Perl

Chapter 18. Using the Perl and Python Scripting Languages

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Perl

• Python

Open source scripting languages open up programming to a wide range of users from diehard developers to graphic artists. Everyone wants the ability to tell your computer what to do and have it respond appropriately without having to learn complex development environments or wait for hours while your code compiles. Scripting languages provide instant gratification programming and can be used to create simple data processing applications to complex client/server systems. In Chapter 4, "Managing and Configuring Hardware and Devices," you learned about AppleScript, which has the capability to interact with native Tiger applications. This chapter looks at two popular open source scripting languages that come with your operating system: Perl and Python. Scripts developed in these languages can be used on almost any platform, including Windows.