How do I find the size of an array in Perl?

1. Using Scalar Context

Place the array in a scalar context to get the number of elements in it.

• Explanation: When an array is used in a scalar context, it returns the count of its elements.
• Example:
  perl

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  my @array = (1, 2, 3, 4);
my $size = @array; # $size will be 4


2. Using the scalar Function

Explicitly use the scalar function for clarity.

• Example:
  perl

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  my @array = (10, 20, 30);
my $size = scalar @array; # $size will be 3


3. Using Indexing for the Last Element

The index of the last element in an array is always one less than the size of the array. Add 1 to get the size.

• Explanation: $#array gives the index of the last element.
• Example:
  perl

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  my @array = ('a', 'b', 'c');
my $size = $#array + 1; # $size will be 3


Key Notes:

1. Empty Array: For an empty array, both scalar @array and $#array will handle it gracefully:
   • scalar @array returns 0.
   • $#array returns -1 (since no elements are present).
2. Preferred Method:
   • Use scalar @array for simplicity and readability.

These approaches provide the size of the array efficiently, and the choice of method depends on your coding style or specific context.