I want to break down contract text files into a multi-dimensional array, placing each section, point and sub-points into hierarchical elements.

File name: contract.txt

The file outline is typical for union contracts. It is divided into sections, which are divided into hierarchical sub-parts with progressive indentation to possibly the seventh level. Here’s an example showing only one element in each level of the hierarchy. Except for the section number, these naming conventions are typical throughout the file.

Section One
Section One, I
Section One, I.A
Section One, I.A.1
Section One, I.A.1.a
Section One, I.A.1.a.1}
Section One, I.A.1.a.1}a}

A database would be easier, but for reasons I won’t go into, a database will not work for what we want. I have searched the web for weeks, reading everything I found about arrays, but I haven’t seen anything like this.

Can someone please help me? I need to know where I can find a book, articles or a tutorial on this. Better yet, can someone please write me a section of example code? I’m a newbie, but I catch on quick! If this can be done, and I’m sure it can, I can do it! This will eliminate much work and possibly even get me a much-needed bonus. Drinks, anyone?

Another thing, I know this program will be slow because of the size of the file and the memory required, but I have 256k and the program is to be used in-house, so fast code and speed are something we can live without if we have to.

Please give me a suggestion on how to best do this and I’ll get back to you. I’m running Visual Studio 6. Don’t you just LOVE Visual Basic?!!!!

Thanks!

Wendy