Logo Questions Linux Laravel Mysql Ubuntu Git Menu
 

Learning Perl, but how do I get 5.14 on Windows?

So I ordered Learning Perl 6th edition and I know it's using 5.14, but Strawberry Perl is only at 5.12, so what are my options? Is 5.12 fine for it or will there be problems with what's being taught?

Is my only option using Linux? If so distro suggestions would be good along with instructions or a link to instructions on updating perl in said distro (or in general). I'm relatively new to Linux, only ever having installed Ubuntu a few times and never really stuck with it. The perfect solution would be a distro that's good for installing on another PC in my house so I can just remote desktop (or equivalent, even SSH, though GUIs are nice) into since I have an older PC that I want to put a new hard drive in and mess around with. (Pentium 4 with a bit less than a gig of RAM so not awful)

Hopefully this question is considered more constructive than my last two and I look forward to your responses.

Edit: Also any resources for a Linux noob would be a great help if possible and if it's the best option.

like image 387
Portaljacker Avatar asked Aug 21 '11 06:08

Portaljacker


People also ask

What is current version of Perl?

Perl 5.36. 0 is the current stable version of Perl.

Which Perl is best for Windows?

Strawberry Perl (a Perl packaged for Windows) is recommended as you get many useful modules (especially those that are tricky to install) along with it. To interact with the command line and run Perl commands, you need to run 'cmd'. There are better alternatives available as well.

What is the difference between ActivePerl and Strawberry Perl?

Both are great and work the same. Strawberry Perl is known for being able to build XS modules, but you can do that with ActivePerl too if you just install the Visual Studio SDK (or the free Express version).


1 Answers

I haven't actually seen Learning Perl 6th edition, but I would be very surprised if you had difficulty working through it with Perl 5.12. Perl 5.14 is still too new for most people to be writing code that requires it. The book may mention some features that you can't take advantage of in 5.12, but it should still explain how to accomplish things using only 5.12 features.

I would recommend just using the current Strawberry Perl and not worrying about the version number.

Update: As Mike pointed out, here's the opening paragraph of the Preface:

Welcome to the sixth edition of Learning Perl, updated for Perl 5.14 and its latest features. This book is still good even if you are still using Perl 5.8 (although, it's been a long time since it was released; have you thought about upgrading?).

So that confirms you'll have no problem trying to use 5.12 with the 6th edition.

like image 50
cjm Avatar answered Sep 17 '22 20:09

cjm