can any one tell me what does ">" stands for in this example. i have some idea but it must be accurate because i am doing  a homework. thank you

if(!open(OUTPUT,">$file")){
die...

it should be the same as c . put the output into the file . thanks any way!

To clarify ...

If you use the two paratemeter form of open, the file opens by default for reading.  You can prefix the file name as follows:

< open for read (default anyway)
> open for (over)write
>> open for append
| open a command as a receiving pipe

You cal also add to the end of the file name
| as a sending pipe

The 3 parameter form of open is clearer, and recommended if you're using a recent version of Perl and are sure you won't want to run your code on something older

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