Perl INSTALL question

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

I am reading Perl's INSTALL file and i have a question about this part:

Maintaining completely separate versions

Many users prefer to keep all versions of perl in completely separate directories. This guarantees that an update to one version won't interfere with another version. (The defaults guarantee this for libraries after 5.6.0, but not for executables. TODO?) One convenient way to do this is by using a separate prefix for each version, such as
sh Configure -Dprefix=/opt/perl5.8.2

it said "(The defaults guarantee this for libraries after 5.6.0, but not for executables. TODO?)" ... anyone has more info on this?

Comment on Perl INSTALL question

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Re: Perl INSTALL question by Fletch (Bishop) on Nov 06, 2007 at 16:27 UTC
I believe what it's referring to is that post 5.6.0 the perl library directory (say `/usr/lib/perl` on a typical install) installs into a version-specific subdirectory (so you'd see `/usr/lib/perl/5.8.0`, `/usr/lib/perl/5.8.1`, etc.). However ancillary utilities such as `perldoc` would all overwrite the same `/usr/bin/perldoc`. We're looking for a Perl and Database Developer for Corporate Investments Group.	[reply] [d/l]
Re: Perl INSTALL question by mje (Curate) on Nov 06, 2007 at 16:31 UTC
I think modules and libraries are placed under a version directory under your prefix/lib/perl (by default) where as binaries like perl, perlbug, h2ph, h2xs etc by default will end up in prefix/bin so if you configure multiple perls with the same prefix your binary files get overwritten.	[reply]
Re: Perl INSTALL question by Rabbi Bob (Scribe) on Nov 06, 2007 at 22:41 UTC
As an aside, I tried to relocate the following but cannot seem to at the moment: I believe that either Randal Schwartz or Brian D Foy did a Perlcast this summer that had a fairly good description (and possibly a Q&A) of maintaining separate Perl versions. I'll try to look again later. "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]