Cross-platform Perl Book

Perl is undoubtedly one of the most powerful programming languages available today, but it can also be one of the trickiest to master. Cross-Platform Perl, 2nd Edition, provides an extremely clear tutorial to some ways to use Perl effectively, both on Windows and Unix versions. With plenty of simple examples and a cut-to-the-chase presentation style, this book can put the powers of Perl within the reach of most anyone.You can benefit from this book in at least two ways: first via a remarkably understandable tutorial for basic Perl, from basic syntax and language features (plus a nice explanation of regular expressions, which can be daunting for beginners). The secondary focus is on some powerful Perl modules (freely downloadable from CPAN and elsewhere) and simple code showing how to use them for common tasks, like launching and controlling applications, system administration and basic Web development. Better yet, Cross-Platform Perl shows how to do it under both Windows and Unix/Linux.Later chapters explain using Perl on the Internet, with a tutorial for CGI and Web scripts, as well some excellent material on XML. Short, effective code examples are the rule, though several later chapters provide longer samples. The text closes with how to build client/server socket-based network programs and a quick introduction to graphical user interfaces built with Perl/Tk. The exceptionally clear writing style makes the whole even more accessible and a pleasure to read.Whether you are a system administrator or aspiring Perl developer, Cross-Platform Perl, 2nd Edition shows you some of the best ways to use Perl on both Windows and Unix. This is a smart and extremely approachable book that will teach you how to use Perl effectively for a wide variety of common computing tasks. --Richard DraganRead More