Two niggly comments to add to the existing correct explanations of your problem:

my $parser = new Parse::RecDescent($grammar);

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Is a bad meme in Perl. I know its in the docs (it shouldnt be, even TheDamian has commented on why its a bad idea) but use the unambiguous and easier to read (IMO) 
my $parser = Parse::RecDescent->new($grammar) or die "Failed to create
+ parser.\n";

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and you'll one day save yourself some bizarre debugging. Note that checking the return of a constructor for an object you didnt write is usually a good idea.

The other is that while q§ ... §; sure is funky looking, it is not as suitable as using HereDoc quoting when using PRD and embedded code: 

my $grammar=<<'END_OF_GRAMMAR';
...
END_OF_GRAMMAR
my $parser = Parse::RecDescent->new($grammar) or die "Failed to create
+ parser.\n";

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Personally I tend to roll them into one: 
my $parser = Parse::RecDescent->new(<<'END_OF_GRAMMAR') or die "Failed
+ to create parser.\n";
...
END_OF_GRAMMAR

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The main reason that <<'END_OF_GRAMMAR' is better is that it is the only normal Perl quoting construct that does not require backslashes or quotes to be escaped. Which in turn can greatly simplify the embedded code that you have in your grammar.

HTH

--- demerphq
my friends call me, usually because I'm late....

In reply to Re: Package variables and Parse::RecDescent by demerphq
in thread Package variables and Parse::RecDescent by castaway

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