Re: install another perl without disturbing the older install?

I would agree with gellyfish about installing the new version well away from the existing one; /usr/lib/perl5 and /usr/lib/perl58 are too similar for safety. You'll have to choose something other than /usr/local because of your $PATH. I think there is a question during configuration about "Would you like to put a copy of the new binary in /usr/bin?" to which the default answer is yes. Obviously, don't accept the default answer there.

A different approach would be to find another server, possibly a cheap box off eBay, install your new perl there and test your scripts. I did notice your "scattered all over the system" so I realise that this may not be easy to do.

Best of luck,

JohnGG

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Re^2: install another perl without disturbing the older install? by EvanK (Chaplain) on Jul 28, 2006 at 00:00 UTC
i think the configure script defaults to 'no' on putting a new binary in `/usr/bin` if it finds one already exists, so the defaults might work just fine. and i've seen perl installed within `/opt` before, which should work since its not in the OP's `$PATH` __________ Build a man a fire, and he'll be warm for a day. Set a man on fire, and he'll be warm for the rest of his life. - Terry Pratchett	[reply] [d/l] [select]
Re^3: install another perl without disturbing the older install? by johngg (Canon) on Jul 28, 2006 at 08:53 UTC
You are right. Now I'm back in the office I have looked at the log of a build of perl 5.8.4 on a Solaris box. The default to "Do you want to install perl as /usr/bin/perl?" is indeed no. One less thing for the AnonyMonk to worry about. Cheers, JohnGG	[reply]