IIRC the "default" answer is that memory is only returned to the OS when the Perl process ends, dunno if there is any reliable documentation for a defined behavior.

BUT as others have already pointed out, why do you need to load all 90 MB at once?

Consider using a sliding window technique if you really need to investigate consecutive chunks of data.

edit

Worstcase consider running a separate process.

Cheers Rolf

( addicted to the Perl Programming Language)

In reply to Re: Perl and memory usage. Can it be released? by LanX
in thread Perl and memory usage. Can it be released? by sherab

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