The only difference is the parentheses. I'm not sure why they are required. Perhaps somebody else can explain that...
I think its because perl follows standard mathematical operator precedence rules: B.E.D.M.A.S (Brackets, exponents, division, multiplication, addition, subtraction.)
update: Grandfather's explanation is better.
In reply to Re^2: odd or even day?
by demerphq
in thread odd or even day?
by jondkent
| For: | Use: | ||
| & | & | ||
| < | < | ||
| > | > | ||
| [ | [ | ||
| ] | ] |