Written by one of today's top-selling author's on programming languages, this practical, trailblazing guide to learning Perl offers all the advantages of a reference manual with a detailed, yet concise study on all of the language's key elements, and is not dependent upon either UNIX or Windows. Begins with a complete introduction to Perl: what it is, scripts vs. programs, its central characteristics, and more. Examines scalar types, expressions, and simple input and output; control statements; arrays; hashes and references; functions; pattern matching; files, input/output, and formats; CGI programming with Perl; and other advanced topics. Each chapter includes a summary and numerous exercises. For professionals in the computer science and related fields.

With insightful tips and techniques for programming with Perl, this efficient little guide provides immediate solutions with field tested examples to help programmers and Web developers quickly solve problems and fully utilize the power and flexibility of the cross-platform programming language.

For years, 10-year-old Zelly Fried has tried to convince her parents to let her have a dog. After all, practically everyone in Vermont owns a dog, and it sure could go a long way helping Zelly fit in since moving there from Brooklyn. But when her eccentric grandfather Ace hatches a ridiculous plan involving a "practice dog" named O.J., Zelly's not so sure how far she's willing to go to win a dog of her own. Is Ace's plan so crazy it just might work . . . or is it just plain crazy? Erica S. Perl weaves an affectionate and hilarious tale that captures the enduring bond between grandparents and grandchildren. Even when they're driving each other nuts.

The sixth edition of this bestselling Perl tutorial includes recent changes to the language. Years of classroom testing and experience helped shape the book's pace and scope, and this edition is packed with exercises that let readers practice the concepts while they follow the text.

A guide to getting the most out of Perl covers such topics as productivity hacks, user interaction, data munging, working with modules, object hacks, and debugging.

*Condensed, readable style; delivers tremendous value in just one book. This book offers *THE resource for focused and pragmatic industrial solutions in Perl, while the competing *best-sellers are older, quirkier and shallower treatments of Perl. *Thorough discussion of Perl—from installations to applications development; ideal for working Perl programmers in 2005. *Wainwright is a respected Perl expert and author of industry-respected Pro Apache title.

Big Bird likes big things as opposed to Little Bird's little things, but both like each other.