Perl module versioning is a crucial aspect of managing and distributing Perl modules. It helps developers track changes, ensure compatibility, and communicate updates to users.
In Perl, module versions are typically represented as floating-point numbers. For example, version 1.23 is considered newer than 1.22. The version number is usually defined within the module itself.
To declare a version for your Perl module, you can use the $VERSION
variable:
package MyModule;
our $VERSION = '1.23';
Alternatively, you can use the use version;
pragma for more flexibility:
package MyModule;
use version; our $VERSION = version->declare("v1.2.3");
Perl provides built-in mechanisms for comparing versions. The use
statement can specify a minimum required version:
use MyModule 1.23; # Requires version 1.23 or higher
When uploading modules to CPAN (Comprehensive Perl Archive Network), proper versioning is essential. It allows users to specify exact versions and helps maintain compatibility across different projects.
The Module::Build
system can help manage versions in your distribution:
use Module::Build;
my $build = Module::Build->new(
module_name => 'MyModule',
dist_version => '1.23',
# other configuration options...
);
$build->create_build_script();
Proper module versioning is a key aspect of Perl module development. It ensures smooth updates, helps manage dependencies, and facilitates collaboration among developers. By following best practices and utilizing Perl's built-in versioning tools, you can maintain a robust and reliable module ecosystem.