As others have noted, Perl can easily handle databases of various flavors.

I should point out that that SQL (Structured Query Language) is not a database format, per se, but a standard for accessing and manipulating data. Time spent learning SQL will serve you well with other tools, not just Perl.

You may wish to consider obtaining a copy of Programming the Perl DBI, by Alligator Descartes & Tim Bunce (Feb 2000, O'Reilly and Associates, ISBN: 1-56592-699-4, $34.95/US), also known as the "Cheetah book." It provides a good introduction to the DBI module, an interface used to connect to a variety of backend databases and formats via Perl.

This book provides a nice introduction to general database concepts, gives a reasonable introduction to SQL and the statements you'll use to maintain your databases, and provides several useful examples. It also provides a rather nice comparison of the features suported by various DBI drivers, ranging from CSV (comma-separated text files) to industry giants, such as Informix, Oracl, InterBase, Sybase, and so on.

Since you're new to Perl, I also recommend the "Llama" book: Learning Perl, by Randal L. Schwartz & Tom Christiansen (2nd Ed., July 1997, O'Reilly & Associates, ISBN: 1-56592-284-0) if you're primary working on a Unix box. If you'll be using a Windows system, you may prefer the "Gecko" book: Learning Perl on Win32 Systems, by Randal L. Schwartz, Erik Olsen, and Tom Christiansen (Aug 1997, O'Reilly and Associates, ISBN: 1-56592-324-3) which prvides much of the same information as the Llama book, but oriented for those with a Windows background.

Finally, if you're planning to run this from a web site, you may also want to look at the "Rat" book: CGI Programming with Perl, by Scott Guelich, Shishir Gundavaram, & Gunther Birznieks (2nd Ed, July 2000, O'Reilly and Associates, ISBN 1-56592-419-3). This contains a wealth of useful material regarding Perl CGI scripts, including a brief discussion of using the DBI module with your CGI scripts.

It's a lot to read, but once you've gone through those three books, typed in the examples, and put together some sample database scripts, you should be well on your way to mastering databases with Perl.

I would also recommend using tools provided by the Monestary itself to review previous discussions, Q&A's, and tutorials along these lines. While this can be somewhat time-consuming, you'll learn a great deal simply by reading the real-world questions and conversations posted by your fellow monks.

--f

Update: Fixed the animal for LP; thanks davorg. Mis-remembered the zoology lessons from the Colophons. Sorry.

Update 2: Fixed the other reference, too. Sheesh; you'd think I hadn't had my coffee yet. Again, thanks, davorg.