What's the difference between a list and an array, as far as when is concerned?

This is one of the ways that given/when break expectations in that in most cases, the use of an array expression @a generates a list.

The only other exception to this I can think of is a subroutine with a prototype of (\@) which causes a reference to the array to be passed to the subroutine. I think that's what is happening here, though the documentation leave much to be desired.


Examine what is said, not who speaks -- Silence betokens consent -- Love the truth but pardon error.
"Science is about questioning the status quo. Questioning authority".
In the absence of evidence, opinion is indistinguishable from prejudice.

In reply to Re^3: Smart-search/When question by BrowserUk
in thread Smart-search/When question by John M. Dlugosz

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