Tie::Scalar(3pm) Perl Programmers Reference Guide Tie::Scalar(3pm)

# [NAME](#NAME)

Tie::Scalar, Tie::StdScalar - base class definitions for tied scalars

# [SYNOPSIS](#SYNOPSIS)

```
    package NewScalar;
    require Tie::Scalar;
    @ISA = qw(Tie::Scalar);
    sub FETCH { ... }           # Provide a needed method
    sub TIESCALAR { ... }       # Overrides inherited method
    package NewStdScalar;
    require Tie::Scalar;
    @ISA = qw(Tie::StdScalar);
    # All methods provided by default, so define
    # only what needs be overridden
    sub FETCH { ... }
    package main;
    tie $new_scalar, 'NewScalar';
    tie $new_std_scalar, 'NewStdScalar';
```

# [DESCRIPTION](#DESCRIPTION)

This module provides some skeletal methods for scalar-tying classes. See perltie for a list of the functions required in tying a scalar to a package. The basic **Tie::Scalar** package provides a "new" method, as well as methods "TIESCALAR", "FETCH" and "STORE". The **Tie::StdScalar** package provides all the methods specified in perltie. It inherits from **Tie::Scalar** and causes scalars tied to it to behave exactly like the built-in scalars, allowing for selective overloading of methods. The "new" method is provided as a means of legacy support for classes that forget to provide their own "TIESCALAR" method.

For developers wishing to write their own tied-scalar classes, the methods are summarized below. The perltie section not only documents these, but has sample code as well:

[TIESCALAR classname, LIST](#TIESCALAR)

The method invoked by the command "tie $scalar, classname". Associates a new scalar instance with the specified class. "LIST" would represent additional arguments (along the lines of AnyDBM\_File and compatriots) needed to complete the association.

[FETCH this](#FETCH)

Retrieve the value of the tied scalar referenced by *this*.

[STORE this, value](#STORE)

Store data *value* in the tied scalar referenced by *this*.

[DESTROY this](#DESTROY)

Free the storage associated with the tied scalar referenced by *this*. This is rarely needed, as Perl manages its memory quite well. But the option exists, should a class wish to perform specific actions upon the destruction of an instance.

## [Tie::Scalar vs Tie::StdScalar](#Tie::Scalar_vs_Tie::StdScalar)

"Tie::Scalar" provides all the necessary methods, but one should realize they do not do anything useful. Calling "Tie::Scalar::FETCH" or "Tie::Scalar::STORE" results in a (trappable) croak. And if you inherit from "Tie::Scalar", you *must* provide either a "new" or a "TIESCALAR" method.

If you are looking for a class that does everything for you that you don't define yourself, use the "Tie::StdScalar" class, not the "Tie::Scalar" one.

# [MORE INFORMATION](#MORE_INFORMATION)

The perltie section uses a good example of tying scalars by associating process IDs with priority.

2026-10-21 perl v5.44.0

---

Document: Tie::Scalar(3pm) from perl 5.44.0-r2 (Chainguard OS)
Source: https://github.com/Perl/perl5.git