http://qs1969.pair.com?node_id=173767


in reply to alpha vs alpha numeric

I don't know what you're comparing with the regex, but you do have to include the preceding "m" in a regex when you chose to use delimiters different than the default slashes, eg.:

if (($ref->{prodname} =~ m($value)) || ($ref->{key1} =~ m($value)))

You may also consider testing with eq if you want everything stringified.