How to Install Perl on Windows

Perl is a powerful programming language that’s been around for over 30 years. It’s great for tasks like text processing, system administration, and network programming. Perl’s popularity comes from its ability to handle these tasks quickly and efficiently. It’s widely used by developers and engineers to automate system tasks and build complex web applications.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of installing Perl on Windows. Moreover, we’ll cover everything from downloading the correct version to configuring your Perl environment. By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to access Perl on your Windows system and start using it for your development needs.

System Requirements

Before you begin installing Perl on Windows, make sure your system meets the following requirements:

Hardware Requirements

Your system should meet the following hardware requirements:

• Processor: Intel Pentium or compatible processor
• RAM: 512 MB (1 GB or more recommended)
• Disk Space: 500 MB (1 GB or more recommended)

Windows Version Requirements

Perl can be installed on the following Windows versions:

• Windows 11 (32-bit and 64-bit)
• Windows 10 (32-bit and 64-bit)
• Windows 8 (32-bit and 64-bit)
• Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit)

Additional Software Requirements

To install Perl on Windows, you’ll need to download and install Strawberry Perl, which is a popular Perl distribution for Windows. Strawberry Perl includes everything you need to get started with Perl, including the Perl interpreter, documentation, and a selection of popular modules.

Note: You can also install ActiveState Perl or other Perl distributions on Windows. However, Strawberry Perl is a popular and widely-used option.

Downloading Perl on Windows

To get started with Perl on Windows, you’ll need to download the Perl distribution from its official website. For this guide, we’ll be using Strawberry Perl, a popular distribution known for its user-friendliness and comprehensive package. Furthermore, it comes bundled with essential modules, making it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced Perl developers alike:

This will navigate you to the official website of strawberry perl from where you can download it:

Why Choose Strawberry Perl

Strawberry Perl is a popular choice among Perl developers due to its ease of use and comprehensive package. Furthermore, it includes the Perl interpreter, documentation, and a selection of popular modules, making it an excellent choice for beginners and experienced developers alike. Additionally, Strawberry Perl is regularly updated to ensure that it stays compatible with the latest Windows versions and Perl releases.

What’s Included in Strawberry Perl?

Strawberry Perl includes a wide range of features and tools to help you get started with Perl development. Some of the key features include:

1. Perl Interpreter: The core Perl interpreter that allows you to run Perl scripts and programs.
2. Documentation: Comprehensive documentation and tutorials to help you learn Perl.
3. Modules: A selection of popular Perl modules, including CPAN (Comprehensive Perl Archive Network) modules.
4. Development Tools: A range of development tools, including a debugger, profiler, and syntax highlighter.

Installing Perl on Windows

When the downloading is complete, you need to execute the .msi file to start the installation process. When you do that then you will see the welcome screen:

Step 1: Accept End-User License Agreement (EULA)

Before proceeding with the installation, you’ll be presented with the End-User License Agreement (EULA). This is a critical step, as it outlines the terms and conditions of using Strawberry Perl:

By doing so, you’re granting permission to install Strawberry Perl on your system and agreeing to the terms and conditions of use.

Step 2: Choosing the Installation Location

Next, you’ll be prompted to choose the installation location for Strawberry Perl. This is where the Perl executable, libraries, and documentation will be installed on your system. Furthermore, please select a directory that has sufficient free space and is easily accessible:

Step 3: Installing Strawberry Perl

You’ve now reached the final step in the installation process. Review the installation settings to ensure everything is correct. 

When you start the installation it will automatically put its path in the environment variables as well. Furthermore, environment variables play a crucial role in configuring your system to work seamlessly with Perl. By setting up the correct environment variables, you ensure that Perl can find its executables, libraries, and modules, and interact correctly with other applications on your system.

When the installation is complete you need to click on Finish button as a last step to close the installation:

Step 4: Verification

After successfully installing perl, it’s essential to verify that Perl is correctly installed and accessible on your system using the below command:

perl -v 

The output clearly shows that the perl has been installed and setup successfully on Windows.

Conclusion

Installing Perl on Windows is a straightforward process that requires minimal system resources and configuration. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can easily download and install Strawberry Perl, a popular and user-friendly Perl distribution, on your dedicated Windows server. With Strawberry Perl, you’ll have access to a comprehensive package that includes the Perl interpreter, documentation, and a selection of popular modules

The step-by-step instructions provided will guide you through accepting the End-User License Agreement, choosing the installation location, and initiating the installation process. Once installed, you can verify the successful installation by running the “perl -v” command, which will display the version of Perl installed on your system. Moreover, by completing the installation process, you’ll be able to verify that Perl is correctly installed and accessible on your system.

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