diff --git a/lib/cdist/core/object.py b/lib/cdist/core/object.py
index 12d16838..a3baa941 100644
--- a/lib/cdist/core/object.py
+++ b/lib/cdist/core/object.py
@@ -25,14 +25,14 @@ import os
 import collections
 
 import cdist
-import cdist.core.property
+import cdist.core
+from cdist.util import fsproperty
 
 log = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
 DOT_CDIST = '.cdist'
 
-# FIXME: i should not have to care about prefix directory, local, remote and such.
-#  I know what my internals look like, the outside is none of my business.
+
 class Object(object):
     """Represents a cdist object.
 
@@ -63,8 +63,8 @@ class Object(object):
             if DOT_CDIST in dirs:
                 yield os.path.relpath(path, object_base_path)
 
-    def __init__(self, type, base_path, object_id=None):
-        self.type = type # instance of Type
+    def __init__(self, cdist_type, base_path, object_id=None):
+        self.type = cdist_type # instance of Type
         self.base_path = base_path
         self.object_id = object_id
         self.name = os.path.join(self.type.name, self.object_id)
@@ -80,6 +80,10 @@ class Object(object):
     def __repr__(self):
         return '<Object %s>' % self.name
 
+    def __eq__(self, other):
+        """define equality as 'attributes are the same'"""
+        return self.__dict__ == other.__dict__
+
     @property
     def explorer_path(self):
         # create absolute path
@@ -89,97 +93,8 @@ class Object(object):
         # return relative path
         return os.path.join(self.path, "explorer")
 
-
-    ### requirements
-    @property
-    def requirements(self):
-        if not self.__requirements:
-            self.__requirements = cdist.core.property.FileList(os.path.join(self.path, "require"))
-        return self.__requirements
-
-    @requirements.setter
-    def requirements(self, value):
-        if isinstance(value, cdist.core.property.FileList):
-            self.__requirements = value
-        else:
-            self.__requirements = cdist.core.property.FileList(os.path.join(self.path, "require"), value)
-    ### /requirements
-
-
-    ### parameters
-    @property
-    def parameters(self):
-        if not self.__parameters:
-            self.__parameters = cdist.core.property.DirectoryDict(os.path.join(self.path, "parameter"))
-        return self.__parameters
-
-    @parameters.setter
-    def parameters(self, value):
-        if isinstance(value, cdist.core.property.DirectoryDict):
-            self.__parameters = value
-        else:
-            self.__parameters = cdist.core.property.DirectoryDict(os.path.join(self.path, "parameter"), value)
-    ### /parameters
-
-
-    ### changed
-    @property
-    def changed(self):
-        """Check whether the object has been changed."""
-        return os.path.isfile(os.path.join(self.absolute_path, "changed"))
-
-    @changed.setter
-    def changed(self, value):
-        """Change the objects changed status."""
-        path = os.path.join(self.absolute_path, "changed")
-        if value:
-            open(path, "w").close()
-        else:
-            try:
-                os.remove(path)
-            except EnvironmentError:
-                # ignore
-                pass
-    ### /changed
-
-
-    ### prepared
-    @property
-    def prepared(self):
-        """Check whether the object has been prepared."""
-        return os.path.isfile(os.path.join(self.absolute_path, "prepared"))
-
-    @prepared.setter
-    def prepared(self, value):
-        """Change the objects prepared status."""
-        path = os.path.join(self.absolute_path, "prepared")
-        if value:
-            open(path, "w").close()
-        else:
-            try:
-                os.remove(path)
-            except EnvironmentError:
-                # ignore
-                pass
-    ### /prepared
-
-
-    ### ran
-    @property
-    def ran(self):
-        """Check whether the object has been ran."""
-        return os.path.isfile(os.path.join(self.absolute_path, "ran"))
-
-    @ran.setter
-    def ran(self, value):
-        """Change the objects ran status."""
-        path = os.path.join(self.absolute_path, "ran")
-        if value:
-            open(path, "w").close()
-        else:
-            try:
-                os.remove(path)
-            except EnvironmentError:
-                # ignore
-                pass
-    ### /ran
+    requirements = fsproperty.FileListProperty(lambda obj: os.path.join(obj.absolute_path, 'require'))
+    parameters = fsproperty.DirectoryDictProperty(lambda obj: os.path.join(obj.absolute_path, 'parameter'))
+    changed = fsproperty.FileBooleanProperty(lambda obj: os.path.join(obj.absolute_path, "changed"))
+    prepared = fsproperty.FileBooleanProperty(lambda obj: os.path.join(obj.absolute_path, "prepared"))
+    ran = fsproperty.FileBooleanProperty(lambda obj: os.path.join(obj.absolute_path, "ran"))
diff --git a/lib/cdist/core/property.py b/lib/cdist/core/property.py
deleted file mode 100644
index 30887547..00000000
--- a/lib/cdist/core/property.py
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,155 +0,0 @@
-# -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
-#
-# 2010-2011 Steven Armstrong (steven-cdist at armstrong.cc)
-#
-# This file is part of cdist.
-#
-# cdist is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
-# it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
-# the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
-# (at your option) any later version.
-#
-# cdist is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
-# but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
-# MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
-# GNU General Public License for more details.
-#
-# You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
-# along with cdist. If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
-#
-#
-
-import os
-import collections
-
-import cdist
-
-
-class FileList(collections.MutableSequence):
-    """A list that stores it's state in a file.
-
-    """
-    def __init__(self, path, initial=None):
-        self._path = path
-        if initial:
-            # delete existing file
-            os.unlink(self._path)
-            for i in initial:
-                self.append(i)
-
-    def __read(self):
-        lines = []
-        try:
-            with open(self._path) as fd:
-                for line in fd:
-                    lines.append(line.rstrip('\n'))
-        except EnvironmentError as e:
-            # error ignored
-            pass
-        return lines
-
-    def __write(self, lines):
-        try:
-            with open(self._path, 'w') as fd:
-                for line in lines:
-                    fd.write(str(line) + '\n')
-        except EnvironmentError as e:
-            # error ignored
-            raise
-
-    def __repr__(self):
-        return repr(list(self))
-
-    def __getitem__(self, index):
-        return self.__read()[index]
-        
-    def __setitem__(self, index, value):
-        lines = self.__read()
-        lines[index] = value
-        self.__write(lines)
-
-    def __delitem__(self, index):
-        lines = self.__read()
-        del lines[index]
-        self.__write(lines)
-
-    def __len__(self):
-        lines = self.__read()
-        return len(lines)
-
-    def insert(self, index, value):
-        lines = self.__read()
-        lines.insert(index, value)
-        self.__write(lines)
-
-    def sort(self):
-        lines = sorted(self)
-        self.__write(lines)
-
-
-class FileListProperty(FileList):
-    # Descriptor Protocol
-    def __get__(self, obj, objtype=None):
-        if obj is None:
-            return self.__class__
-        return self
-
-    def __set__(self, obj, value):
-        os.unlink(self._path)
-        for item in value:
-            self.append(item)
-
-    def __delete__(self, obj):
-        raise AttributeError("can't delete attribute")
-
-
-class DirectoryDict(collections.MutableMapping):
-    """A dict that stores it's state in a directory.
-
-    """
-    def __init__(self, path, dict=None, **kwargs):
-        self._path = path
-        if dict is not None:
-            self.update(dict)
-        if len(kwargs):
-            self.update(kwargs)
-
-    def __repr__(self):
-        return repr(dict(self))
-
-    def __getitem__(self, key):
-        try:
-            with open(os.path.join(self._path, key), "r") as fd:
-                return fd.read().rstrip('\n')
-        except EnvironmentError:
-            raise KeyError(key)
-
-    def __setitem__(self, key, value):
-        with open(os.path.join(self._path, key), "w") as fd:
-            fd.write(str(value))        
-
-    def __delitem__(self, key):
-        os.remove(os.path.join(self._path, key))
-
-    def __iter__(self):
-        return iter(os.listdir(self._path))
-
-    def __len__(self):
-        return len(os.listdir(self._path))
-
-
-class DirectoryDictProperty(DirectoryDict):
-    # Descriptor Protocol
-    def __get__(self, obj, objtype=None):
-        if obj is None:
-            return self.__class__
-        return self
-
-    def __set__(self, obj, value):
-        for name in self.keys():
-            del self[name]
-        if value is not None:
-            self.update(value)
-
-    def __delete__(self, obj):
-        raise AttributeError("can't delete attribute")
diff --git a/lib/cdist/test/object/__init__.py b/lib/cdist/test/object/__init__.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..75322654
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lib/cdist/test/object/__init__.py
@@ -0,0 +1,117 @@
+# -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
+#
+# 2010-2011 Steven Armstrong (steven-cdist at armstrong.cc)
+#
+# This file is part of cdist.
+#
+# cdist is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+# it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+# the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+# (at your option) any later version.
+#
+# cdist is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+# but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+# MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+# GNU General Public License for more details.
+#
+# You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+# along with cdist. If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+#
+#
+
+import os
+import tempfile
+import unittest
+import shutil
+
+import cdist.core
+
+import os.path as op
+my_dir = op.abspath(op.dirname(__file__))
+fixtures = op.join(my_dir, 'fixtures')
+object_base_path = op.join(fixtures, 'object')
+type_base_path = op.join(fixtures, 'type')
+
+class ObjectClassTestCase(unittest.TestCase):
+
+    def test_list_object_names(self):
+        object_names = list(cdist.core.Object.list_object_names(object_base_path))
+        self.assertEqual(object_names, ['__first/man', '__second/on-the', '__third/moon'])
+
+    def test_list_type_names(self):
+        type_names = list(cdist.core.Object.list_type_names(object_base_path))
+        self.assertEqual(type_names, ['__first', '__second', '__third'])
+
+    def test_list_objects(self):
+        objects = list(cdist.core.Object.list_objects(object_base_path, type_base_path))
+        objects_expected = [
+            cdist.core.Object(cdist.core.Type(type_base_path, '__first'), object_base_path, 'man'),
+            cdist.core.Object(cdist.core.Type(type_base_path, '__second'), object_base_path, 'on-the'),
+            cdist.core.Object(cdist.core.Type(type_base_path, '__third'), object_base_path, 'moon'),
+        ]
+        self.assertEqual(objects, objects_expected)
+
+
+class ObjectTestCase(unittest.TestCase):
+
+    def setUp(self):
+        self.cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(type_base_path, '__third')
+        self.cdist_object = cdist.core.Object(self.cdist_type, object_base_path, 'moon') 
+
+    def tearDown(self):
+        self.cdist_object.changed = False
+        self.cdist_object.prepared = False
+        self.cdist_object.ran = False
+
+    def test_name(self):
+        self.assertEqual(self.cdist_object.name, '__third/moon')
+
+    def test_object_id(self):
+        self.assertEqual(self.cdist_object.object_id, 'moon')
+
+    def test_path(self):
+        self.assertEqual(self.cdist_object.path, '__third/moon/.cdist')
+
+    def test_absolute_path(self):
+        self.assertEqual(self.cdist_object.absolute_path, os.path.join(object_base_path, '__third/moon/.cdist'))
+
+    def test_code_local_path(self):
+        self.assertEqual(self.cdist_object.code_local_path, '__third/moon/.cdist/code-local')
+
+    def test_code_remote_path(self):
+        self.assertEqual(self.cdist_object.code_remote_path, '__third/moon/.cdist/code-remote')
+
+    def test_parameter_path(self):
+        self.assertEqual(self.cdist_object.parameter_path, '__third/moon/.cdist/parameter')
+
+    def test_explorer_path(self):
+        self.assertEqual(self.cdist_object.explorer_path, '__third/moon/.cdist/explorer')
+
+    def test_parameters(self):
+        expected_parameters = {'planet': 'Saturn', 'name': 'Prometheus'}
+        self.assertEqual(self.cdist_object.parameters, expected_parameters)
+
+    def test_requirements(self):
+        expected = []
+        self.assertEqual(list(self.cdist_object.requirements), expected)
+
+    def test_changed(self):
+        self.assertFalse(self.cdist_object.changed)
+
+    def test_changed_after_changing(self):
+        self.cdist_object.changed = True
+        self.assertTrue(self.cdist_object.changed)
+
+    def test_prepared(self):
+        self.assertFalse(self.cdist_object.prepared)
+
+    def test_prepared_after_changing(self):
+        self.cdist_object.prepared = True
+        self.assertTrue(self.cdist_object.prepared)
+
+    def test_ran(self):
+        self.assertFalse(self.cdist_object.ran)
+
+    def test_ran_after_changing(self):
+        self.cdist_object.ran = True
+        self.assertTrue(self.cdist_object.ran)
diff --git a/lib/cdist/test/object/fixtures/object/__first/.keep b/lib/cdist/test/object/fixtures/object/__first/.keep
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..e69de29b
diff --git a/lib/cdist/test/object/fixtures/object/__first/man/.cdist/.keep b/lib/cdist/test/object/fixtures/object/__first/man/.cdist/.keep
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..e69de29b
diff --git a/lib/cdist/test/object/fixtures/object/__second/.keep b/lib/cdist/test/object/fixtures/object/__second/.keep
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..e69de29b
diff --git a/lib/cdist/test/object/fixtures/object/__second/on-the/.cdist/.keep b/lib/cdist/test/object/fixtures/object/__second/on-the/.cdist/.keep
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..e69de29b
diff --git a/lib/cdist/test/object/fixtures/object/__third/.keep b/lib/cdist/test/object/fixtures/object/__third/.keep
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..e69de29b
diff --git a/lib/cdist/test/object/fixtures/object/__third/moon/.cdist/.keep b/lib/cdist/test/object/fixtures/object/__third/moon/.cdist/.keep
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..e69de29b
diff --git a/lib/cdist/test/object/fixtures/object/__third/moon/.cdist/explorer/.keep b/lib/cdist/test/object/fixtures/object/__third/moon/.cdist/explorer/.keep
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..e69de29b
diff --git a/lib/cdist/test/object/fixtures/object/__third/moon/.cdist/parameter/name b/lib/cdist/test/object/fixtures/object/__third/moon/.cdist/parameter/name
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..4129a761
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lib/cdist/test/object/fixtures/object/__third/moon/.cdist/parameter/name
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+Prometheus
diff --git a/lib/cdist/test/object/fixtures/object/__third/moon/.cdist/parameter/planet b/lib/cdist/test/object/fixtures/object/__third/moon/.cdist/parameter/planet
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..8e6ee422
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lib/cdist/test/object/fixtures/object/__third/moon/.cdist/parameter/planet
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+Saturn
diff --git a/lib/cdist/test/object/fixtures/type/__first/.keep b/lib/cdist/test/object/fixtures/type/__first/.keep
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..e69de29b
diff --git a/lib/cdist/test/object/fixtures/type/__second/.keep b/lib/cdist/test/object/fixtures/type/__second/.keep
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..e69de29b
diff --git a/lib/cdist/test/object/fixtures/type/__third/.keep b/lib/cdist/test/object/fixtures/type/__third/.keep
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..e69de29b
diff --git a/lib/cdist/test/test_object.py b/lib/cdist/test/test_object.py
deleted file mode 100644
index ae584840..00000000
--- a/lib/cdist/test/test_object.py
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,46 +0,0 @@
-# -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
-#
-# 2010-2011 Steven Armstrong (steven-cdist at armstrong.cc)
-#
-# This file is part of cdist.
-#
-# cdist is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
-# it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
-# the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
-# (at your option) any later version.
-#
-# cdist is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
-# but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
-# MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
-# GNU General Public License for more details.
-#
-# You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
-# along with cdist. If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
-#
-#
-
-import os
-import tempfile
-import unittest
-import shutil
-
-import os.path as op
-my_dir = op.abspath(op.dirname(__file__))
-base_path = op.join(my_dir, 'fixtures')
-
-class ObjectTestCase(unittest.TestCase):
-    def setUp(self):
-        # FIXME: use defined set of types for testing?
-        # FIXME: generate object tree or use predefined?
-        self.object_base_dir = tempfile.mkdtemp()
-
-    def tearDown(self):
-        shutil.rmtree(self.temp_dir)
-
-'''
-suite = unittest.TestLoader().loadTestsFromTestCase(ObjectTestCase)
-
-def suite():
-    tests = []
-    return unittest.TestSuite(map(ObjectTestCase, tests))
-'''
diff --git a/lib/cdist/test/type/__init__.py b/lib/cdist/test/type/__init__.py
index e69de29b..5ba1f4b9 100644
--- a/lib/cdist/test/type/__init__.py
+++ b/lib/cdist/test/type/__init__.py
@@ -0,0 +1,146 @@
+# -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
+#
+# 2010-2011 Steven Armstrong (steven-cdist at armstrong.cc)
+#
+# This file is part of cdist.
+#
+# cdist is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+# it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+# the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+# (at your option) any later version.
+#
+# cdist is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+# but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+# MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+# GNU General Public License for more details.
+#
+# You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+# along with cdist. If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+#
+#
+
+import os
+import unittest
+
+import cdist.core
+
+import os.path as op
+my_dir = op.abspath(op.dirname(__file__))
+fixtures = op.join(my_dir, 'fixtures')
+
+
+class TypeTestCase(unittest.TestCase):
+
+    def test_list_type_names(self):
+        base_path = op.join(fixtures, 'list_types')
+        type_names = cdist.core.Type.list_type_names(base_path)
+        self.assertEqual(type_names, ['__first', '__second', '__third'])
+
+    def test_list_types(self):
+        base_path = op.join(fixtures, 'list_types')
+        types = list(cdist.core.Type.list_types(base_path))
+        types_expected = [
+            cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__first'),
+            cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__second'),
+            cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__third'),
+        ]
+        self.assertEqual(types, types_expected)
+
+    def test_only_one_instance(self):
+        base_path = fixtures
+        cdist_type1 = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__name_path')
+        cdist_type2 = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__name_path')
+        self.assertEqual(id(cdist_type1), id(cdist_type2))
+
+    def test_name(self):
+        base_path = fixtures
+        cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__name_path')
+        self.assertEqual(cdist_type.name, '__name_path')
+
+    def test_path(self):
+        base_path = fixtures
+        cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__name_path')
+        self.assertEqual(cdist_type.path, '__name_path')
+
+    def test_absolute_path(self):
+        base_path = fixtures
+        cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__name_path')
+        self.assertEqual(cdist_type.absolute_path, os.path.join(base_path, '__name_path'))
+
+    def test_manifest_path(self):
+        base_path = fixtures
+        cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__name_path')
+        self.assertEqual(cdist_type.manifest_path, os.path.join('__name_path', 'manifest'))
+
+    def test_explorer_path(self):
+        base_path = fixtures
+        cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__name_path')
+        self.assertEqual(cdist_type.explorer_path, os.path.join('__name_path', 'explorer'))
+
+    def test_gencode_local_path(self):
+        base_path = fixtures
+        cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__name_path')
+        self.assertEqual(cdist_type.gencode_local_path, os.path.join('__name_path', 'gencode-local'))
+
+    def test_gencode_remote_path(self):
+        base_path = fixtures
+        cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__name_path')
+        self.assertEqual(cdist_type.gencode_remote_path, os.path.join('__name_path', 'gencode-remote'))
+
+    def test_singleton_is_singleton(self):
+        base_path = fixtures
+        cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__singleton')
+        self.assertTrue(cdist_type.is_singleton)
+
+    def test_not_singleton_is_singleton(self):
+        base_path = fixtures
+        cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__not_singleton')
+        self.assertFalse(cdist_type.is_singleton)
+
+    def test_install_is_install(self):
+        base_path = fixtures
+        cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__install')
+        self.assertTrue(cdist_type.is_install)
+
+    def test_not_install_is_install(self):
+        base_path = fixtures
+        cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__not_install')
+        self.assertFalse(cdist_type.is_install)
+
+    def test_with_explorers(self):
+        base_path = fixtures
+        cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__with_explorers')
+        self.assertEqual(cdist_type.explorers, ['whatever'])
+
+    def test_without_explorers(self):
+        base_path = fixtures
+        cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__without_explorers')
+        self.assertEqual(cdist_type.explorers, [])
+
+    def test_with_required_parameters(self):
+        base_path = fixtures
+        cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__with_required_parameters')
+        self.assertEqual(cdist_type.required_parameters, ['required1', 'required2'])
+
+    def test_without_required_parameters(self):
+        base_path = fixtures
+        cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__without_required_parameters')
+        self.assertEqual(cdist_type.required_parameters, [])
+
+    def test_with_optional_parameters(self):
+        base_path = fixtures
+        cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__with_optional_parameters')
+        self.assertEqual(cdist_type.optional_parameters, ['optional1', 'optional2'])
+
+    def test_without_optional_parameters(self):
+        base_path = fixtures
+        cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__without_optional_parameters')
+        self.assertEqual(cdist_type.optional_parameters, [])
+
+'''
+suite = unittest.TestLoader().loadTestsFromTestCase(ObjectTestCase)
+
+def suite():
+    tests = []
+    return unittest.TestSuite(map(ObjectTestCase, tests))
+'''
diff --git a/lib/cdist/test/type/test_type.py b/lib/cdist/test/type/test_type.py
deleted file mode 100644
index 5ba1f4b9..00000000
--- a/lib/cdist/test/type/test_type.py
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,146 +0,0 @@
-# -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
-#
-# 2010-2011 Steven Armstrong (steven-cdist at armstrong.cc)
-#
-# This file is part of cdist.
-#
-# cdist is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
-# it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
-# the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
-# (at your option) any later version.
-#
-# cdist is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
-# but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
-# MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
-# GNU General Public License for more details.
-#
-# You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
-# along with cdist. If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
-#
-#
-
-import os
-import unittest
-
-import cdist.core
-
-import os.path as op
-my_dir = op.abspath(op.dirname(__file__))
-fixtures = op.join(my_dir, 'fixtures')
-
-
-class TypeTestCase(unittest.TestCase):
-
-    def test_list_type_names(self):
-        base_path = op.join(fixtures, 'list_types')
-        type_names = cdist.core.Type.list_type_names(base_path)
-        self.assertEqual(type_names, ['__first', '__second', '__third'])
-
-    def test_list_types(self):
-        base_path = op.join(fixtures, 'list_types')
-        types = list(cdist.core.Type.list_types(base_path))
-        types_expected = [
-            cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__first'),
-            cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__second'),
-            cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__third'),
-        ]
-        self.assertEqual(types, types_expected)
-
-    def test_only_one_instance(self):
-        base_path = fixtures
-        cdist_type1 = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__name_path')
-        cdist_type2 = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__name_path')
-        self.assertEqual(id(cdist_type1), id(cdist_type2))
-
-    def test_name(self):
-        base_path = fixtures
-        cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__name_path')
-        self.assertEqual(cdist_type.name, '__name_path')
-
-    def test_path(self):
-        base_path = fixtures
-        cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__name_path')
-        self.assertEqual(cdist_type.path, '__name_path')
-
-    def test_absolute_path(self):
-        base_path = fixtures
-        cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__name_path')
-        self.assertEqual(cdist_type.absolute_path, os.path.join(base_path, '__name_path'))
-
-    def test_manifest_path(self):
-        base_path = fixtures
-        cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__name_path')
-        self.assertEqual(cdist_type.manifest_path, os.path.join('__name_path', 'manifest'))
-
-    def test_explorer_path(self):
-        base_path = fixtures
-        cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__name_path')
-        self.assertEqual(cdist_type.explorer_path, os.path.join('__name_path', 'explorer'))
-
-    def test_gencode_local_path(self):
-        base_path = fixtures
-        cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__name_path')
-        self.assertEqual(cdist_type.gencode_local_path, os.path.join('__name_path', 'gencode-local'))
-
-    def test_gencode_remote_path(self):
-        base_path = fixtures
-        cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__name_path')
-        self.assertEqual(cdist_type.gencode_remote_path, os.path.join('__name_path', 'gencode-remote'))
-
-    def test_singleton_is_singleton(self):
-        base_path = fixtures
-        cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__singleton')
-        self.assertTrue(cdist_type.is_singleton)
-
-    def test_not_singleton_is_singleton(self):
-        base_path = fixtures
-        cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__not_singleton')
-        self.assertFalse(cdist_type.is_singleton)
-
-    def test_install_is_install(self):
-        base_path = fixtures
-        cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__install')
-        self.assertTrue(cdist_type.is_install)
-
-    def test_not_install_is_install(self):
-        base_path = fixtures
-        cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__not_install')
-        self.assertFalse(cdist_type.is_install)
-
-    def test_with_explorers(self):
-        base_path = fixtures
-        cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__with_explorers')
-        self.assertEqual(cdist_type.explorers, ['whatever'])
-
-    def test_without_explorers(self):
-        base_path = fixtures
-        cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__without_explorers')
-        self.assertEqual(cdist_type.explorers, [])
-
-    def test_with_required_parameters(self):
-        base_path = fixtures
-        cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__with_required_parameters')
-        self.assertEqual(cdist_type.required_parameters, ['required1', 'required2'])
-
-    def test_without_required_parameters(self):
-        base_path = fixtures
-        cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__without_required_parameters')
-        self.assertEqual(cdist_type.required_parameters, [])
-
-    def test_with_optional_parameters(self):
-        base_path = fixtures
-        cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__with_optional_parameters')
-        self.assertEqual(cdist_type.optional_parameters, ['optional1', 'optional2'])
-
-    def test_without_optional_parameters(self):
-        base_path = fixtures
-        cdist_type = cdist.core.Type(base_path, '__without_optional_parameters')
-        self.assertEqual(cdist_type.optional_parameters, [])
-
-'''
-suite = unittest.TestLoader().loadTestsFromTestCase(ObjectTestCase)
-
-def suite():
-    tests = []
-    return unittest.TestSuite(map(ObjectTestCase, tests))
-'''
diff --git a/lib/cdist/util/__init__.py b/lib/cdist/util/__init__.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..e69de29b
diff --git a/lib/cdist/util/fsproperty.py b/lib/cdist/util/fsproperty.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..1af2f0f5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/lib/cdist/util/fsproperty.py
@@ -0,0 +1,272 @@
+# -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
+#
+# 2010-2011 Steven Armstrong (steven-cdist at armstrong.cc)
+#
+# This file is part of cdist.
+#
+# cdist is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+# it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+# the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+# (at your option) any later version.
+#
+# cdist is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+# but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+# MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+# GNU General Public License for more details.
+#
+# You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+# along with cdist. If not, see <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+#
+#
+
+import os
+import collections
+
+import cdist
+
+
+class AbsolutePathRequiredError(cdist.Error):
+    def __init__(self, path):
+        self.path = path
+
+    def __str__(self):
+        return 'Absolute path required, got: %s' % self.path
+
+
+class FileList(collections.MutableSequence):
+    """A list that stores it's state in a file.
+
+    """
+    def __init__(self, path, initial=None):
+        if not os.path.isabs(path):
+            raise AbsolutePathRequiredError(path)
+        self.path = path
+        if initial:
+            # delete existing file
+            os.unlink(self.path)
+            for i in initial:
+                self.append(i)
+
+    def __read(self):
+        lines = []
+        try:
+            with open(self.path) as fd:
+                for line in fd:
+                    lines.append(line.rstrip('\n'))
+        except EnvironmentError as e:
+            # error ignored
+            pass
+        return lines
+
+    def __write(self, lines):
+        try:
+            with open(self.path, 'w') as fd:
+                for line in lines:
+                    fd.write(str(line) + '\n')
+        except EnvironmentError as e:
+            # error ignored
+            raise
+
+    def __repr__(self):
+        return repr(list(self))
+
+    def __getitem__(self, index):
+        return self.__read()[index]
+        
+    def __setitem__(self, index, value):
+        lines = self.__read()
+        lines[index] = value
+        self.__write(lines)
+
+    def __delitem__(self, index):
+        lines = self.__read()
+        del lines[index]
+        self.__write(lines)
+
+    def __len__(self):
+        lines = self.__read()
+        return len(lines)
+
+    def insert(self, index, value):
+        lines = self.__read()
+        lines.insert(index, value)
+        self.__write(lines)
+
+    def sort(self):
+        lines = sorted(self)
+        self.__write(lines)
+
+
+class FileListProperty(FileList):
+
+    def __init__(self, path):
+        """
+        :param path: string or callable
+
+        Usage:
+
+        class Foo(object):
+            parameters = DirectoryDictProperty(lambda obj: os.path.join(obj.absolute_path, 'parameter'))
+            other_dict = DirectoryDictProperty('/tmp/folder')
+
+            def __init__(self):
+                self.absolute_path = '/tmp/foo'
+
+        """
+        self.path = None
+        self.__path = path
+
+    def _set_path(self, *args, **kwargs):
+        if self.path is None:
+            path = self.__path
+            if callable(path):
+                path = path(*args, **kwargs)
+            if not os.path.isabs(path):
+                raise AbsolutePathRequiredError(path)
+            self.path = path
+
+    # Descriptor Protocol
+    def __get__(self, obj, objtype=None):
+        if obj is None:
+            return self.__class__
+        self._set_path(obj)
+        return self
+
+    def __set__(self, obj, value):
+        self._set_path(obj)
+        os.unlink(self.path)
+        for item in value:
+            self.append(item)
+
+    def __delete__(self, obj):
+        raise AttributeError("can't delete attribute")
+
+
+class DirectoryDict(collections.MutableMapping):
+    """A dict that stores it's state in a directory.
+
+    """
+    def __init__(self, path, initial=None, **kwargs):
+        if not os.path.isabs(path):
+            raise AbsolutePathRequiredError(path)
+        self.path = path
+        if initial is not None:
+            self.update(initial)
+        if kwargs:
+            self.update(kwargs)
+
+    def __repr__(self):
+        return repr(dict(self))
+
+    def __getitem__(self, key):
+        try:
+            with open(os.path.join(self.path, key), "r") as fd:
+                return fd.read().rstrip('\n')
+        except EnvironmentError:
+            raise KeyError(key)
+
+    def __setitem__(self, key, value):
+        with open(os.path.join(self.path, key), "w") as fd:
+            fd.write(str(value))        
+
+    def __delitem__(self, key):
+        os.remove(os.path.join(self.path, key))
+
+    def __iter__(self):
+        return iter(os.listdir(self.path))
+
+    def __len__(self):
+        return len(os.listdir(self.path))
+
+
+class DirectoryDictProperty(DirectoryDict):
+
+    def __init__(self, path):
+        """
+        :param path: string or callable
+
+        Usage:
+
+        class Foo(object):
+            parameters = DirectoryDictProperty(lambda obj: os.path.join(obj.absolute_path, 'parameter'))
+            other_dict = DirectoryDictProperty('/tmp/folder')
+
+            def __init__(self):
+                self.absolute_path = '/tmp/foo'
+
+        """
+        self.path = None
+        self.__path = path
+
+    def _set_path(self, *args, **kwargs):
+        if self.path is None:
+            path = self.__path
+            if callable(path):
+                path = path(*args, **kwargs)
+            if not os.path.isabs(path):
+                raise AbsolutePathRequiredError(path)
+            self.path = path
+
+    # Descriptor Protocol
+    def __get__(self, obj, objtype=None):
+        if obj is None:
+            return self.__class__
+        self._set_path(obj)
+        return self
+
+    def __set__(self, obj, value):
+        self._set_path(obj)
+        if value is not None:
+            for name in self.keys():
+                del self[name]
+            self.update(value)
+
+    def __delete__(self, obj):
+        raise AttributeError("can't delete attribute")
+
+
+class FileBooleanProperty(object):
+    def __init__(self, path):
+        """
+        :param path: string or callable
+
+        Usage:
+
+        class Foo(object):
+            changed = FileBoolean(lambda obj: os.path.join(obj.absolute_path, 'changed'))
+            other_boolean = FileBoolean('/tmp/other_boolean')
+
+            def __init__(self):
+                self.absolute_path = '/tmp/foo_boolean'
+
+        """
+        self._path = path
+
+    def _get_path(self, *args, **kwargs):
+        path = self._path
+        if callable(path):
+            return path(*args, **kwargs)
+        if not os.path.isabs(path):
+            raise AbsolutePathRequiredError(path)
+        return path
+
+    # Descriptor Protocol
+    def __get__(self, obj, objtype=None):
+        if obj is None:
+            return self.__class__
+        path = self._get_path(obj)
+        return os.path.isfile(path)
+
+    def __set__(self, obj, value):
+        path = self._get_path(obj)
+        if value:
+            open(path, "w").close()
+        else:
+            try:
+                os.remove(path)
+            except EnvironmentError:
+                # ignore
+                pass
+
+    def __delete__(self, obj):
+        raise AttributeError("can't delete attribute")