[Biophp-dev] SET/GET methods

[Serge Gregorio]

Ah yes, I've wrestled with this problem too.  There's nothing
stopping us from introducing methods that SET/GET properties
or attributes of classes.  However, keep in mind that there's
nothing stopping the user/developer from SETting/GETting the
properties directly (it's one of PHP 4's OO limitations).  

>>SC: For example, right now everyone is expected to directly set 
>> $seq->sequence and
>> $seq->moltype directly, which means I can easily accidently
>> $seq->sequence='ZXKUQYB'; $seq->moltype='DNA';
>> whereas if people are able to use a "setSequence()" method, we can >> add auto-detection of the type whenever the sequence is set (and 
>> "setMolType()"
>> can check the existing sequence to see if it's valid for that >>type...)

>NS: Right, although it all adds overhead.

Regards,

Serge


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