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The re-usable tools in this example are only applicable because the problem is simplistic. If you were required to extend the solution to cover say language specific definitions of word boundaries, the literate style would be a definite win. The shell solution looks elegant but really it's just a quick and dirty hack as far as generality is concerned.

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I'm pretty sure that the trick to tackling most problems in practice is to see the basic problems to solve, and find existing tools to apply. Solve 80% of the problem in 20% of the time, and move on to something else you need to get done.

If the problem warrants it, you can revisit it later to do something more ornate. In the meantime, you've got what you need to move on.

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