in reply to Columnwise parsing of a file

I need to parse it columnwise so that I can randomly know which co-ordinate

Parse it line-by-line (there is no alternative for variable length lines); split each line into fields and build a 2D array from the results.

Now you can access everything in whatever order you like.

With the rise and rise of 'Social' network sites: 'Computers are making people easier to use everyday'
Examine what is said, not who speaks -- Silence betokens consent -- Love the truth but pardon error.
"Science is about questioning the status quo. Questioning authority".
In the absence of evidence, opinion is indistinguishable from prejudice.

In Section Seekers of Perl Wisdom