Another option is to have a $self->{ERRORSTR} property that can be obtained via "sub errorstr{}" method.

It should default to the empty string.

Update: On second thoughts, it should also be available as a CLASS method - perhaps setup a private Class variable (our $ERRORSTR), that can be accessed via $ClassName::ERRORSTR
This would be necessary/useful in the event that the "new" method failed to instantiate an object.
I could see coding a method like this: 

our $ERRORSTR="";
sub new{
 ... on failure, $ERRORSTR="*KAPUT*: Monkeywrench in our NEW method";
}

sub OtherMethod{
  .. on error, $self->{ERRORSTR}="*KAPUT* I really hate that parameter
+ you tried to pass to me";
                return -1;
}

sub errorstr{ # Both class, and Instance Method
  my ($self)=@_;
  ref $self or return $ERRORSTR; # Class call
  return defined ($self->{ERRORSTR}) ? $self->{ERRORSTR} : $ERRORSTR;
}

[download]
Update> Add "ref" to sub errorstr, based on tobylink and polymorpheus's comments below.

             I hope life isn't a big joke, because I don't get it.
                   -SNL

In reply to Re: How do I report an error back to the user of my object? by NetWallah
in thread How do I report an error back to the user of my object? by SomeNetworkGuy

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