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 on a command line (use a 'terminal' application, 'Cmd.exe' if you want to check on Windows) to find out which version, anything over 5.8.3 is ok to get started with. Perl runs on over 100 platforms. The latest version (5.12.3) is always recommended where possible.
Getting started quickly:
| Operating system |  Unix like |
 Mac OS X |
 Windows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installed? |  Included(may not be latest) |
Included (may not be latest) |
Strawberry Perl |
Binaries
- ActiveState has binary distributions of Perl for Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, Solaris, AIX and HP-UX. This is the simplest way to install the latest version of Perl. ActiveState also offers commercial support for Perl.
Source
- You can also download the the Perl source code if you wish to build your own version.
- Latest under-development source code
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 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.
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 -- It's like Java, only it lets you deliver on time and under budget.
