How do I use Valgrind for memory leak detection?

How do I use Valgrind for memory leak detection?

To use Valgrind for memory leak detection, you need to run your program with Valgrind's memcheck tool. You can do this by executing the command: valgrind --leak-check=full ./your_program.

What does the --leak-check=full option do?

The --leak-check=full option tells Valgrind to provide detailed information about memory leaks, including the exact location in the code where the leak occurred.

Can I see a summary of the memory usage after running Valgrind?

Yes, after Valgrind finishes running, it will provide a summary of memory usage, including total allocated memory, reachable blocks, and definitely lost blocks.

Are there any common mistakes to avoid when using Valgrind?

Common mistakes include not compiling your code with debugging symbols (-g flag) and running Valgrind on optimized binaries, which can obscure the results.