there is a lot to be said about getting the education and all of that. It is good stuff. However, I had to learn perl (and a few other things) on my own. I am not in the same league as most of those that are here on a regular basis, and probably never will be. But Perl is fun, it is useful, and you can learn it just by doing it. I do most of my learning by reading about it, and solving problems with it. For me, it is a "just do it" type of thing. Hanging out here and looking at the questions that are asked and answered by others is probably the second best way to learn Perl.

Just a little different perspective ... :-)