Editing Portal:Linux (section)

=== Overview by distribution family ===

; Debian
: Perl is included by default through <code>perl-base</code>. Debian is one of the strongest modern examples of Perl as an essential system component. Debian manages Perl through <code>apt</code>, <code>dpkg</code>, Debian Perl Policy, and <code>lib*-perl</code> packages.

; Ubuntu and Debian derivatives
: Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Pop!_OS, Raspberry Pi OS, and many related distributions usually inherit Debian’s Perl packaging model. Normal installations usually include Perl through <code>perl-base</code>, although a fuller Perl environment may require additional packages.

; Slackware
: Slackware includes Perl on a traditional full installation. This reflects the older Unix-like expectation that Perl is part of a useful general-purpose system.

; Fedora
: Fedora has strong Perl packaging, but Perl is split into runtime, core, documentation, and development packages. Full systems often have Perl installed, while minimal systems may require explicit installation of <code>perl-interpreter</code> or <code>perl-core</code>.

; RHEL, Rocky Linux, AlmaLinux, and CentOS Stream
: Modern RHEL-family minimal systems should not be assumed to include Perl. Since RHEL 8, Perl is not included in the default RPM buildroot, so packages that use Perl must declare it explicitly.

; openSUSE and SUSE Linux Enterprise
: Perl is commonly available and well packaged through RPM, <code>zypper</code>, and the Open Build Service. Whether Perl is installed by default depends on the selected installation pattern or system role.

; Arch Linux and derivatives
: Perl is available in the core repository and is commonly installed through dependencies, especially on development systems. Arch’s rolling-release model means Perl module rebuilds may be needed after major Perl upgrades.

; Gentoo
: Gentoo manages Perl through Portage, including <code>dev-lang/perl</code> and <code>dev-perl/*</code> packages. Gentoo also has tools such as <code>perl-cleaner</code> to help rebuild Perl modules after interpreter upgrades.

; Alpine Linux
: Alpine does not include Perl in its smallest default systems. Perl is available with <code>apk add perl</code>, but Alpine’s minimal BusyBox/musl design means Perl must usually be installed explicitly.

; NixOS and Guix System
: Perl is available, but not assumed globally. These systems emphasize declarative package and environment management, so Perl is installed or declared where it is needed.