#!/usr/bin/perl -w
use strict;
my %file; 
while(<>) { 
   my $type = substr($_,0,3); 
   defined($file{$type)) or open($file{$type}, ">$type.out") 
      or die "Couldn't open $type.out: $!";
   print $file{$type}; 
}
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1. a hash to hold file handles
2. while there's more records to read
3. get the first 3 chars in the line and store them in a variable
4. if we haven't already opened an output file called "type.out", do so
5. print out the record we read to the apporopriate file

thor

Generally I rather use exists to test whether a hash-key exists. It avoids getting "false negatives" on hash-keys which might have undef as a value (which is not the case here, so your code works OK).

CountZero

"If you have four groups working on a compiler, you'll get a 4-pass compiler." - Conway's Law

You seem to be working under the assumption that we can read your mind. We can't. You've shown us a few lines of data. You've made vague statements about "fixing" them. You've made reference to another possible solution without any real explanation as to why you considered or rejected it.

Yes, I'm fairly certain Perl can help you get the job done. No, we can't tell you anything about how to use Perl to get the job done until you explain what the problem is.

In short, you need to phrase your question better and especially more completely. I strongly suggest that you read some of the tutorials I mentioned in my earlier reply. The information in them will serve you well over and over in the future anytime you need to ask for help not just when you need to ask a question about Perl.

Good luck. I'm sure many here will be happy to help once you've successfully asked a question they can help with.

-sauoq
"My two cents aren't worth a dime.";