Perl is a high-level programming language known for its flexibility and power in text processing. Developed by Larry Wall in 1987, it combines features from various programming languages, making it suitable for tasks ranging from simple scripts to complex web applications. Its syntax is designed to be easy to read and write, which has contributed to its popularity among programmers.
One of the key strengths of Perl is its extensive library of modules, available through the Comprehensive Perl Archive Network (CPAN). This allows developers to easily find and use pre-written code for a wide range of tasks, enhancing productivity. Perl is often used in system administration, web development, and network programming.