in reply to XML::* in core modules

In general the modules that are included in the core distribution are ones that are going to be useful to everyone. These debates are (I believe) carried out on the p5p mailing list, tho' the current pumpking will have the final word.

XML modules aren't included for the same reason that DBI/DBD modules aren't included - not everyone will use them (and, I guess, because there are far too many to choose from).

XML::Parser is included as an extra module with ActivePerl as their package manager, ppm, relies on it.

--
<http://www.dave.org.uk>

"The first rule of Perl club is you do not talk about Perl club."
-- Chip Salzenberg

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Re: Re: XML::* in core modules
by bm (Hermit) on Jul 11, 2003 at 13:33 UTC
    Ok, thanks. And that explains why they are in the ActiveState distro's.

    Perhaps I should get participating in p5p discussions: something tells me that XML::Simple/XML::Parse is used more than, for example, WWW:RobotsRules or Math::Complex, wouldn't you agree?

    Perhaps this would make a good poll: what modules would you like to see in the core? Probably been done before tho'....

[reply]

      WWW::RobotRules was added for 5.8.0. It was only added because it was part of the libwww distribution which was added because it was a prerequisite for some other module that Jarkko wanted to add (see how complex it can get). Math::Complex has been in the core for years. If nothing else it serves as a good example of operator overloading.

      As for adding modules to the core, I think we need a good date/time module in there. I suggest DateTime and its friends.

      --
      <http://www.dave.org.uk>

      "The first rule of Perl club is you do not talk about Perl club."
      -- Chip Salzenberg

[reply]

        libwww is included because CPAN uses it. CPAN belongs in core because you use it to install whatever else you need. Thus, anything CPAN uses belongs in core too. This makes sense, if you think about it: whatever else you want (whether it's XML::Simple or Acme::Bleach) you can easily install _if_ your perl came with what is needed to fetch and install it from CPAN.

        This assumes that your distro will come with whatever is needed to build XS (a C compiler, make, and so forth), but Perl comes from a Unix background where that is a mostly reasonable assumption.

        Quidquid latine dictum sit altum viditur.
[reply]

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