bson_bytes

    $bytes = bson_bytes( $byte_string );
    $bytes = bson_bytes( $byte_string, $subtype );

This function returns a BSON::Bytes object wrapping the provided string. A numeric subtype may be provided as a second argument, but this is not recommended for new applications.

bson_code

    $code = bson_code( $javascript );
    $code = bson_code( $javascript, $hashref );

This function returns a BSON::Code object wrapping the provided Javascript code. An optional hashref representing variables in scope for the function may be given as well.

bson_dbref

    $dbref = bson_dbref( $object_id, $collection_name );

This function returns a BSON::DBRef object wrapping the provided Object ID and collection name.

bson_decimal128

    $decimal = bson_decimal128( "0.12" );
    $decimal = bson_decimal128( "1.23456789101112131415116E-412" );

This function returns a BSON::Decimal128 object wrapping the provided decimal string. Unlike floating point values, this preserves exact decimal precision.

bson_doc

    $doc = bson_doc( first => "hello, second => "world" );

This function returns a BSON::Doc object, which preserves the order of the provided key-value pairs.

bson_array

    $doc = bson_array(...);

This function returns a BSON::Array object, which preserves the order of the provided list of elements.

bson_double

    $double = bson_double( 1.0 );

This function returns a BSON::Double object wrapping a native double value. This ensures it serializes to BSON as a double rather than a string or integer given Perl's lax typing for scalars.

bson_int32

    $int32 = bson_int32( 42 );

This function returns a BSON::Int32 object wrapping a native integer value. This ensures it serializes to BSON as an Int32 rather than a string or double given Perl's lax typing for scalars.

bson_int64

    $int64 = bson_int64( 0 ); # 64-bit zero

This function returns a BSON::Int64 object, wrapping a native integer value. This ensures it serializes to BSON as an Int64 rather than a string or double given Perl's lax typing for scalars.

bson_maxkey

    $maxkey = bson_maxkey();

This function returns a singleton representing the "maximum key" BSON type.

bson_minkey

    $minkey = bson_minkey();

This function returns a singleton representing the "minimum key" BSON type.

bson_oid

    $oid = bson_oid();         # generate a new one
    $oid = bson_oid( $bytes ); # from 12-byte packed OID
    $oid = bson_oid( $hex   ); # from 24 hex characters

This function returns a BSON::OID object wrapping a 12-byte MongoDB Object ID. With no arguments, a new, unique Object ID is generated instead. If 24 hexadecimal characters are given, they will be packed into a 12-byte Object ID.

bson_raw

    $raw = bson_raw( $bson_encoded );

This function returns a BSON::Raw object wrapping an already BSON-encoded document.

bson_regex

    $regex = bson_regex( $pattern );
    $regex = bson_regex( $pattern, $flags );

This function returns a BSON::Regex object wrapping a PCRE pattern and optional flags.

bson_string

    $string = bson_string( "08544" );

This function returns a BSON::String object, wrapping a native string value. This ensures it serializes to BSON as a UTF-8 string rather than an integer or double given Perl's lax typing for scalars.

bson_time

    $time = bson_time( $seconds_from_epoch );

This function returns a BSON::Time object representing a UTC date and time to millisecond precision. The argument must be given as a number of seconds relative to the Unix epoch (positive or negative). The number may be a floating point value for fractional seconds. If no argument is provided, the current time from Time::HiRes is used.

bson_timestamp

    $timestamp = bson_timestamp( $seconds_from_epoch, $increment );

This function returns a BSON::Timestamp object. It is not recommended for general use.

bson_bool (DISCOURAGED)

    # for consistency with other helpers
    $bool = bson_bool( $expression );
    # preferred for efficiency
    use boolean;
    $bool = boolean( $expression );

This function returns a boolean object (true or false) based on the provided expression (or false if no expression is provided). It is provided for consistency so that all BSON types have a corresponding helper function.

For efficiency, use "boolean::boolean()" directly, instead.