Perl: removed integration

The former Perl topics referred to an embedded-language interface:

• perl() evaluated Perl inside the client process.
• perlcall() and perlxcall() called subroutines in that embedded interpreter.
• A /perl alias could be defined to invoke the function; that spelling did not imply a separate C built-in command.

EPIC6 has retired embedded Perl. The functions are absent from the current built-in registry, configuration no longer provides the interpreter integration, and no bundled script replaces that bridge. Installing an external Perl interpreter does not restore these functions or the former EPIC::* callbacks.

See using embedded Perl: removed for the former interface and migration context. To run a separate Perl program, use the exec command with a locally installed interpreter. That is a subprocess with explicit text input/output, not shared access to the client's aliases, variables, or hooks.

Source references

• KNOWNBUGS: explicit sunset of Perl support.
• UPDATES: project change history.
• source/functions.c and source/commands.c: current interface registries.
• configure.ac: current build integrations.
• source/exec.c: external-program alternative.