2. i "cpanned" Geo::StreetAddress::US but now I don't know what to do. There is no example script. How do I read a file into this? Is there a tutorial or documentation on how to utilize CPAN library functions for beginners anywhere?

2. i "cpanned" Geo::StreetAddress::US but now I don't know what to do. There is no example script.

CPAN module authors often tuck example scripts into their distributions. You just have to know where to look. From the Geo::StreetAddress::US link, click on the Geo-StreetAddress-US-0.99 link, then the MANIFEST link. There you will see 4 other links under a directory named 'eg' (which, I presume, is short for 'example'). manual_test.pl may give you a quick start.

I have no idea if this module does what you need. But, now you should have a little better idea how to navigate CPAN.

Is there a tutorial or documentation on how to utilize CPAN library functions for beginners anywhere?

Tutorials
Installing Modules
Using Modules

1. what is lmgtfy ?

Should be self-evident if your follow the link. Otherwise, google lmgtfy :)

OK i found the synopsis example , it makes more sense
apparently the data needs to be comma separated
i was hoping something more robust that would take any text file with clearly demarcated address, spaces, line returns, etc but not necessarily CSV, but also if its there, and rip out the address
however, i still dont know what "lmgtfy" is
this from synopsis of Geo::StreetAddress::US
use Geo::StreetAddress::US;
my $hashref = Geo::StreetAddress::US->parse_location( "1005 Gravenstein Hwy N, Sebastopol CA 95472" );
my $hashref = Geo::StreetAddress::US->parse_location( "Hollywood & Vine, Los Angeles, CA" );
my $hashref = Geo::StreetAddress::US->parse_address( "1600 Pennsylvania Ave, Washington, DC" );

however, i still dont know what "lmgtfy" is

You didn't click the link, did you? Click it ... I love that site.

-derby

Update: Damn ... missed my opportunity to lmgtfy lmgtfy! My snark needs sharpening!