Writing Perl programs is not hard. Writing them well is. I'm just finding that out now, after hanging around the Monastery for a few months. And what I'm finding out is how much I don't know, which is embarrassing, especially when reading the amazing stuff you'll see here.

Having said that, I did read Learning Perl, but now I reading it again! I have and use Programming Perl, but that, for me, is like reading the Bible in the original languages. Just ordered the Perl Cookbook and looking forward that. Also, keep a copy of Perl Pocket Reference handy.

Also recommend you read the fantastic tutorial on reg exp on PerlDoc by Mark Kvale (my printout is in tatters). And, of course, snoop around the Monastery reading tutorials, monk's scratch pads, etc.

Watch out for books like Perl and CGI by Castro (apologies to Elizabeth and fans). They can help you get started quickly, and serve as quick reminders, but they really don't teach you how to write great code.

That's my view from towards the bottom looking upwards. Oh, to be able to understand even half of what I see here.