Generation of a LIST OF HASHES

 # reading from file
 # format: LEAD=fred FRIEND=barney
 while ( <> ) {
     $rec = {};
     for $field ( split ) {
         ($key, $value) = split /=/, $field;
         $rec->{$key} = $value;
     }
     push @LoH, $rec;
 }

 # reading from file
 # format: LEAD=fred FRIEND=barney
 # no temp
 while ( <> ) {
     push @LoH, { split /[\s+=]/ };
 }

 # calling a function  that returns a key,value list, like
 # "lead","fred","daughter","pebbles"
 while ( %fields = getnextpairset() ) {
     push @LoH, { %fields };
 }

 # likewise, but using no temp vars
 while (<>) {
     push @LoH, { parsepairs($_) };
 }

 # add key/value to an element
 $LoH[0]{pet} = "dino";
 $LoH[2]{pet} = "santa's little helper";