PL File Extension

What is PL file?

Files with PL extension store scripts written in Perl programming language. Script code in PL file can be comprised of functions, operations, variables, constructors, classes, and comments.

Uses of PL scripts

Perl programming language is used for writting dynamic content and applications. PL scripts are commonly used for text parsers and analyzers based on regular expressions, or reporting tools. PL files can also contain scripts for servers, CGI Web Servers, or Web apps. PL scritps are also used in finances and bioinformatics for processing huge amounts of data and implementing applications.

PL scripts syntax

Perl was designed with simplicity in mind and emphasis on terse syntax. Code stored in PL files may be challenging to read, especially by less-experienced programmers.

Additional information

Perl supports functional, object-oriented, and procedural programming paradigms.

First line of PL files mus contain reference to Perl interpreter and may look something like this: #!/Usr/local/bin/perl.

Programs which support PL file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 3 operating systems that support PL files. Files with PL extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 01/21/2023

How to open file with PL extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening PL files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with PL files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Install Perl software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening PL files is that no program that can handle PL files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Perl or different compatible program, such as ActivePerl, PerlEdit, Windows Notepad. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download Perl installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Perl.org website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Perl

If the problems with opening PL files still occur even after installing Perl, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Perl is available. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. If you have an older version of Perl installed, it may not support PL format. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Perl.

Step 3. Assign Perl to PL files

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate PL files with latest version of Perl you have installed on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Right-click the PL file and choose Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Perl is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open PL files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with PL extension, select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select Perl and click Change for all...
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with PL extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Ensure that the PL file is complete and free of errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the PL file is valid. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. Verify that the PL in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the PL file hinders attempts to open it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. PL file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Ensure the file with PL extension is complete and error-free

Did you receive the PL file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. When downloading the file with PL extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Perl

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with PL extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Perl Script files and ensure security of your device and operating system. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle PL files.

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