(This excerpt is from the perlfunc manpage, part of the standard set of
documentation included with every valid Perl distribution--like the one on
your own system.  See also http://www.*-*-*.com/
or http://www.*-*-*.com/
if your negligent system adminstrator has been remiss in his duties.)

NAME
    format - declare a picture format with use by the write() function

SYNOPSIS
    format

DESCRIPTION
    Declare a picture format for use by the `write' function. For
    example:

        format Something =

                  $str,     $%,    '$' . int($num)
        .

        $str = "widget";
        $num = $cost/$quantity;
        $~ = 'Something';
        write;

    See the perlform manpage for many details and examples.

--
: 1.  What is the possibility of this being added in the future?
In the near future, the probability is close to zero.  In the distant
future, I'll be dead, and posterity can do whatever they like...  :-) --lwall