Perl Core Language Little Black Book: The Essentials of the Perl Language

In a line, buy this book if you want to start programming in perlI started reading this book 5 days ago, and I already consider myself a perl programmer. I am a computer engineering student at Stevens Institute of Tech and my main focus of study is network security from a programmer standpoint. After a couple of days reading this book, I could already create simple client/server applications. In addition, I learned how to... Read Full Review

This is a combination of reference and learning. I would not advise this for a person trying to learn PERL as their first language, but if you already have a grasp of C++, Java, VB, Python or some other complex scripting language then this is ideal. So we do not have the first three chapters explaining what a program is. There is a useful rip-out card with most of the syntax. PERL is full of obscure symbols and patterns such... Read Full Review

I write a lot of code in perl. My primary workstation is a linux box. So while I also develop code in perl, I administer my system in perl. I have O'Reilly's entire bookshelf on Perl (except the Gecko [win32] book). This book is a welcome companion to them. It's written a little differently than youre used to if you have a steady diet of oreilly (as i do). I dont think its meant to be read straight-through as the oreilly books... Read Full Review

I normally don't get much from books, due to their typical lack of practical examples, or any examples at all. This book is packed with examples. The explanations are also a superb compliment to these most excellent examples.I wouldn't NOT suggest this book to anyone who has never programmed before. This book is better suited for people with programming experience or intermediate Perl skills, but need a great reference... Read Full Review

The first Perl book I've seen that is truely great for beginners, great for people who are already Perl programmers, has a lot of example code, is a great reference, has a good reference section, and also seems to not leave any important details/sections out. The fact that it is very well organized/divided is definately a plus! Any person who wishes to learn Perl or have a great reference, MUST have this on their bookshelf... Read Full Review