Perl for Web Site Management

Obtaining the Data

The data we will be working with is in the form of two text files used by SprocketExpo’s production staff to create the directory’s print version. The first data file, called exhibit.txt , contains the individual exhibitor listings (see Example 5-1). You can download this file (like all the examples in this book) from the book’s web site, at http://www.elanus.net/book/.

Tip

The example files given here contain fictional information for only a handful of companies. This will be sufficient to demonstrate how to use Perl to construct a web-based version of the listings. In the real world, of course, the source files would be considerably larger, with information on many more companies.

Example 5-1. The source data file exhibit.txt

ACME Fittings Booth 104 1234 Industrial Way Carpinteria, CA 93013 [phone] [phone] (fax) ACME Fittings has been manufacturing precision machined fittings for more than 25 years. No job is too large, or too small. Arlington Adhesives Booth 724 7890 Avenue A Washington, DC 20007 [phone] [phone] (fax) Arlington is the right choice for all your adhesive needs. The company offers a full line of medical-grade adhesive products, including the patented Stick-Tight Sealant. Best Glue Products Booth 903 789 Windy Way Suite 765 Chicago, IL 60608 [phone] [phone] (fax) [e-mail] http://www.bestglueprods.com/ New York Fasteners Booth 876 345 6th St. New York, NY 10036 [phone] [phone] ...