I ask about subtle points of the Perl language. If the answers are right, two points. If the candidate doesn't know and says so, one point. If the candidate tries to bullshit his way through, minus ten points.

Sample questions:

• What is the difference between my $var = &func and my ($var) = &func? (This should lead to a discussion of context and wantarray.)
• What is the difference between local $var and my $var?
• How would you rewrite a use statement without using the word "use"?
• What are the dangers of two-arg (and one-arg :-)) open()?
• What are soft references, and why are they dangerous?
• What is the idea behind taint mode? When is it appropriate? And how do you untaint a value? (This last is a trick question: It is impossible to untaint a value.)

    -- Chip Salzenberg, Free-Floating Agent of Chaos

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