Re^2: Why are Hash keys different for the same hash? Confusing.

[dsheroh]

The problem is with exists creating intermediate levels

Note that, if you consider this to be a problem you can install the autovivification module, then specify no autovivification to prevent it:

#!/usr/bin/env perl    

use strict;
use warnings;
use 5.010;

no autovivification;

use Data::Dumper;
my %hash = ( a=>{} );
if (  !exists $hash{'a'}{'b'}{'c'} ){};
print Dumper \%hash;

Output:

$VAR1 = {
          'a' => {}
        };

This is, however, apparently not an option for the OP, due to short-sighted customer requirements and autovivification is an XS module, so using its code independently of the original module would be a bit more involved than just copy/pasting the source.

[Anonymous Monk]

From the year 2005 Data::Diver , no autovivification required :D

if( my $cee = Dive \%hash , qw/ a b c / ){
   print "c exists $cee\n";
}

[dsheroh]

Oooh... Nice! That actually solves something that's come up in one of my work projects recently. Thanks!