Re: Why is print output different for function returning an array versus printing an array variable?

Because: print sort(@coins);

Uses $, (also known as $OUTPUT_FIELD_SEPARATOR (default value ' ' (space)) to separate items printed from a list. (The list returned by sort.)

Whereas: print "@coins";

Forces the array to be concatenated into a single string using $", (also known as $LIST_SEPARATOR, default value '' (null)).

Hence the former has spaces, but the latter has none.

With the rise and rise of 'Social' network sites: 'Computers are making people easier to use everyday'

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.

Comment on Re: Why is print output different for function returning an array versus printing an array variable? Select or Download Code

Replies are listed 'Best First'.
Re^2: Why is print output different for function returning an array versus printing an array variable? by Anonymous Monk on Oct 10, 2014 at 16:11 UTC
You swapped the defaults.	[reply]
Re^2: Why is print output different for function returning an array versus printing an array variable? by aixtools (Novice) on Nov 06, 2014 at 14:00 UTC
`michael@x054:[/data/prj/labserv/perftools/perl]cat 2.pl @coins = ("Quarter","Dime","Nickel"); print "@coins"; print "\n\r"; print sort(@coins); print "\n\r"; michael@x054:[/data/prj/labserv/perftools/perl]perl 2.pl Quarter Dime Nickel DimeNickelQuarter` [download] Confused again. I seem to getting the opposite of what you said should happen. "@coins" is separated while sort(@coins) is not.	[reply] [d/l]
Re^3: Why is print output different for function returning an array versus printing an array variable? by aixtools (Novice) on Nov 06, 2014 at 14:07 UTC
I added one print statement - and now I understand the very literal impact of having an array in/not-in a string context. `@coins = ("Quarter","Dime","Nickel"); print "@coins"; print "\n\r"; print @coins; print "\n\r"; print sort(@coins); print "\n\r"; Quarter Dime Nickel QuarterDimeNickel DimeNickelQuarter` [download] Again, thanks!!	[reply] [d/l]


Come for the quick hacks, stay for the epiphanies.
	PerlMonks