Perl,
also known as Practical Extraction and Reporting Language, is a dynamic
programming language that is known for its straightforwardness. It was
developed in 1987 by Larry Wall as a general-purpose language for
scripting in Unix. It was aimed at simplifying report processing. As a
scripting language it is quite well respected and is used for various
purposes. Since it can be applied to carry out a variety of tasks, the
demand for its use has increased. The programmers can utilize this
language in creating corresponding DOS batch files or develop CGI
scripts for web development. It should be noted that in respect to web
development, its use is restricted to developing CGI scripts.
Here are some of the reasons why Perl is being used widely –
Easy to learn
The
source codes for the programs being developed with Perl is given away
by people who are using this language. As a result those who are
interested in learning it can refer to the examples for the same.
Moreover, these are also downloadable as well as can be modified for
personal use. However, the disadvantage of Perl is that since it is a
free code, most of it is difficult to comprehend. It results in a
cryptic style.
Working with Perl is fun
Writing
code for Perl is quite rewarding as well as fun. The usual
idiosyncrasies associated with passing a context, memory allocation,
inconvenient data regarding complex data structure, etc can be avoided.
As a result the codes are brief as well as effective. Similarly, there
are a number of DWIMmeries that ensure simple programming. With a little
help the codes developed can be made portable across every UNIX as well
as Windows and other platforms. It is extensively documented. Hence,
interactive answers for questions related to online chats, mailing lists
and web forums are available.
Open Source
It
is an open source and free software that can be used for almost
anything. Right from in-house software, non-open source commercial
software, web software, etc – it can be used in all these and more.
Useful for diverse tasks
This
is one of its USPs. Perl has been used for diverse tasks successfully
that includes system administration, web automation, text processing,
web programming, code generation, GUI programming, bio-informatics,
games programming, number crunching, code generation, etymological
research and to ensure quality.
Quick and easy to write
As
far as Perl 5 is considered it has borrowed features from some of the
key programming paradigms. Moreover, it has implemented these features
in a consistent manner. Being a dynamic language it supports Aspect
Oriented Programming, Object-Oriented Programming and several such
latest features to make sure that the codes can be written quickly in
order to complete the task at hand. Therefore, it has proved to be a
powerful as well as influential language in the contemporary period. If
one is well acquainted with Perl, there will be no issues in picking up
Java, Python, Ruby or .NET. It is also considered as a fundamental for
learning C++ and ANSI C. Additionally it also helps in improving the
code writing in various languages.
Reusing the codes
Comprehensive Perl Archive Network refers to a useful collection of reusable Perl web development
modules that are available with open source licenses. Thus, these can
be used as libraries in order to facilitate code writing. What the
programmers can do is look for a CPAN search or ask someone else for a
recommendation instead of writing the code for themselves.
Write maintainable programs
The
codes written using this code are actually elegant, maintainable and
readable. Owing to the varied features, the programs written with it are
short and this is the reason why people use it most of the times.
However, this can also be used to write large scale maintainable
programs.
While
there are several benefits of Perl but it cannot be overlooked that it
does has some problems. Even today it is recognized as one of the finest
solutions to write system administration scripts in a large class. In
fact, by utilizing Comprehensive Perl Archive Network, one can get over
with the job quickly and more easily as compared to the other languages.
At the same time it also must be admitted that Perl is not meant for
everyone. Therefore, while there is a demand for this scripting language
but it might be limited as well.
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