What is fatpacks and App::FatPacker in Perl?

FatPacks in Perl are a method for packaging Perl modules and their dependencies into a single file, which simplifies distribution and deployment. This is particularly useful for applications that require specific modules, as it eliminates the need for manual installation of each module on the target system. The App::FatPacker is a Perl module that enables the creation of these FatPacks by scanning the codebase for module dependencies and bundling them together.

How FatPacks Work

When you create a FatPack, it contains all the necessary Perl modules that your application needs to run. This ensures that regardless of the environment where the application is deployed, all required modules will be available. This is especially beneficial for users who may not have the ability to install additional modules due to permissions or system limitations.

Advantages of Using FatPacks

• Ease of distribution: Send a single file instead of multiple modules.
• Simplified deployment: Reduces the setup time on target machines.
• Version control: Helps to avoid dependency conflicts by bundling specific module versions.

Example Usage

# Using App::FatPacker to create a FatPack
fatpack pack myapp.pl