Perl 5 for Dummies (Paperback)

~ Paul Hoffman (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Perl is one of the easiest-to-learn (and use) programming languages - yet it is as powerful as the harder-to-learn languages. Perl is optimized for scanning text files, extracting information, and printing reports on that information. Perl is also a good language for many system requirement tasks. And, what's the language of choice for writing CGI scripts to use on your Web site? Perl -- and in particular Perl 5, the latest version of this portable, multi-platform language. Perl 5 For Dummies shows you how to use Perl to create neat programs and powerful CGI scripts -- even if you have minimal programming experience. Plus, on the book's accompanying bonus CD-ROM, you get tons of ready-to-use Perl programs that you can adapt and use on your own.

From the Back Cover

Perl is fast becoming the programming language of choice for many wanna-be programmers and systems administrators alike. Find out for yourself why this language is so popular and use Perl 5 For Dummies to begin writing in Perl. You'll see how easy it is to create your own programs in Perl or use any of the hundreds of pre-written programs from the accompanying CD-ROM. You don't need to know a great deal about programming to get started with Perl -- this book shows you everything!

Inside, find helpful advice on how to:

• Figure out Perl object-oriented programs

• Get files from the Internet by using programs you write

• Write programs that will process files, monitor disk use, and perform other system administration tasks

• Create exciting CGI programs for a World Wide Web server

• Discover how quickly you can write in Perl, even if you don't know other programming languages

• Process databases and other corporate information with ease

• Find out where the best Perl sites live on the Internet

• Explore programs written by Perl programmers all over the world on the accompanying CD-ROM

About the CD:

Valuable bonus CD includes:

• Sample code from the book

• WinZip 6.2 for Windows

• StuffIt Expander for Macintosh

• Tools to create Perl code samples from the Internet!

Product Details

• Paperback: 381 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; Bk&CD-Rom edition (February 12, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764500449
• ISBN-13: 978-0764500442
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,148,077 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Too many syntax errors, June 3, 1999

By A Customer

I bought this to learn CGI scripting and was very frustrated by the numerous syntax errors or even omissions from the code.

The CD had very little on it, it would have been better to knock $10 off the price and forget the CD. If the sample programs were on the CD, he might have bothered to actually try them. Instead it seems he wrote them off the top of his head and never bothered to test them.

I suppose the techinical editor is partially to blame for letting these by. If you a beginner, skip this book, it'll only frustrate you.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Best Book For PERL Beginners!, August 3, 1998

By A Customer

This is the best beginner book on PERL. It doesn't assume your running UNIX and that your not a C programmer. I'd recommend this book to anyone that wants a beginners view of PERL. And unless your already a C programmer, I'd really recommend this book before any of the O'Reilly books (It doesn't take away all the pain and confusion but it does help). I now own three books on PERL and this is by far my favorite!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best beginner book on the market, July 31, 1998

By	Doug Smith ([e-mail]) (Lubbock, Texas (U.S.A.)) - See all my reviews

I originally purchased the llama book, but I was forced to return it. I knew there must be a better book out there, and I was right. Perl 5 for dummies starts off with the simple stuff and gradually works its way into the more complex aspects of Perl. The organization is great, and the explanations are better. This book is a great platform to build on, but if you're interested in CGI, you'll be forced to buy another book.