Efficiently allocating memory

[reis3k]

Hi All,

I have a question about the code snippet below:

        for (int i = 0; i < POPULATION_SIZE; i++) {

            int[][] gene = new int[data.getNumberOfExams()][data.slotNumber];
            generateChromosome(gene);
            chromosomePopulation.add(gene);
           
        }

In this code, it creates a two dimensional array in every each loop of "for", and therefore that array allocates a memory space. I realized when I was debugging this code, that array allocates a new memory space in every increment in the loop even though previously created array is no longer needed. I thought Java's garbage collector will write over the previously created array's space instead of let the next array continue on upcoming memory space. If I have a limited memory in my computer, I believe that it will make a problem. Am I right? Thanks

[Tolls]

The problem has nothing to do with the creation of that array, since you presumably want to keep POPULATION_SIZE arrays that are stored in the chromosomePopulation List(?). If you were so constrained on memory that you can't hold that number of arrays then there's nothing you can do with this bit of code to fix that.

[berkeleybross]

This depends on what generateChromosone and chromosonePopulation.add (gene) does.
If they store the array, then as tolls says theres nothing you can do.
If they extract bits of the array and then dont use it anymore (or store any references to it) then you dont need to do anything - the garbage collector is smart enough to know to get rid of it.

In any case you dont really need to do anything with the "int [][]gene" variable itself - the garbage collector will get rid of it (because it becomes out of scope at the end of the for loop)