memory leak

programming An error in a program's dynamic store

allocation logic that causes it to fail to reclaim discarded

memory, leading to eventual collapse due to running out of

memory. Also (especially at CMU) called core leak. These

problems were severe on older machines with small, fixed-size

address spaces, and special "leak detection" tools were

commonly written to root them out.

With the advent of virtual memory, it is unfortunately

easier to be sloppy about wasting a bit of memory (although

when you run out of virtual memory, it means you've got a

*real* leak!).

See aliasing bug, fandango on core, smash the stack,

precedence lossage, overrun screw, leaky heap, leak.

[Jargon File]

(1995-02-17)