in reply to system command

The most flexible solution is to use Win32::OLE. Not only does it allow you to open the document, it gives you full control over the application as well to further process the file.

Assuming that $wordoutput contains the filename of the file to open:

my $document = Win32::OLE ->GetObject($wordoutput) or die Win32::OLE->
+LastError, $!;

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CountZero

A program should be light and agile, its subroutines connected like a string of pearls. The spirit and intent of the program should be retained throughout. There should be neither too little or too much, neither needless loops nor useless variables, neither lack of structure nor overwhelming rigidity." - The Tao of Programming, 4.1 - Geoffrey James

In Section Seekers of Perl Wisdom