Best XML DOM XPath XSL tools

hmerrill has asked for the wisdom of the Perl Monks concerning the following question:

It's been quite a while since I've written perl code but I'd like to get back to it. I've done XML/XSL stuff with MS Windoze MSXML4 but I'm not familiar with the XML/XSL tools in Perl. What are the most popular/best XML DOM XSL XPath modules currently being used? Not trying to start a holy war here - just trying to get a handle on which modules to concentrate on first. Last time I searched I found a LOT of modules - looking for some guidance here.

Update - I should have mentioned that although my platform of preference is Fedora Core (Red Hat) Linux, currently I'm developing on Windows XP. So I'm using ActiveState Perl and PPM to install packages. Two good suggestions for XML and XSLT packages made below are XML::LibXML and XML::LibXSLT - in PPM I'm having trouble locating those - can anyone help?

TIA.

Comment on Best XML DOM XPath XSL tools

Replies are listed 'Best First'.
Re: Best XML DOM XPath XSL tools by ajt (Prior) on Jan 28, 2006 at 15:15 UTC
This is a common question, going back a long way. With Perl you can use several modules, some are built on the old and well known Expat parser engine, others are built on the more modern LibXML2 or Apache's Xerces XML tools. I personally perfer tools built on the very fast LibXML2 and LibXSLT libraries, XML::LibXML and XML::LibXSLT. Take your pick of the answers: XML parser which XML module? perl/XML development XML::Twig, or something else? Which XML module to use? XML parser XML and Perl XM-Hell XML Module decision tree? Mirod's Ways to Rome & Ways To Rome 2 Kip's Column on XML.com Using XML Modules in Perl There is also the PerlXML mailing list: PerlXML -- ajt	[reply]
Re: Best XML DOM XPath XSL tools by wazzuteke (Hermit) on Jan 28, 2006 at 14:34 UTC
You're right in that there are a number of different XML mods available to you on CPAN. Of which are most popular is somewhat of a metric that is hard to come by. However, based off the questions, answers, discussions in these forums as well as my own personal usage, I'd say the `XML::\w+` family would be a good place to start. Two modules that I've used and have had phenomenal success with are: XML::LibXML XML::LibXSLT Of course, each person will have their own preference on what mods are best for different procuedures, although these in particular are pretty easy to implement, widely used and tested, and relatively fast for what they do. Hope this helps and good luck! ---hA\|\|ta---- `print map{$_.' '}grep{/\w+/}@{[reverse(qw{Perl Code})]} or die while ( 'trying' );`	[reply] [d/l] [select]
Re^2: Best XML DOM XPath XSL tools by hmerrill (Friar) on Jan 28, 2006 at 16:28 UTC
Thank you very much! Exactly what I was looking for - especially since your opinion was second'd by ajt.	[reply]
Re: Best XML DOM XPath XSL tools by randyk (Parson) on Jan 28, 2006 at 19:58 UTC
You can get Win32 ppm packages for XML::LibXML and XML::LibXSLT at http://theoryx5.uwinnipeg.ca/ppms/, for ActivePerl 8xx, or http://theoryx5.uwinnipeg.ca/ppmpackages/, for ActivePerl 6xx.	[reply]