If there were an error in scalar references, wouldn't the command window return some errors?
No, perl let's you use strings as numbers. If it can't figure out a numerical context for your variable, then the value assumed is zero.
This is why I never use strict, though I'm sure it would help me if i better understood it.
By all means, take the time to understand it. Start with what is further down in this thread, the Super Search I suggested earlier, and the documentation.

Update: Another helpful link

In reply to Re: Re: Re: Can't grab $ARGV[n] by runrig
in thread Can't grab $ARGV[n] by OxYgEn

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