Re^2: Extracting data from CSV file

Well, I am sorry, I understand your point, but I have to disagree somewhat with that. Yes, in the general case of CSV files with complicated rules on separating, escaping and quoting characters (and so on), by all means use the Text::CSV or some other CSV specialized module.

But you don't need a 30-ton truck to deliver one TV set to a residential home. (It might even be counterproductive.)

To me, using a CSV module for such an extremely simple CSV file is just plain over-engineering or technical overkill. For that, the split is just the right tool, efficient, simple, very well integrated into the language, easy to use. I do not see any reason to make things more complicated than they should be when they can be very simple. This is really not my view of the Perl philosophy: make simple things simple...

Update: Hehe, 3 negative XP points for stating something that should be obvious, i.e. that there is not just one single solution for absolutely everuthing, I thought the monks here had more freedom to think independently. ;-)

Comment on Re^2: Extracting data from CSV file

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Re^3: Extracting data from CSV file by Tux (Canon) on Dec 19, 2014 at 07:46 UTC
Even on simple CSV data, Text::CSV_XS (not Text::CSV) can outperform plain perl (using split) given the right options and using the right methods. YMMV. Note, for the given data it most likely will not be faster The main reason to start using Text::CSV_XS (or Text::CSV) even with simple CSV data is that moving onward when the data changes (yes, it will, eventually) or on other projects that look simple but are not. For programmers that know both approaches, you are definitely right. No single modules (or tool or even language) is the best choice for every problem, but when in doubt, choose the option that is most versatile and best documented and that will also help you with likewise problems in the (near) future. Even the simplest change, like changing the line ending from `\n` to `\r\n` will make you happy having made that choice as early as possible. Enjoy, Have FUN! H.Merijn	[reply] [d/l] [select]
Re^3: Extracting data from CSV file by AnomalousMonk (Archbishop) on Dec 19, 2014 at 17:39 UTC
I kinda agree with your disagreement, but then, on the other hand, not so much. I tried to qualify my post ("Not directly related to your OPed question, but if you're doing a lot of CSV file parsing...") to make it clear that what I had in mind was more like using a 30-ton truck to deliver a 30-ton load. And then there are also Tux's well-founded points (++).	[reply]
Re^4: Extracting data from CSV file by Laurent_R (Canon) on Dec 19, 2014 at 17:59 UTC
Quite possibly I slightly misinterpreted your post and overreacted to it, sorry for that, but also I duly qualified my own post, saying that I understood what you were saying, that I "somewhat" diasgreed and noting that the CSV modules are really the solution when it gets more complicated. We've taken slightly different points of emphasis, but I am pretty much convinced that we think almost identically on the deeper subject.	[reply]
Re^5: Extracting data from CSV file by AnomalousMonk (Archbishop) on Dec 19, 2014 at 18:03 UTC
Let us agree to agree.	[reply]
Re^3: Extracting data from CSV file by Anonymous Monk on Dec 19, 2014 at 08:58 UTC
Update: Hehe, 3 negative XP points for stating something that should be obvious, i.e. that there is not just one single solution for absolutely everuthing, I thought the monks here had more freedom to think independently. ;-) If it is so obvious why did it need stating? Basically you ~~pounced on~~ ~~chided~~ ~~criticize~~ complain at AnomalousMonk for saying: now that you've gotten a solution, FYI this other thing exists also The split solution did not need defending, it was code solution , ready to use, not a link to a manual for another thing that could be used ... an actual solution for immediate data OP: I'm going fishing today, I need boots quick, help toolic: Here is some nylon and duck tape, it should last you one trip easy AnomalousMonk : you know, indirectly, for about the same price (free) there are boots on CPAN Laurent_R : i'm sorry I disagree, free boots are 30-ton truck of over-engineering , nylon+ducktape is perl philosophy of make things simple Still funny :)	[reply]
Re^3: Extracting data from CSV file by Anonymous Monk on Dec 18, 2014 at 23:19 UTC
Well, I am sorry, I understand your point, but I have to disagree somewhat with that. Hehe ... hey buddy, if you're doing a lot of this kind of thing, there are modules for that, you know, FYI ... its overkill to consider alternatives	[reply]