new@this has asked for the wisdom of the Perl Monks concerning the following question:

Hello all, just as my name states I am new at this. I need to write a perl script that monitors the top-level directory, send email notification if files has been added or deleted. Then in the subdirectories send email notification if any specific files have been added or deleted. I know NO ideal how to even start this so ANY help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

Replies are listed 'Best First'.
Re: Directory Monitor
by daxim (Curate) on Aug 31, 2012 at 15:29 UTC
Re: Directory Monitor
by bitingduck (Deacon) on Aug 31, 2012 at 15:34 UTC

    If you aren't even sure where to start at all, you probably should find an intro tutorial or two to get a better sense of the language. There's a link on the upper right that has lots of Tutorials.

    After that, you can probably put something together quick with File::Find and Email::Send, and use cron (or the equivalent on whatever system you're using) to make it check regularly.

Re: Directory Monitor
by MidLifeXis (Monsignor) on Aug 31, 2012 at 16:41 UTC

    If you are just looking for a solution, and it being in Perl or written in-house is not a requirement, perhaps something like Tripwire may do the job you are looking for. There is even a commercial version if support is necessary.

    --MidLifeXis

Re: Directory Monitor
by ww (Archbishop) on Aug 31, 2012 at 18:33 UTC
    Sorry, but if this is time critical and you know zipolla about "how to even start this..." I would suggest hiring a programmer while you devote some time here and with the books to familiarizing yourself with perl.