What's Next?

Although Perl includes an extensive core library, it’s not comprehensive. Many of the best modules are available outside the core, from the CPAN. The Task::Kensho metadistribution includes several other distributions that represent the best the CPAN has to offer. When you need to solve a problem, look there first.

Recommendations

The CPAN has plenty of other gems, though. For example, if you want to

• Access a database via SQL, use the DBI module.

• Embed a lightweight, single-file database, use the DBD::SQLite module.

• Manage your database schemas, use Sqitch.

• Represent database entities as objects, use DBIx::Class.

• Perform basic web programming, use Plack.

• Use a powerful web framework, use Mojolicious, Dancer, or Catalyst.

• Process structured data files, use Text::CSV_XS (or Text::CSV).

• Manage module installations for applications, use Carton.

• Manipulate numeric data, use PDL.

• Manipulate images, use Imager.

• Access shared libraries, use FFI::Platypus.

• Extract data from XML files, use XML::Rabbit.

• Keep your code tidy, use Perl::Tidy.

• Watch for problems beyond strictures and warnings, use Perl::Critic.

And the list goes on. Skim the CPAN Recent Uploads page frequently to see what’s new and what’s updated.

Thinking in Perl

As is true of any creative endeavor, learning Perl never stops. While Modern Perl describes how the best Perl programmers approach their craft, their techniques and tools always evolve. What’s great now might not have been imagined even five years ago—and the greatness of what lies beyond might be mere inklings in the mind of an enterprising Perl hacker right now.

You have the chance to shape that future. It’s up to you to continue discovering how to make Perl work for you and how to make Perl better, whether by learning from the global Perl community, perusing the documentation of the core and CPAN modules, or by careful practice discovering what works for you and what helps you write the right code.