Why Perl Fell: Culture Over Code

This insightful article explores why Perl programming language declined, attributing it primarily to cultural rather than technical factors. Drawing from personal experience in Perl’s heyday, including work at Amazon, the author analyzes Perl’s roots in UNIX sysadmin culture, emphasizing tribalism, conservatism, and resistance to evolution. Key themes include the ‘BOFH’ culture, the paradox of ‘TIMTOWTDI’ (There’s More Than One Way To Do It) fostering stagnation, and how Perl 6 became a cultural schism. The piece offers profound insights into how community values—like gatekeeping and elitism—can hinder technological progress, making it a valuable reflection on programming language ecosystems and their impact on modern tech development.