The Inline module allows you to put source code from other 
programming languages directly "inline" in a Perl script 
or module. The code is automatically compiled as needed, 
and then loaded for immediate access from Perl.

Inline saves you from the hassle of having to write and 
compile your own glue code using facilities like XS or SWIG. 
Simply type the code where you want it and run your Perl as 
normal. All the hairy details are handled for you. The 
compilation and installation of your code chunks all happen 
transparently; all you will notice is the delay of 
compilation on the first run.

The Inline code only gets compiled the first time you run 
it (or whenever it is modified) so you only take the 
performance hit once. Code that is Inlined into distributed 
modules (like on the CPAN) will get compiled when the module 
is installed, so the end user will never notice the compilation 
time.

Best of all, it works the same on both Unix and Microsoft 
Windows.

NOTE: This NO LONGER installs the submodule Inline::C -- that must
be installed separately.