What are some alternatives to a database?

I want to store data and read/modify it on my Web server using Perl. I don't need something big and scary like SQL. Are there any modules or even just standard syntax for plaintext files to do this?

If SQL is ``big and scary'' to you just admit you're a worthless code monkey who doesn't understand relational algebra enough to design elegant schemas and queries. SQLite is incredibly lightweight, efficient and powerful.

Flat files? Are you fucking serious? Go back to cat-v dumb ass.