Mod_perl is a widely used technology within the category of Language Runtimes. It is a module for the Apache HTTP server that embeds the Perl programming language within the server, allowing for enhanced performance and scalability of web applications. By integrating Perl directly into the web server, mod_perl eliminates the need to start a separate Perl interpreter for each request, thus reducing overhead and significantly speeding up the execution of Perl scripts.
Having originated from the need to improve the performance of dynamic web applications written in Perl, mod_perl was founded in the late 1990s by Doug MacEachern. The primary motivation behind the development of mod_perl was to address the inefficiencies that arose from the common CGI (Common Gateway Interface) approach, which involved starting a new Perl interpreter for each incoming request. With mod_perl, Perl scripts could be precompiled and stored in memory, ready to be executed upon receiving a request, leading to a substantial increase in speed and efficiency.
Currently, mod_perl maintains a moderate market share within the Language Runtimes category. While newer technologies and frameworks have emerged in recent years, mod_perl continues to be favored by developers who are already proficient in Perl and seek optimal performance for their web applications. Although its market share may experience a slight decline due to the rise of alternative solutions, mod_perl is expected to remain a relevant choice for high-performance web applications that rely on Perl scripting.
