in reply to sorting a table columns using hashes

> suggestions?

sure: the perldocs for while, split, sort

Searching for "Hash of Array" and "Array of Array " and "Schwartzian transform" might help.

Showing us your attempts instead of just a fuzzy requirement hidden in the code-area will help giving you more constructive advices.

Cheers Rolf

UPDATE: If I understand your data, you should:

  • parse your data into a hash (first column=key) of arrays of arrays (splitted lines).
  • Sort the arrays of arrays combining different weighted criteria with or (search sort examples for ||)
  • output of top-entry for every key of hash.

    • In Section Seekers of Perl Wisdom