When should I use strong references in programming?

When should I use strong references in programming?

Strong references are used when you want to ensure that an object is kept in memory as long as you need it. This is important in scenarios where you want to prevent the object from being garbage collected.

Can you give me an example of when a strong reference is necessary?

Sure! If you have a data structure that needs to maintain a reference to an object, like a cache or a collection, using a strong reference ensures that the object remains available until you explicitly remove it.

What are the downsides of using strong references?

The main downside is that they can lead to memory leaks if you forget to release them when they're no longer needed, as they prevent the garbage collector from reclaiming memory.

Are there situations where I should avoid strong references?

Yes, in cases where you have circular references or when you want to allow objects to be collected when they are no longer in use, weak references might be a better choice.