in reply to Sorting on multiple variables

sort {
    my ($a1,$a2,$a3) = $a =~ /(\d*)_FFF(\d*)_(\d*)/;
    my ($b1,$b2,$b3) = $b =~ /(\d*)_FFF(\d*)_(\d*)/;
    $a1 <=> $b1
        ||
    $a2 <=> $b2
        ||
    $a3 <=> $b3
}

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Update: If you want to avoid the redundancy: 

map $_->[0],
sort {  $a->[1] <=> $b->[1]
     || $a->[2] <=> $b->[2]
     || $a->[3] <=> $b->[3] }
map [ $_, /(\d*)_FFF(\d*)_(\d*)/ ],

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Replies are listed 'Best First'.
Re^2: Sorting on multiple variables
by hobbs (Monk) on Jul 23, 2009 at 09:59 UTC
    Proof that if your sorting key is complex enough, the Schwartzian Transform simplifies a sort rather than being merely an optimization; it saves you from repeating yourself or introducing temporaries into a sort block. :)
[reply]
Re^2: Sorting on multiple variables
by cbdoc (Novice) on Jul 23, 2009 at 16:51 UTC
    Amazing! That worked like a charm. Thanks very much!!
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