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# 6.7 Using Perl

If `MASTER_SITES` is set to `MASTER_SITE_PERL_CPAN`, then the preferred value of `MASTER_SITE_SUBDIR` is the top-level hierarchy name. For example, the recommended value for `p5-Module-Name` is `Module`. The top-level hierarchy can be examined at cpan.org. This keeps the port working when the author of the module changes.

The exception to this rule is when the relevant directory does not exist or the distfile does not exist in that directory. In such case, using author's id as `MASTER_SITE_SUBDIR` is allowed.

All of the tunable knobs below accept either `YES` or a version string like `5.8.0+`. `YES` means that the port can be used with any of the supported Perl versions. If a port only works with specific versions of Perl, it can be indicated with a version string, specifying a minimum version (e.g., `5.7.3+`), a maximum version (e.g., `5.8.0-`) or an exact version (e.g., `5.8.3`).

Table 6-6. Variables for Ports That Use Perl

Variable | Meaning
--- | ---
`USE_PERL5` | The port uses Perl 5 to build and run.
`USE_PERL5_BUILD` | The port uses Perl 5 to build.
`USE_PERL5_RUN` | The port uses Perl 5 to run.
`PERL` | The full path of the Perl 5 interpreter, either in the system or installed from a port, but without the version number. Use this if you need to replace ```#!`''lines in scripts.
`PERL_CONFIGURE` | Configure using Perl's MakeMaker. It implies `USE_PERL5`.
`PERL_MODBUILD` | Configure, build and install using Module::Build. It implies `PERL_CONFIGURE`.

Read only variables |
`PERL_VERSION` | The full version of Perl installed (e.g., `5.8.9`).
`PERL_LEVEL` | The installed Perl version as an integer of the form `MNNNPP` (e.g., `500809`).
`PERL_ARCH` | Where Perl stores architecture dependent libraries. Defaults to `${ARCH}-freebsd`.
`PERL_PORT` | Name of the Perl port that is installed (e.g., `perl5`).
`SITE_PERL` | Directory name where site specific Perl packages go. This value is added to `PLIST_SUB`.

> Note: Ports of Perl modules which do not have an official website should link to `cpan.org` in the WWW line of `pkg-descr`. The preferred URL form is `http://search.cpan.org/dist/Module-Name/` (including the trailing slash).

> Note: Do not use `${SITE_PERL}` in dependency declarations. Doing so assumes that `bsd.perl.mk` has been included, which is not always true. Ports depending on this port will have incorrect dependencies if this port's files move later in an upgrade. The right way to declare Perl module dependencies is shown in the example below.

Example 6-2. Perl Dependency Example

    p5-IO-Tee>=0.64:${PORTSDIR}/devel/p5-IO-Tee

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