Perl, the first postmodern computer language (1999)
Perl is really cursed by the past glory. People still trying to revive Perl against modern fad, for example, Python. Fad are powered by steam of live Eco-systems, which  Perl once had, but no longer have. There is no real reason why Perl couldn&#x27;t succeed where Python does other than the path of history. And there is no real reason to chase history today.<p>Rather than looking for killer app or adding modern features, such as the effort of Perl 6, now Raku, Perl should shed features and focus on stability (which it is fighting hard to retain), on ubiquity (which it had and are losing ground), and core performance (which it is slowly degrading due to features). I think it should try to get a core set into POSIX standard. The core Perl can be like POSIX shell, while a distribution always can distribute a fancier, but always compatible Perl.<p>Perl should replace shell scripting, period. If there is any reason shell scripts is still preferred, then that should be the TOP focus for Perl steering council to address.<p>It really frustrates me to see people today, me included, are still trying to manage basic software engineering in shell scripts. It really amuses me today to listen to pastors on how to write good shell scripts. It really saddens me today to watch efforts of inventing a better shell for scripting.