Perl for OpenVMS

This document is the Installation Guide and Release Notes for Perl Version V5.8-6 for OpenVMS, released in November 2005, based on Perl Version 5.8.6.

Key points:

• Prerequisites: Requires OpenVMS Alpha v7.3-2 or higher, or OpenVMS I64 v8.2 or higher.
• Compatibility: Perl V5.8-6 is designed to work specifically with Secure Web Server (SWS) Version 2.1 via CSWS_PERL. It is not compatible with older SWS versions (which require earlier Perl kits). Perl can also be used in standalone mode.
• Installation: Installed using the PRODUCT INSTALL PERL command.

• Post-Installation Tasks:

  • For SWS integration, PERL_ROOT (as a concealed logical) and PERLSHR logicals must be defined to correctly locate the Perl installation and its shareable image.
  • A foreign command can be defined to use Perl from the command line in standalone mode.

• Upgrading: When upgrading Perl to a different installation location, specific steps are required to ensure CSWS_PERL extensions and logical names are correctly updated and re-installed.

• Removal: Use PRODUCT REMOVE PERL, but note that user-installed Perl packages or extensions in the installation area will not be automatically removed and may require manual cleanup.
• Release Notes: Include a table detailing specific Perl for OpenVMS versions and their compatible CSWS_PERL versions. It advises using the PERLDOC utility for correct Perl syntax and notes that the Devel::Symdump package, required for "perl-status" information, is not included and must be obtained separately from CPAN.