# Helper Functions

## Output

### ebegin

Like einfo, we output a helpful message and then hint that the following operation may take some time to complete. Once the task is finished, you need to call eend.

### eend

Followup the ebegin message with an appropriate "OK" or "!!" (for errors) marker. If status is non-zero, then the additional error message is displayed.

### einfo

Same as elog, but should be used when the message isn't important to the user (like progress or status messages during the build process).

### elog

If you need to display a message that you wish the user to read and take notice of, then use elog. It works just like echo(1), but adds a little more to the output so as to catch the user's eye. The message will also be logged by portage for later review.

### eqawarn

Same as einfo, but should be used when showing a QA warning to the user.

### ewarn

Same as einfo, but should be used when showing a warning to the user.