Broadly speaking, there are two preliminary considerations to think about here; roll your own or use a module. The usual arguments about code reuse etc. apply here but there is an important consideration. For the modules listed above, the learning curve is fairly steep particularly for those with limited experience in writing parsers by hand or otherwise. The trouble with writing parsers is that is much easier if you've already written one! Without much analysis, your needs could probably be meet by a simple 'thing at a time' hand written approach. This is how most learn how (to write parsers) in the first place.