How has support for toolchain (ExtUtils::MakeMaker, Module::Build) changed across recent Perl versions?

Support for toolchains like ExtUtils::MakeMaker and Module::Build has seen significant changes across recent Perl versions, particularly in terms of compatibility, features, and community adoption. As Perl evolves, developers increasingly focus on modernizing their toolchains to improve usability and functionality.

ExtUtils::MakeMaker has been a long-standing module for creating Makefiles. It supports a wide range of Perl versions but faces some limitations in modern coding practices. In contrast, Module::Build offers a more flexible framework for building and installing Perl modules, appealing to developers who prefer a more object-oriented approach.

Recent Perl versions have started to favor Module::Build for new distributions, highlighting its extensibility and easier handling of dependencies. Furthermore, community-led initiatives have worked to provide better documentation and tooling around both approaches, ensuring that developers can choose the one that best fits their needs.

To illustrate how to create a Makefile using ExtUtils::MakeMaker and Module::Build, consider the following examples:

use ExtUtils::MakeMaker; WriteMakefile( NAME => 'My::Example', VERSION_FROM => 'lib/My/Example.pm', PREREQ_PM => { 'Some::Module' => 0, }, ); use Module::Build; my $builder = Module::Build->new( module_name => 'My::Example', module_version => '0.01', requires => { 'Some::Module' => 0, }, ); $builder->create_build_script;

Perl ExtUtils::MakeMaker Module::Build toolchain Perl versions module management