What is mod_perl?

mod_perl is the marriage of Apache and Perl mod_perl brings together two of the most powerful and mature technologies available to the web professional today.

Simply install mod_perl and you have the full power of the Apache Web Server at your fingertips:

Accelerate your existing dynamic content The standard Apache::Registry module can provide 100x speedups for your existing CGI scripts and reduce the load on your server at the same time. A few changes to the web server's config is all that is required to run your existing CGI scripts at lightning speed.

Easily create custom modules that become part of Apache With mod_perl writing custom modules to extend and enhance Apache is a snap. Content handlers can be written in just a few lines of code and can be quickly integrated with existing modules specifically designed for use with mod_perl, or with modules freely available from the CPAN.

Gain access to all request stages
mod_perl is not only about super fast content generation. With mod_perl all phases of the request cycle can be accessed and controlled. No other web acceleration product gives you this much control.

Imagine the flexibility of rewriting URLs using Perl! Rewrite URLs based on the content of a directory structure, settings stored in a relational database, or the phase of the moon.

Write custom authentication and authorization modules to integrate with existing user databases or take advantage of the well-supported CPAN modules to extend the abilities of Apache. You can even create custom logging tailored to your site's specific needs.

Configure Apache with Perl
Perl can be used right in your httpd.conf file. Everything from virtual hosts to authentication settings can be configured via Perl. URL translation logic can be written with Perl for your complex or dynamic URL rewriting needs. Settings can be adjusted on a per-request basis and values passed from code in httpd.conf to your content generation modules. You can even generate complete HTTP output from the httpd.conf configuration file.

Install Third-party modules
Third-party modules give you application functionality such as sessions, passwords and database integration.

Application Frameworks
There are many high-level packages built on top of the mod_perl infrastructure to help you develop scalable and easily managed dynamic sites. All are well supported and maintain a loyal group of users.

You can select from a number of templating systems or application frameworks for use with mod_perl. See the mod_perl Products section for more information.

Apache 2.0 support
With mod_perl you can take advantage of the features of Apache 2.0. For example, custom protocol handlers can be written in Perl.

Active Support Community
mod_perl has all the support anyone could ask for.

Response time to questions posted on any of the mod_perl related lists is often measured in minutes. And with such a large installed base there's often someone that knows the answer to your specific question. In addition, a wealth of well maintained documentation is available online through this web site. For off-line, spend your time with excellent books about mod_perl. There's nothing like curling up in bed with a good book. Or someone that's read one.

For more information visit http://perl.apache.org