The first question: Is this your first programming language?

• If you answered no

  Dig out some of your favorite programs that you have written in other language(s) and convert them to perl. Start with the simple ones and work your way up. It is always easier to start with something you are familiar with than trying to do something new in a new language.

  If your previous language was C,C++, Pascal, Basic, Shell script or any of a dozen other languages you should find the transition to Perl reasonably easy and (if your like me) once you get over the basic syntax hurdles, a joy. Once you get passed some of the more unintuative bits of syntax, you will probably find Perl a revalation in terms of the ease with which many things that are hard to do in other languages seem to simply fall into place with Perl.

• If you answer Yes.

  Start at the beginning. Work through "Learning Perl" step-by-step.

  Dont just copy the programs in the book and type them in, but play with them. Try and make them more personnal. Add your name, adjust the way they work to suit you.

  Don't be afraid to try things, and don't be put off if they don't work first time.

  Don't be afraid to ask. If you get stuck, post your (small) programs and ask here.

  Write lots of small programs rather than a few big ones. The big ones come later.

Have fun and good luck!