regex - Perl Pattern Matching Question -

i trying match patterns in perl , need help.

i need delete string matches [xxxx] i.e. opening bracket-things inside it-first closing bracket occurs.

so trying substitute space opening bracket, things inside, first closing bracket following code :

   if($_ =~ /[/)   {     print "in here!\n";     $_ =~ s/[(.*?)]/ /ig;   } 

similarly need match i.e. angular bracket-things inside it-first closing angular bracket.

i doing using following code :

   if($_ =~ /</)   {     print "in here!\n";     $_ =~ s/<(.*?)>/ /ig;   } 

this how not seem work. sample data below :

 'joanne' <!--her name not contain "kathleen"; see section "name"--> "'jo'" 'rowling', obe [http://news bbc co uk/1/hi/uk/793844 stm caine heads birthday honours list]  bbc news  17 june 2000  retrieved 25 october 2000  , [http://content scholastic com/browse/contributor jsp?id=3578 jk rowling biography]  scholastic com  retrieved 20 october 2007  better known 'j  k  rowling' ,<ref name=telegraph>[http://www telegraph co uk/news/uknews/1531779/bbcs-secret-guide-to-avoid-tripping-over-your-tongue html daily telegraph, bbc's secret guide avoid tripping on tongue, 19 october 2006] british <!--do not change "english" or "scottish" until issue resolved --> author best known creator of [[harry potter]] fantasy series, idea conceived whilst on train trip manchester london in 1990  potter books have gained worldwide attention, won multiple awards, sold more 400 million copies , been basis popular series of films, in rowling had creative control serving producer in 2 of 7 installments  [http://www businesswire com/news/home/20100920005538/en/warner-bros -pictures-worldwide-satellite-trailer-debut%c2%a0harry business wire - warner bros  pictures mentions j  k  rowling producer ]  

any appreciated. thanks!

$_ =~ /someregex/ not modify $_

just note, $_ =~ /someregex/ , /someregex/ same thing.

also, don't need check existence of [ or < or grouping parenthesis:

s/\[.*?\]/ /g;

s/<.*?>/ /g;

will job want.

edit: changed code match fact you're modifying $_