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Part 1: CPAN modules: the basics

"I've got this really slick Perl script that I use all the time. I reckon other people might find it useful to. In fact, it'd make a great CPAN module... if only I knew how to package it and get it up there."

CPAN is possibly the world's largest repository of reusable, free software modules. Part of its beauty is its standard packaging system, which allows everyone to install modules in a consistent way.

In this talk I'll cover the structure of a CPAN module, the tools used to build it, and how it handles such things as automated self-testing and dependencies.

Part 2. Using CPAN tools and techniques elsewhere

"Alright then. If CPAN packaging's so good, perhaps I could use it here at work. Whatever I do, it's got to tie in with our existing systems and processes."

I'll show you how CPAN modules can be used even if you're not releasing to CPAN. By using the same tools and techniques, you get a system that encourages modular design, has built-in dependency-handling, encourages automated testing, and is well understood by the general community of Perl developers. Best of all, you can use CPAN modules as the basis for a more mature release management system using your system's native packaging system (for example, Debian's "dpkg").

Stream: Perl

Paper: A paper has not yet been submitted.

Kirrily Robert is an Open Source developer and advocate with over a decade's commercial experience in the field. She has worked in a variety of roles in Australia and internationally, and has made significant contributions to Perl and other Open Source projects.