This is a simple interface which allows creation of simple typed object
hierarchies. Single layers can be accessed via simple iterators (next_* methods)
or retrieved all at once (get_*) methods; nested data can be iterated through
nested iterators for each object, or retrieved using get_all_* methods.
This interface defines common methods required for all eutil data-holding
objects: _add_data(), eutil(), and type(). It also specifies inheriting
interface classes use at least one of three methods: get_ids(), get_term(), or
get_database(), which are the three types of data that eutils mainly centers on.
Generally, eutil() is the Bio::Tools::EUtilities parser used to set the data.
Similarly, datatype() is the specific data type for the class.
Implementations which rely on subclasses to store data and have iterators should
also define a generalized rewind() method that (by default) rewinds all
iterators to the start. Args passed can specify exactly which iterator to rewind
and (if possible) recursively rewind nested object iterators.
As the method implies, _add_data() is a private method that adds data chunks to
the object and sets internal parameters for the various data objects. Methods
corresponding to the data type simply return the set data or iterate through the
data sets if the values are more complex. Data can alternatively be passed
through the object constructor.
Please direct usage questions or support issues to the mailing list:
bioperl-l@bioperl.orgrather than to the module maintainer directly. Many experienced and
reponsive experts will be able look at the problem and quickly
address it. Please include a thorough description of the problem
with code and data examples if at all possible.
Report bugs to the Bioperl bug tracking system to
help us keep track the bugs and their resolution.
Bug reports can be submitted via the web.
https://redmine.open-bio.org/projects/bioperl/