The development of Perl Script distribution center portal at Malaysian Genome Institute (MGI)

Abstract

‘Perl Reference and Distribution Center’ portal system was developed as a web based system. The objective of this system is to help researchers in understanding Perl language, besides encouraging them to use Perl in their research. Perl is an acronym for Practical Extraction and Report Language, have the advantage in term of its syntax, since it was based on scripting and interpreted language. Perl script can be developed within a short period, plus with its open source feature, Perl had gained a lot of supports. Perl also have a huge library, and also used a lot in Bioinformatics’ field. Bioinformatics involved a lot use of software for data analysis tools. A lot of transactions and data manipulation has become a common requirement in bioinformatics, and they are better fulfilled by Perl. The main problem focused is the incapability of researchers in MGI to develop custom Perl application for their own purpose, since their attention is more on the biological research. This system tries to help researchers by providing easy access to the information regarding Perl through website system. Developed using WebE as development methodology, this system provides many applications, including tutorial section and a section for downloading application. This system would attract the researchers to Perl, and encourage them to learn the language because all the resources have been grouped in a single place. As a result, the researchers will find it is easier for them to learn Perl, and hopefully can increase the productivity and quality of their research.