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POMemory leak in C,C++; forgot to do free,delete
 

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    <p>We allocate memory in C using malloc and in C++ using new. I know that memory allocated must be freed or given back to OS using free in C and delete in C++. If I forgot to use free/delete after allocating memory, it means there will be memory leak.</p> <p>Now, my question is, is this memory leak only during the time period of execution of program; or is it permanent leak/loss or is it gained again once I restart the system ? What is the internal process actually ? What does memory leak/loss mean exactly? </p> <p>I would be very grateful if someone could explain this in detail or provide me with some nice references.</p> <p>UPDATE 1</p> <p>After reading some answers, I learnt that memory is given back to OS/system after program terminates, if that is so, why everyone needs to care so much about memory leak, and why preventing memory leak is very important ?</p> <p>UPDATE 2</p> <p>So, memory leak should be prevented so that the system doesn't crash due to lack of sufficient memory for allocation purposes ??</p> <p>UPDATE 3</p> <p>So, after reading all answers, I realized that memory leak is quiet important issues to prevent system crashes. But, for a beginner like me, how can I be sure if my program is completely free from memory leak. I try to do free,delete if I am using malloc,new but sometimes, it gets messy. Is there any tool or method which I can use to know if my program is doing any memory leak ?</p> <p>UPDATE 4</p> <p>After reading answers, I have now understood the importance of memory leak free code, less use of new/delete, more use of STL, learnt new stuffs like RAII,valgrind and good programming practices. Thanks to all :)</p>
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    1. COTo answer your 2nd edit, see the 2nd paragraph in my answer
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      1. USBrian Agnew
 

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