Perl end-of-life: support & EOL dates for every release
Perl · Web / Runtime · 3 supported · 6 end-of-life · updated June 2026 · what is end-of-life? →
This is when each Perl release line stops receiving security updates. 3 release lines are still supported — the next to reach end-of-life is Perl 5.38 on 2 Jul 2026. Running an end-of-life version means new vulnerabilities stay unpatched.
Perl support timeline
Each release line and the date it reaches end-of-life — newest first.
| Release | Latest version | End-of-life | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perl 5.42 | 5.42.2 | 3 Jul 2028 · in 25 mo | Supported |
| Perl 5.40 | 5.40.4 | 9 Jun 2027 · in 12 mo | Supported |
| Perl 5.38 | 5.38.5 | 2 Jul 2026 · in 0 mo | Ends soon |
| Perl 5.36 | 5.36.3 | 27 May 2025 | End of life |
| Perl 5.34 | 5.34.3 | 20 May 2024 | End of life |
| Perl 5.32 | 5.32.1 | 20 Jun 2023 | End of life |
| Perl 5.30 | 5.30.3 | 22 May 2022 | End of life |
| Perl 5.28 | 5.28.3 | 23 Jun 2021 | End of life |
| Perl 5.26 | 5.26.3 | 30 May 2020 | End of life |
Which Perl version should I run?
The safest choice is the latest supported release, 5.42.2. If you're on an end-of-life line, plan an upgrade to a supported one before security updates stop. See Perl's full security status →
Get warned before Perl reaches end-of-life
End-of-life dates are easy to miss until it's too late. Monitor Perl on IsItPatched and we'll email you before the release line you run stops getting security updates — free, no account needed to start.
Perl end-of-life — frequently asked
What Perl versions are still supported?
As of June 2026, these Perl release lines still receive security updates: 5.42, 5.40, 5.38. The latest supported release is 5.42.2. Versions older than these (5.36, 5.34, 5.32, 5.30, 5.28, 5.26) are end-of-life and no longer patched.
When does Perl 5.38 reach end of life?
Perl 5.38 reaches end-of-life on 2 Jul 2026 — imminently. After that date it stops receiving security patches.
Is Perl end-of-life?
No — Perl still has supported release lines (5.42, 5.40, 5.38). But individual older versions are end-of-life, so what matters is the specific version you run.
How do I know when my Perl version reaches end of life?
Check the version you run on its product page, or monitor Perl on IsItPatched to get an email alert before the release line you use reaches end-of-life — so you can upgrade in time.
EOL dates aggregated from endoflife.date and vendor sources, and can change — always confirm with Perl. See related: Perl security status · full EOL calendar · what is end-of-life software? · disclaimer.