There is a subtle difference.

In the example below, $::a refers to $a in the 'global' namespace.





# This outputs In block,

# This outputs



'my' has no effect on the global $a, even inside the block.

$a = 3.14159;
{
my $a = 3;
print "In block, \$a = $a\n";
print "In block, \$::a = $::a\n";
}
print "Outside block, \$a = $a\n";
print "Outside block, \$::a = $::a\n";

# This outputs
In block, $a = 3
In block, $::a = 3.14159
Outside block, $a = 3.14159
Outside block, $::a = 3.14159

With more explanation...

Both of them are used to declare local variables.
The variables declared with "my" can live only within the block it was defined and cannot get its visibility inherited functions called within that block, but one defined with "local" can live within the block and have its visibility in the functions called within that block.