No, the --with-perl option builds PL/Perl, which is server-side. I
recommend using the module DBD::Pg for connecting to the server from a
perl script and executing queries, but there are probably other modules
as well.
> I read that the "--with-perl" option "Build the PL/Perl server-side
> language". Does that mean the the switch is necessary to connect to
> the PostgreSQL database if you are using a perl program?
>
> It seems to me that it is only for allowing the use of perl *inside*
> of postgres and if one is just using perl programs to access the
> database from the outside this switch is not necessary. I want to
> make sure I give the applications programmers the tools they need.
>
Yes, but be sure to CREATE LANGUAGE in your database so you can use it.
> Also, does the PL/pgSQL server-side language get built automatically
> by default?
-dj