Yes, we have perl 5 and perl 6 and python 2 and python 3. If you want to use the full power of these languages you need to learn a lot. Not only about regexp, but other constructs, language elements too.
Theoretically one of them is enough, because you can do anything you want (yes, with anyone of them), but they are quite different. If you are interested you can try both (perl and python).

I've started using perl recently for a small project at work; one thing I keep banging into is the refs vs value thing. IMO, this is pretty big wart in the data model. That plus the auto-conversion to string all over the place gives the feeling it's not well put together at all.

Python avoids those problems, but it misses a variable declaration syntax (you have to use assignment instead) which results in some weirdness around scoping of variables. I think a newbie is less likely to run into that than the the perl problems though.

Both (perl and python) are relatively complex and you will not be able to write good code without understanding how it works. perl is coming from the c/awk/shell world, so you will better understand if you knew c already (for example). Python will have definitely different issues, but again if you want to make really efficient code you need to know all of their whims.

probably you need to check a book like perl best practices: http://shop.oreilly.com/product/9780596001735.do (or something similar).
perl tutorials: https://learn.perl.org/tutorials/ (this is free)

or for python: https://www.learnpython.org/

When in doubt use Data::Dumper module

I think I will concentrate on learning more about regex. I was watching some tutorials on perl and python and as always the basics are easy but it gets more complex as you progress into the lessons.

Thanks everyone

a good help to check regexp: https://regex101.com/

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Thanks pan64. I just bookmarked it.