Best method of learning perl?

[Jassi]

Hi, I want to learn perl because a lot of the EE jobs out there specify that the candidates should know perl. I have some questions that I hope I can get answered.

1 - Do I need to work in a UNIX environment? Can I use Linux? Windows?
2 - Is there a definitive guide or book I can use?
3 - What time frame should I expect to get friendly (minimum) with the language?
4 - Any words of advice? Warning?

My background - Mostly programming in Matlab and C/C++. Nothing to brag about.

Thanks,
Jassi

 

[ryzmah]

1) Linux or Unix are fine - Windows should be too.

2) The O'Reilly texts are good for Perl - "Programming Perl" by Larry Wall is the main text

3) Maybe a couple weeks? Perl should be easier to learn then C was.

4) Perl's easy to edit and is good for driving other programs, but don't expect it to replace what you can do with Matlab or C.

Note: this is from my experience with a math background, not CS or EE.

 

[stndn]

active perl - for windows

Some things to consider (from my point of view):
1. Learn regular expression.
2. The book recommended by ryzmah is good for learning and referencing
3. Practice regular expression. It's your best friend and worst enemy.
4. Don't be afraid of Perl's shorcuts and shorthands
5. Remember $-$calar, @-@rray, %-hash

Since you have programming background, it shouldn't be that hard to move to Perl as they share some common things

 

[Jassi]

Cool. No I am not expecting it to replace C++ or Matlab but to supplement my humble arsenal of skills for job hunting.

 

[notfred]

Just start writing it. Pick a task and write a script to do it.

 

[Jassi]

Originally posted by: notfred
Just start writing it. Pick a task and write a script to do it.

Any ideas on how to pick one? I dont have an application in mind. Are there any exercises available online?

 

[santaliqueur]

I want to learn perl because a lot of the EE jobs out there specify that the candidates should know perl

what kind of EE jobs are asking for perl experience? i figure it couldnt hurt to learn now, being a future EE myself. thanks.

CJ

 

[Jassi]

Look on Dice.com's entry level positions (its a good indicator for what will be expected from you when you graduate). I talked to a recruiter at an IEEE conference and he told me that most companies put up the ad for "the perfect candidate in a perfect world" but usually settle for "a real prospect in the real world". If you can match most of the requirements and are willing to learn, you have a good shot at the job.

Also, piece of advice, start looking for co-op/ internship during the summer BEFORE you start college. These days, a degree and gpa only take up 1 line each on a resume, the rest is all experience.