sorting on the basis of datetime
 

I have a file that has duplicates and I have to select the one with the earliest time

0:1:OrderReceive,01.07.2010 10:38:09.984,0G508Q090,0000F9F5,A,15,0,15,0,115
0:1:OrderReceive,01.07.2010 10:30:36.903,0G508Q090,0000F9F5,A,15,0,15,0,115

0:2:OrderReceive,01.07.2010 10:23:58.390,0G508Q086,0000F9DA,A,15,0,15,0,70
0:2:OrderReceive,01.07.2010 10:16:25.340,0G508Q086,0000F9DA,A,15,0,15,0,70
where first two lines are identical except the time part and the last two lines are identical but again except for its time part. I need to select the second line of each pair (because they have the earliest time) and the final output should be
0:1:OrderReceive,01.07.2010 10:30:36.903,0G508Q090,0000F9F5,A,15,0,15,0,115
0:2:OrderReceive,01.07.2010 10:16:25.340,0G508Q086,0000F9DA,A,15,0,15,0,70
could anyone please help?

Re: sorting on the basis of datetime
 

I have a file that has duplicates and I have to select the one with the earliest time
where first two lines are identical except the time part and the last two lines are identical but again except for its time part. I need to select the second line of each pair (because they have the earliest time) and the final output should be
could anyone please help?

Re: sorting on the basis of datetime
 

Are the duplicates guaranteed to be next to each other?
If so, then just read it in line by line. Store the first line in a "selected" string; if it's the only one then by definition it's earlier. Read the next line, if it's earlier than the first then copy that line to "selected", and if it's not a duplicate then you're onto the next set. Repeat until you get to the end of the duplicates, then start over for the next set.

Re: sorting on the basis of datetime
 

Thanks xpi0t0s :)