How do I update/install Perl?

Warning: Using cpan as shown will take a considerable amount of time and cannot be left unattended.

The following command will update all of your Perl packages and test them for you:

$ sudo cpan
cpan[1]> upgrade

Perl Tag:

Perl is a high-level programming language that comes installed by default in Ubuntu.

Package versions

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/UbuntuBackports:

When Ubuntu releases a new version of its OS every 6 months, that release is largely frozen in time. While the software that is part of that release will get bug fixes and security patches, new major releases of software and the new features that come with them will not be available.

Ubuntu 11.10 Perl version

A link: What version of Perl is shipped with the Desktop Version of 11.10?

The Perl 5.14.2

Ubuntu Packages: http://packages.ubuntu.com/search?keywords=perl&searchon=names&suite=all&section=all

precise (perl): Larry Wall's Practical Extraction and Report Language 5.14.2-6ubuntu2: amd64 i386

Ubuntu 12.04 LTS

The Ubuntu 12.04 will be released: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/PrecisePangolin/ReleaseSchedule

April 26th Final Release

Ubuntu 12.04 Forum: http://ubuntuforums.org/forumdisplay.php?f=412

sudo perl -MCPAN -e 'upgrade'

is an option that might help.