NAME

Persist::Tabular - Abstract base class for Persist::Table and Persist::Join

SYNOPSIS

See Persist::Tabular and Persist::Join for a synopsis of the functionality provided by Persist::Tabular.

DESCRIPTION

Provides functionality common to Persist::Table and Persist::Join. Specifically, the iterator functionality.

$tabular->first

Moves the iterator position to the first row of the data set. This method should be used to reset the data position to the beginning. Either this method or next must be called before data is accessed. If there are changes pending in the current row, then those changes are saved before moving the iterator position.

This method should be avoided when possible as it may entail a greater performance cost associated with resetting cursors and such in the underlying driver.

$tabular->next

Moves the iterator position to the next row of the data set. Either this method or first must be called before data is accessed. This is the preferred method as it doesn't result in restarting calls which may involve resetting cursors, etc. in the driver's store. If there are changes pending in the current row, then those changes are saved before moving the iterator position.

$tabular->filter($filter)

Changes the filter or filters used to filter the data set and resets the driver handle. Either first or next must be called to access the data after this call is made.

$tabular->value($column)

Reads the data found in the given column. Either first or next must have been called prior to the this.

$tabular-><column>

Shortcut for of value that reads the data found in the given column.

SEE ALSO

Persist, Persist::Join, Persist::Table

AUTHOR

Andrew Sterling Hanenkamp, <hanenkamp@users.sourceforge.net>

COPYRIGHT AND LICENSE

Copyright (c) 2003, Andrew Sterling Hanenkamp
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