Why will perl silently convert non-blank strings to integers, but resist converting a blank string to 0?

It doesn't resist it. It does exactly that. But, you've asked (via use warnings) to be informed of things that might not be right. Always assuming that '' means 0 in a numeric context, when it could mean an absence of data, would be taking DWIM too far.

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.
"I'd rather go naked than blow up my ass"

In reply to Re^2: converting strings to ints by BrowserUk
in thread converting strings to ints by 7stud

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