If you're not a programmer, you shouldn't be using Perl. Programming languages are tools for programmers. I apologize if people see that as an elitist statement, but it's true. The mere act of picking up a toolbox doesn't make me an auto mechanic. Would you let me work on your car just because I had a set of tools? I have a pair of scissors at home; you should let me cut your hair.

Updated: clarified condition

Jenda++ -- with a caveat.

I wouldn't let you cut my hair, or service my car, just because you had a pair of scissors, or a set of tools.

However, if you wanted to change the oil filter, air filter, wiper blades, or check the tyre pressures on your car and wanted me to give you a few clues as to how you should start, or check what you did afterwards--I'd probably help you with that.

And if having done a few of the simpler things a few times, you got the taste and confidence to try and tackle something a little more ambicious, I'd probably encourage you.

And if, over time, it became obvious that you had some sort of flair for what you were doing: you didn't need to ask the same questions over and over; you learnt from your mistakes; displayed the habits of keeping your tools clean and in the right place; laid out the bits you took off in order, so you knew which way to put them back; took the time to label wires and stuff as you went; took responsibility for any mistakes you made--even if based on my advice; then I'd be more than happy to continue to provide what advice I could.

And, if you eventually got so bitten by the idea that you decided to build your own kit car and asked me to check your work as you went. I'd probably be more that happy to do that too.

But if you come to me with your nice new toolkit in your hand, and your big pile of kit car bits in the garage and ask me "Where do I start?", I'm probably going to suggest, "I think Joe over the road may know something about wheels and bolts and nuts and stuff."