diff --git a/doc/dev/coding.html b/doc/dev/coding.html
index 5aed7a6a91..d46dd30e3e 100644
--- a/doc/dev/coding.html
+++ b/doc/dev/coding.html
@@ -542,3 +542,16 @@ messages to report programming errors detected at runtime.
 They may not be used in messages that indicate errors in the
 program's inputs or operation.<P>
 
+<H2>Perl source code</H2>
+
+Perl must not be required for building, installing, or using the BIND 9
+name server.  It may be used for things like test scripts and optional
+server add-on components.<P>
+
+Perl 5 is assumed; Perl scripts do not need to work in Perl 4.<P>
+
+Perl source code should follow the conventions for C source code
+where applicable.<P>
+
+
+