Hello

I recently had some app teams complaining about the XML::Simple missing in newer perl.rte.

I did explain the support (and lack of) in the AIX perl.rte and advised they use the Toolbox perl package. 

It looks like the XML::Simple is still available in META CPAN, but I do know that they recommend to use XML::LibXML.

XML::LibXML is included in perl.rte (at least for now!!!) but not in the Toolbox.

What is the official Toolbox position on modules it includes in the perl package? 

• Are only minimal modules shipped in the perl package:
• Is the official stance "get it from CPAN"?
• Can they get generally get help compiling as needed in the forum?

Thanks!

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Jan Harris
AIX & Security Support Engineer | Escalations, KCS & Technical Writing
Austin
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Hi Jan, 
The usage of XML::Simple module is strongly discouraged. (Clearly mentioned here -> https://metacpan.org/pod/XML::Simple).

As far as the Toolbox position on perl modules is concerned, we support perl modules on a need basis and complexity. Historically AIX base perl (perl.rte) has more modules compared to AIX Toolbox perl and that continues now also. If some module is needed for Toolbox perl, users can try installing them from CPAN in a custom path and use it. And yes if they face any issues while installing them, they can come to this forum. 

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Ayappan P
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THANKS!!🙏 

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Jan Harris
AIX & Security Support Engineer | Escalations, KCS & Technical Writing
Austin
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Original Message:
Sent: 07/03/26 03:50 AM
From: Ayappan P
Subject: General questions regarding Perl modules

Hi Jan, 
The usage of XML::Simple module is strongly discouraged. (Clearly mentioned here -> https://metacpan.org/pod/XML::Simple).

As far as the Toolbox position on perl modules is concerned, we support perl modules on a need basis and complexity. Historically AIX base perl (perl.rte) has more modules compared to AIX Toolbox perl and that continues now also. If some module is needed for Toolbox perl, users can try installing them from CPAN in a custom path and use it. And yes if they face any issues while installing them, they can come to this forum. 

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Ayappan P
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