Perl is one of the few high-level programming languages that developers can interpret and compile for various purposes. Online Perl compilers are amazing tools that allow programmers and other technical experts to use Perl without downloading any special software. Some people believe that these online Perl compilers are not as efficient as traditional installation options.
This article will highlight the benefits of using online Perl compilers. It includes a list of the top five compilers and an explanation of the difference between a compiler and other programming tools used by Perl developers. First, you’ll learn what Perl is and how it can be used.
What Is Perl?
The name Perl refers to two dynamic, general-purpose, high-level programming languages. While they are both commonly referred to as Perl, the two languages are Perl 5 and Perl 6. They are interpreted programming languages that can also be compiled with the right tools. The programming language was initially introduced as a data processing language for Unix when Larry Wall launched it in 1987.
For Windows, Strawberry Perl was designed to host Perl applications. Data analysts and other statistical experts commonly use Perl to process text files and analyze data strings. Perl is used in web application development to write scripts for the Common Gateway Interface (CGI), a vital specification required for processing requests on web browsers.
What Is an Online Perl Compiler?
An online Perl compiler is a straightforward website that can be used to convert Perl from a high-level, human-readable programming language to a low-level, machine language or Perl binaries. These compilers are necessary for writing programs since machines cannot execute programs in high-level programming languages.
On the other hand, humans cannot rely on binary language for writing programs. This is why the high-level languages are run through the compiler first.
How to Run Perl Online: Compilers, Interpreters, Code Editors, and IDE
Now that you understand what a compiler is, you must gain a clearer picture by learning about other tools in the Perl environment that are frequently mislabeled as compilers. These are Perl interpreters, IDEs, and code editors.
Online Perl Compiler vs Online Perl Interpreter
Since Perl is an interpreted programming language, it can be converted into machine code using an online interpreter. While an interpreter’s function is similar to a compiler, the two tools are not the same. Furthermore, not all high-level programming languages can be interpreted and compiled.
When a language is interpreted, it is not necessary to compile it before using it to feed instructions to a computer. You can directly interpret and run your program.
Online Perl Compiler vs Online Perl Editor
Online Perl editors are text editing tools that allow you to write or edit your program’s source code directly from your web browser. A programmer will find it easier to read, understand, and spot potential source code errors if they use the right online editor.
Most code editors can be used to write source code and edit and manipulate it. As an aspiring Perl developer, you should choose a text editor that includes features like history and debugging to make the process easier.
Online Perl Compiler vs Online Perl IDE
IDE is an abbreviation for “integrated development environment”. It is a virtual development platform that allows programmers to easily write, edit, debug, and execute code. The original IDEs are available as downloadable resources, while the online IDEs are browser-based.
If you use a feature-rich IDE, you won’t need a compiler to get your Perl code machine-ready. The best IDEs on the market include compilers, text editors, and code interpreters for your convenience.
Top 5 Online Perl Compilers
| Online Perl Compiler | Price | Functionality |
|---|---|---|
| Tutorialspoint | Free | Compiler |
| JDoodle | Free | IDE with Compiler |
| MyCompiler | Free | IDE with Compiler |
| OneCompiler | Free | IDE with Compiler |
| Coding Rooms | Free | IDE with Compiler |
The most commonly used Perl compilers, as shown in the table above, are free. In any case, price should not be the primary motivator for selecting a suitable option for your coding project. Understanding what each compiler has to offer is your best bet for making the right decision.
Tutorialspoint
You can use this free online platform to convert Perl from its original form to assembly language. Tutorialspoint compiler is sponsored by CodingGround for developers and data analysts who want to use Perl, C, Python, and other core high-level programming languages. While there is no need to download it, registration is required to access all features such as code sharing.
Tutorialspoint Features
- Offers an option to share your code after it has been executed
- Translates the code in a single run
- Is compatible with Windows and Mac
- Is mobile-friendly to get started with your mobile device
JDoodle
JDoodle is compatible with Perl, Ruby, Python, and all the other popular programming languages in the industry. The online compiler is integrated into an IDE. This means you’ll be able to do more than just compile. It lets you write, edit, run, and debug programs directly from the web.
JDoodle Features
- Offers many versions available, so you will have more options
- Integrates the JDoodle compiler into your blog or website
- Allows you to execute programs via API
- Provides a secure environment to debug multiple files at the same time
MyCompiler
You can use MyCompiler on your mobile device to convert Perl, Python, Ruby, C programming languages, and other popular languages. The integrated development environment includes a fully functional compiler and a text editor to write code from your web browser.
MyCompiler Features
- Is an IDE, so there is a text editor, compiler, and debugging function available
- Offers code auto-completion
- Offers a code-sharing option that allows you to tag and share your code with fellow developers
- Allows users to view recently compiled codes for a clear picture of how it works
OneCompiler
Another popular website for running Perl is OneCompiler. For many years, this website has been one of the best places to write, execute and share Perl codes without any software downloads. It currently supports Perl 5, so you may not be able to compile Perl 6 on the website without making adjustments.
OneCompiler Features
- Has multi-language support for programming languages other than Perl
- Is one of the few free IDEs with an online code editor that supports stdin
- Has a host of resources that new programmers can benefit from significantly
- Offers API integration to those who want it
Coding Rooms
Coding Rooms is a great option for those who prefer to write and compile codes anonymously. You do not need to register or sign up before using the compiler. All you have to do is paste your code on the required field and start running it. You will find a sample Perl program on the website.
Coding Rooms Features
- Offers a live chat 24/7 to give you the support you need
- Is an IDE, so you can do everything from program writing to sharing in one place
- Offers free courses and coding tutorials for those who are just starting
- Allows you to specify which features you want and receive a quote for them
Which Online Perl Compiler Should I Choose?
The five compilers listed above all have benefits, so any of them would suffice for your projects. If you are an advanced Perl programmer looking for a compiler for your organization, platforms with large databases such as OneCompiler and JDoodle are ideal. JDoodle and Coding Rooms are also excellent options for people who require a lot of support along the way.
MyCompiler will provide a fully integrated environment that is mobile device-compatible. Perl bootcamp students and those learning Perl will benefit from an easy-to-use platform like Tutorialspoint. If you are dissatisfied with the results produced by one online compiler, you can easily switch to another.
Online Perl Compiler FAQ
Perl can be compiled because it is a high-level programming language for text processing. Some people believe that interpreted languages cannot be compiled. However, Perl is one of the few programming languages that can be compiled and interpreted, depending on the programmer’s needs.
Perl is not outdated, despite the increasing popularity of Python. Even though Perl and Python are both general-purpose programming languages, they have functional differences. Perl has a wide range of applications and is one of the few programming languages that Python will not supplant.
Python is not better than Perl because each language functions differently. They are similar in some ways, but Perl syntax is far easier to learn than Python syntax. On the other hand, Python is more scalable and robust, making it an ideal choice for large-scale development. It is also more widely used and has more applications worldwide.
Write your Perl code in a code text editor. When you’re done writing, you can either copy and paste or upload the file to a compiler. When the code is run through a compiler, it is converted from Perl to machine code. You can debug or make changes to the script after it has been compiled.
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