The first and simplest scenario uses a straightforward, standalone, mod_perl-enabled Apache server, as shown in Figure 12-1. Just take your plain Apache server and add mod_perl, like you would add any other Apache module. Continue to run it at the port it was using before. You probably want to try this before you proceed to more sophisticated and complex techniques. This is the standard installation procedure we described in Chapter 3.

Figure 12-1

Figure 12-1. mod_perl-enabled Apache server

A standalone server gives you the following advantages:

Simplicity
You just follow the installation instructions, configure it, restart the server, and you are done.

No network changes
You do not have to worry about using additional ports, as we will see later.

Speed
You get a very fast server for dynamic content, and you see an enormous speedup compared to mod_cgi, from the first moment you start to use it.

The disadvantages of a standalone server are as follows:

If you are new to mod_perl, this is probably the best way to get yourself started.

And of course, if your site is serving only mod_perl scripts (and close to zero static objects), this might be the perfect choice for you!

Before trying the more advanced setup techniques we are going to talk about now, it's probably a good idea to review the simpler straightforward installation and configuration techniques covered in Chapter 3 and Chapter 4. These will get you started with the standard deployment discussed here.