in reply to Scalar value @scores_sorted[$i] better written as $scores_sorted[$i]

The sigil to use is the type being returned. 

$foo             # Scalar
$foo[$i]         # Array element, a scalar
$foo{$k}         # Hash element, a scalar

@foo             # Array contents, a list of scalar values
@foo[$i, $j]     # Array slice, a list of scalar values
@foo{$k1, $k2}   # Hash slice, a list of scalar values

%foo             # Hash contents, a list of key-value pairs

[download]

$foo[EXPR] and @foo[EXPR] differ in the context in which EXPR is evaluated, and they differ in the number of scalars they can return.

Replies are listed 'Best First'.
Re^2: Scalar value @scores_sorted[$i] better written as $scores_sorted[$i]
by JavaFan (Canon) on Jan 03, 2011 at 13:22 UTC
    The sigil to use is the type being returned
    Actually, it isn't. Here are some counter examples: 
    @foo             # Number of elements of the array.
@foo             # A reference to the array.
@foo[$i, $j]     # Last element of slice.
@foo{$k1, $k2}   # Last element of slice.

%foo             # A reference to the hash.
%foo             # True/false.
%foo             # String with ratio of filled buckets and buckets.

    [download]
    The sigil can influence what is returned, but foremost, it's the context that will determine what is returned. In particular, in scalar context, a scalar will always be returned.
[reply]
[d/l]
      The counter examples fall into two categories: scalar context, where nothing but a scalar can be returned, and where rules are used to make the variable an lvalue.
[reply]
        I'd say scalar context is common enough in Perl to debunk the entire The sigil to use is the type being returned statement.
[reply]

In Section Seekers of Perl Wisdom