If there were an error in scalar references, wouldn't the command window return some errors?

No, perl let's you use strings as numbers. If it can't figure out a numerical context for your variable, then the value assumed is zero.

This is why I never use strict, though I'm sure it would help me if i better understood it.

By all means, take the time to understand it. Start with what is further down in this thread, the Super Search I suggested earlier, and the documentation.

Update: Another helpful link