PostgreSQL includes support for writing stored procedures in various
languages including Perl:
http://www.postgresql.org/docs/8.4/interactive/plperl.html
I've been working on a series of patches to enhance the "PL/Perl"
language for PostgreSQL 8.5.
The first patch refactors the core perl support without changing any
functionality. That's been committed now.
Then "Add utility functions to plperl"
https://commitfest.postgresql.org/action/patch_view?id=264
Plus "Miscellaneous changes to plperl"
https://commitfest.postgresql.org/action/patch_view?id=268
Plus "Add on_perl_init and proper destruction to plperl"
https://commitfest.postgresql.org/action/patch_view?id=270
Plus "Add on_trusted_init and on_untrusted_init to plperl"
https://commitfest.postgresql.org/action/patch_view?id=271
Plus "Package namespace and Safe init cleanup for plperl"
https://commitfest.postgresql.org/action/patch_view?id=272
I'm writing to ask for help in testing/reviewing these patches
for three reasons:
1. to help flush out any problems with the code
2. extra testing/reviewing makes it more likely to be accepted
3. more people involved in reviewing patches helps PostgreSQL
There's a page on the PostgreSQL wiki explaining how to help:
http://wiki.postgresql.org/wiki/Reviewing_a_Patch
It's all straight-forward stuff. No rocket science.
Even just reading the patch diff would be great. Better still, apply the
patches and run the tests. Ideally then experiment with the features
and try to break them! Whatever you do, give feedback!
If you're interested in helping get these features into PostgreSQL,
please let me know (off-list).
If you want to help PostgreSQL some more I know the developers would be
*very* grateful if you'd do the same for any other pending patches that
appeal to you: https://commitfest.postgresql.org/action/commitfest_view?id=5
Tim.
[1] The login page has a link to register yourself.
[2] http://archives.postgresql.org/pgsql-hackers/
