When should you prefer package and namespace, and when should you avoid it?

In Perl, using packages and namespaces is essential for managing code organization, encapsulation, and preventing name collisions. However, there are specific scenarios where you should prefer or avoid using them.

When to Prefer Packages and Namespaces

• Modularization: When you want to break your code into reusable modules, using packages helps maintain code separation and enhances reusability.
• Name Collision Prevention: Packages provide a way to avoid conflicts between variable and subroutine names, especially when integrating third-party libraries.
• Clear Structure: When working on larger projects, packages can help organize code logically, making it easier to navigate and maintain.
• Inheritance: If you need to use object-oriented programming, packages (as classes) allow you to implement inheritance and polymorphism.

When to Avoid Packages and Namespaces

• Simple Scripts: For small, one-off scripts, excessive use of packages may complicate things unnecessarily.
• Performance Concerns: In performance-critical applications, the overhead of package management might lead to performance bottlenecks.
• Over-Engineering: Avoid using packages if the additional complexity does not add significant value to your project.