Programming Perl 3rd Edition x 2nd Edition

shonorio has asked for the wisdom of the Perl Monks concerning the following question:

Replies are listed 'Best First'.
Re: Programming Perl 3rd Edition x 2nd Edition by eyepopslikeamosquito (Archbishop) on Sep 17, 2005 at 02:27 UTC
To stay up to date with the "hottest new UNIX utility in years", you might consider buying the first edition, also known as the Pink Camel, and promoted as "An authoritative guide to the hottest new UNIX utility in years, coauthored by its creator, Larry Wall". ;-) I was shocked to recently see a copy of the Pink Camel (circa 1991), sitting pristine in its plastic wrapping and with quick reference card, on the shelves of a North Sydney book store! Seriously, most people query whether it is still worthwhile to buy the third edition, because it is now five years old (see, for example, latest perl book: 3rd edition still?). I still think it is well worth buying this superb classic book ... but recommend supplementing it with a more modern treatment, such as Perl Best Practices or Perl Cookbook.	[reply]
Re: Programming Perl 3rd Edition x 2nd Edition by sauoq (Abbot) on Sep 16, 2005 at 23:26 UTC
I don't think I'd ever advise anyone to buy an outdated technical book... If money is that much of an issue, the 2nd edition would still be useful, but the man pages and Perl Monks are free! -sauoq "My two cents aren't worth a dime.";	[reply]
Re: Programming Perl 3rd Edition x 2nd Edition by sh1tn (Priest) on Sep 16, 2005 at 23:13 UTC
IMHO - when it comes to such precious book - the latest edition always deserves its price.	[reply]
Re: Programming Perl 3rd Edition x 2nd Edition by itub (Priest) on Sep 17, 2005 at 00:30 UTC
I found the 3rd edition to be better organized, and of course more up to date. I'd recommend buying the 3rd edition.	[reply]
If money is an object by systems (Pilgrim) on Sep 17, 2005 at 18:31 UTC
If money is an object I recommend you check out the free online resource first, you can start with Beginning Perl by Simon Cozen You can then check out the free sample chapters from O'reilly Try the safari bookshelf for 14 free days Use perldoc Ask here Read Perl articles Wait for "Higher Order Perl" as it should be free-ed anyday now And finally, if you just have to buy something, check out the Perl cd bookshelve, I think it may offer better value for the money, and they all seem to include "Programming Perl"	[reply]
Re: If money is an object by Dominus (Parson) on Sep 19, 2005 at 06:49 UTC
Says systems: Wait for Higher-Order Perl* as it should be free-ed anyday now* This is actually true. I decided I wanted to make the book into a wiki. In the last couple of weeks I've acquired and installed MediaWiki (this is the software that powers Wikipedia) and hacked in the features I want. Then I discovered that my computer was too slow to run MediaWiki usefully, so I've replaced my computer. The next step is to import the book into the wiki. There are two phases to this. Phase one is to translate the book into MediaWiki markup. Phase two is to break it into pieces and import the pieces into the database. I hope I'll get this done in the next week or two. But I have made a lot of progress very recently---things are moving along. Thanks for your attention. -- Mark Dominus Perl Paraphernalia	[reply]
Re^2: If money is an object by Limbic~Region (Chancellor) on Sep 19, 2005 at 12:30 UTC
Dominus, If you have mentioned this on the list, I apologize as I haven't seen it. Do you intend to include the things that "didn't make it in" when you publish it in Wiki format? Cheers - L~R	[reply]
Re^3: If money is an object by Dominus (Parson) on Sep 19, 2005 at 12:58 UTC
Re^2: If money is an object by shonorio (Hermit) on Sep 19, 2005 at 11:55 UTC
Mark In this way, can your book be translate to order languages ? Any one would be free to its ? Solli Moreira Honorio Sao Paulo - Brazil	[reply]
Re^3: If money is an object by Dominus (Parson) on Sep 19, 2005 at 13:00 UTC
Re: If money is an object by shonorio (Hermit) on Sep 17, 2005 at 20:59 UTC
Money isn't a problem, I was just in doubted if the difference of both edition was to big, but I really like yours recomendation. Thanks Solli Moreira Honorio Sao Paulo - Brazil	[reply]
Re: If money is an object by BerntB (Deacon) on Sep 18, 2005 at 08:38 UTC
"Higher Order Perl" as it should be free-ed anyday now Bad timing, I'm a poor student now, but would have bought it in a few weeks otherwise. :-)	[reply]
Re^2: If money is an object by Dominus (Parson) on Sep 20, 2005 at 00:59 UTC
Says BerntB: Bad timing, I'm a poor student now, but would have bought it in a few weeks otherwise. :-) No problem; I'll just delay posting it until December. Always glad to be of service! -- Mark Dominus Perl Paraphernalia	[reply]
Re: Programming Perl 3rd Edition x 2nd Edition by cbrandtbuffalo (Deacon) on Sep 17, 2005 at 14:12 UTC
The only reason you might consider buying the old edition is if you are working on a system that has been frozen in time. Sometimes people are assigned to maintenance of a system with a ton of Perl code where the system, the code, and the version of Perl hasn't been touched in years. Anyone remember what version of Perl was current when the 2nd edition came out? If you need a general reference, go for the most recent edition.	[reply]


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