Editing Portal:Linux (section)

=== Ubuntu and Debian derivatives ===

Ubuntu inherits much of Debian’s Perl packaging model. Ubuntu is based on Debian, and Ubuntu systems use the same general `apt` and `dpkg` package model. Ubuntu package listings for `perl-modules-*` show dependency on `perl-base`, and Ubuntu systems provide `perl-base` as the minimal Perl layer.<ref>Ubuntu Packages, “perl-modules-5.40,” https://packages.ubuntu.com/resolute/perl-modules-5.40, accessed July 3, 2026.</ref>

Normal Ubuntu server and desktop systems generally have `/usr/bin/perl` available because of this inherited Debian model. Ubuntu derivatives such as Linux Mint, Pop!_OS, elementary OS, and many others usually inherit the same basic Perl packaging approach.

This is why Perl scripts have often been portable across Debian and Ubuntu systems. A short system-administration script using core Perl features is likely to run without installing a separate interpreter.

However, there is still an important distinction between `perl-base` and a full Perl development environment. `perl-base` is enough for basic system use, but a real Perl application may require the full `perl` package, development tools, XS module dependencies, database bindings, SSL libraries, or CPAN modules.

For serious Perl development on Ubuntu or Debian derivatives, users should usually install distribution packages first, then use a local Perl or local module tree when CPAN versions are needed.