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

Learned One's:

My question relates to a script (or script's) that I am trying to create, to accomplish the following:

<<connect to remote, "smart panels" via a conventional modem>>
<<download data to a file>>
<<manipulate this data for graphing and processing purposes>>

My Perl knowledge is still very basic. I have gained some insight in to sockets and networks, but need to do more work in order to become competent at this.

Although I usually work with Windows and Active State Perl I have managed to get a Linux distribution running on a network, with my windows box; I am still learning the basics of Linux.

I am contemplating using the following modules:

Device::Modem which is described as <PRE-ALPHA> software.

Chart::pie which requires David Bonner's Chart module, and Lincoln Stein's GD module

Is this a good way to go? Although I only want to graph temperature against time: for a start, I plan on doing more sophisticated graphing routines later on; pie and bar graphs etc; maybe some three dimensional stuff as well.

What would be my most useful development platform?

Monks: I am looking for advice on module selection; their are many graph modules available at CPAN.

NOTE: I find that if I work on a project above my current skill level (which is what I am doing) I learn quicker than when I just read a book, or practice from a tutorial.

I will post some code when I develop my ideas a little further.

emcs

The dogs bark; but the caravan rolls on.

Replies are listed 'Best First'.
Re: Module Selection
by boo_radley (Parson) on Apr 27, 2002 at 05:14 UTC
    From your description, it seems like the smart panel is a device that operates at a pretty low level, and doesn't understand HTTP or another common net protocol.
    It may be easier for you to write the "connect to smart panel" piece in a different language if you have a better grasp of it (e.g. C, asm) than perl.
    However, for the manipulating and processing part, perl's your man :-)

    If you're (or wanting to be) writing files containing the panel's data, perl can easily read those in and manipulate them to your heart's content. Depending on the type of file, you could use DBI and DBD::CSV for comma delimited files, or split on some simple string or pattern.
    As for graphing options, I'd recommend sitting down with the book "Programming Web Graphics with Perl and GNU Software". Despite its title, it's a good review of many of perl's graphics modules in general, and has a chapter devoted to programming graphs using gifgraph.
[reply]
Re: Module Selection
by emcs (Scribe) on Apr 27, 2002 at 16:49 UTC
    My question was very broad and I appreciate the feedback.

    I have read the reviews for "Programming Web Graphics with Perl and GNU Software". It looks like this book will give me a many of the answers that I need in order to proceed further.

    Cheers

    emcs

    The dogs bark; but the caravan rolls on.
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