Text Processing Programming Language Few pointers needed for problem resolution

[WebDesigner 0]

Hi everybody!

Aim: To develop a program that takes as input a *.rtf file (only wordpad file, *.txt file not allowed because it ruins the formatting),reads it. The goal is to read different strings from the text file present at different places.
The problem is that the text does not follow a pattern, i.e, space does not mean end of the line.But the line continues even after that. To explain it in more detail, please find the sample text from the file.

NOT MET    General characteristics                                   AREA GENERAL REQUIREMENTSReq corporation:           Y   36.00 116.00            40         200830 CE   159   Structural Membrane II          3.00 L   D

From the above input, i will have to traverse the whole text file and compare it with the substring that i am searching. Now, My dilemma is
(1) What is the most effective way to read it other than traversing the whole text file character by character.?
(2) What programming language is best suited for this kind of text processing ? (i was thinking of C, but let me know your recommendation)
(3) What predefined functions or procedures you would recommend for use.
(4) Does the programming language in (2) supports database access ?


Thank you for reading my post. I sincerely appreciate your efforts in helping me resolve the issue.

Regards
WebDesigner.
Edited April 3, 2011 by WebDesigner (see edit history)