NAME

Hash::NoRef - A HASH that store values without increase the reference count (weak references).

DESCRIPTION

This HASH will store it's values without increase the reference count. This can be used to store objects but without interfere in the DESTROY mechanism, since the reference in this HASH won't count.

USAGE

  use Hash::NoRef ;
  my %hash ;
  tie(%hash , 'Hash::NoRef') ;
  ...
  
  ## Or getting a HASH ref tied:
  my $hash = new Hash::NoRef() ;
  
  {
    my $obj = new FOO() ;
    $hash->{obj} = $obj ;
    ## When we exit this block $obj will be destroied,
    ## even with it stored in $hash->{obj}
  }
  
  $hash->{obj} ## is undef now!

FUNTIONS

SvREFCNT ( REF )

Return the reference count of a reference. If a reference is not paste it will return -1. Dead references will return 0.

SvREFCNT_inc ( REF )

Increase the reference count.

SvREFCNT_dec ( REF )

Decrease the reference count.

EXAMPLES

  my $var = 123 ;
  $refcnt = Hash::NoRef::SvREFCNT( \$var ) ; ## returns 1
  
  Hash::NoRef::SvREFCNT_inc(\$var) ; ## adda fake reference, so, it will never die.
  Hash::NoRef::SvREFCNT_dec(\$var) ; ## get back to the normal reference count.

AUTHOR

Graciliano M. P. <gm@virtuasites.com.br>

I will appreciate any type of feedback (include your opinions and/or suggestions). ;-P

COPYRIGHT

This program is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the same terms as Perl itself.