Which Version of Perl Should I Use on Windows?

 When it comes to using Perl on Windows, there are two main distributions to choose from: ActivePerl and Strawberry Perl. Both have their own advantages, and the choice largely depends on your specific needs and preferences. Let’s explore the differences between these two popular Perl distributions to help you decide which is the best fit for your environment.

ActivePerl: A Long-Standing Favorite

ActivePerl, provided by ActiveState, has been the go-to Perl distribution for Windows users for many years. It’s often chosen by enterprise environments and developers who value stability and ease of deployment. Here are some key features:

Key Features of ActivePerl:

• PPM (Perl Package Manager): ActivePerl provides PPM, a simple tool for installing and managing Perl modules. PPM allows you to install precompiled modules, meaning you don’t need to compile them yourself. This is a big plus for users who prefer not to deal with module dependencies and compilation issues.
• Corporate Support: ActivePerl offers commercial support and additional development tools, like the Perl Development Kit (PDK), making it an attractive option for businesses.
• Stable and Well-Tested: ActivePerl is known for its reliability and stable releases, which is ideal if you need a well-supported Perl version for production environments.

Downsides:

• Limited CPAN Access: One of the biggest limitations of ActivePerl is that not all CPAN modules are available through PPM. Additionally, the PPM repository may lag behind CPAN updates, making it harder to get the latest versions of certain modules.
• Licensing: ActivePerl’s older versions and some of its tools may require a paid license, especially if you need access to previous versions or additional tools.

Strawberry Perl: The Developer-Friendly Option

Strawberry Perl is an open-source Perl distribution designed to be as close as possible to the Unix-like Perl experience on Windows. It includes everything you need to install modules from CPAN, including a compiler and build tools. This makes Strawberry Perl a favorite among developers who work with complex modules or need a more flexible environment.

Key Features of Strawberry Perl:

• Full CPAN Support: Strawberry Perl excels at installing CPAN modules, even those that require compilation. It includes a bundled MinGW (Minimalist GNU for Windows) compiler, so you can install modules that contain C or XS code with ease.
• Portable Version: Strawberry Perl offers a portable version, which can be run directly from a USB drive without installation. This makes it convenient for development on the go or environments where installation is restricted.
• Open Source and Free: Strawberry Perl is completely free and open-source, with no licensing restrictions. This makes it an appealing choice for developers and teams who want to avoid commercial licensing fees.

Downsides:

• Larger Installation Size: Strawberry Perl includes a full compiler toolchain, which means its installation size is larger compared to ActivePerl.
• No GUI for Module Management: Unlike ActivePerl’s PPM, Strawberry Perl doesn’t come with a graphical module manager. Instead, users rely on the cpan command, which is text-based.

Comparison of ActivePerl and Strawberry Perl

Feature	ActivePerl	Strawberry Perl
Module Installation	PPM (limited CPAN access)	Full CPAN support with a built-in compiler
Ease of Use	Easier for non-technical users	More flexible for developers
Compiler	Not included (limits module installation)	Includes MinGW compiler
Portability	Requires installation	Portable version available
Corporate Support	Commercial support available	Open-source, community-driven
Size	Smaller installation (~5 MB)	Larger installation (~100 MB)
Price	Free for basic use, paid for enterprise features	Completely free and open-source

Which Should You Choose?

Use ActivePerl if:

• You’re in a corporate environment where stability, support, and ease of deployment are crucial.
• You prefer a package manager with precompiled modules (PPM).
• You need commercial support or enterprise-level features like the Perl Development Kit (PDK).

Use Strawberry Perl if:

• You’re a developer who needs full access to CPAN and the ability to compile modules on Windows.
• You want a Perl environment that mirrors the experience on Unix-like systems.
• You prefer open-source solutions and don’t want to deal with licensing restrictions.
• You need a portable Perl installation for development on multiple machines.

Both ActivePerl and Strawberry Perl have their strengths, and the best choice depends on your specific requirements. ActivePerl is great for ease of use, especially in business settings, while Strawberry Perl is the go-to choice for developers who need full CPAN access and a more flexible, Unix-like Perl environment on Windows.