JJB,
Might I suggest using localtime instead: 
print HISTORY scalar localtime;
my $date = localtime;

[download]
To answer your original question, you need to use backticks or qx; 
my $date = `date`;

[download]
Cheers - L~R

In reply to Re: capture system date to $date by Limbic~Region
in thread capture system date to $date by JJB

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