I especially like si_lence's hash idea. That is what I usually do for exactly the reason that si_lence notes: since the files are not that long, the hash approach allows you to (1) dispense with one of the loops in the nest and (2) makes for very quick locating of matching entries.

I am embarassed that I didn't see that when I posted my response earlier to the excellent stevemayes response.

ack Albuquerque, NM

In reply to Re^2: nested loops to compare 2 files is only looping a limited number of times. by ack
in thread nested loops to compare 2 files is only looping a limited number of times. by stevemayes

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