When should you prefer reading files (<> diamond operator), and when should you avoid it?

In Perl, the diamond operator (<>), commonly known as the input operator, is used for reading files or standard input. Deciding when to use the diamond operator depends on the context of your code and the specific requirements of your application.

When to Prefer Reading Files with the Diamond Operator

• Simple scripts: If you're writing quick scripts where you just need to read from a single file or from multiple files in a straightforward manner.
• Standard Input: When your program is designed to read data piped from another command or when you want to read from standard input interactively.
• File Handling: It's a concise way to handle file reading without the need for explicit open and close file commands.

When to Avoid Using the Diamond Operator

• Complex File Logic: If your file reading logic involves multiple operations or error handling, explicitly using the open function is more clear and manageable.
• Debugging Purposes: Avoid using the diamond operator if you need fine-grained control over file reading, as debugging might be more complicated.
• Performance Considerations: In cases where performance is critical, using the diamond operator might not yield the best results, especially if the files are large and need specific handling.

Example Usage of Diamond Operator