perlbrew

What perlbrew is

perlbrew is a free, open-source tool for managing multiple Perl installations without administrator privileges. It keeps each installation in a separate environment in the user’s home directory or another chosen location, making it possible to maintain distinct Perl setups. The `switch` command selects an installation as the default, while `use` selects one for the current shell. The `exec` command runs a program against perlbrew installations, which the project describes as useful for testing. Perlbrew-managed CPAN modules can be installed without running `sudo`.

The project supports Linux and macOS, as well as self-hosted use. Its quick installation route runs the perlbrew installer with curl and bash; documentation also describes wget for Linux, fetch for FreeBSD and installation through CPAN. The `PERLBREW_ROOT` environment variable changes the default root directory from `~/perl5/perlbrew`, and `PERLBREW_CPAN_MIRROR` sets an HTTP or HTTPS CPAN mirror. The site lists version 1.02, released July 18, 2025. That release added `rm` and `delete` as shorter uninstall command names and made patchperl optional. Windows users are directed to Berrybrew. The project points users to GitHub issues and discussions for questions and project matters; its repository identifies the MIT License and says the software is provided without warranty.

Who it suits

perlbrew suits Perl developers who want to manage separate installations without administrator privileges, including people who need to switch versions or run programs against different installations. It is also relevant to users installing CPAN modules or working with Perl in self-hosted environments.

Getting started

1. Visit the perlbrew website.
2. Run the documented installer with curl and bash, or use an alternate documented route such as wget on Linux or CPAN.
3. Choose an installation location, changing `PERLBREW_ROOT` from its default if needed.
4. Use `switch` to set a default Perl installation or `use` for the current shell.
5. Optionally configure an HTTP or HTTPS CPAN mirror with `PERLBREW_CPAN_MIRROR`.

Verdict

Pick perlbrew if you work with Perl on Linux or macOS and want separate installations, shell selection and testing support without administrator privileges. Windows users are directed to Berrybrew, and the project provides the software without warranty.