A memory
leak is the gradual loss of available computer memory when a program
(an application or part of the operating system) repeatedly
fails to return memory that it has obtained for temporary use. As a result, the
available memory for that application or that part of the operating system
becomes exhausted and the program can no longer function. For a program that is
frequently opened or called or that runs continuously, even a very small memory
leak can eventually cause the program or the system to terminate. A memory leak
is the result of a program bug.
Some operating systems provide memory leak
detection so that a problem can be detected before an application or the
operating system crashes. Some program development tools also provide automatic
"housekeeping" for the developer. It is always the best programming
practice to return memory and any temporary file to the operating system after
the program no longer needs it.
Comments
Post a Comment