use File::Spec.

The splitpath method will seperate the file name from the directory. Take the file it returns, decrement it, and use the catpath method to rebuild the path.

This solution will be portable across most systems.

use File::Spec;

my ($volume, $path, $file) = File::Spec->catpath($path_to_decrement);

--$file;

my $newpath = File::Spec->catpath($volume, $path, $file);
[download]

This way is a little pedestrian, but it gets the job done.

Hope this helps!

--jwest

-><- -><- -><- -><- -><-
All things are Perfect
    To every last Flaw
    And bound in accord
         With Eris's Law
 - HBT; The Book of Advice, 1:7