Download Perl Distributions
If you are running a Linux system (or most UNIX systems, including Mac OS X), you probably already have an installation of perl. Type perl -v at the command line to find out which version. Perl runs on over 100 platforms.
Getting started quickly:
| Operating system |  Unix like |
 Mac OS X |
 Windows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installed? |  Included |
Included |
 Download Needed |
Perl on Windows
There are two primary binary distributions available for Windows:
- Strawberry Perl: A 100% Open Source Perl for Windows that is exactly the same as Perl everywhere else; this includes using modules from CPAN, without the need for binary packages. Help is available from other Windows Perl developers on the #win32 irc channel on irc.perl.org (see website for access through a browser).
- ActiveState's ActivePerl: A commercially supported Perl distribution, available for Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, Solaris, AIX and HP-UX. Developers worldwide rely on ActivePerl's completeness and ease-of-use.
Download Strawberry Perl
Download ActivePerlOther Platforms
More binary distributions and ports to other platforms are available on CPAN.
Source
- You can also download the the Perl source code if you wish to build your own version.
- Latest under-development source code
Perl Modules from CPAN
The Comprehensive Perl Archive Network (CPAN) is a large repository of Perl software, modules, and documentation. On CPAN, you'll find modules organized by author, name, or category. CPAN is mirrored in over 200 locations around the world.
- Search CPAN
- Find a CPAN mirror near you
- CPAN via web
- CPAN via ftp
- KobeSearch
- Learn how to contribute modules
Recommended modules
If you are after a list of recommended modules, look at Task::Kensho.
Tip
Perl -- When the best is good enough.
