I am hoping to replace an Access+Jet (yuk) based application and am dusting off my Perl Skills which have got a bit rusty lately. It will need to run in Windoze. I will replace the database side in MSQL initially (as I may want an embedded app) and will go to MySql or PostGreSql if I need more functionality in the database. I'm an SQL crafter by trade so don't expect too many problems there.

The app will need Data Entry Forms, screen orientated reports, and it would be good to easily produce Pretty Printed Reports (and/or pdf). I've blown my mind searching CPAN and so on for Modules which would avoid me reinventing the wheel. But many seem quite old (abandoned?) or insist on a CGI Route. The reports would benefit from traditional database reporting: Headers, Nested Retrieval, etc. Clearly perl can do all this but it seems silly to code it all from scratch. There doesn't seem to be a reporting framework Module like say powerbuilder would give you.

What do you guys recommend as an Up-To-Date architecture... and which Modules to simplify it. I would prefer to end up with either a standalone app or something running without additional server processes (browser+perl app). If others use it later they are the type to need the minimum to install & configure.

For the Forms: CGI/Perl-Tk/wxPerl or what
For Reports: HTML:Template or what.

Sorry if this a bit of a wideopen first question but as I said I've got a bit out of touch, and I'd like to proceed in a sensible direction.

Update:

Just to emphasise the program functionality I have been using is a bought in application based on Access/Jet which is not a very professional solution. Its also a locked Jet Database so its hard to even code around the problems myself.

I intend implementing a solution with similar but better functionality. I do not intend to use any micro$oft applications to do this.

Thanks for the thoughts so far.

In reply to Drowning in Modules - Suggest those for DB App by KevinR

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