add method at runtime

[Anonymous Monk]

Hi is it possible to add methods and properties at runtime,like in Python? and why would there be need to do that,why is that an advantage anyway?

[LanX]

> Hi is it possible to add methods and properties at runtime,like in Python?

Yes, semantically pretty much the same way.

For instance see Re: change perl function in runtime

> and why would there be need to do that,why is that an advantage anyway?

Monkey patching is a way for module users to dynamically adjust foreign modules to their temporary needs w/o changing the installed and officially maintained code.

UPDATE

Ah roboticus did good in mentioning Autoloading. It's a technique for module authors (not module users) who want to decide to compile functions only on demand.

(For instance this can improve compile/load time. IIRC does (did?) CGI.pm something comparable.)

[roboticus]

Yes, it's possible. The reasons and benefits, however, vary with the type of task you're doing.

Generally, when you find the need to do it, you'll pretty much know the advantages. At that point, you probably need to contemplate the disadvantages as well, though. ;^)

Update: Check out How can I use AUTOLOAD to magically define get and set methods for my member data? for an example.

...roboticus

When your only tool is a hammer, all problems look like your thumb.