Of course TMTOWTDI, but using tr/// will probably be the fastest. $_ = "a b\tc\nd"; y/ \t\n/_/s; print; # prints "a_b_c_d" -- Fletch | "If you find my answers frightening, __`'/| fletch at phydeaux.org | Vincent, you should cease askin' \ o.O' | scary questions." -- Jules =(___)= | U