How to use Application Verifier to find memory leaks

Question

I want to find memory leaks in my application using standard utilities. Previously I used my own memory allocator, but other people (yes, you AlienFluid) suggested to use Mi

Answer 1

The simplest solution is not to write the leaks or the buffer overflows in the first place - detecting them after the event is really a waste of effort. In my own code, for years I have had zero problems in these areas. Why? Becauase I use the mechanisms that C++ provides to avoid them. For example:

X *p1 = 0;
p1 = new X();

should be:

shared_ptr   p1 = new X();

and you no longer worry about p1 leaking. Better still, don't use dynamic allocation at all:

X x1;

For buffer overflows, always use types like std::string which will grow on input, or if they do not grow will detect the possible overflow and warn you.

I'm not boasting about my prowess in avoiding memory leaks - this stuff really does work, and allows you to get on with the much more difficult task of debugging the business logic of your code.