The "scalar" op is needed only to provide scalar context in an otherwise list context space. For example: 
my @lengths = scalar @x, scalar @y, scalar @z;
# but...
my $length_x = @x;
my $length_y = @y;
my $length_z = @z;

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The scalar is needed in the first example because the array names are in a list context otherwise.

-- Randal L. Schwartz, Perl hacker
Be sure to read my standard disclaimer if this is a reply.

In reply to Re^3: the basic datatypes, three by merlyn
in thread the basic datatypes, three by root

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