but my ISP won't let me install modules.

Do yourself a favour. Get a new ISP. Writing and debugging Perl/CGI scripts without the ability to install modules +/- access the error logs is a nightmare. If you check out the banner ads along the top of the screen you will find suitable ISPs. You want shell access.

All of the Perl XML parsers are built on top of C code libraries which HAVE TO BE INSTALLED to work. The only exception is XML::SAX::PurePerl which as the author notes is dog slow and somewhat immature. You could use the functionality of this module simply by cutting and pasting the code to the end of your script. This works for most pure perl modules but is not recommended.

As for your task updating and parsing are two different issues. Before you even start you need to logically organise your thoughts on what you want to achieve. Having broken down the problem into smaller parts you should then try to code a solution. If (when) it does not work as you expect you will find the Perlmonks most helpful to those who are trying to help themselves and post coding proving same. New Monks, CGI Help Guide, and A Guide to Installing Modules would be reasonable places to start.

cheers

tachyon

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