use Data::Dumper;
use Tie::SortHash;
 
%hash = ( 
x=> 'line 1',
z=> [ 1, 2, 4],
y=> { file=> 'test.txt',
      length=> 200,
      type => 'ASCII'
    },
a=> 'line 2'
);
tie %hash, 'Tie::SortHash', \%hash;
print Dumper(\%hash);
[download]

It should always be that easy! Didn't think a tie would work. I just "ass"umed that Data::Dumper was walking the structure in a clandestine fashion.

-Lee

"To be civilized is to deny one's nature."

Update Doesn't work for complex stuctures like HoH :(
I guess I'll try Data::Denter