Note you're output is not only showing 2 lines before the pattern, but also 1 line AFTER the pattern.

You don't need Perl for something that simple:

grep -B2 -A1 jack test.txt

[download]

UPDATE: Since the OP updated the original question, this approach is no longer valid. See my reply (Re^3: get n lines before a pattern) below.

In reply to Re: get n lines before a pattern by VinsWorldcom
in thread get n lines before or after a pattern by darklord_999

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