What are some examples of memory leaks in Java?

What are some examples of memory leaks in Java?

Memory leaks in Java occur when objects are no longer needed but are still referenced, preventing garbage collection. A common example is using static collections that grow indefinitely.

Can you give me a specific code example?

Sure! Consider a static List that keeps adding elements without removing them:

public class MemoryLeakExample {
    private static List<String> list = new ArrayList<>();

    public static void addToList(String item) {
        list.add(item);
    }
}

Here, the list will keep growing as long as addToList is called.

What are the consequences of memory leaks?

Consequences include increased memory usage, potential OutOfMemoryError, and degraded application performance over time.

How can I prevent memory leaks in my Java applications?

To prevent memory leaks, avoid using static references unnecessarily, use weak references when appropriate, and ensure to nullify references when they are no longer needed.