# Perl

> Perl text processing and scripting with regular expressions. Use for .pl files.

- Skill: `g1joshi/perl` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add g1joshi/perl`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/g1joshi/perl/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: G1Joshi (https://skillmd.com/u/g1joshi)
- Updated: 2026-09-10
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/g1joshi/perl

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# Perl

Perl 5.40 (2024) introduced a **native `try/catch`** and the `__CLASS__` keyword. It remains unbeatable for text processing one-liners.

## When to Use

- **Text Processing**: Regex engine is the gold standard.
- **Sysadmin**: Legacy scripts on every Unix system.
- **Bioinformatics**: Massive existing codebases (Bioperl).

## Core Concepts

### Sigils

`$scalar`, `@array`, `%hash`. Visual typing.

### Context

Scalar vs List context. `my $len = @arr` (count) vs `my. ($first) = @arr` (element).

### CPAN

The "Comprehensive Perl Archive Network". The original package repository.

## Best Practices (2025)

**Do**:

- **Use `v5.40`**: Enable new features `use v5.40;`.
- **Use `strict` and `warnings`**: Mandatory for sanity.
- **Use `App::cpanminus`**: Modern installer.

**Don't**:

- **Don't write "write-only" code**: value readability over golf.

## References

- [Perl.org](https://www.perl.org/)