And classes are much easier in python than perl, if a bit less flexible. In this case “only one way” definitely beats “TMTOWTDI”.  Mixins and dynamic method loading (a la) Ruby would be nice too though…

While mod_perl is the reason to use perl, what is the reason to use mod_perl? Performance and flexibility.

But those aren’t really applicable in a prototype. While I know perl better than Python, it’s about ties with Ruby. And if SimpleXML does what I want, why not use PHP, since it’s probably the language I can develop quickest in, and the one (besides java) with the clearest development, testing, and deployment process to me.