NAME

       Bio::SeqFeature::Tools::FeatureNamer - generates unique persistent names for features

SYNOPSIS

         use Bio::SeqIO;
         use Bio::SeqFeature::Tools::FeatureNamer;

         # first fetch a genbank SeqI object
         $seqio =
           Bio::SeqIO->new(-file=>'AE003644.gbk',
                           -format=>'GenBank');
         $seq = $seqio->next_seq();

         $namer = Bio::SeqFeature::Tools::FeatureNamer->new;
         my @features = $seq->get_SeqFeatures;
         foreach my $feature (@features) {
           $namer->name_feature($feature) unless $feature->display_name;
         }

DESCRIPTION

       This is a helper class for providing names for SeqFeatures

       The Bio::SeqFeatureI class provides a display_name method. Typically the display_name is
       not set when parsing formats such as genbank - instead properties such as label, product
       or gene are set in a somewhat inconsistent manner.

       In addition, when generating subfeatures (for example, exons that are subfeatures of a
       transcript feature), it is often desirable to name these subfeatures before either
       exporting to another format or reporting to the user.

       This module is intended to help given uniform display_names to features and their
       subfeatures.

TODO

       Currently the naming policy is hardcoded. It may be desirable to allow plugging in
       variations on naming policies; this could be done either by subclassing, anonymous
       subroutines (closures) or parameterization. Contact the author if you feel you have need
       for a different naming policy

FEEDBACK

   Mailing Lists
       User feedback is an integral part of the evolution of this and other Bioperl modules. Send
       your comments and suggestions preferably to the Bioperl mailing lists  Your participation
       is much appreciated.

         bioperl-l@bioperl.org                  - General discussion
         http://bioperl.org/wiki/Mailing_lists  - About the mailing lists

   Support
       Please direct usage questions or support issues to the mailing list:

       bioperl-l@bioperl.org

       rather than to the module maintainer directly. Many experienced and reponsive experts will
       be able look at the problem and quickly address it. Please include a thorough description
       of the problem with code and data examples if at all possible.

   Reporting Bugs
       report bugs to the Bioperl bug tracking system to help us keep track the bugs and their
       resolution.  Bug reports can be submitted via the web:

         https://github.com/bioperl/bioperl-live/issues

AUTHOR - Chris Mungall

       Email:  cjm AT fruitfly DOT org

APPENDIX

       The rest of the documentation details each of the object methods. Internal methods are
       usually preceded with a _

   new
        Title   : new
        Usage   : $unflattener = Bio::SeqFeature::Tools::FeatureNamer->new();
        Function: constructor
        Example :
        Returns : a new Bio::SeqFeature::Tools::FeatureNamer
        Args    : see below

   name_feature
        Title   : name_feature
        Usage   : $namer->name_feature($sf);
        Function: sets display_name
        Example :
        Returns :
        Args    : L<Bio::SeqFeatureI>

       This method calls generate_feature_name() and uses the returned value to set the
       display_name of the feature

   name_contained_features
        Title   : name_contained_features
        Usage   : $namer->name_contained_features($sf);
        Function: sets display_name for all features contained by sf
        Example :
        Returns :
        Args    : L<Bio::SeqFeatureI>

       iterates through all subfeatures of a certain feature (using get_all_SeqFeatures) and
       names each subfeatures, based on the generated name for the holder feature

       A subfeature is named by concatenating the generated name of the container feature with
       the type and a number.

       For example, if the containing feature is a gene with display name dpp, subfeatures will
       be named dpp-mRNA-1 dpp-mRNA2 dpp-exon1 dpp-exon2 etc

   generate_feature_name
        Title   : generate_feature_name
        Usage   : $name = $namer->generate_feature_name($sf);
        Function: derives a sensible human readable name for a $sf
        Example :
        Returns : str
        Args    : L<Bio::SeqFeatureI>

       returns a generated name (but does not actually set display_name).

       If display_name is already set, the method will return this

       Otherwise, the name will depend on the property:

       label
       product
       gene
       locus_tag

       (in order of priority)