#EXAMPLE 1
my $a = "0001";
print "a 1 as string is:$a\n";
$a+=0;                 # A trick!  forces numeric context!!!
print "a 1 as number is:$a\n";

#EXAMPLE 2
my $b="01";
if ($a eq $b)
{
   print "$a is eq $b\n";
}
else
{
   print "$a is NOT eq $b\n";
}

if ($a == $b)
{
   print "$a is == $b\n";
}
else
{
   print "$a is NOT == $b\n";
}

#EAMPLE 3
my $string_eight="8";
my $numeric_eight = 8;