reuzam, isn't it amazing how much energy a simple thank you can create - LOL!

I also am a strong proponent of using perltidy. I have been cranking perl code since version 2.0 came out - I guess that makes me a dinosaur. Over the years, I have used a whole bunch of different development environments, tools and appraoches to perl and other languages. Without exception, I have returned to the following kit

• vim/gvim
• perl-support for vim
• perltidy
• perlcritic

I am not saying categorically that this is the best approach in the world, but it is best for me. As a younger code wrangler, I used to get very carried away with how code should be structured and formatted. I thought my ideas were the best, and often they were in the case in which we were working. I felt like my creativity was in how the code was structured and that code should be presented in its absolute best light. As I age, I come to realize that the best way to present good code is in the end result. All the rest is just hubris.

Results to me mean:

• The delivered solution meets/exceeds users/consumers needs
• The code is structured in a way that easily understood and adequately commented

While perltidy can't directly help with the former, it can be a great tool with the latter. perl-support in vim does a great job with syntax highlighting and helping me insure that all opening {[( are closed. While developing, I inherently tab here and there and do a bit of formatting; however, I don't sweat the formatting. Before each and every save, I \rs (compile the code to make sure my syntax is clean) and \ry (run perltidy from within vim) and then save.

I love that I don't spend practically "no" time worrying about formatting code. While I don't necessarily love every little thing about perltidy ( like the earlier comment on qw formatting ), overall it is great. I can readily see the structure and the flow of code -- it makes my visual cortex happy!

And one last thought, if you are arguiing about how code format interferes with your creativity, stop, get a drink, maybe an adult one, and reassess what creativity is and your ability to be creative;)

lbe