Sams Teach Yourself Perl in 24 Hours

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FAQs

Question 1: When running a .pl program, the program closes immediately after it runs.

Solution 1: You cannot double-click on a Perl script while within windows. The script will execute and then exit within a DOS box. You need to open up a DOS/Command Prompt and type in the script name, the script will execute within the DOS Window and you will be able to see the result.

Question 2: Installed Apache 1.3.9 from the included CD-ROM but when I run it I get the error:

"APACHE.EXE: cannot determine local host name. Use the ServerName directive to set it manually."

Solution 2: From Apache:

Do what the error messages says. Figure out what his machine's FQDN is (such as myhost.foo.com), edit the conf\httpd.conf file on his system, make sure that the FQDN is listed on the ServerName directive (such as with
"ServerName Myhost.Foo.Com"), and restart Apache.

For more information you may want to go to Apache's web site at http://www.apache.org/ you can also e-mail them from there.

Question 3: Where is the source code for each chapter?

Solution 3: The source code is on the CD in the code folder. You can install it by having the CD autoplay or running the Start.exe file and selecting Book Examples.

Question 4: Is there errata available for this title?

Solution 4: The errata can be found on the author's web site at http://www.geeksalad.org/

Question 5: Trying example 2.3 using the INT function, get the runtime error:&MAIN:INT failed to load.

Solution 5: Line 18 appears as:

$total=$pmt * ( ( 1 + $interest) ** $mons -1 ) / $interest;
It should appear as:
$total=$pmt * ( ( ( 1 + $interest) ** $mons ) -1 ) / $interest;

Note the additional parenthesis. This mistake causes the incorrect accrued amount to show. The correct amount is roughly 31155.26. Also the rate of .005 in the example is the monthly rate, not the annual.

Question 6: Where is the errata and support site?

Solution 6: The errata can be found on the author's web site at http://www.geeksalad.org/

The support site has moved to: http://www.lne.com/typerl21.1/home.html

Description

Even if you're new to Perl, Sams Teach Yourself Perl in 24 Hours teaches you everything you need to know to begin producing useful CGI programs quickly. This book provides you with a solid foundation in the basics of the Perl language, so you can easily move on to more advanced books and techniques. Special attention is paid to those features that trouble new users. Building on that knowledge, you will begin to interact with your file system, operating system, and network environment. Then move on to creating useful CGI programs, such as data collection, shopping cart, server push, and e-mail forms.

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