Interested....

[MindTheGap]

I'm really interested in Perl, but I don't know if its right for me. I'm stuck between learning Perl, Python, or Ruby. I'm looking for a language that will not become extinct within 5 or so years. I'm really open to all languages so if you have any suggestions for a begginer programmer (I only know C++), please tell me.

[daveyand]

if i'm honest perl is a great language to know. It will have a long shelf life, its great for system admin stuff and processing of files.

Cpan alone should be a reason to do perl!

[netroact]

In my opinion Perl is the most practical and the most fun. And as already stated, it has all the resources of cpan.
Python is good for certain things.
Ruby is a completely different animal. It's so new, there's not much out there. It might just be a passing fad or maybe not. Who knows?
I think it's interesting that you didn't mention PHP. I don't know if it's because PHP is popular right now, or that it just hasn't grown up yet, but I am constantly hearing about PHP vulnerabilities.

[FishMonger]

Asking this question in a Perl forum and most of the recommendations will be to start with Perl. If you ask the same question in a Python forum, they'll say to start with Python.

20+ years ago I started learning Basic and Pascal and haven't used either of them since. About 7 years ago I starting learning Perl and I'll never give it up and rest assured that it's not going to go extinct anytime soon. I also do a little work with PHP and that's one language that I wish would go extinct.

[MindTheGap]

Ok. I'm going to give Python and Perl a try.

I've got Python working great on my mac, but I don't know what to use to compile or execute or run or whatever you do to perl files. Can terminal run them? Can I download something that can run them?

[FishMonger]

Ok. I'm going to give Python and Perl a try.

I've got Python working great on my mac, but I don't know what to use to compile or execute or run or whatever you do to perl files.
Perl scripts normally are not compiled, but can be if needed. You run Perl scripts in the same manor as your Python scripts.

Can terminal run them?
Yes, you normally run them in a terminal window.

Can I download something that can run them?
Your mac should already have Perl installed (it's been a standard component for some time), but if needed, you can download and manually install it. http://cpan.org/ports/index.html#macosx

[MindTheGap]

Thanks.


Whats the command to run them in terminal?

[FishMonger]

Whats the command to run them in terminal?

I'm not sure what you're asking. Are you asking how to run (execute) a perl script? Or are you asking how to install Perl?

Perl scripts are executed in exactly the same manor as any other program. If you're in a terminal window, type in its name (including the path, if needed) and press the "Return" key.