrue). This module expands on that idea by having a return value that has different boolean, numeric, and string values.
For example you could return a count of files processed (say 42 which is "true") but still say it failed in boolean context.
or you could return any false value ( not just '0' ) but still return true. The flexibility allows for all sorts of use.
EXPORT
All 3 functions are exported by default.
INTERFACE
The data_but_* functions take one or two arguments.
The first is the numeric value. Can be signed and/or decimal if you like. If its not [+-] digit [decimal digit] then it is passed through int() - see _get_num_from()
The second is the string value. If not specified the numeric value is used.
zero_but_true()
takes no args, returns good 'ol 0e0 (zero but true). See String::ZeroButTrue for more comprehensive alternatives.
data_but_true()
The value returned evaluates to true in a boolean context. The numeric and string context are determined by the arguments passed as describe above.
data_but_false()
The value returned evaluates to false in a boolean context. The numeric and string context are determined by the arguments passed as describe above.
Internal functions
_get_num_from()
This function makes sure your first argument is numeric ( possible sign, digits, possihle decimal point more digits - or int() )
DIAGNOSTICS
Throws no errors or warnings
CONFIGURATION AND ENVIRONMENT
Return::DataButBool requires no configuration files or environment variables.
DEPENDENCIES
This uses the excellent Contextual::Return whcih can be used if your return needs are more complicated than this module's purpose.
INCOMPATIBILITIES
None reported.
BUGS AND LIMITATIONS
No bugs have been reported.
Please report any bugs or feature requests to bug-return-databutbool@rt.cpan.org, or through the web interface at http://rt.cpan.org.
AUTHOR
Daniel Muey <http://drmuey.com/cpan_contact.pl>
LICENCE AND COPYRIGHT
Copyright (c) 2007, Daniel Muey <http://drmuey.com/cpan_contact.pl>. All rights reserved.
This module is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the same terms as Perl itself. See perlartistic.
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY
BECAUSE THIS SOFTWARE IS LICENSED FREE OF CHARGE, THERE IS NO WARRANTY FOR THE SOFTWARE, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW. EXCEPT WHEN OTHERWISE STATED IN WRITING THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND/OR OTHER PARTIES PROVIDE THE SOFTWARE "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE IS WITH YOU. SHOULD THE SOFTWARE PROVE DEFECTIVE, YOU ASSUME THE COST OF ALL NECESSARY SERVICING, REPAIR, OR CORRECTION.
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