Memory Management – Garbage Collection & Leaks

JavaScript engines automatically reclaim memory that is no longer reachable.

Common leak patterns:

• Forgotten timers – setInterval that never clears.
• Detached DOM nodes – references to removed elements.
• Closure over large objects – keeping them alive unintentionally.

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Example: Cleaning up a timer

let timer = setInterval(update,1000);
function stop(){ clearInterval(timer); timer = null; }

Chrome DevTools – Memory panel helps you find retained objects.