What is script packaging (PAR::Packer) in Perl?

Script packaging in Perl refers to the process of bundling Perl scripts and their dependencies into a single executable file. This is particularly useful for distributing applications without requiring the end user to have to install Perl or any additional modules. One of the most popular tools for this purpose is PAR::Packer.

PAR::Packer allows developers to create standalone executables from their Perl scripts. This means that the executable can be run on systems that do not have Perl installed, provided that the appropriate operating system is compatible. The packaging process involves collecting the script and any necessary libraries and resources into a single file, which can then be distributed easily.

To use PAR::Packer, you usually employ the command-line utility 'pp'. Below is a simple example of how to create a standalone executable from a Perl script:

pp -o myscript.exe myscript.pl

Perl Script Packaging PAR::Packer Standalone Executable Perl Applications Software Distribution