You could abstract $b away into a sub (I'm assuming you're using it as a placeholder for a complex operation), and do something like: 

sub b {
   return $b;
}

b() and $a->{'b'} = b();

[download]

I guess I don't really understand where your "way too verbose" is coming from; it would help if I could see a more involved example of the code you're attempting to simplify.

<-radiant.matrix->
Larry Wall is Yoda: there is no try{} (ok, except in Perl6; way to ruin a joke, Larry! ;P)
The Code that can be seen is not the true Code
"In any sufficiently large group of people, most are idiots" - Kaa's Law

In reply to Re: Shortcut operator for $a->{'b'}=$b if $b; by radiantmatrix
in thread Shortcut operator for $a->{'b'}=$b if $b; by rokadave

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