So i t can't properly require that you have a C compiler or proper headers(because you might just be installing this as a dependency of Inline::Octave)

Seriously ... they do that ??

Assuming you're correct, it's laughable (in the sense of "deplorable and ridiculous") that debian would install Inline::C without ensuring that those requisite headers (and the C compiler) are also installed.

Actually, in any case, I find it laughable that linux distros in general install broken builds of perl by default. Why do they do that ? Can't they afford the extra space on a 400GB hard drive ?

Cheers,
Rob