> -----Original Message----- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] > Sent: Monday, August 13, 2001 3:05 PM > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: eval > > > A rather stupid question but I would appreciate a good answer........ It's a good question, but have you read perldoc -f eval? > > What is the point of the eval function. What would be a > reason to use it. > From what I gather it is a function that evaluates a piece of > Perl code and > returns the exit status of the code. > > What is the point. Why no just write code and check for exit status of > commands where such a check is necessary......... There are two forms of eval. The string form is used to compile code "on the fly", which makes perl into a truly dynamic language. The block form is used for error trapping, since not all functions return an error value. Some call die() instead. Wrapping that code inside an eval {} block let's you catch the error instead of having your script die. > > Could it have something to do with run-time code > generation............. ?? Yes, the string form of eval does. Both forms are used extensively. -- To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
