in reply to Re: Standard Perl Modules ~ Overkill
in thread Standard Perl Modules ~ Overkill
Some tasks look deceiptively simple. Parsing CGI parameters, CSV data, or XML (of course!) for example are all tasks that might look simple, but really aren't, and you are much better of using a well tested module than rolling your own code. Using modules also cuts down on development (and question-answering!) time, so why shouldn't we advocate it?
I think what pbeckingham is advocating is merely that people should give more thought to suggesting simple solutions using core modules, before recommending alternate, possibly simpler, approaches that require installing newer less standard modules.
Parsing CGI parameters is a great example. We should suggest using good modules that we think provide a benefit, but let's not put the cart before the horse. Suggest use CGI first, and then if you have a particular affinity to an non standard module that you think mkes things even easier (CGI::Simple for example) then by all means suggest it.
Another great example is when people post questions asking for "A regex that matches _______". I agree that suggesting they install Regex::Common and use it is a great idea, explaining how that way they are constantly getting tweaks, improvements, and additions from the rest of hte perl community -- but there's no reason we can't also post a particular regex from that module which meets their needs, and explain how it works so they can learn to write their own regexes.
There is a delicate balance between teaching someone how to solve their own problems, and showing them how to utilize the work of others so they don't have to solve every problem on their own. We should all try to remember to do both with equal fervor.