+typedef struct metrics metrics_t;
+
+/* Create a new metrics_t object for tracking metrics, given the
+ * pre-initialized metrics_info_t* describing available counters. */
+metrics_t *
+metrics_create (metrics_info_t *info);
+
+/* Free all internal resources of a metrics_t
+ *
+ * All outstanding metrics counters are discarded.
+ *
+ * The metrics_t object remains valid and may be used again.
+ */
+void
+metrics_fini (metrics_t *metrics);
+
+/* Destroy a metrics_t object.
+ *
+ * After this call, the metrics_t* value is and must not be used
+ * further. */
+void
+metrics_destroy (metrics_t *metrics);
+