This is an alpha version of the core module diagnostics.

It is based on the 5.7.3 distribution, with a few
bugs fixed and a few features added. Yet, you can
retrofit your 5.6.0 (or later) installation
with this updated module.

INSTALLATION

First, backup you Perl directory tree (you always do that when you install
any alpha-version module, don't ya?). Backup also the splain script
from /usr/local/bin or wherever.

Then the usual 4-step incantation:
  perl Makefile.PL
  make
  make test (*)
and with the proper authorization level
  make install

(*) Note that some errors occur if you still have Perl 5.6.0. This only means
that explanations in 5.6.1 were more precise and more complete than in
5.6.0. Just try
  perl -Mblib t/21-enable.pl
  perl -Mblib t/22-diagfile.pl
and use the TLAR method (that looks about right), comparing with
t/21-enable.out and t/22-diagfile.out

ALPHA WARNING

Please note that this is an alpha version. A few words of caution:
- The API may change.
- The naming scheme for perldiag files may change.
- Translations exist only for 5.6.0, 5.6.1 and 5.7.3. Other Perl versions
will have to do with either one.
- splain has not been tested.
- The module does not work on exotic architectures (VMS, Mac OS
Classic, OS/390...). Maybe you can tell me what I should add to the
module so it will work in the next version...


DISTRIBUTION

This is a core module, therefore it will be distributed within
the standard Perl distribution (I hope). 

But at the same time, the module will exist as a separate 
one in CPAN, because this archive will contain files that
do not belong in the standard Perl distribution: 
translated podfiles, and test files.

Also, the new diagnostics module will appear in Perl 5.8.1 at
the soonest, so people who still use a version from 5.6.0 to
5.8.0 might want to retrofit their installations.

CONTACT

For the 1.2 version, write to me, JFORGET@cpan.org. Do not try the
Perl-5 Porters yet.