Editing Portal:Linux (section)

=== Arch Linux and Arch derivatives ===

Arch Linux packages Perl in the `core` repository. The Arch package page for `perl` lists Perl 5.42.2 in `core` and shows that many packages require it, including development tools such as `autoconf` and `automake`.<ref>Arch Linux Packages, “perl,” https://archlinux.org/packages/core/x86_64/perl/, accessed July 3, 2026.</ref>

Arch’s installation model is more user-driven than Debian’s or Ubuntu’s. The `pacstrap` installation tool says that if no packages are specified, it defaults to the `base` group.<ref>Arch Linux, “pacstrap.in,” https://github.com/archlinux/arch-install-scripts/blob/master/pacstrap.in, accessed July 3, 2026.</ref> However, Arch users explicitly choose what to install, and Perl is best understood as a core repository package that is commonly pulled in by real systems, especially systems with development tools.

Arch is also important because it is a rolling-release distribution. Perl upgrades can affect binary Perl modules and AUR packages. When Perl’s version or ABI changes, Perl XS modules may need rebuilding. This is not unique to Arch, but rolling releases make such changes more visible.

Arch’s Perl packaging culture generally favors installing Perl modules through `pacman` or the AUR when possible, instead of mixing arbitrary CPAN installs into the system Perl. This matches the general Linux best practice: keep system package management and local CPAN development separate.

Arch derivatives such as Manjaro, EndeavourOS, and Garuda usually inherit this model. Perl may be present because of dependencies, especially on full desktop installations, but minimal systems should not assume it unless it is installed or pulled in.