1. What is MakePerlDroplet?

MakePerlDroplet is an AppleScript droplet that directs MacPerl to check the syntax of a Perl script and compile the script as a droplet. If there are syntax errors, they will be displayed in the "MacPerl" window and the script will not be compiled.

The droplet's name is taken from the name of the script. Specifically, the name is everything before the first period in the script's name (/^([^.]+)/). Thus, script names must contain a period beyond the first character. (Note that it is a bad idea to name Mac files with a leading period.)

Example: dropping the perl script "script.pl" on MakePerlDroplet will produce a droplet named "script"

MakePerlDroplet will only build one droplet at a time.

2. What is Molecular Vision?

Molecular Vision is a peer-reviewed journal of molecular biology, cell biology, and the genetics of the visual system. MakePerlDroplet was written as a time saving tool to develop software for Molecular Vision.

3. How do I install it?

Download the file "mpd.hqx" and unpack it. You will need AppleScript and MacPerl installed to use it. See their respective documentation for installation instructions.

4. Known bugs and limitations

All known bugs have been addressed.

MakePerlDroplet has only been tested with a PM8500 running MacOS 8.0, AppleScript 1.1.2, and MacPerl 5.2.0r4.

5. Legal stuff

MakePerlDroplet is free, but not in the public domain. This software is copyrighted ©1998 Stephen Cristol. MakePerlDroplet cannot be sold by itself or in combination with any other product, without the express written permission of the author, Stephen Cristol. Commercial publishers and distributors of CD-ROM software collections may not distribute MakePerlDroplet on CD-ROM without the express written permission of the author, Stephen Cristol.

MakePerlDroplet may be posted on an information service which charges its users for connection time, but it may NOT be posted in any location that will charge for the specific right to download MakePerlDroplet, without the express written permission of Stephen Cristol. User groups which are publishing a CD-ROM or floppy collection, may include MakePerlDroplet without restriction, save that the entire MakePerlDroplet package is included. Hard disk vendor which distribute PD, shareware, and freeware on disk drives, may distribute MakePerlDroplet in its entirety. MakePerlDroplet may be given away as a support utility for a package which is itself to be given away.

6. Disclaimer

This program is provided "as is" without express or implied warranty, including but not limited to any implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event will the author, Stephen Cristol be liable for any damages, including lost profits, lost savings, or other incidental or consequential damages, even if the author, Stephen Cristol is advised of the possibility of such damages, or for any claim by you or any third party.

7. Comments & bug reports

Please direct your comments or bug reports to me, at:

If this software saves you so much time or money that you feel a need to compensate someone for it, consider making a donation to Molecular Vision:

8. Obtaining MakePerlDroplet

MakePerlDroplet (7K) is available from the MakePerlDroplet home page <http://www.molvis.org/molvis/software.html>.

9. MakePerlDroplet Release Notes

Version 1.0 (20 July 1998)

Initial public release