All vSphere SDK for Perl scripts must use the VMware::VIRuntime module.

use VMware::VIRuntime;

This module handles all client-side infrastructure details. For example, it transparently maps data types and provides local Perl interfaces to server-side objects. The module also loads subroutines that you can use to connect to a vCenter Server or ESX/ESXi system and to retrieve views. Views are the client-side Perl objects that encapsulate the properties and operations of server-side managed objects. The subroutines are organized into different packages.

  • The Opts package subroutines handle built-in options and creating custom options.
  • The Util package subroutines facilitate routine tasks, such as setting up and closing connections to the server.
  • The Vim package subroutines access server-side managed objects, instantiate local proxy objects (views), update properties, and run local methods that result in operations on remote servers.

See vSphere SDK for Perl Subroutine Reference.