Time and space complexity are the factors that are determined for a better program. But actually, both of them are inverse of each other. If a program takes more time then it will take less space and vice versa. But sometimes there are a few things that can make the program heavier. One such condition is the memory leak. In today’s article, we will have a look at Java Homework Help at this condition called memory leak in Java.
We will try to give you relief from the situation of Java. lang.OutOfMemoryError error. Therefore keep reading this article and get the best information regarding memory leaks.
What is a memory leak in Java?
Java is indeed a better substitute for C++. To understand memory leakage in detail let us take the example of C++. In C++ we initially used arrays to create data structures. But they had an issue of memory wastage therefore to overcome it we moved to dynamic memory allocation and deallocation.
We started using new and delete keywords. But while using new and delete keywords we had to do that explicitly. And sometimes we used to forget to deallocate or free the memory. And this used to make the program heavy.
But Java deals with such conditions in a better way. It has the concept of Garbage Collection.
It is the method through which Java programmes do automatic memory management. Java programmes are compiled into bytecode that may be executed by a Java Virtual Machine, or JVM.
Objects are produced on the heap. (A heap is a memory pool that is shared by all threads. All class instances and the array are allocated in a heap). Some objects will become outdated over time. To free up memory, the garbage collector detects these useless and unreferenced objects and deletes them.
But the referenced and outdated objects are still left by the garbage collector. When an object that is no longer needed is still referenced, it is the actual memory leak.
As a result, even if the garbage collector is running, the useless item is not deleted. The heap space grows as the software stores numerous such meaningless items in reference (mainly due to bad coding practice). And you will get the Java.lang.OutOfMemoryError error. (The issue could be as simple as a configuration issue, with the heap size supplied being insufficient for the application).
How to overcome the memory leak in Java?
Use the local variable:
Sometimes we make the objects static as well as create them outside any desired function. Therefore we forget to deallocate them explicitly.
So to overcome this situation try to declare the object within the desired function. This will help to deallocate them when the function scope gets over or the function gets terminated.
Make sure to review the code properly:
The most basic thing you can do is to write the code properly. Whenever you use the linked list (i.e. you do dynamic programming) make sure to end the node properly if not in use.
When you are ready with the code and want to deploy it on GitHub or share it with someone else, make sure to recheck it and remove the factors increasing the time of the program.
Reduce the number of objects you create:
Make sure the objects you created are used. Whenever you feel the need to create any object check if any of the previously defined objects is utilized or not. If not then use it.
Also if the work of any of the objects is done then assign it null.
Use StringBuffer over the normal strings:
The StringBuffer class contains characters that can be changed. The characters represented by StringBuffer are faster than String when executing simple concatenations.
This StringBuffer method provides a considerable performance difference between the two types. Character strings are commonly concatenated in String manipulation routines.
Increase GC size xmx, xms:
The last tip would be to increase the size of the Heap. You can boost performance by raising the size of your heap or switching garbage collectors.
This won’t remove the memory leak but instead, give a way to just run the application without getting much trouble to review code again and again. For immediate help in long-running server applications, you can adopt this method.
Let’s wrap it up!
In today’s article, we discussed the concept of memory leak in Java. We learnt what a memory leak is. And how you get to know that the program is running out of space. Then we provided some points by which you can make the program lighter and remove the memory leak in Java.
We hope you found our article worth it. But in case you have any problems then let us know. We will help each of you in the most suitable way. Also, you can read our articles and get the best knowledge of the programming concepts. Hope you have a great day ahead.