You don't need a loop just to get the number of items. Something like scalar @{$config->{bids}{itemcode}}should do the trick. If you just look at the @{ } part, you'll notice it's the same way you'd get the number of elements from a "regular" array.

Some resources that may help you on your quest to learn more:

• Perl References Tutorial
• Perl References
• Perl Data Structures Cookbook
• References Quick Reference from good brother tye.

Good luck.