What are best practices for working with Data::Dumper vs Data::Printer?

When working with Perl, choosing the right tool for data visualization can enhance readability and debugging efficiency. Two popular modules for this purpose are Data::Dumper and Data::Printer. Each has its own unique features and best practices:

Best Practices for Data::Dumper

• Use for Compatibility: Data::Dumper is highly compatible with a wide range of Perl versions, making it a safe choice for applications requiring backward compatibility.
• Simple Output: Use Data::Dumper for straightforward data structures where a simple string representation suffices.
• Custom Formatting: Leverage options like Indent and Sortkeys to create more readable output.

Best Practices for Data::Printer

• Colorful and Structured Output: Data::Printer provides color-coded output, making it easy to differentiate data types at a glance.
• Easy Debugging: It is particularly useful for debugging complex data structures due to its well-structured output.
• Customizable: Use options to customize the depth and formatting of the output, thus tailoring it to your specific needs.