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The usefulness of Perl can be determined from the fact that it is currently one of the top 10 programming languages of 2017 according to the latest TIOBE Index. The usage statistics posted on various websites also depict that Perl is also used widely by web developer as a server-side scripting language. However, Perl is a general purpose programming language. The developers can use it for GUI application development, web application development, network programming, or system administrator.
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The usefulness of Perl can be determined from the fact that it is currently one of the top 10 programming languages of 2017 according to the latest TIOBE Index. The usage statistics posted on various websites also depict that Perl is also used widely by web developer as a server-side scripting language. However, Perl is a general purpose programming language. The developers can use it for GUI application development, web application development, network programming, or system administrator. Also, they can use Perl as a glue language to combine various components and interfaces seamlessly. The programmers can simplify and speedup Perl application development by availing various libraries, frameworks, and development tools. Perl is an open source programming languages. Hence, the small enterprises and start- ups can use the programming language without paying licensing fees. There are also a number of reasons why many software developers prefer Perl to other programming languages.
Why Many Programmers Prefer Perl to Other Programming Languages? General Purpose Programming Language As mentioned earlier, Perl is a high level and general purpose programming language. Hence, the programmers can use Perl for developing a variety of software applications. However, Perl is an interpreted programming language. The code written in Perl is compiled into byte code. The byte code is converted in the machine instruction when the program is executed. The feature makes it easier for programmers to run and evaluate Perl applications.
Influenced by Several Programming Languages The language features and syntax rules of Perl are influenced by several programming languages – C, Lisp, shell script, sed and AWK. These borrowed features enhance and extend the basic functionalities of Perl. These features further make it easier for programmers to accomplish common development tasks like text-handling, data management, and parsing. Also, the syntax rules help beginners to learn and use Perl without putting extra time and effort.
Supports Multiple Programming Paradigms In addition to being influenced by a number of programming languages, Perl also supports several commonly used programming paradigms. The developers can use Perl as an object-oriented, functional, and procedural programming language. Also, Perl has been evolving consistently to remain relevant and popular. The programming paradigms help programmers to make the code clean and maintainable using variables, expressions, assignment statements, subroutines, and control structures.
Option to use as a Glue Language While developing modern software applications, developers explore ways to integrate various components or interfaces seamlessly. The design of Perl is influenced by shell script which is a widely used glue language. Also, Perl was initially designed as glue language. It makes it easier for programmers to integrate third-party interfaces or components which are not compatible with each other. The developers also use Perl to prototype custom software applications efficiently by combining multiple software components and utilities.
