How does perl relate?? There are major differences in syntax, scope, etc. You are not directly responsable for memory management, etc. But perl allows you to get pretty "C"ish with your code if you like.

That said, Perl will familiarize you with loops, cases, and good logical program flow. Most any language will do this. Perl, however, also supports OO, Modules (aka libraries), references, etc... These are essential for a C/C++ programmer. Using Komodo or other IDE will acquaint you with an IDE and a debugger as well.

Finally the perl to C translators are good because you can see your perl program flow implemented in the other language. Also, the clean-up will acquaint you with C without having to start the project that way. (Which can be daunting.)

To make a catchy phrase out of it, How much does learning welding prepare you for blacksmithing??

But if you are planning to program C/C++, you could do worse than perl.

~Hammy