With a series of practical examples that are increasingly sophisticated, this course teaches the foundations of Perl programming. Attendees construct a life-like data processing package for the hypothetical Joe's Garage. The essential components of the language are introduced as they are used to satisfy Joe's data management, entry, and reporting requirements.
Programming is best learned by example. This presentation is task-oriented rather than the more common but less effective feature-oriented approach. As each mechanism in the language is presented, it is clear why it is needed, and the example demonstrates it quickly.
No other Perl class covers this much material this quickly. Attendees emerge with practical skills -- they can write substantial Perl programs of their own -- after being away from their desks for a minimum time.