Instruction: Discuss methods for identifying and preventing memory leaks in Node.js applications.
Context: This question tests the candidate's ability to diagnose and address memory leaks, requiring knowledge of tools and practices for monitoring memory usage and ensuring efficient resource management.
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Firstly, to identify memory leaks in Node.js, I start with monitoring tools such as the built-in Node.js profiler, Google Chrome's DevTools, and third-party tools like PM2, which can help monitor memory usage over time. These tools are instrumental in pointing out unusual increases in memory usage, which is often the first sign of a memory leak. For instance, by using the heap snapshot feature in Chrome's DevTools, I can compare snapshots taken at different intervals to identify objects that are being held in memory longer than they should be.
Once a potential leak is identified, the next step is to understand why the memory is not being reclaimed. This involves digging into the codebase and looking for common pitfalls,...