Perl: alias an array to an array_ref [duplicate]

Question

I would like to do:

$array_ref = [ 1, 2, 3];
alias @array @$array_ref;
$array[0] = 4;
# $array_ref->[0] should now be 4

In other words: I have a reference to an array, but I would like to address it as if it was a normal array.

Background

This is a for a potential extension of GNU Parallel. In GNU Parallel the user can submit a perl expression to be evaled on the internal data structures. Accessing the array of the args is cumbersome to say the least, so I would like to make it possible simply to use @arg instead.

"Accessing the array of the args is cumbersome to say the least" I don't see what's cumbersome about $array_ref->[0], @$array_ref, and @{$array_ref}[0,2,4]` — Borodin
– Borodin, Commented Aug 7, 2015 at 6:38

Chankey Pathak · Accepted Answer · 2015-08-07 06:38:29Z

2

Data::Alias does what you're looking for.

use Data::Alias;
my $array_ref = [1, 2, 3];
my @array;
alias @array = @$array_ref;
$array[0] = 4;
print $array_ref->[0];

Output: 4

answered Aug 7, 2015 at 6:38

Chankey Pathak

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2 Comments

Ole Tange Over a year ago

Is there a module that does not require a C-compiler (i.e. no .xs)?

Chankey Pathak Over a year ago

I don't know. Check out serenesat's comment on your question.

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