It sounds like what you want to do is specify that the input record separator be any number of blank lines. Then, for each record, replace the number present with a variable that gets incremented after each paragraph. Finally, output the record, followed by a blank line.

but every newline does not imply a new paragraph, as in #32, where we have extra space for pen and paper sigs. It might look better on the page to have 2 newlines between numbered terms, might give room for changes and initials.

OK -- I'd start with something that works (puts one line between every paragraph), then improve that. For example, add two lines after each numbered paragraph -- otherwise, just add one line.

It's not a requirement (ever) to get right to the golden solution on the first try. Get something that works, even if there's room for improvement. Then .. improve what you have. Repeat as necessary.

Alex / talexb / Toronto

Thanks PJ. We owe you so much. Groklaw -- RIP -- 2003 to 2013.

Hello Datz_cozee75,

If your document isn’t too long, this approach should do what you want:

use strict;
use warnings;
use Data::Dump;

my $first         = 1;
my $clause_number = 1;
my @paragraphs;

while (my $line = <DATA>)
{
    if ($line =~ / ^ \d+ \. /x)
    {
        $line =~ s/ ^ \d+ /$clause_number/x;
        push @paragraphs, [ $line ];
        ++$clause_number;
        $first = 0;
    }
    elsif ($first)
    {
        push @paragraphs, [ $line ];
        $first = 0;
    }
    else
    {
        push @{ $paragraphs[-1] }, $line;
    }
}

for my $p (@paragraphs)
{
    pop @$p while $p->[-1] eq "\n";
}

dd \@paragraphs;

__DATA__
Title

21. ASSIGNMENT: RESIDENT agrees not to transfer, assign or sublet the 
+premises or any part thereof.

22. PARTIAL INVALIDITY: Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be c
+onstrued as waiving any of the OWNER'S or RESIDENT'S rights under the
+ law. If any part of this Agreement shall be in conflict with the law
+, that part shall be void to the extent that it is in conflict, but s
+hall not invalidate this Agreement nor shall it affect the validity o
+r enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.








32. RECEIPT OF AGREEMENT: The undersigned RESIDENTS have read and unde
+rstand this Agreement and hereby acknowledge receipt of a copy of thi
+s Barter Agreement.

RESIDENT'S Signature _________________________________________________
+__

Date__________________

OWNER'S or Agent's Signature _________________________________________
+___

Date__________________
[download]

Output:

Then you can output @paragraphs with as many blank lines between each paragraph as you choose.

Update: Changed $paragraph to $clause_number in line with talexb’s good advice below.

Hope that helps,

Quick comment: I would replace the scalar $paragraph with something a little less confusing like $clause_number, since you already have an array called @paragraphs.

Alex / talexb / Toronto

Thanks PJ. We owe you so much. Groklaw -- RIP -- 2003 to 2013.