What are common memory leaks in programming?

What are common memory leaks in programming?

Common memory leaks occur when a program allocates memory but fails to release it after use. This can lead to increased memory usage and eventual crashes.

Can you give me some examples of how memory leaks happen?

Sure! Memory leaks often happen in languages like C or C++ when developers forget to free allocated memory. For instance, if you allocate memory for an array but don't free it after use, that memory remains allocated.

How can I detect memory leaks in my code?

You can use tools like Valgrind or built-in profilers in IDEs to detect memory leaks. They help track memory allocation and deallocation.

What are the best practices to avoid memory leaks?

Best practices include always freeing allocated memory, using smart pointers in C++, and regularly reviewing your code for potential leaks.