For some words, like 'list', Perl has several traditional uses. Perhaps a dictionary format, with several definitions, would be better. I had experience with other languages, but there was a significant period of confusion in my learning Perl.

I don't think Perl should dumb down because of that. The glossary idea strikes me as the right thing to do.

A few other words for the glossary:

• void, scalar, and list context - how tightly can context be described?
• hash - compare to dictionary and association in other languages, describe a hash table to justify the term
• map - describe as a transformation of a list
• grep - compare to map, describe similarities and differences with grep utility to justify the name
• regex - simple description as a pattern specialized for string matching, enough history to justify the name, comparison to other versions.
• reference - compare to addressing in the common sense, speak of ability to follow dynamically changing data.

Is that the level you think is needed?

After Compline,
Zaxo