Web Client Programming with Perl: Automating Tasks on the Web

When I found this book years ago, it opened up a new door for me. There was literally nothing out there on the subject, let alone one that addressed the needs of a novice like me. The writer clearly knew who his audience was. If you are the kind who has a firm grasp of GET, POST and so on, you probably don't need this book. Otherwise, if you want to DRIVE on the internet on your own, this book is the one. I'm sure it's still very relevant. It skips the stuff that might confuse you (and there is a lot more of that nowadays).

The book is a bit outdated now but still good for learning Perl and HTTP/web client programming that can be adapted for other languages as well. And since it's old, you can get it for cheap online and at used bookstores. And for those stingy folks out there, you can read it online instead at the O'Reilly Open Book project: http://oreilly.com/openbook/webclient/

I get it! I've read the HTTP chapters and they're really worth the price of the book, they are so clearly written. Buy it even if you have no use for the LWP.It's sad that this book is going out of print.

I bought the book and finished it within 24 hours! I called it an easy book since I can understand most part of the book quickly. And it solves a lot of my puzzles for a lot of diifcult HTTP concepts. Only improvement I hope to see in next release is to include a chapter for SSL clients. It's essential to work with SSL servers in near future.

I bought it for the Perl content, but it stays close at hand whenever I have a question about HTTP. Essential for any webmaster.