I picked a range of versions from almost the earliest to almost the latest. I guessed at what might be chosen such that the poll histogram gave a meaningful result. As I see it, the main point of the poll idea is to tailor the choices based on feedback, prior to the actual poll being published.

I ended up with eight versions which I believe gives suitable coverage. I didn't think listing every base version (i.e. either 5.00[0-5] or 5.x.0 where x >= 6) would have been a good move, or even allowed by the pollsters; similarly, listing only a few versions would not have given a meaningful histogram result.

The short, parenthesised comment after each version is, as I stated, a "potential reason" for making that choice. It's not intended as the main reason, nor does it need to factor into a user's decision at all.

I'm more than happy to make changes (additions or deletions) to the list of options. This could be the result of a strong argument or a consensus of opinion. I'm unlikely to add a version because it introduces an experimental feature; I'd need a better reason.

• lexical_subs — experimental in 5.18 (perl5180delta: Lexical subroutines); stable in 5.26 (perl5260delta: Lexical subroutines are no longer experimental).
• signatures — experimental in 5.20 (perl5200delta: Experimental Subroutine signatures); stable in 5.36 (perl5360delta: use v5.36). Note this extract (with my emphasis): "Introduced in Perl version 5.20.0, and modified several times since, the subroutine signatures feature is now no longer considered experimental.".

I agree with ++hippo's comments regarding your last two dot points.

similarly, listing only a few versions would not have given a meaningful histogram result.

Well, in this case, the histogram should probably be considered cumulative. Rather than "poll the audience for the right answer" this is more like "poll the audience and calculate the median".

Regardless, I don't really have strong feelings about it, I was just providing my perspective in case it mattered to your decisions.

"I was just providing my perspective in case it mattered to your decisions."

++ Thanks for your feedback; it is appreciated.

I do read, and carefully consider, all responses. To date, I've upvoted all replies, regardless of whether I've taken suggestions on board or not.

— Ken

do you think anyone will cast a serious vote for less than 5.8?

Isn't it the point of such polls to determine things like this? I think that's a very valid and potentially informative option.

If I target 5.8 but increase the version any time I *need* a feature from a later perl, am I "Dynamic" or "5.8" or "Other"?

If you target 5.8 then the answer is 5.8.