Memory leaks in mobile games occur when the software fails to manage available RAM effectively. This can be seen in situations where allocated memory is not deallocated to be freed up for other purposes. The memory allocated for leaked objects is like a set block that forces the rest of the app to run in the heap’s left. The result is a large amount of RAM getting tied up which, when sustained, can lead to a loss of memory and an eventual crash of the mobile game. Here are some tips to avoid these.
This can be done in two ways. In the first instance, you can detect a memory leak from the speed of the game. Just before it crashes, there will be a pronounced reduction in speed occasioned by a loss in memory. In the second instance, you use intelligent logging to determine if the memory leak is due to faulty code or file size. However, in both instances, automated tools can be used to detect the cause of the memory leak.
Memory leaks in mobile games can be avoided using any of these common design patterns:
This is done by allocating memory to a constructor where the memory is deallocated in a destructor. The caveat is that you should be able to handle copy and assign semantics. You want to bear in mind that destructors can’t be counted on all the time because you can’t control the lifetime. In such situations, ref-counts might just cut it. Simply increase the ref-count every time you allocate structure across systems. You then reduce it when on release. Try wrapping references to the structure in an object, after which you can ensure that your references are correct by adding a reference in a constructor and a dereference in a destructor.
If you use pointers to allocated structures, ensure that they are initialized in a constructor. After setting the pointer, ensure that it is pointed NULL. If the pointer is not directed there, then it is directed at some allocated memory, and you need to free it before setting the pointer. Note that the semantics for particular systems vary, and you need to pay attention to the rules governing each subsystem to avoid losing track.
This is another means of avoiding memory leaks in mobile games. Here a singleton class caches a resource. This way, it allocates all the textures used in the game. So, whenever these textures are needed, a request for a pointer is made to a subsystem. Using singleton classes allows you to execute cache semantics since the allocation and freeing of RAM is handled by the singleton class.
Memory leaks generate direct monetary costs and lead to unsatisfactory user experiences and ultimately losing clients. Due to this, it must be avoided at all costs using some of the methods listed above. Need help detecting memory leaks in your app? Contact us to learn how we can help.