IT SOLUTIONS
Your full service technology partner! 
-Collapse +Expand
To/From Code
-Collapse +Expand Members-Only
Sign in to see member-only pages.
   ► KBTo/From GuidesPerlTool Basics  Print This     

Cross Ref > Tool Basics

By Mike Prestwood

Perl versus PHP: A side by side comparison between Perl and PHP.

 
Tool Basics
 

Developer environment basics such as common file extensions, common keyboard shortcuts, etc.

Deployment Overview

[Other Languages] 
Perl: 

With Perl, you simply copy your files to a web server that is capable of running Perl pages.

More Info / Comment
PHP: 

With PHP, you simply copy your files to a web server that is capable of running PHP pages.

More Info / Comment




Development Tools

[Other Languages] 

Languages Focus

Primary development tool(s) used to develop and debug code.

Perl: 

Many developers just use a text editor but you have to be careful when developing on Windows and deploying to Unix/Linix. Some Windows text editors including Notepad, and Microsoft Expression Web save text files in UTF-8 which is not compatible with Unix/Linux.

There are many Perl editors available including ActivePerl Pro Studio, and the free Perl Express. I usually use Perl Express.

Quick Start: Install Perl to IIS or Apache, install Perl Express then configure to use Perl, then install MySQL. For IIS 7, you will likely have to configure Hangler Mappings and add %s %s.

More Info / Comment
PHP: 

Many developers just use a text editor. There are many PHP editors available including phpDesigner, and Delphi for PHP.

More Info / Comment




File Extensions

[Other Languages] 

Languages Focus

Common or primary file extensions used (not a complete list, just the basics).

Perl:   .pl, .plex, and .aspl

.pl is the traditonal default extension for Perl although some developers will change the default extension in an effort to add an additional security level and .cgi is still popular as a Perl associated extension as well as .plex and .aspl.

  • .pl - Perl
  • .cgi - Common Gateway Interface
  • .plex - Perl Executable
  • .aspl - Active Server Perl
More Info / Comment
PHP:   .php

.php is the default extension for PHP although some developers will change the default extension in an effort to add an additional security level. If your code is tied to a particular version of PHP then some developers at the major PHP version number to the extension as in .php3, .php4, .php5, etc. 

.phtml is also sometimes used especially for files that contain both HTML and Perl code.

More Info / Comment




Overview and History

[Other Languages] 
Perl: 

Language Overview: Perl is a stable, cross platform programming language.

Target Platforms: Perl is most suitable for creating websites targeting any browser (any web server with the Perl module installed).

History: PERL is an acronym for Practical Extraction and Report Language. It is used for mission critical projects in the public and private sectors. Perl is Open Source software, licensed under its Artistic License, or the GNU General Public License (GPL). Perl was created in 1987 by Larry Wall.

More Info / Comment
PHP: 

PHP is a hybrid language with both traditional PHP and OOP features. PHP is widely-used general-purpose scripting language that is especially suited for web development and can be embedded into HTML. PHP has been used to create some amazing web content, particularly outstanding message boards.

Target Platforms: PHP is most suitable for creating websites targeting any browser (any web server with PHP installed).

More Info / Comment




Report Tools Overview

[Other Languages] 

Languages Focus

Built-In: Some development tools have a reporting tool built-in and some do not. For example, typically desktop databases such as Paradox and Access have a built-in reporting tool and typically that reporting tool is used with nearly every application built with it. A built-in reporting tool makes development of reports across many clients and applications consistent and therefore easy.

Add-On: Development tools that do not have a built-in reporting tool need to use either a currently bundled report writer, or one of the popular reporting tools that integrates well with the development tool. For example, popular reporting tools include Crystal Reports, ReportBuilder, and MS SQL Reporting Services (tied to MS SQL).

Perl: 

No built-in report writer but because website development targets a client browser (a document interfaced GUI), a common solution is to simply output an HTML formatted page with black text and a white background (not much control but it does work for some situations).

More Info / Comment
PHP: 

No built-in report writer but because website development targets a client browser (a document interfaced GUI), a common solution is to simply output an HTML formatted page with black text and a white background (not much control but it does work for some situations).

More Info / Comment




Sales Website: www.prestwood.com Or visit our legacy sales site: 
legacy.prestwood.com


©1995-2024 Prestwood IT Solutions.   [Security & Privacy]