<?php
/**
 * Zend Framework
 *
 * LICENSE
 *
 * This source file is subject to the new BSD license that is bundled
 * with this package in the file LICENSE.txt.
 * It is also available through the world-wide-web at this URL:
 * http://framework.zend.com/license/new-bsd
 * If you did not receive a copy of the license and are unable to
 * obtain it through the world-wide-web, please send an email
 * to license@zend.com so we can send you a copy immediately.
 *
 * @category   Zend
 * @package    Zend_Memory
 * @copyright  Copyright (c) 2005-2012 Zend Technologies USA Inc. (http://www.zend.com)
 * @license    http://framework.zend.com/license/new-bsd     New BSD License
 * @version    $Id: Interface.php 24593 2012-01-05 20:35:02Z matthew $
 */

/**
 * Memory value container interface
 *
 * @category   Zend
 * @package    Zend_Memory
 * @copyright  Copyright (c) 2005-2012 Zend Technologies USA Inc. (http://www.zend.com)
 * @license    http://framework.zend.com/license/new-bsd     New BSD License
 */
interface Zend_Memory_Container_Interface
{
    /**
     * Get string value reference
     *
     * _Must_ be used for value access before PHP v 5.2
     * or _may_ be used for performance considerations
     *
     * @return &string
     */
    public function &getRef();

    /**
     * Signal, that value is updated by external code.
     *
     * Should be used together with getRef()
     */
    public function touch();

    /**
     * Lock object in memory.
     */
    public function lock();

    /**
     * Unlock object
     */
    public function unlock();

    /**
     * Return true if object is locked
     *
     * @return boolean
     */
    public function isLocked();
}