- Read Learning Perl (O'Reilly).
- Select from Where and how to start learning Perl for alternate explanations of anything that doesn't 'click' for you
- Apply what you've learned to understanding the code your "found."
- Apply what you've learned about open (both for 'read' and 'write'), @array, regex, ....
- Ask a new question when you're stumped about some facet of the program that -- by then, and it should not be all that long -- you'll be developing.
You'll find the Monks extraordinarily generous with their help... when you show that you've made some effort yourself (which is best done by posting your code, the errors and warnings you get (or an explanation of how your intent and the result vary).
One of the Monastery's proudest roles in helping newcomers (and not-so-new-comers) to learn.
