use enum qw[ BITMASK:Usage_ cider juicer cooking eating display_and_throw_away ]; use enum qw[ BITMASK:Flowers_ spring summer autumn winter ]; use enum qw[ BITMASK:Ripe_ spring summer autumn winter ]; use constant Any => -1; ... my $sth = prepare( 'select id from trees where usage = ? and flowers = ? and ripe = ?;' ); $sth->execute( Usage_cider|Usage_juicer, Flowers_spring|Flowers_summer, Any );