I can read and write simple perl script for admin but i don't define myself a perl programmer . A question for you . For searching a DBA in 2013 do you think perl is something usefull nowdays ? I use it sometimes on windows machine .. but on unix I usually prefer shell scripting .. so I'd like to know your opinion . the reason for the question are 2 : - think if it something I have to study more or if it is better to study something else - for recruiting Obviously as dba/sysadmin i exclude dotnet or java skill as requirement ( i know java quite well becouse i come from java develpment but i don't use it for my work and so i don't think it is something important for a dba (it is another work)) . Thanks -- //www.freelists.org/webpage/oracle-l