Chapter 4. Working with Modules

Hacks 28-42

Perhaps the greatest invention of Perl 5 is the idea of modules. They allow people to modify the language and reuse code far beyond what Larry and the Perl 5 porters ever envisioned. (Who could have predicted CPAN or Acme::*, for example?)

If you're doing any serious work with Perl, you'll spend a lot of time working with modules: installing them, upgrading them, loading them, working around weird and unhelpful features, and even distributing them. It makes a lot of sense to understand how Perl and modules interact and how to work with them effectively.

Here are several ideas that show off the varied ways that you can extend your programs. CPAN is only an arm's length away. Be ready.