Hi
This might help:
It's actually possible to manage the text file as you would an array, as long as you've got the right CPAN stuff installed.
A full explaination is on page 500 of the PERL Cookbook or you can read it at
http://www.india-seo.com/perl/cookbook/ch14_08.htm
I've used this quite extensively - really quite good in my opinion.
Moggs