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Summary: Deitel books are superior learning tools
Review: I had to write a complex script in Unix dealing with process handling. I started to use Unix C Shell, but found that I needed more control. A co-worker recommended Perl, so I went straight to Borders (reviewed it on Amazon first). There were many Perl books and I already had the O'Reilly series on CD. But as is consistent with the Deitel style, they produced a masterful book broken down in discrete sections and provided concrete examples from which to learn. With Deitel as my primary source, the O'Reilly CD as a reference,(...) I wrote a complex 350 line multithreaded application in 7 days. There were things I had to tune, but the it worked on day 7. Without the Deitel book, I would still be trying to write code. I also have the Deitel Java book and had the same great experience with it. If you are just learning or need a solid reference, get this book. If you are like me and have a large library of technical references, all of the Deitel series will be superior additions. I will be getting the Deitel C++ book soon. And to top it off, when I showed my co-workers the Perl book, they were so impressed that they are going out to get their own copy within the next few days.
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Summary: Incredible
Review: I have never been compelled to write a book review here before; however, this book has compelled me. I have 7 other Perl programming books here. None compare to this one. It is excellent.I can't vouch for the interactive CD that comes with it. I haven't found a need to use it. But the book is GREAT!
Rating: 
Summary: The truth is somewhere in the middle...
Review: I have not read any other book associated with Perl. However, I have read other books of the same authors, so my opinion is based on a comparison of this book with their other books. Well, the book covers a lot of topics that could help people being familiar with other languages to create usefull Perl programs. However, there are a lot of points wherein the book is very ambiguous and the reader needs to search other resources so as to understand things. In conclusion, people who intent to deal with serious Perl programming could use this book only as a start.
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Summary: Poor CD installation ...dies in the middle
Review: I have only read the first chapter. Looks okay. However, I bought it with CD rom at original price (not from amazon) and I have such a hard time installing it. The Damn thing doesn't install on either of my win2k machines nor on Red hat 9 which I dual boot with one of my win2k. I am really frustrated.
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Summary: Another fine book from the Deitel's
Review: I have to say that I was surprised to even find this book on the shelf. Deitel books are always in demand. I am halfway through the 4th chapter....and I am thoroughly impressed. I work as a software engineer, and in my travels have come across and read many different perl books. What I did not have was a book to fill in the blanks on the more obscure details. For example, I know to specify "use strict" in my scripts, but what are the specific reasons for this. From peeking ahead in the book, there are thorough explanations of data structures, and the uses of perl with xml. I can honestly say, whether you are a beginner or a skilled programmer...this book has a lot to offer. Buy it.
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Summary: Better than the O'reilly books...
Review: I have tried learning perl using both the camel book and the llamma book but was very frustrated and making little progress. I decided to pick up this book and am very happy that I did. The book is dense and filled with info. It assumes that you know NOTHING about anykind of programming and starts off very easy but by the end of this heavy book you are getting detailed instruction on things like doing Sockets programming with Perl. I know that this book is a bit expensive but it is very high quality with glossy multicolored pages, etc. I highly reccommend this book to anyone wishing to learn PERL.
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Summary: Perl How to Program
Review: I like the Deitel books' format, the "....How to Program" series. They are designed for people with no or minimum programming experienxce. It has been difficult to find a good Perl programming books other than the famous O'Reilly collection, but I needed a book that gives me a tour from scratch, and that's why I picked the Deitel book series "....How to Program". All their books give lots of deitails and example code, I own a good collection of Deitel books such as "'C' How to Program", "C++ How to Program", and I can't wait to get this book "Perl How to Program". There is no book that is perfect, but I find the Deitel books are easy to follow and understand, but you have to be patient because their books contains lots of pages and lots of good information. I encourage everyone who is interested in learning Perl programming to get this book.
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Summary: Best Bet for Novice Programmers
Review: I must agree with the consensus of extremely positive reviews. This book does an excellent job of introducing programming to the complete novice using Perl as a first language. The writing is clear, if a little wordy, but first-timers will appreciate the authors' efforts to clearly and thoroughly TEACH the material rather than just lay it all out on the page with little guidance. The summaries at the end of the chapters are great for quick review, and the exercises are quite challenging (with hints provided when necessary). Perhaps the greatest asset here is the Live-Code approach, in which code examples are shown in their entirety, including the output the reader should expect upon execution of the program. The authors then go on to dissect each program line by line, making sure that the reader knows exactly what is happening, and why, every step of the way. I found this approach to be more useful than any other I've seen in any programming book. The book also emphasized for me the appropriateness of Perl as a first programming language. While it has its quirks, it also has some great advantages, i.e., the ability to write and run console applications (great for learning), a fast compiler, and the fact that it is loosely typed. Add to all this the glossy color pages, and the included CD (which allows users to install a completely configured distribution of Perl 5.6 from ActiveState, and NuSphere's MySQL), and you have the most comprehensive learning Perl solution on the market. It may be pricey, the it is really worth every penny!
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Summary: Awesome book
Review: I own the C++ book by the Deitel's and I have to say I was a bit skepticle when I purchased this book. I was wrong. I am very happy with this book. I have made it through 5 chapters...and I am amazed at the level of detail found in the book that is usually missing from other programming books. They cover everything in this book. From theory/explanations of complex functionality, to the use of strict and all of it's facets, OO prgramming to CGI's using XML. I have peeked ahead in the book, and there is some repitition for me since I have read quite a few perl books, but overall this book rocks. Buy it.
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Summary: Say that just one more time, in English though.
Review: I teach Perl. Sure, the Camel is indispensable. But for teaching students, the Deitel books, and this one in particular, are best. Everything is step and step - everything is logically placed in order. Each chapter leads into the next. Hey, people. It doesn't get any better than this.
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