What are memory leaks in Haskell and how can I prevent them?

What are memory leaks in Haskell and how can I prevent them?

Memory leaks in Haskell occur when allocated memory is not released, leading to increased memory usage over time. To prevent them, you can use techniques like strict evaluation, proper resource management with bracket, and profiling tools to identify leaks.

Can you explain how strict evaluation helps in preventing memory leaks?

Strict evaluation forces the evaluation of expressions before they are used, which can help in releasing memory that is no longer needed. This reduces the chances of retaining unnecessary data in memory.

What tools can I use to profile my Haskell application for memory leaks?

You can use tools like GHC's built-in profiling options, heaptrack, or ghc-prof to analyze memory usage and identify potential leaks in your Haskell application.

Are there any common patterns in Haskell that lead to memory leaks?

Yes, common patterns include excessive use of lazy evaluation, holding onto references longer than necessary, and not properly managing resources in IO operations.