http://www.perlmonks.org?node_id=808448


in reply to Re: Append to file or create file depending on input filename.
in thread Append to file or create file depending on input filename.

You can also write the substitution a bit simpler:
$outfile =~ s/^>//

I know that PBP encourages you to always use xms, and \A instead of ^, but that doesn't mean it's the most elegant or simple way to write it.