What are common pitfalls or gotchas with Module::Build vs ExtUtils::MakeMaker?

When working with Perl module distribution, developers often choose between Module::Build and ExtUtils::MakeMaker. While both serve similar purposes, there are common pitfalls and gotchas with these two build systems that developers should be aware of.

Common Pitfalls with Module::Build

  • Configurability: Module::Build offers more flexibility in configuration, which can lead to complexities. If you're used to the simpler interface of ExtUtils::MakeMaker, you might find yourself overwhelmed by the extra configuration options.
  • Dependency Management: While Module::Build has improved dependency management over time, it may not handle certain nested dependencies as intuitively as ExtUtils::MakeMaker.
  • Backward Compatibility: Some older Perl modules rely heavily on ExtUtils::MakeMaker. If you are transitioning to Module::Build, you may run into incompatibilities.

Common Pitfalls with ExtUtils::MakeMaker

  • Limited Features: ExtUtils::MakeMaker offers less customization compared to Module::Build. If your project requires advanced features, you might hit a wall.
  • Platform Issues: Environmental differences can cause issues. ExtUtils::MakeMaker might not be as robust when it comes to cross-platform compatibility.
  • Documentation: While ExtUtils::MakeMaker has extensive documentation, it can sometimes be outdated. New features may not be clearly documented.

Code Example

Here’s a simple example of defining a module with Module::Build:

use Module::Build; my $build = Module::Build->new( module_name => 'MyModule', license => 'perl', version => '0.01', summary => 'An example module', author => 'Your Name ', requires => { 'Some::Module' => 0.1, }, ); $build->create_build_script;

Module::Build ExtUtils::MakeMaker Perl build systems pitfalls configuration

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