^^my data in the .txt file is something like this: 

Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron    C00267    5.3.1.9      C00668
Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron    C00221    5.3.1.9      C01172
Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron    C00074    5.3.1.9      C00022
Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron    C00221    5.3.1.1      C00267
 Parabacteroides Distasonis    C02876     2.7.2.1      C00163

[download]

Homosapiens    C00267    2.7.1.2        C00668
Homosapiens    C00267    5.1.3.3        C00221
Homosapiens    C00221    5.1.3.3        C00267
Homosapiens    C00221    2.7.1.2        C01172
Homosapiens    C00221    2.7.1.1        C01172
Homosapiens    C00668    5.3.1.9        C01172
Homosapiens    C01172    5.3.1.9        C00668
Homosapiens    C00668    5.3.1.9        C05345
Homosapiens    C05345    5.3.1.9        C00668

[download]
i want to compare the second, third and fourth columns in the 2 files..and find the matches.

In reply to Re^2: comparing data btwn 2 files by Anonymous Monk
in thread comparing data btwn 2 files by Anonymous Monk

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