Writing Perl Modules for CPAN

Writing Perl Modules for CPAN offers Perl developers a comprehensive guide to using and contributing to the Comprehensive Perl Archive Network (CPAN). Starting with a general overview of CPAN’s history, network topology, and navigational mechanisms, the book then quickly brings readers up to speed regarding how to search out and install available modules. However, in the true Open Source spirit, author and experienced Perl developer Sam Tregar teaches readers how to not only use, but also contribute to CPAN via an in-depth discussion of module creation, submission, and maintenance.

Beginning with a survey of basic design principles, Tregar takes care to discuss all issues relevant to developers wishing to create great Perl modules, including choosing a proper name, properly using Perl’s POD (plain old documentation) feature, concepts surrounding functional and object-oriented API development, and much more. Tregar then proceeds with a complete dissertation of how modules should conform to CPAN module specifications, covering required distribution files and coding considerations, in addition to offering advice regarding proper module testing. After demonstrating how to creat a module and prepare it for release, Tregar guides readers through the CPAN module submission process and discusses module maintenance once the module has been contributed to the CPAN service.

Writing Perl Modules for CPAN is an indispensable guide for anyone wishing to make the most of the CPAN service.

Contents

Chapter 1: CPAN

Chapter 2: Perl Module Basics

Chapter 3: Module Design and Implementation

Chapter 4: CPAN Module Distributions

Chapter 5: Submitting Your Module to CPAN

Chapter 6: Module Maintenance

Chapter 7: Great CPAN Modules

Chapter 8: Programming Perl in C

Chapter 9: Writing C Modules with XS

Chapter 10: Writing C Modules with Inline::C

Chapter 11: CGI Application Modules for CPAN