note BrowserUk <blockquote><i></i></blockquote> <p>The problem is that this line:<code> if($ipairs{$fk}{$pair}{'pvalue'}){ </code> <p>Rather that just testing if that value exists, it is autovivifying (creating) that value in the nested hashes and setting it to null. <p>If you change that line to:<code> if( exists $ipairs{$fk} && exists $ipairs{$fk}{$pair} && exists $ipairs{$fk}{$pair}{'pvalue'} ){ </code> <p>It should prevent the runaway memory growth. As a nice side-effect, your program should run substantially faster also. <p>BTW. I assume you mean 32<b>G</b>B not 32MB? <div class="pmsig"><div class="pmsig-171588"> <hr /> <font size=1 > <div>With the rise and rise of 'Social' network sites: 'Computers are making people easier to use everyday'</div> <div>Examine what is said, not who speaks -- Silence betokens consent -- Love the truth but pardon error.</div> <div>"Science is about questioning the status quo. Questioning authority". </div> <div>In the absence of evidence, opinion is indistinguishable from prejudice. </div> </font> </div></div> 1015642 1015642