Editing The Perl Lazarus Workshop (section)

== Strawberry Perl: the foundation of the Windows shop ==

The first layer is [https://strawberryperl.com/ Strawberry Perl].

Strawberry Perl is not merely a Perl interpreter placed on Windows. It provides a native Perl distribution together with the compiler and build tools needed to install a broad range of CPAN modules, including modules containing XS or other native components.<ref>[https://strawberryperl.com/releases.html Strawberry Perl, “Releases”]</ref>

That distinction matters for wxPerl.

A graphical binding to a substantial C++ library cannot be treated exactly like a small pure-Perl module. Native libraries must be built or supplied in compatible forms. Architectures must match. Compilers, DLLs, headers, and Perl configuration all matter.

Strawberry Perl gives us a practical foundation upon which that native work can occur.

It also provides tools which many Perl programmers already know how to use:

* <code>perl</code>;
* <code>cpan</code> and <code>cpanm</code>;
* <code>gcc</code>;
* <code>gmake</code>;
* and the normal Perl library structure.

This is one reason the Perl Lazarus Project emphasizes Strawberry Perl rather than requiring the user to construct a custom Perl environment from unrelated pieces.

The chosen environment should still be treated as a tested combination rather than an abstract promise that every release will work with every other release. The maintained installation page records current, previously tested, experimental, and archived combinations:

* [[Wx 3.008, Alien::wxWidgets 0.71, Strawberry Perl 5.40.2.1|a previously tested Strawberry Perl 5.40 and Wx 3.008 path]];
* [[Wx 3.009, Alien::wxWidgets 0.73, Strawberry Perl 5.42.2.1 PDL|a newer PDL-oriented Strawberry Perl 5.42 and Wx 3.009 path]];
* and older combinations which remain useful when investigating regressions.

This distinction between a ''known working profile'' and the ''newest possible profile'' is an exercise in practical wisdom.

A craftsman may experiment with newer tools. He should not confuse experimentation with a promise to users.