Want to be more effective at getting answers?

• read the links provided.
• write a short prototype in Perl of the principle you're trying to learn.
• do a search for the topic on your own.
• if you still don't understand what's going on, then post your example and your question and state what you've done so far.
• when posting your question keep it short, to the point, and use <code> tags around your perl source </code>
• use the preview button before submitting to make sure the format of your question is legible.

Perl is a language of actually trying things. It doesn't take much to have a working example of whatever you're trying to do. In other programming languages this is not the case--some require whole class schemes prior to doing the simplest things, so perhaps you're used to that extra work. Many perl concepts can be done in a few characters just from your command line.

Perl's is about getting the job done with as little verbiage as necessary. When you are pointed to a link, that's an expert Perl programmer's efficient way to help you find what you're looking for, without requiring a lot of extra words, and an indicator that had you done a little more searching on your own, you might've been able to find it on your own.

There are hundreds of threads started here everyday, and invariably someone is told how to make an effective post, so don't take it personally.

In a way, by receiving a very short response on a topic that's already been answered multiple times, it's an expert's way of stating they have confidence in your ability to think for yourself, and find out answers for yourself.

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• Markup in the Monastery

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