IBM Support

AIX Perl Updates and Support for perl.rte

Product Documentation


Abstract

This document provides information about support for the perl runtime provided by perl.rte. (Usage, runtime errors, version updates)

Content

Overview

IBM does not own or maintain Perl code.  IBM AIX periodically builds the latest available Perl for AIX, and publishes it as an RPM package on the AIX Toolbox for Open Source Software (AIX Toolbox) download site. An installp fileset (perl.rte) is built and released on the base operating system. 
  • The perl.rte fileset is intended for sole use by the operating system.  The AIX perl.rte will install in /usr/opt/perlN (where N is the version number) and create the symlink /usr/bin/perl.  Operating system components rely on the specific level of Perl shipped with the release. 
  • The AIX perl.rte fileset might be a lower level than the latest stable available Perl on the AIX Toolbox, since it is obtained and provided in the AIX build and test environment at the beginning of a release. 
  • AIX does not migrate custom installed Perl modules to the updated perl.rte installation, since the modules are not tested by AIX.  They are usually left on the system in the /usr/opt/perl5/lib/previousn.n.n  directory.
    • NOTE: If users had installed modules to the AIX perl installation location, they must reinstall these modules after an update, if they want to use the AIX perl. AIX cannot recommend that these modules be copied to the new AIX perl location, because they may not be supported by the new perl.rte version.
       
Version Updates
To avoid breaking AIX components, the default Perl location will remain constant throughout OS upgrades.  Perl versions are usually only updated in a Technology Level update, however, Perl vulnerabilities could result in Service Pack updates.
AIX does not back port Perl code changes to previous releases. Users are encouraged to use the latest Perl RPM version available on the AIX Toolbox to ensure they are using the latest versions tested on AIX.  This Perl RPM package installs to a unique directory, and does not overwrite the AIX default installation. This option also gives the user control over any Perl updates that could impact their production environment.
*** Deprecations introduced by newer perl releases might cause issues for customer applications that still rely on earlier AIX perl.rte versions
The following table lists the new perl.rte version shipped on supported technical levels and service packs.
AIX
oslevels		 perl.rte VRMF Perl version   Deprecations
See MetaCpan page for more details 
7100-05-05-1939
7200-04		 5.28.1.0 5.28.1
  • Attributes :locked and :unique 
    Notable changes introduced before 5.28:
    ** The current directory,".", was removed from @INC in 5.26. See the MetaCPAN page.
    ** CGI.pm was removed from the perl distribution in 5.22. See the MetaCpan page. If you require this, you will need to download and install the module from CPAN.
  • Bare here-document terminators
  • Setting $/ to a reference to a non-positive integer
  • Limit on the value of Unicode code points.
  • Use of comma-less variable list in formats.
  • Use of \N{}
  • Using the same symbol to open a filehandle and a dirhandle
  • ${^ENCODING} is no longer supported.
  • B::OP::terse
  • Use of inherited AUTOLOAD for non-method %s::%s() is no longer allowed
  • Use of code points over 0xFF in string bitwise operators
  • In XS code, use of to_utf8_case()
  • 7100-05-06-2016
  • 7200-04-02-2016
  • 5.28.1.2
  • 5.28.1
  • Service Pack Update
  • 7200-05
  • 7100-05-07-2038
  • 5.28.1.3
  • 5.28.1
  • Service Pack Update
  • 7300-00-00
  • 7200-04-05-2148
  • 7100-05-09-2148
  • 5.28.1.4
  • 5.28.1
  • Update in 7.3
  • Service Pack Updates 7.1 and 7.2
  • 7300-02-00-2345
  • 5.34.1.4
  • 5.34.1
  • Update in 7.3 TL2
  • 7200-05-07-2346
  • 5.28.1.7
  • 5.28.1
  • Service Pack Update in 7.2
Important Notes
  • Replacing /usr/bin/perl links with custom Perl installations can cause unexpected results for AIX applications, and is not supported.
  • Cases opened to address Perl usage and compatibility issues will be canceled, and users will be referred to the Open Source Forum.

Recommendations for Perl application developers

  • Always develop and test Perl applications with the latest version available on the AIX Toolbox, which installs Perl in a unique path, to ensure the most prompt availability of latest Perl releases, and control over custom modules.

Additional References

SUPPORT
A) For all questions or issues with Toolbox packages, the support is handled by the AIX Open Source team in the forum:
If you experience technical issues accessing the AIX Open Source community or forum, refer to the footer of the IBM Community forum page.
There is email, and "Contact Us" information for community support
# perl -v
exec(): 0509-036 Cannot load program perl because of the following errors:
        0509-150   Dependent module libperl.a(libperl.o) could not be loaded.
        0509-022 Cannot load module libperl.a(libperl.o).
        0509-026 System error: A file or directory in the path name does not exist.
#  lslpp -f perl.rte
The AIX Open Source team provides support through the forum, only. They answer questions, if possible, but they don't own the packages, or formally support them. For true expertise in usage of each package, users should consult the community for each respective package.  For Perl communities, see the Perl Community page (Perl Monks is a popular community for Perl usage discussions).
** Cases opened to address Toolbox problems will be canceled and users will be referred to the Open Source Forum.
B) If there is a problem with installing or updating perl.rte, or loading a perl.rte executable file, you can open an AIX Case (See C ) for assistance.
Examples of perl.rte issues supported through AIX Support:
- Errors updating or migrating the perl.rte fileset
- Commands from the perl.rte fileset do not run, or core dump
Example of a perl.rte loading issue:
This example would be handled through an IBM AIX Support case, and the support team would help resolve the missing modules.
To learn what is provided and supported by the perl.rte fileset:
C) Opening an AIX Support Case
If more assistance is required due to issues with the perl.rte fileset (see preceding B section), use the following step-by-step instructions to contact IBM to open a case for software with an active and valid support contract.  
1. Document (or collect screen captures of) all symptoms, errors, and messages related to your issue.
2. Capture any logs or data relevant to the situation.
3. Contact IBM to open a case:
   -For electronic support, see the IBM Support Community:
   -If you require telephone support, see the web page:
4. Provide a clear, concise description of the issue.
5. If the system is accessible, collect a system snap, and upload all of the details and data for your case.

Document Location

Worldwide

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Document Information

Modified date:
26 March 2024

UID

ibm10885927

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