... or you'll never know if the DB is connecting

Technically speaking, well yes, you could know if the DB is connecting without causing the script to die. If connect() fails, a warning via STDERR is emitted but your script still runs. By specifying {RaiseError => 1}, DBI will, by default, "throw" a die for you, but you can still see why the connect failed without having to explicitly or die $DBI::errstr or use {RaiseError => 1}.

Finally, telling a "newbie" to go back and add error checking usually results in statements like "I just want to get it to work." That's why i recommend {RaiseError => 1} up front, you only need to add one line of code for error checking across the board. I'm just nitpicking Dave ... you and your point for some error checking are gold. :)

L-LL-L--L-LL-L--L-LL-L--
-R--R-RR-R--R-RR-R--R-RR
B--B--B--B--B--B--B--B--
H---H---H---H---H---H---
(the triplet paradiddle with high-hat)