IPv6 representation in perl
- Date: Mon, 26 Feb 2001 16:39:55 +0000
On an entirely different point, I would like to
start a separate thread about the best way to
represent IPv6 numbers in Perl.
I have the following thoughts.
Possible ways may be:
(1) Using a 128 element binary array, and writing
all the binary maths yourself to manipulate that.
(2) Using a 4 element array storing four hex
characters from 0 to F.
Probably far slower than the above method, but
smaller for storing many IPs.
I know that Perl can natively think in hex, so maybe
it would be faster than I think.
(3) Having a complex structure, where the IP number
is stored in parts - the top /48 (in any of several
formats), with variable structure subnets underneath
that.
Could be tricky for the maths, if the variable bits
are badly thought out.
(4) Storing four "IPv4-esque" decimal strings in an
array, or as part of an object. Then do the maths
on each of those separately. Probably fast.
(5) Storing a single parant /48 object (in any
format) and have child objects with only the bottom
parts of the IP to worry about.
I wonder how that would work.
--------
When I have gone away and read more of Mastering
Algorithms with Perl, I will come back and maybe
make some more comments.
Just as a disclaimer - I am in no way making any
comments on Manuel's already excellent libraries. I
have already spoken to him about them, and would not
want to appear to "go behind his back". This is an
entirely intellectual exercise only.
In fact, I would very much like to see Manuel post
his own thoughts and real world experiences on the
subject (of which I have none).
I wish every one well,
Guy
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