What are memory leaks and how do they differ across programming languages?

What are memory leaks and how do they differ across programming languages?

Memory leaks occur when a program allocates memory but fails to release it, leading to reduced performance. Different languages handle memory management in various ways, which affects how memory leaks occur.

Can you give examples of memory leak issues in languages like C++ and Java?

In C++, memory leaks often happen when developers forget to delete dynamically allocated memory. In Java, leaks can occur when objects are still referenced, preventing garbage collection.

How can I prevent memory leaks in my code?

To prevent memory leaks, always release memory when it's no longer needed, use smart pointers in C++, and ensure proper object lifecycle management in Java.

Are there any tools to help detect memory leaks?

Yes, tools like Valgrind for C/C++ and VisualVM for Java can help detect memory leaks by analyzing memory usage.