In addition to what others have mentioned, here are some other reasons to consider the shortcuts:

• CGI.pm now outputs valid XHTML. HTML is dying (thank goodness). XHTML is like use strict; for HTML.
• The shortcuts effectively allow a syntax check of your HTML. It won't catch the HTML equivalent of "logic errors" -- such as having 4 table columns instead of 3 -- but at least the HTML will be formatted correctly.
• You cannot forget to close a tag.
• You cannot misnest tags.
• Checkboxes and the like are a snap, once you get used to the new syntax:

  print $query->checkbox_group(-name   => 'group_name',
                               -values => ['eenie','meenie','minie','moe
  +'],
                               -default=> ['eenie','moe']);
  [download]

Just be sure to use the shortcuts appropriately. If you're trying to create an application that others will be downloading from the net, or if you are only creating one or two dynamic pages, the shortcuts are simple and easy to use. However, if you are doing something much more extensive, consider using a templating system.

Cheers,
Ovid

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