What are some examples of memory leaks in programming languages?

What are some common examples of memory leaks in programming languages?

Memory leaks occur when a program allocates memory but fails to release it. In languages like C++, forgetting to delete dynamically allocated memory can cause leaks. In Java, holding references to objects that are no longer needed can prevent garbage collection.

Can you give me a specific example in Java?

Sure! In Java, if you create a list and keep adding elements to it without clearing it when it's no longer needed, the list will continue to grow, consuming more memory.

What about in Python?

In Python, circular references can lead to memory leaks. If two objects reference each other, the garbage collector may not be able to reclaim their memory.

How can I prevent memory leaks in my code?

To prevent memory leaks, always release resources when they are no longer needed, use weak references where appropriate, and regularly profile your application to identify potential leaks.