What are the differences between garbage collection methods?

What are the differences between garbage collection methods?

Garbage collection methods manage memory automatically. The main types are reference counting, mark-and-sweep, and generational garbage collection.

Can you explain how mark-and-sweep works?

Sure! Mark-and-sweep works in two phases: first, it marks all reachable objects, then it sweeps through memory to collect unmarked objects.

What about generational garbage collection?

Generational garbage collection divides objects by age, collecting younger objects more frequently, which improves efficiency.

Are there any downsides to these methods?

Yes, each method has trade-offs. For example, mark-and-sweep can cause pauses, while reference counting can lead to memory leaks if circular references exist.