Dist::Zilla For Everyday Code

Dist::Zilla Is...

• A preprocessor
• A workflow framework
• Not a build system, per se

Why Use Dist::Zilla?

• Reduce boilerplate
• Automate dev processes
• Enforce consistency

But Why Bother?

• Development happens in stages
• E.g. author, test, distribute, install, run, etc.
• Organize and optimize code for each stage
• Divide big things into smaller ones
• Dependency management
• Enable automation

Reducing Boilerplate

• Inject $VERSION
• Generate tests
• Generate builders
• Inject POD

Automate Dev Processes

• Check in and tag code
• Check that dependencies are indexed
• Check that change log has (valid) content
• Check that all tests pass
• Send emails, update wiki, tweet, etc.
• Ship code to CI, QA, or PROD

Enforce Consistency

• Automate stuff we forget or dislike
• Write once, regenerate everywhere

DEMO

Other Features

• Bootstrapping (listdeps, authordeps)
• Plugin bundles
• Minting
• Profiles

Drawbacks

• Requires more tools
• Is another layer of abstraction
• Sometimes too opaque
• Requires trust

Alternatives

• Module::Starter
• Dist::Milla
• Minilla
• Zilla::Dist

Architecture

• Moose
• Large collection of Roles
• Divided into stages (BeforeBuild, AfterTest, etc.)
• Sophisticated configuration language and engine
• Excellent study in metaprogramming and extensibility

Additional Resources

• http://dzil.org
• #dzil on irc.perl.org
• Dist::Zilla::PluginBundle::AUTHOR