How can I debug a Perl script?

Question

When I run a Perl script, how can I debug it? For example, in ksh I add the -x flag. But how I do the same in Perl?

Answer 1

To run your script under the Perl debugger you should use the -d switch:

perl -d script.pl

But Perl is flexible. It supplies some hooks, and you may force the debugger to work as you want

So to use different debuggers you may do:

perl -d:DebugHooks::Terminal script.pl
# OR
perl -d:Trepan script.pl

Look these modules here and here.

There are several most interesting Perl modules that hook into Perl debugger internals: Devel::NYTProf and Devel::Cover

And many others.