In scalar context, a sub returning an array returns its "weight" or number of elements, while a sub returning a list returns its "last" or last element: 
sub x {
  (1 , 2 , 7);
}

sub z {
  my @L = (1 , 2 , 7);
  @L
}

my $x = x;

warn $x;

my $z = z;

warn $z;

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This can be useful when you have a sub that was written to return a scalar but you need to return more from it: just return a list and have the last element be what it used to return and put all the new things you want to return from it in a list in front of it: 


sub x {

  ($new_val, $new_val2, $old_value_returned_when_called_in_scalar_cont
+ext);

[download]

Carter's compass: I know I'm on the right track when by deleting something, I'm adding functionality

update (broquaint): shortened title (was A list returns its last, an array returns its weight (keeping a subroutine which used to return a scalar useable when you need to return more))

In reply to A list returns its last, an array returns its weight by princepawn

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