Hello, You must use my the first time you use a variable, when you are using the module strict. It helps avoid mistakes that are very hard to find. H Umberto -----Original Message----- From: programmingblind-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:programmingblind-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Homme, James Sent: Monday, August 17, 2009 8:12 AM To: programmingblind@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: Perl Elementary Assignment Question Hi, I think I remember that I read that you should always put the word my before all variables when you assign them. For example, you'd write: My $first name = "Jim"; This seems to conflict with the early chapters of the Learning Perl books I'm reading, where they don't do this. How does this work? Thanks. Jim ---------- Jim Homme Usability Services 412-544-1810 james.homme@xxxxxxxxxxxx "Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will." -- Mahatma Gandhi This e-mail and any attachments to it are confidential and are intended solely for use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately and then delete it. If you are not the intended recipient, you must not keep, use, disclose, copy or distribute this e-mail without the author's prior permission. The views expressed in this e-mail message do not necessarily represent the views of Highmark Inc., its subsidiaries, or affiliates. __________ View the list's information and change your settings at //www.freelists.org/list/programmingblind __________ View the list's information and change your settings at //www.freelists.org/list/programmingblind