🧠 Python Memory Management
Master garbage collection, GIL, memory profiling, and optimization techniques
Reference counting, garbage collection, GIL, memory profiling, and optimization
How does Python manage memory and garbage collection?
HardPython uses reference counting as primary GC with a cyclic garbage collector for circular references.
python
What is the GIL and how does it affect memory?
Hardpython
What are Python's memory management and garbage collection in detail?
HardPython uses automatic memory management with reference counting and a cyclic garbage collector. Understanding this helps write efficient code and avoid memory leaks.
Python
How do you use __slots__ for memory optimization?
Medium__slots__ prevents creation of __dict__ for each instance, significantly reducing memory usage when you have many instances of a class.
Python
How do you profile and optimize Python memory usage?
HardPython
What are weak references and when should you use them?
MediumWeak references allow you to reference an object without preventing it from being garbage collected. They're useful for caches and observer patterns.
Python
How do you handle memory in long-running Python processes?
HardPython
Memory Management Interview Tips
- ✓ Understand reference counting vs cyclic garbage collection
- ✓ Know when GIL is released (I/O operations, C extensions)
- ✓ Be familiar with memory profiling tools (tracemalloc, memory_profiler)
- ✓ Understand __slots__ and when to use them
- ✓ Know the difference between shallow and deep copy
- ✓ Understand weak references and their use cases
- ✓ Be prepared to discuss memory leaks and how to prevent them
- ✓ Know multiprocessing vs threading for CPU/IO-bound tasks