Perl programming #1

Perl is a programming language. This is a powerful language which has features similar "C". This is generally used for text processing. "Perl" is not an acronym officially, but, it has got backronyms(may be invented with a false etymology)  in use such as "Practical Extraction and Reporting Language".

In Biotechnology, this Perl is used generally for processing text data of DNA sequences and converting them to mRNA or searching for a specific pattern in a protein sequence etc.,

I'm gonna write a series "Perl programming #1, #2, #3 etc.. with simple programs and explanations. Wanna learn perl with me? Let's begin from today. I'm sure, atleast you will get to know the Basics of perl. You can learn a programming language, of course, free of cost, with in a weak!!!

What you need for perl programming?

PERL and UNIX:
If you work in UNIX, you need not install perl, just  go to terminal, and you could create a perl file just by typing as follows,

vi filename.pl

This will open a perl file, in which you can type your code.

save the file, then, type

./filename.pl 

for compiling. This will show you the errors (if any) else, the code will be executed.

PERL AND WINDOWS:

Windows users must install perl as it doesn't have perl installed by default.Use this link (http://www.activestate.com/activeperl/downloads) for downloading "active perl" based on the version of windows your working with i.e, windows xp, windows 7, download accordingly.

Download perl according to the O.S

Just download, save, run. It's very simple to install. (But, check with the O.S. and bit of the o.s. windows has 32 bit, 64 bit... check that first before downloading)

Then, go to command line,
check the directory, where you are.
for creating a perl file, type as follows,

perl >>filename.pl

command prompt - creating perl file

This will create a file with the name  "filename.pl"

Now, "close" the command line, and, go to the folder containing your perl file, right click it, click the option "edit" and it will open like a text editor where you can type your perl code and "save".

then, come again to the command line and execute by typing,

perl filename.pl

This will show you the errors else the program will be executed.

Let us start with a simple code

just a print statement:

type as follows:

print "hello";

this will give the output as

hello

This is enough for today, let's learn the next chapter by tomorrow! :)

Happy perl -ing  :D :)