# PERL

/ˈpɝɫ/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/perl
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a programming language that helps people write complex computer programs. It is known for being very flexible and powerful for tasks like managing data or building websites.

For teachers: a high-level, general-purpose, interpreted, dynamic programming language originally developed for practical extraction and reporting. It is characterized by its extensive support for text processing and its use of a large collection of modules.

## Examples

- The developer used Perl to automate the daily data reports.
- Before the rise of Python, Perl was the go-to language for system administrators and web developers due to its powerful text manipulation capabilities.
- While modern web development has largely shifted toward more modern languages, Perl remains a vital tool for legacy systems and complex data processing pipelines where its regular expression engine is unmatched.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.