i downloaded perl (i think) from some site...it was the one though, but could someone post the direct link to the Perl used in Perl writing...and instructions on how to install and run it...the perl i have is a all black MSDOS looking screen, i typed this

print "Hello, World!\n";


as the Hello World thing, but how do i save it and run it to make sure it works?? thanks

Put a lot of initial groundwork in yourself, did you?

A good start would be perl.com and google.com.

ive looked, but couldnt find any sites that tell be the absolute basics...so please help me

Use the MSI installer from activestate.com to install perl then do as Mark said.

Go here:

http://perldoc.com/perl5.8.0/pod/perl.html

http://perldoc.com/...8.0/pod/perlfaq.html

I bought "Perl for Dummies" from Barnes & Noble ($20) and not only did it explain everything you're asking, but it also came with a copy Active Perl.

I save my files as test.pl into the C:\perl\bin\ directory and type "perl test.pl" at the command prompt (dos window). I use it for testing stuff.

how do save a script?

HTML Goodies Perl Primer
Perl Monks Tutorials
Perl.com
PerlDoc.com

I use "Text Pad" - it's a really neat program for writing text files (html, perl, etc.)

You can use notepad or wordpad simply type your perl stuff and save the file as whatever.pl -- the important thing is adding the .pl extension to the file. Here is what is in my test.pl file at the moment:

This is where I was testing the formating of a field or two before adding them to a script.

Good Luck!