Perl 5 Interactive Course: Certified Edition (Paperback)

by Jon Orwant (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Perl is an extremely powerful language that is used on thousands of Web servers for Common Gateway Interface (CGI) scripts, principally because of its unmatched text manipulation capabilities. However, mastering the syntax of Perl is legendarily difficult with its Unix legacy, which favors cryptic--though efficient--syntax. Jon Orwant's Perl 5 Interactive Course is an excellent tutorial for learning the basics of Perl quickly. It lays a foundation and then builds on it to make you a Perl expert.

First, the book outlines the basics of creating and running Perl scripts. (Though this is a Unix-centered approach, the examples will run on Windows NT as well.) Early in the text, the author introduces variables, both scalar and arrays, and basic programming statements (such as conditional statements and looping). He presents the rudiments of using regular expressions and basic Perl metacharacters and commands for searching and replacing text in manageable increments. The author also does a good job of showing how Perl can work together effectively with other Unix commands, such as files and pipes, and operating features, such as processes.

The book is less successful at exposing the intricacies of object-oriented Perl (a difficult topic). However, it is good at explaining some of the pitfalls of Perl programming, including debugging. Other interesting chapters explain topics such as where Perl programming fits into the Internet and why Perl will likely continue to play an important role on the Web. Chapters throughout this book are short and sweet and include simple exercises so that readers can try out Perl on their own. Although no single book can make you into a Perl guru, this tutorial can start you on your way to becoming a competent Perl developer.

Product Description
The clear, step-by-step instructions in Perl 5 Interactive Course, Certified Edition, teach you how to develop sophisticated Net applications and Web sites using the flexible power of Perl. From simple tasks like writing loops and opening files to advanced topics such as networking, generating graphics, and linking Perl and C, these hands-on lessons show you how it's done.Throw your Internet connection into the mix and you'll have free access to the eZone, the innovative Web-based learning center from Waite Group Press. You'll get expert help from the pros, interactive quizzes for immediate feedback, dedicated discussion groups for interaction with other students, certification, and even optional continuing education units (for a nominal fee). This isn't just a book; it's a Web-based learning center.

• Provides the opportunity to earn 3 Continuing Education Units from Marquette University
• Updated edition covers the latest version of Perl
• Web-based components include online mentors to answer specific questions, interactive testing for immediate feedback, discussion groups for student interaction and more
• CD-ROM includes Microsoft Internet Explorer, the latest Perl source code and all the binaries needed to run Perl on any platform

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Product Details

• Paperback: 860 pages
• Publisher: Waite Group Press (November 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1571691138
• ISBN-13: 978-1571691132
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 2.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,234,450 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Introductory Perl Book Ever Written - No Holds Barred, April 30, 2000

By	Howard T. Maher "Perl Guy" (Richardson, TX United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've read and use most of the Perl books out on the market today, but none comes close to getting you going well with Perl as does Jon Orwant's book. I still use it as a reference today, but it is the best any money can buy for learning Perl. I'm back buying another copy because I loaned mine to a friend and I miss it so much that I want to make sure I'll always have a copy handy. My old copy is so well worn that a fresh copy is enticing also. As for extras in the book: the quizzes are great for testing your understanding, and someone has done a great job at proofreading this book -- I don't know whether that person is at the Waite Group or is Jon himself, but I know that anytime I have questioned an answer, or a script, or anything in the book I have always found the book to be accurate on closer inspection. It is very much like the Camel Book in being authoritative -- what Jon says is Perl Gospel Truth - if I had to pick two Perl books, I'd pick this one for learning and the Camel Book for ultimate reference. Jon's book should be rated a 5 and a half star - this is the best that it ever gets!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Perl Book, February 9, 2000

By	L. J. Fabans (Los Gatos, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

After the Camel book, of course. This book is very well paced with well thought out examples. I needed it as a refresher last year, and now use it as a reference.

The only down side is that the Web Based interactive segment is no longer available. not a big deal since it's the same quizes as in the book, but there was a gee-whiz, isn't it fun factor to have it available online.

This book covers everything from soup to nuts. It starts the learner off slowly with the basic perl syntax and then smoothly moves into subroutines, OOP, DBI modules, Security, etc. all with the same interesting and amusing style.

I don't know if it's mentioned in the Editorial review, but the author is the Editor of The Perl Journal (www.tpj.com) which is a magazine devoted to the perl programming language. So Jon Orwant *knows* his topic.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Intro to Perl, August 15, 1999

By A Customer

This is the book I am using to learn Perl. I'm a CS student now, and I've learned C and C++. We use a lot of Perl at work. I tried to learn Perl from the Camel book (Programming Perl, 2nd ed.), but found it hard to follow, especially reg exp. I think the OReilly books are good if you already know some Perl, but this is the best one to use to start learning Perl. Plus the Camel book assumes you're on a Unix system, while this can be used on Unix or Win32, and it comes with perl on cd-rom.