[Cover of Extending and Embedding Perl]

Extending and Embedding Perl (1st edition)

Simon Cozens and Tim Jenness

Release date15 Aug 2002
PublisherManning Publications
ISBN1-930110-82-0
Categories C/XS/Embedding
Advanced
/Extending and Embedding Perl/ explains how to expand the functionality and usefulness of the Perl programming language and how to use Perl from C programs. It begins simply but also covers complex issues using real code examples from the Perl source. The book discusses how to write interfaces to C libraries (as well as C++ and Fortran libraries). It shows you how to implement Perl callbacks for C libraries, how to pass Perl hashes and arrays between Perl and C, and how to use the Perl Data Language infrastructure to improve the speed of array operations. Additionally, the book peers under the hood to see how the Perl programming language really works by looking at the interpreter. The make-up of Perl variables is discussed along with details on how a Perl program is parsed and converted to executable code. What's Inside: * C For The Perl Programmer * Basic and Advanced XS * Embedding Perl in C Programs * Perl Internals * An API reference for the internal C interface to Perl * A reference on the typemap system * Embedding Perl into the mutt mail reader

Reviews

Brandon Willis
  «This book was indispensable in gaining a good foot-hold on using Perl in, from, and around C. I found it a good reference guide as well as an easy linear read. It is not a replacement for the perlguts, perlapi and perlxs documentation. But then again, it doesn't try to be. [...]»
Slashdot review, by "habit forming"
  «This book was indispensable in gaining a good foothold on using Perl in, from, and around C. [...] It is not a replacement for the perlguts, perlapi and perlxs documentation, but then again, it doesn't try to be. The annotated code examples with every line explained make following the book with development of your own solution a lot easier than in some other books. However, the in-depth explanations can be a bit frustrating for the impatient.»
Slashdot review, by "ggoebel"
  «There were times while reading when I didn't know whether the issue being discussed was fully covered or curtailed. But you will certainly find better coverage of the issues in this book than elsewhere. This is an impressive book. I hope it will greatly influence the way Perl6 internals are documented.»
Nicholas Clark's review
  «In summary, excluding the C tutorial, the content of the book is good. There are a couple of small factual errors, but these do not mar the book. »
Danny Kalev, DeveloperWorks
  «/Extending and Embedding Perl/ provides an authoritative account of Perl's most advanced features without any useless propaganda or dogmatism. While this book's depth of coverage might deter beginners, experienced C and Perl programmers will find this book both engaging and illuminating.»

Overall rating is 3.8 from 9 votes. If you were logged in you would be able to rate this book.

Comments to Dave Rolsky at autarch@urth.org
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