How has support for XS and Inline::C changed across recent Perl versions?

Support for XS (eXternal Subroutine) and Inline::C in Perl has evolved significantly over recent versions. XS allows developers to write Perl subroutines in C, enhancing performance and enabling access to C libraries. Inline::C offers a more straightforward approach by allowing C code to be embedded directly within Perl scripts, making it easier for developers to integrate C functionalities without dealing with XS boilerplate code. In recent Perl versions, there have been improvements in the handling of memory management, better compatibility with modern C standards, and enhanced debugging capabilities for both XS and Inline::C modules. This allows for a more seamless experience when interfacing Perl with C, reducing complexity and improving performance.

For instance, Perl 5.30 introduced enhanced error handling mechanisms for XS with more informative error messages, enhancing the debugging process. Inline::C has also seen updates that align it with features from recent Perl releases, ensuring that it continues to work fluidly with the latest syntax and practices in Perl coding.