The Bottom Line
If what you're looking at is a more lighthearted approach to learning Perl, then you should check out this book.
Pros
- Lighthearted and easy to read
- Designed for the non-programmer
- Covers all you need for Perl CGI writing
Cons
- Can be a bit too silly for my taste
Description
- Teaches the basics of Perl, including where to get it and how to install it.
- Discusses the basics of writing programs.
- Covers all aspects of Perl programming.
- Includes special sections on Perl and the Internet: XML, email, and the Web.
- Includes cartoons by Rich Tennant to break up the dryness of the topic.
Guide Review - Perl for Dummies by Paul Hoffman
Perl for Dummies teaches the basics of Perl, including where to get it, and how to use it, in a light tone with many jokes and humor. This book is designed more for the non-programmer who would like to learn Perl. It discusses some basics of program writing (such as indenting, and naming variables) and then dives deeply into how Perl works, including chapters on controlling your computer, object oriented Perl, and using Perl with XML, email, and the Web. This book is perfect for the average Web Developer who wants to expand his/her skills by learning to read or write CGIs written in Perl.
