(OT) ok to use pod and ExtUtils::MakeMaker to install bash scripts?

leocharre has asked for the wisdom of the Perl Monks concerning the following question:

What about using MakeMaker for installing other things then perl?

Guy I work with is in love with bash, and codes some useful things- but he had some problems coming up with docs and getting the machine to put the executable in the right place. So.. we tried out ExtUtils::MakeMaker - which is what i use for all my module stuffs. And he's now documenting in POD which is a gem compared to creepy roff.

I get a bad little feeling in my tummy seeing what looks like.. perl abuse? Should he just write it straight out in perl? Or.. Is it ok to write bash etc and use a few perl tools to make it easier? - we do this a lot around here and I don't want to start a really bad perl practice

Comment on (OT) ok to use pod and ExtUtils::MakeMaker to install bash scripts?

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Re: (OT) ok to use pod and ExtUtils::MakeMaker to install bash scripts? by Tanktalus (Canon) on Jan 26, 2007 at 17:10 UTC
It's really all about getting the job done. There really are things that shell is better at than perl. Not to say perl can't do it, just that the shell is better. For example, filesystem manipulation, chaining groups of commands together (either in a pipeline or just one after another). Perl can do that, no doubt. Just that the shell makes it easier. My vote is to use perl for what it's good at, and shell for what it's good at. Which can include MakeMaker (or Module::Build) for installing docs.	[reply]
Re: (OT) ok to use pod and ExtUtils::MakeMaker to install bash scripts? by andyford (Curate) on Jan 26, 2007 at 17:00 UTC
I personally will switch to Perl as soon as I get over a few lines or if I'm doing something where I want to check whether it actually worked. Also, there is no CBAN that I know of. I say encourage the switch to Perl. non-Perl: Andy Ford	[reply]
Re: (OT) ok to use pod and ExtUtils::MakeMaker to install bash scripts? by EvanK (Chaplain) on Jan 26, 2007 at 23:28 UTC
I personally don't see anything wrong with it, because one of Perl's biggest uses is to make things easier. I've used perl from bash before (and vice versa) many times in one form or another. I would say that so long as you document anything out of the ordinary that you do (for yourself in 6 months, or for the next guy that has to maintain your code), it shouldnt bring a pox down on your family or anything :o __________ The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it. - Terry Pratchett	[reply]