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Message: [QUOTE="Marc Bissonnette, post: 4752127"] Hi all; The answer to this is probably simple, but I can't figure it out :( I want to test a string for a value in a content-checking subroutine: If there is a match (if it meets criteria), then it is to continue on with the rest of the sub. If it fails the match, then I want to display an error. I (obviously) have not understood the 'not match' rules or usage: #!/usr/bin/perl use strict; use warnings; my $string = "foobar"; my $matchstring = 'foo'; if ($string ne~ /$matchstring/) { print " No Match\n"; } else { print " Match\n"; } Results in " Match" no matter what is in $matchstring or $string. The interpreter also replies with "Use of uninitialized value in pattern match (m//) at c:\test.pl line 7" Which I thought was supposed to be the purpose behind declaring the vars with my up front... I've tried if ($string ne /$matchstring/) and if ($string !=~ /$matchstring/) even though != is supposed to be numerics. I know I can test for a positive match (ie. if $string =~ /$matchstring/) { #do something; } else { #do something else; } But I'm curious as to why I can't do the "If this doesn't match do this" type of approach. I would be most appreciative for any insight you could provide. [/QUOTE]