# Perl Data Language > set of free software array programming extensions to the Perl programming language **Wikidata**: [Q4046690](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4046690) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perl_Data_Language) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/perl-data-language ## Summary Perl Data Language (PDL) is a free software library that extends the Perl programming language with array programming capabilities, enabling efficient numerical computations and data manipulation. It was developed as a set of extensions to Perl and is particularly useful for scientific and numerical applications. PDL is influenced by languages like Interactive Data Language (IDL) and APL, and it follows the array programming paradigm. ## Key Facts - A set of free software array programming extensions to the Perl programming language. - Developed by Karl Glazebrook. - First released in 1996. - Uses the GNU General Public License and the Artistic License. - Current stable version is 2.098, released on January 3, 2025. - Influenced by Interactive Data Language (IDL), APL, and other array programming languages. - Follows the array programming, imperative programming, and functional programming paradigms. - Available as packages for Debian, FreeBSD, Gentoo, and macOS. - Source code is hosted on GitHub at https://github.com/PDLPorters/pdl. - Official website is https://pdl.perl.org/. - Used primarily in scientific computing and numerical analysis. ## FAQs **What is Perl Data Language, and how does it differ from Perl?** Perl Data Language (PDL) is a specialized library for Perl that adds array programming capabilities, making it more efficient for numerical computations and data manipulation. Unlike general-purpose Perl, PDL is optimized for scientific and numerical applications. **Who developed Perl Data Language, and when was it created?** Perl Data Language was developed by Karl Glazebrook and was first released in 1996. **What programming paradigms does Perl Data Language support?** PDL supports array programming, imperative programming, and functional programming paradigms. **What licenses does Perl Data Language use?** PDL is distributed under the GNU General Public License and the Artistic License. **Where can I find the source code for Perl Data Language?** The source code for PDL is available on GitHub at https://github.com/PDLPorters/pdl. ## Why It Matters Perl Data Language (PDL) is significant in the scientific computing and numerical analysis communities due to its ability to extend Perl with array programming capabilities. By providing efficient tools for numerical computations, PDL enables researchers and developers to handle large datasets and complex mathematical operations more effectively. Its influence from languages like Interactive Data Language (IDL) and APL demonstrates its role in advancing array programming techniques. PDL's open-source nature and compatibility with various operating systems make it a valuable resource for both academic and industrial applications. ## Notable For - One of the earliest and most influential array programming extensions for Perl. - Supports multiple programming paradigms, including array, imperative, and functional programming. - Available as packages for major Linux distributions and macOS. - Actively maintained with frequent updates, including the latest stable version 2.098 released in 2025. - Influenced by established array programming languages like IDL and APL. ## Body ### Overview Perl Data Language (PDL) is a free software library that extends the Perl programming language with array programming capabilities. It was developed by Karl Glazebrook and first released in 1996. PDL is particularly useful for scientific and numerical applications, providing efficient tools for numerical computations and data manipulation. ### Development and History PDL was created to address the need for array programming within the Perl ecosystem. It was influenced by languages like Interactive Data Language (IDL) and APL, which are also array programming languages. The development of PDL aimed to bring the benefits of array programming to Perl users, making it a valuable tool for scientific computing. ### Licensing and Availability PDL is distributed under the GNU General Public License and the Artistic License, ensuring its availability as free software. It is available as packages for Debian, FreeBSD, Gentoo, and macOS, making it accessible to a wide range of users. The source code is hosted on GitHub, allowing for community contributions and continuous development. ### Programming Paradigms PDL supports multiple programming paradigms, including array programming, imperative programming, and functional programming. This versatility makes it suitable for a variety of applications, from numerical analysis to data manipulation. ### Current Status The latest stable version of PDL is 2.098, released on January 3, 2025. PDL continues to be actively maintained, with frequent updates and improvements. The official website provides resources and documentation for users, ensuring that the library remains relevant and useful. ### Influence and Impact PDL's influence extends to the broader field of array programming languages. By extending Perl with array programming capabilities, PDL has contributed to the development of more efficient and powerful tools for scientific computing. Its open-source nature and community-driven development have made it a valuable resource for researchers and developers alike. ## References 1. [Source](https://github.com/PDLPorters/pdl/blob/master/Makefile.PL) 2. [Source](http://pdl.perl.org/) 3. [Source](https://sourceforge.net/p/pdl/mailman/message/36311018/) 4. [Source](https://github.com/PDLPorters/pdl/releases/tag/2.035) 5. [Source](https://metacpan.org/release/ETJ/PDL-2.035) 6. [Source](https://metacpan.org/release/ETJ/PDL-2.038) 7. [2021](https://github.com/PDLPorters/pdl/releases/tag/2.063) 8. [2021](https://metacpan.org/release/ETJ/PDL-2.063) 9. [2022](https://github.com/PDLPorters/pdl/releases/tag/2.080) 10. [2022](https://github.com/PDLPorters/pdl/releases/tag/2.081) 11. [2024](https://github.com/PDLPorters/pdl/releases/tag/2.087) 12. [2024](https://github.com/PDLPorters/pdl/releases/tag/2.089) 13. [2024](https://github.com/PDLPorters/pdl/releases/tag/2.094) 14. [Source](https://github.com/PDLPorters/pdl/releases/tag/2.098) 15. [Release 2.025. 2021](https://github.com/PDLPorters/pdl/releases/tag/2.025) 16. [Release 2.026. 2021](https://github.com/PDLPorters/pdl/releases/tag/2.026)