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> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Running Builds with Perl

Last updated on Sep 23, 2026

Starting with Incredibuild 10.38.0, Incredibuild can intercept `perl.exe` and supports [Build Cache](/windows/build-cache) for Perl builds.

## Prerequisites

* Perl is installed and available on PATH (for example, Strawberry Perl).
* [Build Cache](/windows/build-cache) is enabled on your Initiator Agents.
* Your license includes Cache Cores. For details, see [Build Cache Overview](/windows/build-cache-overview).
* Incredibuild **10.38.0** or later.

## Enable the Build Cache Profile

Use either of the following methods:

### Pass `/BuildCacheProfile` on the command line

Add `/BuildCacheProfile="<IB installation folder>\BuildCache Profiles\BuildCache_profile_perl.xml"` to your BuildConsole command.

### Install as the override profile

Copy `BuildCache_profile_perl.xml` to `C:\ProgramData\Incredibuild\BuildCache` and rename it to `BuildCache_profile.xml`. Builds then use this profile by default unless you pass `/BuildCacheProfile`. For details, see [Configuration Changes](/windows/configuration-changes) and the `/BuildCacheProfile` description in [BuildConsole](/windows/build-console-cli).

## NMake and Makefile builds

Once the Perl Build Cache profile is active, no extra steps are required. When `perl.exe` appears in NMake or Makefile recipes, Incredibuild intercepts it like other tools.

## Visual Studio Custom Build Steps

If `perl.exe` runs inside Visual Studio custom build steps, set the registry value `CustomStepVs10Support` under `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Xoreax\Incredibuild\Builder` to **0**.

The default value (`1`) wraps the entire custom step as a single task, which prevents per-`perl.exe` caching. Setting it to `0` submits each child `perl.exe` process as a separate cacheable task.

For more information, see [Accelerating Custom Build Steps, Events, and Tools](/windows/accelerating-custom-build-steps).

## Running a Perl Build

Run your make or nmake build through BuildConsole, pointing `/BuildCacheProfile` at the Perl Build Cache profile:

```powershell theme={null}
BuildConsole /command=<your make/nmake command> /BuildCacheProfile="<IB installation folder>\BuildCache Profiles\BuildCache_profile_perl.xml"
```