ansaurus

Question

How can I create a shell with history in my Perl program?

Answer 1

+3 A:

Term::ReadLine::Gnu is the best module for this, Term::ReadLine::Perl the fallback.

daxim 2010-01-27 00:43:27

The Term::ReadLine::Gnu module is licensed as per Perl, but the GNU readline library that it links to is GPL, so the whole thing is effectively GPL. If you plan on distributing your software, you will have to do so under the terms of the GPL if you use the GNU library. If this works for you, fine. If not, T::R::P is dual licensed, with Artistic/GPL.

daotoad 2010-01-27 01:01:16

You overestimate the impact. In practice the vast majority of applications and modules do not redistribute the readline library, but merely point to T::R::G in the distribution meta file. That way it means if one plans on distributing one's software, one is not bound to the GNU licence and may pick something different.

daxim 2010-01-27 11:26:55

@daxim, the issue is not distribution of the readline library, it is linking against it. But, if I accept your interpretation of the license terms, it seems to me that it still violates the spirit, if not the letter of the GPL. If I can't or won't share, then I shouldn't be using the resource. Those are pretty reasonable terms and I respect them.

daotoad 2010-01-27 17:12:22

Answer 2

+1 A:

Term::ReadLine interfaces to various readline packages, and as such will support history as you describe.

Brian Agnew 2010-01-27 00:43:48

Are you aware you're linking to the Perl 5.005 version of the documentation?

daxim 2010-01-27 00:46:56

Not anymore he isn't. :)

brian d foy 2010-01-27 04:13:01

@brian d foy The link you posted is incorrect. Since it is part of Core. You should have used one of these: http://search.cpan.org/perldoc/Term::Readline or http://search.cpan.org/perldoc?Term::Readline

Brad Gilbert 2010-01-27 04:59:29

Ah rats, thanks for fixing that. We could also link to perldoc.perl.org.

brian d foy 2010-01-27 05:04:49

ansaurus

tags:

views:

answers:

How can I create a shell with history in my Perl program?

related questions