Memory is the brain of the program and if it gets full. Then it might cause trouble to the whole body. So it should not have any unreferenced and unused data in it. Otherwise it will drastically hamper the performance of Java. This is why Java has its own garbage collector. That functions to allocate the used memory. And to release the unused object. But sometimes it fails to detect the unused objects. Because they fall under the referenced objects. This is called memory leak. It has become a big issue for all the programmers. This article is inclined towards the memory leaks in Java.
What are Memory Leaks in Java?
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Memory leak in java or in any other has become a significant issue to be dealt by programmers. There are basically two types of objects in the memory of Java that are referenced objects and unreferenced objects.
Referenced objects are basically those objects which are referenced or used by the Java application frequently or oftenly. Whereas unreferenced objects are those objects which are not referred to by the application at all. Unreferenced objects are kind of garbage for an application. So we have to delete them otherwise they will fill the memory storage of an application.
Thus, every application has a garbage collector to delete the unreferenced data or objects from the memory. So that memory is not full and it has only the essential objects. Keeping the memory clean is very important for the smooth functioning of an application. Similarly in Java, JVM works as a garbage collector. That allocates the memory of Java. And then free up the memory.
But sometimes there are certain unused objects which fall under the category of referenced objects. So the garbage collector fails to allocate them and to delete them. So the occurrence of these unused data in referenced objects is called a Memory leak. And when it happens in Java then it is a memory leak in Java.
What is the Effect of Memory Leak in Java?
Memory is an important part of any program because it keeps the efficiency of that program. So if the memory storage gets full then it will cause out of memory error in the program. Thus, it will slow down the functioning of program
This is why memory leaks in Java are a troublesome cause by the collection of unused objects.
Conclusively, the effect of memory leaks in Java is that it will consume the memory for unused and unreferenced objects. That are not at all in use in the program.
Java Programmers and developers continuously work to detect these memory leaks. So that these can be fixed and cleaned from the memory storage.
Memory issue due to Memory leaks in Java –
- The very first memory issue caused by memory leak is to degrade the efficiency and performance of the program. Each program and code must work with utmost efficiency in order to the best results. And performance is one of the factors to decide which web application you want to use. So memory leaks affect that only. The insides and unreferenced data is stored in the memory. And is not deleted by the garbage collector due to Memory leaks.
- Secondly, it drastically affects the resources and causes resources constraints. Therefore, you will have either little memory for resources or the program will be out of memory error. So you won’t be able to access the resources you need and are essential.
- Thirdly, it causes Java heap leaks. Sometimes there are latent object references in the program. And thus it creates the objects. That are unused and are not released or cleaned by the garbage collector.
- Lastly, it may also lead to native memory leaks. These are basically connected with the continuous growing memory utilization. And it is outside the Java heap for example and usage or allaciation made by JNI code etc.
Two methods to detect it
1. PROFILER
The first and foremost method to detect the memory leak is profiler. JVM is the garbage collector machinery in the java. So Profiler basically works to monitor the functioning and various aspects of JVM. Profiler manages the garbage collection from the referenced and unreferenced objects both. Thus, it can detect all the objects from the memory and then it allocates the usage. And if any object is not in use then it releases or removes such objects. And thus cleans the memory leaks in java.
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2. HEAD DUMPS
The second and the most widely used method of detecting memory leaks in java is Head Dumps. It functions very practically by taking snapshots of all the objects available in JVM at a point of time. So that we can check where the whole space of memory is used by the application. Therefore,when you know where the objects are being used you can easily detect the unused objects even from referenced objects. Thus, you can release them from the memory space.
Conclusion
Memory leak in java has become a challenge for all the java developers and programmers. Memory leak is caused when a garbage detector fails to release the unused objects. Because they fall under referenced objects. It degrades the performance of java. So in order to keep the efficient functioning of Java such memory leaks. You need to be detect, release and also prevent the memory leaks. Get the best Java homework help from the experts at nominal charges.
