I want to learn Perl, I havnt learned any languages. Should I directly jump to Perl or start with C?

Question

From where can I learn that? Is there any free tutorials avilable? Please specify the ste address... Are they really effective??

Answer 1

perl is a great language... I learned by reading example, and downloading perl modules and reading them. No particular site google (at the time I used altavista) should be a great start!

all the perl modules that are worth using in general application are at http://cpan.org

google has 'code search' to search for code samples in any language!

that's the good new... BUT (and there is always a but)...

Perl is not a great language to learn first. There is no reason not to also learn javascript along with it!

Python, Ruby, Perl 6, Javascript, and some others are the future.

Perl has a legacy of BAD CODE. In the old perl 4 days, it was a sloppy mess. Perl 5 gave use some structure and perl 6 cleans up alot of sloppyness.

C is not a great language (c++ or objective C is better)

You can get your feet wet in perl and javascript very quickly.

Any language can be written poorly, but it's extra easy in perl!

Answer 2

I'd start with Perl as opposed to C, although for me it was the opposite. C is much more in-depth, it has a steeper learning curve.

I suggest a scripted language (Perl, Python, Ruby) as your first language; once you get the hang of variables, conditionals, and control structures, you'll be ready to move to C.

As for books, check out O'Reilly, the 'Learning Perl' book (aka Camel Book) is one of the best.

After you learn some Perl, check check out C/C++. Java and C# are based on the same syntax as C/C++, so jumping around will be easy at that point.

Happy coding!

Answer 3

PERL is very programmer friendly language its easy and most effective even its used for server related automating task. What u need how u solve the problem perl u provide all things u need.

Happy learning.

Answer 4

I Would Lear C First Because Its Easy To Read For People And Computers (Don't Take The Name Of The Books As An Insult).
http://www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/DummiesTitle/productCd-0764570684.html

Then Take A Look Into Perl.
http://www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/DummiesTitle/productCd-0764537504.html

Answer 5

Learn Python. It's far superior to Perl.

Answer 6

Programming is basically involved a logic. If you want to learn pearl it's ok. No need to learn C or VB etc. to go into it.

Answer 7

If you've never programmed before in your life, you need to start by learning structure & syntax. I suggest Basic or VB to start. From there, you will have a much better idea of what it takes to program in REAL languages.

Answer 8

i prefer either java or maybe vb.net...and it also depends on what your trying to do...because php is also a hot web programming language