in reply to adding array elements

Have a look at $INPUT_RECORD_SEPARATOR or $/ in perlvar for how to read your data file record by record. Have a look at split to break each record into fields and perldsc and push for building an array of arrays. Then think how you would iterate over all of the elements; perhaps a nested loop?

Have a go at putting this all together then come back to the Monastery with any problems you are having with your code.

Cheers,

JohnGG