An object reference that is independent of any `HandleScope` is a _persistent_ reference. Where a `Local` handle only lives as long as the `HandleScope` in which it was allocated, a `Persistent` handle remains valid until it is explicitly disposed.
Due to the evolution of the V8 API, it is necessary for NAN to provide a wrapper implementation of the `Persistent` classes to supply compatibility across the V8 versions supported.
Also see the V8 Embedders Guide section on [Handles and Garbage Collection](https://v8.dev/docs/embed#handles-and-garbage-collection).
<aname="api_nan_persistent_base"></a>
### Nan::PersistentBase & v8::PersistentBase
A persistent handle contains a reference to a storage cell in V8 which holds an object value and which is updated by the garbage collector whenever the object is moved. A new storage cell can be created using the constructor or `Nan::PersistentBase::Reset()`. Existing handles can be disposed using an argument-less `Nan::PersistentBase::Reset()`.
Definition:
_(note: this is implemented as `Nan::PersistentBase` for older versions of V8 and the native `v8::PersistentBase` is used for newer versions of V8)_
```c++
template<typenameT> class PersistentBase {
public:
/**
* If non-empty, destroy the underlying storage cell
*/
void Reset();
/**
* If non-empty, destroy the underlying storage cell and create a new one with
* NOTE: There is no guarantee as to *when* or even *if* the callback is
* invoked. The invocation is performed solely on a best effort basis.
* As always, GC-based finalization should *not* be relied upon for any
* critical form of resource management! At the moment you can either
* specify a parameter for the callback or the location of two internal
* fields in the dying object.
*/
template<typenameP>
void SetWeak(P *parameter,
typename WeakCallbackInfo<P>::Callback callback,
WeakCallbackType type);
void ClearWeak();
/**
* Marks the reference to this object independent. Garbage collector is free
* to ignore any object groups containing this object. Weak callback for an
* independent handle should not assume that it will be preceded by a global
* GC prologue callback or followed by a global GC epilogue callback.
*/
void MarkIndependent() const;
bool IsIndependent() const;
/** Checks if the handle holds the only reference to an object. */
bool IsNearDeath() const;
/** Returns true if the handle's reference is weak. */
bool IsWeak() const
};
```
See the V8 documentation for [`PersistentBase`](https://v8docs.nodesource.com/node-8.16/d4/dca/classv8_1_1_persistent_base.html) for further information.
**Tip:** To get a `v8::Local` reference to the original object back from a `PersistentBase` or `Persistent` object:
Default traits for `Nan::Persistent`. This class does not allow use of the a copy constructor or assignment operator. At present `kResetInDestructor` is not set, but that will change in a future version.
Definition:
_(note: this is implemented as `Nan::NonCopyablePersistentTraits` for older versions of V8 and the native `v8::NonCopyablePersistentTraits` is used for newer versions of V8)_
```c++
template<typenameT> class NonCopyablePersistentTraits {
See the V8 documentation for [`NonCopyablePersistentTraits`](https://v8docs.nodesource.com/node-8.16/de/d73/classv8_1_1_non_copyable_persistent_traits.html) for further information.
A helper class of traits to allow copying and assignment of `Persistent`. This will clone the contents of storage cell, but not any of the flags, etc..
Definition:
_(note: this is implemented as `Nan::CopyablePersistentTraits` for older versions of V8 and the native `v8::NonCopyablePersistentTraits` is used for newer versions of V8)_
See the V8 documentation for [`CopyablePersistentTraits`](https://v8docs.nodesource.com/node-8.16/da/d5c/structv8_1_1_copyable_persistent_traits.html) for further information.
<aname="api_nan_persistent"></a>
### Nan::Persistent
A type of `PersistentBase` which allows copy and assignment. Copy, assignment and destructor behavior is controlled by the traits class `M`.
* Pass allows returning globals from functions, etc.
*/
Global Pass();
};
```
See the V8 documentation for [`Global`](https://v8docs.nodesource.com/node-8.16/d5/d40/classv8_1_1_global.html) for further information.
<aname="api_nan_weak_callback_info"></a>
### Nan::WeakCallbackInfo
`Nan::WeakCallbackInfo` is used as an argument when setting a persistent reference as weak. You may need to free any external resources attached to the object. It is a mirror of `v8:WeakCallbackInfo` as found in newer versions of V8.
See the V8 documentation for [`WeakCallbackInfo`](https://v8docs.nodesource.com/node-8.16/d8/d06/classv8_1_1_weak_callback_info.html) for further information.
<aname="api_nan_weak_callback_type"></a>
### Nan::WeakCallbackType
Represents the type of a weak callback.
A weak callback of type `kParameter` makes the supplied parameter to `Nan::PersistentBase::SetWeak` available through `WeakCallbackInfo::GetParameter`.
A weak callback of type `kInternalFields` uses up to two internal fields at indices 0 and 1 on the `Nan::PersistentBase<v8::Object>` being made weak.
Note that only `v8::Object`s and derivatives can have internal fields.
Definition:
```c++
enum class WeakCallbackType { kParameter, kInternalFields };