Here's my goal --- open an existing database, add a unique number in order to be able to differentiate each line between the next, read that number so when asked "Would you like to delete this record? (Y/N)", that line can be deleted through a common form INPUT Checkbox and the remaining lines in the database will be pushed up to the top of the database so everything's nice and pretty again. Sounds simple, right? Not for a Perl newbie it's not.

This is an example of what my text database looks like:

Oct 10|Larry|10012|123 Any Street
Oct 15|Moe|85224|5 Main Pl.
Oct 18|Curly|63033|1313 Mockingbird Lane
...etc...

I need to count the number of lines (or records) in the database and then add the new field in front of the date's array so it looks like the following...

0|Oct 10|Larry|10012|123 Any Street
1|Oct 15|Moe|85224|5 Main Pl.
2|Oct 18|Curly|63033|1313 Mockingbird Lane
...etc...

Here's what I tried to do, but it I'm getting Chunk errors...


Maybe there's an easier way to accomplish the same results without having to alter (add) to the existing database?

Also, do I need to use file locking? While one person is deleting their record, that operation won't affect another person wight be adding their record to the same database, at the same time. If so, how?

Thanks!

I just realized that adding a number to the front of the record won't work because when a new user adds to the database, the number is currently not being added. The database will be messed up if one script is adding and another isn't.

Oh well, guess I'll just have to add the number when a new record is added and change the existing database to include the number to the first field.

Still would like to know how I can easily change the existing database without having to manually add the number. Any ideas on how to properly use the unshift so I can do this through a script?

Always use 'flock' when altering a file.
If all you are trying to do is add an ID field to the beginning of each line you could try something like this:

-- Gordon --


------------------
$blah='82:84:70:77';
print chr($_) foreach (split/:/,$blah);

[This message has been edited by GClemmons (edited November 03, 1999).]

In regards to flock, is it absolutely necessary for me to unlock the file by using flock(FH, 8); after I'm finished altering the file's data, or will close(FH); unlock the file for me?

What I'm worried about is, if I'm updating my database and someone else comes along and tries to add to the database, at precisely the same exact time I have the file locked, will this cause a problem or error for that other person? I'd rather avoid such errors.

Thanks again!

Perl knows to wait for availability on a flock'ed file. If you had problems with this however you might setup some 'sleep' routine.

-- Gordon --


------------------
$blah='82:84:70:77';
print chr($_) foreach (split/:/,$blah);