Modular

The concept is based on a module hierarchy called PerlPoint::Generator.

PerlPoint::Generator is part of the framework and does all processing that is necessary for all converters (or generators).

PerlPoint::Generator::<language> modules do the work specific for a certain target language. They are derived from PerlPoint::Generator. By choosing another language module, another target format is produced. The choice is made using the -target option.

    The PerlPoint::Package distribution comes with
    PerlPoint::Generator::XML for XML
    handling, and PerlPoint::Generator::SDF
    for SDF handling.
  
    To produce XML, -target XML is used.
    Likewise, -target SDF produces SDF.

Additionally, PerlPoint::Generator::<language>::<formatter> classes define special, language specific formatting. They are derived from PerlPoint::Generator::<language>. By choosing another formatter module a user determines the way the target format shall be produced. This choice is made via the -formatter option.

By convention at least a PerlPoint::Generator::<language>::Default> module needs to be available. It is used as a fallback in case the user does not choose a formatter explicitly.

    The distribution comes with several
    default formatters:
    PerlPoint::Generator::XML::Default and
    PerlPoint::Generator::SDF::Default.
  
    -target XML -format Default produces
    default formatted XML.

Every user can derive further levels. See below.