> So you would have > > "\xff" > > and > > substr "\xff\x{100}", 0, 1 > > be different? This are already different: % perl -lwe 'print "\xff" =~ /[[:print:]]/' % perl -lwe 'print +(substr "\xff\x{100}", 0, 1) =~ /[[:print:]]/' 1 Robin ------------------------------------------------------------------- This e-mail and any attachments may contain confidential and/or privileged material; it is for the intended addressee(s) only. If you are not a named addressee, you must not use, retain or disclose such information. NPL Management Ltd cannot guarantee that the e-mail or any attachments are free from viruses. NPL Management Ltd. Registered in England and Wales. No: 2937881 Registered Office: Serco House, 16 Bartley Wood Business Park, Hook, Hampshire, United Kingdom RG27 9UY -------------------------------------------------------------------