XML::SImple has to guess. Sometimes it guesses wrong no matter what you do. Then its arguments get rather un-simple while you try to shoehorn it in. I mean, your code and your example data look fine, so I can only assume the next file didn't come out in the same-ly shaped data structure.

You're much better off using something like XML::Twig or one of its cousins. Then you can say precisely what you wish to find and how to process it. Personally, I was mad about wrong guesses by Simple and too much work in Twig. So, I wrote XML::CuteQueries as a kind of thought experiment. I'm not exactly recommending using it — in fact it has serious flaws, but I think I kindof like it. It's cute.

Try Twig.

---

---

• Are you posting in the right place? Check out Where do I post X? to know for sure.
• Posts may use any of the Perl Monks Approved HTML tags. Currently these include the following:

  <code> <a> <b> <big> <blockquote> <br /> <dd> <dl> <dt> <em> <font> <h1> <h2> <h3> <h4> <h5> <h6> <hr /> <i> <li> <nbsp> <ol> <p> <small> <strike> <strong> <sub> <sup> <table> <td> <th> <tr> <tt> <u> <ul>

• Snippets of code should be wrapped in <code> tags not <pre> tags. In fact, <pre> tags should generally be avoided. If they must be used, extreme care should be taken to ensure that their contents do not have long lines (<70 chars), in order to prevent horizontal scrolling (and possible janitor intervention).
• Want more info? How to link or How to display code and escape characters are good places to start.