in reply to Re^13: Parallel::ForkManager is time consuming...takes too long
in thread Parallel::ForkManager is time consuming...takes too long

Is this necessary my $b = $b[$i];?

Strictly necessary for function, no. Quicker and clearer, yes.

Like a bookmark (or locking a tab) for a page you reference frequently. Perl is not so good as statically compiled languages at sub-expression elimination.

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.

In Section Seekers of Perl Wisdom