Perl vs. PHP script

[cyrena]

For a payment process I will need to install a script protecting download pages - the choice is PHP or Perl.
Which one would be easier to handle on shared hosting?
What about security issues?
What about ease of use?
To my understanding (novice using Perl also requires the installation of modules.
Anyone with experience out there?

would appreciate feedback, thank you
Renate
www.trendpublications.com

[Nutter]

I'm not sure I understand the question fully, so correct me if I'm wrong... You have a package that protects documents until paid for. You have the option to use either a Perl or PHP script to do the protection. You're asking which is better. Sound like what you're asking? :-)

If so, it really shouldn't matter. Personally, I would go with PHP, but that's more because I know PHP than any other reason. My guess is that you'd have an easier time finding someone to fix problems if you use the PHP one.

[Thomas]

I would use Perl for the very same reason Nutter would use PHP... I'm just more familiar with it. It seems like there's a new PHP security exploit every time I turn around, but that's probably just my perspective.

Perl modules are rarely a problem as HG servers have a ridiculous number of them pre-installed.

Having said all that, I recently used the osCommerce shopping cart to do something very similar to what you describe... A document is stored in a protected directory. Upon payment, the buyer is emailed a unique URL that expires after a pre-set time. Pretty slick!

BTW- osCommerce is PHP, but really requires little or no knowledge of the language.

[cyrena]

Thanks Thomas
very helpful - I have the choice between a perl/cgi script that validates clickbank requests and a PHP script that validates both, clickbank and paypal.
The PHP has a familiar gui and generates the scripts on my PC which are then uploaded to the server - files/folders are password protected and temp download links are generated.
The Perl/CGI script is a bit more complex - files/folders along with the script are in the CGI bin, the script produces a temp copy along with temp download links.
I guess my problem is just that scripting is not my core business - I will just have to chose one and see how it works

Have a nice day
Renate

[cyrena]

Thanks for your comments Ryan
Renate