I myself don't use XML::Simple because, as every "simple" implementation, is a hell to use in not-so-simple cases...

I suggest you see XMS::SAX that is a full XML parser and provides, via XML::Class::Factory the means to create your handlers to the parser events.

As a serializer I am completely satisfied using XML::Writer which is simple and pratical for my needs; I suppose there are other XML serializer in CPAN, but I don't know them

Update If you want to use XML::Simple, try adding ForceArray => 1, KeyAttr=>[] to the options passed to the constructor.