why exceptions can lead to memory leaks

Memory Leaks Caused by Exceptions in C++

Exceptions in C++ can lead to memory leaks due to the failure to release allocated memory when an exception is thrown. This can occur in the following steps:

1. Memory Allocation:

2. When memory is allocated dynamically using operators like new or malloc, it is the responsibility of the programmer to deallocate this memory using delete or free to prevent memory leaks.

3. Exception Thrown:

4. If an exception is thrown before the allocated memory is deallocated, the program flow may bypass the deallocation code, leading to memory leaks.

5. Failure to Free Memory:

6. In the presence of exceptions, there is a risk that the code responsible for freeing the allocated memory may not be executed, resulting in memory leaks.

7. Impact on Memory Management:

8. Memory leaks can lead to performance degradation and affect the overall stability of the program [5].

Therefore, it is crucial to handle exceptions properly and ensure that allocated memory is released even in the presence of exceptions to prevent memory leaks in C++ programs.