This is kind of a tough one. Persoanlly i would say do it the way you are most comfortable. I know perl metter than java or Make so I would prolly write the tool in perl, but that is because Of what I know. Another consideration is what the other poeple who you are working with are comfortable with, if that it is an issue. It really is a maater of what will you be able to best maintain with the least effort. PS. I'm glad to know that i'm not the only one who thinks constants are a good thing