What are memory leaks and how can I detect them in my application?

What are memory leaks and how can I detect them in my application?

Memory leaks occur when a program allocates memory but fails to release it, leading to reduced performance. You can detect them using tools like Valgrind, or by monitoring memory usage over time.

Can you explain how Valgrind works for memory leak detection?

Valgrind is a programming tool that helps detect memory management problems. It runs your program in a virtual environment and tracks memory allocations and deallocations, reporting any leaks.

Are there any other tools besides Valgrind that I can use?

Yes, other tools include AddressSanitizer, LeakSanitizer, and Visual Studio's built-in diagnostics for Windows applications.

How can I prevent memory leaks in my code?

To prevent memory leaks, always ensure that every allocated memory has a corresponding deallocation, use smart pointers in C++, and regularly review your code for potential leaks.