How can I install local modules with the cpan tool?

Question

my admin has given me sudo rights for ``` cpan ``` I also need to install a couple of non-CPAN modules (Atlassian Crowd -> svn connector) to the global PERL5LIB. I vaguely remember that cpan can install from local sources, without pulling modules from the web. any pointers? can I do it or should I just have him install those modules manually as root (a major hassle for me)? thanks!

Accepted Answer

If you want to install the Perl distribution in the current directory, use the dot instead of a filename:

```
 cpan .
```

If you are using one of the latest versions of the cpan program (not the one that currently comes with CPAN.pm), you can use the -j switch to specify an alternate configuration file where you can set the `--install_base` or `INSTALL_BASE` directives, and also set values for options like `connect_to_internet_ok`.

```
 cpan -j /path/to/Config.pm Foo::Bar
```

If you want to modify your current config to make your alternate config file, use -J to get the file text:

```
 cpan -J
```

Ideally, instead for giving you superuser priveleges, that sysadmin would have created a group for Perl admins, would have specified a directory for module installations owned by that group, and added you to that group. You wouldn't need any special powers then.

How can I install local modules with the cpan tool?

Solution

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