This book is an introduction to the rudiments of Perl programming. It provides the general reader with an interest in language with the most usable and relevant aspects of Perl for writing programs that deal with language. Exposes the general reader with an interest in language to the most usable and relevant aspects of Perl for writing programs that deal with language. Contains simple examples and exercises that gradually introduce the reader to the essentials of good programming. Assumes no prior programming experience. Accompanied by exercises at the end of each chapter and offers all the code on the companion website: http://www.u.arizona.edu/~hammond