Re: Logic trouble parsing a formatted text file into hashes of hashes (of hashes, etc.)

Unless there's a CPAN module to handle this type of file, I'd consider building a finite state machine in Perl to handle the parsing. That way, you can read in a line, handle it -- starting or ending a state as necessary -- and move on.

One trick that might help is to keep a global or semi-global stack of the current position. If you're familiar with references, this would be a reference to the current position in the master hash. When you enter a new state, push a new hash reference on the stack. When you leave a state, pop the hash reference off. (Don't forget to store it in the master structure though.)

Does that make sense?

Comment on Re: Logic trouble parsing a formatted text file into hashes of hashes (of hashes, etc.)

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Re^2: Logic trouble parsing a formatted text file into hashes of hashes (of hashes, etc.) by idnopheq (Chaplain) on Oct 16, 2004 at 19:44 UTC
No. I am totally baffled by your answer. But perhaps its the "nudge" I need, and I'll read the link you provided and knock some more dust off. I cannot thus far find a CPAN module to help me (beyond using Net::Telnet::Netscreen; visiting each box insecurely is no fun what so ever). THX!!! -- idnopheq Apply yourself to new problems without preparation, develop confidence in your ability to to meet situations as they arrise. ~ Shunryu Suzuki	[reply]
Re^3: Logic trouble parsing a formatted text file into hashes of hashes (of hashes, etc.) by SpanishInquisition (Pilgrim) on Oct 18, 2004 at 19:18 UTC
He's speaking of building a SAX-style parser for your file format. Recognize tokens, call functions when you find them, and keep track of context with package variables... Another alternative might be Parse::RecDescent or the YAPP module...	[reply]