Google Hacks, 2nd Edition

Install the SOAP::Lite Perl Module

Install the SOAP::Lite Perl module, backbone of the vast majority of hacks in this book.

The SOAP::Lite (http://www.soaplite.com) Perl module is the de facto standard for interfacing with SOAP-based web services from Perl. As such, it is used extensively throughout this book and in hacks that you might stumble across online.

While teaching you how to install Perl modules is beyond the scope of this book, we’ve included these instructions to bootstrap your Google hacking without need of wandering off in search of a Perl book.

It’s unfortunately rather common for Internet service providers (ISPs) not to make SOAP::Lite available to their users. In many cases, ISPs are rather restrictive in general about what modules they make available and scripts they allow users to execute. Others are more accommodating and more than willing to install Perl modules on request. Before taking up your time and brainpower installing SOAP::Lite yourself, ask your service provider if it’s already there or if it can be installed for you.

Probably the easiest way to install SOAP::Lite is via another Perl module, CPAN, included with just about every modern Perl distribution. The CPAN module automates the installation of Perl modules, fetching components and any prerequisites from the Comprehensive Perl Archive Network (thus the name, CPAN) and building the whole kit-and-kaboodle on the fly.

Tip

CPAN installs modules into standard system-wide locations and, therefore, assumes ...