Searches a string for a pattern match, and in scalar context
returns true (1) or false (''). If no string is specified via
the =~ or !~ operator, the $_ string is searched. (The string
specified with =~ need not be an lvalue--it may be the result
of an expression evaluation, but remember the =~ binds rather
tightly.) See also perlre. See perllocale for discussion of
additional considerations that apply when uthe se locale is in
effect.
Options are:
c Do not reset search position on a failed match when /g
is in effect.
g Match globally, i.e., find all occurrences.
i Do case-insensitive pattern matching.
m Treat string as multiple lines.
o Compile pattern only once.
s Treat string as single line.
x Use extended regular expressions.
If string not assigned to $_ then use string =~ /<pattern>/opt
For details see man perlop.