I was hoping for some magical perl use like optimization that would make the array much small.

If you can tie the array before it gets built, you could use Tie::Array::Packed::DoubleNative which would give you the memory reduction of the packed string with the convenience of array index.

With the rise and rise of 'Social' network sites: 'Computers are making people easier to use everyday'
Examine what is said, not who speaks -- Silence betokens consent -- Love the truth but pardon error.
"Science is about questioning the status quo. Questioning authority".
In the absence of evidence, opinion is indistinguishable from prejudice.

The start of some sanity?

In reply to Re^5: Bizarre Array Size Disparity by BrowserUk
in thread Bizarre Array Size Disparity by sunmaz

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