compiling perl source code

hi!

perl doesn't get compiled. it get's interpreted.. your c++-compiler won't help you... get a perl interpreter ..take a look at this :

http://www.perl.com/download.csp

hope this helps

Unless he means that he's trying to compile his written-in-C++ perl interpreter [smile].

In any case - more details are required before we can effectivly answer the question. What exactly is the problem?

My first advice, of course, check the manual, readme, or documentation that came with the archive. Either that or find one already compiled for you.

oh yeah, sorry for the confusion
i had downloaded the file stable.tar.gz from the link mentioned in the first reply. it is the source code distribution of perl. the book i'm gonna follow suggests compiling the source code, but doesn't offer any instructions on how to do it. the readme file that comes in the archive seems pretty daunting. i don't even know what a "make" program is, i've never had to use one before. i was hoping there would be a dumbed down instruction on how to get started but i couldn't find one. i see there's quite a few binary distributions, maybe i'll give one of them a try. does anybody recommend one over the rest? i noticed at least one of them is available as something that must be paid for, i'd rather have a free one.
when i get home i'll see if i can tackle the readme file if there's no other instructions.

thanks

You should definately get the binary. There really is no good reason not to. For a windows environment, you should probably get ActiveState 's ActivePerl, Standard Distribution

is that binary distribution free? or is it like an evaluation thing where you gotta buy it after a certain period of time?

the perl binary falls under OpenSource and has no regulating standard (not a bad thing).

oh ok cool
i was kind of confused, i guess they're selling an IDE or something, so i'll be fine just working with notepad :)

Quote:

Original post by ctaclas oh ok cool i was kind of confused, i guess they're selling an IDE or something, so i'll be fine just working with notepad :)

Read the docs that come with the distribution on how to execute a perl script from the command prompt.

You can certainly run perlscripts from a command prompt; but if you're going to do any webpage stuff, why not run a small webserver on your own machine? That will allow you to do the SSI's and dynamic webpage stuff I'm _guessing_ you're wanting to try.

www.imatix.com offers the "Xitami" webserver (basically) for free.

(just an un-solicited suggestion [wink] )

thanks :)
i've already got apache on my computer so i should be all set for that
i've been doing php but i wanna try perl too.

Perl in and of itself is free on all platforms. ActiveState offers perl on windows but the company makes money by selling tools that make life easier. You don't need to buy any of them to use perl by itself, of course.

Quote:

Original post by ctaclas oh ok cool i was kind of confused, i guess they're selling an IDE or something, so i'll be fine just working with notepad :)

Why don't you download notepad2 from the net... It is just as small as notepad, but contains many other options including syntax highlighting!!

I don't use windows... but I know of a free perl editor and maybe this is free. Maybe someone can suggest something better?

Best perl editor I've found is:

vi