As individual elements: $HASH{$key}[$index]
The sames values will be returned if you use $HASH{$key}->[$index]. I find this rather confusing. I looked at References quick reference and saw where tye said If the reference is in a hash or an array (and you are getting back a scalar), then you can drop the -> between the adjacent [0] and/or {KEY} parts. I'm just curious why this doesn't raise any sort of exception and if there is a correct or preferred version of the syntax?