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perlbrew
What it is
perlbrew is a free, open-source, admin-free tool for managing multiple Perl installations. It keeps each installation in a separate environment under your home directory or another location you specify. The `switch` command makes one installation the default, while `use` selects an installation for the current shell. With `exec`, you can run a program against perlbrew installations, which the project describes as useful for testing. Perlbrew-managed CPAN modules can be installed without `sudo`. It supports Linux, macOS, and self-hosted use, with shell integration and CI/CD usage listed. Installation documentation covers curl and bash, wget on Linux, fetch on FreeBSD, and CPAN. `PERLBREW_ROOT` changes the default directory, and `PERLBREW_CPAN_MIRROR` sets an HTTP or HTTPS mirror. Version 1.02, released July 18, 2025, added shorter uninstall commands and made patchperl optional. Windows users are directed to Berrybrew.
For and against
For
- Separate Perl environments
- Switch or use versions by command
- Run programs against installations
- Install CPAN modules without sudo
- Supports configurable root and mirror
Against
- Windows users are directed to Berrybrew
- Installation quick route requires curl and bash
- Provided without warranty
The verdict
perlbrew provides focused version management for Perl without administrator privileges. Its separate environments, testing command, and multiple installation routes make it suitable for maintaining distinct Perl setups.
Who it suits
perlbrew suits developers and administrators who need separate Perl versions on Linux, macOS, or self-hosted systems. It also fits workflows that test programs across installations or run CI/CD jobs.
Plans and prices
perlbrew
Open source · no paid tiers stated
Read 10 Oct 2026 · perlbrew.pl
On the record
- Alternate installation
- The installation page also documents wget for Linux, fetch for FreeBSD, and installation through CPAN.perlbrew.pl · read 10 Oct 2026
- Configuration
- The `PERLBREW_ROOT` environment variable can change the default root directory from `~/perl5/perlbrew`.perlbrew.pl · read 10 Oct 2026
- CPAN mirror
- Users can configure a CPAN mirror with `PERLBREW_CPAN_MIRROR`; the documentation supports HTTP and HTTPS URLs.perlbrew.pl · read 10 Oct 2026
- Installation
- The documented quick install runs the perlbrew installer with curl and bash.perlbrew.pl · read 10 Oct 2026
- Install without sudo
- The site says perlbrew-managed CPAN modules can be installed without running sudo.perlbrew.pl · read 10 Oct 2026
- Isolation
- Perl installations are separate environments in the user’s home directory or another specified location.perlbrew.pl · read 10 Oct 2026
- Latest listed release
- The site lists version 1.02, released July 18, 2025.perlbrew.pl · read 10 Oct 2026
- License and warranty
- The project repository identifies the MIT License and states that the software is provided without warranty.github.com · read 10 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- perlbrew is an admin-free tool for managing multiple Perl installations.perlbrew.pl · read 10 Oct 2026
- Release changes
- Version 1.02 added `rm` and `delete` as shorter uninstall command names and made patchperl optional.perlbrew.pl · read 10 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project points users to GitHub issues and discussions for questions and project matters.perlbrew.pl · read 10 Oct 2026
- Switch versions
- The commands `switch` and `use` select a Perl installation as the default or for the current shell.perlbrew.pl · read 10 Oct 2026
- Test versions
- The `exec` command can run a program against perlbrew installations, which the site describes as useful for testing.perlbrew.pl · read 10 Oct 2026
- Windows
- The installation page directs Windows users to Berrybrew.perlbrew.pl · read 10 Oct 2026
