encode_json Function

Perl API

$json_text = encode_json $perl_scalar

Perl Explanation

Converts the given  Perl data structure to a  UTF-8 encoded, binary
string

computer science Theory Drop

Scalar  processors   represent  the  simplest   class  of  computer
processors.  A  scalar processor  processes  one  datum  at a  time
(typical data items being integers or floating point numbers).[1] ,
a  scalar  processor is  classified  as  a  SISD processor  (Single
Instructions, Single Data).  In  a vector processor, by contrast, a
single  instruction   operates  simultaneously  on   multiple  data
items. The difference is analogous to the difference between scalar
and vector arithmetic.


source :http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scalar_processor