How to Write a Simple Perl Script in 2025

Perl remains a powerful and versatile programming language in 2025, celebrated for its text-processing strength. Writing a simple Perl script can be an exciting journey for beginners. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to create your first Perl script.

Understanding Perl Basics

Before you start scripting, ensure that Perl is installed on your system. You can download the latest version from the official Perl website. Perl scripts typically use the .pl file extension.

Writing Your First Script

Step 1: Set Up Your Environment

Open your favorite text editor (such as Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text, or Notepad++) and create a new file named hello_world.pl.

Step 2: Write Your Script

In your hello_world.pl file, enter the following code:

#!/usr/bin/perl
use strict;
use warnings;

print "Hello, World!\n";

This script uses Perl's built-in print function to output the famous "Hello, World!" text.

Step 3: Save and Run the Script

Save your file and open a terminal or command prompt. Navigate to the directory where your script is saved and run the following command:

perl hello_world.pl

If executed correctly, the terminal will display: Hello, World!

Exploring More with Perl

Once you're comfortable with basic scripts, consider exploring Perl's capabilities further by learning how to send an email using Perl or integrate with automation tools like PowerShell.

For those with green thumbs, although unrelated to Perl, you might find it handy to know how to properly store shovels for your gardening tasks.

Conclusion

With these basics, you're now ready to explore more complex Perl scripts. As you advance, the only limit is your creativity. Happy Perl scripting in 2025!