Re: Creating an Intermediate Perl Programming Curriculum

[geekgrrl]

Two major things to teach: References and Modules.

I find that one of the most important concepts in Perl is references. So many decent Perl programmers never take it to the next level by getting their heads around this one. Also, writing modules, whether OOP style or not, is an important skill to take the beginning script writer to that of a Perl programmer with mad skills.

I have taken many beginner scripts - the style where they are required in another program, and turned them into simple modules. It makes so much difference and greatly extends the usability of the code.

Also, I second the motion of teaching Data::Dumper. This is the best module in the entire world. Also - it's handy for understanding references.