I agree. No one should ever accidentally do math on a ref, without getting a warning (maybe even an error).

If the Perl Gods want to do this for some reason, give them a mechanism to turn it off: 

no warnings refnum;

[download]
I would even go so far as to say comparison should be strings only -- what better way to reinforce the notion that math is not useful on refs (unless you're doing something naughty under the hood).

And if you're still convinced you need to do math on refs, you can grab the digits out with a regex. At least then it will be painfully obvious for the next Perler.

-QM
--
Quantum Mechanics: The dreams stuff is made of

In reply to Re: The trap of reference numification by QM
in thread The trap of reference numification by samtregar

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