Well depends on how you assigned the scalar to the array

my @array = qw (hi there);
my $len = @array;
my ($fstel) = @array; # Note the paren () around $fstel

print ("Len = $len First element = $fstel\n");

__END__
Len = 2 First element = hi
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update: If you have a list, it is not possible for you to get the length of it without putting it into an arrary

For explanation on reading files onto a scalar/list please see holli's post below.

I think you will find this link useful to understand more about lists and arrays

What is the difference between a list and an array?