What is scalars ($) in Perl?

In Perl, a scalar is a single unit of data. Scalars can hold a variety of data types, including strings, numbers, and references. The dollar sign ($) is used to denote scalar variables. Scalar variables can store any single value, which can then be manipulated using Perl's extensive built-in functions and operators.

For example, you can create a scalar variable to hold a number or a string:


        # Example of scalars in Perl
        my $number = 42;        # A numeric scalar
        my $string = "Hello";   # A string scalar
        
        print $number;          # Outputs: 42
        print $string;          # Outputs: Hello