The Perl Conference

Overview

The Perl Conference, formerly known as Yet Another Perl Conference (YAPC), is a series of conferences discussing the Perl and related topics. These conferences are organized by the Perl Foundation and are held annually in various locations around the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. The Perl Conference is a non-profit, volunteer-driven event aimed at promoting Perl, its community, and its culture.

History

The Perl Conference was initially called Yet Another Perl Conference, a humorous take on the abundance of tech conferences during the late 90s. The first YAPC was held in 1999 at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. The event was organized by Kevin Lenzo, a Perl enthusiast and researcher at the university. The conference was a success, attracting Perl programmers from around the world. This led to the establishment of annual YAPC events in North America, Europe, and Asia.

In 2016, YAPC was rebranded as The Perl Conference, although the community often still refers to it as YAPC. The name change was part of an effort to make the conference more accessible and appealing to a broader audience, including those who might not be familiar with the Perl language.

Format

The Perl Conference typically lasts for three days and includes a variety of activities such as keynote speeches, technical presentations, tutorials, and lightning talks. The conference also features a hackathon, where participants can collaborate on Perl projects. The event is known for its informal and community-oriented atmosphere, with ample opportunities for networking and socializing.

Keynote speeches are usually delivered by prominent figures in the Perl community or the broader tech industry. These speeches often address the state of Perl, its future, and its role in the tech industry.

Technical presentations and tutorials cover a wide range of topics, from beginner-friendly introductions to Perl to advanced technical discussions. These sessions are typically delivered by experienced Perl programmers and are intended to share knowledge and best practices.

Lightning talks are short, five-minute presentations that allow participants to share ideas, projects, or experiences. These talks are a popular feature of the conference, providing a fast-paced and engaging format for sharing information.

Impact

The Perl Conference has played a significant role in the development and promotion of the Perl programming language. The conference provides a platform for Perl enthusiasts to share knowledge, collaborate on projects, and network with other community members. It has also been instrumental in fostering a sense of community among Perl programmers.

The conference has also contributed to the development of Perl by providing a venue for discussions about the language's future. Key decisions about Perl's development, such as the creation of Perl 6, have been discussed at the conference.

See Also

• Perl Foundation
• Perl programming language
• Perl 6
• List of computer science conferences

A large conference room with rows of chairs facing a stage. The stage has a podium and a large screen for presentations.

A large conference room with rows of chairs facing a stage. The stage has a podium and a large screen for presentations.