[med-svn] [pbcopper] 01/03: Imported Upstream version 0.0.1+20161202+ds

Afif Elghraoui afif at moszumanska.debian.org
Wed Dec 14 10:25:06 UTC 2016


This is an automated email from the git hooks/post-receive script.

afif pushed a commit to branch master
in repository pbcopper.

commit e0fbbf231c8dea0f0d979e6a0810070fa4feec5c
Author: Afif Elghraoui <afif at ghraoui.name>
Date:   Tue Dec 13 00:21:30 2016 -0800

    Imported Upstream version 0.0.1+20161202+ds
---
 .gitignore                                         |    78 +
 CHANGELOG.md                                       |    51 +
 CMakeLists.txt                                     |    62 +
 LICENSE.txt                                        |    34 +
 README.md                                          |    68 +
 build.sh                                           |    21 +
 circle.yml                                         |    24 +
 cmake/pbcopper-ccache.cmake                        |     8 +
 cmake/pbcopper-compilerflags.cmake                 |    16 +
 cmake/pbcopper-dependencies.cmake                  |     4 +
 cmake/pbcopper-gitsha1.cmake                       |    20 +
 cmake/pbcopper-libtype.cmake                       |    11 +
 docs/CMakeLists.txt                                |    19 +
 examples/CMakeLists.txt                            |     8 +
 examples/cli_demo/CMakeLists.txt                   |    19 +
 examples/cli_demo/main.cpp                         |   105 +
 include/pbcopper/Config.h                          |    22 +
 include/pbcopper/cli/CLI.h                         |    97 +
 include/pbcopper/cli/HelpPrinter.h                 |    28 +
 include/pbcopper/cli/Interface.h                   |   288 +
 include/pbcopper/cli/Option.h                      |   224 +
 include/pbcopper/cli/Parser.h                      |    65 +
 include/pbcopper/cli/PositionalArg.h               |    22 +
 include/pbcopper/cli/Results.h                     |   213 +
 include/pbcopper/cli/SingleDashMode.h              |    19 +
 include/pbcopper/cli/VersionPrinter.h              |    25 +
 include/pbcopper/cli/internal/Option-inl.h         |   139 +
 include/pbcopper/cli/internal/Results-inl.h        |    25 +
 include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/Config.h         |    87 +
 include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/Driver.h         |   116 +
 include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/InputFileType.h  |    40 +
 include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/JsonPrinter.h    |    38 +
 include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/OutputFileType.h |    43 +
 .../cli/toolcontract/ResolvedToolContract.h        |    31 +
 include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/ResourceType.h   |    20 +
 include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/Task.h           |   270 +
 include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/TaskType.h       |    19 +
 .../cli/toolcontract/internal/Config-inl.h         |    36 +
 .../cli/toolcontract/internal/Driver-inl.h         |    46 +
 .../cli/toolcontract/internal/InputFileType-inl.h  |    37 +
 .../cli/toolcontract/internal/OutputFileType-inl.h |    42 +
 .../pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/internal/Task-inl.h  |    87 +
 include/pbcopper/data/CCSTag.h                     |    14 +
 include/pbcopper/data/Interval.h                   |   115 +
 include/pbcopper/data/MovieName.h                  |    85 +
 include/pbcopper/data/Position.h                   |    16 +
 include/pbcopper/data/RSMovieName.h                |    93 +
 include/pbcopper/data/RSReadName.h                 |    16 +
 include/pbcopper/data/ReadName.h                   |    16 +
 include/pbcopper/data/Zmw.h                        |    14 +
 include/pbcopper/data/internal/Interval-inl.h      |    87 +
 include/pbcopper/data/internal/MovieName-inl.h     |   111 +
 include/pbcopper/data/internal/RSMovieName-inl.h   |   144 +
 include/pbcopper/data/internal/ReadNameBase-inl.h  |   252 +
 include/pbcopper/data/internal/ReadNameBase.h      |   103 +
 include/pbcopper/json/JSON.h                       |    22 +
 include/pbcopper/json/internal/json.hpp            | 10182 +++++++++++++++++++
 include/pbcopper/logging/Logging.h                 |   156 +
 include/pbcopper/logging/internal/Logging-inl.h    |    86 +
 include/pbcopper/stream/Stream.h                   |   190 +
 include/pbcopper/utility/CallbackTimer.h           |    62 +
 include/pbcopper/utility/EnumClassHash.h           |    36 +
 include/pbcopper/utility/Stopwatch.h               |    51 +
 include/pbcopper/utility/StringUtils.h             |    24 +
 include/pbcopper/utility/SystemInfo.h              |    29 +
 include/pbcopper/utility/Version.h.in              |    57 +
 .../pbcopper/utility/internal/CallbackTimer-inl.h  |   198 +
 include/pbcopper/utility/internal/Stopwatch-inl.h  |    39 +
 .../pbcopper/utility/internal/StringUtils-inl.h    |    51 +
 include/pbcopper/utility/internal/SystemInfo-inl.h |    54 +
 src/CMakeLists.txt                                 |    54 +
 src/cli/CLI.cpp                                    |    95 +
 src/cli/HelpPrinter.cpp                            |   209 +
 src/cli/Interface.cpp                              |   273 +
 src/cli/Option.cpp                                 |    50 +
 src/cli/Parser.cpp                                 |   200 +
 src/cli/Results.cpp                                |   197 +
 src/cli/VersionPrinter.cpp                         |    12 +
 src/cli/toolcontract/JsonPrinter.cpp               |   242 +
 src/cli/toolcontract/ResolvedToolContract.cpp      |   107 +
 src/data/MovieName.cpp                             |    51 +
 src/data/RSMovieName.cpp                           |    79 +
 src/files.cmake                                    |   143 +
 src/logging/Logging.cpp                            |   235 +
 src/utility/CallbackTimer.cpp                      |   138 +
 tests/CMakeLists.txt                               |    64 +
 tests/files.cmake                                  |    44 +
 tests/include/OStreamRedirector.h                  |    51 +
 tests/src/cli/test_CLI.cpp                         |   433 +
 tests/src/cli/test_HelpPrinter.cpp                 |    59 +
 tests/src/cli/test_Interface.cpp                   |   195 +
 tests/src/cli/test_Option.cpp                      |   162 +
 tests/src/cli/test_ResolvedToolContract.cpp        |   164 +
 tests/src/cli/test_Results.cpp                     |    74 +
 tests/src/cli/test_ToolContractJsonPrinter.cpp     |   229 +
 tests/src/cli/test_VersionPrinter.cpp              |    19 +
 tests/src/data/test_Interval.cpp                   |   199 +
 tests/src/data/test_MovieName.cpp                  |   153 +
 tests/src/data/test_RSMovieName.cpp                |   217 +
 tests/src/data/test_RSReadName.cpp                 |   188 +
 tests/src/data/test_ReadName.cpp                   |   187 +
 tests/src/json/test_JSON.cpp                       |    15 +
 tests/src/logging/test_Logging.cpp                 |    60 +
 tests/src/stream/test_Stream.cpp                   |   319 +
 tests/src/utility/test_CallbackTimer.cpp           |    97 +
 tests/src/utility/test_Stopwatch.cpp               |    67 +
 tests/src/utility/test_SystemInfo.cpp              |    34 +
 107 files changed, 20045 insertions(+)

diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ba56545
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -0,0 +1,78 @@
+# This file is used to ignore files which are generated
+# ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+*~
+*.autosave
+*.a
+*.core
+*.moc
+*.o
+*.obj
+*.orig
+*.rej
+*.so
+*.so.*
+*_pch.h.cpp
+*_resource.rc
+*.qm
+.#*
+*.*#
+core
+!core/
+tags
+.DS_Store
+.directory
+*.debug
+Makefile*
+*.prl
+*.app
+moc_*.cpp
+ui_*.h
+qrc_*.cpp
+Thumbs.db
+*.res
+*.rc
+/.qmake.cache
+/.qmake.stash
+
+# qtcreator generated files
+*.pro.user*
+CMakeLists.txt.user
+
+# xemacs temporary files
+*.flc
+
+# Vim temporary files
+.*.swp
+
+# Visual Studio generated files
+*.ib_pdb_index
+*.idb
+*.ilk
+*.pdb
+*.sln
+*.suo
+*.vcproj
+*vcproj.*.*.user
+*.ncb
+*.sdf
+*.opensdf
+*.vcxproj
+*vcxproj.*
+
+# MinGW generated files
+*.Debug
+*.Release
+
+# Python byte code
+*.pyc
+
+# Binaries
+# --------
+*.dll
+*.exe
+
+# Generated directories
+bin
+build
+lib
diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..14575ba
--- /dev/null
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
+# pbcopper - CHANGELOG
+
+## Active
+
+### TODO
+- Interface groups
+- Initial sequence-related data structures
+
+### Added
+- Encapsulate project version and git sha1
+- RSMovieName & RSReadName: Sequel and RSII movie names are composed of
+different data, and thus need to be handled separately. MovieName & ReadName
+handle Sequel-style data as the default.
+- GoogleTest/GoogleMock in third-party/googletest
+- Access to input command line from PacBio::CLI::Results
+
+## [0.0.1] - 2016-06-22
+
+### Added
+- **PacBio::CLI** : command-line parsing & tool-contract integration
+  - CLI - entry-point methods for parsing args & invoking application callback
+  - Interface - define application's options, description, etc.
+  - Results - contains the results of arg parsing (or resolved tool contract),
+  will be passed to the application callback
+  - ToolContract sub-namespace: contains all APIs for setting up tool contract
+  integration
+- **PacBio::Data**: main data types & data structures
+  - Interval, Position, Zmw - basic data types (same as pbbam)
+  - MovieName - query parts of a PacBio movie name
+  - ReadName - query parts of a PacBio read name
+- **PacBio::JSON** : JSON support
+  - Json - wrapper around nlohmann::json 
+- **PacBio::Logging** : logging utilities
+  - Logger, LogMessage, etc - basic logging (same as pbccs)
+- **PacBio::Stream** : functional-programming-like data streaming
+  - data Source, Sink, & Transform typedefs
+  - instantiated with client-defined 'callables' (lambdas, free functions,
+  static public member functions)
+  - connected via operator >> 
+- **PacBio::Utility** : miscellaneous utilities
+  - CallbackTimer - schedule periodic callback invokation (or delayed
+  single-shot)
+  - EnumClassHash - allows enums/enum classes to be used as STL hash keys
+  - Stopwatch - timer for benchmarking, logging, etc
+  - StringUtils - string dicing & splicing utilities
+  - SystemInfo - currently provides endianness 
+- Examples
+  - cli_demo - playground for testing the command line interface
+- Tests
+  - Unit tests for all classes/modules added
+
diff --git a/CMakeLists.txt b/CMakeLists.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4d5662e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,62 @@
+########################################################################
+# CMake build script for PacBio pbcopper library.
+########################################################################
+cmake_policy(SET CMP0048 NEW)  # lets us set version in project()
+cmake_minimum_required(VERSION 3.0)
+
+project(pbcopper VERSION 0.0.1 LANGUAGES CXX C)
+enable_testing()
+
+# project options
+option(pbcopper_build_shared    "Build pbcopper as a shared library."         OFF)
+option(pbcopper_use_ccache      "Build pbcopper using ccache, if available."  ON)
+option(pbcopper_build_tests     "Build pbcopper tests."                       ON)
+option(pbcopper_build_docs      "Build pbcopper docs."                        ON)
+option(pbcopper_build_examples  "Build pbcopper examples."                    ON)
+
+# project paths
+set(pbcopper_RootDir       ${CMAKE_CURRENT_LIST_DIR})
+set(pbcopper_DocsDir       ${pbcopper_RootDir}/docs)
+set(pbcopper_IncludeDir    ${pbcopper_RootDir}/include)
+set(pbcopper_SourceDir     ${pbcopper_RootDir}/src)
+set(pbcopper_TestsDir      ${pbcopper_RootDir}/tests)
+set(pbcopper_ThirdPartyDir ${pbcopper_RootDir}/third-party)
+
+if(NOT pbcopper_OutputDir)
+    set(pbcopper_OutputDir ${CMAKE_CURRENT_BINARY_DIR})
+endif()
+
+set(pbcopper_LibDir  ${pbcopper_OutputDir}/lib)
+file(MAKE_DIRECTORY  ${pbcopper_LibDir})
+
+# project configuration
+set(CMAKE_MODULE_PATH ${CMAKE_CURRENT_LIST_DIR}/cmake ${CMAKE_MODULE_PATH})
+include(pbcopper-compilerflags)
+include(pbcopper-ccache)
+include(pbcopper-dependencies)
+include(pbcopper-libtype)
+
+# config generation
+include(pbcopper-gitsha1)
+find_git_sha1(COPPER_GIT_SHA1)
+configure_file(
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/utility/Version.h.in
+    ${CMAKE_BINARY_DIR}/generated/pbcopper/utility/Version.h
+)
+
+# main library
+add_subdirectory(src)
+
+# project extras - only build on demand
+#
+if (pbcopper_build_docs)
+    add_subdirectory(docs)      # build with 'make doc' or 'make docs'
+endif()
+
+if (pbcopper_build_examples)
+    add_subdirectory(examples)  # build with 'make examples'
+endif()
+
+if (pbcopper_build_tests)
+    add_subdirectory(tests)
+endif()
diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0e38eca
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LICENSE.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,34 @@
+Copyright (c) 2016, Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.
+
+All rights reserved.
+
+Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without
+modification, are permitted (subject to the limitations in the
+disclaimer below) provided that the following conditions are met:
+
+ * Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright
+   notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer.
+
+ * Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the above
+   copyright notice, this list of conditions and the following
+   disclaimer in the documentation and/or other materials provided
+   with the distribution.
+
+ * Neither the name of Pacific Biosciences nor the names of its
+   contributors may be used to endorse or promote products derived
+   from this software without specific prior written permission.
+
+NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED LICENSES TO ANY PARTY'S PATENT RIGHTS ARE
+GRANTED BY THIS LICENSE. THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY PACIFIC
+BIOSCIENCES AND ITS CONTRIBUTORS "AS IS" AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
+WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES
+OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE
+DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL PACIFIC BIOSCIENCES OR ITS
+CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL,
+SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT
+LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF
+USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND
+ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY,
+OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT
+OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
+SUCH DAMAGE.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7f3077c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,68 @@
+# pbcopper [![CircleCI](https://circleci.com/gh/PacificBiosciences/pbcopper.svg?style=svg&circle-token=4fe4468113a44b8b76019c901f1b6930ef26944b)](https://circleci.com/gh/PacificBiosciences/pbcopper)
+
+The **pbcopper** library provides a suite of data structures, algorithms, and utilities 
+for C++ applications. 
+
+## Getting Started
+
+Download repo & compile library:
+
+```sh
+git clone https://github.com/PacificBiosciences/pbcopper.git && cd pbcopper
+mkdir build && cd build
+cmake ..
+make
+```
+ 
+To build & run tests:
+
+```sh
+make check
+```
+
+To build examples:
+
+```sh
+make examples
+```
+
+To build Doxygen API documentation: (**not yet available**)
+
+```sh
+make docs
+```
+
+## API Overview - main modules 
+
+- **PacBio::CLI** : command-line parsing & tool-contract integration
+  - CLI - entry-point methods for parsing args & invoking application callback
+  - Interface - define application's options, description, etc.
+  - Results - contains the results of arg parsing (or resolved tool contract), will be passed to the application callback
+  - ToolContract sub-namespace: contains all APIs for setting up tool contract integration
+- **PacBio::Data**: main data types & data structures
+  - Interval, Position, Zmw - basic data types (same as pbbam)
+  - MovieName - query parts of a PacBio movie name
+  - ReadName - query parts of a PacBio read name
+- **PacBio::JSON** : JSON support
+  - Json - wrapper around [nlohmann::json](https://github.com/nlohmann/json) 
+- **PacBio::Logging** : logging utilities
+  - Logger, LogMessage, etc - basic logging (same as pbccs)
+- **PacBio::Stream** : functional-programming-like data streaming
+  - data Source, Sink, & Transform typedefs
+  - instantiated with client-defined 'callables' (lambdas, free functions, static public member functions)
+  - connected via operator >> 
+- **PacBio::Utility** : miscellaneous utilities
+  - CallbackTimer - schedule periodic callback invokation (or delayed single-shot)
+  - EnumClassHash - allows enums/enum classes to be used as STL hash keys
+  - Stopwatch - timer for benchmarking, logging, etc
+  - StringUtils - string dicing & splicing utilities
+  - SystemInfo - currently provides endianness 
+
+##  Documentation
+
+  - Main docs coming soon.
+  - [Changelog](https://github.com/PacificBiosciences/pbcopper/blob/master/CHANGELOG.md)
+
+## License
+
+ - [PacBio open source license](https://github.com/PacificBiosciences/pbcopper/blob/master/LICENSE.txt)
diff --git a/build.sh b/build.sh
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9ee5583
--- /dev/null
+++ b/build.sh
@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+
+echo "# DEPENDENCIES"
+echo "## Load modules"
+source /mnt/software/Modules/current/init/bash
+module load gcc/5.3.0 cmake ccache ninja boost doxygen
+
+echo "# BUILD"
+echo "## Create build directory "
+if [ ! -d build ] ; then mkdir build ; fi
+
+echo "## Build source"
+( cd build &&\
+  rm -rf * &&\
+  CMAKE_BUILD_TYPE=ReleaseWithAssert cmake -GNinja .. )
+
+( cd build && ninja )
+
+echo "# TEST"
+echo "# Run unit tests"
+( cd build &&  ninja check-xunit )
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/circle.yml b/circle.yml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..62cfa8d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/circle.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+
+machine:
+  pre: 
+    - sudo update-alternatives --install /usr/bin/gcc gcc /usr/bin/gcc-4.9 20
+    - sudo update-alternatives --install /usr/bin/g++ g++ /usr/bin/g++-4.9 20
+
+dependencies:
+    cache_directories:
+        - "_deps/cmake-3.3.0-Linux-x86_64"
+        - "_deps/boost_1_55_0"
+    pre:
+        - if [ ! -d _deps ] ; then mkdir _deps ; fi
+        - pushd _deps ; if [ ! -d cmake-3.3.0-Linux-x86_64 ] ; then wget --no-check-certificate http://www.cmake.org/files/v3.3/cmake-3.3.0-Linux-x86_64.tar.gz ; tar xzf cmake-3.3.0-Linux-x86_64.tar.gz ; fi
+        - pushd _deps ; if [ ! -d boost_1_55_0 ] ; then wget https://downloads.sourceforge.net/project/boost/boost/1.55.0/boost_1_55_0.tar.bz2 ; tar xjf boost_1_55_0.tar.bz2 ; fi
+
+test:
+    pre:
+        - mkdir _build
+        - pushd _build ; $(readlink -f ../_deps/cmake-3.3.0-Linux-x86_64/bin/cmake) -DBoost_INCLUDE_DIRS=$(readlink -f ../_deps/boost_1_55_0) ..
+    override:
+        - pushd _build ; make -j 2
+        - pushd _build ; make check-xunit
+    post:
+        - pushd _build ; cp *-unit.xml ${CIRCLE_TEST_REPORTS}/
diff --git a/cmake/pbcopper-ccache.cmake b/cmake/pbcopper-ccache.cmake
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2204a73
--- /dev/null
+++ b/cmake/pbcopper-ccache.cmake
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+
+if(pbcopper_use_ccache)
+    find_program(CCACHE_FOUND ccache)
+    if(CCACHE_FOUND)
+        set_property(GLOBAL PROPERTY RULE_LAUNCH_COMPILE ccache)
+        set_property(GLOBAL PROPERTY RULE_LAUNCH_LINK    ccache)
+    endif()
+endif()
diff --git a/cmake/pbcopper-compilerflags.cmake b/cmake/pbcopper-compilerflags.cmake
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..00cbfd8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/cmake/pbcopper-compilerflags.cmake
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+
+include(CheckCXXCompilerFlag)
+
+# shared CXX flags for all source code & tests
+if (MSVC)
+    set(pbcopper_CXX_FLAGS "/Wall")
+else()
+    set(pbcopper_CXX_FLAGS "-std=c++11 -Wall")
+endif()
+
+# NOTE: quash clang warnings w/ Boost
+check_cxx_compiler_flag("-Wno-unused-local-typedefs" HAS_NO_UNUSED_LOCAL_TYPEDEFS)
+if(HAS_NO_UNUSED_LOCAL_TYPEDEFS)
+    set(pbcopper_CXX_FLAGS "${pbcopper_CXX_FLAGS} -Wno-unused-local-typedefs")
+endif()
+
diff --git a/cmake/pbcopper-dependencies.cmake b/cmake/pbcopper-dependencies.cmake
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0aa274b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/cmake/pbcopper-dependencies.cmake
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+
+if(NOT Boost_INCLUDE_DIRS)
+    find_package(Boost REQUIRED)
+endif()
diff --git a/cmake/pbcopper-gitsha1.cmake b/cmake/pbcopper-gitsha1.cmake
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8a25e7a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/cmake/pbcopper-gitsha1.cmake
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+
+if(__find_git_sha1)
+    return()
+endif()
+set(__find_git_sha1 YES)
+
+function(find_git_sha1 _GIT_SHA1)
+    find_package(Git QUIET REQUIRED)
+    execute_process(COMMAND
+        "${GIT_EXECUTABLE}" "describe" "--always" "--dirty=*"
+        WORKING_DIRECTORY "${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}"
+        RESULT_VARIABLE res
+        OUTPUT_VARIABLE out
+        ERROR_QUIET
+        OUTPUT_STRIP_TRAILING_WHITESPACE)
+    if (NOT res EQUAL 0)
+        message(FATAL_ERROR "Could not determine git sha1 via `git describe --always --dirty=*`")
+    endif()
+    set(${_GIT_SHA1} "${out}" PARENT_SCOPE)
+endfunction()
diff --git a/cmake/pbcopper-libtype.cmake b/cmake/pbcopper-libtype.cmake
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..59f52d7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/cmake/pbcopper-libtype.cmake
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+
+if(pbcopper_build_shared)
+    set(BUILD_SHARED_LIBS    ON)
+    set(PBCOPPER_LIB_MODE    SHARED)
+    set(PBCOPPER_LIB_SUFFIX  ${CMAKE_SHARED_LIBRARY_SUFFIX})
+else()
+    set(BUILD_SHARED_LIBS    OFF)
+    set(PBCOPPER_LIB_MODE    STATIC)
+    set(PBCOPPER_LIB_SUFFIX  ${CMAKE_STATIC_LIBRARY_SUFFIX})
+endif()
+
diff --git a/docs/CMakeLists.txt b/docs/CMakeLists.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dae8391
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+
+find_package(Doxygen)
+
+if (${DOXYGEN_FOUND})
+
+    # add 'make doc' command to generate API docs
+    add_custom_target(docs
+        "echo" "Documentation not available yet. Coming soon"
+        COMMENT "Generating API documentation via Doxygen"
+    )
+
+    # create 'make doc' synonym for 'make docs'
+    add_custom_target(doc DEPENDS docs)
+
+else()
+    message("Doxygen not found. 'make doc' will not be available. Install "
+            "Doxygen and re-run cmake if you would like to be able to build "
+            "API documentation locally.")
+endif()
diff --git a/examples/CMakeLists.txt b/examples/CMakeLists.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..83c8558
--- /dev/null
+++ b/examples/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+
+# use this destination directory for any example exe's generated
+set(examples_BinDir ${CMAKE_CURRENT_BINARY_DIR}/bin)
+add_custom_target(examples)
+
+# example exes
+add_subdirectory(cli_demo)
+
diff --git a/examples/cli_demo/CMakeLists.txt b/examples/cli_demo/CMakeLists.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7f9a7ef
--- /dev/null
+++ b/examples/cli_demo/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+
+# includes/compile flags
+include_directories(${pbcopper_INCLUDE_DIRS})
+set(CMAKE_CXX_FLAGS "${CMAKE_CXX_FLAGS} ${pbcopper_CXX_FLAGS}")
+
+# main exe
+add_executable(cli_demo EXCLUDE_FROM_ALL
+    main.cpp)
+set_target_properties(cli_demo
+    PROPERTIES
+    RUNTIME_OUTPUT_DIRECTORY ${examples_BinDir}
+)
+
+# libs/dependencies
+add_dependencies(cli_demo pbcopper)
+target_link_libraries(cli_demo ${pbcopper_LIBRARIES})
+
+# add to 'make examples'
+add_dependencies(examples cli_demo)
diff --git a/examples/cli_demo/main.cpp b/examples/cli_demo/main.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a9e3819
--- /dev/null
+++ b/examples/cli_demo/main.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,105 @@
+
+#include <pbcopper/cli/CLI.h>
+#include <iostream>
+#include <string>
+using namespace PacBio;
+using namespace PacBio::CLI;
+using namespace std;
+
+struct MyAppSettings {
+    bool progress;
+    bool force;
+    bool verbose;
+    string tempDir;
+    int timeout;
+    string source;
+    string dest;
+    vector<string> extras;
+};
+
+static inline
+int RunMain(const MyAppSettings& s)
+{
+    // this is where your normal app would take its settings and start rocking
+    // here, we just print out what we received from the CL
+
+    cout << "--------------------" << endl
+         << "App Settings:       " << endl
+         << "--------------------" << endl
+         << "progress?  " << (s.progress ? "on" : "off") << endl
+         << "force?     " << (s.force ? "on" : "off") << endl
+         << "verbose?   " << (s.verbose ? "on" : "off") << endl
+         << "tempDir:   " << s.tempDir << endl
+         << "timeout:   " << s.timeout << endl
+         << "source:    " << s.source << endl
+         << "dest:      " << s.dest << endl
+         << "extras:    ";
+    for (const auto& extra : s.extras )
+        cout << extra << ", ";
+    cout << endl;
+
+    return EXIT_SUCCESS;
+}
+
+static
+PacBio::CLI::Interface createParser(void)
+{
+    PacBio::CLI::Interface cl {
+        "cli_demo",
+        "Play around with pbcopper's command line interface. Find bugs, report them.",
+        "1.0"
+    };
+    cl.AddHelpOption();
+    cl.AddVerboseOption();
+    cl.AddVersionOption();
+    cl.AddOptions({
+        {"progress",   {"p"},              "Show progress while doing the things."},
+        {"force",      {"f", "force"},     "Overwrite the things ruthlessly." },
+        {"temp_dir",   {"t", "temp-dir"},  "Do the temp things in this directory.",       Option::StringType("my/default/tmp/dir")},
+        {"timeout",    {"timeout"},        "Abort execution after so many milliseconds.", Option::IntType(5000)},
+        {"modelPath",  {"M", "modelPath"}, "Path to a model file.",                       Option::StringType("")}
+    });
+    cl.AddPositionalArguments({
+        {"source", "Source file for getting the things.", "<source>"},
+        {"dest",   "Destination file for the generated things.", "<dest>"},
+        {"extras", "Extra stuff to pass in here, optionally.", "[extras...]"}
+    });
+    return cl;
+}
+
+static
+int argRunner(const PacBio::CLI::Results& args)
+{
+    // here, we translate the CLI Results to MyAppSettings
+    //
+    // this indirection allows the Results to come from either user-supplied
+    // CL args OR from a resolved tool contract in the pbsmrtpipe context
+    //
+
+    MyAppSettings s;
+    s.progress  = args["progress"];
+    s.force     = args["force"];
+    s.verbose   = args["verbose"];
+    s.tempDir = args["temp_dir"];
+    s.timeout   = args["timeout"];
+
+    const auto positionalArgs = args.PositionalArguments();
+    if (positionalArgs.size() < 2) {
+        cerr << "ERROR: source & dest args are required" << endl;
+        PacBio::CLI::PrintHelp(args.ApplicationInterface(), std::cout);
+        return EXIT_FAILURE;
+    }
+
+    s.source = positionalArgs.at(0);
+    s.dest   = positionalArgs.at(1);
+    s.extras = { positionalArgs.begin()+2, positionalArgs.end() };
+    return RunMain(s);
+}
+
+int main(int argc, char* argv[])
+{
+    return PacBio::CLI::Run(argc, argv,
+                            createParser(),
+                            &argRunner
+                            );
+}
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/Config.h b/include/pbcopper/Config.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2d5660c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/Config.h
@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_CONFIG_H
+#define PBCOPPER_CONFIG_H
+
+#include <cstddef>
+#include <cstdint>
+
+#define UNUSED(x) (void)x
+
+namespace PacBio {
+
+///// \internal
+//enum class Initialization
+//{
+//    Uninitialized
+//};
+
+///// \internal
+//static constexpr Initialization Uninitialized = Initialization::Uninitialized;
+
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_CONFIG_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/cli/CLI.h b/include/pbcopper/cli/CLI.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..05b2f87
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/cli/CLI.h
@@ -0,0 +1,97 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_CLI_CLI_H
+#define PBCOPPER_CLI_CLI_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/Config.h"
+#include "pbcopper/cli/Interface.h"
+#include "pbcopper/cli/Results.h"
+#include <functional>
+#include <iosfwd>
+#include <string>
+#include <vector>
+
+/// So applications's main.cpp contains something like:
+///
+/// #include "BlasrSettings.h" // for settings struct
+/// #include "BlasrEntry.h"    // app entry point that takes the settings & starts working
+///
+/// static PacBio::CLI::Interface makeBlasrInterface(void)
+/// {
+///     // sets up interface object with options
+/// }
+///
+/// static int blasrRunner(const PacBio::CLI::Results& args)
+/// {
+///     // extract options from args -> settings
+///     //
+///     // if interface was configured w/ tool contract support, args may be from
+///     // cmd-line OR resolved tool contract, but the application shouldn't actually
+///     // care or be concerned with that
+///     //
+///
+///     BlasrSettings s;
+///     s.foo = args["foo"];
+///     // ...
+///
+///     // start the application's real work & return success/fail, a la main()
+///     return blasrEntry(s);
+/// }
+///
+/// int main(int argc, char* argv[])
+/// {
+///     return PacBio::CLI::Run(argc, argv,
+///                             makeBlasrInterface(),
+///                             &blasrRunner);
+/// }
+///
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+
+///
+/// \brief ResultsHandler
+///
+typedef std::function<int(const PacBio::CLI::Results&)> ResultsHandler;
+
+///
+/// \brief PrintHelp
+/// \param interface
+/// \param out
+///
+void PrintHelp(const Interface& interface, std::ostream& out);
+
+///
+/// \brief PrintVersion
+/// \param interface
+/// \param out
+///
+void PrintVersion(const Interface& interface, std::ostream& out);
+
+// TODO: add logging input here
+
+///
+/// \brief Run
+/// \param argc
+/// \param argv
+/// \param interface
+/// \param handler
+/// \return
+///
+int Run(int argc, char* argv[],
+        const Interface& interface,
+        const ResultsHandler& handler);
+
+///
+/// \brief Run
+/// \param args
+/// \param interface
+/// \param handler
+/// \return
+///
+int Run(const std::vector<std::string>& args,
+        const Interface& interface,
+        const ResultsHandler& handler);
+
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_CLI_CLI_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/cli/HelpPrinter.h b/include/pbcopper/cli/HelpPrinter.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bcbb7ae
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/cli/HelpPrinter.h
@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_CLI_HELPPRINTER_H
+#define PBCOPPER_CLI_HELPPRINTER_H
+
+#include <iosfwd>
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+
+class Interface;
+
+///
+/// \brief The HelpPrinter class
+///
+class HelpPrinter
+{
+public:
+    ///
+    /// \brief Print
+    /// \param interface
+    /// \param out
+    ///
+    static void Print(const Interface& interface, std::ostream& out);
+};
+
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_CLI_HELPPRINTER_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/cli/Interface.h b/include/pbcopper/cli/Interface.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e8ac497
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/cli/Interface.h
@@ -0,0 +1,288 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_CLI_INTERFACE_H
+#define PBCOPPER_CLI_INTERFACE_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/Config.h"
+#include "pbcopper/cli/Option.h"
+#include "pbcopper/cli/PositionalArg.h"
+#include "pbcopper/cli/SingleDashMode.h"
+#include "pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/Config.h"
+#include <memory>
+#include <string>
+#include <vector>
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+
+namespace internal { class InterfacePrivate; }
+
+///
+/// \brief The Interface class
+///
+class Interface
+{
+public:
+    /// \name Constructors & Related Methods
+    /// \{
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief Interface
+    /// \param appName
+    /// \param appDescription
+    /// \param appVersion
+    ///
+    Interface(const std::string& appName,
+              const std::string& appDescription = std::string(),
+              const std::string& appVersion = std::string());
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief Interface
+    /// \param other
+    ///
+    Interface(const Interface& other);
+
+    ~Interface(void);
+
+    /// \}
+
+public:
+    /// \name Application Attributes
+    /// \{
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief ApplicationDescription
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    std::string ApplicationDescription(void) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief ApplicationName
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    std::string ApplicationName(void) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief ApplicationVersion
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    std::string ApplicationVersion(void) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief AlternativeToolContractName
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    std::string AlternativeToolContractName(void) const;
+
+    /// \}
+
+public:
+    /// \name Interface Query
+    /// \{
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief ExpectsValue
+    /// \param optionName
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    bool ExpectsValue(const std::string& optionName) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief HasOptionRegistered
+    /// \param optionName
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    bool HasOptionRegistered(const std::string& optionName) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief HasHelpOptionRegistered
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    bool HasHelpOptionRegistered(void) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief HasLogLevelOptionRegistered
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    bool HasLogLevelOptionRegistered(void) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief HasVerboseOptionRegistered
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    bool HasVerboseOptionRegistered(void) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief HasVersionOptionRegistered
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    bool HasVersionOptionRegistered(void) const;
+
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief HelpOption
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    const Option& HelpOption(void) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief IdForOptionName
+    /// \param optionName
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    std::string IdForOptionName(const std::string& optionName) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief IsToolContractEnabled
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    bool IsToolContractEnabled(void) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief LogLevelOption
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    const Option& LogLevelOption(void) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief RegisteredOptions
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    std::vector<Option> RegisteredOptions(void) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief RegisteredPositionalArgs
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    std::vector<PositionalArg> RegisteredPositionalArgs(void) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief ToolContract
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    const ToolContract::Config& ToolContract(void) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief VerboseOption
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    const Option& VerboseOption(void) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief VersionOption
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    const Option& VersionOption(void) const;
+
+    /// \}
+
+public:
+    /// \name Application Attributes
+    /// \{
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief ApplicationDescription
+    /// \param description
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    Interface& ApplicationDescription(const std::string& description);
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief ApplicationName
+    /// \param name
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    Interface& ApplicationName(const std::string& name);
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief ApplicationVersion
+    /// \param version
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    Interface& ApplicationVersion(const std::string& version);
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief AlternativeToolContractName
+    /// This name, if set, will be used as the alternative prefix of the
+    /// tool contract option prefix and replace the actual ApplicationName.
+    ///
+    /// \param name
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    Interface& AlternativeToolContractName(const std::string& name);
+
+    /// \}
+
+public:
+    /// \name Interface Setup
+    /// \{
+    /// \brief AddOption
+    /// \param option
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    Interface& AddOption(const Option& option);
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief AddOptions
+    /// \param options
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    Interface& AddOptions(const std::vector<Option>& options);
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief AddPositionalArgument
+    /// \param posArg
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    Interface& AddPositionalArgument(const PositionalArg& posArg);
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief AddPositionalArguments
+    /// \param posArgs
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    Interface& AddPositionalArguments(const std::vector<PositionalArg>& posArgs);
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief AddHelpOption
+    /// \param option
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    Interface& AddHelpOption(const Option& option = Option::DefaultHelpOption());
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief AddLogLevelOption
+    /// \param option
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    Interface& AddLogLevelOption(const Option& option = Option::DefaultLogLevelOption());
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief AddVerboseOption
+    /// \param option
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    Interface& AddVerboseOption(const Option& option = Option::DefaultVerboseOption());
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief AddVersionOption
+    /// \param option
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    Interface& AddVersionOption(const Option& option = Option::DefaultVersionOption());
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief EnableToolContract
+    /// \param tcConfig
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    Interface& EnableToolContract(const ToolContract::Config& tcConfig);
+
+    /// \}
+
+private:
+    std::unique_ptr<internal::InterfacePrivate> d_;
+};
+
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_CLI_INTERFACE_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/cli/Option.h b/include/pbcopper/cli/Option.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0f0ae19
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/cli/Option.h
@@ -0,0 +1,224 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_CLI_OPTION_H
+#define PBCOPPER_CLI_OPTION_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/Config.h"
+#include "pbcopper/json/JSON.h"
+#include <initializer_list>
+#include <string>
+#include <memory>
+#include <vector>
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+
+namespace internal { class OptionPrivate; }
+
+/// \brief The Option class defines a possible command-line option.
+///
+/// This class is used to describe an option on the command line. It allows
+/// different ways of defining the same option with multiple aliases possible.
+///  It is also used to describe how the option is used - it may be a flag
+/// (e.g. -v) or take a value (e.g. -o file).
+///
+class Option
+{
+public:
+    using BoolType   = JSON::Json::boolean_t;
+    using IntType    = JSON::Json::number_integer_t;
+    using UIntType   = JSON::Json::number_unsigned_t;
+    using FloatType  = JSON::Json::number_float_t;
+    using StringType = JSON::Json::string_t;
+
+public:
+    /// \name Default Options
+    /// \{
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief DefaultHelpOption
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    static const Option& DefaultHelpOption(void);
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief DefaultLogLevelOption
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    static const Option& DefaultLogLevelOption(void);
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief DefaultVerboseOption
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    static const Option& DefaultVerboseOption(void);
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief DefaultVersionOption
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    static const Option& DefaultVersionOption(void);
+
+    /// \}
+
+public:
+    /// \name Constructors & Related Methods
+    /// \{
+
+    /// \brief Constructs a command line option object with the given arguments.
+    ///
+    /// The name of the option are set to \p name. Option names can be either
+    /// short or long. If a name is one character in length, it is considered a
+    /// short name. %Option names must not be empty, must not start with a dash
+    /// or a slash character, must not contain a '=' and cannot be repeated.
+    ///
+    /// The description is set to \p description. In addition, the \p valueName
+    /// can be set if the option expects a value. The default value for the
+    /// option is set to \p defaultValue.
+    ///
+    /// If \p defaultValue is not provided, the option is considered to be a
+    /// switch.
+    ///
+    /// This class can participate in C++11-style uniform initialization:
+    ///
+    /// \code
+    /// PacBio::CLI::Interface cl;
+    /// cl.addOption({"verbose_arg", "verbose", "Verbose mode."});
+    /// \endcode
+    ///
+    /// \param[in]  name            option name
+    /// \param[in]  description     option description
+    /// \param[in]  valueName       value name (used in help display)
+    /// \param[in]  defaultValue    default value for option if not specified
+    ///
+    Option(const std::string& id,
+           const std::string& name,
+           const std::string& description,
+           const JSON::Json& defaultValue = JSON::Json(nullptr));
+
+    /// \brief Constructs a command line option object with the given arguments.
+    ///
+    /// This overload allows to set multiple names for the option, for instance
+    /// "o" and "output".
+    ///
+    /// The names of the option are set to \p names. Option names can be either
+    /// short or long. If a name is one character in length, it is considered a
+    /// short name. %Option names must not be empty, must not start with a dash
+    /// or a slash character, must not contain a '=' and cannot be repeated.
+    ///
+    /// The description is set to \p description. In addition, the \p valueName
+    /// can be set if the option expects a value. The default value for the
+    /// option is set to \p defaultValue.
+    ///
+    /// If \p defaultValue is not provided, the option is considered to be a
+    /// switch.
+    ///
+    /// This class can participate in C++11-style uniform initialization:
+    ///
+    /// \code
+    /// PacBio::CLI::Interface cl;
+    /// cl.addOption({"output_file", {"o", "output"}, "Write results to <file>."});
+    /// \endcode
+    ///
+    /// \param[in]  name            option name
+    /// \param[in]  description     option description
+    /// \param[in]  valueName       value name (used in help display)
+    /// \param[in]  defaultValue    default value for option if not specified
+    ///
+    Option(const std::string& id,
+           const std::vector<std::string>& names,
+           const std::string& description,
+           const JSON::Json& defaultValue = JSON::Json(nullptr));
+
+    /// \brief Constructs a command line option object with the given arguments.
+    ///
+    /// This overload allows to set multiple names for the option, for instance
+    /// "o" and "output".
+    ///
+    /// The names of the option are set to \p names. Option names can be either
+    /// short or long. If a name is one character in length, it is considered a
+    /// short name. %Option names must not be empty, must not start with a dash
+    /// or a slash character, must not contain a '=' and cannot be repeated.
+    ///
+    /// The description is set to \p description. In addition, the \p valueName
+    /// can be set if the option expects a value. The default value for the
+    /// option is set to \p defaultValue.
+    ///
+    /// If \p defaultValue is not provided, the option is considered to be a
+    /// switch.
+    ///
+    /// This class can participate in C++11-style uniform initialization:
+    ///
+    /// \code
+    /// PacBio::CLI::Interface cl;
+    /// cl.addOption({"output_file", {"o", "output"}, "Write results to <file>."});
+    /// \endcode
+    ///
+    /// \param[in]  name            option name
+    /// \param[in]  description     option description
+    /// \param[in]  valueName       value name (used in help display)
+    /// \param[in]  defaultValue    default value for option if not specified
+    ///
+    Option(const std::string& id,
+           const std::initializer_list<std::string>& names,
+           const std::string& description,
+           const JSON::Json& defaultValue = JSON::Json(nullptr));
+
+    Option(const Option& other);
+    Option(Option&& other);
+    Option& operator=(const Option& other);
+    Option& operator=(Option&& other);
+    ~Option(void);
+
+    /// \}
+
+public:
+    /// \name Attributes
+    /// \{
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief DefaultValue
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    JSON::Json DefaultValue(void) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief Description
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    std::string Description(void) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief Id
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    std::string Id(void) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief IsHidden
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    bool IsHidden(void) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief Names
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    std::vector<std::string> Names(void) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief ValueName
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    std::string ValueName(void) const;
+
+    /// \}
+
+private:
+    std::shared_ptr<internal::OptionPrivate> d_;
+};
+
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#include "internal/Option-inl.h"
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_CLI_OPTION_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/cli/Parser.h b/include/pbcopper/cli/Parser.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5d3e522
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/cli/Parser.h
@@ -0,0 +1,65 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_CLI_PARSER_H
+#define PBCOPPER_CLI_PARSER_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/Config.h"
+#include "pbcopper/cli/Results.h"
+#include <memory>
+#include <string>
+#include <vector>
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+
+class Interface;
+
+namespace internal { class ParserPrivate; }
+
+///
+/// \brief The Parser class
+///
+class Parser
+{
+public:
+    /// \name Constructors & Related Methods
+    /// \{
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief Parser
+    /// \param interface
+    ///
+    Parser(const Interface& interface);
+
+    Parser(const Parser& other);
+    ~Parser(void);
+
+    /// \}
+
+public:
+    /// \name Argument Parsing
+    /// \{
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief Parse
+    /// \param argc
+    /// \param argv
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    Results Parse(int argc, char* argv[]);
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief Parse
+    /// \param args
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    Results Parse(const std::vector<std::string>& args);
+
+    /// \}
+
+private:
+    std::unique_ptr<internal::ParserPrivate> d_;
+};
+
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_CLI_PARSER_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/cli/PositionalArg.h b/include/pbcopper/cli/PositionalArg.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..44c19d4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/cli/PositionalArg.h
@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_CLI_POSITIONALARG_H
+#define PBCOPPER_CLI_POSITIONALARG_H
+
+#include <string>
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+
+///
+/// \brief The PositionalArg struct
+///
+struct PositionalArg
+{
+    std::string name_;
+    std::string description_;
+    std::string syntax_;
+};
+
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_CLI_POSITIONALARG_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/cli/Results.h b/include/pbcopper/cli/Results.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..85451fb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/cli/Results.h
@@ -0,0 +1,213 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_CLI_RESULTS_H
+#define PBCOPPER_CLI_RESULTS_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/Config.h"
+#include "pbcopper/cli/Interface.h"
+#include "pbcopper/cli/Option.h"
+#include "pbcopper/logging/Logging.h"
+#include "pbcopper/json/JSON.h"
+#include <string>
+#include <unordered_map>
+#include <vector>
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+
+namespace internal { class ResultsPrivate; }
+
+///
+/// \brief The Results class
+///
+class Results
+{
+public:
+    using Result = JSON::Json;
+
+public:
+    /// \name Constructors & Related Methods
+    /// \{
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief Results
+    /// \param interface
+    ///
+    Results(const Interface& interface);
+
+    Results(const Interface& interface,
+            const std::vector<std::string>& inputCommandLine);
+
+    Results(const Results& other);
+    Results& operator=(const Results& other);
+
+    ~Results(void);
+
+    /// \}
+
+public:
+    /// \name CLI Results Query
+    /// \{
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief ApplicationInterface
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    const Interface& ApplicationInterface(void) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief InputCommandLine
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    std::string InputCommandLine(void) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief IsFromRTC
+    /// \return true if this Results object generated from a resolved tool
+    ///         contract (as opposed to command-line args)
+    ///
+    bool IsFromRTC(void) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief LogLevel
+    ///
+    /// Default level
+    ///
+    /// \note Currently only set by resolved tool contract. Setting from
+    ///       command-line will follow shortly.
+    ///
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    PacBio::Logging::LogLevel LogLevel(void) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief NumProcessors
+    ///
+    /// \note Currently, this field is \b only populated when the Results
+    ///       object was created from a resolved tool contract.
+    ///
+    /// \sa IsFromRTC to check if this will be available
+    ///
+    /// \return number of processors specified by resolved tool contract.
+    ///
+    uint16_t NumProcessors(void) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief PositionalArguments
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    std::vector<std::string> PositionalArguments(void) const;
+
+//    std::string PositionalArgument(const std::string& posArgName) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief operator []
+    /// \param optionId
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    const Result& operator[](const std::string& optionId) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief operator []
+    /// \param id
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    Result& operator[](const std::string& id);
+
+    /// \}
+
+public:
+    /// \name Results Construction
+    /// \{
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief LogLevel
+    ///
+    /// \note Intended for internal use only. This method will likely disappear
+    ///       in a future version.
+    ///
+    /// \param logLevel
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    Results& LogLevel(const PacBio::Logging::LogLevel logLevel);
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief NumProcessors
+    ///
+    /// \note Intended for internal use only. This method will likely disappear
+    ///       in a future version.
+    ///
+    /// \param nproc
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    Results& NumProcessors(const uint16_t nproc);
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief Registers observed positional arg.
+    ///
+    /// Used in constructing results from command line or RTC; unlikely needed
+    /// by client code.
+    ///
+    /// \param arg
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    Results& RegisterPositionalArg(const std::string& arg);
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief RegisterObservedOption
+    ///
+    /// Used in constructing results from command line or RTC; unlikely needed
+    /// by client code.
+    ///
+    /// \param optionId
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    Results& RegisterObservedOption(const std::string& optionId);
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief RegisterOptionValue
+    ///
+    /// Used in constructing results from command line or RTC; unlikely needed
+    /// by client code.
+    ///
+    /// \param optionId
+    /// \param optionValue
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    Results& RegisterOptionValue(const std::string& optionId,
+                                 const JSON::Json& optionValue);
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief RegisterOptionValueString
+    ///
+    /// Used in constructing results from command line or RTC; unlikely needed
+    /// by client code.
+    ///
+    /// \param optionId
+    /// \param optionValue
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    Results& RegisterOptionValueString(const std::string& optionId,
+                                       const std::string& optionValue);
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief SetFromRTC
+    ///
+    /// \note Intended for internal use only. This method will likely disappear
+    ///       in a future version.
+    ///
+    /// \param ok
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    Results& SetFromRTC(const bool ok = true);
+
+    /// \}
+
+private:
+    std::unique_ptr<internal::ResultsPrivate> d_;
+};
+
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#include "internal/Results-inl.h"
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_CLI_RESULTS_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/cli/SingleDashMode.h b/include/pbcopper/cli/SingleDashMode.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f60517e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/cli/SingleDashMode.h
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_CLI_SINGLEDASHMODE_H
+#define PBCOPPER_CLI_SINGLEDASHMODE_H
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+
+///
+/// \brief The SingleDashMode enum
+///
+enum class SingleDashMode
+{
+    ParseAsShortOptions, // "-abc" equivalent to "-a -b -c" (default & recommended)
+    ParseAsLongOptions   // "-abc" equivalent to "--abc"
+};
+
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_CLI_SINGLEDASHMODE_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/cli/VersionPrinter.h b/include/pbcopper/cli/VersionPrinter.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d2e696a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/cli/VersionPrinter.h
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_CLI_VERSIONPRINTER_H
+#define PBCOPPER_CLI_VERSIONPRINTER_H
+
+#include <iosfwd>
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+
+class Interface;
+
+class VersionPrinter
+{
+public:
+    ///
+    /// \brief Print
+    /// \param interface
+    /// \param out
+    ///
+    static void Print(const Interface& interface, std::ostream& out);
+};
+
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_CLI_VERSIONPRINTER_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/cli/internal/Option-inl.h b/include/pbcopper/cli/internal/Option-inl.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..04e1ad2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/cli/internal/Option-inl.h
@@ -0,0 +1,139 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_CLI_OPTION_INL_H
+#define PBCOPPER_CLI_OPTION_INL_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/cli/Option.h"
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+namespace internal {
+
+class OptionPrivate
+{
+public:
+    PacBio::JSON::Json option_;
+
+public:
+    explicit OptionPrivate(const std::string& id,
+                           const std::vector<std::string>& names,
+                           const std::string& description,
+                           const PacBio::JSON::Json& defaultValue)
+        : option_(PacBio::JSON::Json::object_t())
+    {
+        // validate ID & name(s)
+        if (id.empty())
+            throw std::runtime_error("CLI::Option: options must have at non-empty ID");
+        if (names.empty())
+            throw std::runtime_error("CLI::Option: options must have at least one name");
+        for (const std::string& name : names) {
+            if (name.empty())
+                throw std::runtime_error("CLI::Option: options cannot be empty");
+            if (name.at(0) == '-')
+                throw std::runtime_error("CLI::Option: options cannot start with '-'");
+            if (name.at(0) == '/')
+                throw std::runtime_error("CLI::Option: options cannot start with '/'");
+            if (name.find('=') != std::string::npos)
+                throw std::runtime_error("CLI::Option: options cannot contain an '='");
+        }
+
+        // store data
+        option_["id"]           = id;
+        option_["names"]        = names;
+        option_["description"]  = description;
+        option_["hidden"]       = false;
+
+        // if none provided, treat as a switch-type option (init w/ false)
+        if (defaultValue.is_null())
+            option_["defaultValue"] = PacBio::JSON::Json::boolean_t(false);
+        else
+            option_["defaultValue"] = defaultValue;
+    }
+
+    OptionPrivate(const OptionPrivate& other)
+        : option_(other.option_)
+    { }
+};
+
+} // namespace internal
+
+// ------------------------
+// PacBio::CLI::Option
+// ------------------------
+
+inline Option::Option(const std::string& id,
+               const std::string& name,
+               const std::string& description,
+               const PacBio::JSON::Json& defaultValue)
+    : d_(new internal::OptionPrivate{
+            id,
+            std::vector<std::string>{1, name},
+            description,
+            defaultValue
+         })
+{ }
+
+inline Option::Option(const std::string& id,
+               const std::initializer_list<std::string>& init,
+               const std::string& description,
+               const PacBio::JSON::Json& defaultValue)
+    : Option(id,
+             std::vector<std::string>{init},
+             description,
+             defaultValue)
+{ }
+
+inline Option::Option(const std::string& id,
+               const std::vector<std::string>& names,
+               const std::string& description,
+               const PacBio::JSON::Json& defaultValue)
+    : d_(new internal::OptionPrivate{
+            id,
+            names,
+            description,
+            defaultValue
+         })
+{ }
+
+inline Option::Option(const Option& other)
+    : d_(new internal::OptionPrivate(*other.d_.get()))
+{ }
+
+inline Option::Option(Option&& other)
+    : d_(std::move(other.d_))
+{ }
+
+inline Option& Option::operator=(const Option& other)
+{
+    d_->option_ = other.d_->option_;
+    return *this;
+}
+
+inline Option& Option::operator=(Option&& other)
+{
+    std::swap(d_, other.d_);
+    return *this;
+}
+
+inline Option::~Option(void) { }
+
+inline PacBio::JSON::Json Option::DefaultValue(void) const
+{ return d_->option_["defaultValue"]; }
+
+inline std::string Option::Description(void) const
+{ return d_->option_["description"]; }
+
+inline std::string Option::Id(void) const
+{ return d_->option_["id"]; }
+
+inline bool Option::IsHidden(void) const
+{ return d_->option_["hidden"]; }
+
+inline std::vector<std::string> Option::Names(void) const
+{ return d_->option_["names"]; }
+
+inline std::string Option::ValueName(void) const
+{ return std::string(); }
+
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_CLI_OPTION_INL_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/cli/internal/Results-inl.h b/include/pbcopper/cli/internal/Results-inl.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4e0ee22
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/cli/internal/Results-inl.h
@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_CLI_RESULTS_INL_H
+#define PBCOPPER_CLI_RESULTS_INL_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/cli/Results.h"
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+
+//Result& Results::operator[](const std::string& optionId) const
+//{ return FetchResult(optionId); }
+
+//template<>
+//inline std::string Results::operator[](const std::string& optionName) const
+//{
+////    return string{};
+//    const auto values = Values(optionName);
+//    if (!values.empty())
+//        return values.back();
+//    return std::string(); // or throw on unknown name?
+//}
+
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_CLI_RESULTS_INL_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/Config.h b/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/Config.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5d88645
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/Config.h
@@ -0,0 +1,87 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_CONFIG_H
+#define PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_CONFIG_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/Config.h"
+#include "pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/Task.h"
+#include "pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/Driver.h"
+#include <string>
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+namespace ToolContract {
+
+///
+/// \brief The ToolContractConfig class
+///
+class Config
+{
+public:
+    /// \name Constructors & Related Methods
+    /// \{
+
+    /// \brief Contructs a tool contract configuration with the provided task
+    ///        settings and default driver settings.
+    ///
+    /// \param task
+    ///
+    Config(const ToolContract::Task& task);
+
+    /// \brief Contructs a tool contract configuration with the provided task &
+    ///        driver settings.
+    ///
+    /// \param task
+    /// \param driver
+    ///
+    Config(const ToolContract::Task& task,
+           const ToolContract::Driver& driver);
+
+    Config(const Config& other) = default;
+    Config(Config&& other) = default;
+    Config& operator=(const Config& other) = default;
+    Config& operator=(Config&& other) = default;
+    ~Config(void) = default;
+
+    /// \}
+
+public:
+    /// \name Main Components
+    /// \{
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief Driver
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    const ToolContract::Driver& Driver(void) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief Task
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    const ToolContract::Task& Task(void) const;
+
+    /// \}
+
+public:
+    /// \name Other Attributes
+    /// \{
+
+    std::string Version(void) const;
+
+    /// \}
+
+public:
+    Config& Version(const std::string& version);
+
+private:
+    ToolContract::Task task_;
+    ToolContract::Driver driver_;
+    std::string version_;
+};
+
+} // namespace ToolContract
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#include "internal/Config-inl.h"
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_CONFIG_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/Driver.h b/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/Driver.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c94886a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/Driver.h
@@ -0,0 +1,116 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_DRIVER_H
+#define PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_DRIVER_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/Config.h"
+#include <unordered_map>
+#include <string>
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+namespace ToolContract {
+
+///
+/// \brief The ToolDriver class
+///
+class Driver
+{
+public:
+    typedef std::unordered_map<std::string, std::string> Environment;
+
+public:
+    /// \name Constructors & Related Methods
+    /// \{
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief ToolDriver
+    ///
+    Driver(void);
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief ToolDriver
+    /// \param exe
+    ///
+    Driver(const std::string& exe);
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief ToolDriver
+    /// \param exe
+    /// \param env
+    /// \param serialization
+    ///
+    Driver(const std::string& exe,
+               const Environment& env,
+               const std::string& serialization);
+
+    Driver(const Driver& other) = default;
+    Driver(Driver&& other) = default;
+    Driver& operator=(const Driver& other) = default;
+    Driver& operator=(Driver&& other) = default;
+    ~Driver(void) = default;
+
+    /// \}
+
+public:
+    /// \name Attributes
+    /// \{
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief Env
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    const Environment& Env(void) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief Exe
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    const std::string& Exe(void) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief Serialization
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    const std::string& Serialization(void) const;
+
+    /// \}
+
+public:
+    /// \name Attributes
+    /// \{
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief Env
+    /// \param env
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    Driver& Env(const Environment& env);
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief Exe
+    /// \param exe
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    Driver& Exe(const std::string& exe);
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief Serialization
+    /// \param serialization
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    Driver& Serialization(const std::string& serialization);
+
+    /// \}
+
+private:
+    std::string exe_;
+    std::string serialization_;
+    std::unordered_map<std::string, std::string> env_;
+};
+
+} // namespace ToolContract
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#include "internal/Driver-inl.h"
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_DRIVER_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/InputFileType.h b/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/InputFileType.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..58e2013
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/InputFileType.h
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_INPUTFILETYPE_H
+#define PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_INPUTFILETYPE_H
+
+#include <string>
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+namespace ToolContract {
+
+class InputFileType
+{
+public:
+    InputFileType(const std::string& id,
+                  const std::string& title,
+                  const std::string& description,
+                  const std::string& type);
+
+    InputFileType(const InputFileType& other) = default;
+    ~InputFileType(void) = default;
+
+public:
+    const std::string& Id(void) const;
+    const std::string& Title(void) const;
+    const std::string& Description(void) const;
+    const std::string& Type(void) const;
+
+private:
+    std::string id_;
+    std::string title_;
+    std::string description_;
+    std::string type_;
+};
+
+} // namespace ToolContract
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#include "internal/InputFileType-inl.h"
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_INPUTFILETYPE_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/JsonPrinter.h b/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/JsonPrinter.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a2a5265
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/JsonPrinter.h
@@ -0,0 +1,38 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_JSONPRINTER_H
+#define PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_JSONPRINTER_H
+
+#include <iosfwd>
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+
+class Interface;
+
+namespace ToolContract {
+
+class JsonPrinter
+{
+public:
+
+    /// \brief Prints a JSON-formatted tool contract.
+    ///
+    /// \param interface    Interface object to generate tool contract from
+    /// \param out          destination output stream
+    /// \param indent       If indent is non-negative, then array elements and
+    ///                     object members will be pretty-printed with that
+    ///                     indent level. An indent level of 0 will only insert
+    ///                     newlines. Indent level of -1 selects the most
+    ///                     compact representation.
+    ///
+    /// \throws std::runtime_error if failed to print
+    ///
+    static void Print(const Interface& interface,
+                      std::ostream& out,
+                      const int indent = 4);
+};
+
+} // namespace ToolContract
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_TOOLCONTRACT_JSONPRINTER_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/OutputFileType.h b/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/OutputFileType.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..90caedd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/OutputFileType.h
@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_OUTPUTFILETYPE_H
+#define PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_OUTPUTFILETYPE_H
+
+#include <string>
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+namespace ToolContract {
+
+class OutputFileType
+{
+public:
+    OutputFileType(const std::string& id,
+                   const std::string& title,
+                   const std::string& description,
+                   const std::string& type,
+                   const std::string& defaultName);
+
+    OutputFileType(const OutputFileType& other) = default;
+    ~OutputFileType(void) = default;
+
+public:
+    const std::string& Id(void) const;
+    const std::string& Title(void) const;
+    const std::string& DefaultName(void) const;
+    const std::string& Description(void) const;
+    const std::string& Type(void) const;
+
+private:
+    std::string id_;
+    std::string title_;
+    std::string description_;
+    std::string type_;
+    std::string defaultName_;
+};
+
+} // namespace ToolContract
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#include "internal/OutputFileType-inl.h"
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_OUTPUTFILETYPE_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/ResolvedToolContract.h b/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/ResolvedToolContract.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6cd807a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/ResolvedToolContract.h
@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_RESOLVEDTOOLCONTRACT_H
+#define PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_RESOLVEDTOOLCONTRACT_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/cli/Results.h"
+#include <iosfwd>
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+namespace ToolContract {
+
+namespace internal { class RtcPrivate; }
+
+class ResolvedToolContract
+{
+public:
+    ResolvedToolContract(const Interface& interface);
+    ~ResolvedToolContract(void);
+
+public:
+    Results Parse(std::istream& in);
+
+private:
+    std::unique_ptr<internal::RtcPrivate> d_;
+};
+
+} // namespace ToolContract
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_RESOLVEDTOOLCONTRACT_H
+
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/ResourceType.h b/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/ResourceType.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d0e3aa8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/ResourceType.h
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_RESOURCETYPE_H
+#define PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_RESOURCETYPE_H
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+namespace ToolContract {
+
+enum class ResourceType
+{
+    TMP_DIR
+  , TMP_FILE
+  , LOG_FILE
+  , OUTPUT_DIR
+};
+
+} // namespace ToolContract
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_RESOURCETYPE_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/Task.h b/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/Task.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6cf5c4e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/Task.h
@@ -0,0 +1,270 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_TASK_H
+#define PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_TASK_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/Config.h"
+#include "pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/InputFileType.h"
+#include "pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/OutputFileType.h"
+#include "pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/ResourceType.h"
+#include "pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/TaskType.h"
+#include <map>
+#include <string>
+#include <vector>
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+namespace ToolContract {
+
+///
+/// \brief The Task class
+///
+class Task
+{
+public:
+
+    /// Used to indicate that the maximum number of available processors, as
+    /// determined by the tool contract resolving system, should be used for
+    /// this task.
+    ///
+    /// The actual integer value (zero) is not used; instead this should be
+    /// considered more of a "sentinel" value.
+    ///
+    static const uint16_t MAX_NPROC = 0;
+
+public:
+    /// \name Constructors & Related Methods
+    /// \{
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief ToolContractTask
+    /// \param taskId
+    ///
+    Task(const std::string& taskId);
+
+    Task(const Task&) = default;
+    ~Task(void) = default;
+
+    /// \}
+
+public:
+    /// \name Attributes
+    /// \{
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief Description
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    std::string Description(void) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief IsDistributed
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    bool IsDistributed(void) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief NumProcessors
+    ///
+    /// Default is 1.
+    ///
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    uint16_t NumProcessors(void) const;
+
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief TaskId
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    const std::string& TaskId(void) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief Type
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    TaskType Type(void) const;
+
+    /// \}
+
+public:
+    /// \name Options
+    /// \{
+
+    std::map<std::string, std::string> Options(void) const;
+
+    /// \}
+
+public:
+    /// \name File & Resource Types
+    /// \{
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief InputFileTypes
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    std::vector<InputFileType> InputFileTypes(void) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief InputFilesToOptions
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    std::map<size_t, std::string> InputFilesToOptions(void) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief OutputFileTypes
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    std::vector<OutputFileType> OutputFileTypes(void) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief OutputFilesToOptions
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    std::map<size_t, std::string> OutputFilesToOptions(void) const;
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief ResourceTypes
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    std::vector<ResourceType> ResourceTypes(void) const;
+
+    /// \}
+
+public:
+    /// \name Attributes
+    /// \{
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief Description
+    /// \param description
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    Task& Description(const std::string& description);
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief NumProcessors
+    ///
+    /// Set an explicit number of processors for this task (default is 1).
+    ///
+    /// Task::MAX_NPROC can be used here to let the tool contract resolving
+    /// system determine the actual processor count. Using \p nProc of 0 yields
+    /// the same effect.
+    ///
+    /// \param nProc
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    Task& NumProcessors(const uint16_t nProc);
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief SetDistributed
+    /// \param ok
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    Task& SetDistributed(const bool ok = true);
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief Type
+    /// \param type
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    Task& Type(const TaskType& type);
+
+    /// \}
+
+public:
+    /// \name Options
+    /// \{
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief Options
+    /// \param optionConfigs
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    Task& Options(const std::map<std::string, std::string>& optionConfigs);
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief Add single option
+    /// \param OptionConfig 
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    Task& AddOption(const std::pair<std::string, std::string>& optionConfig);
+
+    /// \}
+
+public:
+    /// \name File & Resource Types
+    /// \{
+
+    /// \brief Sets the task's input files list to provided list.
+    ///
+    /// \param   inputFileTypes
+    /// \returns reference to this task
+    ///
+    Task& InputFileTypes(const std::vector<InputFileType>& inputFileTypes);
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief OutputFilesToOptions
+    ///
+    /// Set a mapping for RTC's input_files[] JSON array to named command-line
+    /// options. Key is the position in the array, and value is the option's ID.
+    ///
+    /// \param mapping
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    Task& InputFilesToOptions(const std::map<size_t, std::string>& mapping);
+
+    /// \brief Sets the task's output files list to provided list.
+    ///
+    /// \param   outputFileTypes
+    /// \returns reference to this taskn
+    ///
+    Task& OutputFileTypes(const std::vector<OutputFileType>& outputFileTypes);
+
+    ///
+    /// \brief OutputFilesToOptions
+    ///
+    /// Set a mapping for RTC's output_files[] JSON array to named command-line
+    /// options. Key is the position in the array, and value is the option's ID.
+    ///
+    /// \param mapping
+    /// \return
+    ///
+    Task& OutputFilesToOptions(const std::map<size_t, std::string>& mapping);
+
+    /// \brief Sets the task's resource list to provided list.
+    ///
+    /// \param   resourceTypes
+    /// \returns reference to this task
+    ///
+    Task& ResourceTypes(const std::vector<ResourceType>& resourceTypes);
+
+    /// \}
+
+private:
+
+    // attributes
+    std::string id_;
+    std::string description_;
+    uint16_t nProc_;
+    bool isDistributed_;
+    TaskType type_;
+
+    // registered task options
+    std::map<std::string, std::string> optionDisplayNames_;
+
+    // files & resources
+    std::vector<InputFileType>  inputFileTypes_;
+    std::vector<OutputFileType> outputFileTypes_;
+    std::vector<ResourceType>   resourceTypes_;
+
+    // file -> option mappings
+    std::map<size_t, std::string> inputFilesToOptions_;
+    std::map<size_t, std::string> outputFilesToOptions_;
+};
+
+} // namespace ToolContract
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#include "internal/Task-inl.h"
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_TASK_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/TaskType.h b/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/TaskType.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e1b7c8d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/TaskType.h
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_TASKTYPE_H
+#define PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_TASKTYPE_H
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+namespace ToolContract {
+
+enum class TaskType
+{
+    STANDARD
+  , SCATTERED
+  , GATHERED
+};
+
+} // namespace ToolContract
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_TASKTYPE_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/internal/Config-inl.h b/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/internal/Config-inl.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b44ca87
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/internal/Config-inl.h
@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_CONFIG_INL_H
+#define PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_CONFIG_INL_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/Config.h"
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+namespace ToolContract {
+
+inline Config::Config(const ToolContract::Task& task)
+    : task_(task)
+{ }
+
+inline Config::Config(const ToolContract::Task& task,
+                      const ToolContract::Driver& driver)
+    : task_(task)
+    , driver_(driver)
+{ }
+
+inline const Driver& Config::Driver(void) const
+{ return driver_; }
+
+inline const Task& Config::Task(void) const
+{ return task_; }
+
+inline std::string Config::Version(void) const
+{ return version_; }
+
+inline Config& Config::Version(const std::string& version)
+{ version_ = version; return *this; }
+
+} // namespace ToolContract
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_CONFIG_INL_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/internal/Driver-inl.h b/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/internal/Driver-inl.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0759b37
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/internal/Driver-inl.h
@@ -0,0 +1,46 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_DRIVER_INL_H
+#define PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_DRIVER_INL_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/Driver.h"
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+namespace ToolContract {
+
+inline Driver::Driver(void) { }
+
+inline Driver::Driver(const std::string& exe)
+    : exe_(exe)
+{ }
+
+inline Driver::Driver(const std::string& exe,
+        const Environment& env,
+        const std::string& serialization)
+    : exe_(exe)
+    , serialization_(serialization)
+    , env_(env)
+{ }
+
+inline const Driver::Environment& Driver::Env(void) const
+{ return env_; }
+
+inline Driver& Driver::Env(const Driver::Environment& env)
+{ env_ = env; return *this; }
+
+inline const std::string& Driver::Exe(void) const
+{ return exe_; }
+
+inline Driver& Driver::Exe(const std::string& exe)
+{ exe_ = exe; return *this; }
+
+inline const std::string& Driver::Serialization(void) const
+{ return serialization_; }
+
+inline Driver& Driver::Serialization(const std::string& serialization)
+{ serialization_ = serialization; return *this; }
+
+} // namespace ToolContract
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_DRIVER_INL_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/internal/InputFileType-inl.h b/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/internal/InputFileType-inl.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a4f2dad
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/internal/InputFileType-inl.h
@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_INPUTFILETYPE_INL_H
+#define PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_INPUTFILETYPE_INL_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/InputFileType.h"
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+namespace ToolContract {
+
+inline InputFileType::InputFileType(const std::string& id,
+                                    const std::string& title,
+                                    const std::string& description,
+                                    const std::string& type)
+    : id_(id)
+    , title_(title)
+    , description_(description)
+    , type_(type)
+{ }
+
+inline const std::string& InputFileType::Description(void) const
+{ return description_; }
+
+inline const std::string& InputFileType::Id(void) const
+{ return id_; }
+
+inline const std::string& InputFileType::Title(void) const
+{ return title_; }
+
+inline const std::string& InputFileType::Type(void) const
+{ return type_; }
+
+} // namespace ToolContract
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_INPUTFILETYPE_INL_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/internal/OutputFileType-inl.h b/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/internal/OutputFileType-inl.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3e3cbd6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/internal/OutputFileType-inl.h
@@ -0,0 +1,42 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_OUTPUTFILETYPE_INL_H
+#define PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_OUTPUTFILETYPE_INL_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/OutputFileType.h"
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+namespace ToolContract {
+
+inline OutputFileType::OutputFileType(const std::string& id,
+                                      const std::string& title,
+                                      const std::string& description,
+                                      const std::string& type,
+                                      const std::string& defaultName)
+    : id_(id)
+    , title_(title)
+    , description_(description)
+    , type_(type)
+    , defaultName_(defaultName)
+{ }
+
+inline const std::string& OutputFileType::DefaultName(void) const
+{ return defaultName_; }
+
+inline const std::string& OutputFileType::Description(void) const
+{ return description_; }
+
+inline const std::string& OutputFileType::Id(void) const
+{ return id_; }
+
+inline const std::string& OutputFileType::Title(void) const
+{ return title_; }
+
+inline const std::string& OutputFileType::Type(void) const
+{ return type_; }
+
+} // namespace ToolContract
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_OUTPUTFILETYPE_INL_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/internal/Task-inl.h b/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/internal/Task-inl.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b5b4773
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/internal/Task-inl.h
@@ -0,0 +1,87 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_TASK_INL_H
+#define PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_TASK_INL_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/Task.h"
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+namespace ToolContract {
+
+inline Task::Task(const std::string& taskId)
+    : id_(taskId)
+    , nProc_(1)
+    , isDistributed_(true)
+    , type_(TaskType::STANDARD)
+{ }
+
+inline std::string Task::Description(void) const
+{ return description_; }
+
+inline Task& Task::Description(const std::string& description)
+{ description_ = description; return *this; }
+
+inline std::vector<InputFileType> Task::InputFileTypes(void) const
+{ return inputFileTypes_; }
+
+inline Task& Task::InputFileTypes(const std::vector<InputFileType>& inputFileTypes)
+{ inputFileTypes_ = inputFileTypes; return *this; }
+
+inline std::map<size_t, std::string> Task::InputFilesToOptions(void) const
+{ return inputFilesToOptions_; }
+
+inline Task& Task::InputFilesToOptions(const std::map<size_t, std::string>& mapping)
+{ inputFilesToOptions_ = mapping; return *this; }
+
+inline bool Task::IsDistributed(void) const
+{ return isDistributed_; }
+
+inline uint16_t Task::NumProcessors(void) const
+{ return nProc_; }
+
+inline Task& Task::NumProcessors(const uint16_t nProc)
+{ nProc_ = nProc; return *this; }
+
+inline std::map<std::string, std::string> Task::Options(void) const
+{ return optionDisplayNames_; }
+
+inline Task& Task::Options(const std::map<std::string, std::string>& optionDisplayNames)
+{ optionDisplayNames_ = optionDisplayNames; return *this; }
+
+inline Task& Task::AddOption(const std::pair<std::string, std::string>& optionConfig)
+{ optionDisplayNames_.insert(optionConfig); return *this; }
+
+inline std::vector<OutputFileType> Task::OutputFileTypes(void) const
+{ return outputFileTypes_; }
+
+inline std::map<size_t, std::string> Task::OutputFilesToOptions(void) const
+{ return outputFilesToOptions_; }
+
+inline Task& Task::OutputFilesToOptions(const std::map<size_t, std::string>& mapping)
+{ outputFilesToOptions_ = mapping; return *this; }
+
+inline Task& Task::OutputFileTypes(const std::vector<OutputFileType>& outputFileTypes)
+{ outputFileTypes_ = outputFileTypes; return *this; }
+
+inline std::vector<ResourceType> Task::ResourceTypes(void) const
+{ return resourceTypes_; }
+
+inline Task& Task::ResourceTypes(const std::vector<ResourceType>& resourceTypes)
+{ resourceTypes_ = resourceTypes; return *this; }
+
+inline Task& Task::SetDistributed(const bool ok)
+{ isDistributed_ = ok; return *this; }
+
+inline const std::string& Task::TaskId(void) const
+{ return id_; }
+
+inline TaskType Task::Type(void) const
+{ return type_; }
+
+inline Task& Task::Type(const TaskType& type)
+{ type_ = type; return *this; }
+
+} // namespace ToolContract
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_CLI_TOOLCONTRACT_TASK_INL_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/data/CCSTag.h b/include/pbcopper/data/CCSTag.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..010eeb2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/data/CCSTag.h
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_DATA_CCSTAG_H
+#define PBCOPPER_DATA_CCSTAG_H
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace Data {
+
+// used as a 'tag' for overloading methods
+struct CCSTag { };
+
+} // namespace Data
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_DATA_CCSTAG_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/data/Interval.h b/include/pbcopper/data/Interval.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..565a4a5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/data/Interval.h
@@ -0,0 +1,115 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_DATA_INTERVAL_H
+#define PBCOPPER_DATA_INTERVAL_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/Config.h"
+
+#define BOOST_ICL_USE_STATIC_BOUNDED_INTERVALS
+#include <boost/icl/discrete_interval.hpp>
+#include <boost/icl/interval_traits.hpp>
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace Data {
+
+/// \brief Represents a half-open (right-open) interval [start, end)
+///
+/// \note This class is agnostic whether the values are 0-based or 1-based.
+///
+template<typename T>
+class Interval
+{
+public:
+    typedef boost::icl::discrete_interval<T> interval_type;
+
+public:
+    /// \name Constructors & Related Methods
+    /// \{
+
+    /// \brief Creates an empty interval [0,0)
+    Interval(void);
+
+    /// \brief Creates a 'singleton' interval [val,val+1)
+    Interval(const T val);
+
+    /// \brief Creates an interval from [start, end) */
+    Interval(const T start, const T end);
+
+    /// \brief Copy constructs an interval
+    Interval(const Interval<T>& other);
+
+    /// \brief Move constructs an interval
+    Interval(Interval<T>&& other);
+
+    Interval<T>& operator=(const Interval<T>& other) = default;
+    Interval<T>& operator=(Interval<T>&& other) = default;
+    ~Interval<T>(void) = default;
+
+    /// \}
+
+public:
+    /// \name Comparison Operators
+    /// \{
+
+    /// \returns true if both intervals share the same endpoints
+    bool operator==(const Interval<T>& other) const;
+
+    /// \returns true if either interval's endpoints differ
+    bool operator!=(const Interval<T>& other) const;
+
+    /// \}
+
+public:
+    /// \name Attributes
+    /// \{
+
+    /// \returns interval's start coordinate
+    T Start(void) const;
+
+    /// Sets this interval's start coordinate.
+    ///
+    /// \param[in] start
+    /// \returns reference to this interval
+    ///
+    Interval<T>& Start(const T& start);
+
+    /// \returns interval's end coordinate
+    T End(void) const;
+
+    /// Sets this interval's end coordinate.
+    ///
+    /// \param[in] end
+    /// \returns reference to this interval
+    ///
+    Interval<T>& End(const T& end);
+
+    /// \}
+
+public:
+    /// \name Interval Operations
+
+    /// \returns true if this interval is fully covered by (or contained in) \p other
+    bool CoveredBy(const Interval<T>& other) const;
+
+    //// \returns true if this interval covers (or contains) \p other
+    bool Covers(const Interval<T>& other) const;
+
+    /// \returns true if intervals interset
+    bool Intersects(const Interval<T>& other) const;
+
+    /// \returns true if interval is valid (e.g. start < stop)
+    bool IsValid(void) const;
+
+    /// \returns interval length
+    size_t Length(void) const;
+
+    /// \}
+
+private:
+    interval_type data_;
+};
+
+} // namespace Data
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#include "internal/Interval-inl.h"
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_DATA_INTERVAL_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/data/MovieName.h b/include/pbcopper/data/MovieName.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..71fb63a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/data/MovieName.h
@@ -0,0 +1,85 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_DATA_MOVIENAME_H
+#define PBCOPPER_DATA_MOVIENAME_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/Config.h"
+#include <boost/utility/string_ref.hpp>
+#include <iosfwd>
+#include <memory>
+#include <string>
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace Data {
+
+/// \brief The MovieName class provides methods for working with PacBio movie
+///        names.
+class MovieName
+{
+public:
+    /// \name Constructors & Related Methods
+    /// \{
+
+    // create MovieName from string
+    explicit MovieName(const std::string& name);
+    explicit MovieName(std::string&& name);
+
+    // create MovieName from name parts
+    MovieName(const std::string& instrumentName,
+              const std::string& runStartTime);
+
+    MovieName(void);
+    MovieName(const MovieName& other);
+    MovieName(MovieName&& other) noexcept;
+    MovieName& operator=(const MovieName& other);
+    MovieName& operator=(MovieName&& other) noexcept;
+    ~MovieName(void);
+
+    /// \}
+
+public:
+    /// \name Name Parts
+    /// \{
+
+    boost::string_ref InstrumentName(void) const;
+    boost::string_ref RunStartTime(void) const;
+
+    /// \}
+
+public:
+    /// \name Additional Methods & Operators
+    /// \{
+
+    std::string ToStdString(void) const;
+
+    /// \}
+
+private:
+    std::string movieName_;
+
+    struct PartsCache;
+    mutable std::unique_ptr<PartsCache> partsCache_;
+
+private:
+    void UpdatePartsCache(void) const;
+};
+
+/// \name Related Non-members
+/// \{
+
+
+// comparison operators
+inline bool operator==(const MovieName& lhs, const MovieName& rhs);
+inline bool operator!=(const MovieName& lhs, const MovieName& rhs);
+inline bool operator<(const MovieName& lhs, const MovieName& rhs);
+
+// I/O
+inline std::ostream& operator<<(std::ostream& os, const MovieName& movieName);
+inline std::istream& operator>>(std::istream& is, MovieName& movieName);
+
+/// \}
+
+} // namespace Data
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#include "internal/MovieName-inl.h"
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_DATA_MOVIENAME_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/data/Position.h b/include/pbcopper/data/Position.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..96eaf63
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/data/Position.h
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_DATA_POSITION_H
+#define PBCOPPER_DATA_POSITION_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/Config.h"
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace Data {
+
+typedef int32_t Position;
+
+static const Position UnmappedPosition = Position{ -1 };
+
+} // namespace Data
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_DATA_POSITION_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/data/RSMovieName.h b/include/pbcopper/data/RSMovieName.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d521066
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/data/RSMovieName.h
@@ -0,0 +1,93 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_DATA_RSMOVIENAME_H
+#define PBCOPPER_DATA_RSMOVIENAME_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/Config.h"
+#include <boost/utility/string_ref.hpp>
+#include <iosfwd>
+#include <memory>
+#include <string>
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace Data {
+
+/// \brief The RSMovieName class provides methods for working with PacBio RSII
+///        movie names.
+///
+class RSMovieName
+{
+public:
+    /// \name Constructors & Related Methods
+    /// \{
+
+    // create RSMovieName from string
+    explicit RSMovieName(const std::string& name);
+    explicit RSMovieName(std::string&& name);
+
+    // create MovieName from name parts
+    RSMovieName(const std::string& runStartTime,
+                const std::string& instrumentSerialNumber,
+                const std::string& smrtCellBarcode,
+                const std::string& setNumber,
+                const std::string& partNumber);
+
+    RSMovieName(void);
+    RSMovieName(const RSMovieName& other);
+    RSMovieName(RSMovieName&& other) noexcept;
+    RSMovieName& operator=(const RSMovieName& other);
+    RSMovieName& operator=(RSMovieName&& other) noexcept;
+    ~RSMovieName(void);
+
+    /// \}
+
+public:
+    /// \name Name Parts
+    /// \{
+
+    boost::string_ref InstrumentSerialNumber(void) const;
+    boost::string_ref PartNumber(void) const;
+    boost::string_ref RunStartTime(void) const;
+    boost::string_ref SetNumber(void) const;
+    boost::string_ref SMRTCellBarcode(void) const;
+
+    /// \}
+
+public:
+    /// \name Additional Methods & Operators
+    /// \{
+
+    bool IsReagentExpired(void) const;
+    std::string ToStdString(void) const;
+
+    /// \}
+
+private:
+    std::string movieName_;
+
+    struct PartsCache;
+    mutable std::unique_ptr<PartsCache> partsCache_;
+
+private:
+    void UpdatePartsCache(void) const;
+};
+
+/// \name Related Non-members
+/// \{
+
+
+// comparison operators
+inline bool operator==(const RSMovieName& lhs, const RSMovieName& rhs);
+inline bool operator!=(const RSMovieName& lhs, const RSMovieName& rhs);
+inline bool operator<(const RSMovieName& lhs, const RSMovieName& rhs);
+
+// I/O
+inline std::ostream& operator<<(std::ostream& os, const RSMovieName& movieName);
+inline std::istream& operator>>(std::istream& is, RSMovieName& movieName);
+
+/// \}
+
+} // namespace Data
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#include "internal/RSMovieName-inl.h"
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_DATA_RSMOVIENAME_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/data/RSReadName.h b/include/pbcopper/data/RSReadName.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f80650d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/data/RSReadName.h
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_DATA_RSREADNAME_H
+#define PBCOPPER_DATA_RSREADNAME_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/Config.h"
+#include "pbcopper/data/RSMovieName.h"
+#include "pbcopper/data/internal/ReadNameBase.h"
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace Data {
+
+typedef internal::ReadNameBase<RSMovieName> RSReadName;
+
+} // namespace Data
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_DATA_RSREADNAME_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/data/ReadName.h b/include/pbcopper/data/ReadName.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4cf4c25
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/data/ReadName.h
@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_DATA_READNAME_H
+#define PBCOPPER_DATA_READNAME_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/Config.h"
+#include "pbcopper/data/MovieName.h"
+#include "pbcopper/data/internal/ReadNameBase.h"
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace Data {
+
+typedef internal::ReadNameBase<MovieName> ReadName;
+
+} // namespace Data
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_DATA_READNAME_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/data/Zmw.h b/include/pbcopper/data/Zmw.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cd4c2ee
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/data/Zmw.h
@@ -0,0 +1,14 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_DATA_ZMW_H
+#define PBCOPPER_DATA_ZMW_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/Config.h"
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace Data {
+
+typedef int32_t Zmw;
+
+} // namespace Data
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_DATA_ZMW_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/data/internal/Interval-inl.h b/include/pbcopper/data/internal/Interval-inl.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..35ea121
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/data/internal/Interval-inl.h
@@ -0,0 +1,87 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_DATA_INTERVAL_INL_H
+#define PBCOPPER_DATA_INTERVAL_INL_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/data/Interval.h"
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace Data {
+
+template<typename T>
+inline Interval<T>::Interval(void)
+    : data_(boost::icl::discrete_interval<T>::right_open(0,0))
+{ }
+
+template<typename T>
+inline Interval<T>::Interval(const T val)
+    : data_(boost::icl::discrete_interval<T>::right_open(val,val+1))
+{ }
+
+template<typename T>
+inline Interval<T>::Interval(const T start, const T end)
+    : data_(boost::icl::discrete_interval<T>::right_open(start,end))
+{ }
+
+template<typename T>
+inline Interval<T>::Interval(const Interval<T>& other)
+    : data_(boost::icl::discrete_interval<T>::right_open(other.Start(), other.End()))
+{ }
+
+template<typename T>
+inline Interval<T>::Interval(Interval<T>&& other)
+    : data_(boost::icl::discrete_interval<T>::right_open(other.Start(), other.End()))
+{ }
+
+template<typename T>
+inline bool Interval<T>::operator==(const Interval<T>& other) const
+{ return data_ == other.data_; }
+
+template<typename T>
+inline bool Interval<T>::operator!=(const Interval<T>& other) const
+{ return !(data_ == other.data_); }
+
+template<typename T>
+inline bool Interval<T>::CoveredBy(const Interval<T>& other) const
+{ return boost::icl::within(data_, other.data_); }
+
+template<typename T>
+inline bool Interval<T>::Covers(const Interval<T>& other) const
+{ return boost::icl::contains(data_, other.data_); }
+
+template<typename T>
+inline T Interval<T>::End(void) const
+{ return data_.upper(); }
+
+template<typename T>
+inline Interval<T>& Interval<T>::End(const T& end)
+{
+    data_ = boost::icl::discrete_interval<T>::right_open(data_.lower(), end);
+    return *this;
+}
+
+template<typename T>
+inline bool Interval<T>::Intersects(const Interval<T>& other) const
+{ return boost::icl::intersects(data_, other.data_); }
+
+template<typename T>
+inline bool Interval<T>::IsValid(void) const
+{ return !boost::icl::is_empty(data_); }
+
+template<typename T>
+inline size_t Interval<T>::Length(void) const
+{ return boost::icl::length(data_); }
+
+template<typename T>
+inline T Interval<T>::Start(void) const
+{ return data_.lower(); }
+
+template<typename T>
+inline Interval<T>& Interval<T>::Start(const T& start)
+{
+    data_ = boost::icl::discrete_interval<T>::right_open(start, data_.upper());
+    return *this;
+}
+
+} // namespace Data
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_DATA_INTERVAL_INL_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/data/internal/MovieName-inl.h b/include/pbcopper/data/internal/MovieName-inl.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bae02b7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/data/internal/MovieName-inl.h
@@ -0,0 +1,111 @@
+
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_DATA_MOVIENAME_INL_H
+#define PBCOPPER_DATA_MOVIENAME_INL_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/data/MovieName.h"
+#include "pbcopper/utility/StringUtils.h"
+#include <iostream>
+#include <stdexcept>
+#include <cassert>
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace Data {
+
+struct MovieName::PartsCache
+{
+    boost::string_ref instrumentName_;
+    boost::string_ref runStartTime_;
+};
+
+// NOTE: We're not going to re-calculate cache in copies until actually needed.
+//       We can't completely re-use the original cache, since the string_refs
+//       point to other string::c_str(). So we won't pay for the calculation
+//       until the components are again requested. That should happen less often
+//       than moving these guys around.
+
+inline MovieName::MovieName(void)
+    : partsCache_(nullptr)
+{ }
+
+inline MovieName::MovieName(const MovieName& other)
+    : movieName_(other.movieName_)
+    , partsCache_(nullptr)
+{ }
+
+inline MovieName::MovieName(MovieName&& other) noexcept
+    : movieName_(std::move(other.movieName_))
+    , partsCache_(std::move(other.partsCache_))
+{ }
+
+inline MovieName& MovieName::operator=(const MovieName& other)
+{
+    movieName_ = other.movieName_;
+    partsCache_.reset(nullptr);
+    return *this;
+}
+
+inline MovieName& MovieName::operator=(MovieName&& other) noexcept
+{
+    movieName_ = std::move(other.movieName_);
+    partsCache_ = std::move(other.partsCache_);
+    return *this;
+}
+
+inline MovieName::MovieName(const std::string& name)
+    : movieName_(name)
+    , partsCache_(nullptr)
+{ }
+
+inline MovieName::MovieName(std::string&& name)
+    : movieName_(std::move(name))
+    , partsCache_(nullptr)
+{ }
+
+inline MovieName::~MovieName(void) { }
+
+inline boost::string_ref MovieName::InstrumentName(void) const
+{
+    if (!partsCache_)
+        UpdatePartsCache();
+    assert(partsCache_);
+    return partsCache_->instrumentName_;
+}
+
+inline boost::string_ref  MovieName::RunStartTime(void) const
+{
+    if (!partsCache_)
+        UpdatePartsCache();
+    assert(partsCache_);
+    return partsCache_->runStartTime_;
+}
+
+inline std::string MovieName::ToStdString(void)const
+{ return movieName_; }
+
+inline bool operator==(const MovieName& lhs, const MovieName& rhs)
+{ return lhs.ToStdString() == rhs.ToStdString(); }
+
+inline bool operator!=(const MovieName& lhs, const MovieName& rhs)
+{ return !(lhs == rhs); }
+
+inline bool operator<(const MovieName& lhs, const MovieName& rhs)
+{ return lhs.ToStdString() < rhs.ToStdString(); }
+
+inline std::ostream& operator<<(std::ostream& os, const MovieName& movieName)
+{
+    os << movieName.ToStdString();
+    return os;
+}
+
+inline std::istream& operator>>(std::istream& is, MovieName& movieName)
+{
+    auto s = std::string{ };
+    is >> s;
+    movieName = MovieName{ std::move(s) };
+    return is;
+}
+
+} // namespace Data
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_DATA_MOVIENAME_INL_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/data/internal/RSMovieName-inl.h b/include/pbcopper/data/internal/RSMovieName-inl.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..82d05a2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/data/internal/RSMovieName-inl.h
@@ -0,0 +1,144 @@
+
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_DATA_RSMOVIENAME_INL_H
+#define PBCOPPER_DATA_RSMOVIENAME_INL_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/data/RSMovieName.h"
+#include "pbcopper/utility/StringUtils.h"
+#include <iostream>
+#include <stdexcept>
+#include <cassert>
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace Data {
+
+struct RSMovieName::PartsCache
+{
+    boost::string_ref runStartTime_;
+    boost::string_ref serialNumber_;
+    boost::string_ref smrtCellBarcode_;
+    boost::string_ref setNumber_;
+    boost::string_ref partNumber_;
+};
+
+// NOTE: We're not going to re-calculate cache in copies until actually needed.
+//       We can't completely re-use the original cache, since the string_refs
+//       point to other string::c_str(). So we won't pay for the calculation
+//       until the components are again requested. That should happen less often
+//       than moving these guys around.
+
+inline RSMovieName::RSMovieName(void)
+    : partsCache_(nullptr)
+{ }
+
+inline RSMovieName::RSMovieName(const RSMovieName& other)
+    : movieName_(other.movieName_)
+    , partsCache_(nullptr)
+{ }
+
+inline RSMovieName::RSMovieName(RSMovieName&& other) noexcept
+    : movieName_(std::move(other.movieName_))
+    , partsCache_(std::move(other.partsCache_))
+{ }
+
+inline RSMovieName& RSMovieName::operator=(const RSMovieName& other)
+{
+    movieName_ = other.movieName_;
+    partsCache_.reset(nullptr);
+    return *this;
+}
+
+inline RSMovieName& RSMovieName::operator=(RSMovieName&& other) noexcept
+{
+    movieName_ = std::move(other.movieName_);
+    partsCache_ = std::move(other.partsCache_);
+    return *this;
+}
+
+inline RSMovieName::RSMovieName(const std::string& name)
+    : movieName_(name)
+    , partsCache_(nullptr)
+{ }
+
+inline RSMovieName::RSMovieName(std::string&& name)
+    : movieName_(std::move(name))
+    , partsCache_(nullptr)
+{ }
+
+inline RSMovieName::~RSMovieName(void) { }
+
+inline boost::string_ref RSMovieName::InstrumentSerialNumber(void) const
+{
+    if (!partsCache_)
+        UpdatePartsCache();
+    assert(partsCache_);
+    return partsCache_->serialNumber_;
+}
+
+inline bool RSMovieName::IsReagentExpired(void) const
+{
+    const auto expiredStatus = PartNumber().at(0);
+    return expiredStatus == 'X' || expiredStatus == 'x';
+}
+
+inline boost::string_ref RSMovieName::PartNumber(void) const
+{
+    if (!partsCache_)
+        UpdatePartsCache();
+    assert(partsCache_);
+    return partsCache_->partNumber_;
+}
+
+inline boost::string_ref RSMovieName::RunStartTime(void) const
+{
+    if (!partsCache_)
+        UpdatePartsCache();
+    assert(partsCache_);
+    return partsCache_->runStartTime_;
+}
+
+inline boost::string_ref RSMovieName::SetNumber(void) const
+{
+    if (!partsCache_)
+        UpdatePartsCache();
+    assert(partsCache_);
+    return partsCache_->setNumber_;
+}
+
+inline boost::string_ref RSMovieName::SMRTCellBarcode(void) const
+{
+    if (!partsCache_)
+        UpdatePartsCache();
+    assert(partsCache_);
+    return partsCache_->smrtCellBarcode_;
+}
+
+inline std::string RSMovieName::ToStdString(void)const
+{ return movieName_; }
+
+inline bool operator==(const RSMovieName& lhs, const RSMovieName& rhs)
+{ return lhs.ToStdString() == rhs.ToStdString(); }
+
+inline bool operator!=(const RSMovieName& lhs, const RSMovieName& rhs)
+{ return !(lhs == rhs); }
+
+inline bool operator<(const RSMovieName& lhs, const RSMovieName& rhs)
+{ return lhs.ToStdString() < rhs.ToStdString(); }
+
+inline std::ostream& operator<<(std::ostream& os, const RSMovieName& movieName)
+{
+    os << movieName.ToStdString();
+    return os;
+}
+
+inline std::istream& operator>>(std::istream& is, RSMovieName& movieName)
+{
+    auto s = std::string{ };
+    is >> s;
+    movieName = RSMovieName{ std::move(s) };
+    return is;
+}
+
+} // namespace Data
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_DATA_RSMOVIENAME_INL_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/data/internal/ReadNameBase-inl.h b/include/pbcopper/data/internal/ReadNameBase-inl.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0ffeff4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/data/internal/ReadNameBase-inl.h
@@ -0,0 +1,252 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_DATA_READNAMEBASE_INL_H
+#define PBCOPPER_DATA_READNAMEBASE_INL_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/data/internal/ReadNameBase.h"
+#include "pbcopper/utility/StringUtils.h"
+#include <stdexcept>
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace Data {
+namespace internal {
+
+template<typename MovieNameType>
+inline ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>::ReadNameBase(void)
+    : movieName_()
+    , zmw_(-1)
+    , queryInterval_(nullptr)
+{ }
+
+template<typename MovieNameType>
+inline ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>::ReadNameBase(const std::string& name)
+{
+    auto copy = std::string{ name };
+    FromString(std::move(copy));
+    Check();
+}
+
+template<typename MovieNameType>
+inline ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>::ReadNameBase(std::string&& name)
+{
+    FromString(std::move(name));
+    Check();
+}
+
+template<typename MovieNameType>
+inline ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>::ReadNameBase(const MovieNameType& movieName,
+                                                 const PacBio::Data::Zmw& zmw,
+                                                 const Interval<Position>& queryInterval)
+    : movieName_(movieName)
+    , zmw_(zmw)
+    , queryInterval_(new Interval<Position>{ queryInterval })
+{ }
+
+template<typename MovieNameType>
+inline ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>::ReadNameBase(const MovieNameType& movieName,
+                                                 const PacBio::Data::Zmw& zmw,
+                                                 const Position& queryStart,
+                                                 const Position& queryEnd)
+    : ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>(movieName,
+                                  zmw,
+                                  Interval<Position>(queryStart, queryEnd))
+{ }
+
+template<typename MovieNameType>
+inline ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>::ReadNameBase(const MovieNameType& movieName,
+                                                 const PacBio::Data::Zmw& zmw,
+                                                 const CCSTag)
+    : movieName_(movieName)
+    , zmw_(zmw)
+    , queryInterval_(nullptr)
+{ }
+
+template<typename MovieNameType>
+inline bool ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>::IsCCS(void) const
+{ return !queryInterval_; }
+
+template<typename MovieNameType>
+inline MovieNameType ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>::MovieName(void) const
+{ return movieName_; }
+
+template<typename MovieNameType>
+inline Interval<Position> ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>::QueryInterval(void) const
+{
+    if (IsCCS())
+        throw std::runtime_error("ReadName: cannot get query interval from CCS read");
+    return *queryInterval_;
+}
+
+template<typename MovieNameType>
+inline Position ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>::QueryStart(void) const
+{
+    if (IsCCS())
+        throw std::runtime_error("ReadName: cannot get query start from CCS read");
+    return queryInterval_->Start();
+}
+
+template<typename MovieNameType>
+inline Position ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>::QueryEnd(void) const
+{
+    if (IsCCS())
+        throw std::runtime_error("ReadName: cannot get query end from CCS read");
+    return queryInterval_->End();
+}
+
+template<typename MovieNameType>
+inline PacBio::Data::Zmw ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>::Zmw(void) const
+{ return zmw_; }
+
+template<typename MovieNameType>
+inline bool ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>::operator==(const ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>& other) const
+{
+    // simple int check first
+    if (zmw_ != other.zmw_)
+        return false;
+
+    // not equal if one is CCS and one is not
+    if (IsCCS() != other.IsCCS())
+        return false;
+    else {
+        // reads share same CCS status, check intervals if both non-CCS
+        if (!IsCCS()) {
+            assert(queryInterval_);
+            assert(other.queryInterval_);
+            if (*queryInterval_ != *other.queryInterval_)
+                return false;
+        }
+    }
+
+    // else compare on movie
+    return movieName_ == other.movieName_;
+}
+
+template<typename MovieNameType>
+inline bool ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>::operator<(const ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>& other) const
+{
+    // sort by:
+    //   1 - movie name
+    //   2 - zmw hole number
+    //   3 - query_interval (CCS to end)
+
+    if (movieName_ != other.movieName_)
+        return movieName_ < other.movieName_;
+    if (zmw_ != other.zmw_)
+        return zmw_ < other.zmw_;
+
+    // if this read name is CCS, then we're either never less-than a subread
+    // with query interval... or the other read is the same read name, so not
+    // "less than" either
+    if (IsCCS())
+        return false;
+
+    // this read is non-CCS. so if other is CCS, then we are always "less-than"
+    else if (other.IsCCS())
+        return true;
+
+    // if here, both non-CCS, compare on query interval
+    assert(!IsCCS());
+    assert(!other.IsCCS());
+    const auto thisInterval  = *queryInterval_;
+    const auto otherInterval = *other.queryInterval_;
+    if (thisInterval.Start() == otherInterval.Start())
+        return thisInterval.End() < otherInterval.End();
+    return thisInterval.End() < otherInterval.End();
+}
+
+template<typename MovieNameType>
+inline void ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>::Check(void) const
+{
+    if (movieName_.ToStdString().empty())
+        throw std::runtime_error("ReadName: movie name must not be empty");
+
+    if (zmw_ < 0)
+        throw std::runtime_error("ReadName: ZMW hole number must be a positive integer");
+
+    if (!IsCCS()) {
+        if (QueryStart() < 0)
+            throw std::runtime_error("ReadName: query start must be a positive integer");
+        if (QueryEnd() < 0)
+            throw std::runtime_error("ReadName: query end must be a positive integer");
+    }
+}
+
+template<typename MovieNameType>
+inline void ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>::FromString(std::string&& name)
+{
+    // ensure clean slate
+    movieName_ = MovieNameType{ };
+    zmw_ = -1;
+    queryInterval_.reset(nullptr);
+
+    // parse name parts
+    if (name.empty())
+        return;
+    auto parts = PacBio::Utility::Split(name, '/');
+    if (parts.size() != 3)
+        return;
+
+    // rip out & store name parts
+    movieName_ = MovieNameType{ std::move(parts.at(0)) };
+    zmw_       = std::stoi(parts.at(1));
+    if (parts.at(2) != "ccs") {
+        auto queryParts = PacBio::Utility::Split(parts.at(2), '_');
+        if (queryParts.size() != 2)
+            return;
+        const Position queryStart = std::stoi(queryParts.at(0));
+        const Position queryEnd   = std::stoi(queryParts.at(1));
+        queryInterval_.reset(new Interval<Position>{ queryStart, queryEnd });
+    }
+}
+
+template<typename MovieNameType>
+inline std::string ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>::ToString(void) const
+{
+    // ensure we're OK
+    Check();
+
+    // construct name from parts
+    std::string result;
+    result.reserve(128);
+    result += movieName_.ToStdString();
+    result += "/";
+    result += std::to_string(zmw_);
+    result += "/";
+
+    if (IsCCS()) {
+        result += "ccs";
+    } else {
+        result += std::to_string(queryInterval_->Start());
+        result += "_";
+        result += std::to_string(queryInterval_->End());
+    }
+
+    return result;
+}
+
+template<typename MovieNameType>
+inline bool operator!=(const ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>& lhs,
+                       const ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>& rhs)
+{ return !(lhs == rhs); }
+
+template<typename MovieNameType>
+inline std::ostream& operator<<(std::ostream& os,
+                                const ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>& readName)
+{
+    os << readName.ToString();
+    return os;
+}
+
+template<typename MovieNameType>
+inline std::istream& operator>>(std::istream& is,
+                                ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>& readName)
+{
+    std::string s;
+    is >> s;
+    readName = ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>{ std::move(s) };
+    return is;
+}
+
+} // namespace internal
+} // namespace Data
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_DATA_READNAMEBASE_INL_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/data/internal/ReadNameBase.h b/include/pbcopper/data/internal/ReadNameBase.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..40d3d07
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/data/internal/ReadNameBase.h
@@ -0,0 +1,103 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_DATA_READNAMEBASE_H
+#define PBCOPPER_DATA_READNAMEBASE_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/Config.h"
+#include "pbcopper/data/CCSTag.h"
+#include "pbcopper/data/Interval.h"
+#include "pbcopper/data/MovieName.h"
+#include "pbcopper/data/Position.h"
+#include "pbcopper/data/Zmw.h"
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace Data {
+namespace internal {
+
+template<typename MovieNameType>
+class ReadNameBase
+{
+public:
+    /// \name Constructors & Related Methods
+    /// \{
+
+    // create ReadNameBase from string
+    explicit ReadNameBase(const std::string& name);
+    explicit ReadNameBase(std::string&& name);
+
+    // create ReadName from name parts
+    ReadNameBase(const MovieNameType& movieName,
+                 const PacBio::Data::Zmw& zmw,
+                 const Interval<Position>& queryInterval);
+
+    ReadNameBase(const MovieNameType& movieName,
+                 const PacBio::Data::Zmw& zmw,
+                 const Position& queryStart,
+                 const Position& queryEnd);
+
+    ReadNameBase(const MovieNameType& movieName,
+                 const PacBio::Data::Zmw& zmw,
+                 const CCSTag ccs);
+
+    ReadNameBase(void);
+    ReadNameBase(const ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>& other) = default;
+    ReadNameBase(ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>&& other) = default;
+    ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>& operator=(const ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>& other) = default;
+    ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>& operator=(ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>&& other) = default;
+    ~ReadNameBase(void) = default;
+
+    /// \}
+
+public:
+    /// \name Name Parts
+    /// \{
+
+    MovieNameType MovieName(void) const;
+    PacBio::Data::Zmw Zmw(void) const;
+    Interval<Position> QueryInterval(void) const;
+    Position QueryStart(void) const;
+    Position QueryEnd(void) const;
+
+    /// \}
+
+public:
+    /// \name Additional Methods & Operators
+    /// \{
+
+    bool IsCCS(void) const;
+    std::string ToString(void) const;
+
+    bool operator==(const ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>& other) const;
+    bool operator<(const ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>& other) const;
+
+    /// \}
+
+private:
+    MovieNameType movieName_;
+    PacBio::Data::Zmw zmw_;
+    std::unique_ptr<Interval<Position>> queryInterval_;
+
+private:
+    void Check(void) const;
+    void FromString(std::string&& name);
+};
+
+// add'l comparison operators
+template<typename MovieNameType>
+inline bool operator!=(const ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>& lhs,
+                       const ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>& rhs);
+
+// I/O
+template<typename MovieNameType>
+inline std::ostream& operator<<(std::ostream& os,
+                                const ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>& readName);
+
+template<typename MovieNameType>
+inline std::istream& operator>>(std::istream& is,
+                                ReadNameBase<MovieNameType>& readName);
+
+} // namespace internal
+} // namespace Data
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#include "ReadNameBase-inl.h"
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_DATA_READNAMEBASE_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/json/JSON.h b/include/pbcopper/json/JSON.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1043972
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/json/JSON.h
@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_JSON_JSON_H
+#define PBCOPPER_JSON_JSON_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/Config.h"
+#include "pbcopper/json/internal/json.hpp"
+
+//
+// Simple wrapper around nlohmann's JSON implementation:
+//     https://github.com/nlohmann/json
+//
+// Currently wrapping commit: a3f432b3dde1d71c8940961947db5938ed11ee91
+//
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace JSON {
+
+typedef nlohmann::json Json;
+
+} // namespace JSON
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_JSON_JSON_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/json/internal/json.hpp b/include/pbcopper/json/internal/json.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4364676
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/json/internal/json.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,10182 @@
+/*
+    __ _____ _____ _____
+ __|  |   __|     |   | |  JSON for Modern C++
+|  |  |__   |  |  | | | |  version 2.0.0
+|_____|_____|_____|_|___|  https://github.com/nlohmann/json
+
+Licensed under the MIT License <http://opensource.org/licenses/MIT>.
+Copyright (c) 2013-2016 Niels Lohmann <http://nlohmann.me>.
+
+Permission is hereby  granted, free of charge, to any  person obtaining a copy
+of this software and associated  documentation files (the "Software"), to deal
+in the Software  without restriction, including without  limitation the rights
+to  use, copy,  modify, merge,  publish, distribute,  sublicense, and/or  sell
+copies  of  the Software,  and  to  permit persons  to  whom  the Software  is
+furnished to do so, subject to the following conditions:
+
+The above copyright notice and this permission notice shall be included in all
+copies or substantial portions of the Software.
+
+THE SOFTWARE  IS PROVIDED "AS  IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY  OF ANY KIND,  EXPRESS OR
+IMPLIED,  INCLUDING BUT  NOT  LIMITED TO  THE  WARRANTIES OF  MERCHANTABILITY,
+FITNESS FOR  A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND  NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT  SHALL THE
+AUTHORS  OR COPYRIGHT  HOLDERS  BE  LIABLE FOR  ANY  CLAIM,  DAMAGES OR  OTHER
+LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF  CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM,
+OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE  OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE
+SOFTWARE.
+*/
+
+#ifndef NLOHMANN_JSON_HPP
+#define NLOHMANN_JSON_HPP
+
+#include <algorithm>
+#include <array>
+#include <cassert>
+#include <cerrno>
+#include <ciso646>
+#include <cmath>
+#include <cstddef>
+#include <cstdio>
+#include <cstdlib>
+#include <functional>
+#include <initializer_list>
+#include <iomanip>
+#include <iostream>
+#include <iterator>
+#include <limits>
+#include <map>
+#include <memory>
+#include <sstream>
+#include <stdexcept>
+#include <string>
+#include <type_traits>
+#include <utility>
+#include <vector>
+
+// disable float-equal warnings on GCC/clang
+#if defined(__clang__) || defined(__GNUC__) || defined(__GNUG__)
+    #pragma GCC diagnostic push
+    #pragma GCC diagnostic ignored "-Wfloat-equal"
+#endif
+
+/*!
+ at brief namespace for Niels Lohmann
+ at see https://github.com/nlohmann
+ at since version 1.0.0
+*/
+namespace nlohmann
+{
+
+
+/*!
+ at brief unnamed namespace with internal helper functions
+ at since version 1.0.0
+*/
+namespace
+{
+/*!
+ at brief Helper to determine whether there's a key_type for T.
+ at sa http://stackoverflow.com/a/7728728/266378
+*/
+template<typename T>
+struct has_mapped_type
+{
+  private:
+    template<typename C> static char test(typename C::mapped_type*);
+    template<typename C> static char (&test(...))[2];
+  public:
+    static constexpr bool value = sizeof(test<T>(0)) == 1;
+};
+
+/*!
+ at brief helper class to create locales with decimal point
+ at sa https://github.com/nlohmann/json/issues/51#issuecomment-86869315
+*/
+class DecimalSeparator : public std::numpunct<char>
+{
+  protected:
+    char do_decimal_point() const
+    {
+        return '.';
+    }
+};
+
+}
+
+/*!
+ at brief a class to store JSON values
+
+ at tparam ObjectType type for JSON objects (`std::map` by default; will be used
+in @ref object_t)
+ at tparam ArrayType type for JSON arrays (`std::vector` by default; will be used
+in @ref array_t)
+ at tparam StringType type for JSON strings and object keys (`std::string` by
+default; will be used in @ref string_t)
+ at tparam BooleanType type for JSON booleans (`bool` by default; will be used
+in @ref boolean_t)
+ at tparam NumberIntegerType type for JSON integer numbers (`int64_t` by
+default; will be used in @ref number_integer_t)
+ at tparam NumberUnsignedType type for JSON unsigned integer numbers (@c
+`uint64_t` by default; will be used in @ref number_unsigned_t)
+ at tparam NumberFloatType type for JSON floating-point numbers (`double` by
+default; will be used in @ref number_float_t)
+ at tparam AllocatorType type of the allocator to use (`std::allocator` by
+default)
+
+ at requirement The class satisfies the following concept requirements:
+- Basic
+ - [DefaultConstructible](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/concept/DefaultConstructible):
+   JSON values can be default constructed. The result will be a JSON null value.
+ - [MoveConstructible](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/concept/MoveConstructible):
+   A JSON value can be constructed from an rvalue argument.
+ - [CopyConstructible](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/concept/CopyConstructible):
+   A JSON value can be copy-constructed from an lvalue expression.
+ - [MoveAssignable](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/concept/MoveAssignable):
+   A JSON value van be assigned from an rvalue argument.
+ - [CopyAssignable](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/concept/CopyAssignable):
+   A JSON value can be copy-assigned from an lvalue expression.
+ - [Destructible](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/concept/Destructible):
+   JSON values can be destructed.
+- Layout
+ - [StandardLayoutType](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/concept/StandardLayoutType):
+   JSON values have
+   [standard layout](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/language/data_members#Standard_layout):
+   All non-static data members are private and standard layout types, the class
+   has no virtual functions or (virtual) base classes.
+- Library-wide
+ - [EqualityComparable](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/concept/EqualityComparable):
+   JSON values can be compared with `==`, see @ref
+   operator==(const_reference,const_reference).
+ - [LessThanComparable](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/concept/LessThanComparable):
+   JSON values can be compared with `<`, see @ref
+   operator<(const_reference,const_reference).
+ - [Swappable](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/concept/Swappable):
+   Any JSON lvalue or rvalue of can be swapped with any lvalue or rvalue of
+   other compatible types, using unqualified function call @ref swap().
+ - [NullablePointer](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/concept/NullablePointer):
+   JSON values can be compared against `std::nullptr_t` objects which are used
+   to model the `null` value.
+- Container
+ - [Container](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/concept/Container):
+   JSON values can be used like STL containers and provide iterator access.
+ - [ReversibleContainer](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/concept/ReversibleContainer);
+   JSON values can be used like STL containers and provide reverse iterator
+   access.
+
+ at internal
+ at note ObjectType trick from http://stackoverflow.com/a/9860911
+ at endinternal
+
+ at see [RFC 7159: The JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) Data Interchange
+Format](http://rfc7159.net/rfc7159)
+
+ at since version 1.0.0
+
+ at nosubgrouping
+*/
+template <
+    template<typename U, typename V, typename... Args> class ObjectType = std::map,
+    template<typename U, typename... Args> class ArrayType = std::vector,
+    class StringType = std::string,
+    class BooleanType = bool,
+    class NumberIntegerType = std::int64_t,
+    class NumberUnsignedType = std::uint64_t,
+    class NumberFloatType = double,
+    template<typename U> class AllocatorType = std::allocator
+    >
+class basic_json
+{
+  private:
+    /// workaround type for MSVC
+    using basic_json_t = basic_json<ObjectType,
+          ArrayType,
+          StringType,
+          BooleanType,
+          NumberIntegerType,
+          NumberUnsignedType,
+          NumberFloatType,
+          AllocatorType>;
+
+  public:
+    // forward declarations
+    template<typename Base> class json_reverse_iterator;
+    class json_pointer;
+
+    /////////////////////
+    // container types //
+    /////////////////////
+
+    /// @name container types
+    /// @{
+
+    /// the type of elements in a basic_json container
+    using value_type = basic_json;
+
+    /// the type of an element reference
+    using reference = value_type&;
+    /// the type of an element const reference
+    using const_reference = const value_type&;
+
+    /// a type to represent differences between iterators
+    using difference_type = std::ptrdiff_t;
+    /// a type to represent container sizes
+    using size_type = std::size_t;
+
+    /// the allocator type
+    using allocator_type = AllocatorType<basic_json>;
+
+    /// the type of an element pointer
+    using pointer = typename std::allocator_traits<allocator_type>::pointer;
+    /// the type of an element const pointer
+    using const_pointer = typename std::allocator_traits<allocator_type>::const_pointer;
+
+    /// an iterator for a basic_json container
+    class iterator;
+    /// a const iterator for a basic_json container
+    class const_iterator;
+    /// a reverse iterator for a basic_json container
+    using reverse_iterator = json_reverse_iterator<typename basic_json::iterator>;
+    /// a const reverse iterator for a basic_json container
+    using const_reverse_iterator = json_reverse_iterator<typename basic_json::const_iterator>;
+
+    /// @}
+
+
+    /*!
+    @brief returns the allocator associated with the container
+    */
+    static allocator_type get_allocator()
+    {
+        return allocator_type();
+    }
+
+
+    ///////////////////////////
+    // JSON value data types //
+    ///////////////////////////
+
+    /// @name JSON value data types
+    /// @{
+
+    /*!
+    @brief a type for an object
+
+    [RFC 7159](http://rfc7159.net/rfc7159) describes JSON objects as follows:
+    > An object is an unordered collection of zero or more name/value pairs,
+    > where a name is a string and a value is a string, number, boolean, null,
+    > object, or array.
+
+    To store objects in C++, a type is defined by the template parameters
+    described below.
+
+    @tparam ObjectType  the container to store objects (e.g., `std::map` or
+    `std::unordered_map`)
+    @tparam StringType the type of the keys or names (e.g., `std::string`).
+    The comparison function `std::less<StringType>` is used to order elements
+    inside the container.
+    @tparam AllocatorType the allocator to use for objects (e.g.,
+    `std::allocator`)
+
+    #### Default type
+
+    With the default values for @a ObjectType (`std::map`), @a StringType
+    (`std::string`), and @a AllocatorType (`std::allocator`), the default
+    value for @a object_t is:
+
+    @code {.cpp}
+    std::map<
+      std::string, // key_type
+      basic_json, // value_type
+      std::less<std::string>, // key_compare
+      std::allocator<std::pair<const std::string, basic_json>> // allocator_type
+    >
+    @endcode
+
+    #### Behavior
+
+    The choice of @a object_t influences the behavior of the JSON class. With
+    the default type, objects have the following behavior:
+
+    - When all names are unique, objects will be interoperable in the sense
+      that all software implementations receiving that object will agree on
+      the name-value mappings.
+    - When the names within an object are not unique, later stored name/value
+      pairs overwrite previously stored name/value pairs, leaving the used
+      names unique. For instance, `{"key": 1}` and `{"key": 2, "key": 1}` will
+      be treated as equal and both stored as `{"key": 1}`.
+    - Internally, name/value pairs are stored in lexicographical order of the
+      names. Objects will also be serialized (see @ref dump) in this order.
+      For instance, `{"b": 1, "a": 2}` and `{"a": 2, "b": 1}` will be stored
+      and serialized as `{"a": 2, "b": 1}`.
+    - When comparing objects, the order of the name/value pairs is irrelevant.
+      This makes objects interoperable in the sense that they will not be
+      affected by these differences. For instance, `{"b": 1, "a": 2}` and
+      `{"a": 2, "b": 1}` will be treated as equal.
+
+    #### Limits
+
+    [RFC 7159](http://rfc7159.net/rfc7159) specifies:
+    > An implementation may set limits on the maximum depth of nesting.
+
+    In this class, the object's limit of nesting is not constraint explicitly.
+    However, a maximum depth of nesting may be introduced by the compiler or
+    runtime environment. A theoretical limit can be queried by calling the
+    @ref max_size function of a JSON object.
+
+    #### Storage
+
+    Objects are stored as pointers in a @ref basic_json type. That is, for any
+    access to object values, a pointer of type `object_t*` must be
+    dereferenced.
+
+    @sa @ref array_t -- type for an array value
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+
+    @note The order name/value pairs are added to the object is *not*
+    preserved by the library. Therefore, iterating an object may return
+    name/value pairs in a different order than they were originally stored. In
+    fact, keys will be traversed in alphabetical order as `std::map` with
+    `std::less` is used by default. Please note this behavior conforms to [RFC
+    7159](http://rfc7159.net/rfc7159), because any order implements the
+    specified "unordered" nature of JSON objects.
+    */
+    using object_t = ObjectType<StringType,
+          basic_json,
+          std::less<StringType>,
+          AllocatorType<std::pair<const StringType,
+          basic_json>>>;
+
+    /*!
+    @brief a type for an array
+
+    [RFC 7159](http://rfc7159.net/rfc7159) describes JSON arrays as follows:
+    > An array is an ordered sequence of zero or more values.
+
+    To store objects in C++, a type is defined by the template parameters
+    explained below.
+
+    @tparam ArrayType  container type to store arrays (e.g., `std::vector` or
+    `std::list`)
+    @tparam AllocatorType  allocator to use for arrays (e.g., `std::allocator`)
+
+    #### Default type
+
+    With the default values for @a ArrayType (`std::vector`) and @a
+    AllocatorType (`std::allocator`), the default value for @a array_t is:
+
+    @code {.cpp}
+    std::vector<
+      basic_json, // value_type
+      std::allocator<basic_json> // allocator_type
+    >
+    @endcode
+
+    #### Limits
+
+    [RFC 7159](http://rfc7159.net/rfc7159) specifies:
+    > An implementation may set limits on the maximum depth of nesting.
+
+    In this class, the array's limit of nesting is not constraint explicitly.
+    However, a maximum depth of nesting may be introduced by the compiler or
+    runtime environment. A theoretical limit can be queried by calling the
+    @ref max_size function of a JSON array.
+
+    #### Storage
+
+    Arrays are stored as pointers in a @ref basic_json type. That is, for any
+    access to array values, a pointer of type `array_t*` must be dereferenced.
+
+    @sa @ref object_t -- type for an object value
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    using array_t = ArrayType<basic_json, AllocatorType<basic_json>>;
+
+    /*!
+    @brief a type for a string
+
+    [RFC 7159](http://rfc7159.net/rfc7159) describes JSON strings as follows:
+    > A string is a sequence of zero or more Unicode characters.
+
+    To store objects in C++, a type is defined by the template parameter
+    described below. Unicode values are split by the JSON class into
+    byte-sized characters during deserialization.
+
+    @tparam StringType  the container to store strings (e.g., `std::string`).
+    Note this container is used for keys/names in objects, see @ref object_t.
+
+    #### Default type
+
+    With the default values for @a StringType (`std::string`), the default
+    value for @a string_t is:
+
+    @code {.cpp}
+    std::string
+    @endcode
+
+    #### String comparison
+
+    [RFC 7159](http://rfc7159.net/rfc7159) states:
+    > Software implementations are typically required to test names of object
+    > members for equality. Implementations that transform the textual
+    > representation into sequences of Unicode code units and then perform the
+    > comparison numerically, code unit by code unit, are interoperable in the
+    > sense that implementations will agree in all cases on equality or
+    > inequality of two strings. For example, implementations that compare
+    > strings with escaped characters unconverted may incorrectly find that
+    > `"a\\b"` and `"a\u005Cb"` are not equal.
+
+    This implementation is interoperable as it does compare strings code unit
+    by code unit.
+
+    #### Storage
+
+    String values are stored as pointers in a @ref basic_json type. That is,
+    for any access to string values, a pointer of type `string_t*` must be
+    dereferenced.
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    using string_t = StringType;
+
+    /*!
+    @brief a type for a boolean
+
+    [RFC 7159](http://rfc7159.net/rfc7159) implicitly describes a boolean as a
+    type which differentiates the two literals `true` and `false`.
+
+    To store objects in C++, a type is defined by the template parameter @a
+    BooleanType which chooses the type to use.
+
+    #### Default type
+
+    With the default values for @a BooleanType (`bool`), the default value for
+    @a boolean_t is:
+
+    @code {.cpp}
+    bool
+    @endcode
+
+    #### Storage
+
+    Boolean values are stored directly inside a @ref basic_json type.
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    using boolean_t = BooleanType;
+
+    /*!
+    @brief a type for a number (integer)
+
+    [RFC 7159](http://rfc7159.net/rfc7159) describes numbers as follows:
+    > The representation of numbers is similar to that used in most
+    > programming languages. A number is represented in base 10 using decimal
+    > digits. It contains an integer component that may be prefixed with an
+    > optional minus sign, which may be followed by a fraction part and/or an
+    > exponent part. Leading zeros are not allowed. (...) Numeric values that
+    > cannot be represented in the grammar below (such as Infinity and NaN)
+    > are not permitted.
+
+    This description includes both integer and floating-point numbers.
+    However, C++ allows more precise storage if it is known whether the number
+    is a signed integer, an unsigned integer or a floating-point number.
+    Therefore, three different types, @ref number_integer_t, @ref
+    number_unsigned_t and @ref number_float_t are used.
+
+    To store integer numbers in C++, a type is defined by the template
+    parameter @a NumberIntegerType which chooses the type to use.
+
+    #### Default type
+
+    With the default values for @a NumberIntegerType (`int64_t`), the default
+    value for @a number_integer_t is:
+
+    @code {.cpp}
+    int64_t
+    @endcode
+
+    #### Default behavior
+
+    - The restrictions about leading zeros is not enforced in C++. Instead,
+      leading zeros in integer literals lead to an interpretation as octal
+      number. Internally, the value will be stored as decimal number. For
+      instance, the C++ integer literal `010` will be serialized to `8`.
+      During deserialization, leading zeros yield an error.
+    - Not-a-number (NaN) values will be serialized to `null`.
+
+    #### Limits
+
+    [RFC 7159](http://rfc7159.net/rfc7159) specifies:
+    > An implementation may set limits on the range and precision of numbers.
+
+    When the default type is used, the maximal integer number that can be
+    stored is `9223372036854775807` (INT64_MAX) and the minimal integer number
+    that can be stored is `-9223372036854775808` (INT64_MIN). Integer numbers
+    that are out of range will yield over/underflow when used in a
+    constructor. During deserialization, too large or small integer numbers
+    will be automatically be stored as @ref number_unsigned_t or @ref
+    number_float_t.
+
+    [RFC 7159](http://rfc7159.net/rfc7159) further states:
+    > Note that when such software is used, numbers that are integers and are
+    > in the range \f$[-2^{53}+1, 2^{53}-1]\f$ are interoperable in the sense
+    > that implementations will agree exactly on their numeric values.
+
+    As this range is a subrange of the exactly supported range [INT64_MIN,
+    INT64_MAX], this class's integer type is interoperable.
+
+    #### Storage
+
+    Integer number values are stored directly inside a @ref basic_json type.
+
+    @sa @ref number_float_t -- type for number values (floating-point)
+
+    @sa @ref number_unsigned_t -- type for number values (unsigned integer)
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    using number_integer_t = NumberIntegerType;
+
+    /*!
+    @brief a type for a number (unsigned)
+
+    [RFC 7159](http://rfc7159.net/rfc7159) describes numbers as follows:
+    > The representation of numbers is similar to that used in most
+    > programming languages. A number is represented in base 10 using decimal
+    > digits. It contains an integer component that may be prefixed with an
+    > optional minus sign, which may be followed by a fraction part and/or an
+    > exponent part. Leading zeros are not allowed. (...) Numeric values that
+    > cannot be represented in the grammar below (such as Infinity and NaN)
+    > are not permitted.
+
+    This description includes both integer and floating-point numbers.
+    However, C++ allows more precise storage if it is known whether the number
+    is a signed integer, an unsigned integer or a floating-point number.
+    Therefore, three different types, @ref number_integer_t, @ref
+    number_unsigned_t and @ref number_float_t are used.
+
+    To store unsigned integer numbers in C++, a type is defined by the
+    template parameter @a NumberUnsignedType which chooses the type to use.
+
+    #### Default type
+
+    With the default values for @a NumberUnsignedType (`uint64_t`), the
+    default value for @a number_unsigned_t is:
+
+    @code {.cpp}
+    uint64_t
+    @endcode
+
+    #### Default behavior
+
+    - The restrictions about leading zeros is not enforced in C++. Instead,
+      leading zeros in integer literals lead to an interpretation as octal
+      number. Internally, the value will be stored as decimal number. For
+      instance, the C++ integer literal `010` will be serialized to `8`.
+      During deserialization, leading zeros yield an error.
+    - Not-a-number (NaN) values will be serialized to `null`.
+
+    #### Limits
+
+    [RFC 7159](http://rfc7159.net/rfc7159) specifies:
+    > An implementation may set limits on the range and precision of numbers.
+
+    When the default type is used, the maximal integer number that can be
+    stored is `18446744073709551615` (UINT64_MAX) and the minimal integer
+    number that can be stored is `0`. Integer numbers that are out of range
+    will yield over/underflow when used in a constructor. During
+    deserialization, too large or small integer numbers will be automatically
+    be stored as @ref number_integer_t or @ref number_float_t.
+
+    [RFC 7159](http://rfc7159.net/rfc7159) further states:
+    > Note that when such software is used, numbers that are integers and are
+    > in the range \f$[-2^{53}+1, 2^{53}-1]\f$ are interoperable in the sense
+    > that implementations will agree exactly on their numeric values.
+
+    As this range is a subrange (when considered in conjunction with the
+    number_integer_t type) of the exactly supported range [0, UINT64_MAX], this
+    class's integer type is interoperable.
+
+    #### Storage
+
+    Integer number values are stored directly inside a @ref basic_json type.
+
+    @sa @ref number_float_t -- type for number values (floating-point)
+
+    @sa @ref number_integer_t -- type for number values (integer)
+
+    @since version 2.0.0
+    */
+    using number_unsigned_t = NumberUnsignedType;
+
+    /*!
+    @brief a type for a number (floating-point)
+
+    [RFC 7159](http://rfc7159.net/rfc7159) describes numbers as follows:
+    > The representation of numbers is similar to that used in most
+    > programming languages. A number is represented in base 10 using decimal
+    > digits. It contains an integer component that may be prefixed with an
+    > optional minus sign, which may be followed by a fraction part and/or an
+    > exponent part. Leading zeros are not allowed. (...) Numeric values that
+    > cannot be represented in the grammar below (such as Infinity and NaN)
+    > are not permitted.
+
+    This description includes both integer and floating-point numbers.
+    However, C++ allows more precise storage if it is known whether the number
+    is a signed integer, an unsigned integer or a floating-point number.
+    Therefore, three different types, @ref number_integer_t, @ref
+    number_unsigned_t and @ref number_float_t are used.
+
+    To store floating-point numbers in C++, a type is defined by the template
+    parameter @a NumberFloatType which chooses the type to use.
+
+    #### Default type
+
+    With the default values for @a NumberFloatType (`double`), the default
+    value for @a number_float_t is:
+
+    @code {.cpp}
+    double
+    @endcode
+
+    #### Default behavior
+
+    - The restrictions about leading zeros is not enforced in C++. Instead,
+      leading zeros in floating-point literals will be ignored. Internally,
+      the value will be stored as decimal number. For instance, the C++
+      floating-point literal `01.2` will be serialized to `1.2`. During
+      deserialization, leading zeros yield an error.
+    - Not-a-number (NaN) values will be serialized to `null`.
+
+    #### Limits
+
+    [RFC 7159](http://rfc7159.net/rfc7159) states:
+    > This specification allows implementations to set limits on the range and
+    > precision of numbers accepted. Since software that implements IEEE
+    > 754-2008 binary64 (double precision) numbers is generally available and
+    > widely used, good interoperability can be achieved by implementations
+    > that expect no more precision or range than these provide, in the sense
+    > that implementations will approximate JSON numbers within the expected
+    > precision.
+
+    This implementation does exactly follow this approach, as it uses double
+    precision floating-point numbers. Note values smaller than
+    `-1.79769313486232e+308` and values greater than `1.79769313486232e+308`
+    will be stored as NaN internally and be serialized to `null`.
+
+    #### Storage
+
+    Floating-point number values are stored directly inside a @ref basic_json
+    type.
+
+    @sa @ref number_integer_t -- type for number values (integer)
+
+    @sa @ref number_unsigned_t -- type for number values (unsigned integer)
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    using number_float_t = NumberFloatType;
+
+    /// @}
+
+
+    ///////////////////////////
+    // JSON type enumeration //
+    ///////////////////////////
+
+    /*!
+    @brief the JSON type enumeration
+
+    This enumeration collects the different JSON types. It is internally used
+    to distinguish the stored values, and the functions @ref is_null(), @ref
+    is_object(), @ref is_array(), @ref is_string(), @ref is_boolean(), @ref
+    is_number(), and @ref is_discarded() rely on it.
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    enum class value_t : uint8_t
+    {
+        null,            ///< null value
+        object,          ///< object (unordered set of name/value pairs)
+        array,           ///< array (ordered collection of values)
+        string,          ///< string value
+        boolean,         ///< boolean value
+        number_integer,  ///< number value (integer)
+        number_unsigned, ///< number value (unsigned integer)
+        number_float,    ///< number value (floating-point)
+        discarded        ///< discarded by the the parser callback function
+    };
+
+
+  private:
+
+    /*!
+    @brief a type to hold JSON type information
+
+    This bitfield type holds information about JSON types. It is internally
+    used to hold the basic JSON type enumeration, as well as additional
+    information in the case of values that have been parsed from a string
+    including whether of not it was created directly or parsed, and in the
+    case of floating point numbers the number of significant figures in the
+    original representaiton and if it was in exponential form, if a '+' was
+    included in the exponent and the capitilization of the exponent marker.
+    The sole purpose of this information is to permit accurate round trips.
+
+    @since version 2.0.0
+    */
+    union type_data_t
+    {
+        struct
+        {
+            /// the type of the value (@ref value_t)
+            uint16_t type : 4;
+            /// whether the number was parsed from a string
+            uint16_t parsed : 1;
+            /// whether parsed number contained an exponent ('e'/'E')
+            uint16_t has_exp : 1;
+            /// whether parsed number contained a plus in the exponent
+            uint16_t exp_plus : 1;
+            /// whether parsed number's exponent was capitalized ('E')
+            uint16_t exp_cap : 1;
+            /// the number of figures for a parsed number
+            uint16_t precision : 8;
+        } bits;
+        uint16_t data;
+
+        /// return the type as value_t
+        operator value_t() const
+        {
+            return static_cast<value_t>(bits.type);
+        }
+
+        /// test type for equality (ignore other fields)
+        bool operator==(const value_t& rhs) const
+        {
+            return static_cast<value_t>(bits.type) == rhs;
+        }
+
+        /// assignment
+        type_data_t& operator=(value_t rhs)
+        {
+            bits.type = static_cast<uint16_t>(rhs) & 15; // avoid overflow
+            return *this;
+        }
+
+        /// construct from value_t
+        type_data_t(value_t t) noexcept
+        {
+            *reinterpret_cast<uint16_t*>(this) = 0;
+            bits.type = static_cast<uint16_t>(t) & 15; // avoid overflow
+        }
+
+        /// default constructor
+        type_data_t() noexcept
+        {
+            data = 0;
+            bits.type = reinterpret_cast<uint16_t>(value_t::null);
+        }
+    };
+
+    /// helper for exception-safe object creation
+    template<typename T, typename... Args>
+    static T* create(Args&& ... args)
+    {
+        AllocatorType<T> alloc;
+        auto deleter = [&](T * object)
+        {
+            alloc.deallocate(object, 1);
+        };
+        std::unique_ptr<T, decltype(deleter)> object(alloc.allocate(1), deleter);
+        alloc.construct(object.get(), std::forward<Args>(args)...);
+        return object.release();
+    }
+
+    ////////////////////////
+    // JSON value storage //
+    ////////////////////////
+
+    /*!
+    @brief a JSON value
+
+    The actual storage for a JSON value of the @ref basic_json class.
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    union json_value
+    {
+        /// object (stored with pointer to save storage)
+        object_t* object;
+        /// array (stored with pointer to save storage)
+        array_t* array;
+        /// string (stored with pointer to save storage)
+        string_t* string;
+        /// boolean
+        boolean_t boolean;
+        /// number (integer)
+        number_integer_t number_integer;
+        /// number (unsigned integer)
+        number_unsigned_t number_unsigned;
+        /// number (floating-point)
+        number_float_t number_float;
+
+        /// default constructor (for null values)
+        json_value() = default;
+        /// constructor for booleans
+        json_value(boolean_t v) noexcept : boolean(v) {}
+        /// constructor for numbers (integer)
+        json_value(number_integer_t v) noexcept : number_integer(v) {}
+        /// constructor for numbers (unsigned)
+        json_value(number_unsigned_t v) noexcept : number_unsigned(v) {}
+        /// constructor for numbers (floating-point)
+        json_value(number_float_t v) noexcept : number_float(v) {}
+        /// constructor for empty values of a given type
+        json_value(value_t t)
+        {
+            switch (t)
+            {
+                case value_t::object:
+                {
+                    object = create<object_t>();
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                case value_t::array:
+                {
+                    array = create<array_t>();
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                case value_t::string:
+                {
+                    string = create<string_t>("");
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                case value_t::boolean:
+                {
+                    boolean = boolean_t(false);
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                case value_t::number_integer:
+                {
+                    number_integer = number_integer_t(0);
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                case value_t::number_unsigned:
+                {
+                    number_unsigned = number_unsigned_t(0);
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                case value_t::number_float:
+                {
+                    number_float = number_float_t(0.0);
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                default:
+                {
+                    break;
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        /// constructor for strings
+        json_value(const string_t& value)
+        {
+            string = create<string_t>(value);
+        }
+
+        /// constructor for objects
+        json_value(const object_t& value)
+        {
+            object = create<object_t>(value);
+        }
+
+        /// constructor for arrays
+        json_value(const array_t& value)
+        {
+            array = create<array_t>(value);
+        }
+    };
+
+
+  public:
+    //////////////////////////
+    // JSON parser callback //
+    //////////////////////////
+
+    /*!
+    @brief JSON callback events
+
+    This enumeration lists the parser events that can trigger calling a
+    callback function of type @ref parser_callback_t during parsing.
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    enum class parse_event_t : uint8_t
+    {
+        /// the parser read `{` and started to process a JSON object
+        object_start,
+        /// the parser read `}` and finished processing a JSON object
+        object_end,
+        /// the parser read `[` and started to process a JSON array
+        array_start,
+        /// the parser read `]` and finished processing a JSON array
+        array_end,
+        /// the parser read a key of a value in an object
+        key,
+        /// the parser finished reading a JSON value
+        value
+    };
+
+    /*!
+    @brief per-element parser callback type
+
+    With a parser callback function, the result of parsing a JSON text can be
+    influenced. When passed to @ref parse(std::istream&, parser_callback_t) or
+    @ref parse(const string_t&, parser_callback_t), it is called on certain
+    events (passed as @ref parse_event_t via parameter @a event) with a set
+    recursion depth @a depth and context JSON value @a parsed. The return
+    value of the callback function is a boolean indicating whether the element
+    that emitted the callback shall be kept or not.
+
+    We distinguish six scenarios (determined by the event type) in which the
+    callback function can be called. The following table describes the values
+    of the parameters @a depth, @a event, and @a parsed.
+
+    parameter @a event | description | parameter @a depth | parameter @a parsed
+    ------------------ | ----------- | ------------------ | -------------------
+    parse_event_t::object_start | the parser read `{` and started to process a JSON object | depth of the parent of the JSON object | a JSON value with type discarded
+    parse_event_t::key | the parser read a key of a value in an object | depth of the currently parsed JSON object | a JSON string containing the key
+    parse_event_t::object_end | the parser read `}` and finished processing a JSON object | depth of the parent of the JSON object | the parsed JSON object
+    parse_event_t::array_start | the parser read `[` and started to process a JSON array | depth of the parent of the JSON array | a JSON value with type discarded
+    parse_event_t::array_end | the parser read `]` and finished processing a JSON array | depth of the parent of the JSON array | the parsed JSON array
+    parse_event_t::value | the parser finished reading a JSON value | depth of the value | the parsed JSON value
+
+    Discarding a value (i.e., returning `false`) has different effects
+    depending on the context in which function was called:
+
+    - Discarded values in structured types are skipped. That is, the parser
+      will behave as if the discarded value was never read.
+    - In case a value outside a structured type is skipped, it is replaced
+      with `null`. This case happens if the top-level element is skipped.
+
+    @param[in] depth  the depth of the recursion during parsing
+
+    @param[in] event  an event of type parse_event_t indicating the context in
+    the callback function has been called
+
+    @param[in,out] parsed  the current intermediate parse result; note that
+    writing to this value has no effect for parse_event_t::key events
+
+    @return Whether the JSON value which called the function during parsing
+    should be kept (`true`) or not (`false`). In the latter case, it is either
+    skipped completely or replaced by an empty discarded object.
+
+    @sa @ref parse(std::istream&, parser_callback_t) or
+    @ref parse(const string_t&, parser_callback_t) for examples
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    using parser_callback_t = std::function<bool(int depth, parse_event_t event, basic_json& parsed)>;
+
+
+    //////////////////
+    // constructors //
+    //////////////////
+
+    /// @name constructors and destructors
+    /// @{
+
+    /*!
+    @brief create an empty value with a given type
+
+    Create an empty JSON value with a given type. The value will be default
+    initialized with an empty value which depends on the type:
+
+    Value type  | initial value
+    ----------- | -------------
+    null        | `null`
+    boolean     | `false`
+    string      | `""`
+    number      | `0`
+    object      | `{}`
+    array       | `[]`
+
+    @param[in] value_type  the type of the value to create
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @throw std::bad_alloc if allocation for object, array, or string value
+    fails
+
+    @liveexample{The following code shows the constructor for different @ref
+    value_t values,basic_json__value_t}
+
+    @sa @ref basic_json(std::nullptr_t) -- create a `null` value
+    @sa @ref basic_json(boolean_t value) -- create a boolean value
+    @sa @ref basic_json(const string_t&) -- create a string value
+    @sa @ref basic_json(const object_t&) -- create a object value
+    @sa @ref basic_json(const array_t&) -- create a array value
+    @sa @ref basic_json(const number_float_t) -- create a number
+    (floating-point) value
+    @sa @ref basic_json(const number_integer_t) -- create a number (integer)
+    value
+    @sa @ref basic_json(const number_unsigned_t) -- create a number (unsigned)
+    value
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    basic_json(const value_t value_type)
+        : m_type(value_type), m_value(value_type)
+    {}
+
+    /*!
+    @brief create a null object (implicitly)
+
+    Create a `null` JSON value. This is the implicit version of the `null`
+    value constructor as it takes no parameters.
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @exceptionsafety No-throw guarantee: this constructor never throws
+    exceptions.
+
+    @requirement This function helps `basic_json` satisfying the
+    [Container](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/concept/Container)
+    requirements:
+    - The complexity is constant.
+    - As postcondition, it holds: `basic_json().empty() == true`.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code shows the constructor for a `null` JSON
+    value.,basic_json}
+
+    @sa @ref basic_json(std::nullptr_t) -- create a `null` value
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    basic_json() = default;
+
+    /*!
+    @brief create a null object (explicitly)
+
+    Create a `null` JSON value. This is the explicitly version of the `null`
+    value constructor as it takes a null pointer as parameter. It allows to
+    create `null` values by explicitly assigning a `nullptr` to a JSON value.
+    The passed null pointer itself is not read -- it is only used to choose
+    the right constructor.
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @exceptionsafety No-throw guarantee: this constructor never throws
+    exceptions.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code shows the constructor with null pointer
+    parameter.,basic_json__nullptr_t}
+
+    @sa @ref basic_json() -- default constructor (implicitly creating a `null`
+    value)
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    basic_json(std::nullptr_t) noexcept
+        : basic_json(value_t::null)
+    {}
+
+    /*!
+    @brief create an object (explicit)
+
+    Create an object JSON value with a given content.
+
+    @param[in] val  a value for the object
+
+    @complexity Linear in the size of the passed @a val.
+
+    @throw std::bad_alloc if allocation for object value fails
+
+    @liveexample{The following code shows the constructor with an @ref
+    object_t parameter.,basic_json__object_t}
+
+    @sa @ref basic_json(const CompatibleObjectType&) -- create an object value
+    from a compatible STL container
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    basic_json(const object_t& val)
+        : m_type(value_t::object), m_value(val)
+    {}
+
+    /*!
+    @brief create an object (implicit)
+
+    Create an object JSON value with a given content. This constructor allows
+    any type @a CompatibleObjectType that can be used to construct values of
+    type @ref object_t.
+
+    @tparam CompatibleObjectType An object type whose `key_type` and
+    `value_type` is compatible to @ref object_t. Examples include `std::map`,
+    `std::unordered_map`, `std::multimap`, and `std::unordered_multimap` with
+    a `key_type` of `std::string`, and a `value_type` from which a @ref
+    basic_json value can be constructed.
+
+    @param[in] val  a value for the object
+
+    @complexity Linear in the size of the passed @a val.
+
+    @throw std::bad_alloc if allocation for object value fails
+
+    @liveexample{The following code shows the constructor with several
+    compatible object type parameters.,basic_json__CompatibleObjectType}
+
+    @sa @ref basic_json(const object_t&) -- create an object value
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    template <class CompatibleObjectType, typename
+              std::enable_if<
+                  std::is_constructible<typename object_t::key_type, typename CompatibleObjectType::key_type>::value and
+                  std::is_constructible<basic_json, typename CompatibleObjectType::mapped_type>::value, int>::type
+              = 0>
+    basic_json(const CompatibleObjectType& val)
+        : m_type(value_t::object)
+    {
+        using std::begin;
+        using std::end;
+        m_value.object = create<object_t>(begin(val), end(val));
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief create an array (explicit)
+
+    Create an array JSON value with a given content.
+
+    @param[in] val  a value for the array
+
+    @complexity Linear in the size of the passed @a val.
+
+    @throw std::bad_alloc if allocation for array value fails
+
+    @liveexample{The following code shows the constructor with an @ref array_t
+    parameter.,basic_json__array_t}
+
+    @sa @ref basic_json(const CompatibleArrayType&) -- create an array value
+    from a compatible STL containers
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    basic_json(const array_t& val)
+        : m_type(value_t::array), m_value(val)
+    {}
+
+    /*!
+    @brief create an array (implicit)
+
+    Create an array JSON value with a given content. This constructor allows
+    any type @a CompatibleArrayType that can be used to construct values of
+    type @ref array_t.
+
+    @tparam CompatibleArrayType An object type whose `value_type` is
+    compatible to @ref array_t. Examples include `std::vector`, `std::deque`,
+    `std::list`, `std::forward_list`, `std::array`, `std::set`,
+    `std::unordered_set`, `std::multiset`, and `unordered_multiset` with a
+    `value_type` from which a @ref basic_json value can be constructed.
+
+    @param[in] val  a value for the array
+
+    @complexity Linear in the size of the passed @a val.
+
+    @throw std::bad_alloc if allocation for array value fails
+
+    @liveexample{The following code shows the constructor with several
+    compatible array type parameters.,basic_json__CompatibleArrayType}
+
+    @sa @ref basic_json(const array_t&) -- create an array value
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    template <class CompatibleArrayType, typename
+              std::enable_if<
+                  not std::is_same<CompatibleArrayType, typename basic_json_t::iterator>::value and
+                  not std::is_same<CompatibleArrayType, typename basic_json_t::const_iterator>::value and
+                  not std::is_same<CompatibleArrayType, typename basic_json_t::reverse_iterator>::value and
+                  not std::is_same<CompatibleArrayType, typename basic_json_t::const_reverse_iterator>::value and
+                  not std::is_same<CompatibleArrayType, typename array_t::iterator>::value and
+                  not std::is_same<CompatibleArrayType, typename array_t::const_iterator>::value and
+                  std::is_constructible<basic_json, typename CompatibleArrayType::value_type>::value, int>::type
+              = 0>
+    basic_json(const CompatibleArrayType& val)
+        : m_type(value_t::array)
+    {
+        using std::begin;
+        using std::end;
+        m_value.array = create<array_t>(begin(val), end(val));
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief create a string (explicit)
+
+    Create an string JSON value with a given content.
+
+    @param[in] val  a value for the string
+
+    @complexity Linear in the size of the passed @a val.
+
+    @throw std::bad_alloc if allocation for string value fails
+
+    @liveexample{The following code shows the constructor with an @ref
+    string_t parameter.,basic_json__string_t}
+
+    @sa @ref basic_json(const typename string_t::value_type*) -- create a
+    string value from a character pointer
+    @sa @ref basic_json(const CompatibleStringType&) -- create a string value
+    from a compatible string container
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    basic_json(const string_t& val)
+        : m_type(value_t::string), m_value(val)
+    {}
+
+    /*!
+    @brief create a string (explicit)
+
+    Create a string JSON value with a given content.
+
+    @param[in] val  a literal value for the string
+
+    @complexity Linear in the size of the passed @a val.
+
+    @throw std::bad_alloc if allocation for string value fails
+
+    @liveexample{The following code shows the constructor with string literal
+    parameter.,basic_json__string_t_value_type}
+
+    @sa @ref basic_json(const string_t&) -- create a string value
+    @sa @ref basic_json(const CompatibleStringType&) -- create a string value
+    from a compatible string container
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    basic_json(const typename string_t::value_type* val)
+        : basic_json(string_t(val))
+    {}
+
+    /*!
+    @brief create a string (implicit)
+
+    Create a string JSON value with a given content.
+
+    @param[in] val  a value for the string
+
+    @tparam CompatibleStringType an string type which is compatible to @ref
+    string_t, for instance `std::string`.
+
+    @complexity Linear in the size of the passed @a val.
+
+    @throw std::bad_alloc if allocation for string value fails
+
+    @liveexample{The following code shows the construction of a string value
+    from a compatible type.,basic_json__CompatibleStringType}
+
+    @sa @ref basic_json(const string_t&) -- create a string value
+    @sa @ref basic_json(const typename string_t::value_type*) -- create a
+    string value from a character pointer
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    template <class CompatibleStringType, typename
+              std::enable_if<
+                  std::is_constructible<string_t, CompatibleStringType>::value, int>::type
+              = 0>
+    basic_json(const CompatibleStringType& val)
+        : basic_json(string_t(val))
+    {}
+
+    /*!
+    @brief create a boolean (explicit)
+
+    Creates a JSON boolean type from a given value.
+
+    @param[in] val  a boolean value to store
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @liveexample{The example below demonstrates boolean
+    values.,basic_json__boolean_t}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    basic_json(boolean_t val) noexcept
+        : m_type(value_t::boolean), m_value(val)
+    {}
+
+    /*!
+    @brief create an integer number (explicit)
+
+    Create an integer number JSON value with a given content.
+
+    @tparam T A helper type to remove this function via SFINAE in case @ref
+    number_integer_t is the same as `int`. In this case, this constructor
+    would have the same signature as @ref basic_json(const int value). Note
+    the helper type @a T is not visible in this constructor's interface.
+
+    @param[in] val  an integer to create a JSON number from
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @liveexample{The example below shows the construction of an integer
+    number value.,basic_json__number_integer_t}
+
+    @sa @ref basic_json(const int) -- create a number value (integer)
+    @sa @ref basic_json(const CompatibleNumberIntegerType) -- create a number
+    value (integer) from a compatible number type
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    template<typename T,
+             typename std::enable_if<
+                 not (std::is_same<T, int>::value)
+                 and std::is_same<T, number_integer_t>::value
+                 , int>::type
+             = 0>
+    basic_json(const number_integer_t val) noexcept
+        : m_type(value_t::number_integer), m_value(val)
+    {}
+
+    /*!
+    @brief create an integer number from an enum type (explicit)
+
+    Create an integer number JSON value with a given content.
+
+    @param[in] val  an integer to create a JSON number from
+
+    @note This constructor allows to pass enums directly to a constructor. As
+    C++ has no way of specifying the type of an anonymous enum explicitly, we
+    can only rely on the fact that such values implicitly convert to int. As
+    int may already be the same type of number_integer_t, we may need to
+    switch off the constructor @ref basic_json(const number_integer_t).
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @liveexample{The example below shows the construction of an integer
+    number value from an anonymous enum.,basic_json__const_int}
+
+    @sa @ref basic_json(const number_integer_t) -- create a number value
+    (integer)
+    @sa @ref basic_json(const CompatibleNumberIntegerType) -- create a number
+    value (integer) from a compatible number type
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    basic_json(const int val) noexcept
+        : m_type(value_t::number_integer),
+          m_value(static_cast<number_integer_t>(val))
+    {}
+
+    /*!
+    @brief create an integer number (implicit)
+
+    Create an integer number JSON value with a given content. This constructor
+    allows any type @a CompatibleNumberIntegerType that can be used to
+    construct values of type @ref number_integer_t.
+
+    @tparam CompatibleNumberIntegerType An integer type which is compatible to
+    @ref number_integer_t. Examples include the types `int`, `int32_t`,
+    `long`, and `short`.
+
+    @param[in] val  an integer to create a JSON number from
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @liveexample{The example below shows the construction of several integer
+    number values from compatible
+    types.,basic_json__CompatibleIntegerNumberType}
+
+    @sa @ref basic_json(const number_integer_t) -- create a number value
+    (integer)
+    @sa @ref basic_json(const int) -- create a number value (integer)
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    template<typename CompatibleNumberIntegerType, typename
+             std::enable_if<
+                 std::is_constructible<number_integer_t, CompatibleNumberIntegerType>::value and
+                 std::numeric_limits<CompatibleNumberIntegerType>::is_integer and
+                 std::numeric_limits<CompatibleNumberIntegerType>::is_signed,
+                 CompatibleNumberIntegerType>::type
+             = 0>
+    basic_json(const CompatibleNumberIntegerType val) noexcept
+        : m_type(value_t::number_integer),
+          m_value(static_cast<number_integer_t>(val))
+    {}
+
+    /*!
+    @brief create an unsigned integer number (explicit)
+
+    Create an unsigned integer number JSON value with a given content.
+
+    @tparam T  helper type to compare number_unsigned_t and unsigned int
+    (not visible in) the interface.
+
+    @param[in] val  an integer to create a JSON number from
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @sa @ref basic_json(const CompatibleNumberUnsignedType) -- create a number
+    value (unsigned integer) from a compatible number type
+
+    @since version 2.0.0
+    */
+    template<typename T,
+             typename std::enable_if<
+                 not (std::is_same<T, int>::value)
+                 and std::is_same<T, number_unsigned_t>::value
+                 , int>::type
+             = 0>
+    basic_json(const number_unsigned_t val) noexcept
+        : m_type(value_t::number_unsigned), m_value(val)
+    {}
+
+    /*!
+    @brief create an unsigned number (implicit)
+
+    Create an unsigned number JSON value with a given content. This
+    constructor allows any type @a CompatibleNumberUnsignedType that can be
+    used to construct values of type @ref number_unsigned_t.
+
+    @tparam CompatibleNumberUnsignedType An integer type which is compatible
+    to @ref number_unsigned_t. Examples may include the types `unsigned int`,
+    `uint32_t`, or `unsigned short`.
+
+    @param[in] val  an unsigned integer to create a JSON number from
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @sa @ref basic_json(const number_unsigned_t) -- create a number value
+    (unsigned)
+
+    @since version 2.0.0
+    */
+    template < typename CompatibleNumberUnsignedType, typename
+               std::enable_if <
+                   std::is_constructible<number_unsigned_t, CompatibleNumberUnsignedType>::value and
+                   std::numeric_limits<CompatibleNumberUnsignedType>::is_integer and
+                   !std::numeric_limits<CompatibleNumberUnsignedType>::is_signed,
+                   CompatibleNumberUnsignedType >::type
+               = 0 >
+    basic_json(const CompatibleNumberUnsignedType val) noexcept
+        : m_type(value_t::number_unsigned),
+          m_value(static_cast<number_unsigned_t>(val))
+    {}
+
+    /*!
+    @brief create a floating-point number (explicit)
+
+    Create a floating-point number JSON value with a given content.
+
+    @param[in] val  a floating-point value to create a JSON number from
+
+    @note [RFC 7159](http://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc7159.txt), section 6
+    disallows NaN values:
+    > Numeric values that cannot be represented in the grammar below (such as
+    > Infinity and NaN) are not permitted.
+    In case the parameter @a val is not a number, a JSON null value is
+    created instead.
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @liveexample{The following example creates several floating-point
+    values.,basic_json__number_float_t}
+
+    @sa @ref basic_json(const CompatibleNumberFloatType) -- create a number
+    value (floating-point) from a compatible number type
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    basic_json(const number_float_t val) noexcept
+        : m_type(value_t::number_float), m_value(val)
+    {
+        // replace infinity and NAN by null
+        if (not std::isfinite(val))
+        {
+            m_type = value_t::null;
+            m_value = json_value();
+        }
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief create an floating-point number (implicit)
+
+    Create an floating-point number JSON value with a given content. This
+    constructor allows any type @a CompatibleNumberFloatType that can be used
+    to construct values of type @ref number_float_t.
+
+    @tparam CompatibleNumberFloatType A floating-point type which is
+    compatible to @ref number_float_t. Examples may include the types `float`
+    or `double`.
+
+    @param[in] val  a floating-point to create a JSON number from
+
+    @note [RFC 7159](http://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc7159.txt), section 6
+    disallows NaN values:
+    > Numeric values that cannot be represented in the grammar below (such as
+    > Infinity and NaN) are not permitted.
+    In case the parameter @a val is not a number, a JSON null value is
+    created instead.
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @liveexample{The example below shows the construction of several
+    floating-point number values from compatible
+    types.,basic_json__CompatibleNumberFloatType}
+
+    @sa @ref basic_json(const number_float_t) -- create a number value
+    (floating-point)
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    template<typename CompatibleNumberFloatType, typename = typename
+             std::enable_if<
+                 std::is_constructible<number_float_t, CompatibleNumberFloatType>::value and
+                 std::is_floating_point<CompatibleNumberFloatType>::value>::type
+             >
+    basic_json(const CompatibleNumberFloatType val) noexcept
+        : basic_json(number_float_t(val))
+    {}
+
+    /*!
+    @brief create a container (array or object) from an initializer list
+
+    Creates a JSON value of type array or object from the passed initializer
+    list @a init. In case @a type_deduction is `true` (default), the type of
+    the JSON value to be created is deducted from the initializer list @a init
+    according to the following rules:
+
+    1. If the list is empty, an empty JSON object value `{}` is created.
+    2. If the list consists of pairs whose first element is a string, a JSON
+    object value is created where the first elements of the pairs are treated
+    as keys and the second elements are as values.
+    3. In all other cases, an array is created.
+
+    The rules aim to create the best fit between a C++ initializer list and
+    JSON values. The rationale is as follows:
+
+    1. The empty initializer list is written as `{}` which is exactly an empty
+    JSON object.
+    2. C++ has now way of describing mapped types other than to list a list of
+    pairs. As JSON requires that keys must be of type string, rule 2 is the
+    weakest constraint one can pose on initializer lists to interpret them as
+    an object.
+    3. In all other cases, the initializer list could not be interpreted as
+    JSON object type, so interpreting it as JSON array type is safe.
+
+    With the rules described above, the following JSON values cannot be
+    expressed by an initializer list:
+
+    - the empty array (`[]`): use @ref array(std::initializer_list<basic_json>)
+      with an empty initializer list in this case
+    - arrays whose elements satisfy rule 2: use @ref
+      array(std::initializer_list<basic_json>) with the same initializer list
+      in this case
+
+    @note When used without parentheses around an empty initializer list, @ref
+    basic_json() is called instead of this function, yielding the JSON null
+    value.
+
+    @param[in] init  initializer list with JSON values
+
+    @param[in] type_deduction internal parameter; when set to `true`, the type
+    of the JSON value is deducted from the initializer list @a init; when set
+    to `false`, the type provided via @a manual_type is forced. This mode is
+    used by the functions @ref array(std::initializer_list<basic_json>) and
+    @ref object(std::initializer_list<basic_json>).
+
+    @param[in] manual_type internal parameter; when @a type_deduction is set
+    to `false`, the created JSON value will use the provided type (only @ref
+    value_t::array and @ref value_t::object are valid); when @a type_deduction
+    is set to `true`, this parameter has no effect
+
+    @throw std::domain_error if @a type_deduction is `false`, @a manual_type
+    is `value_t::object`, but @a init contains an element which is not a pair
+    whose first element is a string; example: `"cannot create object from
+    initializer list"`
+
+    @complexity Linear in the size of the initializer list @a init.
+
+    @liveexample{The example below shows how JSON values are created from
+    initializer lists.,basic_json__list_init_t}
+
+    @sa @ref array(std::initializer_list<basic_json>) -- create a JSON array
+    value from an initializer list
+    @sa @ref object(std::initializer_list<basic_json>) -- create a JSON object
+    value from an initializer list
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    basic_json(std::initializer_list<basic_json> init,
+               bool type_deduction = true,
+               value_t manual_type = value_t::array)
+    {
+        // the initializer list could describe an object
+        bool is_an_object = true;
+
+        // check if each element is an array with two elements whose first
+        // element is a string
+        for (const auto& element : init)
+        {
+            if (not element.is_array() or element.size() != 2
+                    or not element[0].is_string())
+            {
+                // we found an element that makes it impossible to use the
+                // initializer list as object
+                is_an_object = false;
+                break;
+            }
+        }
+
+        // adjust type if type deduction is not wanted
+        if (not type_deduction)
+        {
+            // if array is wanted, do not create an object though possible
+            if (manual_type == value_t::array)
+            {
+                is_an_object = false;
+            }
+
+            // if object is wanted but impossible, throw an exception
+            if (manual_type == value_t::object and not is_an_object)
+            {
+                throw std::domain_error("cannot create object from initializer list");
+            }
+        }
+
+        if (is_an_object)
+        {
+            // the initializer list is a list of pairs -> create object
+            m_type = value_t::object;
+            m_value = value_t::object;
+
+            assert(m_value.object != nullptr);
+
+            for (auto& element : init)
+            {
+                m_value.object->emplace(*(element[0].m_value.string), element[1]);
+            }
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            // the initializer list describes an array -> create array
+            m_type = value_t::array;
+            m_value.array = create<array_t>(init);
+        }
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief explicitly create an array from an initializer list
+
+    Creates a JSON array value from a given initializer list. That is, given a
+    list of values `a, b, c`, creates the JSON value `[a, b, c]`. If the
+    initializer list is empty, the empty array `[]` is created.
+
+    @note This function is only needed to express two edge cases that cannot
+    be realized with the initializer list constructor (@ref
+    basic_json(std::initializer_list<basic_json>, bool, value_t)). These cases
+    are:
+    1. creating an array whose elements are all pairs whose first element is a
+    string -- in this case, the initializer list constructor would create an
+    object, taking the first elements as keys
+    2. creating an empty array -- passing the empty initializer list to the
+    initializer list constructor yields an empty object
+
+    @param[in] init  initializer list with JSON values to create an array from
+    (optional)
+
+    @return JSON array value
+
+    @complexity Linear in the size of @a init.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code shows an example for the `array`
+    function.,array}
+
+    @sa @ref basic_json(std::initializer_list<basic_json>, bool, value_t) --
+    create a JSON value from an initializer list
+    @sa @ref object(std::initializer_list<basic_json>) -- create a JSON object
+    value from an initializer list
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    static basic_json array(std::initializer_list<basic_json> init =
+                                std::initializer_list<basic_json>())
+    {
+        return basic_json(init, false, value_t::array);
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief explicitly create an object from an initializer list
+
+    Creates a JSON object value from a given initializer list. The initializer
+    lists elements must be pairs, and their first elements must be strings. If
+    the initializer list is empty, the empty object `{}` is created.
+
+    @note This function is only added for symmetry reasons. In contrast to the
+    related function @ref array(std::initializer_list<basic_json>), there are
+    no cases which can only be expressed by this function. That is, any
+    initializer list @a init can also be passed to the initializer list
+    constructor @ref basic_json(std::initializer_list<basic_json>, bool,
+    value_t).
+
+    @param[in] init  initializer list to create an object from (optional)
+
+    @return JSON object value
+
+    @throw std::domain_error if @a init is not a pair whose first elements are
+    strings; thrown by
+    @ref basic_json(std::initializer_list<basic_json>, bool, value_t)
+
+    @complexity Linear in the size of @a init.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code shows an example for the `object`
+    function.,object}
+
+    @sa @ref basic_json(std::initializer_list<basic_json>, bool, value_t) --
+    create a JSON value from an initializer list
+    @sa @ref array(std::initializer_list<basic_json>) -- create a JSON array
+    value from an initializer list
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    static basic_json object(std::initializer_list<basic_json> init =
+                                 std::initializer_list<basic_json>())
+    {
+        return basic_json(init, false, value_t::object);
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief construct an array with count copies of given value
+
+    Constructs a JSON array value by creating @a cnt copies of a passed value.
+    In case @a cnt is `0`, an empty array is created. As postcondition,
+    `std::distance(begin(),end()) == cnt` holds.
+
+    @param[in] cnt  the number of JSON copies of @a val to create
+    @param[in] val  the JSON value to copy
+
+    @complexity Linear in @a cnt.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code shows examples for the @ref
+    basic_json(size_type\, const basic_json&)
+    constructor.,basic_json__size_type_basic_json}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    basic_json(size_type cnt, const basic_json& val)
+        : m_type(value_t::array)
+    {
+        m_value.array = create<array_t>(cnt, val);
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief construct a JSON container given an iterator range
+
+    Constructs the JSON value with the contents of the range `[first, last)`.
+    The semantics depends on the different types a JSON value can have:
+    - In case of primitive types (number, boolean, or string), @a first must
+      be `begin()` and @a last must be `end()`. In this case, the value is
+      copied. Otherwise, std::out_of_range is thrown.
+    - In case of structured types (array, object), the constructor behaves as
+      similar versions for `std::vector`.
+    - In case of a null type, std::domain_error is thrown.
+
+    @tparam InputIT an input iterator type (@ref iterator or @ref
+    const_iterator)
+
+    @param[in] first begin of the range to copy from (included)
+    @param[in] last end of the range to copy from (excluded)
+
+    @throw std::domain_error if iterators are not compatible; that is, do not
+    belong to the same JSON value; example: `"iterators are not compatible"`
+    @throw std::out_of_range if iterators are for a primitive type (number,
+    boolean, or string) where an out of range error can be detected easily;
+    example: `"iterators out of range"`
+    @throw std::bad_alloc if allocation for object, array, or string fails
+    @throw std::domain_error if called with a null value; example: `"cannot
+    use construct with iterators from null"`
+
+    @complexity Linear in distance between @a first and @a last.
+
+    @liveexample{The example below shows several ways to create JSON values by
+    specifying a subrange with iterators.,basic_json__InputIt_InputIt}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    template <class InputIT, typename
+              std::enable_if<
+                  std::is_same<InputIT, typename basic_json_t::iterator>::value or
+                  std::is_same<InputIT, typename basic_json_t::const_iterator>::value
+                  , int>::type
+              = 0>
+    basic_json(InputIT first, InputIT last) : m_type(first.m_object->m_type)
+    {
+        // make sure iterator fits the current value
+        if (first.m_object != last.m_object)
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("iterators are not compatible");
+        }
+
+        // check if iterator range is complete for primitive values
+        switch (m_type)
+        {
+            case value_t::boolean:
+            case value_t::number_float:
+            case value_t::number_integer:
+            case value_t::number_unsigned:
+            case value_t::string:
+            {
+                if (not first.m_it.primitive_iterator.is_begin() or not last.m_it.primitive_iterator.is_end())
+                {
+                    throw std::out_of_range("iterators out of range");
+                }
+                break;
+            }
+
+            default:
+            {
+                break;
+            }
+        }
+
+        switch (m_type)
+        {
+            case value_t::number_integer:
+            {
+                assert(first.m_object != nullptr);
+                m_value.number_integer = first.m_object->m_value.number_integer;
+                break;
+            }
+
+            case value_t::number_unsigned:
+            {
+                assert(first.m_object != nullptr);
+                m_value.number_unsigned = first.m_object->m_value.number_unsigned;
+                break;
+            }
+
+            case value_t::number_float:
+            {
+                assert(first.m_object != nullptr);
+                m_value.number_float = first.m_object->m_value.number_float;
+                break;
+            }
+
+            case value_t::boolean:
+            {
+                assert(first.m_object != nullptr);
+                m_value.boolean = first.m_object->m_value.boolean;
+                break;
+            }
+
+            case value_t::string:
+            {
+                assert(first.m_object != nullptr);
+                m_value = *first.m_object->m_value.string;
+                break;
+            }
+
+            case value_t::object:
+            {
+                m_value.object = create<object_t>(first.m_it.object_iterator, last.m_it.object_iterator);
+                break;
+            }
+
+            case value_t::array:
+            {
+                m_value.array = create<array_t>(first.m_it.array_iterator, last.m_it.array_iterator);
+                break;
+            }
+
+            default:
+            {
+                assert(first.m_object != nullptr);
+                throw std::domain_error("cannot use construct with iterators from " + first.m_object->type_name());
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief construct a JSON value given an input stream
+
+    @param[in,out] i  stream to read a serialized JSON value from
+    @param[in] cb a parser callback function of type @ref parser_callback_t
+    which is used to control the deserialization by filtering unwanted values
+    (optional)
+
+    @complexity Linear in the length of the input. The parser is a predictive
+    LL(1) parser. The complexity can be higher if the parser callback function
+    @a cb has a super-linear complexity.
+
+    @note A UTF-8 byte order mark is silently ignored.
+
+    @liveexample{The example below demonstrates constructing a JSON value from
+    a `std::stringstream` with and without callback
+    function.,basic_json__istream}
+
+    @since version 2.0.0
+    */
+    explicit basic_json(std::istream& i, parser_callback_t cb = nullptr)
+    {
+        *this = parser(i, cb).parse();
+    }
+
+    ///////////////////////////////////////
+    // other constructors and destructor //
+    ///////////////////////////////////////
+
+    /*!
+    @brief copy constructor
+
+    Creates a copy of a given JSON value.
+
+    @param[in] other  the JSON value to copy
+
+    @complexity Linear in the size of @a other.
+
+    @requirement This function helps `basic_json` satisfying the
+    [Container](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/concept/Container)
+    requirements:
+    - The complexity is linear.
+    - As postcondition, it holds: `other == basic_json(other)`.
+
+    @throw std::bad_alloc if allocation for object, array, or string fails.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code shows an example for the copy
+    constructor.,basic_json__basic_json}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    basic_json(const basic_json& other)
+        : m_type(other.m_type)
+    {
+        switch (m_type)
+        {
+            case value_t::object:
+            {
+                assert(other.m_value.object != nullptr);
+                m_value = *other.m_value.object;
+                break;
+            }
+
+            case value_t::array:
+            {
+                assert(other.m_value.array != nullptr);
+                m_value = *other.m_value.array;
+                break;
+            }
+
+            case value_t::string:
+            {
+                assert(other.m_value.string != nullptr);
+                m_value = *other.m_value.string;
+                break;
+            }
+
+            case value_t::boolean:
+            {
+                m_value = other.m_value.boolean;
+                break;
+            }
+
+            case value_t::number_integer:
+            {
+                m_value = other.m_value.number_integer;
+                break;
+            }
+
+            case value_t::number_unsigned:
+            {
+                m_value = other.m_value.number_unsigned;
+                break;
+            }
+
+            case value_t::number_float:
+            {
+                m_value = other.m_value.number_float;
+                break;
+            }
+
+            default:
+            {
+                break;
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief move constructor
+
+    Move constructor. Constructs a JSON value with the contents of the given
+    value @a other using move semantics. It "steals" the resources from @a
+    other and leaves it as JSON null value.
+
+    @param[in,out] other  value to move to this object
+
+    @post @a other is a JSON null value
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @liveexample{The code below shows the move constructor explicitly called
+    via std::move.,basic_json__moveconstructor}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    basic_json(basic_json&& other) noexcept
+        : m_type(std::move(other.m_type)),
+          m_value(std::move(other.m_value))
+    {
+        // invalidate payload
+        other.m_type = value_t::null;
+        other.m_value = {};
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief copy assignment
+
+    Copy assignment operator. Copies a JSON value via the "copy and swap"
+    strategy: It is expressed in terms of the copy constructor, destructor,
+    and the swap() member function.
+
+    @param[in] other  value to copy from
+
+    @complexity Linear.
+
+    @requirement This function helps `basic_json` satisfying the
+    [Container](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/concept/Container)
+    requirements:
+    - The complexity is linear.
+
+    @liveexample{The code below shows and example for the copy assignment. It
+    creates a copy of value `a` which is then swapped with `b`. Finally\, the
+    copy of `a` (which is the null value after the swap) is
+    destroyed.,basic_json__copyassignment}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    reference& operator=(basic_json other) noexcept (
+        std::is_nothrow_move_constructible<value_t>::value and
+        std::is_nothrow_move_assignable<value_t>::value and
+        std::is_nothrow_move_constructible<json_value>::value and
+        std::is_nothrow_move_assignable<json_value>::value
+    )
+    {
+        using std::swap;
+        swap(m_type, other.m_type);
+        swap(m_value, other.m_value);
+        return *this;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief destructor
+
+    Destroys the JSON value and frees all allocated memory.
+
+    @complexity Linear.
+
+    @requirement This function helps `basic_json` satisfying the
+    [Container](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/concept/Container)
+    requirements:
+    - The complexity is linear.
+    - All stored elements are destroyed and all memory is freed.
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    ~basic_json()
+    {
+        switch (m_type)
+        {
+            case value_t::object:
+            {
+                AllocatorType<object_t> alloc;
+                alloc.destroy(m_value.object);
+                alloc.deallocate(m_value.object, 1);
+                break;
+            }
+
+            case value_t::array:
+            {
+                AllocatorType<array_t> alloc;
+                alloc.destroy(m_value.array);
+                alloc.deallocate(m_value.array, 1);
+                break;
+            }
+
+            case value_t::string:
+            {
+                AllocatorType<string_t> alloc;
+                alloc.destroy(m_value.string);
+                alloc.deallocate(m_value.string, 1);
+                break;
+            }
+
+            default:
+            {
+                // all other types need no specific destructor
+                break;
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// @}
+
+  public:
+    ///////////////////////
+    // object inspection //
+    ///////////////////////
+
+    /// @name object inspection
+    /// @{
+
+    /*!
+    @brief serialization
+
+    Serialization function for JSON values. The function tries to mimic
+    Python's @p json.dumps() function, and currently supports its @p indent
+    parameter.
+
+    @param[in] indent if indent is nonnegative, then array elements and object
+    members will be pretty-printed with that indent level. An indent level of
+    0 will only insert newlines. -1 (the default) selects the most compact
+    representation
+
+    @return string containing the serialization of the JSON value
+
+    @complexity Linear.
+
+    @liveexample{The following example shows the effect of different @a indent
+    parameters to the result of the serialization.,dump}
+
+    @see https://docs.python.org/2/library/json.html#json.dump
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    string_t dump(const int indent = -1) const
+    {
+        std::stringstream ss;
+
+        if (indent >= 0)
+        {
+            dump(ss, true, static_cast<unsigned int>(indent));
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            dump(ss, false, 0);
+        }
+
+        return ss.str();
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief return the type of the JSON value (explicit)
+
+    Return the type of the JSON value as a value from the @ref value_t
+    enumeration.
+
+    @return the type of the JSON value
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @exceptionsafety No-throw guarantee: this member function never throws
+    exceptions.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code exemplifies `type()` for all JSON
+    types.,type}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    constexpr value_t type() const noexcept
+    {
+        return m_type;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief return whether type is primitive
+
+    This function returns true iff the JSON type is primitive (string, number,
+    boolean, or null).
+
+    @return `true` if type is primitive (string, number, boolean, or null),
+    `false` otherwise.
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @exceptionsafety No-throw guarantee: this member function never throws
+    exceptions.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code exemplifies `is_primitive()` for all JSON
+    types.,is_primitive}
+
+    @sa @ref is_structured() -- returns whether JSON value is structured
+    @sa @ref is_null() -- returns whether JSON value is `null`
+    @sa @ref is_string() -- returns whether JSON value is a string
+    @sa @ref is_boolean() -- returns whether JSON value is a boolean
+    @sa @ref is_number() -- returns whether JSON value is a number
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    constexpr bool is_primitive() const noexcept
+    {
+        return is_null() or is_string() or is_boolean() or is_number();
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief return whether type is structured
+
+    This function returns true iff the JSON type is structured (array or
+    object).
+
+    @return `true` if type is structured (array or object), `false` otherwise.
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @exceptionsafety No-throw guarantee: this member function never throws
+    exceptions.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code exemplifies `is_structured()` for all JSON
+    types.,is_structured}
+
+    @sa @ref is_primitive() -- returns whether value is primitive
+    @sa @ref is_array() -- returns whether value is an array
+    @sa @ref is_object() -- returns whether value is an object
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    constexpr bool is_structured() const noexcept
+    {
+        return is_array() or is_object();
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief return whether value is null
+
+    This function returns true iff the JSON value is null.
+
+    @return `true` if type is null, `false` otherwise.
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @exceptionsafety No-throw guarantee: this member function never throws
+    exceptions.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code exemplifies `is_null()` for all JSON
+    types.,is_null}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    constexpr bool is_null() const noexcept
+    {
+        return m_type == value_t::null;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief return whether value is a boolean
+
+    This function returns true iff the JSON value is a boolean.
+
+    @return `true` if type is boolean, `false` otherwise.
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @exceptionsafety No-throw guarantee: this member function never throws
+    exceptions.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code exemplifies `is_boolean()` for all JSON
+    types.,is_boolean}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    constexpr bool is_boolean() const noexcept
+    {
+        return m_type == value_t::boolean;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief return whether value is a number
+
+    This function returns true iff the JSON value is a number. This includes
+    both integer and floating-point values.
+
+    @return `true` if type is number (regardless whether integer, unsigned
+    integer or floating-type), `false` otherwise.
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @exceptionsafety No-throw guarantee: this member function never throws
+    exceptions.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code exemplifies `is_number()` for all JSON
+    types.,is_number}
+
+    @sa @ref is_number_integer() -- check if value is an integer or unsigned
+    integer number
+    @sa @ref is_number_unsigned() -- check if value is an unsigned integer
+    number
+    @sa @ref is_number_float() -- check if value is a floating-point number
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    constexpr bool is_number() const noexcept
+    {
+        return is_number_integer() or is_number_float();
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief return whether value is an integer number
+
+    This function returns true iff the JSON value is an integer or unsigned
+    integer number. This excludes floating-point values.
+
+    @return `true` if type is an integer or unsigned integer number, `false`
+    otherwise.
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @exceptionsafety No-throw guarantee: this member function never throws
+    exceptions.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code exemplifies `is_number_integer()` for all
+    JSON types.,is_number_integer}
+
+    @sa @ref is_number() -- check if value is a number
+    @sa @ref is_number_unsigned() -- check if value is an unsigned integer
+    number
+    @sa @ref is_number_float() -- check if value is a floating-point number
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    constexpr bool is_number_integer() const noexcept
+    {
+        return m_type == value_t::number_integer or m_type == value_t::number_unsigned;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief return whether value is an unsigned integer number
+
+    This function returns true iff the JSON value is an unsigned integer
+    number. This excludes floating-point and (signed) integer values.
+
+    @return `true` if type is an unsigned integer number, `false` otherwise.
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @exceptionsafety No-throw guarantee: this member function never throws
+    exceptions.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code exemplifies `is_number_unsigned()` for all
+    JSON types.,is_number_unsigned}
+
+    @sa @ref is_number() -- check if value is a number
+    @sa @ref is_number_integer() -- check if value is an integer or unsigned
+    integer number
+    @sa @ref is_number_float() -- check if value is a floating-point number
+
+    @since version 2.0.0
+    */
+    constexpr bool is_number_unsigned() const noexcept
+    {
+        return m_type == value_t::number_unsigned;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief return whether value is a floating-point number
+
+    This function returns true iff the JSON value is a floating-point number.
+    This excludes integer and unsigned integer values.
+
+    @return `true` if type is a floating-point number, `false` otherwise.
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @exceptionsafety No-throw guarantee: this member function never throws
+    exceptions.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code exemplifies `is_number_float()` for all
+    JSON types.,is_number_float}
+
+    @sa @ref is_number() -- check if value is number
+    @sa @ref is_number_integer() -- check if value is an integer number
+    @sa @ref is_number_unsigned() -- check if value is an unsigned integer
+    number
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    constexpr bool is_number_float() const noexcept
+    {
+        return m_type == value_t::number_float;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief return whether value is an object
+
+    This function returns true iff the JSON value is an object.
+
+    @return `true` if type is object, `false` otherwise.
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @exceptionsafety No-throw guarantee: this member function never throws
+    exceptions.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code exemplifies `is_object()` for all JSON
+    types.,is_object}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    constexpr bool is_object() const noexcept
+    {
+        return m_type == value_t::object;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief return whether value is an array
+
+    This function returns true iff the JSON value is an array.
+
+    @return `true` if type is array, `false` otherwise.
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @exceptionsafety No-throw guarantee: this member function never throws
+    exceptions.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code exemplifies `is_array()` for all JSON
+    types.,is_array}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    constexpr bool is_array() const noexcept
+    {
+        return m_type == value_t::array;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief return whether value is a string
+
+    This function returns true iff the JSON value is a string.
+
+    @return `true` if type is string, `false` otherwise.
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @exceptionsafety No-throw guarantee: this member function never throws
+    exceptions.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code exemplifies `is_string()` for all JSON
+    types.,is_string}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    constexpr bool is_string() const noexcept
+    {
+        return m_type == value_t::string;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief return whether value is discarded
+
+    This function returns true iff the JSON value was discarded during parsing
+    with a callback function (see @ref parser_callback_t).
+
+    @note This function will always be `false` for JSON values after parsing.
+    That is, discarded values can only occur during parsing, but will be
+    removed when inside a structured value or replaced by null in other cases.
+
+    @return `true` if type is discarded, `false` otherwise.
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @exceptionsafety No-throw guarantee: this member function never throws
+    exceptions.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code exemplifies `is_discarded()` for all JSON
+    types.,is_discarded}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    constexpr bool is_discarded() const noexcept
+    {
+        return m_type == value_t::discarded;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief return the type of the JSON value (implicit)
+
+    Implicitly return the type of the JSON value as a value from the @ref
+    value_t enumeration.
+
+    @return the type of the JSON value
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @exceptionsafety No-throw guarantee: this member function never throws
+    exceptions.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code exemplifies the @ref value_t operator for
+    all JSON types.,operator__value_t}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    constexpr operator value_t() const noexcept
+    {
+        return m_type;
+    }
+
+    /// @}
+
+  private:
+    //////////////////
+    // value access //
+    //////////////////
+
+    /// get an object (explicit)
+    template <class T, typename
+              std::enable_if<
+                  std::is_convertible<typename object_t::key_type, typename T::key_type>::value and
+                  std::is_convertible<basic_json_t, typename T::mapped_type>::value
+                  , int>::type = 0>
+    T get_impl(T*) const
+    {
+        if (is_object())
+        {
+            assert(m_value.object != nullptr);
+            return T(m_value.object->begin(), m_value.object->end());
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("type must be object, but is " + type_name());
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// get an object (explicit)
+    object_t get_impl(object_t*) const
+    {
+        if (is_object())
+        {
+            assert(m_value.object != nullptr);
+            return *(m_value.object);
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("type must be object, but is " + type_name());
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// get an array (explicit)
+    template <class T, typename
+              std::enable_if<
+                  std::is_convertible<basic_json_t, typename T::value_type>::value and
+                  not std::is_same<basic_json_t, typename T::value_type>::value and
+                  not std::is_arithmetic<T>::value and
+                  not std::is_convertible<std::string, T>::value and
+                  not has_mapped_type<T>::value
+                  , int>::type = 0>
+    T get_impl(T*) const
+    {
+        if (is_array())
+        {
+            T to_vector;
+            assert(m_value.array != nullptr);
+            std::transform(m_value.array->begin(), m_value.array->end(),
+                           std::inserter(to_vector, to_vector.end()), [](basic_json i)
+            {
+                return i.get<typename T::value_type>();
+            });
+            return to_vector;
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("type must be array, but is " + type_name());
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// get an array (explicit)
+    template <class T, typename
+              std::enable_if<
+                  std::is_convertible<basic_json_t, T>::value and
+                  not std::is_same<basic_json_t, T>::value
+                  , int>::type = 0>
+    std::vector<T> get_impl(std::vector<T>*) const
+    {
+        if (is_array())
+        {
+            std::vector<T> to_vector;
+            assert(m_value.array != nullptr);
+            to_vector.reserve(m_value.array->size());
+            std::transform(m_value.array->begin(), m_value.array->end(),
+                           std::inserter(to_vector, to_vector.end()), [](basic_json i)
+            {
+                return i.get<T>();
+            });
+            return to_vector;
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("type must be array, but is " + type_name());
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// get an array (explicit)
+    template <class T, typename
+              std::enable_if<
+                  std::is_same<basic_json, typename T::value_type>::value and
+                  not has_mapped_type<T>::value
+                  , int>::type = 0>
+    T get_impl(T*) const
+    {
+        if (is_array())
+        {
+            assert(m_value.array != nullptr);
+            return T(m_value.array->begin(), m_value.array->end());
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("type must be array, but is " + type_name());
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// get an array (explicit)
+    array_t get_impl(array_t*) const
+    {
+        if (is_array())
+        {
+            assert(m_value.array != nullptr);
+            return *(m_value.array);
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("type must be array, but is " + type_name());
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// get a string (explicit)
+    template <typename T, typename
+              std::enable_if<
+                  std::is_convertible<string_t, T>::value
+                  , int>::type = 0>
+    T get_impl(T*) const
+    {
+        if (is_string())
+        {
+            assert(m_value.string != nullptr);
+            return *m_value.string;
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("type must be string, but is " + type_name());
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// get a number (explicit)
+    template<typename T, typename
+             std::enable_if<
+                 std::is_arithmetic<T>::value
+                 , int>::type = 0>
+    T get_impl(T*) const
+    {
+        switch (m_type)
+        {
+            case value_t::number_integer:
+            {
+                return static_cast<T>(m_value.number_integer);
+            }
+
+            case value_t::number_unsigned:
+            {
+                return static_cast<T>(m_value.number_unsigned);
+            }
+
+            case value_t::number_float:
+            {
+                return static_cast<T>(m_value.number_float);
+            }
+
+            default:
+            {
+                throw std::domain_error("type must be number, but is " + type_name());
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// get a boolean (explicit)
+    constexpr boolean_t get_impl(boolean_t*) const
+    {
+        return is_boolean()
+               ? m_value.boolean
+               : throw std::domain_error("type must be boolean, but is " + type_name());
+    }
+
+    /// get a pointer to the value (object)
+    object_t* get_impl_ptr(object_t*) noexcept
+    {
+        return is_object() ? m_value.object : nullptr;
+    }
+
+    /// get a pointer to the value (object)
+    constexpr const object_t* get_impl_ptr(const object_t*) const noexcept
+    {
+        return is_object() ? m_value.object : nullptr;
+    }
+
+    /// get a pointer to the value (array)
+    array_t* get_impl_ptr(array_t*) noexcept
+    {
+        return is_array() ? m_value.array : nullptr;
+    }
+
+    /// get a pointer to the value (array)
+    constexpr const array_t* get_impl_ptr(const array_t*) const noexcept
+    {
+        return is_array() ? m_value.array : nullptr;
+    }
+
+    /// get a pointer to the value (string)
+    string_t* get_impl_ptr(string_t*) noexcept
+    {
+        return is_string() ? m_value.string : nullptr;
+    }
+
+    /// get a pointer to the value (string)
+    constexpr const string_t* get_impl_ptr(const string_t*) const noexcept
+    {
+        return is_string() ? m_value.string : nullptr;
+    }
+
+    /// get a pointer to the value (boolean)
+    boolean_t* get_impl_ptr(boolean_t*) noexcept
+    {
+        return is_boolean() ? &m_value.boolean : nullptr;
+    }
+
+    /// get a pointer to the value (boolean)
+    constexpr const boolean_t* get_impl_ptr(const boolean_t*) const noexcept
+    {
+        return is_boolean() ? &m_value.boolean : nullptr;
+    }
+
+    /// get a pointer to the value (integer number)
+    number_integer_t* get_impl_ptr(number_integer_t*) noexcept
+    {
+        return is_number_integer() ? &m_value.number_integer : nullptr;
+    }
+
+    /// get a pointer to the value (integer number)
+    constexpr const number_integer_t* get_impl_ptr(const number_integer_t*) const noexcept
+    {
+        return is_number_integer() ? &m_value.number_integer : nullptr;
+    }
+
+    /// get a pointer to the value (unsigned number)
+    number_unsigned_t* get_impl_ptr(number_unsigned_t*) noexcept
+    {
+        return is_number_unsigned() ? &m_value.number_unsigned : nullptr;
+    }
+
+    /// get a pointer to the value (unsigned number)
+    constexpr const number_unsigned_t* get_impl_ptr(const number_unsigned_t*) const noexcept
+    {
+        return is_number_unsigned() ? &m_value.number_unsigned : nullptr;
+    }
+
+    /// get a pointer to the value (floating-point number)
+    number_float_t* get_impl_ptr(number_float_t*) noexcept
+    {
+        return is_number_float() ? &m_value.number_float : nullptr;
+    }
+
+    /// get a pointer to the value (floating-point number)
+    constexpr const number_float_t* get_impl_ptr(const number_float_t*) const noexcept
+    {
+        return is_number_float() ? &m_value.number_float : nullptr;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief helper function to implement get_ref()
+
+    This funcion helps to implement get_ref() without code duplication for
+    const and non-const overloads
+
+    @tparam ThisType will be deduced as `basic_json` or `const basic_json`
+
+    @throw std::domain_error if ReferenceType does not match underlying value
+    type of the current JSON
+    */
+    template<typename ReferenceType, typename ThisType>
+    static ReferenceType get_ref_impl(ThisType& obj)
+    {
+        // delegate the call to get_ptr<>()
+        using PointerType = typename std::add_pointer<ReferenceType>::type;
+        auto ptr = obj.template get_ptr<PointerType>();
+
+        if (ptr != nullptr)
+        {
+            return *ptr;
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("incompatible ReferenceType for get_ref, actual type is " +
+                                    obj.type_name());
+        }
+    }
+
+  public:
+
+    /// @name value access
+    /// @{
+
+    /*!
+    @brief get a value (explicit)
+
+    Explicit type conversion between the JSON value and a compatible value.
+
+    @tparam ValueType non-pointer type compatible to the JSON value, for
+    instance `int` for JSON integer numbers, `bool` for JSON booleans, or
+    `std::vector` types for JSON arrays
+
+    @return copy of the JSON value, converted to type @a ValueType
+
+    @throw std::domain_error in case passed type @a ValueType is incompatible
+    to JSON; example: `"type must be object, but is null"`
+
+    @complexity Linear in the size of the JSON value.
+
+    @liveexample{The example below shows several conversions from JSON values
+    to other types. There a few things to note: (1) Floating-point numbers can
+    be converted to integers\, (2) A JSON array can be converted to a standard
+    `std::vector<short>`\, (3) A JSON object can be converted to C++
+    associative containers such as `std::unordered_map<std::string\,
+    json>`.,get__ValueType_const}
+
+    @internal
+    The idea of using a casted null pointer to choose the correct
+    implementation is from <http://stackoverflow.com/a/8315197/266378>.
+    @endinternal
+
+    @sa @ref operator ValueType() const for implicit conversion
+    @sa @ref get() for pointer-member access
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    template<typename ValueType, typename
+             std::enable_if<
+                 not std::is_pointer<ValueType>::value
+                 , int>::type = 0>
+    ValueType get() const
+    {
+        return get_impl(static_cast<ValueType*>(nullptr));
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief get a pointer value (explicit)
+
+    Explicit pointer access to the internally stored JSON value. No copies are
+    made.
+
+    @warning The pointer becomes invalid if the underlying JSON object changes.
+
+    @tparam PointerType pointer type; must be a pointer to @ref array_t, @ref
+    object_t, @ref string_t, @ref boolean_t, @ref number_integer_t,
+    @ref number_unsigned_t, or @ref number_float_t.
+
+    @return pointer to the internally stored JSON value if the requested
+    pointer type @a PointerType fits to the JSON value; `nullptr` otherwise
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @liveexample{The example below shows how pointers to internal values of a
+    JSON value can be requested. Note that no type conversions are made and a
+    `nullptr` is returned if the value and the requested pointer type does not
+    match.,get__PointerType}
+
+    @sa @ref get_ptr() for explicit pointer-member access
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    template<typename PointerType, typename
+             std::enable_if<
+                 std::is_pointer<PointerType>::value
+                 , int>::type = 0>
+    PointerType get() noexcept
+    {
+        // delegate the call to get_ptr
+        return get_ptr<PointerType>();
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief get a pointer value (explicit)
+    @copydoc get()
+    */
+    template<typename PointerType, typename
+             std::enable_if<
+                 std::is_pointer<PointerType>::value
+                 , int>::type = 0>
+    constexpr const PointerType get() const noexcept
+    {
+        // delegate the call to get_ptr
+        return get_ptr<PointerType>();
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief get a pointer value (implicit)
+
+    Implicit pointer access to the internally stored JSON value. No copies are
+    made.
+
+    @warning Writing data to the pointee of the result yields an undefined
+    state.
+
+    @tparam PointerType pointer type; must be a pointer to @ref array_t, @ref
+    object_t, @ref string_t, @ref boolean_t, @ref number_integer_t,
+    @ref number_unsigned_t, or @ref number_float_t.
+
+    @return pointer to the internally stored JSON value if the requested
+    pointer type @a PointerType fits to the JSON value; `nullptr` otherwise
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @liveexample{The example below shows how pointers to internal values of a
+    JSON value can be requested. Note that no type conversions are made and a
+    `nullptr` is returned if the value and the requested pointer type does not
+    match.,get_ptr}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    template<typename PointerType, typename
+             std::enable_if<
+                 std::is_pointer<PointerType>::value
+                 , int>::type = 0>
+    PointerType get_ptr() noexcept
+    {
+        // delegate the call to get_impl_ptr<>()
+        return get_impl_ptr(static_cast<PointerType>(nullptr));
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief get a pointer value (implicit)
+    @copydoc get_ptr()
+    */
+    template<typename PointerType, typename
+             std::enable_if<
+                 std::is_pointer<PointerType>::value
+                 and std::is_const<typename std::remove_pointer<PointerType>::type>::value
+                 , int>::type = 0>
+    constexpr const PointerType get_ptr() const noexcept
+    {
+        // delegate the call to get_impl_ptr<>() const
+        return get_impl_ptr(static_cast<const PointerType>(nullptr));
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief get a reference value (implicit)
+
+    Implict reference access to the internally stored JSON value. No copies
+    are made.
+
+    @warning Writing data to the referee of the result yields an undefined
+    state.
+
+    @tparam ReferenceType reference type; must be a reference to @ref array_t,
+    @ref object_t, @ref string_t, @ref boolean_t, @ref number_integer_t, or
+    @ref number_float_t.
+
+    @return reference to the internally stored JSON value if the requested
+    reference type @a ReferenceType fits to the JSON value; throws
+    std::domain_error otherwise
+
+    @throw std::domain_error in case passed type @a ReferenceType is
+    incompatible with the stored JSON value
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @liveexample{The example shows several calls to `get_ref()`.,get_ref}
+
+    @since version 1.1.0
+    */
+    template<typename ReferenceType, typename
+             std::enable_if<
+                 std::is_reference<ReferenceType>::value
+                 , int>::type = 0>
+    ReferenceType get_ref()
+    {
+        // delegate call to get_ref_impl
+        return get_ref_impl<ReferenceType>(*this);
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief get a reference value (implicit)
+    @copydoc get_ref()
+    */
+    template<typename ReferenceType, typename
+             std::enable_if<
+                 std::is_reference<ReferenceType>::value
+                 and std::is_const<typename std::remove_reference<ReferenceType>::type>::value
+                 , int>::type = 0>
+    ReferenceType get_ref() const
+    {
+        // delegate call to get_ref_impl
+        return get_ref_impl<ReferenceType>(*this);
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief get a value (implicit)
+
+    Implicit type conversion between the JSON value and a compatible value.
+    The call is realized by calling @ref get() const.
+
+    @tparam ValueType non-pointer type compatible to the JSON value, for
+    instance `int` for JSON integer numbers, `bool` for JSON booleans, or
+    `std::vector` types for JSON arrays. The character type of @ref string_t
+    as well as an initializer list of this type is excluded to avoid
+    ambiguities as these types implicitly convert to `std::string`.
+
+    @return copy of the JSON value, converted to type @a ValueType
+
+    @throw std::domain_error in case passed type @a ValueType is incompatible
+    to JSON, thrown by @ref get() const
+
+    @complexity Linear in the size of the JSON value.
+
+    @liveexample{The example below shows several conversions from JSON values
+    to other types. There a few things to note: (1) Floating-point numbers can
+    be converted to integers\, (2) A JSON array can be converted to a standard
+    `std::vector<short>`\, (3) A JSON object can be converted to C++
+    associative containers such as `std::unordered_map<std::string\,
+    json>`.,operator__ValueType}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    template < typename ValueType, typename
+               std::enable_if <
+                   not std::is_pointer<ValueType>::value
+                   and not std::is_same<ValueType, typename string_t::value_type>::value
+#ifndef _MSC_VER  // Fix for issue #167 operator<< abiguity under VS2015
+                   and not std::is_same<ValueType, std::initializer_list<typename string_t::value_type>>::value
+#endif
+                   , int >::type = 0 >
+    operator ValueType() const
+    {
+        // delegate the call to get<>() const
+        return get<ValueType>();
+    }
+
+    /// @}
+
+
+    ////////////////////
+    // element access //
+    ////////////////////
+
+    /// @name element access
+    /// @{
+
+    /*!
+    @brief access specified array element with bounds checking
+
+    Returns a reference to the element at specified location @a idx, with
+    bounds checking.
+
+    @param[in] idx  index of the element to access
+
+    @return reference to the element at index @a idx
+
+    @throw std::domain_error if the JSON value is not an array; example:
+    `"cannot use at() with string"`
+    @throw std::out_of_range if the index @a idx is out of range of the array;
+    that is, `idx >= size()`; example: `"array index 7 is out of range"`
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @liveexample{The example below shows how array elements can be read and
+    written using `at()`.,at__size_type}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    reference at(size_type idx)
+    {
+        // at only works for arrays
+        if (is_array())
+        {
+            try
+            {
+                assert(m_value.array != nullptr);
+                return m_value.array->at(idx);
+            }
+            catch (std::out_of_range&)
+            {
+                // create better exception explanation
+                throw std::out_of_range("array index " + std::to_string(idx) + " is out of range");
+            }
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("cannot use at() with " + type_name());
+        }
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief access specified array element with bounds checking
+
+    Returns a const reference to the element at specified location @a idx,
+    with bounds checking.
+
+    @param[in] idx  index of the element to access
+
+    @return const reference to the element at index @a idx
+
+    @throw std::domain_error if the JSON value is not an array; example:
+    `"cannot use at() with string"`
+    @throw std::out_of_range if the index @a idx is out of range of the array;
+    that is, `idx >= size()`; example: `"array index 7 is out of range"`
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @liveexample{The example below shows how array elements can be read using
+    `at()`.,at__size_type_const}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    const_reference at(size_type idx) const
+    {
+        // at only works for arrays
+        if (is_array())
+        {
+            try
+            {
+                assert(m_value.array != nullptr);
+                return m_value.array->at(idx);
+            }
+            catch (std::out_of_range&)
+            {
+                // create better exception explanation
+                throw std::out_of_range("array index " + std::to_string(idx) + " is out of range");
+            }
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("cannot use at() with " + type_name());
+        }
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief access specified object element with bounds checking
+
+    Returns a reference to the element at with specified key @a key, with
+    bounds checking.
+
+    @param[in] key  key of the element to access
+
+    @return reference to the element at key @a key
+
+    @throw std::domain_error if the JSON value is not an object; example:
+    `"cannot use at() with boolean"`
+    @throw std::out_of_range if the key @a key is is not stored in the object;
+    that is, `find(key) == end()`; example: `"key "the fast" not found"`
+
+    @complexity Logarithmic in the size of the container.
+
+    @liveexample{The example below shows how object elements can be read and
+    written using `at()`.,at__object_t_key_type}
+
+    @sa @ref operator[](const typename object_t::key_type&) for unchecked
+    access by reference
+    @sa @ref value() for access by value with a default value
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    reference at(const typename object_t::key_type& key)
+    {
+        // at only works for objects
+        if (is_object())
+        {
+            try
+            {
+                assert(m_value.object != nullptr);
+                return m_value.object->at(key);
+            }
+            catch (std::out_of_range&)
+            {
+                // create better exception explanation
+                throw std::out_of_range("key '" + key + "' not found");
+            }
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("cannot use at() with " + type_name());
+        }
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief access specified object element with bounds checking
+
+    Returns a const reference to the element at with specified key @a key,
+    with bounds checking.
+
+    @param[in] key  key of the element to access
+
+    @return const reference to the element at key @a key
+
+    @throw std::domain_error if the JSON value is not an object; example:
+    `"cannot use at() with boolean"`
+    @throw std::out_of_range if the key @a key is is not stored in the object;
+    that is, `find(key) == end()`; example: `"key "the fast" not found"`
+
+    @complexity Logarithmic in the size of the container.
+
+    @liveexample{The example below shows how object elements can be read using
+    `at()`.,at__object_t_key_type_const}
+
+    @sa @ref operator[](const typename object_t::key_type&) for unchecked
+    access by reference
+    @sa @ref value() for access by value with a default value
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    const_reference at(const typename object_t::key_type& key) const
+    {
+        // at only works for objects
+        if (is_object())
+        {
+            try
+            {
+                assert(m_value.object != nullptr);
+                return m_value.object->at(key);
+            }
+            catch (std::out_of_range&)
+            {
+                // create better exception explanation
+                throw std::out_of_range("key '" + key + "' not found");
+            }
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("cannot use at() with " + type_name());
+        }
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief access specified array element
+
+    Returns a reference to the element at specified location @a idx.
+
+    @note If @a idx is beyond the range of the array (i.e., `idx >= size()`),
+    then the array is silently filled up with `null` values to make `idx` a
+    valid reference to the last stored element.
+
+    @param[in] idx  index of the element to access
+
+    @return reference to the element at index @a idx
+
+    @throw std::domain_error if JSON is not an array or null; example:
+    `"cannot use operator[] with string"`
+
+    @complexity Constant if @a idx is in the range of the array. Otherwise
+    linear in `idx - size()`.
+
+    @liveexample{The example below shows how array elements can be read and
+    written using `[]` operator. Note the addition of `null`
+    values.,operatorarray__size_type}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    reference operator[](size_type idx)
+    {
+        // implicitly convert null value to an empty array
+        if (is_null())
+        {
+            m_type = value_t::array;
+            m_value.array = create<array_t>();
+        }
+
+        // operator[] only works for arrays
+        if (is_array())
+        {
+            // fill up array with null values until given idx is reached
+            assert(m_value.array != nullptr);
+            for (size_t i = m_value.array->size(); i <= idx; ++i)
+            {
+                m_value.array->push_back(basic_json());
+            }
+
+            return m_value.array->operator[](idx);
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("cannot use operator[] with " + type_name());
+        }
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief access specified array element
+
+    Returns a const reference to the element at specified location @a idx.
+
+    @param[in] idx  index of the element to access
+
+    @return const reference to the element at index @a idx
+
+    @throw std::domain_error if JSON is not an array; example: `"cannot use
+    operator[] with null"`
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @liveexample{The example below shows how array elements can be read using
+    the `[]` operator.,operatorarray__size_type_const}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    const_reference operator[](size_type idx) const
+    {
+        // const operator[] only works for arrays
+        if (is_array())
+        {
+            assert(m_value.array != nullptr);
+            return m_value.array->operator[](idx);
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("cannot use operator[] with " + type_name());
+        }
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief access specified object element
+
+    Returns a reference to the element at with specified key @a key.
+
+    @note If @a key is not found in the object, then it is silently added to
+    the object and filled with a `null` value to make `key` a valid reference.
+    In case the value was `null` before, it is converted to an object.
+
+    @param[in] key  key of the element to access
+
+    @return reference to the element at key @a key
+
+    @throw std::domain_error if JSON is not an object or null; example:
+    `"cannot use operator[] with string"`
+
+    @complexity Logarithmic in the size of the container.
+
+    @liveexample{The example below shows how object elements can be read and
+    written using the `[]` operator.,operatorarray__key_type}
+
+    @sa @ref at(const typename object_t::key_type&) for access by reference
+    with range checking
+    @sa @ref value() for access by value with a default value
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    reference operator[](const typename object_t::key_type& key)
+    {
+        // implicitly convert null value to an empty object
+        if (is_null())
+        {
+            m_type = value_t::object;
+            m_value.object = create<object_t>();
+        }
+
+        // operator[] only works for objects
+        if (is_object())
+        {
+            assert(m_value.object != nullptr);
+            return m_value.object->operator[](key);
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("cannot use operator[] with " + type_name());
+        }
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief read-only access specified object element
+
+    Returns a const reference to the element at with specified key @a key. No
+    bounds checking is performed.
+
+    @warning If the element with key @a key does not exist, the behavior is
+    undefined.
+
+    @param[in] key  key of the element to access
+
+    @return const reference to the element at key @a key
+
+    @throw std::domain_error if JSON is not an object; example: `"cannot use
+    operator[] with null"`
+
+    @complexity Logarithmic in the size of the container.
+
+    @liveexample{The example below shows how object elements can be read using
+    the `[]` operator.,operatorarray__key_type_const}
+
+    @sa @ref at(const typename object_t::key_type&) for access by reference
+    with range checking
+    @sa @ref value() for access by value with a default value
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    const_reference operator[](const typename object_t::key_type& key) const
+    {
+        // const operator[] only works for objects
+        if (is_object())
+        {
+            assert(m_value.object != nullptr);
+            assert(m_value.object->find(key) != m_value.object->end());
+            return m_value.object->find(key)->second;
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("cannot use operator[] with " + type_name());
+        }
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief access specified object element
+
+    Returns a reference to the element at with specified key @a key.
+
+    @note If @a key is not found in the object, then it is silently added to
+    the object and filled with a `null` value to make `key` a valid reference.
+    In case the value was `null` before, it is converted to an object.
+
+    @param[in] key  key of the element to access
+
+    @return reference to the element at key @a key
+
+    @throw std::domain_error if JSON is not an object or null; example:
+    `"cannot use operator[] with string"`
+
+    @complexity Logarithmic in the size of the container.
+
+    @liveexample{The example below shows how object elements can be read and
+    written using the `[]` operator.,operatorarray__key_type}
+
+    @sa @ref at(const typename object_t::key_type&) for access by reference
+    with range checking
+    @sa @ref value() for access by value with a default value
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    template<typename T, std::size_t n>
+    reference operator[](T * (&key)[n])
+    {
+        return operator[](static_cast<const T>(key));
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief read-only access specified object element
+
+    Returns a const reference to the element at with specified key @a key. No
+    bounds checking is performed.
+
+    @warning If the element with key @a key does not exist, the behavior is
+    undefined.
+
+    @note This function is required for compatibility reasons with Clang.
+
+    @param[in] key  key of the element to access
+
+    @return const reference to the element at key @a key
+
+    @throw std::domain_error if JSON is not an object; example: `"cannot use
+    operator[] with null"`
+
+    @complexity Logarithmic in the size of the container.
+
+    @liveexample{The example below shows how object elements can be read using
+    the `[]` operator.,operatorarray__key_type_const}
+
+    @sa @ref at(const typename object_t::key_type&) for access by reference
+    with range checking
+    @sa @ref value() for access by value with a default value
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    template<typename T, std::size_t n>
+    const_reference operator[](T * (&key)[n]) const
+    {
+        return operator[](static_cast<const T>(key));
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief access specified object element
+
+    Returns a reference to the element at with specified key @a key.
+
+    @note If @a key is not found in the object, then it is silently added to
+    the object and filled with a `null` value to make `key` a valid reference.
+    In case the value was `null` before, it is converted to an object.
+
+    @param[in] key  key of the element to access
+
+    @return reference to the element at key @a key
+
+    @throw std::domain_error if JSON is not an object or null; example:
+    `"cannot use operator[] with string"`
+
+    @complexity Logarithmic in the size of the container.
+
+    @liveexample{The example below shows how object elements can be read and
+    written using the `[]` operator.,operatorarray__key_type}
+
+    @sa @ref at(const typename object_t::key_type&) for access by reference
+    with range checking
+    @sa @ref value() for access by value with a default value
+
+    @since version 1.1.0
+    */
+    template<typename T>
+    reference operator[](T* key)
+    {
+        // implicitly convert null to object
+        if (is_null())
+        {
+            m_type = value_t::object;
+            m_value = value_t::object;
+        }
+
+        // at only works for objects
+        if (is_object())
+        {
+            assert(m_value.object != nullptr);
+            return m_value.object->operator[](key);
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("cannot use operator[] with " + type_name());
+        }
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief read-only access specified object element
+
+    Returns a const reference to the element at with specified key @a key. No
+    bounds checking is performed.
+
+    @warning If the element with key @a key does not exist, the behavior is
+    undefined.
+
+    @param[in] key  key of the element to access
+
+    @return const reference to the element at key @a key
+
+    @throw std::domain_error if JSON is not an object; example: `"cannot use
+    operator[] with null"`
+
+    @complexity Logarithmic in the size of the container.
+
+    @liveexample{The example below shows how object elements can be read using
+    the `[]` operator.,operatorarray__key_type_const}
+
+    @sa @ref at(const typename object_t::key_type&) for access by reference
+    with range checking
+    @sa @ref value() for access by value with a default value
+
+    @since version 1.1.0
+    */
+    template<typename T>
+    const_reference operator[](T* key) const
+    {
+        // at only works for objects
+        if (is_object())
+        {
+            assert(m_value.object != nullptr);
+            assert(m_value.object->find(key) != m_value.object->end());
+            return m_value.object->find(key)->second;
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("cannot use operator[] with " + type_name());
+        }
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief access specified object element with default value
+
+    Returns either a copy of an object's element at the specified key @a key or
+    a given default value if no element with key @a key exists.
+
+    The function is basically equivalent to executing
+    @code {.cpp}
+    try {
+        return at(key);
+    } catch(std::out_of_range) {
+        return default_value;
+    }
+    @endcode
+
+    @note Unlike @ref at(const typename object_t::key_type&), this function
+    does not throw if the given key @a key was not found.
+
+    @note Unlike @ref operator[](const typename object_t::key_type& key), this
+    function does not implicitly add an element to the position defined by @a
+    key. This function is furthermore also applicable to const objects.
+
+    @param[in] key  key of the element to access
+    @param[in] default_value  the value to return if @a key is not found
+
+    @tparam ValueType type compatible to JSON values, for instance `int` for
+    JSON integer numbers, `bool` for JSON booleans, or `std::vector` types for
+    JSON arrays. Note the type of the expected value at @a key and the default
+    value @a default_value must be compatible.
+
+    @return copy of the element at key @a key or @a default_value if @a key
+    is not found
+
+    @throw std::domain_error if JSON is not an object; example: `"cannot use
+    value() with null"`
+
+    @complexity Logarithmic in the size of the container.
+
+    @liveexample{The example below shows how object elements can be queried
+    with a default value.,basic_json__value}
+
+    @sa @ref at(const typename object_t::key_type&) for access by reference
+    with range checking
+    @sa @ref operator[](const typename object_t::key_type&) for unchecked
+    access by reference
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    template <class ValueType, typename
+              std::enable_if<
+                  std::is_convertible<basic_json_t, ValueType>::value
+                  , int>::type = 0>
+    ValueType value(const typename object_t::key_type& key, ValueType default_value) const
+    {
+        // at only works for objects
+        if (is_object())
+        {
+            // if key is found, return value and given default value otherwise
+            const auto it = find(key);
+            if (it != end())
+            {
+                return *it;
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                return default_value;
+            }
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("cannot use value() with " + type_name());
+        }
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief overload for a default value of type const char*
+    @copydoc basic_json::value()
+    */
+    string_t value(const typename object_t::key_type& key, const char* default_value) const
+    {
+        return value(key, string_t(default_value));
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief access the first element
+
+    Returns a reference to the first element in the container. For a JSON
+    container `c`, the expression `c.front()` is equivalent to `*c.begin()`.
+
+    @return In case of a structured type (array or object), a reference to the
+    first element is returned. In cast of number, string, or boolean values, a
+    reference to the value is returned.
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @pre The JSON value must not be `null` (would throw `std::out_of_range`)
+    or an empty array or object (undefined behavior, guarded by assertions).
+    @post The JSON value remains unchanged.
+
+    @throw std::out_of_range when called on `null` value
+
+    @liveexample{The following code shows an example for `front()`.,front}
+
+    @sa @ref back() -- access the last element
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    reference front()
+    {
+        return *begin();
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @copydoc basic_json::front()
+    */
+    const_reference front() const
+    {
+        return *cbegin();
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief access the last element
+
+    Returns a reference to the last element in the container. For a JSON
+    container `c`, the expression `c.back()` is equivalent to
+    @code {.cpp}
+    auto tmp = c.end();
+    --tmp;
+    return *tmp;
+    @endcode
+
+    @return In case of a structured type (array or object), a reference to the
+    last element is returned. In cast of number, string, or boolean values, a
+    reference to the value is returned.
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @pre The JSON value must not be `null` (would throw `std::out_of_range`)
+    or an empty array or object (undefined behavior, guarded by assertions).
+    @post The JSON value remains unchanged.
+
+    @throw std::out_of_range when called on `null` value.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code shows an example for `back()`.,back}
+
+    @sa @ref front() -- access the first element
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    reference back()
+    {
+        auto tmp = end();
+        --tmp;
+        return *tmp;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @copydoc basic_json::back()
+    */
+    const_reference back() const
+    {
+        auto tmp = cend();
+        --tmp;
+        return *tmp;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief remove element given an iterator
+
+    Removes the element specified by iterator @a pos. The iterator @a pos must
+    be valid and dereferenceable. Thus the `end()` iterator (which is valid,
+    but is not dereferenceable) cannot be used as a value for @a pos.
+
+    If called on a primitive type other than `null`, the resulting JSON value
+    will be `null`.
+
+    @param[in] pos iterator to the element to remove
+    @return Iterator following the last removed element. If the iterator @a
+    pos refers to the last element, the `end()` iterator is returned.
+
+    @tparam InteratorType an @ref iterator or @ref const_iterator
+
+    @post Invalidates iterators and references at or after the point of the
+    erase, including the `end()` iterator.
+
+    @throw std::domain_error if called on a `null` value; example: `"cannot
+    use erase() with null"`
+    @throw std::domain_error if called on an iterator which does not belong to
+    the current JSON value; example: `"iterator does not fit current value"`
+    @throw std::out_of_range if called on a primitive type with invalid
+    iterator (i.e., any iterator which is not `begin()`); example: `"iterator
+    out of range"`
+
+    @complexity The complexity depends on the type:
+    - objects: amortized constant
+    - arrays: linear in distance between pos and the end of the container
+    - strings: linear in the length of the string
+    - other types: constant
+
+    @liveexample{The example shows the result of `erase()` for different JSON
+    types.,erase__IteratorType}
+
+    @sa @ref erase(InteratorType, InteratorType) -- removes the elements in
+    the given range
+    @sa @ref erase(const typename object_t::key_type&) -- removes the element
+    from an object at the given key
+    @sa @ref erase(const size_type) -- removes the element from an array at
+    the given index
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    template <class InteratorType, typename
+              std::enable_if<
+                  std::is_same<InteratorType, typename basic_json_t::iterator>::value or
+                  std::is_same<InteratorType, typename basic_json_t::const_iterator>::value
+                  , int>::type
+              = 0>
+    InteratorType erase(InteratorType pos)
+    {
+        // make sure iterator fits the current value
+        if (this != pos.m_object)
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("iterator does not fit current value");
+        }
+
+        InteratorType result = end();
+
+        switch (m_type)
+        {
+            case value_t::boolean:
+            case value_t::number_float:
+            case value_t::number_integer:
+            case value_t::number_unsigned:
+            case value_t::string:
+            {
+                if (not pos.m_it.primitive_iterator.is_begin())
+                {
+                    throw std::out_of_range("iterator out of range");
+                }
+
+                if (is_string())
+                {
+                    delete m_value.string;
+                    m_value.string = nullptr;
+                }
+
+                m_type = value_t::null;
+                break;
+            }
+
+            case value_t::object:
+            {
+                assert(m_value.object != nullptr);
+                result.m_it.object_iterator = m_value.object->erase(pos.m_it.object_iterator);
+                break;
+            }
+
+            case value_t::array:
+            {
+                assert(m_value.array != nullptr);
+                result.m_it.array_iterator = m_value.array->erase(pos.m_it.array_iterator);
+                break;
+            }
+
+            default:
+            {
+                throw std::domain_error("cannot use erase() with " + type_name());
+            }
+        }
+
+        return result;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief remove elements given an iterator range
+
+    Removes the element specified by the range `[first; last)`. The iterator
+    @a first does not need to be dereferenceable if `first == last`: erasing
+    an empty range is a no-op.
+
+    If called on a primitive type other than `null`, the resulting JSON value
+    will be `null`.
+
+    @param[in] first iterator to the beginning of the range to remove
+    @param[in] last iterator past the end of the range to remove
+    @return Iterator following the last removed element. If the iterator @a
+    second refers to the last element, the `end()` iterator is returned.
+
+    @tparam InteratorType an @ref iterator or @ref const_iterator
+
+    @post Invalidates iterators and references at or after the point of the
+    erase, including the `end()` iterator.
+
+    @throw std::domain_error if called on a `null` value; example: `"cannot
+    use erase() with null"`
+    @throw std::domain_error if called on iterators which does not belong to
+    the current JSON value; example: `"iterators do not fit current value"`
+    @throw std::out_of_range if called on a primitive type with invalid
+    iterators (i.e., if `first != begin()` and `last != end()`); example:
+    `"iterators out of range"`
+
+    @complexity The complexity depends on the type:
+    - objects: `log(size()) + std::distance(first, last)`
+    - arrays: linear in the distance between @a first and @a last, plus linear
+      in the distance between @a last and end of the container
+    - strings: linear in the length of the string
+    - other types: constant
+
+    @liveexample{The example shows the result of `erase()` for different JSON
+    types.,erase__IteratorType_IteratorType}
+
+    @sa @ref erase(InteratorType) -- removes the element at a given position
+    @sa @ref erase(const typename object_t::key_type&) -- removes the element
+    from an object at the given key
+    @sa @ref erase(const size_type) -- removes the element from an array at
+    the given index
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    template <class InteratorType, typename
+              std::enable_if<
+                  std::is_same<InteratorType, typename basic_json_t::iterator>::value or
+                  std::is_same<InteratorType, typename basic_json_t::const_iterator>::value
+                  , int>::type
+              = 0>
+    InteratorType erase(InteratorType first, InteratorType last)
+    {
+        // make sure iterator fits the current value
+        if (this != first.m_object or this != last.m_object)
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("iterators do not fit current value");
+        }
+
+        InteratorType result = end();
+
+        switch (m_type)
+        {
+            case value_t::boolean:
+            case value_t::number_float:
+            case value_t::number_integer:
+            case value_t::number_unsigned:
+            case value_t::string:
+            {
+                if (not first.m_it.primitive_iterator.is_begin() or not last.m_it.primitive_iterator.is_end())
+                {
+                    throw std::out_of_range("iterators out of range");
+                }
+
+                if (is_string())
+                {
+                    delete m_value.string;
+                    m_value.string = nullptr;
+                }
+
+                m_type = value_t::null;
+                break;
+            }
+
+            case value_t::object:
+            {
+                assert(m_value.object != nullptr);
+                result.m_it.object_iterator = m_value.object->erase(first.m_it.object_iterator,
+                                              last.m_it.object_iterator);
+                break;
+            }
+
+            case value_t::array:
+            {
+                assert(m_value.array != nullptr);
+                result.m_it.array_iterator = m_value.array->erase(first.m_it.array_iterator,
+                                             last.m_it.array_iterator);
+                break;
+            }
+
+            default:
+            {
+                throw std::domain_error("cannot use erase() with " + type_name());
+            }
+        }
+
+        return result;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief remove element from a JSON object given a key
+
+    Removes elements from a JSON object with the key value @a key.
+
+    @param[in] key value of the elements to remove
+
+    @return Number of elements removed. If @a ObjectType is the default
+    `std::map` type, the return value will always be `0` (@a key was not
+    found) or `1` (@a key was found).
+
+    @post References and iterators to the erased elements are invalidated.
+    Other references and iterators are not affected.
+
+    @throw std::domain_error when called on a type other than JSON object;
+    example: `"cannot use erase() with null"`
+
+    @complexity `log(size()) + count(key)`
+
+    @liveexample{The example shows the effect of `erase()`.,erase__key_type}
+
+    @sa @ref erase(InteratorType) -- removes the element at a given position
+    @sa @ref erase(InteratorType, InteratorType) -- removes the elements in
+    the given range
+    @sa @ref erase(const size_type) -- removes the element from an array at
+    the given index
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    size_type erase(const typename object_t::key_type& key)
+    {
+        // this erase only works for objects
+        if (is_object())
+        {
+            assert(m_value.object != nullptr);
+            return m_value.object->erase(key);
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("cannot use erase() with " + type_name());
+        }
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief remove element from a JSON array given an index
+
+    Removes element from a JSON array at the index @a idx.
+
+    @param[in] idx index of the element to remove
+
+    @throw std::domain_error when called on a type other than JSON array;
+    example: `"cannot use erase() with null"`
+    @throw std::out_of_range when `idx >= size()`; example: `"array index 17
+    is out of range"`
+
+    @complexity Linear in distance between @a idx and the end of the container.
+
+    @liveexample{The example shows the effect of `erase()`.,erase__size_type}
+
+    @sa @ref erase(InteratorType) -- removes the element at a given position
+    @sa @ref erase(InteratorType, InteratorType) -- removes the elements in
+    the given range
+    @sa @ref erase(const typename object_t::key_type&) -- removes the element
+    from an object at the given key
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    void erase(const size_type idx)
+    {
+        // this erase only works for arrays
+        if (is_array())
+        {
+            if (idx >= size())
+            {
+                throw std::out_of_range("array index " + std::to_string(idx) + " is out of range");
+            }
+
+            assert(m_value.array != nullptr);
+            m_value.array->erase(m_value.array->begin() + static_cast<difference_type>(idx));
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("cannot use erase() with " + type_name());
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// @}
+
+
+    ////////////
+    // lookup //
+    ////////////
+
+    /// @name lookup
+    /// @{
+
+    /*!
+    @brief find an element in a JSON object
+
+    Finds an element in a JSON object with key equivalent to @a key. If the
+    element is not found or the JSON value is not an object, end() is
+    returned.
+
+    @param[in] key key value of the element to search for
+
+    @return Iterator to an element with key equivalent to @a key. If no such
+    element is found, past-the-end (see end()) iterator is returned.
+
+    @complexity Logarithmic in the size of the JSON object.
+
+    @liveexample{The example shows how `find()` is used.,find__key_type}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    iterator find(typename object_t::key_type key)
+    {
+        auto result = end();
+
+        if (is_object())
+        {
+            assert(m_value.object != nullptr);
+            result.m_it.object_iterator = m_value.object->find(key);
+        }
+
+        return result;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief find an element in a JSON object
+    @copydoc find(typename object_t::key_type)
+    */
+    const_iterator find(typename object_t::key_type key) const
+    {
+        auto result = cend();
+
+        if (is_object())
+        {
+            assert(m_value.object != nullptr);
+            result.m_it.object_iterator = m_value.object->find(key);
+        }
+
+        return result;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief returns the number of occurrences of a key in a JSON object
+
+    Returns the number of elements with key @a key. If ObjectType is the
+    default `std::map` type, the return value will always be `0` (@a key was
+    not found) or `1` (@a key was found).
+
+    @param[in] key key value of the element to count
+
+    @return Number of elements with key @a key. If the JSON value is not an
+    object, the return value will be `0`.
+
+    @complexity Logarithmic in the size of the JSON object.
+
+    @liveexample{The example shows how `count()` is used.,count}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    size_type count(typename object_t::key_type key) const
+    {
+        // return 0 for all nonobject types
+        assert(not is_object() or m_value.object != nullptr);
+        return is_object() ? m_value.object->count(key) : 0;
+    }
+
+    /// @}
+
+
+    ///////////////
+    // iterators //
+    ///////////////
+
+    /// @name iterators
+    /// @{
+
+    /*!
+    @brief returns an iterator to the first element
+
+    Returns an iterator to the first element.
+
+    @image html range-begin-end.svg "Illustration from cppreference.com"
+
+    @return iterator to the first element
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @requirement This function helps `basic_json` satisfying the
+    [Container](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/concept/Container)
+    requirements:
+    - The complexity is constant.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code shows an example for `begin()`.,begin}
+
+    @sa @ref cbegin() -- returns a const iterator to the beginning
+    @sa @ref end() -- returns an iterator to the end
+    @sa @ref cend() -- returns a const iterator to the end
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    iterator begin() noexcept
+    {
+        iterator result(this);
+        result.set_begin();
+        return result;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @copydoc basic_json::cbegin()
+    */
+    const_iterator begin() const noexcept
+    {
+        return cbegin();
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief returns a const iterator to the first element
+
+    Returns a const iterator to the first element.
+
+    @image html range-begin-end.svg "Illustration from cppreference.com"
+
+    @return const iterator to the first element
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @requirement This function helps `basic_json` satisfying the
+    [Container](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/concept/Container)
+    requirements:
+    - The complexity is constant.
+    - Has the semantics of `const_cast<const basic_json&>(*this).begin()`.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code shows an example for `cbegin()`.,cbegin}
+
+    @sa @ref begin() -- returns an iterator to the beginning
+    @sa @ref end() -- returns an iterator to the end
+    @sa @ref cend() -- returns a const iterator to the end
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    const_iterator cbegin() const noexcept
+    {
+        const_iterator result(this);
+        result.set_begin();
+        return result;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief returns an iterator to one past the last element
+
+    Returns an iterator to one past the last element.
+
+    @image html range-begin-end.svg "Illustration from cppreference.com"
+
+    @return iterator one past the last element
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @requirement This function helps `basic_json` satisfying the
+    [Container](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/concept/Container)
+    requirements:
+    - The complexity is constant.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code shows an example for `end()`.,end}
+
+    @sa @ref cend() -- returns a const iterator to the end
+    @sa @ref begin() -- returns an iterator to the beginning
+    @sa @ref cbegin() -- returns a const iterator to the beginning
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    iterator end() noexcept
+    {
+        iterator result(this);
+        result.set_end();
+        return result;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @copydoc basic_json::cend()
+    */
+    const_iterator end() const noexcept
+    {
+        return cend();
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief returns a const iterator to one past the last element
+
+    Returns a const iterator to one past the last element.
+
+    @image html range-begin-end.svg "Illustration from cppreference.com"
+
+    @return const iterator one past the last element
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @requirement This function helps `basic_json` satisfying the
+    [Container](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/concept/Container)
+    requirements:
+    - The complexity is constant.
+    - Has the semantics of `const_cast<const basic_json&>(*this).end()`.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code shows an example for `cend()`.,cend}
+
+    @sa @ref end() -- returns an iterator to the end
+    @sa @ref begin() -- returns an iterator to the beginning
+    @sa @ref cbegin() -- returns a const iterator to the beginning
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    const_iterator cend() const noexcept
+    {
+        const_iterator result(this);
+        result.set_end();
+        return result;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief returns an iterator to the reverse-beginning
+
+    Returns an iterator to the reverse-beginning; that is, the last element.
+
+    @image html range-rbegin-rend.svg "Illustration from cppreference.com"
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @requirement This function helps `basic_json` satisfying the
+    [ReversibleContainer](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/concept/ReversibleContainer)
+    requirements:
+    - The complexity is constant.
+    - Has the semantics of `reverse_iterator(end())`.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code shows an example for `rbegin()`.,rbegin}
+
+    @sa @ref crbegin() -- returns a const reverse iterator to the beginning
+    @sa @ref rend() -- returns a reverse iterator to the end
+    @sa @ref crend() -- returns a const reverse iterator to the end
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    reverse_iterator rbegin() noexcept
+    {
+        return reverse_iterator(end());
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @copydoc basic_json::crbegin()
+    */
+    const_reverse_iterator rbegin() const noexcept
+    {
+        return crbegin();
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief returns an iterator to the reverse-end
+
+    Returns an iterator to the reverse-end; that is, one before the first
+    element.
+
+    @image html range-rbegin-rend.svg "Illustration from cppreference.com"
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @requirement This function helps `basic_json` satisfying the
+    [ReversibleContainer](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/concept/ReversibleContainer)
+    requirements:
+    - The complexity is constant.
+    - Has the semantics of `reverse_iterator(begin())`.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code shows an example for `rend()`.,rend}
+
+    @sa @ref crend() -- returns a const reverse iterator to the end
+    @sa @ref rbegin() -- returns a reverse iterator to the beginning
+    @sa @ref crbegin() -- returns a const reverse iterator to the beginning
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    reverse_iterator rend() noexcept
+    {
+        return reverse_iterator(begin());
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @copydoc basic_json::crend()
+    */
+    const_reverse_iterator rend() const noexcept
+    {
+        return crend();
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief returns a const reverse iterator to the last element
+
+    Returns a const iterator to the reverse-beginning; that is, the last
+    element.
+
+    @image html range-rbegin-rend.svg "Illustration from cppreference.com"
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @requirement This function helps `basic_json` satisfying the
+    [ReversibleContainer](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/concept/ReversibleContainer)
+    requirements:
+    - The complexity is constant.
+    - Has the semantics of `const_cast<const basic_json&>(*this).rbegin()`.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code shows an example for `crbegin()`.,crbegin}
+
+    @sa @ref rbegin() -- returns a reverse iterator to the beginning
+    @sa @ref rend() -- returns a reverse iterator to the end
+    @sa @ref crend() -- returns a const reverse iterator to the end
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    const_reverse_iterator crbegin() const noexcept
+    {
+        return const_reverse_iterator(cend());
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief returns a const reverse iterator to one before the first
+
+    Returns a const reverse iterator to the reverse-end; that is, one before
+    the first element.
+
+    @image html range-rbegin-rend.svg "Illustration from cppreference.com"
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @requirement This function helps `basic_json` satisfying the
+    [ReversibleContainer](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/concept/ReversibleContainer)
+    requirements:
+    - The complexity is constant.
+    - Has the semantics of `const_cast<const basic_json&>(*this).rend()`.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code shows an example for `crend()`.,crend}
+
+    @sa @ref rend() -- returns a reverse iterator to the end
+    @sa @ref rbegin() -- returns a reverse iterator to the beginning
+    @sa @ref crbegin() -- returns a const reverse iterator to the beginning
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    const_reverse_iterator crend() const noexcept
+    {
+        return const_reverse_iterator(cbegin());
+    }
+
+  private:
+    // forward declaration
+    template<typename IteratorType> class iteration_proxy;
+
+  public:
+    /*!
+    @brief wrapper to access iterator member functions in range-based for
+
+    This function allows to access @ref iterator::key() and @ref
+    iterator::value() during range-based for loops. In these loops, a
+    reference to the JSON values is returned, so there is no access to the
+    underlying iterator.
+
+    @note The name of this function is not yet final and may change in the
+    future.
+    */
+    static iteration_proxy<iterator> iterator_wrapper(reference cont)
+    {
+        return iteration_proxy<iterator>(cont);
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @copydoc iterator_wrapper(reference)
+    */
+    static iteration_proxy<const_iterator> iterator_wrapper(const_reference cont)
+    {
+        return iteration_proxy<const_iterator>(cont);
+    }
+
+    /// @}
+
+
+    //////////////
+    // capacity //
+    //////////////
+
+    /// @name capacity
+    /// @{
+
+    /*!
+    @brief checks whether the container is empty
+
+    Checks if a JSON value has no elements.
+
+    @return The return value depends on the different types and is
+            defined as follows:
+            Value type  | return value
+            ----------- | -------------
+            null        | `true`
+            boolean     | `false`
+            string      | `false`
+            number      | `false`
+            object      | result of function `object_t::empty()`
+            array       | result of function `array_t::empty()`
+
+    @complexity Constant, as long as @ref array_t and @ref object_t satisfy
+    the Container concept; that is, their `empty()` functions have constant
+    complexity.
+
+    @requirement This function helps `basic_json` satisfying the
+    [Container](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/concept/Container)
+    requirements:
+    - The complexity is constant.
+    - Has the semantics of `begin() == end()`.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code uses `empty()` to check if a JSON
+    object contains any elements.,empty}
+
+    @sa @ref size() -- returns the number of elements
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    bool empty() const noexcept
+    {
+        switch (m_type)
+        {
+            case value_t::null:
+            {
+                // null values are empty
+                return true;
+            }
+
+            case value_t::array:
+            {
+                assert(m_value.array != nullptr);
+                return m_value.array->empty();
+            }
+
+            case value_t::object:
+            {
+                assert(m_value.object != nullptr);
+                return m_value.object->empty();
+            }
+
+            default:
+            {
+                // all other types are nonempty
+                return false;
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief returns the number of elements
+
+    Returns the number of elements in a JSON value.
+
+    @return The return value depends on the different types and is
+            defined as follows:
+            Value type  | return value
+            ----------- | -------------
+            null        | `0`
+            boolean     | `1`
+            string      | `1`
+            number      | `1`
+            object      | result of function object_t::size()
+            array       | result of function array_t::size()
+
+    @complexity Constant, as long as @ref array_t and @ref object_t satisfy
+    the Container concept; that is, their size() functions have constant
+    complexity.
+
+    @requirement This function helps `basic_json` satisfying the
+    [Container](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/concept/Container)
+    requirements:
+    - The complexity is constant.
+    - Has the semantics of `std::distance(begin(), end())`.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code calls `size()` on the different value
+    types.,size}
+
+    @sa @ref empty() -- checks whether the container is empty
+    @sa @ref max_size() -- returns the maximal number of elements
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    size_type size() const noexcept
+    {
+        switch (m_type)
+        {
+            case value_t::null:
+            {
+                // null values are empty
+                return 0;
+            }
+
+            case value_t::array:
+            {
+                assert(m_value.array != nullptr);
+                return m_value.array->size();
+            }
+
+            case value_t::object:
+            {
+                assert(m_value.object != nullptr);
+                return m_value.object->size();
+            }
+
+            default:
+            {
+                // all other types have size 1
+                return 1;
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief returns the maximum possible number of elements
+
+    Returns the maximum number of elements a JSON value is able to hold due to
+    system or library implementation limitations, i.e. `std::distance(begin(),
+    end())` for the JSON value.
+
+    @return The return value depends on the different types and is
+            defined as follows:
+            Value type  | return value
+            ----------- | -------------
+            null        | `0` (same as `size()`)
+            boolean     | `1` (same as `size()`)
+            string      | `1` (same as `size()`)
+            number      | `1` (same as `size()`)
+            object      | result of function `object_t::max_size()`
+            array       | result of function `array_t::max_size()`
+
+    @complexity Constant, as long as @ref array_t and @ref object_t satisfy
+    the Container concept; that is, their `max_size()` functions have constant
+    complexity.
+
+    @requirement This function helps `basic_json` satisfying the
+    [Container](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/concept/Container)
+    requirements:
+    - The complexity is constant.
+    - Has the semantics of returning `b.size()` where `b` is the largest
+      possible JSON value.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code calls `max_size()` on the different value
+    types. Note the output is implementation specific.,max_size}
+
+    @sa @ref size() -- returns the number of elements
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    size_type max_size() const noexcept
+    {
+        switch (m_type)
+        {
+            case value_t::array:
+            {
+                assert(m_value.array != nullptr);
+                return m_value.array->max_size();
+            }
+
+            case value_t::object:
+            {
+                assert(m_value.object != nullptr);
+                return m_value.object->max_size();
+            }
+
+            default:
+            {
+                // all other types have max_size() == size()
+                return size();
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// @}
+
+
+    ///////////////
+    // modifiers //
+    ///////////////
+
+    /// @name modifiers
+    /// @{
+
+    /*!
+    @brief clears the contents
+
+    Clears the content of a JSON value and resets it to the default value as
+    if @ref basic_json(value_t) would have been called:
+
+    Value type  | initial value
+    ----------- | -------------
+    null        | `null`
+    boolean     | `false`
+    string      | `""`
+    number      | `0`
+    object      | `{}`
+    array       | `[]`
+
+    @note Floating-point numbers are set to `0.0` which will be serialized to
+    `0`. The vale type remains @ref number_float_t.
+
+    @complexity Linear in the size of the JSON value.
+
+    @liveexample{The example below shows the effect of `clear()` to different
+    JSON types.,clear}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    void clear() noexcept
+    {
+        switch (m_type)
+        {
+            case value_t::number_integer:
+            {
+                m_value.number_integer = 0;
+                break;
+            }
+
+            case value_t::number_unsigned:
+            {
+                m_value.number_unsigned = 0;
+                break;
+            }
+
+            case value_t::number_float:
+            {
+                m_value.number_float = 0.0;
+                break;
+            }
+
+            case value_t::boolean:
+            {
+                m_value.boolean = false;
+                break;
+            }
+
+            case value_t::string:
+            {
+                assert(m_value.string != nullptr);
+                m_value.string->clear();
+                break;
+            }
+
+            case value_t::array:
+            {
+                assert(m_value.array != nullptr);
+                m_value.array->clear();
+                break;
+            }
+
+            case value_t::object:
+            {
+                assert(m_value.object != nullptr);
+                m_value.object->clear();
+                break;
+            }
+
+            default:
+            {
+                break;
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief add an object to an array
+
+    Appends the given element @a val to the end of the JSON value. If the
+    function is called on a JSON null value, an empty array is created before
+    appending @a val.
+
+    @param[in] val the value to add to the JSON array
+
+    @throw std::domain_error when called on a type other than JSON array or
+    null; example: `"cannot use push_back() with number"`
+
+    @complexity Amortized constant.
+
+    @liveexample{The example shows how `push_back()` and `+=` can be used to
+    add elements to a JSON array. Note how the `null` value was silently
+    converted to a JSON array.,push_back}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    void push_back(basic_json&& val)
+    {
+        // push_back only works for null objects or arrays
+        if (not(is_null() or is_array()))
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("cannot use push_back() with " + type_name());
+        }
+
+        // transform null object into an array
+        if (is_null())
+        {
+            m_type = value_t::array;
+            m_value = value_t::array;
+        }
+
+        // add element to array (move semantics)
+        assert(m_value.array != nullptr);
+        m_value.array->push_back(std::move(val));
+        // invalidate object
+        val.m_type = value_t::null;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief add an object to an array
+    @copydoc push_back(basic_json&&)
+    */
+    reference operator+=(basic_json&& val)
+    {
+        push_back(std::move(val));
+        return *this;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief add an object to an array
+    @copydoc push_back(basic_json&&)
+    */
+    void push_back(const basic_json& val)
+    {
+        // push_back only works for null objects or arrays
+        if (not(is_null() or is_array()))
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("cannot use push_back() with " + type_name());
+        }
+
+        // transform null object into an array
+        if (is_null())
+        {
+            m_type = value_t::array;
+            m_value = value_t::array;
+        }
+
+        // add element to array
+        assert(m_value.array != nullptr);
+        m_value.array->push_back(val);
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief add an object to an array
+    @copydoc push_back(basic_json&&)
+    */
+    reference operator+=(const basic_json& val)
+    {
+        push_back(val);
+        return *this;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief add an object to an object
+
+    Inserts the given element @a val to the JSON object. If the function is
+    called on a JSON null value, an empty object is created before inserting
+    @a val.
+
+    @param[in] val the value to add to the JSON object
+
+    @throw std::domain_error when called on a type other than JSON object or
+    null; example: `"cannot use push_back() with number"`
+
+    @complexity Logarithmic in the size of the container, O(log(`size()`)).
+
+    @liveexample{The example shows how `push_back()` and `+=` can be used to
+    add elements to a JSON object. Note how the `null` value was silently
+    converted to a JSON object.,push_back__object_t__value}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    void push_back(const typename object_t::value_type& val)
+    {
+        // push_back only works for null objects or objects
+        if (not(is_null() or is_object()))
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("cannot use push_back() with " + type_name());
+        }
+
+        // transform null object into an object
+        if (is_null())
+        {
+            m_type = value_t::object;
+            m_value = value_t::object;
+        }
+
+        // add element to array
+        assert(m_value.object != nullptr);
+        m_value.object->insert(val);
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief add an object to an object
+    @copydoc push_back(const typename object_t::value_type&)
+    */
+    reference operator+=(const typename object_t::value_type& val)
+    {
+        push_back(val);
+        return *this;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief add an object to an object
+
+    This function allows to use `push_back` with an initializer list. In case
+
+    1. the current value is an object,
+    2. the initializer list @a init contains only two elements, and
+    3. the first element of @a init is a string,
+
+    @a init is converted into an object element and added using
+    @ref push_back(const typename object_t::value_type&). Otherwise, @a init
+    is converted to a JSON value and added using @ref push_back(basic_json&&).
+
+    @param init  an initializer list
+
+    @complexity Linear in the size of the initializer list @a init.
+
+    @note This function is required to resolve an ambiguous overload error,
+          because pairs like `{"key", "value"}` can be both interpreted as
+          `object_t::value_type` or `std::initializer_list<basic_json>`, see
+          https://github.com/nlohmann/json/issues/235 for more information.
+
+    @liveexample{The example shows how initializer lists are treated as
+    objects when possible.,push_back__initializer_list}
+    */
+    void push_back(std::initializer_list<basic_json> init)
+    {
+        if (is_object() and init.size() == 2 and init.begin()->is_string())
+        {
+            const string_t key = *init.begin();
+            push_back(typename object_t::value_type(key, *(init.begin() + 1)));
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            push_back(basic_json(init));
+        }
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief add an object to an object
+    @copydoc push_back(std::initializer_list<basic_json>)
+    */
+    reference operator+=(std::initializer_list<basic_json> init)
+    {
+        push_back(init);
+        return *this;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief inserts element
+
+    Inserts element @a val before iterator @a pos.
+
+    @param[in] pos iterator before which the content will be inserted; may be
+    the end() iterator
+    @param[in] val element to insert
+    @return iterator pointing to the inserted @a val.
+
+    @throw std::domain_error if called on JSON values other than arrays;
+    example: `"cannot use insert() with string"`
+    @throw std::domain_error if @a pos is not an iterator of *this; example:
+    `"iterator does not fit current value"`
+
+    @complexity Constant plus linear in the distance between pos and end of the
+    container.
+
+    @liveexample{The example shows how `insert()` is used.,insert}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    iterator insert(const_iterator pos, const basic_json& val)
+    {
+        // insert only works for arrays
+        if (is_array())
+        {
+            // check if iterator pos fits to this JSON value
+            if (pos.m_object != this)
+            {
+                throw std::domain_error("iterator does not fit current value");
+            }
+
+            // insert to array and return iterator
+            iterator result(this);
+            assert(m_value.array != nullptr);
+            result.m_it.array_iterator = m_value.array->insert(pos.m_it.array_iterator, val);
+            return result;
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("cannot use insert() with " + type_name());
+        }
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief inserts element
+    @copydoc insert(const_iterator, const basic_json&)
+    */
+    iterator insert(const_iterator pos, basic_json&& val)
+    {
+        return insert(pos, val);
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief inserts elements
+
+    Inserts @a cnt copies of @a val before iterator @a pos.
+
+    @param[in] pos iterator before which the content will be inserted; may be
+    the end() iterator
+    @param[in] cnt number of copies of @a val to insert
+    @param[in] val element to insert
+    @return iterator pointing to the first element inserted, or @a pos if
+    `cnt==0`
+
+    @throw std::domain_error if called on JSON values other than arrays;
+    example: `"cannot use insert() with string"`
+    @throw std::domain_error if @a pos is not an iterator of *this; example:
+    `"iterator does not fit current value"`
+
+    @complexity Linear in @a cnt plus linear in the distance between @a pos
+    and end of the container.
+
+    @liveexample{The example shows how `insert()` is used.,insert__count}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    iterator insert(const_iterator pos, size_type cnt, const basic_json& val)
+    {
+        // insert only works for arrays
+        if (is_array())
+        {
+            // check if iterator pos fits to this JSON value
+            if (pos.m_object != this)
+            {
+                throw std::domain_error("iterator does not fit current value");
+            }
+
+            // insert to array and return iterator
+            iterator result(this);
+            assert(m_value.array != nullptr);
+            result.m_it.array_iterator = m_value.array->insert(pos.m_it.array_iterator, cnt, val);
+            return result;
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("cannot use insert() with " + type_name());
+        }
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief inserts elements
+
+    Inserts elements from range `[first, last)` before iterator @a pos.
+
+    @param[in] pos iterator before which the content will be inserted; may be
+    the end() iterator
+    @param[in] first begin of the range of elements to insert
+    @param[in] last end of the range of elements to insert
+
+    @throw std::domain_error if called on JSON values other than arrays;
+    example: `"cannot use insert() with string"`
+    @throw std::domain_error if @a pos is not an iterator of *this; example:
+    `"iterator does not fit current value"`
+    @throw std::domain_error if @a first and @a last do not belong to the same
+    JSON value; example: `"iterators do not fit"`
+    @throw std::domain_error if @a first or @a last are iterators into
+    container for which insert is called; example: `"passed iterators may not
+    belong to container"`
+
+    @return iterator pointing to the first element inserted, or @a pos if
+    `first==last`
+
+    @complexity Linear in `std::distance(first, last)` plus linear in the
+    distance between @a pos and end of the container.
+
+    @liveexample{The example shows how `insert()` is used.,insert__range}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    iterator insert(const_iterator pos, const_iterator first, const_iterator last)
+    {
+        // insert only works for arrays
+        if (not is_array())
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("cannot use insert() with " + type_name());
+        }
+
+        // check if iterator pos fits to this JSON value
+        if (pos.m_object != this)
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("iterator does not fit current value");
+        }
+
+        if (first.m_object != last.m_object)
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("iterators do not fit");
+        }
+
+        if (first.m_object == this or last.m_object == this)
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("passed iterators may not belong to container");
+        }
+
+        // insert to array and return iterator
+        iterator result(this);
+        assert(m_value.array != nullptr);
+        result.m_it.array_iterator = m_value.array->insert(
+                                         pos.m_it.array_iterator,
+                                         first.m_it.array_iterator,
+                                         last.m_it.array_iterator);
+        return result;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief inserts elements
+
+    Inserts elements from initializer list @a ilist before iterator @a pos.
+
+    @param[in] pos iterator before which the content will be inserted; may be
+    the end() iterator
+    @param[in] ilist initializer list to insert the values from
+
+    @throw std::domain_error if called on JSON values other than arrays;
+    example: `"cannot use insert() with string"`
+    @throw std::domain_error if @a pos is not an iterator of *this; example:
+    `"iterator does not fit current value"`
+
+    @return iterator pointing to the first element inserted, or @a pos if
+    `ilist` is empty
+
+    @complexity Linear in `ilist.size()` plus linear in the distance between
+    @a pos and end of the container.
+
+    @liveexample{The example shows how `insert()` is used.,insert__ilist}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    iterator insert(const_iterator pos, std::initializer_list<basic_json> ilist)
+    {
+        // insert only works for arrays
+        if (not is_array())
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("cannot use insert() with " + type_name());
+        }
+
+        // check if iterator pos fits to this JSON value
+        if (pos.m_object != this)
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("iterator does not fit current value");
+        }
+
+        // insert to array and return iterator
+        iterator result(this);
+        assert(m_value.array != nullptr);
+        result.m_it.array_iterator = m_value.array->insert(pos.m_it.array_iterator, ilist);
+        return result;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief exchanges the values
+
+    Exchanges the contents of the JSON value with those of @a other. Does not
+    invoke any move, copy, or swap operations on individual elements. All
+    iterators and references remain valid. The past-the-end iterator is
+    invalidated.
+
+    @param[in,out] other JSON value to exchange the contents with
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @liveexample{The example below shows how JSON values can be swapped with
+    `swap()`.,swap__reference}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    void swap(reference other) noexcept (
+        std::is_nothrow_move_constructible<value_t>::value and
+        std::is_nothrow_move_assignable<value_t>::value and
+        std::is_nothrow_move_constructible<json_value>::value and
+        std::is_nothrow_move_assignable<json_value>::value
+    )
+    {
+        std::swap(m_type, other.m_type);
+        std::swap(m_value, other.m_value);
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief exchanges the values
+
+    Exchanges the contents of a JSON array with those of @a other. Does not
+    invoke any move, copy, or swap operations on individual elements. All
+    iterators and references remain valid. The past-the-end iterator is
+    invalidated.
+
+    @param[in,out] other array to exchange the contents with
+
+    @throw std::domain_error when JSON value is not an array; example: `"cannot
+    use swap() with string"`
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @liveexample{The example below shows how arrays can be swapped with
+    `swap()`.,swap__array_t}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    void swap(array_t& other)
+    {
+        // swap only works for arrays
+        if (is_array())
+        {
+            assert(m_value.array != nullptr);
+            std::swap(*(m_value.array), other);
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("cannot use swap() with " + type_name());
+        }
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief exchanges the values
+
+    Exchanges the contents of a JSON object with those of @a other. Does not
+    invoke any move, copy, or swap operations on individual elements. All
+    iterators and references remain valid. The past-the-end iterator is
+    invalidated.
+
+    @param[in,out] other object to exchange the contents with
+
+    @throw std::domain_error when JSON value is not an object; example:
+    `"cannot use swap() with string"`
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @liveexample{The example below shows how objects can be swapped with
+    `swap()`.,swap__object_t}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    void swap(object_t& other)
+    {
+        // swap only works for objects
+        if (is_object())
+        {
+            assert(m_value.object != nullptr);
+            std::swap(*(m_value.object), other);
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("cannot use swap() with " + type_name());
+        }
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief exchanges the values
+
+    Exchanges the contents of a JSON string with those of @a other. Does not
+    invoke any move, copy, or swap operations on individual elements. All
+    iterators and references remain valid. The past-the-end iterator is
+    invalidated.
+
+    @param[in,out] other string to exchange the contents with
+
+    @throw std::domain_error when JSON value is not a string; example: `"cannot
+    use swap() with boolean"`
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @liveexample{The example below shows how strings can be swapped with
+    `swap()`.,swap__string_t}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    void swap(string_t& other)
+    {
+        // swap only works for strings
+        if (is_string())
+        {
+            assert(m_value.string != nullptr);
+            std::swap(*(m_value.string), other);
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            throw std::domain_error("cannot use swap() with " + type_name());
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// @}
+
+
+    //////////////////////////////////////////
+    // lexicographical comparison operators //
+    //////////////////////////////////////////
+
+    /// @name lexicographical comparison operators
+    /// @{
+
+  private:
+    /*!
+    @brief comparison operator for JSON types
+
+    Returns an ordering that is similar to Python:
+    - order: null < boolean < number < object < array < string
+    - furthermore, each type is not smaller than itself
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    friend bool operator<(const value_t lhs, const value_t rhs) noexcept
+    {
+        static constexpr std::array<uint8_t, 8> order = {{
+                0, // null
+                3, // object
+                4, // array
+                5, // string
+                1, // boolean
+                2, // integer
+                2, // unsigned
+                2, // float
+            }
+        };
+
+        // discarded values are not comparable
+        if (lhs == value_t::discarded or rhs == value_t::discarded)
+        {
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        return order[static_cast<std::size_t>(lhs)] < order[static_cast<std::size_t>(rhs)];
+    }
+
+  public:
+    /*!
+    @brief comparison: equal
+
+    Compares two JSON values for equality according to the following rules:
+    - Two JSON values are equal if (1) they are from the same type and (2)
+      their stored values are the same.
+    - Integer and floating-point numbers are automatically converted before
+      comparison. Floating-point numbers are compared indirectly: two
+      floating-point numbers `f1` and `f2` are considered equal if neither
+      `f1 > f2` nor `f2 > f1` holds.
+    - Two JSON null values are equal.
+
+    @param[in] lhs  first JSON value to consider
+    @param[in] rhs  second JSON value to consider
+    @return whether the values @a lhs and @a rhs are equal
+
+    @complexity Linear.
+
+    @liveexample{The example demonstrates comparing several JSON
+    types.,operator__equal}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    friend bool operator==(const_reference lhs, const_reference rhs) noexcept
+    {
+        const auto lhs_type = lhs.type();
+        const auto rhs_type = rhs.type();
+
+        if (lhs_type == rhs_type)
+        {
+            switch (lhs_type)
+            {
+                case value_t::array:
+                {
+                    assert(lhs.m_value.array != nullptr);
+                    assert(rhs.m_value.array != nullptr);
+                    return *lhs.m_value.array == *rhs.m_value.array;
+                }
+                case value_t::object:
+                {
+                    assert(lhs.m_value.object != nullptr);
+                    assert(rhs.m_value.object != nullptr);
+                    return *lhs.m_value.object == *rhs.m_value.object;
+                }
+                case value_t::null:
+                {
+                    return true;
+                }
+                case value_t::string:
+                {
+                    assert(lhs.m_value.string != nullptr);
+                    assert(rhs.m_value.string != nullptr);
+                    return *lhs.m_value.string == *rhs.m_value.string;
+                }
+                case value_t::boolean:
+                {
+                    return lhs.m_value.boolean == rhs.m_value.boolean;
+                }
+                case value_t::number_integer:
+                {
+                    return lhs.m_value.number_integer == rhs.m_value.number_integer;
+                }
+                case value_t::number_unsigned:
+                {
+                    return lhs.m_value.number_unsigned == rhs.m_value.number_unsigned;
+                }
+                case value_t::number_float:
+                {
+                    return lhs.m_value.number_float == rhs.m_value.number_float;
+                }
+                default:
+                {
+                    return false;
+                }
+            }
+        }
+        else if (lhs_type == value_t::number_integer and rhs_type == value_t::number_float)
+        {
+            return static_cast<number_float_t>(lhs.m_value.number_integer) == rhs.m_value.number_float;
+        }
+        else if (lhs_type == value_t::number_float and rhs_type == value_t::number_integer)
+        {
+            return lhs.m_value.number_float == static_cast<number_float_t>(rhs.m_value.number_integer);
+        }
+        else if (lhs_type == value_t::number_unsigned and rhs_type == value_t::number_float)
+        {
+            return static_cast<number_float_t>(lhs.m_value.number_unsigned) == rhs.m_value.number_float;
+        }
+        else if (lhs_type == value_t::number_float and rhs_type == value_t::number_unsigned)
+        {
+            return lhs.m_value.number_float == static_cast<number_float_t>(rhs.m_value.number_unsigned);
+        }
+        else if (lhs_type == value_t::number_unsigned and rhs_type == value_t::number_integer)
+        {
+            return static_cast<number_integer_t>(lhs.m_value.number_unsigned) == rhs.m_value.number_integer;
+        }
+        else if (lhs_type == value_t::number_integer and rhs_type == value_t::number_unsigned)
+        {
+            return lhs.m_value.number_integer == static_cast<number_integer_t>(rhs.m_value.number_unsigned);
+        }
+
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief comparison: equal
+
+    The functions compares the given JSON value against a null pointer. As the
+    null pointer can be used to initialize a JSON value to null, a comparison
+    of JSON value @a v with a null pointer should be equivalent to call
+    `v.is_null()`.
+
+    @param[in] v  JSON value to consider
+    @return whether @a v is null
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @liveexample{The example compares several JSON types to the null pointer.
+    ,operator__equal__nullptr_t}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    friend bool operator==(const_reference v, std::nullptr_t) noexcept
+    {
+        return v.is_null();
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief comparison: equal
+    @copydoc operator==(const_reference, std::nullptr_t)
+    */
+    friend bool operator==(std::nullptr_t, const_reference v) noexcept
+    {
+        return v.is_null();
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief comparison: not equal
+
+    Compares two JSON values for inequality by calculating `not (lhs == rhs)`.
+
+    @param[in] lhs  first JSON value to consider
+    @param[in] rhs  second JSON value to consider
+    @return whether the values @a lhs and @a rhs are not equal
+
+    @complexity Linear.
+
+    @liveexample{The example demonstrates comparing several JSON
+    types.,operator__notequal}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    friend bool operator!=(const_reference lhs, const_reference rhs) noexcept
+    {
+        return not (lhs == rhs);
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief comparison: not equal
+
+    The functions compares the given JSON value against a null pointer. As the
+    null pointer can be used to initialize a JSON value to null, a comparison
+    of JSON value @a v with a null pointer should be equivalent to call
+    `not v.is_null()`.
+
+    @param[in] v  JSON value to consider
+    @return whether @a v is not null
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @liveexample{The example compares several JSON types to the null pointer.
+    ,operator__notequal__nullptr_t}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    friend bool operator!=(const_reference v, std::nullptr_t) noexcept
+    {
+        return not v.is_null();
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief comparison: not equal
+    @copydoc operator!=(const_reference, std::nullptr_t)
+    */
+    friend bool operator!=(std::nullptr_t, const_reference v) noexcept
+    {
+        return not v.is_null();
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief comparison: less than
+
+    Compares whether one JSON value @a lhs is less than another JSON value @a
+    rhs according to the following rules:
+    - If @a lhs and @a rhs have the same type, the values are compared using
+      the default `<` operator.
+    - Integer and floating-point numbers are automatically converted before
+      comparison
+    - In case @a lhs and @a rhs have different types, the values are ignored
+      and the order of the types is considered, see
+      @ref operator<(const value_t, const value_t).
+
+    @param[in] lhs  first JSON value to consider
+    @param[in] rhs  second JSON value to consider
+    @return whether @a lhs is less than @a rhs
+
+    @complexity Linear.
+
+    @liveexample{The example demonstrates comparing several JSON
+    types.,operator__less}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    friend bool operator<(const_reference lhs, const_reference rhs) noexcept
+    {
+        const auto lhs_type = lhs.type();
+        const auto rhs_type = rhs.type();
+
+        if (lhs_type == rhs_type)
+        {
+            switch (lhs_type)
+            {
+                case value_t::array:
+                {
+                    assert(lhs.m_value.array != nullptr);
+                    assert(rhs.m_value.array != nullptr);
+                    return *lhs.m_value.array < *rhs.m_value.array;
+                }
+                case value_t::object:
+                {
+                    assert(lhs.m_value.object != nullptr);
+                    assert(rhs.m_value.object != nullptr);
+                    return *lhs.m_value.object < *rhs.m_value.object;
+                }
+                case value_t::null:
+                {
+                    return false;
+                }
+                case value_t::string:
+                {
+                    assert(lhs.m_value.string != nullptr);
+                    assert(rhs.m_value.string != nullptr);
+                    return *lhs.m_value.string < *rhs.m_value.string;
+                }
+                case value_t::boolean:
+                {
+                    return lhs.m_value.boolean < rhs.m_value.boolean;
+                }
+                case value_t::number_integer:
+                {
+                    return lhs.m_value.number_integer < rhs.m_value.number_integer;
+                }
+                case value_t::number_unsigned:
+                {
+                    return lhs.m_value.number_unsigned < rhs.m_value.number_unsigned;
+                }
+                case value_t::number_float:
+                {
+                    return lhs.m_value.number_float < rhs.m_value.number_float;
+                }
+                default:
+                {
+                    return false;
+                }
+            }
+        }
+        else if (lhs_type == value_t::number_integer and rhs_type == value_t::number_float)
+        {
+            return static_cast<number_float_t>(lhs.m_value.number_integer) < rhs.m_value.number_float;
+        }
+        else if (lhs_type == value_t::number_float and rhs_type == value_t::number_integer)
+        {
+            return lhs.m_value.number_float < static_cast<number_float_t>(rhs.m_value.number_integer);
+        }
+        else if (lhs_type == value_t::number_unsigned and rhs_type == value_t::number_float)
+        {
+            return static_cast<number_float_t>(lhs.m_value.number_unsigned) < rhs.m_value.number_float;
+        }
+        else if (lhs_type == value_t::number_float and rhs_type == value_t::number_unsigned)
+        {
+            return lhs.m_value.number_float < static_cast<number_float_t>(rhs.m_value.number_unsigned);
+        }
+        else if (lhs_type == value_t::number_integer and rhs_type == value_t::number_unsigned)
+        {
+            return lhs.m_value.number_integer < static_cast<number_integer_t>(rhs.m_value.number_unsigned);
+        }
+        else if (lhs_type == value_t::number_unsigned and rhs_type == value_t::number_integer)
+        {
+            return static_cast<number_integer_t>(lhs.m_value.number_unsigned) < rhs.m_value.number_integer;
+        }
+
+        // We only reach this line if we cannot compare values. In that case,
+        // we compare types. Note we have to call the operator explicitly,
+        // because MSVC has problems otherwise.
+        return operator<(lhs_type, rhs_type);
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief comparison: less than or equal
+
+    Compares whether one JSON value @a lhs is less than or equal to another
+    JSON value by calculating `not (rhs < lhs)`.
+
+    @param[in] lhs  first JSON value to consider
+    @param[in] rhs  second JSON value to consider
+    @return whether @a lhs is less than or equal to @a rhs
+
+    @complexity Linear.
+
+    @liveexample{The example demonstrates comparing several JSON
+    types.,operator__greater}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    friend bool operator<=(const_reference lhs, const_reference rhs) noexcept
+    {
+        return not (rhs < lhs);
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief comparison: greater than
+
+    Compares whether one JSON value @a lhs is greater than another
+    JSON value by calculating `not (lhs <= rhs)`.
+
+    @param[in] lhs  first JSON value to consider
+    @param[in] rhs  second JSON value to consider
+    @return whether @a lhs is greater than to @a rhs
+
+    @complexity Linear.
+
+    @liveexample{The example demonstrates comparing several JSON
+    types.,operator__lessequal}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    friend bool operator>(const_reference lhs, const_reference rhs) noexcept
+    {
+        return not (lhs <= rhs);
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief comparison: greater than or equal
+
+    Compares whether one JSON value @a lhs is greater than or equal to another
+    JSON value by calculating `not (lhs < rhs)`.
+
+    @param[in] lhs  first JSON value to consider
+    @param[in] rhs  second JSON value to consider
+    @return whether @a lhs is greater than or equal to @a rhs
+
+    @complexity Linear.
+
+    @liveexample{The example demonstrates comparing several JSON
+    types.,operator__greaterequal}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    friend bool operator>=(const_reference lhs, const_reference rhs) noexcept
+    {
+        return not (lhs < rhs);
+    }
+
+    /// @}
+
+
+    ///////////////////
+    // serialization //
+    ///////////////////
+
+    /// @name serialization
+    /// @{
+
+    /*!
+    @brief serialize to stream
+
+    Serialize the given JSON value @a j to the output stream @a o. The JSON
+    value will be serialized using the @ref dump member function. The
+    indentation of the output can be controlled with the member variable
+    `width` of the output stream @a o. For instance, using the manipulator
+    `std::setw(4)` on @a o sets the indentation level to `4` and the
+    serialization result is the same as calling `dump(4)`.
+
+    @param[in,out] o  stream to serialize to
+    @param[in] j  JSON value to serialize
+
+    @return the stream @a o
+
+    @complexity Linear.
+
+    @liveexample{The example below shows the serialization with different
+    parameters to `width` to adjust the indentation level.,operator_serialize}
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    friend std::ostream& operator<<(std::ostream& o, const basic_json& j)
+    {
+        // read width member and use it as indentation parameter if nonzero
+        const bool pretty_print = (o.width() > 0);
+        const auto indentation = (pretty_print ? o.width() : 0);
+
+        // reset width to 0 for subsequent calls to this stream
+        o.width(0);
+
+        // do the actual serialization
+        j.dump(o, pretty_print, static_cast<unsigned int>(indentation));
+        return o;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief serialize to stream
+    @copydoc operator<<(std::ostream&, const basic_json&)
+    */
+    friend std::ostream& operator>>(const basic_json& j, std::ostream& o)
+    {
+        return o << j;
+    }
+
+    /// @}
+
+
+    /////////////////////
+    // deserialization //
+    /////////////////////
+
+    /// @name deserialization
+    /// @{
+
+    /*!
+    @brief deserialize from string
+
+    @param[in] s  string to read a serialized JSON value from
+    @param[in] cb a parser callback function of type @ref parser_callback_t
+    which is used to control the deserialization by filtering unwanted values
+    (optional)
+
+    @return result of the deserialization
+
+    @complexity Linear in the length of the input. The parser is a predictive
+    LL(1) parser. The complexity can be higher if the parser callback function
+    @a cb has a super-linear complexity.
+
+    @note A UTF-8 byte order mark is silently ignored.
+
+    @liveexample{The example below demonstrates the `parse()` function with
+    and without callback function.,parse__string__parser_callback_t}
+
+    @sa @ref parse(std::istream&, parser_callback_t) for a version that reads
+    from an input stream
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    static basic_json parse(const string_t& s, parser_callback_t cb = nullptr)
+    {
+        return parser(s, cb).parse();
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief deserialize from stream
+
+    @param[in,out] i  stream to read a serialized JSON value from
+    @param[in] cb a parser callback function of type @ref parser_callback_t
+    which is used to control the deserialization by filtering unwanted values
+    (optional)
+
+    @return result of the deserialization
+
+    @complexity Linear in the length of the input. The parser is a predictive
+    LL(1) parser. The complexity can be higher if the parser callback function
+    @a cb has a super-linear complexity.
+
+    @note A UTF-8 byte order mark is silently ignored.
+
+    @liveexample{The example below demonstrates the `parse()` function with
+    and without callback function.,parse__istream__parser_callback_t}
+
+    @sa @ref parse(const string_t&, parser_callback_t) for a version that
+    reads from a string
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    static basic_json parse(std::istream& i, parser_callback_t cb = nullptr)
+    {
+        return parser(i, cb).parse();
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @copydoc parse(std::istream&, parser_callback_t)
+    */
+    static basic_json parse(std::istream&& i, parser_callback_t cb = nullptr)
+    {
+        return parser(i, cb).parse();
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief deserialize from stream
+
+    Deserializes an input stream to a JSON value.
+
+    @param[in,out] i  input stream to read a serialized JSON value from
+    @param[in,out] j  JSON value to write the deserialized input to
+
+    @throw std::invalid_argument in case of parse errors
+
+    @complexity Linear in the length of the input. The parser is a predictive
+    LL(1) parser.
+
+    @note A UTF-8 byte order mark is silently ignored.
+
+    @liveexample{The example below shows how a JSON value is constructed by
+    reading a serialization from a stream.,operator_deserialize}
+
+    @sa parse(std::istream&, parser_callback_t) for a variant with a parser
+    callback function to filter values while parsing
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    friend std::istream& operator<<(basic_json& j, std::istream& i)
+    {
+        j = parser(i).parse();
+        return i;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief deserialize from stream
+    @copydoc operator<<(basic_json&, std::istream&)
+    */
+    friend std::istream& operator>>(std::istream& i, basic_json& j)
+    {
+        j = parser(i).parse();
+        return i;
+    }
+
+    /// @}
+
+
+  private:
+    ///////////////////////////
+    // convenience functions //
+    ///////////////////////////
+
+    /// return the type as string
+    string_t type_name() const noexcept
+    {
+        switch (m_type)
+        {
+            case value_t::null:
+                return "null";
+            case value_t::object:
+                return "object";
+            case value_t::array:
+                return "array";
+            case value_t::string:
+                return "string";
+            case value_t::boolean:
+                return "boolean";
+            case value_t::discarded:
+                return "discarded";
+            default:
+                return "number";
+        }
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief calculates the extra space to escape a JSON string
+
+    @param[in] s  the string to escape
+    @return the number of characters required to escape string @a s
+
+    @complexity Linear in the length of string @a s.
+    */
+    static std::size_t extra_space(const string_t& s) noexcept
+    {
+        std::size_t result = 0;
+
+        for (const auto& c : s)
+        {
+            switch (c)
+            {
+                case '"':
+                case '\\':
+                case '\b':
+                case '\f':
+                case '\n':
+                case '\r':
+                case '\t':
+                {
+                    // from c (1 byte) to \x (2 bytes)
+                    result += 1;
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                default:
+                {
+                    if (c >= 0x00 and c <= 0x1f)
+                    {
+                        // from c (1 byte) to \uxxxx (6 bytes)
+                        result += 5;
+                    }
+                    break;
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        return result;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief escape a string
+
+    Escape a string by replacing certain special characters by a sequence of
+    an escape character (backslash) and another character and other control
+    characters by a sequence of "\u" followed by a four-digit hex
+    representation.
+
+    @param[in] s  the string to escape
+    @return  the escaped string
+
+    @complexity Linear in the length of string @a s.
+    */
+    static string_t escape_string(const string_t& s)
+    {
+        const auto space = extra_space(s);
+        if (space == 0)
+        {
+            return s;
+        }
+
+        // create a result string of necessary size
+        string_t result(s.size() + space, '\\');
+        std::size_t pos = 0;
+
+        for (const auto& c : s)
+        {
+            switch (c)
+            {
+                // quotation mark (0x22)
+                case '"':
+                {
+                    result[pos + 1] = '"';
+                    pos += 2;
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                // reverse solidus (0x5c)
+                case '\\':
+                {
+                    // nothing to change
+                    pos += 2;
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                // backspace (0x08)
+                case '\b':
+                {
+                    result[pos + 1] = 'b';
+                    pos += 2;
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                // formfeed (0x0c)
+                case '\f':
+                {
+                    result[pos + 1] = 'f';
+                    pos += 2;
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                // newline (0x0a)
+                case '\n':
+                {
+                    result[pos + 1] = 'n';
+                    pos += 2;
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                // carriage return (0x0d)
+                case '\r':
+                {
+                    result[pos + 1] = 'r';
+                    pos += 2;
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                // horizontal tab (0x09)
+                case '\t':
+                {
+                    result[pos + 1] = 't';
+                    pos += 2;
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                default:
+                {
+                    if (c >= 0x00 and c <= 0x1f)
+                    {
+                        // convert a number 0..15 to its hex representation
+                        // (0..f)
+                        const auto hexify = [](const int v) -> char
+                        {
+                            return (v < 10)
+                            ? ('0' + static_cast<char>(v))
+                            : ('a' + static_cast<char>((v - 10) & 0x1f));
+                        };
+
+                        // print character c as \uxxxx
+                        for (const char m :
+                    { 'u', '0', '0', hexify(c >> 4), hexify(c & 0x0f)
+                        })
+                        {
+                            result[++pos] = m;
+                        }
+
+                        ++pos;
+                    }
+                    else
+                    {
+                        // all other characters are added as-is
+                        result[pos++] = c;
+                    }
+                    break;
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        return result;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief internal implementation of the serialization function
+
+    This function is called by the public member function dump and organizes
+    the serialization internally. The indentation level is propagated as
+    additional parameter. In case of arrays and objects, the function is
+    called recursively. Note that
+
+    - strings and object keys are escaped using `escape_string()`
+    - integer numbers are converted implicitly via `operator<<`
+    - floating-point numbers are converted to a string using `"%g"` format
+
+    @param[out] o              stream to write to
+    @param[in] pretty_print    whether the output shall be pretty-printed
+    @param[in] indent_step     the indent level
+    @param[in] current_indent  the current indent level (only used internally)
+    */
+    void dump(std::ostream& o,
+              const bool pretty_print,
+              const unsigned int indent_step,
+              const unsigned int current_indent = 0) const
+    {
+        // variable to hold indentation for recursive calls
+        unsigned int new_indent = current_indent;
+
+        switch (m_type)
+        {
+            case value_t::object:
+            {
+                assert(m_value.object != nullptr);
+
+                if (m_value.object->empty())
+                {
+                    o << "{}";
+                    return;
+                }
+
+                o << "{";
+
+                // increase indentation
+                if (pretty_print)
+                {
+                    new_indent += indent_step;
+                    o << "\n";
+                }
+
+                for (auto i = m_value.object->cbegin(); i != m_value.object->cend(); ++i)
+                {
+                    if (i != m_value.object->cbegin())
+                    {
+                        o << (pretty_print ? ",\n" : ",");
+                    }
+                    o << string_t(new_indent, ' ') << "\""
+                      << escape_string(i->first) << "\":"
+                      << (pretty_print ? " " : "");
+                    i->second.dump(o, pretty_print, indent_step, new_indent);
+                }
+
+                // decrease indentation
+                if (pretty_print)
+                {
+                    new_indent -= indent_step;
+                    o << "\n";
+                }
+
+                o << string_t(new_indent, ' ') + "}";
+                return;
+            }
+
+            case value_t::array:
+            {
+                assert(m_value.array != nullptr);
+
+                if (m_value.array->empty())
+                {
+                    o << "[]";
+                    return;
+                }
+
+                o << "[";
+
+                // increase indentation
+                if (pretty_print)
+                {
+                    new_indent += indent_step;
+                    o << "\n";
+                }
+
+                for (auto i = m_value.array->cbegin(); i != m_value.array->cend(); ++i)
+                {
+                    if (i != m_value.array->cbegin())
+                    {
+                        o << (pretty_print ? ",\n" : ",");
+                    }
+                    o << string_t(new_indent, ' ');
+                    i->dump(o, pretty_print, indent_step, new_indent);
+                }
+
+                // decrease indentation
+                if (pretty_print)
+                {
+                    new_indent -= indent_step;
+                    o << "\n";
+                }
+
+                o << string_t(new_indent, ' ') << "]";
+                return;
+            }
+
+            case value_t::string:
+            {
+                assert(m_value.string != nullptr);
+                o << string_t("\"") << escape_string(*m_value.string) << "\"";
+                return;
+            }
+
+            case value_t::boolean:
+            {
+                o << (m_value.boolean ? "true" : "false");
+                return;
+            }
+
+            case value_t::number_integer:
+            {
+                o << m_value.number_integer;
+                return;
+            }
+
+            case value_t::number_unsigned:
+            {
+                o << m_value.number_unsigned;
+                return;
+            }
+
+            case value_t::number_float:
+            {
+                // check if number was parsed from a string
+                if (m_type.bits.parsed)
+                {
+                    // check if parsed number had an exponent given
+                    if (m_type.bits.has_exp)
+                    {
+                        // buffer size: precision (2^8-1 = 255) + other ('-.e-xxx' = 7) + null (1)
+                        char buf[263];
+                        int len;
+
+                        // handle capitalization of the exponent
+                        if (m_type.bits.exp_cap)
+                        {
+                            len = snprintf(buf, sizeof(buf), "%.*E",
+                                           m_type.bits.precision, m_value.number_float) + 1;
+                        }
+                        else
+                        {
+                            len = snprintf(buf, sizeof(buf), "%.*e",
+                                           m_type.bits.precision, m_value.number_float) + 1;
+                        }
+
+                        // remove '+' sign from the exponent if necessary
+                        if (not m_type.bits.exp_plus)
+                        {
+                            if (len > static_cast<int>(sizeof(buf)))
+                            {
+                                len = sizeof(buf);
+                            }
+                            for (int i = 0; i < len; i++)
+                            {
+                                if (buf[i] == '+')
+                                {
+                                    for (; i + 1 < len; i++)
+                                    {
+                                        buf[i] = buf[i + 1];
+                                    }
+                                }
+                            }
+                        }
+
+                        o << buf;
+                    }
+                    else
+                    {
+                        // no exponent - output as a decimal
+                        std::stringstream ss;
+                        ss.imbue(std::locale(std::locale(), new DecimalSeparator));  // fix locale problems
+                        ss << std::setprecision(m_type.bits.precision)
+                           << std::fixed << m_value.number_float;
+                        o << ss.str();
+                    }
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    if (m_value.number_float == 0)
+                    {
+                        // special case for zero to get "0.0"/"-0.0"
+                        o << (std::signbit(m_value.number_float) ? "-0.0" : "0.0");
+                    }
+                    else
+                    {
+                        // Otherwise 6, 15 or 16 digits of precision allows
+                        // round-trip IEEE 754 string->float->string,
+                        // string->double->string or string->long
+                        // double->string; to be safe, we read this value from
+                        // std::numeric_limits<number_float_t>::digits10
+                        std::stringstream ss;
+                        ss.imbue(std::locale(std::locale(), new DecimalSeparator));  // fix locale problems
+                        ss << std::setprecision(std::numeric_limits<double>::digits10)
+                           << m_value.number_float;
+                        o << ss.str();
+                    }
+                }
+                return;
+            }
+
+            case value_t::discarded:
+            {
+                o << "<discarded>";
+                return;
+            }
+
+            case value_t::null:
+            {
+                o << "null";
+                return;
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+  private:
+    //////////////////////
+    // member variables //
+    //////////////////////
+
+    /// the type of the current element
+    type_data_t m_type = value_t::null;
+
+    /// the value of the current element
+    json_value m_value = {};
+
+
+  private:
+    ///////////////
+    // iterators //
+    ///////////////
+
+    /*!
+    @brief an iterator for primitive JSON types
+
+    This class models an iterator for primitive JSON types (boolean, number,
+    string). It's only purpose is to allow the iterator/const_iterator classes
+    to "iterate" over primitive values. Internally, the iterator is modeled by
+    a `difference_type` variable. Value begin_value (`0`) models the begin,
+    end_value (`1`) models past the end.
+    */
+    class primitive_iterator_t
+    {
+      public:
+        /// set iterator to a defined beginning
+        void set_begin() noexcept
+        {
+            m_it = begin_value;
+        }
+
+        /// set iterator to a defined past the end
+        void set_end() noexcept
+        {
+            m_it = end_value;
+        }
+
+        /// return whether the iterator can be dereferenced
+        constexpr bool is_begin() const noexcept
+        {
+            return (m_it == begin_value);
+        }
+
+        /// return whether the iterator is at end
+        constexpr bool is_end() const noexcept
+        {
+            return (m_it == end_value);
+        }
+
+        /// return reference to the value to change and compare
+        operator difference_type& () noexcept
+        {
+            return m_it;
+        }
+
+        /// return value to compare
+        constexpr operator difference_type () const noexcept
+        {
+            return m_it;
+        }
+
+      private:
+        static constexpr difference_type begin_value = 0;
+        static constexpr difference_type end_value = begin_value + 1;
+
+        /// iterator as signed integer type
+        difference_type m_it = std::numeric_limits<std::ptrdiff_t>::denorm_min();
+    };
+
+    /*!
+    @brief an iterator value
+
+    @note This structure could easily be a union, but MSVC currently does not
+    allow unions members with complex constructors, see
+    https://github.com/nlohmann/json/pull/105.
+    */
+    struct internal_iterator
+    {
+        /// iterator for JSON objects
+        typename object_t::iterator object_iterator;
+        /// iterator for JSON arrays
+        typename array_t::iterator array_iterator;
+        /// generic iterator for all other types
+        primitive_iterator_t primitive_iterator;
+
+        /// create an uninitialized internal_iterator
+        internal_iterator() noexcept
+            : object_iterator(), array_iterator(), primitive_iterator()
+        {}
+    };
+
+    /// proxy class for the iterator_wrapper functions
+    template<typename IteratorType>
+    class iteration_proxy
+    {
+      private:
+        /// helper class for iteration
+        class iteration_proxy_internal
+        {
+          private:
+            /// the iterator
+            IteratorType anchor;
+            /// an index for arrays (used to create key names)
+            size_t array_index = 0;
+
+          public:
+            explicit iteration_proxy_internal(IteratorType it) noexcept
+                : anchor(it)
+            {}
+
+            /// dereference operator (needed for range-based for)
+            iteration_proxy_internal& operator*()
+            {
+                return *this;
+            }
+
+            /// increment operator (needed for range-based for)
+            iteration_proxy_internal& operator++()
+            {
+                ++anchor;
+                ++array_index;
+
+                return *this;
+            }
+
+            /// inequality operator (needed for range-based for)
+            bool operator!= (const iteration_proxy_internal& o) const
+            {
+                return anchor != o.anchor;
+            }
+
+            /// return key of the iterator
+            typename basic_json::string_t key() const
+            {
+                assert(anchor.m_object != nullptr);
+
+                switch (anchor.m_object->type())
+                {
+                    // use integer array index as key
+                    case value_t::array:
+                    {
+                        return std::to_string(array_index);
+                    }
+
+                    // use key from the object
+                    case value_t::object:
+                    {
+                        return anchor.key();
+                    }
+
+                    // use an empty key for all primitive types
+                    default:
+                    {
+                        return "";
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+
+            /// return value of the iterator
+            typename IteratorType::reference value() const
+            {
+                return anchor.value();
+            }
+        };
+
+        /// the container to iterate
+        typename IteratorType::reference container;
+
+      public:
+        /// construct iteration proxy from a container
+        explicit iteration_proxy(typename IteratorType::reference cont)
+            : container(cont)
+        {}
+
+        /// return iterator begin (needed for range-based for)
+        iteration_proxy_internal begin() noexcept
+        {
+            return iteration_proxy_internal(container.begin());
+        }
+
+        /// return iterator end (needed for range-based for)
+        iteration_proxy_internal end() noexcept
+        {
+            return iteration_proxy_internal(container.end());
+        }
+    };
+
+  public:
+    /*!
+    @brief a const random access iterator for the @ref basic_json class
+
+    This class implements a const iterator for the @ref basic_json class. From
+    this class, the @ref iterator class is derived.
+
+    @requirement The class satisfies the following concept requirements:
+    - [RandomAccessIterator](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/concept/RandomAccessIterator):
+      The iterator that can be moved to point (forward and backward) to any
+      element in constant time.
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    class const_iterator : public std::iterator<std::random_access_iterator_tag, const basic_json>
+    {
+        /// allow basic_json to access private members
+        friend class basic_json;
+
+      public:
+        /// the type of the values when the iterator is dereferenced
+        using value_type = typename basic_json::value_type;
+        /// a type to represent differences between iterators
+        using difference_type = typename basic_json::difference_type;
+        /// defines a pointer to the type iterated over (value_type)
+        using pointer = typename basic_json::const_pointer;
+        /// defines a reference to the type iterated over (value_type)
+        using reference = typename basic_json::const_reference;
+        /// the category of the iterator
+        using iterator_category = std::bidirectional_iterator_tag;
+
+        /// default constructor
+        const_iterator() = default;
+
+        /// constructor for a given JSON instance
+        explicit const_iterator(pointer object) noexcept
+            : m_object(object)
+        {
+            assert(m_object != nullptr);
+
+            switch (m_object->m_type)
+            {
+                case basic_json::value_t::object:
+                {
+                    m_it.object_iterator = typename object_t::iterator();
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                case basic_json::value_t::array:
+                {
+                    m_it.array_iterator = typename array_t::iterator();
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                default:
+                {
+                    m_it.primitive_iterator = primitive_iterator_t();
+                    break;
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        /// copy constructor given a nonconst iterator
+        explicit const_iterator(const iterator& other) noexcept
+            : m_object(other.m_object)
+        {
+            assert(m_object != nullptr);
+
+            switch (m_object->m_type)
+            {
+                case basic_json::value_t::object:
+                {
+                    m_it.object_iterator = other.m_it.object_iterator;
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                case basic_json::value_t::array:
+                {
+                    m_it.array_iterator = other.m_it.array_iterator;
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                default:
+                {
+                    m_it.primitive_iterator = other.m_it.primitive_iterator;
+                    break;
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        /// copy constructor
+        const_iterator(const const_iterator& other) noexcept
+            : m_object(other.m_object), m_it(other.m_it)
+        {}
+
+        /// copy assignment
+        const_iterator& operator=(const_iterator other) noexcept(
+            std::is_nothrow_move_constructible<pointer>::value and
+            std::is_nothrow_move_assignable<pointer>::value and
+            std::is_nothrow_move_constructible<internal_iterator>::value and
+            std::is_nothrow_move_assignable<internal_iterator>::value
+        )
+        {
+            std::swap(m_object, other.m_object);
+            std::swap(m_it, other.m_it);
+            return *this;
+        }
+
+      private:
+        /// set the iterator to the first value
+        void set_begin() noexcept
+        {
+            assert(m_object != nullptr);
+
+            switch (m_object->m_type)
+            {
+                case basic_json::value_t::object:
+                {
+                    assert(m_object->m_value.object != nullptr);
+                    m_it.object_iterator = m_object->m_value.object->begin();
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                case basic_json::value_t::array:
+                {
+                    assert(m_object->m_value.array != nullptr);
+                    m_it.array_iterator = m_object->m_value.array->begin();
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                case basic_json::value_t::null:
+                {
+                    // set to end so begin()==end() is true: null is empty
+                    m_it.primitive_iterator.set_end();
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                default:
+                {
+                    m_it.primitive_iterator.set_begin();
+                    break;
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        /// set the iterator past the last value
+        void set_end() noexcept
+        {
+            assert(m_object != nullptr);
+
+            switch (m_object->m_type)
+            {
+                case basic_json::value_t::object:
+                {
+                    assert(m_object->m_value.object != nullptr);
+                    m_it.object_iterator = m_object->m_value.object->end();
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                case basic_json::value_t::array:
+                {
+                    assert(m_object->m_value.array != nullptr);
+                    m_it.array_iterator = m_object->m_value.array->end();
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                default:
+                {
+                    m_it.primitive_iterator.set_end();
+                    break;
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+      public:
+        /// return a reference to the value pointed to by the iterator
+        reference operator*() const
+        {
+            assert(m_object != nullptr);
+
+            switch (m_object->m_type)
+            {
+                case basic_json::value_t::object:
+                {
+                    assert(m_object->m_value.object);
+                    assert(m_it.object_iterator != m_object->m_value.object->end());
+                    return m_it.object_iterator->second;
+                }
+
+                case basic_json::value_t::array:
+                {
+                    assert(m_object->m_value.array);
+                    assert(m_it.array_iterator != m_object->m_value.array->end());
+                    return *m_it.array_iterator;
+                }
+
+                case basic_json::value_t::null:
+                {
+                    throw std::out_of_range("cannot get value");
+                }
+
+                default:
+                {
+                    if (m_it.primitive_iterator.is_begin())
+                    {
+                        return *m_object;
+                    }
+                    else
+                    {
+                        throw std::out_of_range("cannot get value");
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        /// dereference the iterator
+        pointer operator->() const
+        {
+            assert(m_object != nullptr);
+
+            switch (m_object->m_type)
+            {
+                case basic_json::value_t::object:
+                {
+                    assert(m_object->m_value.object);
+                    assert(m_it.object_iterator != m_object->m_value.object->end());
+                    return &(m_it.object_iterator->second);
+                }
+
+                case basic_json::value_t::array:
+                {
+                    assert(m_object->m_value.array);
+                    assert(m_it.array_iterator != m_object->m_value.array->end());
+                    return &*m_it.array_iterator;
+                }
+
+                default:
+                {
+                    if (m_it.primitive_iterator.is_begin())
+                    {
+                        return m_object;
+                    }
+                    else
+                    {
+                        throw std::out_of_range("cannot get value");
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        /// post-increment (it++)
+        const_iterator operator++(int)
+        {
+            auto result = *this;
+            ++(*this);
+            return result;
+        }
+
+        /// pre-increment (++it)
+        const_iterator& operator++()
+        {
+            assert(m_object != nullptr);
+
+            switch (m_object->m_type)
+            {
+                case basic_json::value_t::object:
+                {
+                    ++m_it.object_iterator;
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                case basic_json::value_t::array:
+                {
+                    ++m_it.array_iterator;
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                default:
+                {
+                    ++m_it.primitive_iterator;
+                    break;
+                }
+            }
+
+            return *this;
+        }
+
+        /// post-decrement (it--)
+        const_iterator operator--(int)
+        {
+            auto result = *this;
+            --(*this);
+            return result;
+        }
+
+        /// pre-decrement (--it)
+        const_iterator& operator--()
+        {
+            assert(m_object != nullptr);
+
+            switch (m_object->m_type)
+            {
+                case basic_json::value_t::object:
+                {
+                    --m_it.object_iterator;
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                case basic_json::value_t::array:
+                {
+                    --m_it.array_iterator;
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                default:
+                {
+                    --m_it.primitive_iterator;
+                    break;
+                }
+            }
+
+            return *this;
+        }
+
+        /// comparison: equal
+        bool operator==(const const_iterator& other) const
+        {
+            // if objects are not the same, the comparison is undefined
+            if (m_object != other.m_object)
+            {
+                throw std::domain_error("cannot compare iterators of different containers");
+            }
+
+            assert(m_object != nullptr);
+
+            switch (m_object->m_type)
+            {
+                case basic_json::value_t::object:
+                {
+                    return (m_it.object_iterator == other.m_it.object_iterator);
+                }
+
+                case basic_json::value_t::array:
+                {
+                    return (m_it.array_iterator == other.m_it.array_iterator);
+                }
+
+                default:
+                {
+                    return (m_it.primitive_iterator == other.m_it.primitive_iterator);
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        /// comparison: not equal
+        bool operator!=(const const_iterator& other) const
+        {
+            return not operator==(other);
+        }
+
+        /// comparison: smaller
+        bool operator<(const const_iterator& other) const
+        {
+            // if objects are not the same, the comparison is undefined
+            if (m_object != other.m_object)
+            {
+                throw std::domain_error("cannot compare iterators of different containers");
+            }
+
+            assert(m_object != nullptr);
+
+            switch (m_object->m_type)
+            {
+                case basic_json::value_t::object:
+                {
+                    throw std::domain_error("cannot compare order of object iterators");
+                }
+
+                case basic_json::value_t::array:
+                {
+                    return (m_it.array_iterator < other.m_it.array_iterator);
+                }
+
+                default:
+                {
+                    return (m_it.primitive_iterator < other.m_it.primitive_iterator);
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        /// comparison: less than or equal
+        bool operator<=(const const_iterator& other) const
+        {
+            return not other.operator < (*this);
+        }
+
+        /// comparison: greater than
+        bool operator>(const const_iterator& other) const
+        {
+            return not operator<=(other);
+        }
+
+        /// comparison: greater than or equal
+        bool operator>=(const const_iterator& other) const
+        {
+            return not operator<(other);
+        }
+
+        /// add to iterator
+        const_iterator& operator+=(difference_type i)
+        {
+            assert(m_object != nullptr);
+
+            switch (m_object->m_type)
+            {
+                case basic_json::value_t::object:
+                {
+                    throw std::domain_error("cannot use offsets with object iterators");
+                }
+
+                case basic_json::value_t::array:
+                {
+                    m_it.array_iterator += i;
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                default:
+                {
+                    m_it.primitive_iterator += i;
+                    break;
+                }
+            }
+
+            return *this;
+        }
+
+        /// subtract from iterator
+        const_iterator& operator-=(difference_type i)
+        {
+            return operator+=(-i);
+        }
+
+        /// add to iterator
+        const_iterator operator+(difference_type i)
+        {
+            auto result = *this;
+            result += i;
+            return result;
+        }
+
+        /// subtract from iterator
+        const_iterator operator-(difference_type i)
+        {
+            auto result = *this;
+            result -= i;
+            return result;
+        }
+
+        /// return difference
+        difference_type operator-(const const_iterator& other) const
+        {
+            assert(m_object != nullptr);
+
+            switch (m_object->m_type)
+            {
+                case basic_json::value_t::object:
+                {
+                    throw std::domain_error("cannot use offsets with object iterators");
+                }
+
+                case basic_json::value_t::array:
+                {
+                    return m_it.array_iterator - other.m_it.array_iterator;
+                }
+
+                default:
+                {
+                    return m_it.primitive_iterator - other.m_it.primitive_iterator;
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        /// access to successor
+        reference operator[](difference_type n) const
+        {
+            assert(m_object != nullptr);
+
+            switch (m_object->m_type)
+            {
+                case basic_json::value_t::object:
+                {
+                    throw std::domain_error("cannot use operator[] for object iterators");
+                }
+
+                case basic_json::value_t::array:
+                {
+                    return *(m_it.array_iterator + n);
+                }
+
+                case basic_json::value_t::null:
+                {
+                    throw std::out_of_range("cannot get value");
+                }
+
+                default:
+                {
+                    if (m_it.primitive_iterator == -n)
+                    {
+                        return *m_object;
+                    }
+                    else
+                    {
+                        throw std::out_of_range("cannot get value");
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        /// return the key of an object iterator
+        typename object_t::key_type key() const
+        {
+            assert(m_object != nullptr);
+
+            if (m_object->is_object())
+            {
+                return m_it.object_iterator->first;
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                throw std::domain_error("cannot use key() for non-object iterators");
+            }
+        }
+
+        /// return the value of an iterator
+        reference value() const
+        {
+            return operator*();
+        }
+
+      private:
+        /// associated JSON instance
+        pointer m_object = nullptr;
+        /// the actual iterator of the associated instance
+        internal_iterator m_it = internal_iterator();
+    };
+
+    /*!
+    @brief a mutable random access iterator for the @ref basic_json class
+
+    @requirement The class satisfies the following concept requirements:
+    - [RandomAccessIterator](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/concept/RandomAccessIterator):
+      The iterator that can be moved to point (forward and backward) to any
+      element in constant time.
+    - [OutputIterator](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/concept/OutputIterator):
+      It is possible to write to the pointed-to element.
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    class iterator : public const_iterator
+    {
+      public:
+        using base_iterator = const_iterator;
+        using pointer = typename basic_json::pointer;
+        using reference = typename basic_json::reference;
+
+        /// default constructor
+        iterator() = default;
+
+        /// constructor for a given JSON instance
+        explicit iterator(pointer object) noexcept
+            : base_iterator(object)
+        {}
+
+        /// copy constructor
+        iterator(const iterator& other) noexcept
+            : base_iterator(other)
+        {}
+
+        /// copy assignment
+        iterator& operator=(iterator other) noexcept(
+            std::is_nothrow_move_constructible<pointer>::value and
+            std::is_nothrow_move_assignable<pointer>::value and
+            std::is_nothrow_move_constructible<internal_iterator>::value and
+            std::is_nothrow_move_assignable<internal_iterator>::value
+        )
+        {
+            base_iterator::operator=(other);
+            return *this;
+        }
+
+        /// return a reference to the value pointed to by the iterator
+        reference operator*() const
+        {
+            return const_cast<reference>(base_iterator::operator*());
+        }
+
+        /// dereference the iterator
+        pointer operator->() const
+        {
+            return const_cast<pointer>(base_iterator::operator->());
+        }
+
+        /// post-increment (it++)
+        iterator operator++(int)
+        {
+            iterator result = *this;
+            base_iterator::operator++();
+            return result;
+        }
+
+        /// pre-increment (++it)
+        iterator& operator++()
+        {
+            base_iterator::operator++();
+            return *this;
+        }
+
+        /// post-decrement (it--)
+        iterator operator--(int)
+        {
+            iterator result = *this;
+            base_iterator::operator--();
+            return result;
+        }
+
+        /// pre-decrement (--it)
+        iterator& operator--()
+        {
+            base_iterator::operator--();
+            return *this;
+        }
+
+        /// add to iterator
+        iterator& operator+=(difference_type i)
+        {
+            base_iterator::operator+=(i);
+            return *this;
+        }
+
+        /// subtract from iterator
+        iterator& operator-=(difference_type i)
+        {
+            base_iterator::operator-=(i);
+            return *this;
+        }
+
+        /// add to iterator
+        iterator operator+(difference_type i)
+        {
+            auto result = *this;
+            result += i;
+            return result;
+        }
+
+        /// subtract from iterator
+        iterator operator-(difference_type i)
+        {
+            auto result = *this;
+            result -= i;
+            return result;
+        }
+
+        /// return difference
+        difference_type operator-(const iterator& other) const
+        {
+            return base_iterator::operator-(other);
+        }
+
+        /// access to successor
+        reference operator[](difference_type n) const
+        {
+            return const_cast<reference>(base_iterator::operator[](n));
+        }
+
+        /// return the value of an iterator
+        reference value() const
+        {
+            return const_cast<reference>(base_iterator::value());
+        }
+    };
+
+    /*!
+    @brief a template for a reverse iterator class
+
+    @tparam Base the base iterator type to reverse. Valid types are @ref
+    iterator (to create @ref reverse_iterator) and @ref const_iterator (to
+    create @ref const_reverse_iterator).
+
+    @requirement The class satisfies the following concept requirements:
+    - [RandomAccessIterator](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/concept/RandomAccessIterator):
+      The iterator that can be moved to point (forward and backward) to any
+      element in constant time.
+    - [OutputIterator](http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/concept/OutputIterator):
+      It is possible to write to the pointed-to element (only if @a Base is
+      @ref iterator).
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    template<typename Base>
+    class json_reverse_iterator : public std::reverse_iterator<Base>
+    {
+      public:
+        /// shortcut to the reverse iterator adaptor
+        using base_iterator = std::reverse_iterator<Base>;
+        /// the reference type for the pointed-to element
+        using reference = typename Base::reference;
+
+        /// create reverse iterator from iterator
+        json_reverse_iterator(const typename base_iterator::iterator_type& it) noexcept
+            : base_iterator(it)
+        {}
+
+        /// create reverse iterator from base class
+        json_reverse_iterator(const base_iterator& it) noexcept
+            : base_iterator(it)
+        {}
+
+        /// post-increment (it++)
+        json_reverse_iterator operator++(int)
+        {
+            return base_iterator::operator++(1);
+        }
+
+        /// pre-increment (++it)
+        json_reverse_iterator& operator++()
+        {
+            base_iterator::operator++();
+            return *this;
+        }
+
+        /// post-decrement (it--)
+        json_reverse_iterator operator--(int)
+        {
+            return base_iterator::operator--(1);
+        }
+
+        /// pre-decrement (--it)
+        json_reverse_iterator& operator--()
+        {
+            base_iterator::operator--();
+            return *this;
+        }
+
+        /// add to iterator
+        json_reverse_iterator& operator+=(difference_type i)
+        {
+            base_iterator::operator+=(i);
+            return *this;
+        }
+
+        /// add to iterator
+        json_reverse_iterator operator+(difference_type i) const
+        {
+            auto result = *this;
+            result += i;
+            return result;
+        }
+
+        /// subtract from iterator
+        json_reverse_iterator operator-(difference_type i) const
+        {
+            auto result = *this;
+            result -= i;
+            return result;
+        }
+
+        /// return difference
+        difference_type operator-(const json_reverse_iterator& other) const
+        {
+            return this->base() - other.base();
+        }
+
+        /// access to successor
+        reference operator[](difference_type n) const
+        {
+            return *(this->operator+(n));
+        }
+
+        /// return the key of an object iterator
+        typename object_t::key_type key() const
+        {
+            auto it = --this->base();
+            return it.key();
+        }
+
+        /// return the value of an iterator
+        reference value() const
+        {
+            auto it = --this->base();
+            return it.operator * ();
+        }
+    };
+
+
+  private:
+    //////////////////////
+    // lexer and parser //
+    //////////////////////
+
+    /*!
+    @brief lexical analysis
+
+    This class organizes the lexical analysis during JSON deserialization. The
+    core of it is a scanner generated by [re2c](http://re2c.org) that
+    processes a buffer and recognizes tokens according to RFC 7159.
+    */
+    class lexer
+    {
+      public:
+        /// token types for the parser
+        enum class token_type
+        {
+            uninitialized,   ///< indicating the scanner is uninitialized
+            literal_true,    ///< the "true" literal
+            literal_false,   ///< the "false" literal
+            literal_null,    ///< the "null" literal
+            value_string,    ///< a string -- use get_string() for actual value
+            value_number,    ///< a number -- use get_number() for actual value
+            begin_array,     ///< the character for array begin "["
+            begin_object,    ///< the character for object begin "{"
+            end_array,       ///< the character for array end "]"
+            end_object,      ///< the character for object end "}"
+            name_separator,  ///< the name separator ":"
+            value_separator, ///< the value separator ","
+            parse_error,     ///< indicating a parse error
+            end_of_input     ///< indicating the end of the input buffer
+        };
+
+        /// the char type to use in the lexer
+        using lexer_char_t = unsigned char;
+
+        /// constructor with a given buffer
+        explicit lexer(const string_t& s) noexcept
+            : m_stream(nullptr), m_buffer(s)
+        {
+            m_content = reinterpret_cast<const lexer_char_t*>(s.c_str());
+            assert(m_content != nullptr);
+            m_start = m_cursor = m_content;
+            m_limit = m_content + s.size();
+        }
+
+        /// constructor with a given stream
+        explicit lexer(std::istream* s) noexcept
+            : m_stream(s), m_buffer()
+        {
+            assert(m_stream != nullptr);
+            getline(*m_stream, m_buffer);
+            m_content = reinterpret_cast<const lexer_char_t*>(m_buffer.c_str());
+            assert(m_content != nullptr);
+            m_start = m_cursor = m_content;
+            m_limit = m_content + m_buffer.size();
+        }
+
+        /// default constructor
+        lexer() = default;
+
+        // switch off unwanted functions
+        lexer(const lexer&) = delete;
+        lexer operator=(const lexer&) = delete;
+
+        /*!
+        @brief create a string from a Unicode code point
+
+        @param[in] codepoint1  the code point (can be high surrogate)
+        @param[in] codepoint2  the code point (can be low surrogate or 0)
+
+        @return string representation of the code point
+
+        @throw std::out_of_range if code point is >0x10ffff; example: `"code
+        points above 0x10FFFF are invalid"`
+        @throw std::invalid_argument if the low surrogate is invalid; example:
+        `""missing or wrong low surrogate""`
+
+        @see <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UTF-8#Sample_code>
+        */
+        static string_t to_unicode(const std::size_t codepoint1,
+                                   const std::size_t codepoint2 = 0)
+        {
+            // calculate the codepoint from the given code points
+            std::size_t codepoint = codepoint1;
+
+            // check if codepoint1 is a high surrogate
+            if (codepoint1 >= 0xD800 and codepoint1 <= 0xDBFF)
+            {
+                // check if codepoint2 is a low surrogate
+                if (codepoint2 >= 0xDC00 and codepoint2 <= 0xDFFF)
+                {
+                    codepoint =
+                        // high surrogate occupies the most significant 22 bits
+                        (codepoint1 << 10)
+                        // low surrogate occupies the least significant 15 bits
+                        + codepoint2
+                        // there is still the 0xD800, 0xDC00 and 0x10000 noise
+                        // in the result so we have to subtract with:
+                        // (0xD800 << 10) + DC00 - 0x10000 = 0x35FDC00
+                        - 0x35FDC00;
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    throw std::invalid_argument("missing or wrong low surrogate");
+                }
+            }
+
+            string_t result;
+
+            if (codepoint < 0x80)
+            {
+                // 1-byte characters: 0xxxxxxx (ASCII)
+                result.append(1, static_cast<typename string_t::value_type>(codepoint));
+            }
+            else if (codepoint <= 0x7ff)
+            {
+                // 2-byte characters: 110xxxxx 10xxxxxx
+                result.append(1, static_cast<typename string_t::value_type>(0xC0 | ((codepoint >> 6) & 0x1F)));
+                result.append(1, static_cast<typename string_t::value_type>(0x80 | (codepoint & 0x3F)));
+            }
+            else if (codepoint <= 0xffff)
+            {
+                // 3-byte characters: 1110xxxx 10xxxxxx 10xxxxxx
+                result.append(1, static_cast<typename string_t::value_type>(0xE0 | ((codepoint >> 12) & 0x0F)));
+                result.append(1, static_cast<typename string_t::value_type>(0x80 | ((codepoint >> 6) & 0x3F)));
+                result.append(1, static_cast<typename string_t::value_type>(0x80 | (codepoint & 0x3F)));
+            }
+            else if (codepoint <= 0x10ffff)
+            {
+                // 4-byte characters: 11110xxx 10xxxxxx 10xxxxxx 10xxxxxx
+                result.append(1, static_cast<typename string_t::value_type>(0xF0 | ((codepoint >> 18) & 0x07)));
+                result.append(1, static_cast<typename string_t::value_type>(0x80 | ((codepoint >> 12) & 0x3F)));
+                result.append(1, static_cast<typename string_t::value_type>(0x80 | ((codepoint >> 6) & 0x3F)));
+                result.append(1, static_cast<typename string_t::value_type>(0x80 | (codepoint & 0x3F)));
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                throw std::out_of_range("code points above 0x10FFFF are invalid");
+            }
+
+            return result;
+        }
+
+        /// return name of values of type token_type (only used for errors)
+        static std::string token_type_name(token_type t)
+        {
+            switch (t)
+            {
+                case token_type::uninitialized:
+                    return "<uninitialized>";
+                case token_type::literal_true:
+                    return "true literal";
+                case token_type::literal_false:
+                    return "false literal";
+                case token_type::literal_null:
+                    return "null literal";
+                case token_type::value_string:
+                    return "string literal";
+                case token_type::value_number:
+                    return "number literal";
+                case token_type::begin_array:
+                    return "'['";
+                case token_type::begin_object:
+                    return "'{'";
+                case token_type::end_array:
+                    return "']'";
+                case token_type::end_object:
+                    return "'}'";
+                case token_type::name_separator:
+                    return "':'";
+                case token_type::value_separator:
+                    return "','";
+                case token_type::parse_error:
+                    return "<parse error>";
+                case token_type::end_of_input:
+                    return "end of input";
+                default:
+                {
+                    // catch non-enum values
+                    return "unknown token"; // LCOV_EXCL_LINE
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        /*!
+        This function implements a scanner for JSON. It is specified using
+        regular expressions that try to follow RFC 7159 as close as possible.
+        These regular expressions are then translated into a minimized
+        deterministic finite automaton (DFA) by the tool
+        [re2c](http://re2c.org). As a result, the translated code for this
+        function consists of a large block of code with `goto` jumps.
+
+        @return the class of the next token read from the buffer
+        */
+        token_type scan() noexcept
+        {
+            // pointer for backtracking information
+            m_marker = nullptr;
+
+            // remember the begin of the token
+            m_start = m_cursor;
+            assert(m_start != nullptr);
+
+
+            {
+                lexer_char_t yych;
+                unsigned int yyaccept = 0;
+                static const unsigned char yybm[] =
+                {
+                    0,   0,   0,   0,   0,   0,   0,   0,
+                    0,  32,  32,   0,   0,  32,   0,   0,
+                    128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128,
+                    128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128,
+                    160, 128,   0, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128,
+                    128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128,
+                    192, 192, 192, 192, 192, 192, 192, 192,
+                    192, 192, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128,
+                    128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128,
+                    128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128,
+                    128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128,
+                    128, 128, 128, 128,   0, 128, 128, 128,
+                    128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128,
+                    128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128,
+                    128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128,
+                    128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128,
+                    128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128,
+                    128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128,
+                    128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128,
+                    128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128,
+                    128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128,
+                    128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128,
+                    128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128,
+                    128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128,
+                    128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128,
+                    128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128,
+                    128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128,
+                    128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128,
+                    128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128,
+                    128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128,
+                    128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128,
+                    128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128, 128,
+                };
+                if ((m_limit - m_cursor) < 5)
+                {
+                    yyfill();    // LCOV_EXCL_LINE;
+                }
+                yych = *m_cursor;
+                if (yybm[0 + yych] & 32)
+                {
+                    goto basic_json_parser_6;
+                }
+                if (yych <= '\\')
+                {
+                    if (yych <= '-')
+                    {
+                        if (yych <= '"')
+                        {
+                            if (yych <= 0x00)
+                            {
+                                goto basic_json_parser_2;
+                            }
+                            if (yych <= '!')
+                            {
+                                goto basic_json_parser_4;
+                            }
+                            goto basic_json_parser_9;
+                        }
+                        else
+                        {
+                            if (yych <= '+')
+                            {
+                                goto basic_json_parser_4;
+                            }
+                            if (yych <= ',')
+                            {
+                                goto basic_json_parser_10;
+                            }
+                            goto basic_json_parser_12;
+                        }
+                    }
+                    else
+                    {
+                        if (yych <= '9')
+                        {
+                            if (yych <= '/')
+                            {
+                                goto basic_json_parser_4;
+                            }
+                            if (yych <= '0')
+                            {
+                                goto basic_json_parser_13;
+                            }
+                            goto basic_json_parser_15;
+                        }
+                        else
+                        {
+                            if (yych <= ':')
+                            {
+                                goto basic_json_parser_17;
+                            }
+                            if (yych == '[')
+                            {
+                                goto basic_json_parser_19;
+                            }
+                            goto basic_json_parser_4;
+                        }
+                    }
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    if (yych <= 't')
+                    {
+                        if (yych <= 'f')
+                        {
+                            if (yych <= ']')
+                            {
+                                goto basic_json_parser_21;
+                            }
+                            if (yych <= 'e')
+                            {
+                                goto basic_json_parser_4;
+                            }
+                            goto basic_json_parser_23;
+                        }
+                        else
+                        {
+                            if (yych == 'n')
+                            {
+                                goto basic_json_parser_24;
+                            }
+                            if (yych <= 's')
+                            {
+                                goto basic_json_parser_4;
+                            }
+                            goto basic_json_parser_25;
+                        }
+                    }
+                    else
+                    {
+                        if (yych <= '|')
+                        {
+                            if (yych == '{')
+                            {
+                                goto basic_json_parser_26;
+                            }
+                            goto basic_json_parser_4;
+                        }
+                        else
+                        {
+                            if (yych <= '}')
+                            {
+                                goto basic_json_parser_28;
+                            }
+                            if (yych == 0xEF)
+                            {
+                                goto basic_json_parser_30;
+                            }
+                            goto basic_json_parser_4;
+                        }
+                    }
+                }
+basic_json_parser_2:
+                ++m_cursor;
+                {
+                    return token_type::end_of_input;
+                }
+basic_json_parser_4:
+                ++m_cursor;
+basic_json_parser_5:
+                {
+                    return token_type::parse_error;
+                }
+basic_json_parser_6:
+                ++m_cursor;
+                if (m_limit <= m_cursor)
+                {
+                    yyfill();    // LCOV_EXCL_LINE;
+                }
+                yych = *m_cursor;
+                if (yybm[0 + yych] & 32)
+                {
+                    goto basic_json_parser_6;
+                }
+                {
+                    return scan();
+                }
+basic_json_parser_9:
+                yyaccept = 0;
+                yych = *(m_marker = ++m_cursor);
+                if (yych <= 0x0F)
+                {
+                    goto basic_json_parser_5;
+                }
+                goto basic_json_parser_32;
+basic_json_parser_10:
+                ++m_cursor;
+                {
+                    return token_type::value_separator;
+                }
+basic_json_parser_12:
+                yych = *++m_cursor;
+                if (yych <= '/')
+                {
+                    goto basic_json_parser_5;
+                }
+                if (yych <= '0')
+                {
+                    goto basic_json_parser_13;
+                }
+                if (yych <= '9')
+                {
+                    goto basic_json_parser_15;
+                }
+                goto basic_json_parser_5;
+basic_json_parser_13:
+                yyaccept = 1;
+                yych = *(m_marker = ++m_cursor);
+                if (yych <= 'D')
+                {
+                    if (yych == '.')
+                    {
+                        goto basic_json_parser_37;
+                    }
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    if (yych <= 'E')
+                    {
+                        goto basic_json_parser_38;
+                    }
+                    if (yych == 'e')
+                    {
+                        goto basic_json_parser_38;
+                    }
+                }
+basic_json_parser_14:
+                {
+                    return token_type::value_number;
+                }
+basic_json_parser_15:
+                yyaccept = 1;
+                m_marker = ++m_cursor;
+                if ((m_limit - m_cursor) < 3)
+                {
+                    yyfill();    // LCOV_EXCL_LINE;
+                }
+                yych = *m_cursor;
+                if (yybm[0 + yych] & 64)
+                {
+                    goto basic_json_parser_15;
+                }
+                if (yych <= 'D')
+                {
+                    if (yych == '.')
+                    {
+                        goto basic_json_parser_37;
+                    }
+                    goto basic_json_parser_14;
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    if (yych <= 'E')
+                    {
+                        goto basic_json_parser_38;
+                    }
+                    if (yych == 'e')
+                    {
+                        goto basic_json_parser_38;
+                    }
+                    goto basic_json_parser_14;
+                }
+basic_json_parser_17:
+                ++m_cursor;
+                {
+                    return token_type::name_separator;
+                }
+basic_json_parser_19:
+                ++m_cursor;
+                {
+                    return token_type::begin_array;
+                }
+basic_json_parser_21:
+                ++m_cursor;
+                {
+                    return token_type::end_array;
+                }
+basic_json_parser_23:
+                yyaccept = 0;
+                yych = *(m_marker = ++m_cursor);
+                if (yych == 'a')
+                {
+                    goto basic_json_parser_39;
+                }
+                goto basic_json_parser_5;
+basic_json_parser_24:
+                yyaccept = 0;
+                yych = *(m_marker = ++m_cursor);
+                if (yych == 'u')
+                {
+                    goto basic_json_parser_40;
+                }
+                goto basic_json_parser_5;
+basic_json_parser_25:
+                yyaccept = 0;
+                yych = *(m_marker = ++m_cursor);
+                if (yych == 'r')
+                {
+                    goto basic_json_parser_41;
+                }
+                goto basic_json_parser_5;
+basic_json_parser_26:
+                ++m_cursor;
+                {
+                    return token_type::begin_object;
+                }
+basic_json_parser_28:
+                ++m_cursor;
+                {
+                    return token_type::end_object;
+                }
+basic_json_parser_30:
+                yyaccept = 0;
+                yych = *(m_marker = ++m_cursor);
+                if (yych == 0xBB)
+                {
+                    goto basic_json_parser_42;
+                }
+                goto basic_json_parser_5;
+basic_json_parser_31:
+                ++m_cursor;
+                if (m_limit <= m_cursor)
+                {
+                    yyfill();    // LCOV_EXCL_LINE;
+                }
+                yych = *m_cursor;
+basic_json_parser_32:
+                if (yybm[0 + yych] & 128)
+                {
+                    goto basic_json_parser_31;
+                }
+                if (yych <= 0x0F)
+                {
+                    goto basic_json_parser_33;
+                }
+                if (yych <= '"')
+                {
+                    goto basic_json_parser_34;
+                }
+                goto basic_json_parser_36;
+basic_json_parser_33:
+                m_cursor = m_marker;
+                if (yyaccept == 0)
+                {
+                    goto basic_json_parser_5;
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    goto basic_json_parser_14;
+                }
+basic_json_parser_34:
+                ++m_cursor;
+                {
+                    return token_type::value_string;
+                }
+basic_json_parser_36:
+                ++m_cursor;
+                if (m_limit <= m_cursor)
+                {
+                    yyfill();    // LCOV_EXCL_LINE;
+                }
+                yych = *m_cursor;
+                if (yych <= 'e')
+                {
+                    if (yych <= '/')
+                    {
+                        if (yych == '"')
+                        {
+                            goto basic_json_parser_31;
+                        }
+                        if (yych <= '.')
+                        {
+                            goto basic_json_parser_33;
+                        }
+                        goto basic_json_parser_31;
+                    }
+                    else
+                    {
+                        if (yych <= '\\')
+                        {
+                            if (yych <= '[')
+                            {
+                                goto basic_json_parser_33;
+                            }
+                            goto basic_json_parser_31;
+                        }
+                        else
+                        {
+                            if (yych == 'b')
+                            {
+                                goto basic_json_parser_31;
+                            }
+                            goto basic_json_parser_33;
+                        }
+                    }
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    if (yych <= 'q')
+                    {
+                        if (yych <= 'f')
+                        {
+                            goto basic_json_parser_31;
+                        }
+                        if (yych == 'n')
+                        {
+                            goto basic_json_parser_31;
+                        }
+                        goto basic_json_parser_33;
+                    }
+                    else
+                    {
+                        if (yych <= 's')
+                        {
+                            if (yych <= 'r')
+                            {
+                                goto basic_json_parser_31;
+                            }
+                            goto basic_json_parser_33;
+                        }
+                        else
+                        {
+                            if (yych <= 't')
+                            {
+                                goto basic_json_parser_31;
+                            }
+                            if (yych <= 'u')
+                            {
+                                goto basic_json_parser_43;
+                            }
+                            goto basic_json_parser_33;
+                        }
+                    }
+                }
+basic_json_parser_37:
+                yych = *++m_cursor;
+                if (yych <= '/')
+                {
+                    goto basic_json_parser_33;
+                }
+                if (yych <= '9')
+                {
+                    goto basic_json_parser_44;
+                }
+                goto basic_json_parser_33;
+basic_json_parser_38:
+                yych = *++m_cursor;
+                if (yych <= ',')
+                {
+                    if (yych == '+')
+                    {
+                        goto basic_json_parser_46;
+                    }
+                    goto basic_json_parser_33;
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    if (yych <= '-')
+                    {
+                        goto basic_json_parser_46;
+                    }
+                    if (yych <= '/')
+                    {
+                        goto basic_json_parser_33;
+                    }
+                    if (yych <= '9')
+                    {
+                        goto basic_json_parser_47;
+                    }
+                    goto basic_json_parser_33;
+                }
+basic_json_parser_39:
+                yych = *++m_cursor;
+                if (yych == 'l')
+                {
+                    goto basic_json_parser_49;
+                }
+                goto basic_json_parser_33;
+basic_json_parser_40:
+                yych = *++m_cursor;
+                if (yych == 'l')
+                {
+                    goto basic_json_parser_50;
+                }
+                goto basic_json_parser_33;
+basic_json_parser_41:
+                yych = *++m_cursor;
+                if (yych == 'u')
+                {
+                    goto basic_json_parser_51;
+                }
+                goto basic_json_parser_33;
+basic_json_parser_42:
+                yych = *++m_cursor;
+                if (yych == 0xBF)
+                {
+                    goto basic_json_parser_52;
+                }
+                goto basic_json_parser_33;
+basic_json_parser_43:
+                ++m_cursor;
+                if (m_limit <= m_cursor)
+                {
+                    yyfill();    // LCOV_EXCL_LINE;
+                }
+                yych = *m_cursor;
+                if (yych <= '@')
+                {
+                    if (yych <= '/')
+                    {
+                        goto basic_json_parser_33;
+                    }
+                    if (yych <= '9')
+                    {
+                        goto basic_json_parser_54;
+                    }
+                    goto basic_json_parser_33;
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    if (yych <= 'F')
+                    {
+                        goto basic_json_parser_54;
+                    }
+                    if (yych <= '`')
+                    {
+                        goto basic_json_parser_33;
+                    }
+                    if (yych <= 'f')
+                    {
+                        goto basic_json_parser_54;
+                    }
+                    goto basic_json_parser_33;
+                }
+basic_json_parser_44:
+                yyaccept = 1;
+                m_marker = ++m_cursor;
+                if ((m_limit - m_cursor) < 3)
+                {
+                    yyfill();    // LCOV_EXCL_LINE;
+                }
+                yych = *m_cursor;
+                if (yych <= 'D')
+                {
+                    if (yych <= '/')
+                    {
+                        goto basic_json_parser_14;
+                    }
+                    if (yych <= '9')
+                    {
+                        goto basic_json_parser_44;
+                    }
+                    goto basic_json_parser_14;
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    if (yych <= 'E')
+                    {
+                        goto basic_json_parser_38;
+                    }
+                    if (yych == 'e')
+                    {
+                        goto basic_json_parser_38;
+                    }
+                    goto basic_json_parser_14;
+                }
+basic_json_parser_46:
+                yych = *++m_cursor;
+                if (yych <= '/')
+                {
+                    goto basic_json_parser_33;
+                }
+                if (yych >= ':')
+                {
+                    goto basic_json_parser_33;
+                }
+basic_json_parser_47:
+                ++m_cursor;
+                if (m_limit <= m_cursor)
+                {
+                    yyfill();    // LCOV_EXCL_LINE;
+                }
+                yych = *m_cursor;
+                if (yych <= '/')
+                {
+                    goto basic_json_parser_14;
+                }
+                if (yych <= '9')
+                {
+                    goto basic_json_parser_47;
+                }
+                goto basic_json_parser_14;
+basic_json_parser_49:
+                yych = *++m_cursor;
+                if (yych == 's')
+                {
+                    goto basic_json_parser_55;
+                }
+                goto basic_json_parser_33;
+basic_json_parser_50:
+                yych = *++m_cursor;
+                if (yych == 'l')
+                {
+                    goto basic_json_parser_56;
+                }
+                goto basic_json_parser_33;
+basic_json_parser_51:
+                yych = *++m_cursor;
+                if (yych == 'e')
+                {
+                    goto basic_json_parser_58;
+                }
+                goto basic_json_parser_33;
+basic_json_parser_52:
+                ++m_cursor;
+                {
+                    return scan();
+                }
+basic_json_parser_54:
+                ++m_cursor;
+                if (m_limit <= m_cursor)
+                {
+                    yyfill();    // LCOV_EXCL_LINE;
+                }
+                yych = *m_cursor;
+                if (yych <= '@')
+                {
+                    if (yych <= '/')
+                    {
+                        goto basic_json_parser_33;
+                    }
+                    if (yych <= '9')
+                    {
+                        goto basic_json_parser_60;
+                    }
+                    goto basic_json_parser_33;
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    if (yych <= 'F')
+                    {
+                        goto basic_json_parser_60;
+                    }
+                    if (yych <= '`')
+                    {
+                        goto basic_json_parser_33;
+                    }
+                    if (yych <= 'f')
+                    {
+                        goto basic_json_parser_60;
+                    }
+                    goto basic_json_parser_33;
+                }
+basic_json_parser_55:
+                yych = *++m_cursor;
+                if (yych == 'e')
+                {
+                    goto basic_json_parser_61;
+                }
+                goto basic_json_parser_33;
+basic_json_parser_56:
+                ++m_cursor;
+                {
+                    return token_type::literal_null;
+                }
+basic_json_parser_58:
+                ++m_cursor;
+                {
+                    return token_type::literal_true;
+                }
+basic_json_parser_60:
+                ++m_cursor;
+                if (m_limit <= m_cursor)
+                {
+                    yyfill();    // LCOV_EXCL_LINE;
+                }
+                yych = *m_cursor;
+                if (yych <= '@')
+                {
+                    if (yych <= '/')
+                    {
+                        goto basic_json_parser_33;
+                    }
+                    if (yych <= '9')
+                    {
+                        goto basic_json_parser_63;
+                    }
+                    goto basic_json_parser_33;
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    if (yych <= 'F')
+                    {
+                        goto basic_json_parser_63;
+                    }
+                    if (yych <= '`')
+                    {
+                        goto basic_json_parser_33;
+                    }
+                    if (yych <= 'f')
+                    {
+                        goto basic_json_parser_63;
+                    }
+                    goto basic_json_parser_33;
+                }
+basic_json_parser_61:
+                ++m_cursor;
+                {
+                    return token_type::literal_false;
+                }
+basic_json_parser_63:
+                ++m_cursor;
+                if (m_limit <= m_cursor)
+                {
+                    yyfill();    // LCOV_EXCL_LINE;
+                }
+                yych = *m_cursor;
+                if (yych <= '@')
+                {
+                    if (yych <= '/')
+                    {
+                        goto basic_json_parser_33;
+                    }
+                    if (yych <= '9')
+                    {
+                        goto basic_json_parser_31;
+                    }
+                    goto basic_json_parser_33;
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    if (yych <= 'F')
+                    {
+                        goto basic_json_parser_31;
+                    }
+                    if (yych <= '`')
+                    {
+                        goto basic_json_parser_33;
+                    }
+                    if (yych <= 'f')
+                    {
+                        goto basic_json_parser_31;
+                    }
+                    goto basic_json_parser_33;
+                }
+            }
+
+        }
+
+        /// append data from the stream to the internal buffer
+        void yyfill() noexcept
+        {
+            if (m_stream == nullptr or not * m_stream)
+            {
+                return;
+            }
+
+            const auto offset_start = m_start - m_content;
+            const auto offset_marker = m_marker - m_start;
+            const auto offset_cursor = m_cursor - m_start;
+
+            m_buffer.erase(0, static_cast<size_t>(offset_start));
+            std::string line;
+            assert(m_stream != nullptr);
+            std::getline(*m_stream, line);
+            m_buffer += "\n" + line; // add line with newline symbol
+
+            m_content = reinterpret_cast<const lexer_char_t*>(m_buffer.c_str());
+            assert(m_content != nullptr);
+            m_start  = m_content;
+            m_marker = m_start + offset_marker;
+            m_cursor = m_start + offset_cursor;
+            m_limit  = m_start + m_buffer.size() - 1;
+        }
+
+        /// return string representation of last read token
+        string_t get_token() const
+        {
+            assert(m_start != nullptr);
+            return string_t(reinterpret_cast<typename string_t::const_pointer>(m_start),
+                            static_cast<size_t>(m_cursor - m_start));
+        }
+
+        /*!
+        @brief return string value for string tokens
+
+        The function iterates the characters between the opening and closing
+        quotes of the string value. The complete string is the range
+        [m_start,m_cursor). Consequently, we iterate from m_start+1 to
+        m_cursor-1.
+
+        We differentiate two cases:
+
+        1. Escaped characters. In this case, a new character is constructed
+           according to the nature of the escape. Some escapes create new
+           characters (e.g., `"\\n"` is replaced by `"\n"`), some are copied
+           as is (e.g., `"\\\\"`). Furthermore, Unicode escapes of the shape
+           `"\\uxxxx"` need special care. In this case, to_unicode takes care
+           of the construction of the values.
+        2. Unescaped characters are copied as is.
+
+        @return string value of current token without opening and closing
+        quotes
+        @throw std::out_of_range if to_unicode fails
+        */
+        string_t get_string() const
+        {
+            string_t result;
+            result.reserve(static_cast<size_t>(m_cursor - m_start - 2));
+
+            // iterate the result between the quotes
+            for (const lexer_char_t* i = m_start + 1; i < m_cursor - 1; ++i)
+            {
+                // process escaped characters
+                if (*i == '\\')
+                {
+                    // read next character
+                    ++i;
+
+                    switch (*i)
+                    {
+                        // the default escapes
+                        case 't':
+                        {
+                            result += "\t";
+                            break;
+                        }
+                        case 'b':
+                        {
+                            result += "\b";
+                            break;
+                        }
+                        case 'f':
+                        {
+                            result += "\f";
+                            break;
+                        }
+                        case 'n':
+                        {
+                            result += "\n";
+                            break;
+                        }
+                        case 'r':
+                        {
+                            result += "\r";
+                            break;
+                        }
+                        case '\\':
+                        {
+                            result += "\\";
+                            break;
+                        }
+                        case '/':
+                        {
+                            result += "/";
+                            break;
+                        }
+                        case '"':
+                        {
+                            result += "\"";
+                            break;
+                        }
+
+                        // unicode
+                        case 'u':
+                        {
+                            // get code xxxx from uxxxx
+                            auto codepoint = std::strtoul(std::string(reinterpret_cast<typename string_t::const_pointer>(i + 1),
+                                                          4).c_str(), nullptr, 16);
+
+                            // check if codepoint is a high surrogate
+                            if (codepoint >= 0xD800 and codepoint <= 0xDBFF)
+                            {
+                                // make sure there is a subsequent unicode
+                                if ((i + 6 >= m_limit) or * (i + 5) != '\\' or * (i + 6) != 'u')
+                                {
+                                    throw std::invalid_argument("missing low surrogate");
+                                }
+
+                                // get code yyyy from uxxxx\uyyyy
+                                auto codepoint2 = std::strtoul(std::string(reinterpret_cast<typename string_t::const_pointer>
+                                                               (i + 7), 4).c_str(), nullptr, 16);
+                                result += to_unicode(codepoint, codepoint2);
+                                // skip the next 10 characters (xxxx\uyyyy)
+                                i += 10;
+                            }
+                            else
+                            {
+                                // add unicode character(s)
+                                result += to_unicode(codepoint);
+                                // skip the next four characters (xxxx)
+                                i += 4;
+                            }
+                            break;
+                        }
+                    }
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    // all other characters are just copied to the end of the
+                    // string
+                    result.append(1, static_cast<typename string_t::value_type>(*i));
+                }
+            }
+
+            return result;
+        }
+
+        /*!
+        @brief parse floating point number
+
+        This function (and its overloads) serves to select the most approprate
+        standard floating point number parsing function based on the type
+        supplied via the first parameter.  Set this to @a
+        static_cast<number_float_t*>(nullptr).
+
+        @param[in] type  the @ref number_float_t in use
+
+        @param[in,out] endptr recieves a pointer to the first character after
+        the number
+
+        @return the floating point number
+
+        @bug This function uses `std::strtof`, `std::strtod`, or `std::strtold`
+        which use the current C locale to determine which character is used as
+        decimal point character. This may yield to parse errors if the locale
+        does not used `.`.
+        */
+        long double str_to_float_t(long double* /* type */, char** endptr) const
+        {
+            return std::strtold(reinterpret_cast<typename string_t::const_pointer>(m_start), endptr);
+        }
+
+        /*!
+        @brief parse floating point number
+
+        This function (and its overloads) serves to select the most approprate
+        standard floating point number parsing function based on the type
+        supplied via the first parameter.  Set this to @a
+        static_cast<number_float_t*>(nullptr).
+
+        @param[in] type  the @ref number_float_t in use
+
+        @param[in,out] endptr  recieves a pointer to the first character after
+        the number
+
+        @return the floating point number
+        */
+        double str_to_float_t(double* /* type */, char** endptr) const
+        {
+            return std::strtod(reinterpret_cast<typename string_t::const_pointer>(m_start), endptr);
+        }
+
+        /*!
+        @brief parse floating point number
+
+        This function (and its overloads) serves to select the most approprate
+        standard floating point number parsing function based on the type
+        supplied via the first parameter.  Set this to @a
+        static_cast<number_float_t*>(nullptr).
+
+        @param[in] type  the @ref number_float_t in use
+
+        @param[in,out] endptr  recieves a pointer to the first character after
+        the number
+
+        @return the floating point number
+        */
+        float str_to_float_t(float* /* type */, char** endptr) const
+        {
+            return std::strtof(reinterpret_cast<typename string_t::const_pointer>(m_start), endptr);
+        }
+
+        /*!
+        @brief return number value for number tokens
+
+        This function translates the last token into the most appropriate
+        number type (either integer, unsigned integer or floating point),
+        which is passed back to the caller via the result parameter.
+
+        This function parses the integer component up to the radix point or
+        exponent while collecting information about the 'floating point
+        representation', which it stores in the result parameter. If there is
+        no radix point or exponent, and the number can fit into a @ref
+        number_integer_t or @ref number_unsigned_t then it sets the result
+        parameter accordingly.
+
+        The 'floating point representation' includes the number of significant
+        figures after the radix point, whether the number is in exponential or
+        decimal form, the capitalization of the exponent marker, and if the
+        optional '+' is present in the exponent. This information is necessary
+        to perform accurate round trips of floating point numbers.
+
+        If the number is a floating point number the number is then parsed
+        using @a std:strtod (or @a std:strtof or @a std::strtold).
+
+        @param[out] result  @ref basic_json object to receive the number, or
+          NAN if the conversion read past the current token. The latter case
+          needs to be treated by the caller function.
+        */
+        void get_number(basic_json& result) const
+        {
+            assert(m_start != nullptr);
+
+            const lexer::lexer_char_t* curptr = m_start;
+
+            // remember this number was parsed (for later serialization)
+            result.m_type.bits.parsed = true;
+
+            // 'found_radix_point' will be set to 0xFF upon finding a radix
+            // point and later used to mask in/out the precision depending
+            // whether a radix is found i.e. 'precision &= found_radix_point'
+            uint8_t found_radix_point = 0;
+            uint8_t precision = 0;
+
+            // accumulate the integer conversion result (unsigned for now)
+            number_unsigned_t value = 0;
+
+            // maximum absolute value of the relevant integer type
+            number_unsigned_t max;
+
+            // temporarily store the type to avoid unecessary bitfield access
+            value_t type;
+
+            // look for sign
+            if (*curptr == '-')
+            {
+                type = value_t::number_integer;
+                max = static_cast<uint64_t>(std::numeric_limits<number_integer_t>::max()) + 1;
+                curptr++;
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                type = value_t::number_unsigned;
+                max = static_cast<uint64_t>(std::numeric_limits<number_unsigned_t>::max());
+            }
+
+            // count the significant figures
+            for (; curptr < m_cursor; curptr++)
+            {
+                // quickly skip tests if a digit
+                if (*curptr < '0' || *curptr > '9')
+                {
+                    if (*curptr == '.')
+                    {
+                        // don't count '.' but change to float
+                        type = value_t::number_float;
+
+                        // reset precision count
+                        precision = 0;
+                        found_radix_point = 0xFF;
+                        continue;
+                    }
+                    // assume exponent (if not then will fail parse): change to
+                    // float, stop counting and record exponent details
+                    type = value_t::number_float;
+                    result.m_type.bits.has_exp = true;
+
+                    // exponent capitalization
+                    result.m_type.bits.exp_cap = (*curptr == 'E');
+
+                    // exponent '+' sign
+                    result.m_type.bits.exp_plus = (*(++curptr) == '+');
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                // skip if definitely not an integer
+                if (type != value_t::number_float)
+                {
+                    // multiply last value by ten and add the new digit
+                    auto temp = value * 10 + *curptr - 0x30;
+
+                    // test for overflow
+                    if (temp < value || temp > max)
+                    {
+                        // overflow
+                        type = value_t::number_float;
+                    }
+                    else
+                    {
+                        // no overflow - save it
+                        value = temp;
+                    }
+                }
+                ++precision;
+            }
+
+            // If no radix point was found then precision would now be set to
+            // the number of digits, which is wrong - clear it.
+            result.m_type.bits.precision = precision & found_radix_point;
+
+            // save the value (if not a float)
+            if (type == value_t::number_unsigned)
+            {
+                result.m_value.number_unsigned = value;
+            }
+            else if (type == value_t::number_integer)
+            {
+                result.m_value.number_integer = -static_cast<number_integer_t>(value);
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                // parse with strtod
+                result.m_value.number_float = str_to_float_t(static_cast<number_float_t*>(nullptr), NULL);
+            }
+
+            // save the type
+            result.m_type = type;
+        }
+
+      private:
+        /// optional input stream
+        std::istream* m_stream = nullptr;
+        /// the buffer
+        string_t m_buffer;
+        /// the buffer pointer
+        const lexer_char_t* m_content = nullptr;
+        /// pointer to the beginning of the current symbol
+        const lexer_char_t* m_start = nullptr;
+        /// pointer for backtracking information
+        const lexer_char_t* m_marker = nullptr;
+        /// pointer to the current symbol
+        const lexer_char_t* m_cursor = nullptr;
+        /// pointer to the end of the buffer
+        const lexer_char_t* m_limit = nullptr;
+    };
+
+    /*!
+    @brief syntax analysis
+
+    This class implements a recursive decent parser.
+    */
+    class parser
+    {
+      public:
+        /// constructor for strings
+        parser(const string_t& s, parser_callback_t cb = nullptr) noexcept
+            : callback(cb), m_lexer(s)
+        {
+            // read first token
+            get_token();
+        }
+
+        /// a parser reading from an input stream
+        parser(std::istream& _is, parser_callback_t cb = nullptr) noexcept
+            : callback(cb), m_lexer(&_is)
+        {
+            // read first token
+            get_token();
+        }
+
+        /// public parser interface
+        basic_json parse()
+        {
+            basic_json result = parse_internal(true);
+
+            expect(lexer::token_type::end_of_input);
+
+            // return parser result and replace it with null in case the
+            // top-level value was discarded by the callback function
+            return result.is_discarded() ? basic_json() : result;
+        }
+
+      private:
+        /// the actual parser
+        basic_json parse_internal(bool keep)
+        {
+            auto result = basic_json(value_t::discarded);
+
+            switch (last_token)
+            {
+                case lexer::token_type::begin_object:
+                {
+                    if (keep and (not callback or (keep = callback(depth++, parse_event_t::object_start, result))))
+                    {
+                        // explicitly set result to object to cope with {}
+                        result.m_type = value_t::object;
+                        result.m_value = json_value(value_t::object);
+                    }
+
+                    // read next token
+                    get_token();
+
+                    // closing } -> we are done
+                    if (last_token == lexer::token_type::end_object)
+                    {
+                        get_token();
+                        if (keep and callback and not callback(--depth, parse_event_t::object_end, result))
+                        {
+                            result = basic_json(value_t::discarded);
+                        }
+                        return result;
+                    }
+
+                    // no comma is expected here
+                    unexpect(lexer::token_type::value_separator);
+
+                    // otherwise: parse key-value pairs
+                    do
+                    {
+                        // ugly, but could be fixed with loop reorganization
+                        if (last_token == lexer::token_type::value_separator)
+                        {
+                            get_token();
+                        }
+
+                        // store key
+                        expect(lexer::token_type::value_string);
+                        const auto key = m_lexer.get_string();
+
+                        bool keep_tag = false;
+                        if (keep)
+                        {
+                            if (callback)
+                            {
+                                basic_json k(key);
+                                keep_tag = callback(depth, parse_event_t::key, k);
+                            }
+                            else
+                            {
+                                keep_tag = true;
+                            }
+                        }
+
+                        // parse separator (:)
+                        get_token();
+                        expect(lexer::token_type::name_separator);
+
+                        // parse and add value
+                        get_token();
+                        auto value = parse_internal(keep);
+                        if (keep and keep_tag and not value.is_discarded())
+                        {
+                            result[key] = std::move(value);
+                        }
+                    }
+                    while (last_token == lexer::token_type::value_separator);
+
+                    // closing }
+                    expect(lexer::token_type::end_object);
+                    get_token();
+                    if (keep and callback and not callback(--depth, parse_event_t::object_end, result))
+                    {
+                        result = basic_json(value_t::discarded);
+                    }
+
+                    return result;
+                }
+
+                case lexer::token_type::begin_array:
+                {
+                    if (keep and (not callback or (keep = callback(depth++, parse_event_t::array_start, result))))
+                    {
+                        // explicitly set result to object to cope with []
+                        result.m_type = value_t::array;
+                        result.m_value = json_value(value_t::array);
+                    }
+
+                    // read next token
+                    get_token();
+
+                    // closing ] -> we are done
+                    if (last_token == lexer::token_type::end_array)
+                    {
+                        get_token();
+                        if (callback and not callback(--depth, parse_event_t::array_end, result))
+                        {
+                            result = basic_json(value_t::discarded);
+                        }
+                        return result;
+                    }
+
+                    // no comma is expected here
+                    unexpect(lexer::token_type::value_separator);
+
+                    // otherwise: parse values
+                    do
+                    {
+                        // ugly, but could be fixed with loop reorganization
+                        if (last_token == lexer::token_type::value_separator)
+                        {
+                            get_token();
+                        }
+
+                        // parse value
+                        auto value = parse_internal(keep);
+                        if (keep and not value.is_discarded())
+                        {
+                            result.push_back(std::move(value));
+                        }
+                    }
+                    while (last_token == lexer::token_type::value_separator);
+
+                    // closing ]
+                    expect(lexer::token_type::end_array);
+                    get_token();
+                    if (keep and callback and not callback(--depth, parse_event_t::array_end, result))
+                    {
+                        result = basic_json(value_t::discarded);
+                    }
+
+                    return result;
+                }
+
+                case lexer::token_type::literal_null:
+                {
+                    get_token();
+                    result.m_type = value_t::null;
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                case lexer::token_type::value_string:
+                {
+                    const auto s = m_lexer.get_string();
+                    get_token();
+                    result = basic_json(s);
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                case lexer::token_type::literal_true:
+                {
+                    get_token();
+                    result.m_type = value_t::boolean;
+                    result.m_value = true;
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                case lexer::token_type::literal_false:
+                {
+                    get_token();
+                    result.m_type = value_t::boolean;
+                    result.m_value = false;
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                case lexer::token_type::value_number:
+                {
+                    m_lexer.get_number(result);
+                    get_token();
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                default:
+                {
+                    // the last token was unexpected
+                    unexpect(last_token);
+                }
+            }
+
+            if (keep and callback and not callback(depth, parse_event_t::value, result))
+            {
+                result = basic_json(value_t::discarded);
+            }
+            return result;
+        }
+
+        /// get next token from lexer
+        typename lexer::token_type get_token() noexcept
+        {
+            last_token = m_lexer.scan();
+            return last_token;
+        }
+
+        void expect(typename lexer::token_type t) const
+        {
+            if (t != last_token)
+            {
+                std::string error_msg = "parse error - unexpected ";
+                error_msg += (last_token == lexer::token_type::parse_error ? ("'" +  m_lexer.get_token() + "'") :
+                              lexer::token_type_name(last_token));
+                error_msg += "; expected " + lexer::token_type_name(t);
+                throw std::invalid_argument(error_msg);
+            }
+        }
+
+        void unexpect(typename lexer::token_type t) const
+        {
+            if (t == last_token)
+            {
+                std::string error_msg = "parse error - unexpected ";
+                error_msg += (last_token == lexer::token_type::parse_error ? ("'" +  m_lexer.get_token() + "'") :
+                              lexer::token_type_name(last_token));
+                throw std::invalid_argument(error_msg);
+            }
+        }
+
+      private:
+        /// current level of recursion
+        int depth = 0;
+        /// callback function
+        parser_callback_t callback;
+        /// the type of the last read token
+        typename lexer::token_type last_token = lexer::token_type::uninitialized;
+        /// the lexer
+        lexer m_lexer;
+    };
+
+  public:
+    /*!
+    @brief JSON Pointer
+
+    A JSON pointer defines a string syntax for identifying a specific value
+    within a JSON document. It can be used with functions `at` and
+    `operator[]`. Furthermore, JSON pointers are the base for JSON patches.
+
+    @sa [RFC 6901](https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc6901)
+
+    @since version 2.0.0
+    */
+    class json_pointer
+    {
+        /// allow basic_json to access private members
+        friend class basic_json;
+
+      public:
+        /*!
+        @brief create JSON pointer
+
+        Create a JSON pointer according to the syntax described in
+        [Section 3 of RFC6901](https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc6901#section-3).
+
+        @param[in] s  string representing the JSON pointer; if omitted, the
+                      empty string is assumed which references the whole JSON
+                      value
+
+        @throw std::domain_error if reference token is nonempty and does not
+        begin with a slash (`/`); example: `"JSON pointer must be empty or
+        begin with /"`
+        @throw std::domain_error if a tilde (`~`) is not followed by `0`
+        (representing `~`) or `1` (representing `/`); example: `"escape error:
+        ~ must be followed with 0 or 1"`
+
+        @liveexample{The example shows the construction several valid JSON
+        pointers as well as the exceptional behavior.,json_pointer}
+
+        @since version 2.0.0
+        */
+        explicit json_pointer(const std::string& s = "")
+            : reference_tokens(split(s))
+        {}
+
+        /*!
+        @brief return a string representation of the JSON pointer
+
+        @invariant For each JSON pointer `ptr`, it holds:
+        @code {.cpp}
+        ptr == json_pointer(ptr.to_string());
+        @endcode
+
+        @return a string representation of the JSON pointer
+
+        @liveexample{The example shows the result of `to_string`.,
+        json_pointer__to_string}
+
+        @since version 2.0.0
+        */
+        std::string to_string() const noexcept
+        {
+            std::string result;
+
+            for (const auto& reference_token : reference_tokens)
+            {
+                result += "/" + escape(reference_token);
+            }
+
+            return result;
+        }
+
+        /// @copydoc to_string()
+        operator std::string() const
+        {
+            return to_string();
+        }
+
+      private:
+        /// remove and return last reference pointer
+        std::string pop_back()
+        {
+            if (is_root())
+            {
+                throw std::domain_error("JSON pointer has no parent");
+            }
+
+            auto last = reference_tokens.back();
+            reference_tokens.pop_back();
+            return last;
+        }
+
+        /// return whether pointer points to the root document
+        bool is_root() const
+        {
+            return reference_tokens.empty();
+        }
+
+        json_pointer top() const
+        {
+            if (is_root())
+            {
+                throw std::domain_error("JSON pointer has no parent");
+            }
+
+            json_pointer result = *this;
+            result.reference_tokens = {reference_tokens[0]};
+            return result;
+        }
+
+        /*!
+        @brief create and return a reference to the pointed to value
+        */
+        reference get_and_create(reference j) const
+        {
+            pointer result = &j;
+
+            // in case no reference tokens exist, return a reference to the
+            // JSON value j which will be overwritten by a primitive value
+            for (const auto& reference_token : reference_tokens)
+            {
+                switch (result->m_type)
+                {
+                    case value_t::null:
+                    {
+                        if (reference_token == "0")
+                        {
+                            // start a new array if reference token is 0
+                            result = &result->operator[](0);
+                        }
+                        else
+                        {
+                            // start a new object otherwise
+                            result = &result->operator[](reference_token);
+                        }
+                        break;
+                    }
+
+                    case value_t::object:
+                    {
+                        // create an entry in the object
+                        result = &result->operator[](reference_token);
+                        break;
+                    }
+
+                    case value_t::array:
+                    {
+                        // create an entry in the array
+                        result = &result->operator[](static_cast<size_type>(std::stoi(reference_token)));
+                        break;
+                    }
+
+                    /*
+                    The following code is only reached if there exists a
+                    reference token _and_ the current value is primitive. In
+                    this case, we have an error situation, because primitive
+                    values may only occur as single value; that is, with an
+                    empty list of reference tokens.
+                    */
+                    default:
+                    {
+                        throw std::domain_error("invalid value to unflatten");
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+
+            return *result;
+        }
+
+        /*!
+        @brief return a reference to the pointed to value
+
+        @param[in] ptr  a JSON value
+
+        @return reference to the JSON value pointed to by the JSON pointer
+
+        @complexity Linear in the length of the JSON pointer.
+
+        @throw std::out_of_range      if the JSON pointer can not be resolved
+        @throw std::domain_error      if an array index begins with '0'
+        @throw std::invalid_argument  if an array index was not a number
+        */
+        reference get_unchecked(pointer ptr) const
+        {
+            for (const auto& reference_token : reference_tokens)
+            {
+                switch (ptr->m_type)
+                {
+                    case value_t::object:
+                    {
+                        // use unchecked object access
+                        ptr = &ptr->operator[](reference_token);
+                        break;
+                    }
+
+                    case value_t::array:
+                    {
+                        // error condition (cf. RFC 6901, Sect. 4)
+                        if (reference_token.size() > 1 and reference_token[0] == '0')
+                        {
+                            throw std::domain_error("array index must not begin with '0'");
+                        }
+
+                        if (reference_token == "-")
+                        {
+                            // explicityly treat "-" as index beyond the end
+                            ptr = &ptr->operator[](ptr->m_value.array->size());
+                        }
+                        else
+                        {
+                            // convert array index to number; unchecked access
+                            ptr = &ptr->operator[](static_cast<size_type>(std::stoi(reference_token)));
+                        }
+                        break;
+                    }
+
+                    default:
+                    {
+                        throw std::out_of_range("unresolved reference token '" + reference_token + "'");
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+
+            return *ptr;
+        }
+
+        reference get_checked(pointer ptr) const
+        {
+            for (const auto& reference_token : reference_tokens)
+            {
+                switch (ptr->m_type)
+                {
+                    case value_t::object:
+                    {
+                        // note: at performs range check
+                        ptr = &ptr->at(reference_token);
+                        break;
+                    }
+
+                    case value_t::array:
+                    {
+                        if (reference_token == "-")
+                        {
+                            // "-" always fails the range check
+                            throw std::out_of_range("array index '-' (" +
+                                                    std::to_string(ptr->m_value.array->size()) +
+                                                    ") is out of range");
+                        }
+
+                        // error condition (cf. RFC 6901, Sect. 4)
+                        if (reference_token.size() > 1 and reference_token[0] == '0')
+                        {
+                            throw std::domain_error("array index must not begin with '0'");
+                        }
+
+                        // note: at performs range check
+                        ptr = &ptr->at(static_cast<size_type>(std::stoi(reference_token)));
+                        break;
+                    }
+
+                    default:
+                    {
+                        throw std::out_of_range("unresolved reference token '" + reference_token + "'");
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+
+            return *ptr;
+        }
+
+        /*!
+        @brief return a const reference to the pointed to value
+
+        @param[in] ptr  a JSON value
+
+        @return const reference to the JSON value pointed to by the JSON
+                pointer
+        */
+        const_reference get_unchecked(const_pointer ptr) const
+        {
+            for (const auto& reference_token : reference_tokens)
+            {
+                switch (ptr->m_type)
+                {
+                    case value_t::object:
+                    {
+                        // use unchecked object access
+                        ptr = &ptr->operator[](reference_token);
+                        break;
+                    }
+
+                    case value_t::array:
+                    {
+                        if (reference_token == "-")
+                        {
+                            // "-" cannot be used for const access
+                            throw std::out_of_range("array index '-' (" +
+                                                    std::to_string(ptr->m_value.array->size()) +
+                                                    ") is out of range");
+                        }
+
+                        // error condition (cf. RFC 6901, Sect. 4)
+                        if (reference_token.size() > 1 and reference_token[0] == '0')
+                        {
+                            throw std::domain_error("array index must not begin with '0'");
+                        }
+
+                        // use unchecked array access
+                        ptr = &ptr->operator[](static_cast<size_type>(std::stoi(reference_token)));
+                        break;
+                    }
+
+                    default:
+                    {
+                        throw std::out_of_range("unresolved reference token '" + reference_token + "'");
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+
+            return *ptr;
+        }
+
+        const_reference get_checked(const_pointer ptr) const
+        {
+            for (const auto& reference_token : reference_tokens)
+            {
+                switch (ptr->m_type)
+                {
+                    case value_t::object:
+                    {
+                        // note: at performs range check
+                        ptr = &ptr->at(reference_token);
+                        break;
+                    }
+
+                    case value_t::array:
+                    {
+                        if (reference_token == "-")
+                        {
+                            // "-" always fails the range check
+                            throw std::out_of_range("array index '-' (" +
+                                                    std::to_string(ptr->m_value.array->size()) +
+                                                    ") is out of range");
+                        }
+
+                        // error condition (cf. RFC 6901, Sect. 4)
+                        if (reference_token.size() > 1 and reference_token[0] == '0')
+                        {
+                            throw std::domain_error("array index must not begin with '0'");
+                        }
+
+                        // note: at performs range check
+                        ptr = &ptr->at(static_cast<size_type>(std::stoi(reference_token)));
+                        break;
+                    }
+
+                    default:
+                    {
+                        throw std::out_of_range("unresolved reference token '" + reference_token + "'");
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+
+            return *ptr;
+        }
+
+        /// split the string input to reference tokens
+        static std::vector<std::string> split(std::string reference_string)
+        {
+            std::vector<std::string> result;
+
+            // special case: empty reference string -> no reference tokens
+            if (reference_string.empty())
+            {
+                return result;
+            }
+
+            // check if nonempty reference string begins with slash
+            if (reference_string[0] != '/')
+            {
+                throw std::domain_error("JSON pointer must be empty or begin with '/'");
+            }
+
+            // extract the reference tokens:
+            // - slash: position of the last read slash (or end of string)
+            // - start: position after the previous slash
+            for (
+                // search for the first slash after the first character
+                size_t slash = reference_string.find_first_of("/", 1),
+                // set the beginning of the first reference token
+                start = 1;
+                // we can stop if start == string::npos+1 = 0
+                start != 0;
+                // set the beginning of the next reference token
+                // (will eventually be 0 if slash == std::string::npos)
+                start = slash + 1,
+                // find next slash
+                slash = reference_string.find_first_of("/", start))
+            {
+                // use the text between the beginning of the reference token
+                // (start) and the last slash (slash).
+                auto reference_token = reference_string.substr(start, slash - start);
+
+                // check reference tokens are properly escaped
+                for (size_t pos = reference_token.find_first_of("~");
+                        pos != std::string::npos;
+                        pos = reference_token.find_first_of("~", pos + 1))
+                {
+                    assert(reference_token[pos] == '~');
+
+                    // ~ must be followed by 0 or 1
+                    if (pos == reference_token.size() - 1 or
+                            (reference_token[pos + 1] != '0' and
+                             reference_token[pos + 1] != '1'))
+                    {
+                        throw std::domain_error("escape error: '~' must be followed with '0' or '1'");
+                    }
+                }
+
+                // finally, store the reference token
+                unescape(reference_token);
+                result.push_back(reference_token);
+            }
+
+            return result;
+        }
+
+      private:
+        /*!
+        @brief replace all occurrences of a substring by another string
+
+        @param[in,out] s  the string to manipulate
+        @param[in]     f  the substring to replace with @a t
+        @param[out]    t  the string to replace @a f
+
+        @return The string @a s where all occurrences of @a f are replaced
+                with @a t.
+
+        @pre The search string @a f must not be empty.
+
+        @since version 2.0.0
+        */
+        static void replace_substring(std::string& s,
+                                      const std::string& f,
+                                      const std::string& t)
+        {
+            assert(not f.empty());
+
+            for (
+                size_t pos = s.find(f);         // find first occurrence of f
+                pos != std::string::npos;       // make sure f was found
+                s.replace(pos, f.size(), t),    // replace with t
+                pos = s.find(f, pos + t.size()) // find next occurrence of f
+            );
+        }
+
+        /// escape tilde and slash
+        static std::string escape(std::string s)
+        {
+            // escape "~"" to "~0" and "/" to "~1"
+            replace_substring(s, "~", "~0");
+            replace_substring(s, "/", "~1");
+            return s;
+        }
+
+        /// unescape tilde and slash
+        static void unescape(std::string& s)
+        {
+            // first transform any occurrence of the sequence '~1' to '/'
+            replace_substring(s, "~1", "/");
+            // then transform any occurrence of the sequence '~0' to '~'
+            replace_substring(s, "~0", "~");
+        }
+
+        /*!
+        @param[in] reference_string  the reference string to the current value
+        @param[in] value             the value to consider
+        @param[in,out] result        the result object to insert values to
+
+        @note Empty objects or arrays are flattened to `null`.
+        */
+        static void flatten(const std::string& reference_string,
+                            const basic_json& value,
+                            basic_json& result)
+        {
+            switch (value.m_type)
+            {
+                case value_t::array:
+                {
+                    if (value.m_value.array->empty())
+                    {
+                        // flatten empty array as null
+                        result[reference_string] = nullptr;
+                    }
+                    else
+                    {
+                        // iterate array and use index as reference string
+                        for (size_t i = 0; i < value.m_value.array->size(); ++i)
+                        {
+                            flatten(reference_string + "/" + std::to_string(i),
+                                    value.m_value.array->operator[](i), result);
+                        }
+                    }
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                case value_t::object:
+                {
+                    if (value.m_value.object->empty())
+                    {
+                        // flatten empty object as null
+                        result[reference_string] = nullptr;
+                    }
+                    else
+                    {
+                        // iterate object and use keys as reference string
+                        for (const auto& element : *value.m_value.object)
+                        {
+                            flatten(reference_string + "/" + escape(element.first),
+                                    element.second, result);
+                        }
+                    }
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                default:
+                {
+                    // add primitive value with its reference string
+                    result[reference_string] = value;
+                    break;
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        /*!
+        @param[in] value  flattened JSON
+
+        @return unflattened JSON
+        */
+        static basic_json unflatten(const basic_json& value)
+        {
+            if (not value.is_object())
+            {
+                throw std::domain_error("only objects can be unflattened");
+            }
+
+            basic_json result;
+
+            // iterate the JSON object values
+            for (const auto& element : *value.m_value.object)
+            {
+                if (not element.second.is_primitive())
+                {
+                    throw std::domain_error("values in object must be primitive");
+                }
+
+                // assign value to reference pointed to by JSON pointer; Note
+                // that if the JSON pointer is "" (i.e., points to the whole
+                // value), function get_and_create returns a reference to
+                // result itself. An assignment will then create a primitive
+                // value.
+                json_pointer(element.first).get_and_create(result) = element.second;
+            }
+
+            return result;
+        }
+
+      private:
+        /// the reference tokens
+        std::vector<std::string> reference_tokens {};
+    };
+
+    //////////////////////////
+    // JSON Pointer support //
+    //////////////////////////
+
+    /// @name JSON Pointer functions
+    /// @{
+
+    /*!
+    @brief access specified element via JSON Pointer
+
+    Uses a JSON pointer to retrieve a reference to the respective JSON value.
+    No bound checking is performed. Similar to @ref operator[](const typename
+    object_t::key_type&), `null` values are created in arrays and objects if
+    necessary.
+
+    In particular:
+    - If the JSON pointer points to an object key that does not exist, it
+      is created an filled with a `null` value before a reference to it
+      is returned.
+    - If the JSON pointer points to an array index that does not exist, it
+      is created an filled with a `null` value before a reference to it
+      is returned. All indices between the current maximum and the given
+      index are also filled with `null`.
+    - The special value `-` is treated as a synonym for the index past the
+      end.
+
+    @param[in] ptr  a JSON pointer
+
+    @return reference to the element pointed to by @a ptr
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @throw std::out_of_range      if the JSON pointer can not be resolved
+    @throw std::domain_error      if an array index begins with '0'
+    @throw std::invalid_argument  if an array index was not a number
+
+    @liveexample{The behavior is shown in the example.,operatorjson_pointer}
+
+    @since version 2.0.0
+    */
+    reference operator[](const json_pointer& ptr)
+    {
+        return ptr.get_unchecked(this);
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief access specified element via JSON Pointer
+
+    Uses a JSON pointer to retrieve a reference to the respective JSON value.
+    No bound checking is performed. The function does not change the JSON
+    value; no `null` values are created. In particular, the the special value
+    `-` yields an exception.
+
+    @param[in] ptr  JSON pointer to the desired element
+
+    @return const reference to the element pointed to by @a ptr
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @throw std::out_of_range      if the JSON pointer can not be resolved
+    @throw std::domain_error      if an array index begins with '0'
+    @throw std::invalid_argument  if an array index was not a number
+
+    @liveexample{The behavior is shown in the example.,operatorjson_pointer_const}
+
+    @since version 2.0.0
+    */
+    const_reference operator[](const json_pointer& ptr) const
+    {
+        return ptr.get_unchecked(this);
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief access specified element via JSON Pointer
+
+    Returns a reference to the element at with specified JSON pointer @a ptr,
+    with bounds checking.
+
+    @param[in] ptr  JSON pointer to the desired element
+
+    @return reference to the element pointed to by @a ptr
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @throw std::out_of_range      if the JSON pointer can not be resolved
+    @throw std::domain_error      if an array index begins with '0'
+    @throw std::invalid_argument  if an array index was not a number
+
+    @liveexample{The behavior is shown in the example.,at_json_pointer}
+
+    @since version 2.0.0
+    */
+    reference at(const json_pointer& ptr)
+    {
+        return ptr.get_checked(this);
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief access specified element via JSON Pointer
+
+    Returns a const reference to the element at with specified JSON pointer @a
+    ptr, with bounds checking.
+
+    @param[in] ptr  JSON pointer to the desired element
+
+    @return reference to the element pointed to by @a ptr
+
+    @complexity Constant.
+
+    @throw std::out_of_range      if the JSON pointer can not be resolved
+    @throw std::domain_error      if an array index begins with '0'
+    @throw std::invalid_argument  if an array index was not a number
+
+    @liveexample{The behavior is shown in the example.,at_json_pointer_const}
+
+    @since version 2.0.0
+    */
+    const_reference at(const json_pointer& ptr) const
+    {
+        return ptr.get_checked(this);
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief return flattened JSON value
+
+    The function creates a JSON object whose keys are JSON pointers (see [RFC
+    6901](https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc6901)) and whose values are all
+    primitive. The original JSON value can be restored using the @ref
+    unflatten() function.
+
+    @return an object that maps JSON pointers to primitve values
+
+    @note Empty objects and arrays are flattened to `null` and will not be
+          reconstructed correctly by the @ref unflatten() function.
+
+    @complexity Linear in the size the JSON value.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code shows how a JSON object is flattened to an
+    object whose keys consist of JSON pointers.,flatten}
+
+    @sa @ref unflatten() for the reverse function
+
+    @since version 2.0.0
+    */
+    basic_json flatten() const
+    {
+        basic_json result(value_t::object);
+        json_pointer::flatten("", *this, result);
+        return result;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief unflatten a previously flattened JSON value
+
+    The function restores the arbitrary nesting of a JSON value that has been
+    flattened before using the @ref flatten() function. The JSON value must
+    meet certain constraints:
+    1. The value must be an object.
+    2. The keys must be JSON pointers (see
+       [RFC 6901](https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc6901))
+    3. The mapped values must be primitive JSON types.
+
+    @return the original JSON from a flattened version
+
+    @note Empty objects and arrays are flattened by @ref flatten() to `null`
+          values and can not unflattened to their original type. Apart from
+          this example, for a JSON value `j`, the following is always true:
+          `j == j.flatten().unflatten()`.
+
+    @complexity Linear in the size the JSON value.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code shows how a flattened JSON object is
+    unflattened into the original nested JSON object.,unflatten}
+
+    @sa @ref flatten() for the reverse function
+
+    @since version 2.0.0
+    */
+    basic_json unflatten() const
+    {
+        return json_pointer::unflatten(*this);
+    }
+
+    /// @}
+
+    //////////////////////////
+    // JSON Patch functions //
+    //////////////////////////
+
+    /// @name JSON Patch functions
+    /// @{
+
+    /*!
+    @brief applies a JSON patch
+
+    [JSON Patch](http://jsonpatch.com) defines a JSON document structure for
+    expressing a sequence of operations to apply to a JSON) document. With
+    this funcion, a JSON Patch is applied to the current JSON value by
+    executing all operations from the patch.
+
+    @param[in] json_patch  JSON patch document
+    @return patched document
+
+    @note The application of a patch is atomic: Either all operations succeed
+          and the patched document is returned or an exception is thrown. In
+          any case, the original value is not changed: the patch is applied
+          to a copy of the value.
+
+    @throw std::out_of_range if a JSON pointer inside the patch could not
+    be resolved successfully in the current JSON value; example: `"key baz
+    not found"`
+    @throw invalid_argument if the JSON patch is malformed (e.g., mandatory
+    attributes are missing); example: `"operation add must have member path"`
+
+    @complexity Linear in the size of the JSON value and the length of the
+    JSON patch. As usually only a fraction of the JSON value is affected by
+    the patch, the complexity can usually be neglected.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code shows how a JSON patch is applied to a
+    value.,patch}
+
+    @sa @ref diff -- create a JSON patch by comparing two JSON values
+
+    @sa [RFC 6902 (JSON Patch)](https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc6902)
+    @sa [RFC 6901 (JSON Pointer)](https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc6901)
+
+    @since version 2.0.0
+    */
+    basic_json patch(const basic_json& json_patch) const
+    {
+        // make a working copy to apply the patch to
+        basic_json result = *this;
+
+        // the valid JSON Patch operations
+        enum class patch_operations {add, remove, replace, move, copy, test, invalid};
+
+        const auto get_op = [](const std::string op)
+        {
+            if (op == "add")
+            {
+                return patch_operations::add;
+            }
+            if (op == "remove")
+            {
+                return patch_operations::remove;
+            }
+            if (op == "replace")
+            {
+                return patch_operations::replace;
+            }
+            if (op == "move")
+            {
+                return patch_operations::move;
+            }
+            if (op == "copy")
+            {
+                return patch_operations::copy;
+            }
+            if (op == "test")
+            {
+                return patch_operations::test;
+            }
+
+            return patch_operations::invalid;
+        };
+
+        // wrapper for "add" operation; add value at ptr
+        const auto operation_add = [&result](json_pointer & ptr, basic_json val)
+        {
+            // adding to the root of the target document means replacing it
+            if (ptr.is_root())
+            {
+                result = val;
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                // make sure the top element of the pointer exists
+                json_pointer top_pointer = ptr.top();
+                if (top_pointer != ptr)
+                {
+                    basic_json& x = result.at(top_pointer);
+                }
+
+                // get reference to parent of JSON pointer ptr
+                const auto last_path = ptr.pop_back();
+                basic_json& parent = result[ptr];
+
+                switch (parent.m_type)
+                {
+                    case value_t::null:
+                    case value_t::object:
+                    {
+                        // use operator[] to add value
+                        parent[last_path] = val;
+                        break;
+                    }
+
+                    case value_t::array:
+                    {
+                        if (last_path == "-")
+                        {
+                            // special case: append to back
+                            parent.push_back(val);
+                        }
+                        else
+                        {
+                            const auto idx = std::stoi(last_path);
+                            if (static_cast<size_type>(idx) > parent.size())
+                            {
+                                // avoid undefined behavior
+                                throw std::out_of_range("array index " + std::to_string(idx) + " is out of range");
+                            }
+                            else
+                            {
+                                // default case: insert add offset
+                                parent.insert(parent.begin() + static_cast<difference_type>(idx), val);
+                            }
+                        }
+                        break;
+                    }
+
+                    default:
+                    {
+                        // if there exists a parent it cannot be primitive
+                        assert(false);  // LCOV_EXCL_LINE
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+        };
+
+        // wrapper for "remove" operation; remove value at ptr
+        const auto operation_remove = [&result](json_pointer & ptr)
+        {
+            // get reference to parent of JSON pointer ptr
+            const auto last_path = ptr.pop_back();
+            basic_json& parent = result.at(ptr);
+
+            // remove child
+            if (parent.is_object())
+            {
+                // perform range check
+                auto it = parent.find(last_path);
+                if (it != parent.end())
+                {
+                    parent.erase(it);
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    throw std::out_of_range("key '" + last_path + "' not found");
+                }
+            }
+            else if (parent.is_array())
+            {
+                // note erase performs range check
+                parent.erase(static_cast<size_type>(std::stoi(last_path)));
+            }
+        };
+
+        // type check
+        if (not json_patch.is_array())
+        {
+            // a JSON patch must be an array of objects
+            throw std::invalid_argument("JSON patch must be an array of objects");
+        }
+
+        // iterate and apply th eoperations
+        for (const auto& val : json_patch)
+        {
+            // wrapper to get a value for an operation
+            const auto get_value = [&val](const std::string & op,
+                                          const std::string & member,
+                                          bool string_type) -> basic_json&
+            {
+                // find value
+                auto it = val.m_value.object->find(member);
+
+                // context-sensitive error message
+                const auto error_msg = (op == "op") ? "operation" : "operation '" + op + "'";
+
+                // check if desired value is present
+                if (it == val.m_value.object->end())
+                {
+                    throw std::invalid_argument(error_msg + " must have member '" + member + "'");
+                }
+
+                // check if result is of type string
+                if (string_type and not it->second.is_string())
+                {
+                    throw std::invalid_argument(error_msg + " must have string member '" + member + "'");
+                }
+
+                // no error: return value
+                return it->second;
+            };
+
+            // type check
+            if (not val.is_object())
+            {
+                throw std::invalid_argument("JSON patch must be an array of objects");
+            }
+
+            // collect mandatory members
+            const std::string op = get_value("op", "op", true);
+            const std::string path = get_value(op, "path", true);
+            json_pointer ptr(path);
+
+            switch (get_op(op))
+            {
+                case patch_operations::add:
+                {
+                    operation_add(ptr, get_value("add", "value", false));
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                case patch_operations::remove:
+                {
+                    operation_remove(ptr);
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                case patch_operations::replace:
+                {
+                    // the "path" location must exist - use at()
+                    result.at(ptr) = get_value("replace", "value", false);
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                case patch_operations::move:
+                {
+                    const std::string from_path = get_value("move", "from", true);
+                    json_pointer from_ptr(from_path);
+
+                    // the "from" location must exist - use at()
+                    basic_json v = result.at(from_ptr);
+
+                    // The move operation is functionally identical to a
+                    // "remove" operation on the "from" location, followed
+                    // immediately by an "add" operation at the target
+                    // location with the value that was just removed.
+                    operation_remove(from_ptr);
+                    operation_add(ptr, v);
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                case patch_operations::copy:
+                {
+                    const std::string from_path = get_value("copy", "from", true);;
+                    const json_pointer from_ptr(from_path);
+
+                    // the "from" location must exist - use at()
+                    result[ptr] = result.at(from_ptr);
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                case patch_operations::test:
+                {
+                    bool success = false;
+                    try
+                    {
+                        // check if "value" matches the one at "path"
+                        // the "path" location must exist - use at()
+                        success = (result.at(ptr) == get_value("test", "value", false));
+                    }
+                    catch (std::out_of_range&)
+                    {
+                        // ignore out of range errors: success remains false
+                    }
+
+                    // throw an exception if test fails
+                    if (not success)
+                    {
+                        throw std::domain_error("unsuccessful: " + val.dump());
+                    }
+
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                case patch_operations::invalid:
+                {
+                    // op must be "add", "remove", "replace", "move", "copy", or
+                    // "test"
+                    throw std::invalid_argument("operation value '" + op + "' is invalid");
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        return result;
+    }
+
+    /*!
+    @brief creates a diff as a JSON patch
+
+    Creates a [JSON Patch](http://jsonpatch.com) so that value @a source can
+    be changed into the value @a target by calling @ref patch function.
+
+    @invariant For two JSON values @a source and @a target, the following code
+    yields always `true`:
+    @code {.cpp}
+    source.patch(diff(source, target)) == target;
+    @endcode
+
+    @note Currently, only `remove`, `add`, and `replace` operations are
+          generated.
+
+    @param[in] source  JSON value to copare from
+    @param[in] target  JSON value to copare against
+    @param[in] path    helper value to create JSON pointers
+
+    @return a JSON patch to convert the @a source to @a target
+
+    @complexity Linear in the lengths of @a source and @a target.
+
+    @liveexample{The following code shows how a JSON patch is created as a
+    diff for two JSON values.,diff}
+
+    @sa @ref patch -- apply a JSON patch
+
+    @sa [RFC 6902 (JSON Patch)](https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc6902)
+
+    @since version 2.0.0
+    */
+    static basic_json diff(const basic_json& source,
+                           const basic_json& target,
+                           std::string path = "")
+    {
+        // the patch
+        basic_json result(value_t::array);
+
+        // if the values are the same, return empty patch
+        if (source == target)
+        {
+            return result;
+        }
+
+        if (source.type() != target.type())
+        {
+            // different types: replace value
+            result.push_back(
+            {
+                {"op", "replace"},
+                {"path", path},
+                {"value", target}
+            });
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            switch (source.type())
+            {
+                case value_t::array:
+                {
+                    // first pass: traverse common elements
+                    size_t i = 0;
+                    while (i < source.size() and i < target.size())
+                    {
+                        // recursive call to compare array values at index i
+                        auto temp_diff = diff(source[i], target[i], path + "/" + std::to_string(i));
+                        result.insert(result.end(), temp_diff.begin(), temp_diff.end());
+                        ++i;
+                    }
+
+                    // i now reached the end of at least one array
+                    // in a second pass, traverse the remaining elements
+
+                    // remove my remaining elements
+                    while (i < source.size())
+                    {
+                        result.push_back(object(
+                        {
+                            {"op", "remove"},
+                            {"path", path + "/" + std::to_string(i)}
+                        }));
+                        ++i;
+                    }
+
+                    // add other remaining elements
+                    while (i < target.size())
+                    {
+                        result.push_back(
+                        {
+                            {"op", "add"},
+                            {"path", path + "/" + std::to_string(i)},
+                            {"value", target[i]}
+                        });
+                        ++i;
+                    }
+
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                case value_t::object:
+                {
+                    // first pass: traverse this object's elements
+                    for (auto it = source.begin(); it != source.end(); ++it)
+                    {
+                        // escape the key name to be used in a JSON patch
+                        const auto key = json_pointer::escape(it.key());
+
+                        if (target.find(it.key()) != target.end())
+                        {
+                            // recursive call to compare object values at key it
+                            auto temp_diff = diff(it.value(), target[it.key()], path + "/" + key);
+                            result.insert(result.end(), temp_diff.begin(), temp_diff.end());
+                        }
+                        else
+                        {
+                            // found a key that is not in o -> remove it
+                            result.push_back(object(
+                            {
+                                {"op", "remove"},
+                                {"path", path + "/" + key}
+                            }));
+                        }
+                    }
+
+                    // second pass: traverse other object's elements
+                    for (auto it = target.begin(); it != target.end(); ++it)
+                    {
+                        if (source.find(it.key()) == source.end())
+                        {
+                            // found a key that is not in this -> add it
+                            const auto key = json_pointer::escape(it.key());
+                            result.push_back(
+                            {
+                                {"op", "add"},
+                                {"path", path + "/" + key},
+                                {"value", it.value()}
+                            });
+                        }
+                    }
+
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                default:
+                {
+                    // both primitive type: replace value
+                    result.push_back(
+                    {
+                        {"op", "replace"},
+                        {"path", path},
+                        {"value", target}
+                    });
+                    break;
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        return result;
+    }
+
+    /// @}
+};
+
+
+/////////////
+// presets //
+/////////////
+
+/*!
+ at brief default JSON class
+
+This type is the default specialization of the @ref basic_json class which
+uses the standard template types.
+
+ at since version 1.0.0
+*/
+using json = basic_json<>;
+}
+
+
+///////////////////////
+// nonmember support //
+///////////////////////
+
+// specialization of std::swap, and std::hash
+namespace std
+{
+/*!
+ at brief exchanges the values of two JSON objects
+
+ at since version 1.0.0
+*/
+template <>
+inline void swap(nlohmann::json& j1,
+                 nlohmann::json& j2) noexcept(
+                     is_nothrow_move_constructible<nlohmann::json>::value and
+                     is_nothrow_move_assignable<nlohmann::json>::value
+                 )
+{
+    j1.swap(j2);
+}
+
+/// hash value for JSON objects
+template <>
+struct hash<nlohmann::json>
+{
+    /*!
+    @brief return a hash value for a JSON object
+
+    @since version 1.0.0
+    */
+    std::size_t operator()(const nlohmann::json& j) const
+    {
+        // a naive hashing via the string representation
+        const auto& h = hash<nlohmann::json::string_t>();
+        return h(j.dump());
+    }
+};
+}
+
+/*!
+ at brief user-defined string literal for JSON values
+
+This operator implements a user-defined string literal for JSON objects. It
+can be used by adding \p "_json" to a string literal and returns a JSON object
+if no parse error occurred.
+
+ at param[in] s  a string representation of a JSON object
+ at return a JSON object
+
+ at since version 1.0.0
+*/
+inline nlohmann::json operator "" _json(const char* s, std::size_t)
+{
+    return nlohmann::json::parse(reinterpret_cast<const nlohmann::json::string_t::value_type*>(s));
+}
+
+/*!
+ at brief user-defined string literal for JSON pointer
+
+ at since version 2.0.0
+*/
+inline nlohmann::json::json_pointer operator "" _json_pointer(const char* s, std::size_t)
+{
+    return nlohmann::json::json_pointer(s);
+}
+
+// restore GCC/clang diagnostic settings
+#if defined(__clang__) || defined(__GNUC__) || defined(__GNUG__)
+    #pragma GCC diagnostic pop
+#endif
+
+#endif
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/logging/Logging.h b/include/pbcopper/logging/Logging.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e1d712a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/logging/Logging.h
@@ -0,0 +1,156 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_LOGGING_LOGGING_H
+#define PBCOPPER_LOGGING_LOGGING_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/Config.h"
+
+#include <condition_variable>
+#include <functional>
+#include <iosfwd>
+#include <map>
+#include <memory>
+#include <mutex>
+#include <queue>
+#include <string>
+#include <thread>
+#include <utility>
+#include <vector>
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace Logging {
+
+class LogLevel
+{
+public:
+    enum : unsigned char
+    {
+        TRACE    = 0,
+        DEBUG    = 1,
+        INFO     = 2,
+        NOTICE   = 3,
+        WARN     = 4,
+        ERROR    = 5,
+        CRITICAL = 6,
+        FATAL    = 7,
+
+        MAX_LOG_LEVEL = 8
+    };
+
+public:
+    LogLevel(const unsigned char value);
+    LogLevel(const std::string& value);
+
+public:
+    operator unsigned char(void) const;
+
+private:
+    unsigned char value_;
+};
+
+typedef std::reference_wrapper<std::ostream> OStreamWrapper;
+typedef std::vector<OStreamWrapper>          OStreams;
+
+class LoggerConfig : public std::map<LogLevel, OStreams>
+{
+public:
+    LoggerConfig(const std::map<LogLevel, OStreams>& cfg);
+    LoggerConfig(const std::map<std::string, OStreams>& cfg);
+    LoggerConfig(std::ostream& os, const LogLevel level = LogLevel::INFO);
+    LoggerConfig(std::ostream& os, const std::string& level);
+};
+
+class LogMessage;
+
+class Logger
+{
+private:
+    typedef std::pair<LogLevel, std::ostringstream> LogLevelStream;
+
+public:
+    static Logger& Default(Logger* logger = nullptr);
+
+public:
+    template<typename... Args>
+    Logger(Args&&... args);
+
+    Logger(const Logger& other) = delete;
+    ~Logger(void);
+
+private:
+    LoggerConfig cfg_;
+    std::mutex m_;
+    std::condition_variable popped_;
+    std::condition_variable pushed_;
+    std::queue<std::unique_ptr<LogLevelStream>> queue_;
+    std::thread writer_;
+    friend class LogMessage;
+
+private:
+    Logger& operator<<(std::unique_ptr<LogLevelStream>&& ptr);
+    bool Handles(const LogLevel level) const;
+    void MessageWriter(void);
+};
+
+class LogMessage
+{
+public:
+    LogMessage(const char* file,
+               const char* function,
+               unsigned int line,
+               const LogLevel level,
+               Logger& logger);
+    LogMessage(const LogMessage& msg) = delete;
+    ~LogMessage(void);
+
+public:
+    template <typename T>
+    LogMessage& operator<<(const T& t);
+
+private:
+    std::unique_ptr<Logger::LogLevelStream> ptr_;
+    Logger& logger_;
+};
+
+// trace is disabled under Release builds (-DNDEBUG)
+#ifdef NDEBUG
+#define PBLOGGER_LEVEL(lg, lvl)                                             \
+    if (PacBio::Logging::lvl != PacBio::Logging::LogLevel::TRACE) \
+    PacBio::Logging::LogMessage(__FILE__, __func__, __LINE__, PacBio::Logging::lvl, (lg))
+#else
+#define PBLOGGER_LEVEL(lg, lvl) \
+    PacBio::Logging::LogMessage(__FILE__, __func__, __LINE__, PacBio::Logging::lvl, (lg))
+#endif
+
+//
+// Log message with desired log level & provided logger
+//
+#define PBLOGGER_TRACE(lg)    PBLOGGER_LEVEL(lg, LogLevel::TRACE)
+#define PBLOGGER_DEBUG(lg)    PBLOGGER_LEVEL(lg, LogLevel::DEBUG)
+#define PBLOGGER_INFO(lg)     PBLOGGER_LEVEL(lg, LogLevel::INFO)
+#define PBLOGGER_NOTICE(lg)   PBLOGGER_LEVEL(lg, LogLevel::NOTICE)
+#define PBLOGGER_WARN(lg)     PBLOGGER_LEVEL(lg, LogLevel::WARN)
+#define PBLOGGER_ERROR(lg)    PBLOGGER_LEVEL(lg, LogLevel::ERROR)
+#define PBLOGGER_CRITICAL(lg) PBLOGGER_LEVEL(lg, LogLevel::CRITICAL)
+#define PBLOGGER_FATAL(lg)    PBLOGGER_LEVEL(lg, LogLevel::FATAL)
+
+//
+// Log message with desired log level & default logger
+//
+#define PBLOG_LEVEL(lvl) PBLOGGER_LEVEL(PacBio::Logging::Logger::Default(), lvl)
+
+#define PBLOG_TRACE    PBLOG_LEVEL(LogLevel::TRACE)
+#define PBLOG_DEBUG    PBLOG_LEVEL(LogLevel::DEBUG)
+#define PBLOG_INFO     PBLOG_LEVEL(LogLevel::INFO)
+#define PBLOG_NOTICE   PBLOG_LEVEL(LogLevel::NOTICE)
+#define PBLOG_WARN     PBLOG_LEVEL(LogLevel::WARN)
+#define PBLOG_ERROR    PBLOG_LEVEL(LogLevel::ERROR)
+#define PBLOG_CRITICAL PBLOG_LEVEL(LogLevel::CRITICAL)
+#define PBLOG_FATAL    PBLOG_LEVEL(LogLevel::FATAL)
+
+extern void InstallSignalHandlers(Logger& logger = Logger::Default());
+
+} // namespace Logging
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#include "internal/Logging-inl.h"
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_LOGGING_LOGGING_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/logging/internal/Logging-inl.h b/include/pbcopper/logging/internal/Logging-inl.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ab2cfaf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/logging/internal/Logging-inl.h
@@ -0,0 +1,86 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_LOGGING_LOGGING_INL_H
+#define PBCOPPER_LOGGING_LOGGING_INL_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/logging/Logging.h"
+#include <stdexcept>
+#include <sstream>
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace Logging {
+
+// ----------
+// LogLevel
+// ----------
+
+inline LogLevel::LogLevel(const unsigned char value)
+    : value_{ value }
+{ }
+
+inline LogLevel::operator unsigned char(void) const
+{ return value_; }
+
+// --------------
+// LoggerConfig
+// --------------
+
+inline LoggerConfig::LoggerConfig(const std::map<LogLevel, OStreams>& cfg)
+    : std::map<LogLevel, OStreams>(cfg)
+{ }
+
+inline LoggerConfig::LoggerConfig(const std::map<std::string, OStreams>& cfg)
+    : std::map<LogLevel, OStreams>()
+{
+    for (const auto& kv : cfg)
+        (*this)[kv.first] = kv.second;
+}
+
+inline LoggerConfig::LoggerConfig(std::ostream& os, const LogLevel level)
+{
+    for (size_t i = static_cast<size_t>(level); i < LogLevel::MAX_LOG_LEVEL; ++i)
+        (*this)[static_cast<LogLevel>(i)].push_back(os);
+}
+
+inline LoggerConfig::LoggerConfig(std::ostream& os,
+                                  const std::string& level)
+    : LoggerConfig(os, LogLevel(level))
+{ }
+
+// ---------
+// Logger
+// ---------
+
+template<typename... Args>
+Logger::Logger(Args&&... args)
+    : cfg_(std::forward<Args>(args)...)
+    , writer_(&Logger::MessageWriter, this)
+{
+#ifdef NDEBUG
+    if (Handles(LogLevel::TRACE))
+        throw std::invalid_argument("one cannot simply log TRACE messages in release builds!");
+#endif
+}
+
+inline bool Logger::Handles(const LogLevel level) const
+{ return cfg_.find(level) != cfg_.end() && !cfg_.at(level).empty(); }
+
+// ------------
+// LogMessage
+// ------------
+
+inline LogMessage::~LogMessage(void)
+{
+    if (ptr_)
+        logger_ << std::move(ptr_);
+}
+
+template <typename T>
+inline LogMessage& LogMessage::operator<<(const T& t)
+{
+    if (ptr_) std::get<1>(*ptr_) << t;
+    return *this;
+}
+
+} // namespace Logging
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_LOGGING_LOGGING_INL_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/stream/Stream.h b/include/pbcopper/stream/Stream.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..716f9c2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/stream/Stream.h
@@ -0,0 +1,190 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_STREAM_STREAM_H
+#define PBCOPPER_STREAM_STREAM_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/Config.h"
+#include <functional>
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace Stream {
+
+/// \brief Sink function type for data streams.
+///
+/// A sink function takes a data value and does some 'final' action on it, such
+/// as printing.
+///
+/// Example:
+/// \code{.cpp}
+///     auto printToConsole = [](const int x) { std::cout << x; };
+/// \endcode
+///
+template<typename T>
+using Sink = std::function<void (const T&)>;
+
+/// \brief Source function type for data streams.
+///
+/// A source function writes data to the sink provided.
+///
+/// Example:
+/// \code{.cpp}
+///     auto intList = [](Sink<std::int> out)
+///     {
+///         const std::vector<int> v = { 1,2,3,4,5 };
+///         for (auto e : v)
+///             out(e);
+///     };
+/// \endcode
+///
+template<typename T>
+using Source = std::function<void (Sink<T>)>;
+
+/// \brief Source function type for data streams.
+///
+/// A transform function takes a value, (likely) does some modification and
+/// writes to the sink provided. Input & output types are allowed to differ.
+///
+/// Example:
+/// \code{.cpp}
+///     auto splitLines = [](Sink<std::string> out, std::string s)
+///     {
+///         auto stream = std::stringstream{ s };
+///         auto token  = std::string{ };
+///         while (std::getline(stream, token)
+///             out(token);
+///     };
+///
+///     auto intToString = [](Sink<std::string> out, int x)
+///     {
+///         out( std::to_string(x) );
+///     };
+/// \endcode
+///
+template<typename T, typename U>
+using Transform = std::function<void (Sink<U>, T)>;
+
+/// \brief This method connects a Source to a Sink, in that order.
+///
+/// \param source   data source
+/// \param sink     data sink
+///
+template<typename T>
+void sourceToSink(Source<T> source, Sink<T> sink)
+{
+    source(sink);
+}
+
+/// \brief This method connects a Transform to a Sink, in that order.
+///
+/// \param transform    data transform
+/// \param sink         data sink
+///
+/// \returns a Sink function, which can transform data before the final action
+///
+template<typename T, typename U>
+Sink<T> transformToSink (Transform<T,U> transform, Sink<U> sink)
+{
+    return [transform, sink](const T& value) {
+        transform(sink, value);
+    };
+}
+
+/// \brief This method connects a Source to a Transform, in that order.
+///
+/// \param source       data source
+/// \param transform    data transform
+///
+/// \returns a Source function, which provides transformed data
+///
+template<typename T, typename U>
+Source<U> sourceToTransform (Transform<T,U> transform, Source<T> source)
+{
+    return [transform, source](Sink<U> sink)
+    {
+        auto intermediateSink = [transform, sink](const T& value)
+        {
+            transform(sink, value);
+        };
+        source(intermediateSink);
+    };
+}
+
+/// \brief This method connects a Transform to another Transform.
+///
+/// \param t1   upstream data transform
+/// \param t2   downstream data transform
+///
+/// \returns a Transform function representing the composite operation
+///
+template<typename T, typename Intermediate, typename U>
+Transform<T,U> transformToTransform(Transform<T, Intermediate> t1,
+                                    Transform<Intermediate, U> t2)
+{
+    return [t1, t2](Sink<U> finalSink, T originalValue)
+    {
+        auto intermediateSink = [t2,finalSink](const Intermediate& value)
+        {
+            t2(finalSink, value);
+        };
+        t1(intermediateSink, originalValue);
+    };
+}
+
+/// \brief Overloaded stream operator for chaining (source >> sink).
+///
+/// \param source   data source
+/// \param sink     data sink
+///
+/// \sa sourceToSink
+///
+template<typename T, typename U>
+void operator>>(Source<T> source, Sink<U> sink)
+{
+    sourceToSink(source, sink);
+}
+
+/// \brief Overloaded stream operator for chaining (source >> transform).
+///
+/// \param source       data source
+/// \param transform    data transform
+///
+/// \returns a Source function, which provides transformed data
+/// \sa sourceToTransform
+///
+template<typename T, typename U>
+Source<U> operator>>(Source<T> source, Transform<T,U> transform)
+{
+    return sourceToTransform(transform, source);
+}
+
+/// \brief Overloaded stream operator for chaining (transform >> sink).
+///
+/// \param transform    data transform
+/// \param sink         data sink
+///
+/// \returns a Sink function, which can transform data before the final action
+/// \sa transformToSink
+///
+template<typename T, typename U>
+Sink<T> operator>>(Transform<T,U> transform, Sink<U> sink)
+{
+    return transformToSink(transform, sink);
+}
+
+/// \brief Overloaded stream operator for chaining (transform >> transform).
+///
+/// \param t1   upstream data transform
+/// \param t2   downstream data transform
+///
+/// \returns a Transform function representing the composite operation
+/// \sa transformToTransform
+///
+template<typename T, typename Intermediate, typename U>
+Transform<T,U> operator>>(Transform<T, Intermediate> t1,
+                          Transform<Intermediate, U> t2)
+{
+    return transformToTransform(t1, t2);
+}
+
+} // namespace Stream
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_CLI_FXNCLI_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/utility/CallbackTimer.h b/include/pbcopper/utility/CallbackTimer.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7a271e8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/utility/CallbackTimer.h
@@ -0,0 +1,62 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_UTILITY_CALLBACKTIMER_H
+#define PBCOPPER_UTILITY_CALLBACKTIMER_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/Config.h"
+#include <functional>
+#include <memory>
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace Utility {
+
+namespace internal { class CallbackTimerPrivate; }
+
+/// \brief The CallbackTimer class provides repetitive and single-shot timers
+///        for scheduling asynchronous tasks.
+///
+/// This class is used to schedule one or more callbacks to fire at some point
+/// number of milliseconds in the future, and optionally fire again every so
+/// many milliseconds.
+///
+/// As it stands, the callback function must be of the signature:
+///
+///     void foo(void);
+///
+/// whether a free function, member function, or lambda.
+///
+class CallbackTimer
+{
+public:
+    typedef uint64_t              JobId;
+    typedef std::function<void()> HandlerFn;
+
+public:
+    static void SingleShot(uint64_t when, const HandlerFn& handler);
+    static void SingleShot(uint64_t when, HandlerFn&& handler);
+
+public:
+    CallbackTimer(void);
+    ~CallbackTimer(void);
+
+public:
+    JobId Schedule(const uint64_t when,
+                   const uint64_t period,
+                   const HandlerFn& handler);
+
+    JobId Schedule(const uint64_t when,
+                   const uint64_t period,
+                   HandlerFn&& handler);
+
+public:
+    bool Cancel(const JobId id);
+    bool IsActive(const JobId id);
+
+private:
+    std::unique_ptr<internal::CallbackTimerPrivate> d_;
+};
+
+} // namespace Utility
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#include "internal/CallbackTimer-inl.h"
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_UTILITY_CALLBACKTIMER_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/utility/EnumClassHash.h b/include/pbcopper/utility/EnumClassHash.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8bd246d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/utility/EnumClassHash.h
@@ -0,0 +1,36 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_UTILITY_ENUMCLASSHASH_H
+#define PBCOPPER_UTILITY_ENUMCLASSHASH_H
+
+#include <cstddef>
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace Utility {
+
+///
+/// \brief The EnumClassHash struct enables the use of enum class types as keys
+///        for std::unordered_map.
+///
+/// Allows something like:
+///
+/// \code{.cpp}
+///    std::unordered_map<Key_t, Value_t, EnumClassHash> myLookup;
+/// \endcode
+///
+/// where Key_t is an enum class. Without this sort of extra hand-holding to
+/// provide a 'manual' hash value, enum classes as keys will fail to compile.
+///
+/// \note This approach might be unnecessary in C++14, if I understand some of
+/// the changes correctly. But this works for C++11 and should continue beyond.
+///
+/// \sa http://stackoverflow.com/questions/18837857/cant-use-enum-class-as-unordered-map-key
+///
+struct EnumClassHash
+{
+    template<typename T> size_t operator()(const T t) const
+    { return static_cast<size_t>(t); }
+};
+
+} // namespace Utility
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_UTILITY_ENUMCLASSHASH_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/utility/Stopwatch.h b/include/pbcopper/utility/Stopwatch.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5ac0d72
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/utility/Stopwatch.h
@@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_UTILITY_STOPWATCH_H
+#define PBCOPPER_UTILITY_STOPWATCH_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/Config.h"
+#include <chrono>
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace Utility {
+
+class Stopwatch
+{
+public:
+    /// \name Constructors & Related Methods
+    /// \{
+
+    /// Creates a stopwatch and begins timing.
+    Stopwatch(void);
+
+    Stopwatch(const Stopwatch& other) = default;
+    Stopwatch(Stopwatch&& other) = default;
+    Stopwatch& operator=(const Stopwatch& other) = default;
+    Stopwatch& operator=(Stopwatch& other) = default;
+    ~Stopwatch(void) = default;
+
+    /// \}
+
+public:
+
+    /// \returns the elapsed time (in milliseconds) since timing began.
+    float ElapsedMilliseconds(void) const;
+
+    /// \returns the elapsed time (in seconds) since timing began.
+    float ElapsedSeconds(void) const;
+
+    /// \returns the elapsed time (in user-provided units) since timing began.
+    template<typename TimeUnit>
+    float Elapsed(void) const;
+
+    // resets internal values
+    void Reset(void);
+
+private:
+    std::chrono::steady_clock::time_point start_;
+};
+
+} // namespace Utility
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#include "internal/Stopwatch-inl.h"
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_UTILITY_STOPWATCH_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/utility/StringUtils.h b/include/pbcopper/utility/StringUtils.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bc03564
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/utility/StringUtils.h
@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_UTILITY_STRINGUTILS_H
+#define PBCOPPER_UTILITY_STRINGUTILS_H
+
+#include <string>
+#include <vector>
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace Utility {
+
+std::string Join(const std::vector<std::string>& input,
+                 const std::string& delim);
+
+std::string Join(const std::vector<std::string>& input,
+                 const char delim);
+
+std::vector<std::string> Split(const std::string& line,
+                               const char delim = '\t');
+
+} // namespace Utility
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#include "internal/StringUtils-inl.h"
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_UTILITY_STRINGUTILS_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/utility/SystemInfo.h b/include/pbcopper/utility/SystemInfo.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f5a6633
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/utility/SystemInfo.h
@@ -0,0 +1,29 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_UTILITY_SYSTEMINFO_H
+#define PBCOPPER_UTILITY_SYSTEMINFO_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/Config.h"
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace Utility {
+
+class SystemInfo
+{
+public:
+    enum Endian
+    {
+        BigEndian,
+        LittleEndian
+    };
+
+public:
+    static constexpr SystemInfo::Endian ByteOrder(void);
+    static constexpr bool IsBigEndian(void);
+    static constexpr bool IsLittleEndian(void);
+};
+
+} // namespace Utility
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#include "internal/SystemInfo-inl.h"
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_UTILITY_SYSTEMINFO_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/utility/Version.h.in b/include/pbcopper/utility/Version.h.in
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..07e5447
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/utility/Version.h.in
@@ -0,0 +1,57 @@
+// Copyright (c) 2016, Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc.
+//
+// All rights reserved.
+//
+// Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without
+// modification, are permitted (subject to the limitations in the
+// disclaimer below) provided that the following conditions are met:
+//
+//  * Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright
+//    notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer.
+//
+//  * Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the above
+//    copyright notice, this list of conditions and the following
+//    disclaimer in the documentation and/or other materials provided
+//    with the distribution.
+//
+//  * Neither the name of Pacific Biosciences nor the names of its
+//    contributors may be used to endorse or promote products derived
+//    from this software without specific prior written permission.
+//
+// NO EXPRESS OR IMPLIED LICENSES TO ANY PARTY'S PATENT RIGHTS ARE
+// GRANTED BY THIS LICENSE. THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY PACIFIC
+// BIOSCIENCES AND ITS CONTRIBUTORS "AS IS" AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
+// WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES
+// OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE
+// DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL PACIFIC BIOSCIENCES OR ITS
+// CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL,
+// SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT
+// LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF
+// USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND
+// ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY,
+// OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT
+// OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
+// SUCH DAMAGE.
+
+// Author: Armin Töpfer
+
+#pragma once
+
+#include <string>
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace Utility {
+
+constexpr auto   LibraryVersion = "@pbcopper_VERSION@";
+constexpr auto   LibraryGitSha1 = "@COPPER_GIT_SHA1@";
+constexpr size_t LibraryMajor    = @pbcopper_VERSION_MAJOR@;
+constexpr size_t LibraryMinor    = @pbcopper_VERSION_MINOR@;
+constexpr size_t LibraryPatch    = @pbcopper_VERSION_PATCH@;
+
+std::string LibraryVersionString()
+{ return LibraryVersion; }
+
+std::string LibraryGitSha1String()
+{ return LibraryGitSha1; }
+
+}} // ::PacBio::Utility
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/utility/internal/CallbackTimer-inl.h b/include/pbcopper/utility/internal/CallbackTimer-inl.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b15e2d2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/utility/internal/CallbackTimer-inl.h
@@ -0,0 +1,198 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_UTILITY_CALLBACKTIMER_INL_H
+#define PBCOPPER_UTILITY_CALLBACKTIMER_INL_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/utility/CallbackTimer.h"
+
+#include <algorithm>
+#include <chrono>
+#include <condition_variable>
+#include <mutex>
+#include <set>
+#include <thread>
+#include <unordered_map>
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace Utility {
+namespace internal {
+
+typedef std::chrono::steady_clock                    CallbackTimerClock;
+typedef std::chrono::time_point<CallbackTimerClock>  CallbackTimerTimePoint;
+typedef std::chrono::milliseconds                    CallbackTimerDuration;
+typedef std::unique_lock<std::mutex>                 CallbackTimerMutexLocker;
+
+struct CallbackTimerJob
+{
+public:
+    CallbackTimer::JobId     id;
+    CallbackTimerTimePoint   next;
+    CallbackTimerDuration    period;
+    CallbackTimer::HandlerFn handler;
+    bool running;
+
+public:
+    CallbackTimerJob(CallbackTimer::JobId id = 0)
+        : id(id)
+        , running(false)
+    { }
+
+    template<typename CallbackType>
+    CallbackTimerJob(CallbackTimer::JobId id,
+                     CallbackTimerTimePoint next,
+                     CallbackTimerDuration period,
+                     CallbackType&& handler) noexcept
+        : id(id)
+        , next(next)
+        , period(period)
+        , handler(std::forward<CallbackType>(handler))
+        , running(false)
+    { }
+
+    CallbackTimerJob(CallbackTimerJob&& r) noexcept
+        : id(r.id)
+        , next(r.next)
+        , period(r.period)
+        , handler(std::move(r.handler))
+        , running(r.running)
+    { }
+
+    CallbackTimerJob& operator=(CallbackTimerJob&& r)
+    {
+        if (this != &r) {
+            id = r.id;
+            next = r.next;
+            period = r.period;
+            handler = std::move(r.handler);
+            running = r.running;
+        }
+        return *this;
+    }
+
+    CallbackTimerJob(CallbackTimerJob const& r) = delete;
+    CallbackTimerJob& operator=(CallbackTimerJob const& r) = delete;
+};
+
+struct NextActive
+{
+    bool operator()(const CallbackTimerJob& a,
+                    const CallbackTimerJob& b) const
+    { return a.next < b.next; }
+};
+
+class CallbackTimerPrivate
+{
+    typedef CallbackTimer::JobId                         JobId;
+    typedef CallbackTimer::HandlerFn                     HandlerFn;
+    typedef std::unordered_map<JobId, CallbackTimerJob>  JobMap;
+    typedef std::reference_wrapper<CallbackTimerJob>     QueueValue;
+    typedef std::multiset<QueueValue, NextActive>        JobQueue;
+
+public:
+    CallbackTimerPrivate(void)
+        : nextId(1)
+        , queue(NextActive())
+        , worker(std::bind(&CallbackTimerPrivate::Run, this))
+        , done(false)
+    { }
+
+    ~CallbackTimerPrivate(void)
+    {
+        CallbackTimerMutexLocker lock(sync);
+
+        // mark ourselves as 'done' & wait for thread to wrap up
+        done = true;
+        wakeUp.notify_all();
+        lock.unlock();
+        worker.join();
+    }
+
+public:
+    JobId Schedule(const uint64_t msFromNow,
+                   const uint64_t msPeriod,
+                   const HandlerFn& handler)
+    {
+        return ScheduleImpl(
+            CallbackTimerJob{
+                0,
+                CallbackTimerClock::now() + CallbackTimerDuration(msFromNow),
+                CallbackTimerDuration(msPeriod),
+                handler
+            }
+        );
+    }
+
+    JobId Schedule(const uint64_t msFromNow,
+                   const uint64_t msPeriod,
+                   HandlerFn&& handler)
+    {
+        return ScheduleImpl(
+            CallbackTimerJob{
+                0,
+                CallbackTimerClock::now() + CallbackTimerDuration(msFromNow),
+                CallbackTimerDuration(msPeriod),
+                std::move(handler)
+            }
+        );
+    }
+
+
+    bool IsActive(const JobId id)
+    {
+        CallbackTimerMutexLocker lock(sync);
+        return activeJobs.find(id) != activeJobs.end();
+    }
+
+    bool Cancel(const JobId id);
+
+private:
+    // job storage
+    JobId nextId;
+    JobMap activeJobs;
+    JobQueue queue;
+
+    // job scheduling
+    std::mutex sync;
+    std::condition_variable wakeUp;
+    std::thread worker;
+    bool done;
+
+private:
+    void Run(void);
+    JobId ScheduleImpl(CallbackTimerJob&& item);
+};
+
+} // namespace internal
+
+inline CallbackTimer::CallbackTimer(void)
+    : d_(new internal::CallbackTimerPrivate)
+{ }
+
+inline CallbackTimer::~CallbackTimer(void) { }
+
+inline bool CallbackTimer::Cancel(const JobId id)
+{
+    return d_->Cancel(id);
+}
+
+inline bool CallbackTimer::IsActive(const JobId id)
+{
+    return d_->IsActive(id);
+}
+
+inline CallbackTimer::JobId CallbackTimer::Schedule(const uint64_t msFromNow,
+                                                    const uint64_t msPeriod,
+                                                    const HandlerFn &handler)
+{
+    return d_->Schedule(msFromNow, msPeriod, handler);
+}
+
+inline CallbackTimer::JobId CallbackTimer::Schedule(const uint64_t msFromNow,
+                                                    const uint64_t msPeriod,
+                                                    HandlerFn &&handler)
+{
+    return d_->Schedule(msFromNow, msPeriod, std::move(handler));
+}
+
+} // namespace Utility
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_UTILITY_CALLBACKTIMER_INL_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/utility/internal/Stopwatch-inl.h b/include/pbcopper/utility/internal/Stopwatch-inl.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..48c8eba
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/utility/internal/Stopwatch-inl.h
@@ -0,0 +1,39 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_UTILITY_STOPWATCH_INL_H
+#define PBCOPPER_UTILITY_STOPWATCH_INL_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/utility/Stopwatch.h"
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace Utility {
+
+inline Stopwatch::Stopwatch(void)
+{
+    Reset();
+}
+
+template<typename TimeUnit>
+float Stopwatch::Elapsed(void) const
+{
+    const auto now = std::chrono::steady_clock::now();
+    return std::chrono::duration_cast<TimeUnit>(now - start_).count();
+}
+
+inline float Stopwatch::ElapsedMilliseconds(void) const
+{
+    return Elapsed<std::chrono::milliseconds>();
+}
+
+inline float Stopwatch::ElapsedSeconds(void) const
+{
+    return Elapsed<std::chrono::seconds>();
+}
+
+void Stopwatch::Reset(void)
+{
+    start_ = std::chrono::steady_clock::now();
+}
+
+} // namespace Utility
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_UTILITY_STOPWATCH_INL_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/utility/internal/StringUtils-inl.h b/include/pbcopper/utility/internal/StringUtils-inl.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3672063
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/utility/internal/StringUtils-inl.h
@@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_UTILITY_STRINGUTILS_INL_H
+#define PBCOPPER_UTILITY_STRINGUTILS_INL_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/utility/StringUtils.h"
+#include <sstream>
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace Utility {
+
+inline std::string Join(const std::vector<std::string>& input,
+                        const std::string& delim)
+{
+    // determine total joined length
+    size_t totalLen = 0;
+    for (const auto& s : input)
+        totalLen += s.size();
+    if (!input.empty())
+        totalLen += delim.size() * (input.size()-1); // no delim after last string
+
+    // join input strings
+    std::string result;
+    result.reserve(totalLen);
+    for (size_t i = 0; i < input.size(); ++i) {
+        if (i != 0)
+            result += delim;
+        result += input.at(i);
+    }
+    return result;
+}
+
+inline std::string Join(const std::vector<std::string>& input,
+                        const char delim)
+{
+    return Join(input, std::string(1, delim));
+}
+
+inline std::vector<std::string> Split(const std::string& line,
+                                      const char delim)
+{
+    std::vector<std::string> tokens;
+    std::stringstream lineStream{ line };
+    std::string token;
+    while (std::getline(lineStream, token, delim))
+        tokens.push_back(token);
+    return tokens;
+}
+
+} // namespace Utility
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_UTILITY_STRINGUTILS_INL_H
diff --git a/include/pbcopper/utility/internal/SystemInfo-inl.h b/include/pbcopper/utility/internal/SystemInfo-inl.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d2333b7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/pbcopper/utility/internal/SystemInfo-inl.h
@@ -0,0 +1,54 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_UTILITY_SYSTEMINFO_INL_H
+#define PBCOPPER_UTILITY_SYSTEMINFO_INL_H
+
+#include "pbcopper/utility/SystemInfo.h"
+#include <boost/detail/endian.hpp>
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace Utility {
+
+//
+// if something funky with Boost detection, do this 'manual' compile-time check
+// as fallback
+//
+#if !defined(BOOST_LITTLE_ENDIAN) && !defined(BOOST_BIG_ENDIAN)
+
+namespace internal {
+
+class EndianHelper
+{
+private:
+    static constexpr uint32_t num_  = 0x01020304;
+    static constexpr uint8_t check_ = static_cast<const uint8_t&>(num_);
+public:
+    static constexpr bool little = (check_ == 0x04);
+    static constexpr bool big    = (check_ == 0x01);
+    static_assert(little || big, "cannot determine endianness");
+};
+
+} // namespace internal
+
+#endif // no Boost endian
+
+inline constexpr SystemInfo::Endian SystemInfo::ByteOrder(void)
+{
+#if defined(BOOST_LITTLE_ENDIAN)
+    return SystemInfo::LittleEndian;
+#elif defined(BOOST_BIG_ENDIAN)
+    return SystemInfo::BigEndian;
+#else
+    return internal::EndianHelper::little ? SystemInfo::LittleEndian
+                                          : SystemInfo::BigEndian;
+#endif
+}
+
+inline constexpr bool SystemInfo::IsBigEndian(void)
+{ return SystemInfo::ByteOrder() == SystemInfo::BigEndian; }
+
+inline constexpr bool SystemInfo::IsLittleEndian(void)
+{ return SystemInfo::ByteOrder() == SystemInfo::LittleEndian; }
+
+} // namespace Utility
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_UTILITY_SYSTEMINFO_H
diff --git a/src/CMakeLists.txt b/src/CMakeLists.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bf1c736
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,54 @@
+
+# define pbcopper library dependencies
+set(pbcopper_DependencyIncludes
+    ${Boost_INCLUDE_DIRS}
+)
+set(pbcopper_DependencyLibraries
+    ${CMAKE_THREAD_LIBS_INIT}
+)
+
+# set up library include dirs
+include_directories(SYSTEM ${pbcopper_DependencyIncludes})
+include_directories(${pbcopper_IncludeDir})
+
+# grab library source files
+include(files.cmake)
+set(SOURCES
+    ${pbcopper_H}
+    ${pbcopper_CPP}
+)
+set(CMAKE_CXX_FLAGS "${CMAKE_CXX_FLAGS} ${pbcopper_CXX_FLAGS}")
+
+# define pbcopper library
+add_definitions(-DPBCOPPER_LIBRARY)
+add_library(pbcopper ${SOURCES})
+set_target_properties(pbcopper
+    PROPERTIES
+    ARCHIVE_OUTPUT_DIRECTORY ${pbcopper_LibDir}
+    RUNTIME_OUTPUT_DIRECTORY ${pbcopper_LibDir}
+    LIBRARY_OUTPUT_DIRECTORY ${pbcopper_LibDir}
+)
+
+# link dependency libs
+target_link_libraries(pbcopper ${pbcopper_DependencyLibraries})
+target_include_directories(pbcopper
+    PUBLIC
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}
+    ${pbcopper_DependencyIncludes}
+    ${CMAKE_BINARY_DIR}/generated
+)
+
+# export variables for projects that use pbcopper
+set(pbcopper_INCLUDE_DIRS
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir} ${pbcopper_DependencyIncludes} ${CMAKE_BINARY_DIR}/generated
+    CACHE INTERNAL
+    "${PROJECT_NAME}: Include Directories"
+    FORCE
+)
+
+set(pbcopper_LIBRARIES
+    pbcopper ${pbcopper_DependencyLibraries}
+    CACHE INTERNAL
+    "${PROJECT_NAME}: Libraries"
+    FORCE
+)
diff --git a/src/cli/CLI.cpp b/src/cli/CLI.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..50d220e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/cli/CLI.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,95 @@
+#include "pbcopper/cli/CLI.h"
+
+#include "pbcopper/cli/HelpPrinter.h"
+#include "pbcopper/cli/Parser.h"
+#include "pbcopper/cli/VersionPrinter.h"
+#include "pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/JsonPrinter.h"
+#include "pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/ResolvedToolContract.h"
+#include <fstream>
+#include <iostream>
+#include <cstdlib>
+
+using namespace PacBio;
+using namespace PacBio::CLI;
+using namespace std;
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+
+int Run(int argc, char *argv[],
+        const Interface& interface,
+        const ResultsHandler& handler)
+{
+    return Run(vector<string>{argv, argv + argc},
+               interface,
+               handler);
+}
+
+int Run(const vector<string>& args,
+        const Interface& interface,
+        const ResultsHandler& handler)
+{
+    // parse command line args
+    Parser parser(interface);
+    const auto results = parser.Parse(args);
+
+    // check for help option (enabled & requested)
+    if (interface.HasHelpOptionRegistered()) {
+        const auto helpOptionId = interface.HelpOption().Id();
+        const bool helpRequested = results[helpOptionId];
+        if (helpRequested) {
+            HelpPrinter::Print(interface, std::cout);
+            return EXIT_SUCCESS;
+        }
+    }
+
+    // check for version option (enabled & requested)
+    if (interface.HasVersionOptionRegistered()) {
+        const auto versionOptionId = interface.VersionOption().Id();
+        const bool versionRequested = results[versionOptionId];
+        if (versionRequested) {
+            VersionPrinter::Print(interface, std::cout);
+            return EXIT_SUCCESS;
+        }
+    }
+
+    // tool contract support
+    if (interface.IsToolContractEnabled()) {
+
+        // check for emit-tool-contract requested
+        const bool emitTcRequested = results["emit_tc"];
+        if (emitTcRequested) {
+            ToolContract::JsonPrinter::Print(interface, std::cout);
+            return EXIT_SUCCESS;
+        }
+
+        // check for resolved tool contract cmdline input
+        const string& rtcFn = results["rtc_provided"];
+        if (!rtcFn.empty()) {
+
+            // invoke app callback with results parsed from RTC
+            ToolContract::ResolvedToolContract rtc(interface);
+            ifstream in(rtcFn);
+            if (in) {
+                const auto rtcResults = rtc.Parse(in);
+                return handler(rtcResults);
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    // otherwise invoke app callback with results parsed from command line
+    return handler(results);
+}
+
+void PrintHelp(const Interface& interface, ostream& out)
+{
+    HelpPrinter::Print(interface, out);
+}
+
+void PrintVersion(const Interface& interface, ostream& out)
+{
+    VersionPrinter::Print(interface, out);
+}
+
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
diff --git a/src/cli/HelpPrinter.cpp b/src/cli/HelpPrinter.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..09cb050
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/cli/HelpPrinter.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,209 @@
+#include "pbcopper/cli/HelpPrinter.h"
+#include "pbcopper/cli/Interface.h"
+#include "pbcopper/json/JSON.h"
+#include <sys/ioctl.h>
+#include <unistd.h>
+#include <algorithm>
+#include <sstream>
+#include <string>
+#include <vector>
+using namespace PacBio;
+using namespace PacBio::CLI;
+using namespace PacBio::JSON;
+using namespace std;
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+namespace internal {
+
+static
+bool shouldIncludeDefaultValue(const Json& defaultValue)
+{
+    // omit if switch OR null
+    if (defaultValue.is_boolean() || defaultValue.is_null())
+        return false;
+
+    // omit if empty string default on string-type option
+    if (defaultValue.is_string()) {
+        const string val = defaultValue;
+        if (val.empty())
+            return false;
+    }
+
+    // otherwise include default value
+    return true;
+}
+
+static
+string formatOption(string optionOutput,
+                    size_t longestOptionLength,
+                    string description,
+                    Json defaultValue)
+{
+    struct winsize ws;
+    ioctl(STDOUT_FILENO, TIOCGWINSZ, &ws);
+    const size_t ncol = (ws.ws_col < 2) ? 79 : ws.ws_col - 1;
+
+    stringstream result("");
+    auto fullDescription = description;
+
+    // maybe add default value to description
+    if (shouldIncludeDefaultValue(defaultValue)) {
+        fullDescription += " [";
+        fullDescription += defaultValue.dump();
+        fullDescription += "]";
+    }
+
+    // option names
+    optionOutput.resize(longestOptionLength, ' ');
+    result << "  " << optionOutput << " ";
+
+    // maybe wrap description
+    const auto indent = result.str().length();
+    auto lineStart     = size_t{ 0 };
+    auto lastBreakable = string::npos;
+    const auto max     = size_t{ ncol - indent };
+    auto x             = size_t{ 0 };
+    const auto len = fullDescription.length();
+
+    for (size_t i = 0; i < len; ++i) {
+        ++x;
+        const auto c = fullDescription.at(i);
+        if (isspace(c))
+            lastBreakable = i;
+
+        auto breakAt = string::npos;
+        auto nextLineStart = string::npos;
+
+        if (x > max && lastBreakable != string::npos) {
+            breakAt = lastBreakable;
+            nextLineStart = lastBreakable + 1;
+        } else if ( (x > max-1 && lastBreakable == string::npos) || i == len-1) {
+            breakAt = i + 1;
+            nextLineStart = breakAt;
+        } else if (c == '\n') {
+            breakAt = i;
+            nextLineStart = i+1;
+        }
+
+        if (breakAt != string::npos) {
+            const auto numChars = breakAt - lineStart;
+            if (lineStart > 0)
+                result << string(indent, ' ');
+            result << fullDescription.substr(lineStart, numChars) << endl;
+            x = 0;
+            lastBreakable = string::npos;
+            lineStart = nextLineStart;
+            if (lineStart < len && isspace(fullDescription.at(lineStart)))
+                ++lineStart;
+            i = lineStart;
+        }
+    }
+    return result.str();
+}
+
+static
+string formatOptionNames(const Option& option)
+{
+    stringstream optionOutput("");
+    auto first = true;
+    for(const auto& name : option.Names()) {
+        if (first)
+            first = false;
+        else
+            optionOutput << ",";
+
+        if (name.size() == 1)
+            optionOutput << "-";
+        else
+            optionOutput << "--";
+
+        optionOutput << name;
+    }
+
+    if (!option.ValueName().empty())
+        optionOutput << " <" << option.ValueName() << ">";
+
+    return optionOutput.str();
+}
+
+static
+string makeHelpText(const Interface& interface)
+{
+    stringstream result("");
+
+    const auto options = interface.RegisteredOptions();
+    const auto posArgs = interface.RegisteredPositionalArgs();
+
+    // setup usage output
+    {
+        stringstream usage("");
+        usage << interface.ApplicationName();
+        if (!options.empty())
+            usage << " [options]";
+        for (const auto& posArg : posArgs)
+            usage << " " << posArg.syntax_;
+        result << "Usage: " << usage.str() << endl;
+    }
+
+    // description
+    const auto appDescription = interface.ApplicationDescription();
+    if (!appDescription.empty())
+        result << appDescription << endl;
+
+    // empty line
+    result << endl;
+
+    // options
+    if (!options.empty())
+        result << "Options: " << endl;
+
+    auto optionOutputList = vector<string>{ };
+    auto longestOptionOutputLength = size_t{ 0 };
+
+    // registered options
+    for(const auto& option : options) {
+        const auto optionOutputString = formatOptionNames(option);
+        optionOutputList.push_back(optionOutputString);
+        longestOptionOutputLength = std::max(longestOptionOutputLength,
+                                             optionOutputString.size());
+    }
+
+    // spacer
+    ++longestOptionOutputLength;
+
+    // registered options
+    for (size_t i = 0; i < options.size(); ++i) {
+        const auto& option = options.at(i);
+        if (option.IsHidden())
+            continue;
+        result << formatOption(optionOutputList.at(i),
+                               longestOptionOutputLength,
+                               option.Description(),
+                               option.DefaultValue());
+    }
+
+    // positional args
+    if (!posArgs.empty()) {
+        if (!options.empty())
+            result << endl;
+        result << "Arguments: " << endl;
+        for (const auto& posArg : posArgs) {
+            result << formatOption(posArg.name_,
+                                   longestOptionOutputLength,
+                                   posArg.description_,
+                                   Json());
+        }
+    }
+
+    return result.str();
+}
+
+} // namespace internal
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+void HelpPrinter::Print(const Interface& interface, ostream& out)
+{
+    out << internal::makeHelpText(interface) << endl;
+}
diff --git a/src/cli/Interface.cpp b/src/cli/Interface.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..16549a4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/cli/Interface.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,273 @@
+#include "pbcopper/cli/Interface.h"
+#include <boost/optional.hpp>
+#include <unordered_map>
+#include <cassert>
+using namespace PacBio;
+using namespace PacBio::CLI;
+using namespace std;
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+namespace internal {
+
+class InterfacePrivate
+{
+    typedef unordered_map<string, size_t>  NameLookup;
+
+public:
+    // application info
+    string appName_;
+    string appDescription_;
+    string appVersion_;
+    string alternativeToolContractName_;
+
+    // parsing mode/status
+    SingleDashMode singleDashMode_;
+    bool isParsed_;
+    string errorString_;
+
+    // registered options
+    vector<Option>        options_;
+    vector<PositionalArg> positionalArgs_;
+    NameLookup    optionNameLookup_;
+
+    boost::optional<ToolContract::Config> tcConfig_;
+
+    boost::optional<Option> helpOption_;
+    boost::optional<Option> logLevelOption_;
+    boost::optional<Option> verboseOption_;
+    boost::optional<Option> versionOption_;
+
+public:
+    InterfacePrivate(const string& appName,
+                     const string& appDescription,
+                     const string& appVersion)
+        : appName_(appName)
+        , appDescription_(appDescription)
+        , appVersion_(appVersion)
+        , singleDashMode_(SingleDashMode::ParseAsShortOptions)
+        , isParsed_(false)
+        , tcConfig_(boost::none)
+        , helpOption_(boost::none)
+        , logLevelOption_(boost::none)
+        , verboseOption_(boost::none)
+        , versionOption_(boost::none)
+    {
+        if (appName_.empty())
+            throw runtime_error("CLI::Interface - application name must not be empty");
+    }
+
+    InterfacePrivate(const InterfacePrivate& other) = default;
+
+public:
+    void AddOption(const Option& option);
+    void AddPositionalArgument(PositionalArg posArg);
+};
+
+void InterfacePrivate::AddOption(const Option& option)
+{
+    auto optionNames = option.Names();
+    assert(!optionNames.empty());
+
+    // ensure unique
+    for (const auto& name : optionNames) {
+        if (optionNameLookup_.find(name) != optionNameLookup_.cend())
+            throw std::runtime_error("CLI::Interface - duplicate option name:"+name);
+    }
+
+    // store option
+    options_.push_back(option);
+
+    // store names in lookup
+    const auto optionIndex = options_.size() - 1;
+    for (const auto& name : optionNames)
+        optionNameLookup_.insert(std::make_pair(name, optionIndex));
+}
+
+void InterfacePrivate::AddPositionalArgument(PositionalArg posArg)
+{
+    if (posArg.syntax_.empty())
+        posArg.syntax_ = posArg.name_;
+    positionalArgs_.push_back(posArg);
+}
+
+} // namespace internal
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+// ------------------------
+// PacBio::CLI::Interface
+// ------------------------
+
+Interface::Interface(const string& appName,
+                     const string& appDescription,
+                     const string& appVersion)
+    : d_(new internal::InterfacePrivate{appName, appDescription, appVersion})
+{ }
+
+Interface::Interface(const Interface& other)
+    : d_(new internal::InterfacePrivate{*other.d_.get()})
+{ }
+
+Interface::~Interface(void) { }
+
+Interface& Interface::AddHelpOption(const Option& option)
+{
+    d_->helpOption_ = option;
+    d_->AddOption(option);
+    return *this;
+}
+
+Interface& Interface::AddLogLevelOption(const Option& option)
+{
+    d_->logLevelOption_ = option;
+    d_->AddOption(option);
+    return *this;
+}
+
+Interface& Interface::AddOption(const Option& option)
+{  return AddOptions( vector<Option>{ option }); }
+
+Interface& Interface::AddOptions(const vector<Option>& options)
+{
+    for (const auto& opt : options)
+        d_->AddOption(opt);
+    return *this;
+}
+
+Interface& Interface::AddPositionalArgument(const PositionalArg& posArg)
+{ return AddPositionalArguments(vector<PositionalArg>{ posArg }); }
+
+Interface& Interface::AddPositionalArguments(const vector<PositionalArg>& posArgs)
+{
+    for (const auto& posArg : posArgs)
+        d_->AddPositionalArgument(posArg);
+    return *this;
+}
+
+Interface& Interface::AddVerboseOption(const Option& option)
+{
+    d_->verboseOption_ = option;
+    d_->AddOption(option);
+    return *this;
+}
+
+Interface& Interface::AddVersionOption(const Option& option)
+{
+    d_->versionOption_ = option;
+    d_->AddOption(option);
+    return *this;
+}
+
+string Interface::ApplicationDescription(void) const
+{ return d_->appDescription_; }
+
+Interface& Interface::ApplicationDescription(const string& description)
+{ d_->appDescription_ = description; return *this; }
+
+string Interface::ApplicationName(void) const
+{ return d_->appName_; }
+
+Interface& Interface::ApplicationName(const string& name)
+{ d_->appName_ = name; return *this; }
+
+string Interface::ApplicationVersion(void) const
+{ return d_->appVersion_; }
+
+Interface& Interface::ApplicationVersion(const string& version)
+{ d_->appVersion_ = version; return *this; }
+
+string Interface::AlternativeToolContractName(void) const
+{ return d_->alternativeToolContractName_; }
+
+Interface& Interface::AlternativeToolContractName(const string& version)
+{ d_->alternativeToolContractName_ = version; return *this; }
+
+Interface& Interface::EnableToolContract(const ToolContract::Config& tcConfig)
+{
+    d_->AddOption(Option{"emit_tc", "emit-tool-contract", "Emit tool contract."});
+    d_->AddOption(Option{"rtc_provided", "resolved-tool-contract", "Use args from resolved tool contract.", Option::StringType("")});
+    d_->tcConfig_ = tcConfig;
+    return *this;
+}
+
+bool Interface::ExpectsValue(const std::string& optionName) const
+{
+    const auto nameLookupIter = d_->optionNameLookup_.find(optionName);
+    if (nameLookupIter == d_->optionNameLookup_.cend())
+        throw std::runtime_error("CLI::Interface - unknown option name: "+optionName);
+    const auto offset = nameLookupIter->second;
+    const JSON::Json& defaultValue = d_->options_.at(offset).DefaultValue();
+    return !defaultValue.is_boolean();
+}
+
+bool Interface::HasHelpOptionRegistered(void) const
+{ return d_->helpOption_.is_initialized(); }
+
+bool Interface::HasLogLevelOptionRegistered(void) const
+{ return d_->logLevelOption_.is_initialized(); }
+
+bool Interface::HasVerboseOptionRegistered(void) const
+{ return d_->verboseOption_.is_initialized(); }
+
+bool Interface::HasVersionOptionRegistered(void) const
+{ return d_->versionOption_.is_initialized(); }
+
+bool Interface::HasOptionRegistered(const std::string& optionName) const
+{
+    return d_->optionNameLookup_.find(optionName) !=
+           d_->optionNameLookup_.cend();
+}
+
+const Option& Interface::HelpOption(void) const
+{
+    if (!HasHelpOptionRegistered())
+        throw std::runtime_error("CLI::Interface - help option requested, but not registered");
+    return d_->helpOption_.get();
+}
+
+std::string Interface::IdForOptionName(const std::string& optionName) const
+{
+    const auto nameLookupIter = d_->optionNameLookup_.find(optionName);
+    if (nameLookupIter == d_->optionNameLookup_.cend())
+        throw std::runtime_error("CLI::Interface - unknown option name: "+optionName);
+    const auto offset = nameLookupIter->second;
+    return d_->options_.at(offset).Id();
+}
+
+bool Interface::IsToolContractEnabled(void) const
+{ return d_->tcConfig_.is_initialized(); }
+
+const Option& Interface::LogLevelOption(void) const
+{
+    if (!HasLogLevelOptionRegistered())
+        throw std::runtime_error("CLI::Interface - log level option requested, but not registered");
+    return d_->logLevelOption_.get();
+}
+
+vector<Option> Interface::RegisteredOptions(void) const
+{ return d_->options_; }
+
+vector<PositionalArg> Interface::RegisteredPositionalArgs(void) const
+{ return d_->positionalArgs_; }
+
+const ToolContract::Config& Interface::ToolContract(void) const
+{
+    if (!d_->tcConfig_)
+        throw std::runtime_error("CLI::Interface - requesting tool contract config for an interface that has not enabled this feature.");
+    return d_->tcConfig_.get();
+}
+
+const Option& Interface::VerboseOption(void) const
+{
+    if (!HasVerboseOptionRegistered())
+        throw std::runtime_error("CLI::Interface - verbose option requested, but not registered");
+    return d_->verboseOption_.get();
+}
+
+const Option& Interface::VersionOption(void) const
+{
+    if (!HasVersionOptionRegistered())
+        throw std::runtime_error("CLI::Interface - version option requested, but not registered");
+    return d_->versionOption_.get();
+}
diff --git a/src/cli/Option.cpp b/src/cli/Option.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6bec1c3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/cli/Option.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,50 @@
+
+#include "pbcopper/cli/Option.h"
+using namespace PacBio;
+using namespace PacBio::CLI;
+using namespace std;
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+namespace internal {
+
+static const Option defaultHelpOption {
+    "help",
+    {"h", "help"},
+    "Output this help."
+};
+
+static const Option defaultLogLevelOption {
+    "log_level",
+    {"log-level", "logLevel"},
+    "Set log level.",
+    Option::StringType("INFO")
+};
+
+static const Option defaultVerboseOption {
+    "verbose",
+    {"v", "verbose"},
+    "Use verbose output."
+};
+
+static const Option defaultVersionOption {
+    "version",
+    "version",
+    "Output version info."
+};
+
+} // namespace internal
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+const Option& Option::DefaultHelpOption(void)
+{ return internal::defaultHelpOption; }
+
+const Option& Option::DefaultLogLevelOption(void)
+{ return internal::defaultLogLevelOption; }
+
+const Option& Option::DefaultVerboseOption(void)
+{ return internal::defaultVerboseOption; }
+
+const Option& Option::DefaultVersionOption(void)
+{ return internal::defaultVersionOption; }
diff --git a/src/cli/Parser.cpp b/src/cli/Parser.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ed9de04
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/cli/Parser.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,200 @@
+#include "pbcopper/cli/Parser.h"
+#include "pbcopper/cli/Interface.h"
+#include <unordered_map>
+#include <cassert>
+using namespace PacBio;
+using namespace PacBio::CLI;
+using namespace std;
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+namespace internal {
+
+class ParserPrivate
+{
+public:
+    typedef unordered_map<string, size_t>           NameLookup;
+    typedef unordered_map<size_t, vector<string> >  ValueLookup;
+
+public:
+    // registered interface
+    PacBio::CLI::Interface interface_;
+    PacBio::CLI::Results   results_;
+
+    vector<string> observedOptions_;              // consider a set
+    ValueLookup    observedOptionValues_;
+
+public:
+    ParserPrivate(const Interface& interface)
+        : interface_(interface)
+        , results_(interface)
+    { }
+
+    ParserPrivate(const ParserPrivate& other) = default;
+
+    void Parse(const vector<string>& args);
+    void ParseOptionValue(const string& optionName,
+                          const string& argument,
+                          vector<string>::const_iterator* argumentIterator,
+                          vector<string>::const_iterator argsEnd);
+};
+
+void ParserPrivate::Parse(const vector<string>& args)
+{
+    results_ = Results{ interface_, args };
+
+    const auto doubleDash = "--";
+    const auto dash  = '-';
+    const auto equal = '=';
+    auto forcePositional = false;
+
+    SingleDashMode singleDashMode_ = SingleDashMode::ParseAsShortOptions;
+
+    // skip app name
+    if (args.empty())
+        throw std::runtime_error("CLI::Parser - received an empty argument list (should have at least the program name)");
+    auto argIter = args.cbegin();
+    auto argEnd  = args.cend();
+    ++argIter;
+
+    // loop over args
+    for (; argIter != argEnd; ++argIter) {
+        const auto& arg = *argIter;
+
+        // definitely positional
+        if (forcePositional)
+            results_.RegisterPositionalArg(arg);
+
+        // long option
+        else if (arg.find(doubleDash) == 0) {
+            if (arg.length() > 2) {
+
+                // pull option name from arg
+                auto optionName = arg.substr(2); // strip '--'
+                const auto equalOffset = optionName.find(equal);
+                if (equalOffset != string::npos)
+                    optionName = optionName.substr(0, equalOffset);
+
+                // register found & parse value
+                const auto& optionId = interface_.IdForOptionName(optionName);
+                results_.RegisterObservedOption(optionId);
+                ParseOptionValue(optionName, arg, &argIter, argEnd);
+
+            }
+            else forcePositional = true;
+        }
+
+        // short option
+        else if (arg.find(dash) == 0) {
+
+            // single dash only (probably indicating 'stdin')
+            if (arg.length() == 1) {
+                results_.RegisterPositionalArg(arg);
+                continue;
+            }
+
+            switch (singleDashMode_)
+            {
+                case SingleDashMode::ParseAsShortOptions :
+                {
+                    auto optionName = string{ };
+                    auto valueFound = false;
+
+                    for (size_t i = 1; i < arg.size(); ++i) {
+                        optionName = arg.substr(i, 1);
+
+                        const auto& optionId = interface_.IdForOptionName(optionName);
+                        results_.RegisterObservedOption(optionId);
+                        const auto expectsValue = interface_.ExpectsValue(optionName);
+                        if (expectsValue) {
+                            if (i+1 < arg.size()) {
+                                if (arg.at(i+1) == equal)
+                                    ++i;
+                                results_.RegisterOptionValue(optionName,  arg.substr(i+1));
+                                valueFound = true;
+                            }
+                            break;
+                        }
+                        if (i+1 < arg.size() && arg.at(i+1) == equal)
+                            break;
+                    }
+
+                    if (!valueFound)
+                        ParseOptionValue(optionName, arg, &argIter, argEnd);
+                    break;
+                }
+
+                case SingleDashMode::ParseAsLongOptions :
+                {
+                    auto optionName = string{ "" }; // strip -, get up to "="
+                    const auto& optionId = interface_.IdForOptionName(optionName);
+                    results_.RegisterObservedOption(optionId);
+                    ParseOptionValue(optionName, arg, &argIter, argEnd);
+                    break;
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        // positional argument
+        else
+            results_.RegisterPositionalArg(arg);
+
+        // make sure we get out at end
+        if (argIter == argEnd)
+            break;
+    }
+}
+
+void ParserPrivate::ParseOptionValue(const string& optionName,
+                                     const string& argument,
+                                     vector<string>::const_iterator* argumentIterator,
+                                     vector<string>::const_iterator argsEnd)
+{
+    if (!interface_.HasOptionRegistered(optionName))
+        throw std::runtime_error("CLI::Parser - unexpected argument " + argument);
+
+    const auto equal = '=';
+    const auto equalPos = argument.find(equal);
+
+    const auto expectsValue = interface_.ExpectsValue(optionName);
+    if (expectsValue) {
+        const auto& optionId = interface_.IdForOptionName(optionName);
+        if (equalPos == string::npos) {
+            ++(*argumentIterator);
+            if (*argumentIterator == argsEnd)
+                throw std::runtime_error("CLI::Parser - missing value after " + argument);
+            results_.RegisterOptionValueString(optionId, *(*argumentIterator));
+        } else
+            results_.RegisterOptionValueString(optionId, argument.substr(equalPos+1));
+    } else {
+        if (equalPos != string::npos)
+            throw std::runtime_error("CLI::Parser - unexpected value after "+argument.substr(0, equalPos));
+    }
+}
+
+} // namespace internal
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+// ------------------------
+// PacBio::CLI::Parser
+// ------------------------
+
+Parser::Parser(const Interface &interface)
+    : d_(new internal::ParserPrivate{ interface })
+{ }
+
+Parser::Parser(const Parser& other)
+    : d_(new internal::ParserPrivate{*other.d_.get()})
+{ }
+
+Parser::~Parser(void) { }
+
+Results Parser::Parse(const vector<string>& args)
+{
+    d_->Parse(args);
+    return d_->results_;
+}
+
+Results Parser::Parse(int argc, char *argv[])
+{ return Parse(vector<string>{argv, argv + argc}); }
diff --git a/src/cli/Results.cpp b/src/cli/Results.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e165f17
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/cli/Results.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,197 @@
+#include "pbcopper/cli/Results.h"
+#include "pbcopper/json/JSON.h"
+#include "pbcopper/utility/StringUtils.h"
+#include <unordered_map>
+#include <set>
+#include <vector>
+#include <cassert>
+#include <cstdlib>
+using namespace PacBio;
+using namespace PacBio::CLI;
+using namespace PacBio::JSON;
+using namespace std;
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+namespace internal {
+
+class ResultsPrivate
+{
+public:
+    PacBio::CLI::Interface interface_;
+    vector<string> inputCommandLine_;
+    Json options_;
+    vector<string> positionalArgs_;
+    PacBio::Logging::LogLevel logLevel_;
+    bool isFromRtc_;
+    uint16_t nproc_;
+
+public:
+    ResultsPrivate(const Interface& interface,
+                   const vector<string>& inputCommandLine)
+        : interface_(interface)
+        , inputCommandLine_(inputCommandLine)
+        , logLevel_(PacBio::Logging::LogLevel::INFO)
+        , isFromRtc_(false)
+        , nproc_(1)
+    {
+        // init with default values
+        const auto& registeredOptions = interface_.RegisteredOptions();
+        for (const Option& opt : registeredOptions)
+            options_[opt.Id()] = opt.DefaultValue();
+    }
+
+    ResultsPrivate(const ResultsPrivate& other) = default;
+    ~ResultsPrivate(void)  = default;
+};
+
+} // namespace internal
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+// ------------------------
+// PacBio::CLI::Results
+// ------------------------
+
+Results::Results(const Interface& interface)
+    : d_(new internal::ResultsPrivate{ interface, vector<string>() })
+{ }
+
+Results::Results(const Interface& interface,
+                 const vector<string>& inputCommandLine)
+    : d_(new internal::ResultsPrivate{ interface, inputCommandLine })
+{ }
+
+Results::Results(const Results& other)
+    : d_(new internal::ResultsPrivate{*other.d_.get()})
+{ }
+
+Results& Results::operator=(const Results& other)
+{
+    d_.reset(new internal::ResultsPrivate{*other.d_.get()});
+    return *this;
+}
+
+Results::~Results(void) { }
+
+string Results::InputCommandLine(void) const
+{
+    return Utility::Join(d_->inputCommandLine_, " ");
+}
+
+bool Results::IsFromRTC(void) const
+{ return d_->isFromRtc_; }
+
+Results& Results::LogLevel(const PacBio::Logging::LogLevel logLevel)
+{
+    d_->logLevel_ = logLevel;
+    return *this;
+}
+
+PacBio::Logging::LogLevel Results::LogLevel(void) const
+{ return d_->logLevel_; }
+
+uint16_t Results::NumProcessors(void) const
+{
+    if (!IsFromRTC()) {
+        throw std::runtime_error("PacBio::CLI::Results - NumProcessors() "
+                                 "available from resolved tool contract only. "
+                                 "Use IsFromRTC() to check before calling this "
+                                 "method.");
+    }
+    return d_->nproc_;
+}
+
+Results& Results::NumProcessors(const uint16_t nproc)
+{ d_->nproc_ = nproc; return *this; }
+
+Results& Results::RegisterOptionValue(const string& optionId,
+                                      const Json& optionValue)
+{
+    // TODO: make safe access
+    d_->options_[optionId] = optionValue;
+
+    // check user-supplied log level
+    if (d_->interface_.HasLogLevelOptionRegistered()) {
+        const auto logLevelOptionId = d_->interface_.LogLevelOption().Id();
+        if (logLevelOptionId == optionId) {
+            const string logLevelString = optionValue;
+            d_->logLevel_ = PacBio::Logging::LogLevel(logLevelString);
+        }
+    }
+
+    return *this;
+}
+
+Results& Results::RegisterOptionValueString(const string& optionId,
+                                            const string& optionValue)
+{
+    // TODO: make safe access
+    Json& opt = d_->options_[optionId];
+    switch(opt.type())
+    {
+        case Json::value_t::number_integer  : opt = std::strtol(optionValue.c_str(), nullptr, 10);  break;
+        case Json::value_t::number_unsigned : opt = std::strtoul(optionValue.c_str(), nullptr, 10); break;
+        case Json::value_t::number_float    : opt = std::strtof(optionValue.c_str(), nullptr);  break;
+        case Json::value_t::string  : opt = optionValue; break;
+        case Json::value_t::boolean : opt = (optionValue == "true"); break;
+        default:
+            throw std::runtime_error("PacBio::CLI::Results - unknown type for option: "+optionId);
+    }
+
+    // check user-supplied log level
+    if (d_->interface_.HasLogLevelOptionRegistered()) {
+        const auto logLevelOptionId = d_->interface_.LogLevelOption().Id();
+        if (logLevelOptionId == optionId) {
+            const string logLevelString = optionValue;
+            d_->logLevel_ = PacBio::Logging::LogLevel(logLevelString);
+        }
+    }
+
+    return *this;
+}
+
+Results& Results::RegisterPositionalArg(const string& posArg)
+{ d_->positionalArgs_.push_back(posArg); return *this; }
+
+Results& Results::SetFromRTC(const bool ok)
+{ d_->isFromRtc_ = ok; return *this; }
+
+const Interface& Results::ApplicationInterface(void) const
+{ return d_->interface_; }
+
+//std::string Results::PositionalArgument(const std::string& posArgName) const
+//{
+//    const auto& registeredPosArgs = d_->interface_.RegisteredPositionalArgs();
+//    size_t index = 0;
+//    for (const PositionalArg& registeredArg : registeredPosArgs) {
+//        if (posArgName == registeredArg.name_)
+//            return d_->positionalArgs_.at(index);
+//        ++index;
+//    }
+//    throw std::runtime_error("PacBio::CLI::Results - unknown positional arg name: "+posArgName);
+//}
+
+vector<string> Results::PositionalArguments(void) const
+{ return d_->positionalArgs_; }
+
+Results& Results::RegisterObservedOption(const std::string& optionId)
+{
+    // TODO: make safe access
+    Json& opt = d_->options_[optionId];
+    if (opt.is_boolean())
+        opt = true;
+    return *this;
+}
+
+const Results::Result& Results::operator[](const std::string& optionId) const
+{
+    // TODO: make safe access
+    return d_->options_[optionId];
+}
+
+Results::Result& Results::operator[](const std::string& optionId)
+{
+    // TODO: make safe access
+    return d_->options_[optionId];
+}
diff --git a/src/cli/VersionPrinter.cpp b/src/cli/VersionPrinter.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c042291
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/cli/VersionPrinter.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+#include "pbcopper/cli/VersionPrinter.h"
+#include "pbcopper/cli/Interface.h"
+#include <ostream>
+using namespace PacBio;
+using namespace PacBio::CLI;
+using namespace std;
+
+void VersionPrinter::Print(const Interface& interface, ostream& out)
+{
+    out << interface.ApplicationName() << " "
+        << interface.ApplicationVersion() << endl;
+}
diff --git a/src/cli/toolcontract/JsonPrinter.cpp b/src/cli/toolcontract/JsonPrinter.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..aeb6da1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/cli/toolcontract/JsonPrinter.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,242 @@
+#include "pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/JsonPrinter.h"
+#include "pbcopper/cli/Interface.h"
+#include "pbcopper/json/JSON.h"
+#include "pbcopper/utility/EnumClassHash.h"
+#include "pbcopper/utility/Version.h"
+#include <stdexcept>
+#include <unordered_map>
+
+using namespace PacBio;
+using namespace PacBio::CLI;
+using namespace PacBio::CLI::ToolContract;
+using namespace PacBio::JSON;
+using namespace std;
+
+namespace PacBio {
+
+namespace CLI {
+
+Option RegisteredOption(const Interface& interface, const string& optionId)
+{
+    const auto registeredOptions = interface.RegisteredOptions();
+    for (const Option& opt : registeredOptions) {
+        if (opt.Id() == optionId)
+            return opt;
+    }
+    throw std::runtime_error("PacBio::CLI - could not find option with id: " + optionId);
+}
+
+namespace ToolContract {
+namespace internal {
+
+static Json makeDriverJson(const Interface& interface)
+{
+    const auto& driver = interface.ToolContract().Driver();
+
+    Json driverJson;
+
+    Json envJson = Json::object();
+    const auto env = driver.Env();
+    auto envIter = env.cbegin();
+    const auto envEnd = env.cend();
+    for ( ; envIter != envEnd; ++envIter) {
+        const auto& key = envIter->first;
+        const auto& value = envIter->second;
+        envJson[key] = value;
+    }
+    driverJson["env"] = envJson;
+
+    auto exe = driver.Exe();
+    if (exe.empty())
+        exe = interface.ApplicationName() + " --resolved-tool-contract";
+    driverJson["exe"] = exe;
+
+    auto serialization = driver.Serialization();
+    if (serialization.empty())
+        serialization = "json";
+    driverJson["serialization"] = serialization;
+
+    return driverJson;
+}
+
+static Json makeInputTypesJson(const Interface& interface)
+{
+    Json inputTypesJson = Json::array();
+
+    const auto& task = interface.ToolContract().Task();
+    const auto& inputFileTypes = task.InputFileTypes();
+    for (const InputFileType& file : inputFileTypes) {
+        Json entry = Json::object();
+        entry["title"]        = file.Title();
+        entry["id"]           = file.Id();
+        entry["file_type_id"] = file.Type();
+        entry["description"]  = file.Description();
+        inputTypesJson.push_back(entry);
+    }
+
+    return inputTypesJson;
+}
+
+static Json makeOutputTypesJson(const Interface& interface)
+{
+    Json outputTypesJson = Json::array();
+
+    const auto& task = interface.ToolContract().Task();
+    const auto& outputFileTypes = task.OutputFileTypes();
+    for (const OutputFileType& file : outputFileTypes) {
+        Json entry = Json::object();
+        entry["title"]        = file.Title();
+        entry["id"]           = file.Id();
+        entry["file_type_id"] = file.Type();
+        entry["default_name"] = file.DefaultName();
+        entry["description"]  = file.Description();
+        outputTypesJson.push_back(entry);
+    }
+
+    return outputTypesJson;
+}
+
+static Json makeResourceTypesJson(const ToolContract::Task& task)
+{
+    const unordered_map<ResourceType, string, Utility::EnumClassHash> lookup =
+    {
+        { ResourceType::LOG_FILE,   "$logfile" },
+        { ResourceType::TMP_FILE,   "$tmpfile" },
+        { ResourceType::TMP_DIR,    "$tmpdir" },
+        { ResourceType::OUTPUT_DIR, "$outputdir" }
+    };
+
+    Json resourceTypesJson = Json::array();
+
+    const auto& taskResourceTypes = task.ResourceTypes();
+    for (const auto& t : taskResourceTypes)
+    {
+        const auto found = lookup.find(t);
+        if (found == lookup.cend())
+            throw std::runtime_error("CLI::ToolContract::JsonPrinter - unknown resource type");
+        resourceTypesJson.push_back(found->second);
+    }
+
+    return resourceTypesJson;
+}
+
+static Json makeSchemaOptionsJson(const Interface& interface)
+{
+    Json schemaOptions = Json::array();
+
+    const auto& task = interface.ToolContract().Task();
+    const auto& taskOptions = task.Options();
+
+    const auto optionPrefix = interface.AlternativeToolContractName().empty()
+                                ? interface.ApplicationName()
+                                : interface.AlternativeToolContractName();
+
+    for (const auto& taskOption : taskOptions) {
+
+        const std::string& optionId = taskOption.first;
+        const std::string& optionDisplayName = taskOption.second;
+        const std::string fullOptionId = optionPrefix + ".task_options." + optionId;
+
+        const Option registeredOption = RegisteredOption(interface, optionId);
+        const std::string optionDescription = registeredOption.Description();
+        const JSON::Json optionDefaultValue = registeredOption.DefaultValue();
+
+        string optionType;
+        switch(optionDefaultValue.type())
+        {
+            case Json::value_t::number_integer  : // fall through
+            case Json::value_t::number_unsigned : optionType = "integer"; break;
+            case Json::value_t::number_float    : optionType = "number"; break;
+            case Json::value_t::string          : optionType = "string"; break;
+            case Json::value_t::boolean         : optionType = "boolean"; break;
+            default:
+                throw std::runtime_error("PacBio::CLI::ToolContract::JsonPrinter - unknown type for option: "+optionId);
+        }
+
+        Json pbOption;
+        pbOption["default"]     = optionDefaultValue;
+        pbOption["option_id"]   = fullOptionId;
+        pbOption["name"]        = optionDisplayName;
+        pbOption["description"] = optionDescription;
+        pbOption["type"]        = optionType;
+
+        Json schemaOption = Json::object();
+        schemaOption["$schema"] = "http://json-schema.org/draft-04/schema#";
+        schemaOption["type"]    = "object";
+        schemaOption["title"] = "JSON Schema for " + fullOptionId;
+
+        schemaOption["pb_option"] = pbOption;
+
+        schemaOption["required"] = Json::array();
+        schemaOption["required"].push_back(fullOptionId);
+
+        schemaOption["properties"] = Json::object();
+        schemaOption["properties"][fullOptionId] = Json::object();
+        schemaOption["properties"][fullOptionId]["default"]     = optionDefaultValue;
+        schemaOption["properties"][fullOptionId]["type"]        = optionType;
+        schemaOption["properties"][fullOptionId]["description"] = optionDescription;
+        schemaOption["properties"][fullOptionId]["title"]       = optionDisplayName;
+
+        schemaOptions.push_back(schemaOption);
+    }
+
+    return schemaOptions;
+}
+
+static std::string makeTaskType(const TaskType& type)
+{
+    switch(type)
+    {
+        case TaskType::STANDARD  : return "pbsmrtpipe.task_types.standard";
+        case TaskType::GATHERED  : return "pbsmrtpipe.task_types.gathered";
+        case TaskType::SCATTERED : return "pbsmrtpipe.task_types.scattered";
+        default:
+            throw std::runtime_error("CLI::ToolContract::JsonPrinter - unknown task type");
+    }
+}
+
+static Json makeTaskJson(const Interface& interface)
+{
+    const auto& task = interface.ToolContract().Task();
+
+    Json tcJson;
+    tcJson["_comment"]    = "Created by v" + Utility::LibraryVersionString();
+    tcJson["description"] = interface.ApplicationDescription();
+    tcJson["name"]        = interface.ApplicationName();
+
+    const auto numProcessors = task.NumProcessors();
+    if (numProcessors == Task::MAX_NPROC)
+        tcJson["nproc"] = "$max_nproc";
+    else
+        tcJson["nproc"] = numProcessors;
+
+    tcJson["is_distributed"]   = task.IsDistributed();
+    tcJson["tool_contract_id"] = task.TaskId();
+
+    tcJson["task_type"]      = internal::makeTaskType(task.Type());
+    tcJson["input_types"]    = internal::makeInputTypesJson(interface);
+    tcJson["output_types"]   = internal::makeOutputTypesJson(interface);
+    tcJson["resource_types"] = internal::makeResourceTypesJson(task);
+    tcJson["schema_options"] = internal::makeSchemaOptionsJson(interface);
+
+    return tcJson;
+}
+
+} // namespace internal
+} // namespace ToolContract
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+void JsonPrinter::Print(const Interface& interface,
+                        ostream& out,
+                        const int indent)
+{
+    // build up JSON object from @interface
+    Json result;
+    result["driver"]           = internal::makeDriverJson(interface);
+    result["tool_contract"]    = internal::makeTaskJson(interface);
+    result["tool_contract_id"] = interface.ToolContract().Task().TaskId();
+    result["version"]          = interface.ApplicationVersion();
+
+    out << result.dump(indent);
+}
diff --git a/src/cli/toolcontract/ResolvedToolContract.cpp b/src/cli/toolcontract/ResolvedToolContract.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d4e8ddb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/cli/toolcontract/ResolvedToolContract.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,107 @@
+#include "pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/ResolvedToolContract.h"
+
+#include "pbcopper/json/JSON.h"
+#include "pbcopper/utility/StringUtils.h"
+
+using namespace PacBio;
+using namespace PacBio::CLI;
+using namespace PacBio::CLI::ToolContract;
+using namespace PacBio::JSON;
+using namespace std;
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+namespace ToolContract {
+namespace internal {
+
+class RtcPrivate
+{
+
+public:
+    const Interface interface_;
+
+public:
+    RtcPrivate(const Interface& interface)
+        : interface_(interface)
+    { }
+};
+
+
+} // namespace internal
+} // namespace ToolContract
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+ResolvedToolContract::ResolvedToolContract(const Interface& interface)
+    : d_(new internal::RtcPrivate{ interface })
+{ }
+
+ResolvedToolContract::~ResolvedToolContract(void) { }
+
+Results ResolvedToolContract::Parse(istream& in)
+{
+    const auto& interface = d_->interface_;
+    const auto& task = interface.ToolContract().Task();
+
+    Results results{ d_->interface_ };
+    results.SetFromRTC(true);
+
+    Json root(in);
+    Json rtc = root["resolved_tool_contract"];
+
+    // options (object)
+    const Json options = rtc["options"];
+    for (auto iter = options.cbegin(); iter != options.cend(); ++iter) {
+
+        const auto& fullId = iter.key();
+        const Json& value = iter.value();
+
+        const auto idFields = PacBio::Utility::Split(fullId, '.');
+        if (idFields.size() != 3)
+            throw std::runtime_error("PacBio::CLI - unexpected option ID format: "+fullId);
+        const auto optionId = idFields.at(2);
+
+        results.RegisterOptionValue(optionId, value);
+    }
+
+    // log_level
+    const Json log_level = rtc["log_level"];
+    const string logLevelString = log_level;
+    results.LogLevel(PacBio::Logging::LogLevel{logLevelString});
+
+    // nproc
+    const Json nproc = rtc["nproc"];
+    results.NumProcessors(nproc);
+
+    // input file (array)
+    const Json inputFiles = rtc["input_files"];
+    const auto inputFilesToOptions = task.InputFilesToOptions();
+    const auto inputFilesToOptionsEnd = inputFilesToOptions.cend();
+    for (size_t i = 0; i < inputFiles.size(); ++i) {
+        const auto inputFile = inputFiles.at(i);
+        const auto inputFilesToOptionsIter = inputFilesToOptions.find(i);
+        if (inputFilesToOptionsIter == inputFilesToOptionsEnd)
+            results.RegisterPositionalArg(inputFile);
+        else {
+            const auto optionId = inputFilesToOptionsIter->second;
+            results.RegisterOptionValue(optionId, inputFile);
+        }
+    }
+
+    // output file (array)
+    const Json outputFiles = rtc["output_files"];
+    const auto outputFilesToOptions = task.OutputFilesToOptions();
+    const auto outputFilesToOptionsEnd = outputFilesToOptions.cend();
+    for (size_t i = 0; i < outputFiles.size(); ++i) {
+        const auto outputFile = outputFiles.at(i);
+        const auto outputFilesToOptionsIter = outputFilesToOptions.find(i);
+        if (outputFilesToOptionsIter == outputFilesToOptionsEnd)
+            results.RegisterPositionalArg(outputFile);
+        else {
+            const auto optionId = outputFilesToOptionsIter->second;
+            results.RegisterOptionValue(optionId, outputFile);
+        }
+    }
+
+    return results;
+}
diff --git a/src/data/MovieName.cpp b/src/data/MovieName.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..93a048e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/data/MovieName.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
+#include "pbcopper/data/MovieName.h"
+using namespace PacBio;
+using namespace PacBio::Data;
+using namespace std;
+
+MovieName::MovieName(const std::string& instrumentName,
+                     const std::string& runStartTime)
+    : partsCache_(nullptr)
+{
+    // construct name from parts
+    auto result = string{ };
+    result.reserve(128);
+    result += "m";
+    result += instrumentName;
+    result += "_";
+    result += runStartTime;
+    movieName_ = result;
+    // don't update cache until actually requested
+}
+
+void MovieName::UpdatePartsCache(void) const
+{
+    // sanity checks
+    assert(partsCache_ == nullptr);
+    if (movieName_.empty())
+        return;
+
+    // calculate name parts
+    const char underscore = '_';
+    const size_t firstUnderscore  = movieName_.find(underscore);
+
+    const char* movieCStr  = movieName_.c_str();
+    const char* nameStart = movieCStr + 1;
+    const char* rstStart  = movieCStr + firstUnderscore + 1; // skip '_'
+    const size_t nameSize = (firstUnderscore - 1);
+    const size_t rstSize  = (movieName_.size() - firstUnderscore) - 1; // skip '\0 '
+
+    // cache name parts
+    partsCache_.reset(new PartsCache
+    {
+        boost::string_ref{ nameStart, nameSize }, // instrumentName
+        boost::string_ref{ rstStart, rstSize }    // runStartTime
+    });
+
+    // checks - here? or elsewhere?
+    if (partsCache_->instrumentName_.empty())
+        throw runtime_error("MovieName: instrument name must not be empty");
+    if (partsCache_->runStartTime_.empty())
+        throw runtime_error("MovieName: run start time must not be empty");
+
+}
diff --git a/src/data/RSMovieName.cpp b/src/data/RSMovieName.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..288a65b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/data/RSMovieName.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,79 @@
+#include "pbcopper/data/RSMovieName.h"
+using namespace PacBio;
+using namespace PacBio::Data;
+using namespace std;
+
+RSMovieName::RSMovieName(const std::string& runStartTime,
+                         const std::string& instrumentSerialNumber,
+                         const std::string& smrtCellBarcode,
+                         const std::string& setNumber,
+                         const std::string& partNumber)
+    : partsCache_(nullptr)
+{
+    // construct name from parts
+    auto result = string{ };
+    result.reserve(128);
+    result += "m";
+    result += runStartTime;
+    result += "_";
+    result += instrumentSerialNumber;
+    result += "_";
+    result += smrtCellBarcode;
+    result += "_";
+    result += setNumber;
+    result += "_";
+    result += partNumber;
+    movieName_ = result;
+
+    // don't update cache until actually requested
+}
+
+void RSMovieName::UpdatePartsCache(void) const
+{
+    // sanity checks
+    assert(partsCache_ == nullptr);
+    if (movieName_.empty())
+        return;
+
+    // calculate name parts
+    const char underscore = '_';
+    const size_t firstUnderscore  = movieName_.find(underscore);
+    const size_t secondUnderscore = movieName_.find(underscore, firstUnderscore+1);
+    const size_t thirdUnderscore  = movieName_.find(underscore, secondUnderscore+1);
+    const size_t fourthUnderscore = movieName_.find(underscore, thirdUnderscore+1);
+    const size_t fifthUnderscore  = movieName_.find(underscore, fourthUnderscore+1);
+
+    const char* movieCStr      = movieName_.c_str();
+    const char* rstStart       = movieCStr + 1; // skip 'm' and include first '_'
+    const char* serialNumStart = movieCStr + secondUnderscore + 1; // skip '_'
+    const char* scbStart       = movieCStr + thirdUnderscore  + 1; // skip '_'
+    const char* setNumStart    = movieCStr + fourthUnderscore + 1; // skip '_'
+    const char* partNumStart   = movieCStr + fifthUnderscore  + 1; // skip '_'
+    const size_t rstSize       = (secondUnderscore - 1);
+    const size_t serialNumSize = (thirdUnderscore - secondUnderscore) - 1;  // skip '_'
+    const size_t scbSize       = (fourthUnderscore - thirdUnderscore) - 1;  // skip '_'
+    const size_t setNumSize    = (fifthUnderscore - fourthUnderscore) - 1;  // skip '_'
+    const size_t partNumSize   = (movieName_.size() - fifthUnderscore) - 1; // skip '\0 '
+
+    // cache name parts
+    partsCache_.reset(new RSMovieName::PartsCache
+    {
+        boost::string_ref{ rstStart,       rstSize },       // runStartTime
+        boost::string_ref{ serialNumStart, serialNumSize }, // serialNumber
+        boost::string_ref{ scbStart,       scbSize },       // smrtCellBarcode
+        boost::string_ref{ setNumStart,    setNumSize },    // setNumber
+        boost::string_ref{ partNumStart,   partNumSize },   // partNumber
+    });
+
+    // checks - here? or elsewhere?
+    if (partsCache_->runStartTime_.empty())
+        throw runtime_error("RSMovieName: run start time must not be empty");
+    if (partsCache_->serialNumber_.empty())
+        throw runtime_error("RSMovieName: instrument serial number must not be empty");
+    if (partsCache_->smrtCellBarcode_.empty())
+        throw runtime_error("RSMovieName: SMRT cell barcode must not be empty");
+    if (partsCache_->setNumber_.empty())
+        throw runtime_error("RSMovieName: set number must not be empty");
+    if (partsCache_->partNumber_.empty())
+        throw runtime_error("RSMovieName: part number must not be empty");
+ }
diff --git a/src/files.cmake b/src/files.cmake
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9f8e0a3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/files.cmake
@@ -0,0 +1,143 @@
+
+set(pbcopper_H
+
+    # -------
+    # global
+    # -------
+
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/Config.h
+    ${CMAKE_BINARY_DIR}/generated/pbcopper/utility/Version.h
+
+    # -------
+    # cli
+    # -------
+
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/cli/CLI.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/cli/HelpPrinter.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/cli/Interface.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/cli/Option.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/cli/Parser.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/cli/PositionalArg.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/cli/Results.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/cli/SingleDashMode.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/cli/VersionPrinter.h
+
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/cli/internal/Option-inl.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/cli/internal/Results-inl.h
+
+    # ------------------
+    # cli/toolcontract
+    # ------------------
+
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/Config.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/Driver.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/InputFileType.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/OutputFileType.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/JsonPrinter.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/ResolvedToolContract.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/ResourceType.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/Task.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/TaskType.h
+
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/internal/Config-inl.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/internal/Driver-inl.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/internal/InputFileType-inl.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/internal/OutputFileType-inl.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/internal/Task-inl.h
+
+    # -------
+    # data
+    # -------
+
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/data/CCSTag.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/data/Interval.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/data/MovieName.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/data/Position.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/data/ReadName.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/data/RSMovieName.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/data/RSReadName.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/data/Zmw.h
+
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/data/internal/Interval-inl.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/data/internal/MovieName-inl.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/data/internal/ReadNameBase.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/data/internal/ReadNameBase-inl.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/data/internal/RSMovieName-inl.h
+
+    # -------
+    # JSON
+    # -------
+
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/json/JSON.h
+
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/json/internal/json.hpp
+
+    # -------
+    # logging
+    # -------
+
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/logging/Logging.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/logging/internal/Logging-inl.h
+
+    # -------
+    # stream
+    # -------
+
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/stream/Stream.h
+
+    # -------
+    # utility
+    # -------
+
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/utility/CallbackTimer.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/utility/EnumClassHash.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/utility/Stopwatch.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/utility/StringUtils.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/utility/SystemInfo.h
+
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/utility/internal/CallbackTimer-inl.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/utility/internal/Stopwatch-inl.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/utility/internal/StringUtils-inl.h
+    ${pbcopper_IncludeDir}/pbcopper/utility/internal/SystemInfo-inl.h
+)
+
+set(pbcopper_CPP
+
+    # -------
+    # cli
+    # -------
+
+    ${pbcopper_SourceDir}/cli/CLI.cpp
+    ${pbcopper_SourceDir}/cli/HelpPrinter.cpp
+    ${pbcopper_SourceDir}/cli/Interface.cpp
+    ${pbcopper_SourceDir}/cli/Option.cpp
+    ${pbcopper_SourceDir}/cli/Parser.cpp
+    ${pbcopper_SourceDir}/cli/Results.cpp
+    ${pbcopper_SourceDir}/cli/VersionPrinter.cpp
+
+    # ------------------
+    # cli/toolcontract
+    # ------------------
+
+    ${pbcopper_SourceDir}/cli/toolcontract/JsonPrinter.cpp
+    ${pbcopper_SourceDir}/cli/toolcontract/ResolvedToolContract.cpp
+
+    # -------
+    # data
+    # -------
+
+    ${pbcopper_SourceDir}/data/MovieName.cpp
+    ${pbcopper_SourceDir}/data/RSMovieName.cpp
+
+    # ---------
+    # logging
+    # ---------
+
+    ${pbcopper_SourceDir}/logging/Logging.cpp
+
+    # ---------
+    # utility
+    # ---------
+
+    ${pbcopper_SourceDir}/utility/CallbackTimer.cpp
+)
diff --git a/src/logging/Logging.cpp b/src/logging/Logging.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..30aa544
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/logging/Logging.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,235 @@
+#include "pbcopper/logging/Logging.h"
+
+#include <chrono>
+#include <iomanip>
+#include <iostream>
+#include <csignal>
+#include <ctime>
+using namespace PacBio;
+using namespace PacBio::Logging;
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace Logging {
+namespace internal {
+
+const char* LogLevelRepr(LogLevel level)
+{
+    // by specification these are all of length 10
+    switch (level) {
+        case LogLevel::TRACE:    return "TRACE     ";
+        case LogLevel::DEBUG:    return "DEBUG     ";
+        case LogLevel::INFO:     return "INFO      ";
+        case LogLevel::NOTICE:   return "NOTICE    ";
+        case LogLevel::WARN:     return "WARN      ";
+        case LogLevel::ERROR:    return "ERROR     ";
+        case LogLevel::CRITICAL: return "CRITICAL  ";
+        case LogLevel::FATAL:    return "FATAL     ";
+        default:                 return "OTHER     ";
+    }
+}
+
+LogLevel LogLevelFromString(const std::string& level)
+{
+    if (level == "TRACE")    return LogLevel::TRACE;
+    if (level == "DEBUG")    return LogLevel::DEBUG;
+    if (level == "INFO")     return LogLevel::INFO;
+    if (level == "NOTICE")   return LogLevel::NOTICE;
+    if (level == "ERROR")    return LogLevel::ERROR;
+    if (level == "CRITICAL") return LogLevel::CRITICAL;
+    if (level == "FATAL")    return LogLevel::FATAL;
+    if (level == "WARN" || level == "WARNING")
+        return LogLevel::WARN;
+
+    throw std::invalid_argument("invalid log level");
+}
+
+} // namespace internal
+
+void InstallSignalHandlers(Logger& logger)
+{
+    using std::raise;
+    using std::signal;
+
+    static Logger& logger_ = logger;
+
+    // catch in-flight exceptions on terminate
+    std::set_terminate([]() {
+        if (auto eptr = std::current_exception()) {
+            try {
+                std::rethrow_exception(eptr);
+            } catch (const std::exception& e) {
+                PBLOGGER_FATAL(logger_) << "caught exception: \"" << e.what() << '"';
+            } catch (...) {
+                PBLOGGER_FATAL(logger_) << "caught unknown exception type";
+            }
+        }
+        // call the SIGABRT handler (below)
+        std::abort();
+    });
+
+    // register signal handlers that log and then re-raise as normal
+
+    signal(SIGABRT, [](int) {
+        {
+            PBLOGGER_FATAL(logger_) << "caught SIGABRT";
+        }
+        logger_.~Logger();
+        signal(SIGABRT, SIG_DFL);
+        raise(SIGABRT);
+    });
+    signal(SIGINT, [](int) {
+        {
+            PBLOGGER_FATAL(logger_) << "caught SIGINT";
+        }
+        logger_.~Logger();
+        signal(SIGINT, SIG_DFL);
+        raise(SIGINT);
+    });
+    signal(SIGSEGV, [](int) {
+        {
+            PBLOGGER_FATAL(logger_) << "caught SIGSEGV";
+        }
+        logger_.~Logger();
+        signal(SIGSEGV, SIG_DFL);
+        raise(SIGSEGV);
+    });
+    signal(SIGTERM, [](int) {
+        {
+            PBLOGGER_FATAL(logger_) << "caught SIGTERM";
+        }
+        logger_.~Logger();
+        signal(SIGTERM, SIG_DFL);
+        raise(SIGTERM);
+    });
+}
+
+} // namespace Logging
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+LogLevel::LogLevel(const std::string& value)
+    : value_{ internal::LogLevelFromString(value) }
+{ }
+
+Logger::~Logger(void)
+{
+    if (!writer_.joinable())
+        throw std::runtime_error("this logger is already dead!");
+
+    // place a terminal sentinel for MessageWriter to know it's done
+    {
+        std::lock_guard<std::mutex> g(m_);
+        queue_.emplace(std::unique_ptr<LogLevelStream>());
+    }
+    pushed_.notify_all();
+
+    // wait for everything to be flushed
+    {
+        std::unique_lock<std::mutex> lk(m_);
+        popped_.wait(lk, [this]() { return queue_.empty(); });
+        // endl implicitly flushes, so no need to call os_.flush() here
+    }
+
+    // join writer thread
+    writer_.join();
+}
+
+Logger& Logger::operator<<(std::unique_ptr<LogLevelStream>&& ptr)
+{
+    if (!writer_.joinable())
+        throw std::runtime_error("this logger is dead!");
+    {
+        std::lock_guard<std::mutex> g(m_);
+        queue_.emplace(std::forward<std::unique_ptr<LogLevelStream>>(ptr));
+    }
+    pushed_.notify_all();
+    return *this;
+}
+
+Logger& Logger::Default(Logger* logger)
+{
+    static std::unique_ptr<Logger> logger_(new Logger(std::cerr));
+    if (logger) logger_.reset(logger);
+    return *logger_;
+}
+
+void Logger::MessageWriter(void)
+{
+    while (true) {
+        std::unique_ptr<LogLevelStream> ptr;
+
+        // wait on messages to arrive in the queue_, and pop them off
+        {
+            std::unique_lock<std::mutex> lk(m_);
+            pushed_.wait(lk, [&ptr, this]() {
+                if (queue_.empty())
+                    return false;
+                ptr = std::move(queue_.front());
+                queue_.pop();
+                return true;
+            });
+        }
+
+        // if we've reached the null terminator, notify flush and stop
+        if (!ptr) {
+            popped_.notify_all();
+            break;
+        }
+
+        // otherwise, push the message onto os_
+        const LogLevel level = std::get<0>(*ptr);
+        if (cfg_.find(level) != cfg_.end()) {
+            for (const auto& os : cfg_.at(level))
+                os.get() << std::get<1>(*ptr).str() << std::endl;
+        }
+
+        // and notify flush we delivered a message to os_,
+        popped_.notify_all();
+    }
+}
+
+LogMessage::LogMessage(const char* file,
+                              const char* function,
+                              unsigned int line,
+                              const LogLevel level,
+                              Logger& logger)
+    : logger_(logger)
+{
+    using std::chrono::duration_cast;
+    using std::chrono::milliseconds;
+    using std::chrono::seconds;
+    using std::chrono::system_clock;
+
+    if (!logger_.Handles(level))
+        return;
+
+    ptr_.reset(new Logger::LogLevelStream(std::piecewise_construct,
+                                          std::forward_as_tuple(level),
+                                          std::forward_as_tuple()));
+
+    static const char* delim = " -|- ";
+
+    // get the time, separated into seconds and milliseconds
+    const auto now  = system_clock::now();
+    const auto secs = duration_cast<seconds>(now.time_since_epoch());
+    const auto time = system_clock::to_time_t(system_clock::time_point(secs));
+    const auto msec = duration_cast<milliseconds>(now.time_since_epoch() - secs).count();
+
+    // format the time and print out the log header to the ostringstream
+    // TODO(lhepler) make this std::put_time when we move to gcc-5
+    char buf[20];
+    std::strftime(buf, 20, "%Y%m%d %T.", std::gmtime(&time));
+
+    std::get<1>(*ptr_) << ">|> " << buf << std::setfill('0') << std::setw(3)
+                       << std::to_string(msec) << delim << internal::LogLevelRepr(level) << delim
+                       << function
+#ifndef NDEBUG
+                       << " at " << file << ':' << line
+#endif
+                       << delim << std::hex << std::showbase << std::this_thread::get_id()
+                       << std::noshowbase << std::dec << "||" << delim;
+
+#ifdef NDEBUG
+    UNUSED(file);
+    UNUSED(line);
+#endif
+}
diff --git a/src/utility/CallbackTimer.cpp b/src/utility/CallbackTimer.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..181e03b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/utility/CallbackTimer.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,138 @@
+
+#include "pbcopper/utility/CallbackTimer.h"
+
+using namespace PacBio;
+using namespace PacBio::Utility;
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace Utility {
+
+// Implementation inspired from:
+//    http://codereview.stackexchange.com/questions/40473/portable-periodic-one-shot-timer-implementation
+
+namespace internal {
+
+typedef std::chrono::steady_clock      CallbackTimerClock;
+typedef std::chrono::time_point<CallbackTimerClock> CallbackTimerTimePoint;
+typedef std::chrono::milliseconds      CallbackTimerDuration;
+typedef std::unique_lock<std::mutex>   CallbackTimerMutexLocker;
+
+CallbackTimer::JobId CallbackTimerPrivate::ScheduleImpl(CallbackTimerJob&& item)
+{
+    CallbackTimerMutexLocker lock(sync);
+    item.id = nextId++;
+    auto iter = activeJobs.emplace(item.id, std::move(item));
+    queue.insert(iter.first->second);
+    wakeUp.notify_all();
+    return item.id;
+}
+
+bool CallbackTimerPrivate::Cancel(const CallbackTimer::JobId id)
+{
+    CallbackTimerMutexLocker lock(sync);
+    auto i = activeJobs.find(id);
+    if (i == activeJobs.end())
+        return false;
+    else if (i->second.running)
+    {
+        // A callback is in progress for this Instance,
+        // so flag it for deletion in the worker
+        i->second.running = false;
+    }
+    else
+    {
+        queue.erase(std::ref(i->second));
+        activeJobs.erase(i);
+    }
+
+    wakeUp.notify_all();
+    return true;
+}
+
+// this is our main thread worker, processing the job queue & calling the
+// callback functions
+//
+void CallbackTimerPrivate::Run(void)
+{
+    CallbackTimerMutexLocker lock(sync);
+    while (!done)
+    {
+        if (queue.empty())
+        {
+            // Wait (forever) for work
+            wakeUp.wait(lock);
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            auto firstJob = queue.begin();
+            CallbackTimerJob& instance = *firstJob;
+            auto now = CallbackTimerClock::now();
+            if (now >= instance.next)
+            {
+                queue.erase(firstJob);
+
+                // Mark it as running to handle racing destroy
+                instance.running = true;
+
+                // Call the handler
+                lock.unlock();
+                instance.handler();
+                lock.lock();
+
+                if (done)
+                {
+                    break;
+                }
+                else if (!instance.running)
+                {
+                    // Running was set to false, destroy was called
+                    // for this Instance while the callback was in progress
+                    // (this thread was not holding the lock during the callback)
+                    activeJobs.erase(instance.id);
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    instance.running = false;
+
+                    // If it is periodic, schedule a new one
+                    if (instance.period.count() > 0)
+                    {
+                        instance.next = instance.next + instance.period;
+                        queue.insert(instance);
+                    } else {
+                        activeJobs.erase(instance.id);
+                    }
+                }
+            } else {
+                // Wait until the timer is ready or a timer creation notifies
+                wakeUp.wait_until(lock, instance.next);
+            }
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+// shared timer for single-requests
+static std::unique_ptr<CallbackTimer> singleShotTimer = nullptr;
+
+// mutex for protecting its initialization
+static std::mutex singleShotSync;
+
+} // namespace internal
+} // namespace Utility
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+void CallbackTimer::SingleShot(uint64_t when, const HandlerFn &handler)
+{
+    internal::CallbackTimerMutexLocker lock(internal::singleShotSync);
+    if (!internal::singleShotTimer)
+        internal::singleShotTimer.reset(new CallbackTimer);
+    internal::singleShotTimer->Schedule(when, 0, handler);
+}
+
+void CallbackTimer::SingleShot(uint64_t when, HandlerFn &&handler)
+{
+    internal::CallbackTimerMutexLocker lock(internal::singleShotSync);
+    if (!internal::singleShotTimer)
+        internal::singleShotTimer.reset(new CallbackTimer);
+    internal::singleShotTimer->Schedule(when, 0, std::move(handler));
+}
diff --git a/tests/CMakeLists.txt b/tests/CMakeLists.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d55de6f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,64 @@
+
+# GTest dependency
+find_package(Threads REQUIRED)
+
+# add pbcopper, pbcopper test, & GoogleTest include dirs
+include_directories(
+    ${pbcopper_INCLUDE_DIRS}
+    ${pbcopper_TestsDir}/include
+    ${pbcopper_ThirdPartyDir}/googletest
+)
+
+# grab unit test source files
+include(files.cmake)
+set(SOURCES
+    ${pbcopperTest_H}
+    ${pbcopperTest_CPP}
+)
+set(CMAKE_CXX_FLAGS "${CMAKE_CXX_FLAGS} ${pbcopper_CXX_FLAGS}")
+
+# define unit test exe
+add_definitions(-DPBCOPPER_TESTING)
+add_executable(test_pbcopper EXCLUDE_FROM_ALL ${SOURCES})
+set_target_properties(test_pbcopper
+    PROPERTIES
+    RUNTIME_OUTPUT_DIRECTORY ${CMAKE_CURRENT_BINARY_DIR}/bin
+)
+target_link_libraries(test_pbcopper
+    ${pbcopper_LIBRARIES}
+    ${CMAKE_THREAD_LIBS_INIT}
+)
+
+# add unit tests exe to CTest framework
+add_test(
+    NAME PbcopperUnitTests
+    WORKING_DIRECTORY ${CMAKE_CURRENT_BINARY_DIR}/bin
+    COMMAND test_pbcopper
+)
+
+# add 'make check' for easy 'build & run tests'
+set(verbose_ctest_command ctest -VV)
+add_custom_target(check COMMAND ${verbose_ctest_command})
+add_dependencies(check
+    # list all explicitly to get re-compile on any changes to lib or tests
+    test_pbcopper
+    pbcopper
+)
+
+# add 'make check-quiet' for 'make check' w/ simple pass/fail summary
+add_custom_target(check-quiet COMMAND ${CMAKE_CTEST_COMMAND})
+add_dependencies(check-quiet
+    # list all explicitly to get re-compile on any changes to lib or tests
+    test_pbcopper
+    pbcopper
+)
+
+# add 'make check-xunit' for 'make check' w/ XUnit output (on Bamboo)
+add_custom_target(check-xunit
+    COMMAND test_pbcopper --gtest_output=xml:${CMAKE_BINARY_DIR}/pbcopper-unit.xml
+)
+add_dependencies(check-xunit
+    # list all explicitly to get re-compile on any changes to lib or tests
+    test_pbcopper
+    pbcopper
+)
diff --git a/tests/files.cmake b/tests/files.cmake
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d4a7a3e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/files.cmake
@@ -0,0 +1,44 @@
+# test case headers
+set( pbcopperTest_H
+
+    ${pbcopper_TestsDir}/include/OStreamRedirector.h
+)
+
+# test case source files
+set( pbcopperTest_CPP
+
+    # GoogleTest
+    ${pbcopper_ThirdPartyDir}/googletest/gmock-gtest-all.cc
+    ${pbcopper_ThirdPartyDir}/googletest/gmock-gtest-main.cc
+
+    # cli
+    ${pbcopper_TestsDir}/src/cli/test_CLI.cpp
+    ${pbcopper_TestsDir}/src/cli/test_HelpPrinter.cpp
+    ${pbcopper_TestsDir}/src/cli/test_Interface.cpp
+    ${pbcopper_TestsDir}/src/cli/test_Option.cpp
+    ${pbcopper_TestsDir}/src/cli/test_ResolvedToolContract.cpp
+    ${pbcopper_TestsDir}/src/cli/test_Results.cpp
+    ${pbcopper_TestsDir}/src/cli/test_ToolContractJsonPrinter.cpp
+    ${pbcopper_TestsDir}/src/cli/test_VersionPrinter.cpp
+
+    # data
+    ${pbcopper_TestsDir}/src/data/test_Interval.cpp
+    ${pbcopper_TestsDir}/src/data/test_MovieName.cpp
+    ${pbcopper_TestsDir}/src/data/test_ReadName.cpp
+    ${pbcopper_TestsDir}/src/data/test_RSMovieName.cpp
+    ${pbcopper_TestsDir}/src/data/test_RSReadName.cpp
+
+    # JSON
+    ${pbcopper_TestsDir}/src/json/test_JSON.cpp
+
+    # logging
+    ${pbcopper_TestsDir}/src/logging/test_Logging.cpp
+
+    # stream
+    ${pbcopper_TestsDir}/src/stream/test_Stream.cpp
+
+    # utility
+    ${pbcopper_TestsDir}/src/utility/test_CallbackTimer.cpp
+    ${pbcopper_TestsDir}/src/utility/test_Stopwatch.cpp
+    ${pbcopper_TestsDir}/src/utility/test_SystemInfo.cpp
+)
diff --git a/tests/include/OStreamRedirector.h b/tests/include/OStreamRedirector.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..942f7a1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/include/OStreamRedirector.h
@@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
+#ifndef PBCOPPER_TESTS_OSTREAMREDIRECTOR_H
+#define PBCOPPER_TESTS_OSTREAMREDIRECTOR_H
+
+#include <iostream>
+
+namespace tests {
+
+//
+// Redirects specified stream into some newBuffer, restoring the normal stream
+// on destruction
+//
+struct OStreamRedirect
+{
+public:
+    OStreamRedirect(std::ostream& o,
+                    std::streambuf* newBuffer)
+        : s_(o)
+        , oldBuffer_(o.rdbuf())
+    { o.rdbuf(newBuffer); }
+
+    virtual ~OStreamRedirect(void)
+    { s_.rdbuf(oldBuffer_); }
+
+private:
+    std::ostream& s_;
+    std::streambuf* oldBuffer_;
+};
+
+// Convenience OStreamRedirect for std::cout
+//
+struct CoutRedirect : public OStreamRedirect
+{
+public:
+    CoutRedirect(std::streambuf* newBuffer)
+        : OStreamRedirect(std::cout, newBuffer)
+    { }
+};
+
+// Convenience OStreamRedirect for std::cerr
+//
+struct CerrRedirect : public OStreamRedirect
+{
+public:
+    CerrRedirect(std::streambuf* newBuffer)
+        : OStreamRedirect(std::cerr, newBuffer)
+    { }
+};
+
+} // namespace tests
+
+#endif // PBCOPPER_TESTS_OSTREAMREDIRECTOR_H
diff --git a/tests/src/cli/test_CLI.cpp b/tests/src/cli/test_CLI.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..98a3e69
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/src/cli/test_CLI.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,433 @@
+
+#include "OStreamRedirector.h"
+
+#include <pbcopper/cli/CLI.h>
+#include <pbcopper/json/JSON.h>
+#include <gtest/gtest.h>
+#include <fstream>
+#include <iostream>
+#include <vector>
+#include <cstdio>
+
+using namespace PacBio;
+using namespace PacBio::CLI;
+using namespace PacBio::JSON;
+using namespace std;
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+namespace tests {
+
+static string appName(void)
+{
+    static const string appName = "frobber";
+    return appName;
+}
+
+static PacBio::CLI::Interface makeInterface(void)
+{
+    Interface i {
+        "frobber",
+        "Frobb your files in a most delightful, nobbly way",
+        "3.14"
+    };
+    i.AddHelpOption();     // use built-in help option
+    i.AddLogLevelOption(); // use built-in logLevel option
+    i.AddVersionOption();  // use built-in version option
+
+    i.AddOptions({
+        {"target_dir", {"t", "target-dir"}, "Copy all source files into <DIR>.", Option::StringType("my/default/dir")},
+        {"force",      {"f", "force"},      "Overwrite things."},
+        {"progress",   {"p"},               "Show progress during copy."},
+        {"dry_run",    {"n", "no-op"},      "Dry run. Report actions that would be taken but do not perform them"},
+        {"timeout",    {"timeout"},         "Abort execution after <INT> milliseconds.", Option::IntType(5000)}
+    });
+
+    i.AddPositionalArguments({
+        {"source", "Source file to copy.",   "FILE" },
+        {"dest",   "Destination directory.", "FILE" }
+    });
+
+    return i;
+}
+
+static PacBio::CLI::Interface makeToolContractEnabledInterface(void)
+{
+    using namespace ToolContract;
+
+    // yields <PREFIX>.pbsmrtpipe_task_options.<ID>
+    // if not set, PREFIX=ApplicationName from Interface
+    //
+    ToolContract::Task tcTask("frobber_task");       // if empty, pulss ApplicationName
+    tcTask.Description("task-specific description"); // if empty, pulls ApplicationDescription
+    tcTask.NumProcessors(4); // max_nproc if not provided
+    tcTask.SetDistributed(true);
+    tcTask.Type(TaskType::STANDARD);
+
+    tcTask.Options({
+
+        //
+        // ID          display name
+        //
+        {"progress", "Show Progress"},
+        {"force",    "Force Overwrite"},
+        {"timeout",  "Timeout"}
+    });
+    tcTask.InputFileTypes({
+        { "ID", "title", "description", "type" },
+        { "ID", "title", "description", "type" }
+    });
+    tcTask.OutputFileTypes({
+        { "ID", "title", "description", "type", "defaultName" },
+        { "ID", "title", "description", "type", "defaultName" }
+    });
+    tcTask.ResourceTypes({
+        ResourceType::TMP_DIR,
+        ResourceType::TMP_FILE,
+        ResourceType::TMP_FILE
+    });
+
+    ToolContract::Config config{tcTask};
+    config.Version("0.1");                // if empty, pulls ApplicationVersion
+
+    auto interface = makeInterface();
+    interface.EnableToolContract(config);
+    return interface;
+}
+
+struct MyAppSettings
+{
+    bool force_;
+    bool showProgress_;
+    string targetDir_;
+    int timeout_;
+    string source_;
+    string dest_;
+    vector<string> extras_;
+};
+
+static int mainAppEntry(const MyAppSettings& settings)
+{
+    // doing testing checks here, but this is where application would get
+    // rocking with its (probably already-existing) 'settings' object
+    // filled out with desired parameters
+    //
+    EXPECT_TRUE(settings.force_);
+    EXPECT_FALSE(settings.showProgress_);
+    EXPECT_EQ(string("/path/to/dir/"), settings.targetDir_);
+    EXPECT_EQ(42, settings.timeout_);
+    EXPECT_EQ(string("requiredIn"),  settings.source_);
+    EXPECT_EQ(string("requiredOut"), settings.dest_);
+    return EXIT_SUCCESS;
+}
+
+static int appRunner(const PacBio::CLI::Results& args)
+{
+    // pull CLI results (whether user-supplied OR resolved tool contract) &
+    // convert to the 'settings' object that most applications use for this
+    // kind of thing
+    //
+    MyAppSettings s;
+    s.force_        = args["force"];
+    s.showProgress_ = args["progress"];
+    s.targetDir_    = args["target_dir"];
+    s.timeout_      = args["timeout"];
+
+    EXPECT_EQ(PacBio::Logging::LogLevel::DEBUG, args.LogLevel());
+
+    const vector<string> positionalArgs = args.PositionalArguments();
+    EXPECT_EQ(2, positionalArgs.size());
+    s.source_ = positionalArgs.at(0);
+    s.dest_   = positionalArgs.at(1);
+    return mainAppEntry(s);
+}
+
+static int inputCommandLineChecker(const PacBio::CLI::Results& results)
+{
+    const string expectedCommandLine =
+    {
+        "frobber -f --timeout=42 --target-dir /path/to/dir/ --logLevel=DEBUG requiredIn requiredOut"
+    };
+    EXPECT_EQ(expectedCommandLine, results.InputCommandLine());
+    return EXIT_SUCCESS;
+}
+
+struct RtcGenerator
+{
+public:
+    RtcGenerator(const std::string& fn);
+    ~RtcGenerator(void);
+private:
+    std::string fn_;
+};
+
+} // namespace tests
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+TEST(CLI_Runner, emits_tool_contract_when_requested_from_command_line)
+{
+    // check cout output
+    const auto expectedText = R"({
+    "driver": {
+        "env": {},
+        "exe": "frobber --resolved-tool-contract",
+        "serialization": "json"
+    },
+    "tool_contract": {
+        "_comment": "Created by v0.0.1",
+        "description": "Frobb your files in a most delightful, nobbly way",
+        "input_types": [
+            {
+                "description": "description",
+                "file_type_id": "type",
+                "id": "ID",
+                "title": "title"
+            },
+            {
+                "description": "description",
+                "file_type_id": "type",
+                "id": "ID",
+                "title": "title"
+            }
+        ],
+        "is_distributed": true,
+        "name": "frobber",
+        "nproc": 4,
+        "output_types": [
+            {
+                "default_name": "defaultName",
+                "description": "description",
+                "file_type_id": "type",
+                "id": "ID",
+                "title": "title"
+            },
+            {
+                "default_name": "defaultName",
+                "description": "description",
+                "file_type_id": "type",
+                "id": "ID",
+                "title": "title"
+            }
+        ],
+        "resource_types": [
+            "$tmpdir",
+            "$tmpfile",
+            "$tmpfile"
+        ],
+        "schema_options": [
+            {
+                "$schema": "http://json-schema.org/draft-04/schema#",
+                "pb_option": {
+                    "default": false,
+                    "description": "Overwrite things.",
+                    "name": "Force Overwrite",
+                    "option_id": "frobber.task_options.force",
+                    "type": "boolean"
+                },
+                "properties": {
+                    "frobber.task_options.force": {
+                        "default": false,
+                        "description": "Overwrite things.",
+                        "title": "Force Overwrite",
+                        "type": "boolean"
+                    }
+                },
+                "required": [
+                    "frobber.task_options.force"
+                ],
+                "title": "JSON Schema for frobber.task_options.force",
+                "type": "object"
+            },
+            {
+                "$schema": "http://json-schema.org/draft-04/schema#",
+                "pb_option": {
+                    "default": false,
+                    "description": "Show progress during copy.",
+                    "name": "Show Progress",
+                    "option_id": "frobber.task_options.progress",
+                    "type": "boolean"
+                },
+                "properties": {
+                    "frobber.task_options.progress": {
+                        "default": false,
+                        "description": "Show progress during copy.",
+                        "title": "Show Progress",
+                        "type": "boolean"
+                    }
+                },
+                "required": [
+                    "frobber.task_options.progress"
+                ],
+                "title": "JSON Schema for frobber.task_options.progress",
+                "type": "object"
+            },
+            {
+                "$schema": "http://json-schema.org/draft-04/schema#",
+                "pb_option": {
+                    "default": 5000,
+                    "description": "Abort execution after <INT> milliseconds.",
+                    "name": "Timeout",
+                    "option_id": "frobber.task_options.timeout",
+                    "type": "integer"
+                },
+                "properties": {
+                    "frobber.task_options.timeout": {
+                        "default": 5000,
+                        "description": "Abort execution after <INT> milliseconds.",
+                        "title": "Timeout",
+                        "type": "integer"
+                    }
+                },
+                "required": [
+                    "frobber.task_options.timeout"
+                ],
+                "title": "JSON Schema for frobber.task_options.timeout",
+                "type": "object"
+            }
+        ],
+        "task_type": "pbsmrtpipe.task_types.standard",
+        "tool_contract_id": "frobber_task"
+    },
+    "tool_contract_id": "frobber_task",
+    "version": "3.14"
+})";
+
+    // redirect cout to our catcher
+    std::stringstream s;
+    ::tests::CoutRedirect redirect(s.rdbuf());
+    (void)redirect;
+
+    // set up tool contract emitted from main CLI entry
+    const vector<string> args =
+    {
+        PacBio::CLI::tests::appName(),
+        "--emit-tool-contract"
+    };
+    PacBio::CLI::Run(args,
+                     PacBio::CLI::tests::makeToolContractEnabledInterface(),
+                     &PacBio::CLI::tests::appRunner);
+    EXPECT_EQ(expectedText, s.str());
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Runner, runs_application_from_vector_of_args)
+{
+    const vector<string> args =
+    {
+        PacBio::CLI::tests::appName(),
+        "-f",
+        "--timeout=42",
+        "--target-dir", "/path/to/dir/",
+        "--logLevel=DEBUG",
+        "requiredIn",
+        "requiredOut"
+    };
+    PacBio::CLI::Run(args,
+                     PacBio::CLI::tests::makeInterface(),
+                     &PacBio::CLI::tests::appRunner);
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Runner, runs_application_from_C_style_args)
+{
+    SCOPED_TRACE("run from normal args - raw C char*, a la application main()");
+
+    static const int argc = 7;
+    char* argv[argc+1];
+    argv[0] = const_cast<char*>("frobber");
+    argv[1] = const_cast<char*>("-f");
+    argv[2] = const_cast<char*>("--timeout=42");
+    argv[3] = const_cast<char*>("--target-dir=/path/to/dir/");
+    argv[4] = const_cast<char*>("--logLevel=DEBUG");
+    argv[5] = const_cast<char*>("requiredIn");
+    argv[6] = const_cast<char*>("requiredOut");
+    argv[7] = nullptr;
+
+    PacBio::CLI::Run(argc, argv,
+                     PacBio::CLI::tests::makeInterface(),
+                     &PacBio::CLI::tests::appRunner);
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Runner, can_retrieve_input_commandline)
+{
+    SCOPED_TRACE("checking input command line");
+    const vector<string> args =
+    {
+        PacBio::CLI::tests::appName(),
+        "-f",
+        "--timeout=42",
+        "--target-dir", "/path/to/dir/",
+        "--logLevel=DEBUG",
+        "requiredIn",
+        "requiredOut"
+    };
+    PacBio::CLI::Run(args,
+                     PacBio::CLI::tests::makeInterface(),
+                     &PacBio::CLI::tests::inputCommandLineChecker);
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Runner, runs_application_from_resolved_tool_contract)
+{
+    SCOPED_TRACE("run from RTC args");
+
+    const string& rtcFn = "/tmp/pbcopper.cli.runner.resolved-tool-contract.json";
+    PacBio::CLI::tests::RtcGenerator rtc(rtcFn);
+    (void)rtc;
+
+    const vector<string> args =
+    {
+        PacBio::CLI::tests::appName(),
+        "--resolved-tool-contract",
+        rtcFn
+    };
+    PacBio::CLI::Run(args,
+                     PacBio::CLI::tests::makeToolContractEnabledInterface(),
+                     &PacBio::CLI::tests::appRunner);
+}
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+namespace tests {
+
+RtcGenerator::RtcGenerator(const std::string& fn)
+    : fn_(fn)
+{
+    auto text = R"(
+{
+    "driver": {
+        "env": {},
+        "exe": "frobber --resolved-tool-contract",
+        "serialization": "json"
+    },
+    "resolved_tool_contract": {
+        "input_files": [
+            "requiredIn"
+        ],
+        "nproc": 1,
+        "options": {
+            "frobber.task_options.force": true,
+            "frobber.task_options.timeout": 42,
+            "frobber.task_options.target_dir": "/path/to/dir/"
+        },
+        "output_files": [
+            "requiredOut"
+        ],
+        "resources": [],
+        "is_distributed": false,
+        "task_type": "pbsmrtpipe.task_types.standard",
+        "tool_contract_id": "frobber_task",
+        "log_level": "DEBUG"
+    }
+})";
+
+    std::ofstream out(fn);
+    EXPECT_TRUE(static_cast<bool>(out));
+    out << text;
+}
+
+RtcGenerator::~RtcGenerator(void)
+{ ::remove(fn_.c_str()); }
+
+} // namespace tests
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
diff --git a/tests/src/cli/test_HelpPrinter.cpp b/tests/src/cli/test_HelpPrinter.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..43a5171
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/src/cli/test_HelpPrinter.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
+#include <pbcopper/cli/HelpPrinter.h>
+
+#include <pbcopper/cli/Interface.h>
+#include <gtest/gtest.h>
+#include <vector>
+using namespace PacBio;
+using namespace PacBio::CLI;
+using namespace std;
+
+TEST(CLI_HelpPrinter, prints_expected_help_output)
+{
+    Interface i {
+        "frobber",
+        "Frobb your files in a most delightful, nobbly way",
+        "3.14"
+    };
+
+    // common built-ins - ON by default ?
+    i.AddHelpOption();
+    i.AddVerboseOption();
+    i.AddVersionOption();
+    i.AddOptions({
+        {"progress",   {"p"},               "Show progress during copy."},
+        {"force",      {"f", "force"},      "Overwrite things." },
+        {"target_dir", {"t", "target-dir"}, "Copy all source files into <DIR>.",         Option::StringType("my/default/dir")},
+        {"timeout",    {"timeout"},         "Abort execution after <INT> milliseconds.", Option::IntType(5000)},
+        {"modelPath",  {"M", "modelPath"},  "Path to a model file.",                     Option::StringType("")}  // empty default string should be omitted from help
+    });
+    i.AddPositionalArguments({
+        {"source", "Source file to copy."},
+        {"dest",   "Destination directory."},
+        {"extras", "Extra stuff to pass in here, optionally.", "[extras...]"}
+    });
+
+    const string expectedText = {
+        "Usage: frobber [options] source dest [extras...]\n"
+        "Frobb your files in a most delightful, nobbly way\n"
+        "\n"
+        "Options: \n"
+        "  -h,--help        Output this help.\n"
+        "  -v,--verbose     Use verbose output.\n"
+        "  --version        Output version info.\n"
+        "  -p               Show progress during copy.\n"
+        "  -f,--force       Overwrite things.\n"
+        "  -t,--target-dir  Copy all source files into <DIR>. [\"my/default/dir\"]\n"
+        "  --timeout        Abort execution after <INT> milliseconds. [5000]\n"
+        "  -M,--modelPath   Path to a model file.\n"
+        "\n"
+        "Arguments: \n"
+        "  source           Source file to copy.\n"
+        "  dest             Destination directory.\n"
+        "  extras           Extra stuff to pass in here, optionally.\n"
+        "\n"
+    };
+
+    stringstream s;
+    HelpPrinter::Print(i, s);
+    EXPECT_EQ(expectedText, s.str());
+}
diff --git a/tests/src/cli/test_Interface.cpp b/tests/src/cli/test_Interface.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..55b9b39
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/src/cli/test_Interface.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,195 @@
+
+#include <pbcopper/cli/Interface.h>
+#include <gtest/gtest.h>
+using namespace PacBio;
+using namespace PacBio::CLI;
+using namespace std;
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+namespace tests {
+
+static inline string AppName(void)
+{
+    static const string appName = "frobber";
+    return appName;
+}
+
+static inline string AppDescription(void)
+{
+    static const string appDesc = "does the frobbing";
+    return appDesc;
+}
+
+static inline string AppVersion(void)
+{
+    static const string appVersion = "3.14";
+    return appVersion;
+}
+
+static bool HasOption(const Interface& i, const string& name)
+{
+    const auto options = i.RegisteredOptions();
+    for (auto&& option : options) {
+        const auto aliases = option.Names();
+        for (auto&& alias : aliases) {
+            if (alias == name)
+                return true;
+        }
+    }
+    return false;
+}
+
+} // namespace tests
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+TEST(CLI_Interface, can_be_constructed_from_name_only)
+{
+    PacBio::CLI::Interface cl{ tests::AppName() };
+    EXPECT_EQ(tests::AppName(), cl.ApplicationName());
+    EXPECT_TRUE(cl.ApplicationDescription().empty());
+    EXPECT_TRUE(cl.ApplicationVersion().empty());
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Interface, can_be_constructed_from_name_and_description)
+{
+    PacBio::CLI::Interface cl{ tests::AppName(), tests::AppDescription() };
+    EXPECT_EQ(tests::AppName(),        cl.ApplicationName());
+    EXPECT_EQ(tests::AppDescription(), cl.ApplicationDescription());
+    EXPECT_TRUE(cl.ApplicationVersion().empty());
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Interface, can_be_constructed_from_name_description_and_version)
+{
+    PacBio::CLI::Interface cl{ tests::AppName(), tests::AppDescription(), tests::AppVersion() };
+    EXPECT_EQ(tests::AppName(),        cl.ApplicationName());
+    EXPECT_EQ(tests::AppDescription(), cl.ApplicationDescription());
+    EXPECT_EQ(tests::AppVersion(),     cl.ApplicationVersion());
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Interface, construction_with_empty_name_throws)
+{
+    EXPECT_THROW(PacBio::CLI::Interface{""}, std::runtime_error);
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Interface, add_single_option_with_a_single_alias)
+{
+    PacBio::CLI::Interface cl{ tests::AppName() };
+    cl.AddOption({"opt_id","o", "write output"});//, "outFile", "default"});
+
+    const auto registered = cl.RegisteredOptions();
+    EXPECT_EQ(1, registered.size());
+    EXPECT_EQ(vector<string>({"o"}), registered.at(0).Names());
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Interface, add_single_option_with_multiple_aliases)
+{
+    PacBio::CLI::Interface cl{ tests::AppName() };
+    cl.AddOption({"opt_id", {"o", "output"}, "write output"});//, "outFile", "default"});
+
+    const auto registered = cl.RegisteredOptions();
+    EXPECT_EQ(1, registered.size());
+    EXPECT_EQ(vector<string>({"o", "output"}), registered.at(0).Names());
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Interface, add_multiple_options_one_at_a_time)
+{
+    PacBio::CLI::Interface cl{ tests::AppName() };
+    cl.AddOption({"opt_id", {"o", "output"}, "write output"});//, "outFile", "defaultOut"});
+    cl.AddOption({"opt_id2", {"i", "input"}, "write input"});//, "inFile", "defaultIn"});
+
+    const auto registered = cl.RegisteredOptions();
+    EXPECT_EQ(2, registered.size());
+    EXPECT_EQ(vector<string>({"o", "output"}), registered.at(0).Names());
+    EXPECT_EQ(vector<string>({"i", "input"}), registered.at(1).Names());
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Interface, add_multple_options_as_batch)
+{
+    PacBio::CLI::Interface cl{ tests::AppName() };
+    cl.AddOptions({
+        {"opt_id", {"o", "output"}, "write output"},//, "outFile", "defaultOut"},
+        {"opt_id2", {"i", "input"}, "write input"}  //, "inFile", "defaultIn"}
+    });
+
+    const auto registered = cl.RegisteredOptions();
+    EXPECT_EQ(2, registered.size());
+    EXPECT_EQ(vector<string>({"o", "output"}), registered.at(0).Names());
+    EXPECT_EQ(vector<string>({"i", "input"}), registered.at(1).Names());
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Interface, add_single_positional_arg)
+{
+    PacBio::CLI::Interface cl{ tests::AppName() };
+    cl.AddPositionalArgument({"source", "Source file to copy."});
+
+    const auto registered = cl.RegisteredPositionalArgs();
+    EXPECT_EQ(1, registered.size());
+    EXPECT_EQ(string{"source"}, registered.at(0).name_);
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Interface, add_multiple_positional_args_one_at_a_time)
+{
+    PacBio::CLI::Interface cl{ tests::AppName() };
+    cl.AddPositionalArgument({"source", "Source file to copy."});
+    cl.AddPositionalArgument({"dest", "Target destination"});
+
+    const auto registered = cl.RegisteredPositionalArgs();
+    EXPECT_EQ(2, registered.size());
+    EXPECT_EQ(string{"source"}, registered.at(0).name_);
+    EXPECT_EQ(string{"dest"}, registered.at(1).name_);
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Interface, add_multiple_positional_args_as_batch)
+{
+    PacBio::CLI::Interface cl{ tests::AppName() };
+    cl.AddPositionalArguments({
+        {"source", "Source file to copy."},
+        {"dest", "Target destination"}
+    });
+
+    const auto registered = cl.RegisteredPositionalArgs();
+    EXPECT_EQ(2, registered.size());
+    EXPECT_EQ(string{"source"}, registered.at(0).name_);
+    EXPECT_EQ(string{"dest"}, registered.at(1).name_);
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Interface, does_not_have_help_option_by_default)
+{
+    PacBio::CLI::Interface cl{ tests::AppName() };
+    EXPECT_FALSE(tests::HasOption(cl, "help"));
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Interface, has_help_option_if_requested)
+{
+    PacBio::CLI::Interface cl{ tests::AppName() };
+    cl.AddHelpOption();
+    EXPECT_TRUE(tests::HasOption(cl, "help"));
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Interface, does_not_have_verbose_option_by_default)
+{
+    PacBio::CLI::Interface cl{ tests::AppName() };
+    EXPECT_FALSE(tests::HasOption(cl, "verbose"));
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Interface, has_verbose_option_if_requested)
+{
+    PacBio::CLI::Interface cl{ tests::AppName() };
+    cl.AddVerboseOption();
+    EXPECT_TRUE(tests::HasOption(cl, "verbose"));
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Interface, does_not_have_version_option_by_default)
+{
+    PacBio::CLI::Interface cl{ tests::AppName() };
+    EXPECT_FALSE(tests::HasOption(cl, "version"));
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Interface, has_version_option_if_requested)
+{
+    PacBio::CLI::Interface cl{ tests::AppName() };
+    cl.AddVersionOption();
+    EXPECT_TRUE(tests::HasOption(cl, "version"));
+}
diff --git a/tests/src/cli/test_Option.cpp b/tests/src/cli/test_Option.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c8750f8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/src/cli/test_Option.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,162 @@
+
+#include <pbcopper/cli/Option.h>
+#include <gtest/gtest.h>
+using namespace PacBio;
+using namespace PacBio::CLI;
+using namespace std;
+
+TEST(CLI_Option, minimal_ctor_single_alias)
+{
+    Option opt{"opt_id", "o", ""};
+    EXPECT_EQ(string("opt_id"), opt.Id());
+    EXPECT_EQ(vector<string>{"o"}, opt.Names());
+    EXPECT_FALSE(opt.DefaultValue());
+    EXPECT_TRUE(opt.Description().empty());
+//    EXPECT_TRUE(opt.ValueName().empty());
+//    EXPECT_FALSE(opt.IsHidden());
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Option, can_be_constructed_from_name_list_only)
+{
+    Option opt{"opt_id",  {"o", "output"}, "" };
+    EXPECT_EQ(string("opt_id"), opt.Id());
+    const vector<string> expected{"o", "output"};
+    EXPECT_EQ(expected, opt.Names());
+    EXPECT_FALSE(opt.DefaultValue());
+    EXPECT_TRUE(opt.Description().empty());
+//    EXPECT_TRUE(opt.ValueName().empty());
+//    EXPECT_FALSE(opt.IsHidden());
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Option, can_be_constructed_from_name_and_extra_info)
+{
+    Option opt{"opt_id", "o", "write data to <file>", Option::StringType("default.txt") };
+    EXPECT_EQ(string("opt_id"), opt.Id());
+    EXPECT_EQ(vector<string>{"o"},   opt.Names());
+    EXPECT_EQ(string{"default.txt"}, opt.DefaultValue());
+    EXPECT_EQ(string{ "write data to <file>"}, opt.Description());
+//    EXPECT_FALSE(opt.IsHidden());
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Option, can_be_constructed_from_name_list_and_extra_info)
+{
+    Option opt{"opt_id", {"o", "output"}, "write data to <file>", Option::StringType("default.txt") };
+    const vector<string> expected{"o", "output"};
+    EXPECT_EQ(expected, opt.Names());
+    EXPECT_EQ(string{"default.txt"}, opt.DefaultValue());
+    EXPECT_EQ(string{ "write data to <file>"}, opt.Description());
+//    EXPECT_EQ(string{"file"}, opt.ValueName());
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Option, rejects_empty_id)
+{
+    EXPECT_THROW(Option("", "name", "descr"), std::runtime_error);
+    EXPECT_THROW(Option("", vector<string>{"name"}, "descr"), std::runtime_error);
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Option, rejects_empty_names)
+{
+    EXPECT_THROW(Option("opt_id", "", "descrip"), std::runtime_error);
+    EXPECT_THROW(Option("opt_id", vector<string>{}, "descr"), std::runtime_error);
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Option, rejects_names_beginning_with_dash)
+{
+    EXPECT_THROW(Option("opt_id", "-o", "desc"), std::runtime_error);
+    EXPECT_THROW(Option("opt_id", {"o", "-b"}, ""), std::runtime_error);
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Option, rejects_names_beginning_with_slash)
+{
+    EXPECT_THROW(Option("opt_id", "/A", ""), std::runtime_error);
+    EXPECT_THROW(Option("opt_id", {"o", "/X"}, ""), std::runtime_error);
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Option, rejects_names_containing_equal)
+{
+    EXPECT_THROW(Option("opt_id", "foo=bar", ""), std::runtime_error);
+    EXPECT_THROW(Option("opt_id", {"o", "foo=bar"}, "" ), std::runtime_error);
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Option, can_be_copy_constructed)
+{
+    Option original{"opt_id", "o", "write data to <file>", Option::StringType("default.txt")};
+    Option copy(original);
+
+    EXPECT_EQ(original.Names(),        copy.Names());
+    EXPECT_EQ(original.DefaultValue(), copy.DefaultValue());
+    EXPECT_EQ(original.Description(),  copy.Description());
+//    EXPECT_EQ(original.ValueName(),    copy.ValueName());
+//    EXPECT_EQ(original.IsHidden(),     copy.IsHidden());
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Option, can_be_copy_assigned)
+{
+    Option original{"opt_id", "o", "write data to <file>", Option::StringType("default.txt")};
+    Option copy("opt_id2", "dummy", "");
+    copy = original;
+
+    EXPECT_EQ(original.Names(),        copy.Names());
+    EXPECT_EQ(original.DefaultValue(), copy.DefaultValue());
+    EXPECT_EQ(original.Description(),  copy.Description());
+//    EXPECT_EQ(original.ValueName(),    copy.ValueName());
+//    EXPECT_EQ(original.IsHidden(),     copy.IsHidden());
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Option, can_be_move_constructed)
+{
+    Option original{"opt_id", "o", "write data to <file>", Option::StringType("default.txt")};
+    Option destination(std::move(original));
+
+    // ensure new option matches original's values (we can't touch original now)
+    EXPECT_EQ(vector<string>{"o"}, destination.Names());
+    EXPECT_EQ(string{"default.txt"}, destination.DefaultValue());
+    EXPECT_EQ(string{ "write data to <file>"}, destination.Description());
+//    EXPECT_EQ(string{"file"}, destination.ValueName());
+//    EXPECT_FALSE(destination.IsHidden());
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Option, can_be_move_assigned)
+{
+    Option original{"opt_id", "o", "write data to <file>", Option::StringType("default.txt")};
+    Option destination("opt_id2", "dummy", "");
+    destination = std::move(original);
+
+    // ensure new option matches original's values (we can't touch original now)
+    EXPECT_EQ(vector<string>{"o"}, destination.Names());
+    EXPECT_EQ(string{"default.txt"}, destination.DefaultValue());
+    EXPECT_EQ(string{ "write data to <file>"}, destination.Description());
+//    EXPECT_EQ(string{"file"}, destination.ValueName());
+//    EXPECT_FALSE(destination.IsHidden());
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Option, expected_defaults)
+{
+    // help
+    const auto help = Option::DefaultHelpOption();
+    EXPECT_EQ("help", help.Id());
+    EXPECT_EQ(vector<string>({"h", "help"}), help.Names());
+    EXPECT_EQ("Output this help.", help.Description());
+    EXPECT_FALSE(help.DefaultValue());
+
+    // log level
+    const auto logLevel = Option::DefaultLogLevelOption();
+    EXPECT_EQ("log_level", logLevel.Id());
+    EXPECT_EQ(vector<string>({"log-level", "logLevel"}), logLevel.Names());
+    EXPECT_EQ("Set log level.", logLevel.Description());
+    EXPECT_EQ("INFO", logLevel.DefaultValue());
+
+    // verbose
+    const auto verbose = Option::DefaultVerboseOption();
+    EXPECT_EQ("verbose", verbose.Id());
+    EXPECT_EQ(vector<string>({"v", "verbose"}), verbose.Names());
+    EXPECT_EQ("Use verbose output.", verbose.Description());
+    EXPECT_FALSE(verbose.DefaultValue());
+
+    // version
+    const auto version = Option::DefaultVersionOption();
+    EXPECT_EQ("version", version.Id());
+    EXPECT_EQ(vector<string>({"version"}), version.Names());
+    EXPECT_EQ("Output version info.", version.Description());
+    EXPECT_FALSE(version.DefaultValue());
+}
diff --git a/tests/src/cli/test_ResolvedToolContract.cpp b/tests/src/cli/test_ResolvedToolContract.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dceedae
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/src/cli/test_ResolvedToolContract.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,164 @@
+#include <pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/ResolvedToolContract.h>
+#include <gtest/gtest.h>
+
+#include <sstream>
+#include <string>
+
+using namespace PacBio;
+using namespace PacBio::CLI;
+using namespace PacBio::CLI::ToolContract;
+using namespace std;
+
+TEST(CLI_ResolvedToolContract, read_basic_RTC)
+{
+    auto text = R"(
+{
+  "driver": {
+    "env": {},
+    "exe": "python -m pbcommand.cli.example.dev_app --resolved-tool-contract "
+  },
+  "resolved_tool_contract": {
+    "input_files": [],
+    "nproc": 4,
+    "options": {
+      "pbcommand.task_options.max_nlines": 27
+    },
+    "output_files": [],
+    "resources": [],
+    "is_distributed": false,
+    "task_type": "pbsmrtpipe.task_types.standard",
+    "tool_contract_id": "frobber.tools.dev_app",
+    "log_level": "WARN"
+  }
+}
+    )";
+
+    stringstream input;
+    input << text;
+
+    Interface interface {
+        "frobber",
+        "Frobb your files in a most delightful, nobbly way",
+        "3.14"
+    };
+    interface.AddOptions({
+        {"max_nlines", {"n"}, "Max Number of lines to Copy", Option::IntType(10)}
+    });
+
+    const string id = "frobber.tasks.dev_txt_app";
+    ToolContract::Task tcTask(id);
+    tcTask.Options({
+        { "max_nlines", "Max Lines" }
+    });
+
+    ToolContract::Config tcConfig(tcTask);
+    interface.EnableToolContract(tcConfig);
+
+    ToolContract::ResolvedToolContract rtc(interface);
+    const Results results = rtc.Parse(input);
+
+    const int maxNLines = results["max_nlines"];
+    EXPECT_EQ(27, maxNLines);
+    EXPECT_EQ(PacBio::Logging::LogLevel::WARN, results.LogLevel());
+    EXPECT_EQ(4, results.NumProcessors());
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_ResolvedToolContract, map_files_to_options)
+{
+    auto text = R"(
+{
+  "driver": {
+    "env": {},
+    "exe": "python -m pbcommand.cli.example.dev_app --resolved-tool-contract "
+  },
+  "resolved_tool_contract": {
+    "input_files": [
+      "/path/to/subreads_file.txt"
+    ],
+    "nproc": 2,
+    "options": {
+      "pbcommand.task_options.min_length": 25,
+      "pbcommand.task_options.max_length": 500
+    },
+    "output_files": [
+      "/path/to/output_file.txt",
+      "/path/to/junk_file.txt",
+      "/path/to/report_file.txt",
+      "/path/to/json_file.txt"
+
+     ],
+    "resources": [],
+    "is_distributed": false,
+    "task_type": "pbsmrtpipe.task_types.standard",
+    "tool_contract_id": "frobber.tools.dev_app",
+    "log_level": "WARN"
+  }
+}
+    )";
+
+    stringstream input;
+    input << text;
+
+    Interface interface {
+        "frobber",
+        "Frobb your files in a most delightful, nobbly way",
+        "3.14"
+    };
+    interface.AddOptions({
+        {"min_length",  {"minLength"},  "Minimum length.", Option::IntType(10)},
+        {"max_length",  {"maxLength"},  "Maximum length.", Option::IntType(1000)},
+        {"output_file", {"resultFile"}, "Output file.", Option::StringType("")},
+        {"junk_file",   {"junkFile"},   "Junk file.",   Option::StringType("")},
+        {"report_file", {"reportFile"}, "Report file.", Option::StringType("")},
+        {"json_file",   {"jsonFile"},   "JSON file.",   Option::StringType("")},
+    });
+
+    const string id = "frobber.tasks.dev_txt_app";
+    ToolContract::Task tcTask(id);
+    tcTask.Options({
+        { "min_length", "Minimum Length" },
+        { "max_length", "Maximum Length" },
+    });
+    tcTask.InputFileTypes({
+        { "input_file", "Input File", "Generic Txt file", "PacBio.FileTypes.txt" }
+    });
+    tcTask.OutputFileTypes({
+        { "output_file", "Output File", "Output file.", "PacBio.FileTypes.txt", "output" },
+        { "junk_file",   "Junk File",   "Junk file.",   "PacBio.FileTypes.txt", "junk" },
+        { "report_file", "Report File", "Report file.", "PacBio.FileTypes.txt", "report" },
+        { "json_file",   "JSON File",   "JSON file.",   "PacBio.FileTypes.txt", "json" }
+    });
+    tcTask.OutputFilesToOptions({
+        { 0, "output_file" },
+        { 1, "junk_file" },
+        { 2, "report_file" },
+        { 3, "json_file" },
+    });
+
+    ToolContract::Config tcConfig(tcTask);
+    interface.EnableToolContract(tcConfig);
+
+    ToolContract::ResolvedToolContract rtc(interface);
+    const Results results = rtc.Parse(input);
+
+    const int minLength     = results["min_length"];
+    const int maxLength     = results["max_length"];
+    const string outputFile = results["output_file"];
+    const string reportFile = results["report_file"];
+    const string junkFile   = results["junk_file"];
+    const string jsonFile   = results["json_file"];
+
+    const auto positionalArgs = results.PositionalArguments();
+    EXPECT_EQ(1, positionalArgs.size());
+    const string inputFile = positionalArgs.at(0);
+
+    EXPECT_EQ(25,  minLength);
+    EXPECT_EQ(500, maxLength);
+    EXPECT_EQ("/path/to/output_file.txt", outputFile);
+    EXPECT_EQ("/path/to/report_file.txt", reportFile);
+    EXPECT_EQ("/path/to/junk_file.txt", junkFile);
+    EXPECT_EQ("/path/to/json_file.txt", jsonFile);
+    EXPECT_EQ("/path/to/subreads_file.txt", inputFile);
+
+    EXPECT_EQ(2, results.NumProcessors());
+}
diff --git a/tests/src/cli/test_Results.cpp b/tests/src/cli/test_Results.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0ccb931
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/src/cli/test_Results.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,74 @@
+
+#include <pbcopper/cli/Results.h>
+#include <gtest/gtest.h>
+using namespace PacBio;
+using namespace PacBio::CLI;
+using namespace std;
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace CLI {
+namespace tests {
+
+static PacBio::CLI::Interface makeInterface(void)
+{
+    Interface i {
+        "frobber",
+        "Frobb your files in a most delightful, nobbly way",
+        "3.14"
+    };
+
+    // common built-ins - ON by default ?
+    i.AddHelpOption();
+    i.AddVerboseOption();
+    i.AddVersionOption();
+
+    i.AddOptions({
+        {"progress",   "p",                  "Show progress during copy."},
+        {"force",      {"f", "force"},       "Overwrite things." },
+        {"target_dir", {"t", "target-dir"},  "Copy all source files into <DIR>.", Option::StringType("my/default/dir")},
+        {"timeout",    "timeout",            "Abort execution after <INT> milliseconds.", Option::IntType(5000)}
+    });
+    i.AddPositionalArguments({
+        {"source", "Source file to copy."},
+        {"dest",   "Destination directory."},
+        {"extras", "Extra stuff to pass in here, optionally.", "[extras...]"}
+    });
+
+    return i;
+}
+
+} // namespace tests
+} // namespace CLI
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+TEST(CLI_Results, option_default_values_respected)
+{
+    Results r{ tests::makeInterface() };
+    EXPECT_FALSE(r["force"]);
+    EXPECT_FALSE(r["timeout"].empty());     // has a default
+    EXPECT_TRUE(r.PositionalArguments().empty());
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Results, add_observed_option_value)
+{
+    Results r{ tests::makeInterface() };
+    r.RegisterOptionValue("timeout", "42");
+    EXPECT_EQ(string("42"), r["timeout"]);
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_Results, adding_positional_args)
+{
+    Results r{ tests::makeInterface() };
+    r.RegisterPositionalArg("source_file")
+     .RegisterPositionalArg("dest_file");
+
+    // lookup by index
+    const auto& resultPositionalArgs = r.PositionalArguments();
+    EXPECT_EQ(2, resultPositionalArgs.size());
+    EXPECT_EQ(string("source_file"),   resultPositionalArgs.at(0));
+    EXPECT_EQ(string("dest_file"), resultPositionalArgs.at(1));
+
+//    // lookup by name (order-independent at this point)
+//    EXPECT_EQ(string("dest_file"),   r.PositionalArgument("dest"));
+//    EXPECT_EQ(string("source_file"), r.PositionalArgument("source"));
+}
diff --git a/tests/src/cli/test_ToolContractJsonPrinter.cpp b/tests/src/cli/test_ToolContractJsonPrinter.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1581c3c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/src/cli/test_ToolContractJsonPrinter.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,229 @@
+#include <pbcopper/cli/toolcontract/JsonPrinter.h>
+#include <pbcopper/cli/Interface.h>
+#include <gtest/gtest.h>
+
+using namespace PacBio;
+using namespace PacBio::CLI;
+using namespace PacBio::CLI::ToolContract;
+using namespace std;
+
+static string MakeToolContractText(const string nProc)
+{
+    // we're testing in the compact form of JSON output - there's already enough
+    // quote-escaping white noise, without having newlines in the mix as well
+    //
+
+    const string header =
+    {
+        "{"
+            "\"driver\":{"
+                "\"env\":{},"
+                "\"exe\":\"frobber --resolved-tool-contract\","
+                "\"serialization\":\"json\""
+            "},"
+            "\"tool_contract\":{"
+                "\"_comment\":\"Created by v0.0.1\","
+                "\"description\":\"Frobb your files in a most delightful, nobbly way\","
+                "\"input_types\":["
+                    "{"
+                        "\"description\":\"Generic Txt file\","
+                        "\"file_type_id\":\"PacBio.FileTypes.txt\","
+                        "\"id\":\"txt_in\","
+                        "\"title\":\"Txt file\""
+                    "}"
+                "],"
+                "\"is_distributed\":true,"
+                "\"name\":\"frobber\","
+                "\"nproc\":"
+    };
+
+    const string footer =
+            {","
+                "\"output_types\":["
+                    "{"
+                        "\"default_name\":\"output\","
+                        "\"description\":\"Generic Output Txt file\","
+                        "\"file_type_id\":\"PacBio.FileTypes.txt\","
+                        "\"id\":\"txt_out\","
+                        "\"title\":\"Txt outfile\""
+                    "}"
+                "],"
+                "\"resource_types\":["
+                    "\"$tmpfile\","
+                    "\"$tmpfile\","
+                    "\"$tmpdir\""
+                "],"
+                "\"schema_options\":["
+                    "{"
+                        "\"$schema\":\"http://json-schema.org/draft-04/schema#\","
+                        "\"pb_option\":{"
+                            "\"default\":10,"
+                            "\"description\":\"Max Number of lines to Copy\","
+                            "\"name\":\"Max lines\","
+                            "\"option_id\":\"frobber.task_options.max_nlines\","
+                            "\"type\":\"integer\""
+                        "},"
+                        "\"properties\":{"
+                            "\"frobber.task_options.max_nlines\":{"
+                                "\"default\":10,"
+                                "\"description\":\"Max Number of lines to Copy\","
+                                "\"title\":\"Max lines\","
+                                "\"type\":\"integer\""
+                            "}"
+                        "},"
+                        "\"required\":["
+                            "\"frobber.task_options.max_nlines\""
+                        "],"
+                        "\"title\":\"JSON Schema for frobber.task_options.max_nlines\","
+                        "\"type\":\"object\""
+                    "}"
+                "],"
+                "\"task_type\":\"pbsmrtpipe.task_types.standard\","
+                "\"tool_contract_id\":\"frobber.tasks.dev_txt_app\""
+            "},"
+            "\"tool_contract_id\":\"frobber.tasks.dev_txt_app\","
+            "\"version\":\"3.14\""
+        "}"
+    };
+    return header + nProc + footer;
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_ToolContractJsonPrinter, prints_expected_output)
+{
+    const string expectedText = MakeToolContractText("1");
+
+    // --------------------------------------------
+    // setup interface & tool contract config
+    // --------------------------------------------
+
+    Interface i {
+        "frobber",
+        "Frobb your files in a most delightful, nobbly way",
+        "3.14"
+    };
+    i.AddOptions({
+        {"max_nlines", "n", "Max Number of lines to Copy", Option::IntType(10)}
+    });
+
+    const string id = "frobber.tasks.dev_txt_app";
+    ToolContract::Task tcTask(id);
+    tcTask.InputFileTypes({
+        { "txt_in", "Txt file", "Generic Txt file", "PacBio.FileTypes.txt" }
+    });
+    tcTask.OutputFileTypes({
+        { "txt_out", "Txt outfile", "Generic Output Txt file", "PacBio.FileTypes.txt", "output" }
+    });
+    tcTask.ResourceTypes({
+        ResourceType::TMP_FILE,
+        ResourceType::TMP_FILE,
+        ResourceType::TMP_DIR
+    });
+    tcTask.Options({
+        { "max_nlines","Max lines" }
+    });
+
+    ToolContract::Config tcConfig(tcTask);
+    i.EnableToolContract(tcConfig);
+
+    // --------------------------------------------
+    // test tool contract output
+    // --------------------------------------------
+
+    stringstream s;
+    ToolContract::JsonPrinter::Print(i, s, -1);
+    EXPECT_EQ(expectedText, s.str());
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_ToolContractJsonPrinter, prints_expected_output_with_explicit_nproc)
+{
+    const string expectedText = MakeToolContractText("4");
+
+    // --------------------------------------------
+    // setup interface & tool contract config
+    // --------------------------------------------
+
+    Interface i {
+        "frobber",
+        "Frobb your files in a most delightful, nobbly way",
+        "3.14"
+    };
+    i.AddOptions({
+        {"max_nlines", "n", "Max Number of lines to Copy", Option::IntType(10)}
+    });
+
+    const string id = "frobber.tasks.dev_txt_app";
+    ToolContract::Task tcTask(id);
+    tcTask.InputFileTypes({
+        { "txt_in", "Txt file", "Generic Txt file", "PacBio.FileTypes.txt" }
+    });
+    tcTask.OutputFileTypes({
+        { "txt_out", "Txt outfile", "Generic Output Txt file", "PacBio.FileTypes.txt", "output" }
+    });
+    tcTask.ResourceTypes({
+        ResourceType::TMP_FILE,
+        ResourceType::TMP_FILE,
+        ResourceType::TMP_DIR
+    });
+    tcTask.Options({
+        { "max_nlines","Max lines" }
+    });
+    tcTask.NumProcessors(4);
+
+    ToolContract::Config tcConfig(tcTask);
+    i.EnableToolContract(tcConfig);
+
+    // --------------------------------------------
+    // test tool contract output
+    // --------------------------------------------
+
+    stringstream s;
+    ToolContract::JsonPrinter::Print(i, s, -1);
+    EXPECT_EQ(expectedText, s.str());
+}
+
+TEST(CLI_ToolContractJsonPrinter, prints_expected_output_with_max_nproc)
+{
+    const string expectedText = MakeToolContractText("\"$max_nproc\"");
+
+    // --------------------------------------------
+    // setup interface & tool contract config
+    // --------------------------------------------
+
+    Interface i {
+        "frobber",
+        "Frobb your files in a most delightful, nobbly way",
+        "3.14"
+    };
+    i.AddOptions({
+        {"max_nlines", "n", "Max Number of lines to Copy", Option::IntType(10)}
+    });
+
+    const string id = "frobber.tasks.dev_txt_app";
+    ToolContract::Task tcTask(id);
+    tcTask.InputFileTypes({
+        { "txt_in", "Txt file", "Generic Txt file", "PacBio.FileTypes.txt" }
+    });
+    tcTask.OutputFileTypes({
+        { "txt_out", "Txt outfile", "Generic Output Txt file", "PacBio.FileTypes.txt", "output" }
+    });
+    tcTask.ResourceTypes({
+        ResourceType::TMP_FILE,
+        ResourceType::TMP_FILE,
+        ResourceType::TMP_DIR
+    });
+    tcTask.Options({
+        { "max_nlines","Max lines" }
+    });
+    tcTask.NumProcessors(Task::MAX_NPROC);
+
+    ToolContract::Config tcConfig(tcTask);
+    i.EnableToolContract(tcConfig);
+
+    // --------------------------------------------
+    // test tool contract output
+    // --------------------------------------------
+
+    stringstream s;
+    ToolContract::JsonPrinter::Print(i, s, -1);
+    EXPECT_EQ(expectedText, s.str());
+}
diff --git a/tests/src/cli/test_VersionPrinter.cpp b/tests/src/cli/test_VersionPrinter.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..84b44f5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/src/cli/test_VersionPrinter.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+#include <pbcopper/cli/VersionPrinter.h>
+
+#include <pbcopper/cli/Interface.h>
+#include <gtest/gtest.h>
+#include <sstream>
+#include <string>
+using namespace PacBio;
+using namespace PacBio::CLI;
+using namespace std;
+
+TEST(CLI_VersionPrinter, prints_expected_version_output)
+{
+    const Interface interface{ "myApp", "does the things", "3.14" };
+    const string expectedText = "myApp 3.14\n";
+
+    stringstream s;
+    VersionPrinter::Print(interface, s);
+    EXPECT_EQ(expectedText, s.str());
+}
diff --git a/tests/src/data/test_Interval.cpp b/tests/src/data/test_Interval.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9e2f410
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/src/data/test_Interval.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,199 @@
+
+#include <pbcopper/data/Interval.h>
+#include <pbcopper/data/Position.h>
+#include <gtest/gtest.h>
+using namespace PacBio;
+using namespace PacBio::Data;
+using namespace std;
+
+TEST(Data_Interval, default_interval_contains_zeroes)
+{
+    Interval<Position> empty;
+    EXPECT_EQ(0, empty.Start());
+    EXPECT_EQ(0, empty.End());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_Interval, construction_with_explicit_start_and_end_retained)
+{
+    Interval<Position> normal(5, 8);
+    EXPECT_EQ(5, normal.Start());
+    EXPECT_EQ(8, normal.End());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_Interval, construction_without_explict_endpoint_yields_endpoint_of_start_plus_one)
+{
+    Interval<Position> singleton(4);
+    EXPECT_EQ(4, singleton.Start());
+    EXPECT_EQ(5, singleton.End());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_Interval, self_equals_self)
+{
+    Interval<Position> empty;
+    Interval<Position> singleton(4);
+    Interval<Position> normal(5, 8);
+
+    EXPECT_TRUE(empty     == empty);
+    EXPECT_TRUE(singleton == singleton);
+    EXPECT_TRUE(normal    == normal);
+}
+
+TEST(Data_Interval, intervals_with_same_endpoints_are_equal)
+{
+    Interval<Position> empty;
+    Interval<Position> sameAsEmpty;
+    Interval<Position> singleton(4);
+    Interval<Position> sameAsSingleton(4,5);
+    Interval<Position> normal(5, 8);
+    Interval<Position> sameAsNormal(5, 8);
+
+    EXPECT_TRUE(empty     == sameAsEmpty);
+    EXPECT_TRUE(singleton == sameAsSingleton);
+    EXPECT_TRUE(normal    == sameAsNormal);
+}
+
+TEST(Data_Interval, intervals_with_different_endpoints_are_not_equal)
+{
+    Interval<Position> empty;
+    Interval<Position> singleton(4);
+    Interval<Position> normal(5, 8);
+    Interval<Position> different(20, 40);
+
+    EXPECT_FALSE(empty == singleton);
+    EXPECT_FALSE(empty == normal);
+    EXPECT_FALSE(empty == different);
+    EXPECT_FALSE(singleton == normal);
+    EXPECT_FALSE(normal == different);
+}
+
+TEST(Data_Interval, can_be_copy_constructed)
+{
+    Interval<Position> original(5, 8);
+    Interval<Position> copy(original);
+    EXPECT_TRUE(original == copy);
+}
+
+TEST(Data_Interval, can_be_copy_assigned)
+{
+    Interval<Position> original(5, 8);
+    Interval<Position> copy = original;
+    EXPECT_TRUE(original == copy);
+}
+
+TEST(Data_Interval, modification_of_copy_does_not_affect_original)
+{
+    Interval<Position> original(5, 8);
+    Interval<Position> copy(original);
+    copy.Start(2);
+    copy.End(10);
+
+    EXPECT_FALSE(original == copy);
+    EXPECT_EQ(2, copy.Start());
+    EXPECT_EQ(10, copy.End());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_Interval, self_covers_and_is_covered_by_self)
+{
+    Interval<Position> interval(2, 4);
+    EXPECT_TRUE(interval.Covers(interval));
+    EXPECT_TRUE(interval.CoveredBy(interval));
+}
+
+TEST(Data_Interval, covers_and_coveredby_are_reciprocal)
+{
+    Interval<Position> inner(3, 5);
+    Interval<Position> outer(1, 7);
+
+    EXPECT_TRUE(inner.CoveredBy(outer)); // a.coveredBy(b)
+    EXPECT_TRUE(outer.Covers(inner));    // thus b.covers(a)
+
+    EXPECT_FALSE(inner == outer);        // if a != b
+    EXPECT_FALSE(inner.Covers(outer));   // then !a.covers(b)
+}
+
+TEST(Data_Interval, completely_disjoint_intervals_do_not_cover_each_other)
+{
+    Interval<Position> left(3, 5);
+    Interval<Position> right(6, 8);
+
+    EXPECT_FALSE(left.Covers(right));
+    EXPECT_FALSE(right.Covers(left));
+    EXPECT_FALSE(left.CoveredBy(right));
+    EXPECT_FALSE(right.CoveredBy(left));
+}
+
+TEST(Data_Interval, no_coverage_when_left_stop_same_as_right_start)
+{
+    Interval<Position> left(3, 5);
+    Interval<Position> right(5, 8);
+
+    EXPECT_FALSE(left.Covers(right));
+    EXPECT_FALSE(left.CoveredBy(right));
+}
+
+TEST(Data_Interval, coverage_when_endpoints_are_same_and_inner_start_contained_by_outer)
+{
+    Interval<Position> inner(6, 8);
+    Interval<Position> outer(5, 8);
+
+    EXPECT_TRUE(outer.Covers(inner));
+    EXPECT_TRUE(inner.CoveredBy(outer));
+}
+
+TEST(Data_Interval, calculates_proper_intersection)
+{
+    Interval<Position> interval1(2, 4);
+    Interval<Position> interval2(3, 5);
+    Interval<Position> interval3(6, 8);
+    Interval<Position> interval4(1, 7);
+    Interval<Position> interval5(5, 8);
+
+    EXPECT_TRUE(interval1.Intersects(interval1)); // self-intersection: a.intersects(a)
+
+    EXPECT_TRUE(interval1.Intersects(interval2)); // if a.intersects(b)
+    EXPECT_TRUE(interval2.Intersects(interval1)); // then b.intersects(a)
+
+    EXPECT_TRUE(interval4.Covers(interval1));      // if b.covers(a),
+    EXPECT_TRUE(interval1.Intersects(interval4));  // then a.intersects(b)
+    EXPECT_TRUE(interval4.Intersects(interval1));  // and b.intersects(a)
+
+    EXPECT_FALSE(interval2.Intersects(interval3)); // b.start > a.stop (obvious disjoint)
+    EXPECT_FALSE(interval2.Intersects(interval5)); // b.start == a.stop (intervals are right open, so disjoint)
+}
+
+TEST(Data_Interval, acceptable_endpoints_are_valid)
+{
+    Interval<Position> zeroStartInterval(0,1);
+    Interval<Position> nonZeroStartInterval(4,5);
+
+    EXPECT_TRUE(zeroStartInterval.IsValid());
+    EXPECT_TRUE(nonZeroStartInterval.IsValid());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_Interval, nonsensical_endpoints_are_invalid)
+{
+    Interval<Position> defaultConstructedInterval;
+    Interval<Position> zeroEmptyValue(0,0);
+    Interval<Position> nonZeroEmptyInterval(4,4);
+    Interval<Position> badOrderingInterval(5,4);
+
+    EXPECT_FALSE(defaultConstructedInterval.IsValid());
+    EXPECT_FALSE(zeroEmptyValue.IsValid());
+    EXPECT_FALSE(nonZeroEmptyInterval.IsValid());
+    EXPECT_FALSE(badOrderingInterval.IsValid());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_Interval, calculates_proper_length)
+{
+    Interval<Position> interval1(2, 4);
+    Interval<Position> interval2(3, 5);
+    Interval<Position> interval3(6, 8);
+    Interval<Position> interval4(1, 7);
+    Interval<Position> interval5(5, 8);
+
+    EXPECT_EQ(2, interval1.Length());
+    EXPECT_EQ(2, interval2.Length());
+    EXPECT_EQ(2, interval3.Length());
+    EXPECT_EQ(6, interval4.Length());
+    EXPECT_EQ(3, interval5.Length());
+}
diff --git a/tests/src/data/test_MovieName.cpp b/tests/src/data/test_MovieName.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..64d5dec
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/src/data/test_MovieName.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,153 @@
+
+#include <pbcopper/data/MovieName.h>
+#include <gtest/gtest.h>
+#include <sstream>
+using namespace PacBio;
+using namespace PacBio::Data;
+using namespace std;
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace Data {
+namespace tests {
+
+auto makeMovieName = [](void)
+{
+    return MovieName{ "m54001_160623_195125" };
+};
+
+} // namespace tests
+} // namespace Data
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+TEST(Data_MovieName, construct_from_lvalue_string)
+{
+    EXPECT_NO_THROW(
+    {
+        const string input = "m54001_160623_195125";
+        const MovieName m(input);
+        EXPECT_EQ("160623_195125", m.RunStartTime());
+        EXPECT_EQ("54001", m.InstrumentName());
+    });
+}
+
+TEST(Data_MovieName, construct_from_rvalue_string)
+{
+    EXPECT_NO_THROW(
+    {
+        const MovieName m("m54001_160623_195125");
+        EXPECT_EQ("160623_195125", m.RunStartTime());
+        EXPECT_EQ("54001", m.InstrumentName());
+    });
+}
+
+TEST(Data_MovieName, construct_from_name_parts)
+{
+    EXPECT_NO_THROW(
+    {
+        const MovieName m("54001", "160623_195125");
+        EXPECT_EQ("160623_195125", m.RunStartTime());
+        EXPECT_EQ("54001", m.InstrumentName());
+    });
+}
+
+TEST(Data_MovieName, copy_constructor)
+{
+    const MovieName m("m54001_160623_195125");
+    EXPECT_EQ("160623_195125", m.RunStartTime());
+    EXPECT_EQ("54001", m.InstrumentName());
+
+    const MovieName m2(m);
+    EXPECT_EQ("160623_195125", m2.RunStartTime());
+    EXPECT_EQ("54001", m2.InstrumentName());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_MovieName, copy_assign)
+{
+    const MovieName m("m54001_160623_195125");
+    EXPECT_EQ("160623_195125", m.RunStartTime());
+    EXPECT_EQ("54001", m.InstrumentName());
+
+    MovieName m2("mDummy_Dummy_Dummy");
+    m2 = m;
+
+    EXPECT_EQ("160623_195125", m2.RunStartTime());
+    EXPECT_EQ("54001", m2.InstrumentName());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_MovieName, move_constructor)
+{
+    const MovieName m(tests::makeMovieName());
+    EXPECT_EQ("160623_195125", m.RunStartTime());
+    EXPECT_EQ("54001", m.InstrumentName());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_MovieName, move_assign)
+{
+    MovieName m2("mDummy_Dummy_Dummy");
+    m2 = tests::makeMovieName();
+
+    EXPECT_EQ("160623_195125", m2.RunStartTime());
+    EXPECT_EQ("54001", m2.InstrumentName());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_MovieName, constructed_from_name_prints_same_name)
+{
+    const string expected = "m54001_160623_195125";
+
+    const MovieName m(expected);
+    EXPECT_EQ(expected, m.ToStdString());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_MovieName, constructed_from_name_parts_prints_expected_combination)
+{
+    const string expected = "m54001_160623_195125";
+
+    const MovieName m("54001", "160623_195125");
+    EXPECT_EQ(expected, m.ToStdString());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_MovieName, compares_equal_if_printed_names_equal)
+{
+    const MovieName m("m54001_160623_195125");
+    const MovieName m2("m54001_160623_195125");
+    const MovieName m3("m10000_160623_195125");
+
+    EXPECT_TRUE(m == m2);
+    EXPECT_FALSE(m != m2);
+
+    EXPECT_FALSE(m == m3);
+    EXPECT_TRUE(m != m3);
+}
+
+TEST(Data_MovieName, constructed_from_name_prints_expected_value_to_output_operator)
+{
+    const string expected = "m54001_160623_195125";
+
+    const MovieName m(expected);
+    stringstream s;
+    s << m;
+
+    EXPECT_EQ(expected, s.str());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_MovieName, constructed_from_name_parts_prints_expected_value_to_output_operator)
+{
+    const string expected = "m54001_160623_195125";
+
+    const MovieName m("54001", "160623_195125");
+    stringstream s;
+    s << m;
+
+    EXPECT_EQ(expected, s.str());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_MovieName, constructed_properly_from_input_operator)
+{
+    const string name = "m54001_160623_195125";
+    stringstream s(name);
+    MovieName m;
+    s >> m;
+
+    EXPECT_EQ("160623_195125", m.RunStartTime());
+    EXPECT_EQ("54001", m.InstrumentName());
+}
diff --git a/tests/src/data/test_RSMovieName.cpp b/tests/src/data/test_RSMovieName.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b491a74
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/src/data/test_RSMovieName.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,217 @@
+
+#include <pbcopper/data/RSMovieName.h>
+#include <gtest/gtest.h>
+#include <sstream>
+using namespace PacBio;
+using namespace PacBio::Data;
+using namespace std;
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace Data {
+namespace tests {
+
+auto makeRSMovieName = [](void)
+{
+    return RSMovieName{ "m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_p0" };
+};
+
+} // namespace tests
+} // namespace Data
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+TEST(Data_RSMovieName, construct_from_lvalue_string)
+{
+    EXPECT_NO_THROW(
+    {
+        const string input = "m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_p0";
+        const RSMovieName m(input);
+        EXPECT_EQ("140415_143853", m.RunStartTime());
+        EXPECT_EQ("42175", m.InstrumentSerialNumber());
+        EXPECT_EQ("c100635972550000001823121909121417", m.SMRTCellBarcode());
+        EXPECT_EQ("s1", m.SetNumber());
+        EXPECT_EQ("p0", m.PartNumber());
+        EXPECT_FALSE(m.IsReagentExpired());
+    });
+}
+
+TEST(Data_RSMovieName, construct_from_rvalue_string)
+{
+    EXPECT_NO_THROW(
+    {
+        const RSMovieName m("m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_p0");
+        EXPECT_EQ("140415_143853", m.RunStartTime());
+        EXPECT_EQ("42175", m.InstrumentSerialNumber());
+        EXPECT_EQ("c100635972550000001823121909121417", m.SMRTCellBarcode());
+        EXPECT_EQ("s1", m.SetNumber());
+        EXPECT_EQ("p0", m.PartNumber());
+        EXPECT_FALSE(m.IsReagentExpired());
+    });
+}
+
+TEST(Data_RSMovieName, construct_from_name_parts)
+{
+    EXPECT_NO_THROW(
+    {
+        const RSMovieName m("140415_143853",
+                         "42175",
+                         "c100635972550000001823121909121417",
+                         "s1",
+                         "p0");
+        EXPECT_EQ("140415_143853", m.RunStartTime());
+        EXPECT_EQ("42175", m.InstrumentSerialNumber());
+        EXPECT_EQ("c100635972550000001823121909121417", m.SMRTCellBarcode());
+        EXPECT_EQ("s1", m.SetNumber());
+        EXPECT_EQ("p0", m.PartNumber());
+        EXPECT_FALSE(m.IsReagentExpired());
+    });
+}
+
+TEST(Data_RSMovieName, copy_constructor)
+{
+    const RSMovieName m("m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_p0");
+    EXPECT_EQ("140415_143853", m.RunStartTime());
+    EXPECT_EQ("42175", m.InstrumentSerialNumber());
+    EXPECT_EQ("c100635972550000001823121909121417", m.SMRTCellBarcode());
+    EXPECT_EQ("s1", m.SetNumber());
+    EXPECT_EQ("p0", m.PartNumber());
+    EXPECT_FALSE(m.IsReagentExpired());
+
+    const RSMovieName m2(m);
+    EXPECT_EQ("140415_143853", m2.RunStartTime());
+    EXPECT_EQ("42175", m2.InstrumentSerialNumber());
+    EXPECT_EQ("c100635972550000001823121909121417", m2.SMRTCellBarcode());
+    EXPECT_EQ("s1", m2.SetNumber());
+    EXPECT_EQ("p0", m2.PartNumber());
+    EXPECT_FALSE(m2.IsReagentExpired());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_RSMovieName, copy_assign)
+{
+    const RSMovieName m("m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_p0");
+    EXPECT_EQ("140415_143853", m.RunStartTime());
+    EXPECT_EQ("42175", m.InstrumentSerialNumber());
+    EXPECT_EQ("c100635972550000001823121909121417", m.SMRTCellBarcode());
+    EXPECT_EQ("s1", m.SetNumber());
+    EXPECT_EQ("p0", m.PartNumber());
+    EXPECT_FALSE(m.IsReagentExpired());
+
+    RSMovieName m2("mDummy_Dummy_Dummy_Dummy_Dummy_Dummy");
+    m2 = m;
+
+    EXPECT_EQ("140415_143853", m2.RunStartTime());
+    EXPECT_EQ("42175", m2.InstrumentSerialNumber());
+    EXPECT_EQ("c100635972550000001823121909121417", m2.SMRTCellBarcode());
+    EXPECT_EQ("s1", m2.SetNumber());
+    EXPECT_EQ("p0", m2.PartNumber());
+    EXPECT_FALSE(m2.IsReagentExpired());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_RSMovieName, move_constructor)
+{
+    const RSMovieName m(tests::makeRSMovieName());
+    EXPECT_EQ("140415_143853", m.RunStartTime());
+    EXPECT_EQ("42175", m.InstrumentSerialNumber());
+    EXPECT_EQ("c100635972550000001823121909121417", m.SMRTCellBarcode());
+    EXPECT_EQ("s1", m.SetNumber());
+    EXPECT_EQ("p0", m.PartNumber());
+    EXPECT_FALSE(m.IsReagentExpired());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_RSMovieName, move_assign)
+{
+    RSMovieName m2("mDummy_Dummy_Dummy_Dummy_Dummy_Dummy");
+    m2 = tests::makeRSMovieName();
+
+    EXPECT_EQ("140415_143853", m2.RunStartTime());
+    EXPECT_EQ("42175", m2.InstrumentSerialNumber());
+    EXPECT_EQ("c100635972550000001823121909121417", m2.SMRTCellBarcode());
+    EXPECT_EQ("s1", m2.SetNumber());
+    EXPECT_EQ("p0", m2.PartNumber());
+    EXPECT_FALSE(m2.IsReagentExpired());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_RSMovieName, expired_reagent_character_recognized)
+{
+    {   // not expired
+        const RSMovieName m("m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_p0");
+        EXPECT_FALSE(m.IsReagentExpired());
+    }
+    {   // expired
+        const RSMovieName m("m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_X0");
+        EXPECT_TRUE(m.IsReagentExpired());
+    }
+}
+
+TEST(Data_RSMovieName, constructed_from_name_prints_same_name)
+{
+    const string expected = "m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_p0";
+
+    const RSMovieName m(expected);
+    EXPECT_EQ(expected, m.ToStdString());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_RSMovieName, constructed_from_name_parts_prints_expected_combination)
+{
+    const string expected = "m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_p0";
+
+    const RSMovieName m("140415_143853",
+                     "42175",
+                     "c100635972550000001823121909121417",
+                     "s1",
+                     "p0");
+    EXPECT_EQ(expected, m.ToStdString());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_RSMovieName, compares_equal_if_printed_names_equal)
+{
+    const RSMovieName m("m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_p0");
+    const RSMovieName m2("m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_p0");
+    const RSMovieName m3("m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_p1");
+
+    EXPECT_TRUE(m == m2);
+    EXPECT_FALSE(m != m2);
+
+    EXPECT_FALSE(m == m3);
+    EXPECT_TRUE(m != m3);
+}
+
+TEST(Data_RSMovieName, constructed_from_name_prints_expected_value_to_output_operator)
+{
+    const string expected = "m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_p0";
+
+    const RSMovieName m(expected);
+    stringstream s;
+    s << m;
+
+    EXPECT_EQ(expected, s.str());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_RSMovieName, constructed_from_name_parts_prints_expected_value_to_output_operator)
+{
+    const string expected = "m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_p0";
+
+    const RSMovieName m("140415_143853",
+                      "42175",
+                      "c100635972550000001823121909121417",
+                      "s1",
+                      "p0");
+    stringstream s;
+    s << m;
+
+    EXPECT_EQ(expected, s.str());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_RSMovieName, constructed_properly_from_input_operator)
+{
+    const string name = "m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_p0";
+    stringstream s(name);
+    RSMovieName m;
+    s >> m;
+
+    EXPECT_EQ("140415_143853", m.RunStartTime());
+    EXPECT_EQ("42175", m.InstrumentSerialNumber());
+    EXPECT_EQ("c100635972550000001823121909121417", m.SMRTCellBarcode());
+    EXPECT_EQ("s1", m.SetNumber());
+    EXPECT_EQ("p0", m.PartNumber());
+    EXPECT_FALSE(m.IsReagentExpired());
+}
diff --git a/tests/src/data/test_RSReadName.cpp b/tests/src/data/test_RSReadName.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bc86a98
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/src/data/test_RSReadName.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,188 @@
+
+#include <pbcopper/data/RSReadName.h>
+#include <gtest/gtest.h>
+using namespace PacBio;
+using namespace PacBio::Data;
+using namespace std;
+
+TEST(Data_RSReadName, read_name_from_string)
+{
+    const string movieName = "m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_p0";
+    const Zmw zmw = 553;
+    const Position queryStart = 3100;
+    const Position queryEnd   = 11230;
+    const Interval<Position> queryInterval{ queryStart, queryEnd };
+
+    const RSReadName readName("m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_p0/553/3100_11230");
+
+    EXPECT_EQ(movieName, readName.MovieName().ToStdString());
+    EXPECT_EQ(zmw,       readName.Zmw());
+
+    EXPECT_EQ(queryInterval,         readName.QueryInterval());
+    EXPECT_EQ(queryInterval.Start(), readName.QueryStart());
+    EXPECT_EQ(queryInterval.End(),   readName.QueryEnd());
+
+    EXPECT_FALSE(readName.IsCCS());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_RSReadName, ccs_read_name_from_string)
+{
+    const string movieName = "m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_p0";
+    const Zmw zmw = 553;
+    const Position queryStart = 3100;
+    const Position queryEnd   = 11230;
+    const Interval<Position> queryInterval{ queryStart, queryEnd };
+
+    const RSReadName readName("m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_p0/553/ccs");
+
+    EXPECT_EQ(movieName, readName.MovieName().ToStdString());
+    EXPECT_EQ(zmw,       readName.Zmw());
+
+    EXPECT_TRUE(readName.IsCCS());
+
+    EXPECT_THROW(readName.QueryEnd(),      std::runtime_error);
+    EXPECT_THROW(readName.QueryInterval(), std::runtime_error);
+    EXPECT_THROW(readName.QueryStart(),    std::runtime_error);
+}
+
+TEST(Data_RSReadName, read_name_from_parts_with_query_interval)
+{
+    const string movieName = "m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_p0";
+    const Zmw zmw = 553;
+    const Position queryStart = 3100;
+    const Position queryEnd   = 11230;
+    const Interval<Position> queryInterval{ queryStart, queryEnd };
+
+    const RSReadName readName{ RSMovieName{movieName}, zmw, queryInterval };
+
+    EXPECT_EQ(movieName, readName.MovieName().ToStdString());
+    EXPECT_EQ(zmw,       readName.Zmw());
+
+    EXPECT_EQ(queryInterval,         readName.QueryInterval());
+    EXPECT_EQ(queryInterval.Start(), readName.QueryStart());
+    EXPECT_EQ(queryInterval.End(),   readName.QueryEnd());
+
+    EXPECT_FALSE(readName.IsCCS());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_RSReadName, read_name_from_parts_with_query_positions)
+{
+    const string movieName = "m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_p0";
+    const Zmw zmw = 553;
+    const Position queryStart = 3100;
+    const Position queryEnd   = 11230;
+    const Interval<Position> queryInterval{ queryStart, queryEnd };
+
+    const RSReadName readName{ RSMovieName{movieName}, zmw, queryStart, queryEnd };
+
+    EXPECT_EQ(movieName, readName.MovieName().ToStdString());
+    EXPECT_EQ(zmw,       readName.Zmw());
+
+    EXPECT_EQ(queryInterval,         readName.QueryInterval());
+    EXPECT_EQ(queryInterval.Start(), readName.QueryStart());
+    EXPECT_EQ(queryInterval.End(),   readName.QueryEnd());
+
+    EXPECT_FALSE(readName.IsCCS());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_RSReadName, ccs_read_name_from_parts)
+{
+    const string movieName = "m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_p0";
+    const Zmw zmw = 553;
+    const Position queryStart = 3100;
+    const Position queryEnd   = 11230;
+    const Interval<Position> queryInterval{ queryStart, queryEnd };
+
+    const RSReadName readName{ RSMovieName{movieName}, zmw, CCSTag() };
+
+    EXPECT_EQ(movieName, readName.MovieName().ToStdString());
+    EXPECT_EQ(zmw,       readName.Zmw());
+
+    EXPECT_TRUE(readName.IsCCS());
+
+    EXPECT_THROW(readName.QueryEnd(),      std::runtime_error);
+    EXPECT_THROW(readName.QueryInterval(), std::runtime_error);
+    EXPECT_THROW(readName.QueryStart(),    std::runtime_error);
+}
+
+
+TEST(Data_RSReadName, compares_equal_if_printed_names_equal)
+{
+    const RSReadName r("m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_p0/553/3100_11230");
+    const RSReadName r2("m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_p0/553/3100_11230");
+    const RSReadName r3("m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_p0/553/ccs");
+    const RSReadName r4("m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_p0/222/3100_11230");
+
+    EXPECT_TRUE(r == r2);
+    EXPECT_FALSE(r == r3);
+    EXPECT_FALSE(r == r4);
+
+    EXPECT_FALSE(r != r2);
+    EXPECT_TRUE(r != r3);
+    EXPECT_TRUE(r != r4);
+}
+
+TEST(Data_RSReadName, constructed_from_name_prints_expected_value_to_output_operator)
+{
+    const string name = "m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_p0/553/3100_11230";
+
+    const RSReadName r(name);
+    stringstream s;
+    s << r;
+    EXPECT_EQ(name, s.str());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_RSReadName, constructed_from_name_parts_prints_expected_value_to_output_operator)
+{
+    const string name = "m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_p0/553/3100_11230";
+
+    const RSReadName r{ RSMovieName{"m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_p0"},
+                      553,
+                      Interval<Position>{3100, 11230} };
+
+    stringstream s;
+    s << r;
+    EXPECT_EQ(name, s.str());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_RSReadName, constructed_from_ccs_name_parts_prints_expected_value_to_output_operator)
+{
+    const string ccs = "m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_p0/553/ccs";
+
+    const RSReadName r{ RSMovieName{"m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_p0"},
+                      553,
+                      CCSTag() };
+
+    stringstream s;
+    s << r;
+    EXPECT_EQ(ccs, s.str());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_RSReadName, constructed_properly_from_input_operator)
+{
+    const string name = "m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_p0/553/3100_11230";
+
+    stringstream s(name);
+    RSReadName r;
+    s >> r;
+
+    EXPECT_EQ("m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_p0", r.MovieName().ToStdString());
+    EXPECT_EQ(553,   r.Zmw());
+    EXPECT_EQ(3100,  r.QueryStart());
+    EXPECT_EQ(11230, r.QueryEnd());
+    EXPECT_FALSE(r.IsCCS());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_RSReadName, ccs_constructed_properly_from_input_operator)
+{
+    const string ccs = "m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_p0/553/ccs";
+
+    stringstream s(ccs);
+    RSReadName r;
+    s >> r;
+
+    EXPECT_EQ("m140415_143853_42175_c100635972550000001823121909121417_s1_p0", r.MovieName().ToStdString());
+    EXPECT_EQ(553,   r.Zmw());
+    EXPECT_TRUE(r.IsCCS());
+}
+
diff --git a/tests/src/data/test_ReadName.cpp b/tests/src/data/test_ReadName.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..200a716
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/src/data/test_ReadName.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,187 @@
+
+#include <pbcopper/data/ReadName.h>
+#include <gtest/gtest.h>
+using namespace PacBio;
+using namespace PacBio::Data;
+using namespace std;
+
+TEST(Data_ReadName, read_name_from_string)
+{
+    const string movieName = "m54001_160623_195125";
+    const Zmw zmw = 553;
+    const Position queryStart = 3100;
+    const Position queryEnd   = 11230;
+    const Interval<Position> queryInterval{ queryStart, queryEnd };
+
+    const ReadName readName("m54001_160623_195125/553/3100_11230");
+
+    EXPECT_EQ(movieName, readName.MovieName().ToStdString());
+    EXPECT_EQ(zmw,       readName.Zmw());
+
+    EXPECT_EQ(queryInterval,         readName.QueryInterval());
+    EXPECT_EQ(queryInterval.Start(), readName.QueryStart());
+    EXPECT_EQ(queryInterval.End(),   readName.QueryEnd());
+
+    EXPECT_FALSE(readName.IsCCS());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_ReadName, ccs_read_name_from_string)
+{
+    const string movieName = "m54001_160623_195125";
+    const Zmw zmw = 553;
+    const Position queryStart = 3100;
+    const Position queryEnd   = 11230;
+    const Interval<Position> queryInterval{ queryStart, queryEnd };
+
+    const ReadName readName("m54001_160623_195125/553/ccs");
+
+    EXPECT_EQ(movieName, readName.MovieName().ToStdString());
+    EXPECT_EQ(zmw,       readName.Zmw());
+
+    EXPECT_TRUE(readName.IsCCS());
+
+    EXPECT_THROW(readName.QueryEnd(),      std::runtime_error);
+    EXPECT_THROW(readName.QueryInterval(), std::runtime_error);
+    EXPECT_THROW(readName.QueryStart(),    std::runtime_error);
+}
+
+TEST(Data_ReadName, read_name_from_parts_with_query_interval)
+{
+    const string movieName = "m54001_160623_195125";
+    const Zmw zmw = 553;
+    const Position queryStart = 3100;
+    const Position queryEnd   = 11230;
+    const Interval<Position> queryInterval{ queryStart, queryEnd };
+
+    const ReadName readName{ MovieName{movieName}, zmw, queryInterval };
+
+    EXPECT_EQ(movieName, readName.MovieName().ToStdString());
+    EXPECT_EQ(zmw,       readName.Zmw());
+
+    EXPECT_EQ(queryInterval,         readName.QueryInterval());
+    EXPECT_EQ(queryInterval.Start(), readName.QueryStart());
+    EXPECT_EQ(queryInterval.End(),   readName.QueryEnd());
+
+    EXPECT_FALSE(readName.IsCCS());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_ReadName, read_name_from_parts_with_query_positions)
+{
+    const string movieName = "m54001_160623_195125";
+    const Zmw zmw = 553;
+    const Position queryStart = 3100;
+    const Position queryEnd   = 11230;
+    const Interval<Position> queryInterval{ queryStart, queryEnd };
+
+    const ReadName readName{ MovieName{movieName}, zmw, queryStart, queryEnd };
+
+    EXPECT_EQ(movieName, readName.MovieName().ToStdString());
+    EXPECT_EQ(zmw,       readName.Zmw());
+
+    EXPECT_EQ(queryInterval,         readName.QueryInterval());
+    EXPECT_EQ(queryInterval.Start(), readName.QueryStart());
+    EXPECT_EQ(queryInterval.End(),   readName.QueryEnd());
+
+    EXPECT_FALSE(readName.IsCCS());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_ReadName, ccs_read_name_from_parts)
+{
+    const string movieName = "m54001_160623_195125";
+    const Zmw zmw = 553;
+    const Position queryStart = 3100;
+    const Position queryEnd   = 11230;
+    const Interval<Position> queryInterval{ queryStart, queryEnd };
+
+    const ReadName readName{ MovieName{movieName}, zmw, CCSTag() };
+
+    EXPECT_EQ(movieName, readName.MovieName().ToStdString());
+    EXPECT_EQ(zmw,       readName.Zmw());
+
+    EXPECT_TRUE(readName.IsCCS());
+
+    EXPECT_THROW(readName.QueryEnd(),      std::runtime_error);
+    EXPECT_THROW(readName.QueryInterval(), std::runtime_error);
+    EXPECT_THROW(readName.QueryStart(),    std::runtime_error);
+}
+
+
+TEST(Data_ReadName, compares_equal_if_printed_names_equal)
+{
+    const ReadName r("m54001_160623_195125/553/3100_11230");
+    const ReadName r2("m54001_160623_195125/553/3100_11230");
+    const ReadName r3("m54001_160623_195125/553/ccs");
+    const ReadName r4("m54001_160623_195125/222/3100_11230");
+
+    EXPECT_TRUE(r == r2);
+    EXPECT_FALSE(r == r3);
+    EXPECT_FALSE(r == r4);
+
+    EXPECT_FALSE(r != r2);
+    EXPECT_TRUE(r != r3);
+    EXPECT_TRUE(r != r4);
+}
+
+TEST(Data_ReadName, constructed_from_name_prints_expected_value_to_output_operator)
+{
+    const string name = "m54001_160623_195125/553/3100_11230";
+
+    const ReadName r(name);
+    stringstream s;
+    s << r;
+    EXPECT_EQ(name, s.str());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_ReadName, constructed_from_name_parts_prints_expected_value_to_output_operator)
+{
+    const string name = "m54001_160623_195125/553/3100_11230";
+
+    const ReadName r{ MovieName{"m54001_160623_195125"},
+                      553,
+                      Interval<Position>{3100, 11230} };
+
+    stringstream s;
+    s << r;
+    EXPECT_EQ(name, s.str());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_ReadName, constructed_from_ccs_name_parts_prints_expected_value_to_output_operator)
+{
+    const string ccs = "m54001_160623_195125/553/ccs";
+
+    const ReadName r{ MovieName{"m54001_160623_195125"},
+                      553,
+                      CCSTag() };
+
+    stringstream s;
+    s << r;
+    EXPECT_EQ(ccs, s.str());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_ReadName, constructed_properly_from_input_operator)
+{
+    const string name = "m54001_160623_195125/553/3100_11230";
+
+    stringstream s(name);
+    ReadName r;
+    s >> r;
+
+    EXPECT_EQ("m54001_160623_195125", r.MovieName().ToStdString());
+    EXPECT_EQ(553,   r.Zmw());
+    EXPECT_EQ(3100,  r.QueryStart());
+    EXPECT_EQ(11230, r.QueryEnd());
+    EXPECT_FALSE(r.IsCCS());
+}
+
+TEST(Data_ReadName, ccs_constructed_properly_from_input_operator)
+{
+    const string ccs = "m54001_160623_195125/553/ccs";
+
+    stringstream s(ccs);
+    ReadName r;
+    s >> r;
+
+    EXPECT_EQ("m54001_160623_195125", r.MovieName().ToStdString());
+    EXPECT_EQ(553,   r.Zmw());
+    EXPECT_TRUE(r.IsCCS());
+}
diff --git a/tests/src/json/test_JSON.cpp b/tests/src/json/test_JSON.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8d3d90d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/src/json/test_JSON.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+#include <pbcopper/json/JSON.h>
+#include <gtest/gtest.h>
+using namespace PacBio;
+using namespace PacBio::JSON;
+using namespace std;
+
+TEST(JSON_Json, default_constructed_object_is_null)
+{
+    Json j;
+    EXPECT_TRUE(j.is_null());
+}
+
+// nlohmann tests are __massive__ . Probably no need to check all here, but come
+// back and test the main features we use
+
diff --git a/tests/src/logging/test_Logging.cpp b/tests/src/logging/test_Logging.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e7171fa
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/src/logging/test_Logging.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,60 @@
+
+#include <pbcopper/logging/Logging.h>
+#include <boost/algorithm/string/predicate.hpp>
+#include <gtest/gtest.h>
+#include <sstream>
+#include <string>
+using namespace PacBio;
+using namespace PacBio::Logging;
+using namespace std;
+
+//
+// NOTE: We need to scope the Loggers used here and invoke the macros that take
+//       an explicit logger (rather than the convenience, default
+//       singleton-logger macros). Essentially, the message queue is not
+//       guaranteed to be processed until the logger goes out of scope. That's
+//       usually at program exit, and no problem for production applications...
+//       but we need finer control for testing here.
+//
+
+static const string infoMsg   = "*** Application INFO ***";
+static const string noticeMsg = "*** Application NOTE ***";
+static const string warnMsg   = "*** Application WARNING ***";
+
+
+TEST(Logging_Logger, info_message_logged_to_stream)
+{
+    stringstream s;
+    {
+        Logger logger(s, LogLevel::INFO);
+        PBLOGGER_INFO(logger) << infoMsg;
+    }
+    EXPECT_TRUE(s.str().find(infoMsg) != string::npos);
+}
+
+TEST(Logging_Logger, custom_logging_sinks_receive_expected_messages)
+{
+    // specify custom output destinations by log level... and also 'tee' one
+    // log level stream (warning) into separate ostreams
+
+    stringstream info;
+    stringstream notice;
+    stringstream warn, warn2;
+    map<LogLevel, OStreams> logConfig =
+    {
+        {LogLevel::INFO,   {info}},
+        {LogLevel::NOTICE, {notice}},
+        {LogLevel::WARN,   {warn, warn2}}
+    };
+
+    {
+        Logger logger(logConfig);
+        PBLOGGER_INFO(logger)   << infoMsg;
+        PBLOGGER_NOTICE(logger) << noticeMsg;
+        PBLOGGER_WARN(logger)   << warnMsg;
+    }
+    EXPECT_TRUE(info.str().find(infoMsg)     != string::npos);
+    EXPECT_TRUE(notice.str().find(noticeMsg) != string::npos);
+    EXPECT_TRUE(warn.str().find(warnMsg)     != string::npos);
+    EXPECT_TRUE(warn2.str().find(warnMsg)    != string::npos);
+}
diff --git a/tests/src/stream/test_Stream.cpp b/tests/src/stream/test_Stream.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7fc2372
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/src/stream/test_Stream.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,319 @@
+
+#include "OStreamRedirector.h"
+#include <pbcopper/stream/Stream.h>
+#include <gtest/gtest.h>
+#include <iostream>
+#include <string>
+#include <vector>
+#include <cctype>
+#include <cmath>
+using namespace PacBio;
+using namespace PacBio::Stream;
+
+Source<char> stringInput = [](Sink<char> s)
+{
+    const std::string original = { "Test String " };
+    for (auto e : original)
+        s(static_cast<char>(e));
+};
+
+Source<char> newlinedStringInput = [](Sink<char> s)
+{
+    const std::string original = {"Some\nfile\nwith\nnewlines\n"};
+    for (auto e : original)
+        s(static_cast<char>(e));
+};
+
+Source<std::string> stringListInput = [](Sink<std::string> s)
+{
+    const std::vector<std::string> input = { "string1", "string2", "foo", "bar" };
+    for (auto e : input)
+        s(e);
+};
+
+Sink<char> consoleOutput = [](char c)
+{
+    std::cerr << c;
+};
+
+Sink<std::string> consoleStringOutput = [](std::string s)
+{
+    std::cerr << s;
+};
+
+Sink<std::string> newlinedStringOutput = [](std::string s)
+{
+    consoleStringOutput(s);
+    std::cerr << std::endl;
+};
+
+Transform<char, char> toAllCaps = [](Sink<char> si, char c)
+{
+    si(toupper(c));
+};
+
+Transform<char, std::string> getLines = [](Sink<std::string> si, char c)
+{
+    static std::string current;
+    Sink<char> collectChar = [&](char c)
+    {
+        current.push_back(c);
+    };
+
+    if (c == '\n')
+    {
+        si(current);
+        current.clear();
+    }
+    else
+        collectChar(c);
+};
+
+Transform<char, std::string> getWords = [](Sink<std::string> si, char c)
+{
+    static std::string current;
+    Sink<char> collectChar = [&](char c)
+    {
+        current.push_back(c);
+    };
+
+    if (c == ' ')
+    {
+        si(current);
+        current.clear();
+    }
+    else
+        collectChar(c);
+};
+
+Transform<std::string, char> wordToChars = [](Sink<char> si, std::string s)
+{
+    for (auto e : s)
+        si(static_cast<char>(e));
+    si(' ');
+};
+
+// connect source -> sink
+// connect source -> transform -> sink // same type
+// connect source -> transform -> sink // different type
+// connect source -> transform -> transform -> sink // same types
+// connect source -> transform -> transform -> sink // differing types
+// connect source -> transform -> transform -> sink // use named sub-streams
+
+TEST(Stream_Stream, input_to_console)
+{
+    std::stringstream s;
+    tests::CerrRedirect redirect(s.rdbuf());
+
+    stringInput >> consoleOutput;
+
+    EXPECT_EQ("Test String ", s.str());
+}
+
+TEST(Stream_Stream, char_input_to_all_caps)
+{
+    std::stringstream s;
+    tests::CerrRedirect redirect(s.rdbuf());
+
+    stringInput >> toAllCaps >> consoleOutput;
+
+    EXPECT_EQ("TEST STRING ", s.str());
+}
+
+TEST(Stream_Stream, stringlist_to_chars)
+{
+    std::stringstream s;
+    tests::CerrRedirect redirect(s.rdbuf());
+
+    stringListInput >> wordToChars >> consoleOutput;
+
+    EXPECT_EQ("string1 string2 foo bar ", s.str());
+}
+
+TEST(Stream_Stream, char_input_split_into_words_and_printed_to_console)
+{
+    std::stringstream s;
+    tests::CerrRedirect redirect(s.rdbuf());
+
+    stringInput >> getWords >> newlinedStringOutput;
+
+    EXPECT_EQ("Test\nString\n", s.str());
+}
+
+TEST(Stream_Stream, newlined_input_printed_to_console)
+{
+    std::stringstream s;
+    tests::CerrRedirect redirect(s.rdbuf());
+
+    newlinedStringInput >> getLines >> newlinedStringOutput;
+
+    EXPECT_EQ("Some\nfile\nwith\nnewlines\n", s.str());
+}
+
+TEST(Stream_Stream, composing_transform_chains)
+{
+    std::stringstream s;
+    tests::CerrRedirect redirect(s.rdbuf());
+
+    newlinedStringInput >> getLines >> wordToChars >> consoleOutput;
+
+    EXPECT_EQ("Some file with newlines ", s.str());
+}
+
+TEST(Stream_Stream, composing_named_transform_chains)
+{
+    std::stringstream s;
+    tests::CerrRedirect redirect(s.rdbuf());
+
+    Source<std::string> inputLines = newlinedStringInput >> getLines;
+    Sink<std::string> wordOutput = wordToChars >> consoleOutput;
+    inputLines >> wordOutput;
+
+    EXPECT_EQ("Some file with newlines ", s.str());
+}
+
+Source<int> intList = [](Sink<int> out)
+{
+    const std::vector<int> ints = { 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 };
+    for (auto i : ints)
+        out(i);
+};
+
+
+Sink<int> intConsoleOutput = [](int i)
+{
+    std::cerr << i;
+};
+
+Sink<int> spacedIntConsoleOutput = [](int i)
+{
+    intConsoleOutput(i);
+    std::cerr << " ";
+};
+
+Sink<double> doubleConsoleOutput = [](double d)
+{
+    std::cerr << d;
+};
+
+Sink<double> spacedDoubleConsoleOutput = [](double d)
+{
+    doubleConsoleOutput(d);
+    std::cerr << " ";
+};
+
+Transform<int, int> tripled = [](Sink<int> out, int i)
+{
+    out(i*3);
+};
+
+Transform<int, double> squareRoot = [](Sink<double> out, int i)
+{
+    out( sqrt(i) );
+};
+
+Transform<double, std::string> addCookies = [](Sink<std::string> out, double d)
+{
+    const std::string result = std::to_string(d) + "cookies";
+    out(result);
+};
+
+struct MyClass
+{
+    static void Increment(const Sink<int>& out, const int& i)
+    {
+        out(i + 1);
+    }
+};
+
+TEST(Stream_Stream, arithmetic_stream_to_console)
+{
+    std::stringstream s;
+    tests::CerrRedirect redirect(s.rdbuf());
+
+    intList >> spacedIntConsoleOutput;
+
+    EXPECT_EQ("1 2 3 4 5 ", s.str());
+}
+
+TEST(Stream_Stream, arithmetic_transformed_stream_to_console)
+{
+    std::stringstream s;
+    tests::CerrRedirect redirect(s.rdbuf());
+
+    intList >> tripled
+            >> spacedIntConsoleOutput;
+
+    EXPECT_EQ("3 6 9 12 15 ", s.str());
+}
+
+TEST(Stream_Stream, arithmetic_transformed_to_different_type_stream_to_console)
+{
+    std::stringstream s;
+    tests::CerrRedirect redirect(s.rdbuf());
+
+    intList >> tripled
+            >> squareRoot
+            >> spacedDoubleConsoleOutput;
+
+    EXPECT_EQ("1.73205 2.44949 3 3.4641 3.87298 ", s.str());
+}
+
+TEST(Stream_Stream, append_text_to_arithmetic_stream)
+{
+    std::stringstream s;
+    tests::CerrRedirect redirect(s.rdbuf());
+
+    intList >> tripled
+            >> squareRoot
+            >> addCookies
+            >> newlinedStringOutput;
+
+    EXPECT_EQ("1.732051cookies\n"
+              "2.449490cookies\n"
+              "3.000000cookies\n"
+              "3.464102cookies\n"
+              "3.872983cookies\n", s.str());
+}
+
+TEST(Stream_Stream, append_text_to_arithmetic_stream_then_modify)
+{
+    std::stringstream s;
+    tests::CerrRedirect redirect(s.rdbuf());
+
+    intList >> tripled                 // x * 3
+            >> squareRoot              // sqrt(x)
+            >> addCookies              // string result = to_string(x) + "cookies"
+            >> wordToChars             // converts strings to chars
+            >> toAllCaps               // toupper(c)
+            >> getWords                // chars back to strings, split on delim = ' '
+            >> newlinedStringOutput;   // cerr << s << endl
+
+    EXPECT_EQ("1.732051COOKIES\n"
+              "2.449490COOKIES\n"
+              "3.000000COOKIES\n"
+              "3.464102COOKIES\n"
+              "3.872983COOKIES\n", s.str());
+}
+
+TEST(Stream_Stream, stream_works_with_static_public_member_function)
+{
+    std::stringstream s;
+    tests::CerrRedirect redirect(s.rdbuf());
+
+    intList >> Transform<int,int>(&MyClass::Increment)
+            >> tripled                 // x * 3
+            >> squareRoot              // sqrt(x)
+            >> addCookies              // string result = to_string(x) + "cookies"
+            >> wordToChars             // converts strings to chars
+            >> toAllCaps               // toupper(c)
+            >> getWords                // chars back to strings, split on delim = ' '
+            >> newlinedStringOutput;   // cerr << s << endl
+
+    EXPECT_EQ("2.449490COOKIES\n"
+              "3.000000COOKIES\n"
+              "3.464102COOKIES\n"
+              "3.872983COOKIES\n"
+              "4.242641COOKIES\n", s.str());
+}
+
diff --git a/tests/src/utility/test_CallbackTimer.cpp b/tests/src/utility/test_CallbackTimer.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..251ca9f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/src/utility/test_CallbackTimer.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,97 @@
+
+#include <pbcopper/utility/CallbackTimer.h>
+#include <gtest/gtest.h>
+#include <thread>
+
+using namespace PacBio;
+using namespace PacBio::Utility;
+
+namespace tests {
+
+class CallbackCounter
+{
+public:
+    CallbackCounter(void) : hits_(0) { }
+    uint32_t Count(void) const { return hits_; }
+    void Ping(void) { ++hits_; }
+
+private:
+    uint32_t hits_;
+};
+
+CallbackCounter freeFunctionCounter;
+
+void tst_callback(void)
+{ freeFunctionCounter.Ping(); }
+
+auto ping = [](tests::CallbackCounter& counter)
+{
+    counter.Ping();
+};
+
+} // namespace tests
+
+TEST(Utility_CallbackTimer, scheduled_callbacks_fired_as_expected)
+{
+    //
+    // NOTE: This test case does allow for some wiggle in execution
+    //       timing, due to inherent fuzziness in timing such precision without
+    //       a lot of extra low-level work.
+    //
+
+    CallbackTimer t;
+    tests::CallbackCounter counterA;
+    tests::CallbackCounter counterB;
+    tests::CallbackCounter counterC;
+    tests::CallbackCounter counterSS;
+
+    // Timer fires once on lambda, 2ms from now
+    const auto a = t.Schedule(2, 0, [&](){ tests::ping(counterA); });
+    EXPECT_TRUE(t.IsActive(a));
+
+    // Timer fires every 1ms on lambda, starting 2ms from now
+    const auto b = t.Schedule(2, 1, [&]() { tests::ping(counterB); });
+    EXPECT_TRUE(t.IsActive(b));
+
+    // Timer fires every 1ms on lambda, starting now
+    const auto c = t.Schedule(0, 1, [&]() { tests::ping(counterC); });
+    EXPECT_TRUE(t.IsActive(c));
+
+    // Timer firest once on free function, 2ms from now
+    auto ff = t.Schedule(2, 0, &tests::tst_callback);
+    EXPECT_TRUE(t.IsActive(ff));
+
+    // explicit "single shot" lambda, 2ms from now
+    CallbackTimer::SingleShot(2, [&]() { tests::ping(counterSS); });
+
+    // sleep a bit to let periodic timers fire
+    std::this_thread::sleep_for(std::chrono::milliseconds(10));
+    EXPECT_EQ(1, counterA.Count());     // effectively single-shot
+    EXPECT_LE(7, counterB.Count());     // >= 7 triggers since scheduling
+    EXPECT_LE(9, counterC.Count());     // >= 9 triggers since schedling
+    EXPECT_EQ(1, counterSS.Count());    // explicit single-shot
+    EXPECT_EQ(1, tests::freeFunctionCounter.Count()); // effectively single-shot
+
+    // single-shot callbacks only called once
+    EXPECT_EQ(1, counterA.Count());
+    EXPECT_EQ(1, counterSS.Count());
+    EXPECT_EQ(1, tests::freeFunctionCounter.Count());
+}
+
+TEST(Utility_CallbackTimer, canceled_callbacks_not_called)
+{
+    CallbackTimer t;
+    tests::CallbackCounter counterC;
+    const auto c = t.Schedule(0, 1, [&]() { tests::ping(counterC); });
+    EXPECT_TRUE(t.IsActive(c));
+    t.Cancel(c);
+    EXPECT_FALSE(t.IsActive(c));
+
+    // sleep a bit to give callback on counterC a chance to fire, it would have
+    // fired ~5x if cancel failed... give an extra firing 'wiggle room' for
+    // test harness
+    const auto preSleepCallbackHitCount = counterC.Count();
+    std::this_thread::sleep_for(std::chrono::milliseconds(5));
+    EXPECT_LE(preSleepCallbackHitCount, counterC.Count());
+    EXPECT_GE(preSleepCallbackHitCount+1, counterC.Count());
+}
diff --git a/tests/src/utility/test_Stopwatch.cpp b/tests/src/utility/test_Stopwatch.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5183beb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/src/utility/test_Stopwatch.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,67 @@
+
+
+#include <pbcopper/utility/Stopwatch.h>
+#include <gtest/gtest.h>
+#include <thread>
+
+using namespace PacBio;
+using namespace PacBio::Utility;
+
+//
+// using float compares and 'fuzzy' compares to allow for inherent wiggle room
+// in system execution
+//
+
+TEST(Utility_Stopwatch, determines_elapsed_time_in_milliseconds)
+{
+    Stopwatch s;
+    std::this_thread::sleep_for(std::chrono::milliseconds(3));
+    auto elapsed = s.ElapsedMilliseconds();
+    ASSERT_FLOAT_EQ(3, elapsed);
+}
+
+TEST(Utility_Stopwatch, determines_elapsed_time_in_seconds)
+{
+    // seconds
+    Stopwatch s;
+    std::this_thread::sleep_for(std::chrono::milliseconds(3));
+    auto elapsed = s.ElapsedSeconds();
+    ASSERT_FLOAT_EQ(3/1000, elapsed);
+}
+
+TEST(Utility_Stopwatch, determines_elapsed_time_in_user_precision)
+{
+    //
+    // NOTE: from http://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/thread/sleep_for :
+    //
+    //   "Blocks the execution of the current thread for at least the specified
+    //   sleep_duration. A steady clock is used to measure the duration. This
+    //   function may block for longer than sleep_duration due to scheduling or
+    //   resource contention delays."
+    //
+    // This means we know that we'll sleep here for at least 3ms, but can't
+    // really know **exactly** know how much longer. To have a reliable unit
+    // test, working at the microsecond-level of granularity, we'll have to give
+    // up checking for (even fuzzy) equality and check that we're in the right
+    // ballpark.
+    //
+    // Remember that we're _not_ testing std::chrono directly here, only that our
+    // Stopwatch provides the requested duration.
+    //
+
+    Stopwatch s;
+    std::this_thread::sleep_for(std::chrono::milliseconds(3));
+    auto elapsed = s.Elapsed<std::chrono::microseconds>();
+    ASSERT_LE(3000, elapsed);
+    ASSERT_LE(elapsed, 30000);
+}
+
+TEST(Utility_Stopwatch, determines_elapsed_time_since_reset)
+{
+    Stopwatch s;
+    std::this_thread::sleep_for(std::chrono::milliseconds(3));
+    s.Reset();
+    std::this_thread::sleep_for(std::chrono::milliseconds(3));
+    auto elapsed = s.ElapsedMilliseconds();
+    ASSERT_FLOAT_EQ(3, elapsed);
+}
diff --git a/tests/src/utility/test_SystemInfo.cpp b/tests/src/utility/test_SystemInfo.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..87208bb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/src/utility/test_SystemInfo.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,34 @@
+
+#include <pbcopper/utility/SystemInfo.h>
+#include <gtest/gtest.h>
+using namespace PacBio;
+using namespace PacBio::Utility;
+
+namespace PacBio {
+namespace Utility {
+namespace tests {
+
+// one sort of 'manual' endianness check - not used by the library
+static inline bool isLittleEndian(void)
+{
+    static const int i = 1;
+    static const char* const c = reinterpret_cast<const char* const>(&i);
+    return (*c == 1);
+}
+
+} // namespace tests
+} // namespace Utility
+} // namespace PacBio
+
+TEST(Utility_SystemInfo, proper_byte_order_detected)
+{
+    if (tests::isLittleEndian()) {
+        EXPECT_EQ(SystemInfo::LittleEndian, SystemInfo::ByteOrder());
+        EXPECT_TRUE(SystemInfo::IsLittleEndian());
+        EXPECT_FALSE(SystemInfo::IsBigEndian());
+    } else {
+        EXPECT_EQ(SystemInfo::BigEndian, SystemInfo::ByteOrder());
+        EXPECT_FALSE(SystemInfo::IsLittleEndian());
+        EXPECT_TRUE(SystemInfo::IsBigEndian());
+    }
+}

-- 
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