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Originally published at Internet.comIf you were going to undertake learning HTML or JavaScript, you're probably pretty much ready to go with the equipment you have right now. A browser and some kind of text editor are all you need to get started.
PERL is a little different. You need to have access to a server that has granted you permission to use PERL. Some will tell you, as I have been told many times, you can get your own copy of PERL at http://www.perl.com/pub/language/info/software.html and install it on your own computer. I've never done that so I wouldn't ask that you do it. I am going to teach you using the same methods I used to learn the language. I tested all of my files online, so that's the way I'll suggest you do it. If you want to install PERL on your system, more power to you. If it's successful, let me know.
I write and edit my PERL scripts in the same text editor I use to write my HTML: Notepad. I suggest you also use Notepad. You may use an assistant program to edit your HTML document. If so, you DO NOT want to edit your PERL scripts in that assistant. HTML assistant programs are known for adding code and altering your work without telling you. These PERL scripts must be saved as text only, with nothing more than what you wrote to the page. Notepad is the way to go...
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