Actually, no. sprintf is a function that generates a formatted output string. The warning is because sprintf is being used in a context where its result is not being used. The the problem were due to a failed read the warning would be about using an undefined value instead.

See corion's answer for the good oil.

True laziness is hard work

In reply to Re^2: I don't understand string versus numeric context by GrandFather
in thread I don't understand string versus numeric context by Anonymous Monk

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