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Introduction to Perl for Bioinformatics

Description

Perl is a general-purpose interpreted language that is optimized for text and file manipulation, I/O, and system tasks. It provides a simple and efficient way to do many jobs and acts as a complement to traditional programming languages (C/C++) or shell scripting languages and editors. Perl is available for most computing environments and can be downloaded and installed free of charge.

The first day of this course will cover a broad range of the core features of the Perl programming language, including the language syntax, functions, library modules, regular expressions, and some object-oriented features. The course also explores invocation options, debugging, common mistakes, and much more.

The second day of the course will focus on using Perl programming in Bioinformatics. Topics will include querying dna strings, reading dna from Fasta files, parsing GenBank annotations, parsing PDB files, parsing BLAST output, using Perl modules like bioperl, etc.

Both days will include lab time for writing Perl solutions to exercises provided in the training notes.

Prerequisites

Some prior programming experience (particularly in C/C++) will be helpful, but is not essential

Target Audience

Persons interested in learning the fundamentals (or expanding their knowledge) of Perl, and how Perl might facilitate bioinformatics investigation. Individuals interested in Perl, but not bioinformatics, are encouraged to register and attend day one.

Method of Delivery

Lecture with hands-on exercises

Handouts

February 2005, Part One PDF, Pete Carswell
February 2005, Part Two PDF, Pete Carswell

November 2004, Part One PDF, Pete Carswell
November 2004, Part Two PDF, Pete Carswell

Tutorial #5, OCCBIO '08, June 2-4, 2008, Toledo, Ohio:
Using Perl in the Identification of CIS Elements in Promoter Sequences of Rice Genes, Presenters: Peter Carswell and Yuan Zhang, Ohio Supercomputer Center
Introduction to Perl Scripting (pdf)
Analysis of Rice DNA (pdf)