I know this thread is dead but it is the first link on a google search. I'm no expert but I really wanted to do this. My situation is slightly different but related.
I have
my $result = "all";
my $all = "notselected"
my $none = "notselected"

somewhere in my code, I set $result = "none" and still elsewhere I change say $none = "selected". Now, the solution provided here does not help me. I need to get $$result which would be all or none, each of which could be "selected" or "notselected" depending on the path my code takes.
The solution I found that works is
use strict;
no strict 'refs';

This may not be ideal but it works for my scenario. Maybe the experts can chime in.

In reply to Re: can't use string as a SCALAR ref while strict refs by periferral
in thread can't use string as a SCALAR ref while strict refs by justinNEE

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