Memory Question
I don't know much about memory. When I was using Blitz Basic, it got rid of everything I had in memory automatically. So, I have some questions. I'm using Allegro and you have to use destroy_bitmap() for each bitmap you've loaded. But if you don't do that, does the bitmap stay in memory even after the program has finished? And if so, does it ever go away?
Most OS's will free the memory allocated to your process when the program terminates. Some won't though, and for longer running programs you should be careful to free any memory you allocate.
Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand.
Is that why it's necessary to destroy and close all of your objects and windows in the WM_DESTROY message? If so, it's good that I know that now because I used to never do that because I saw no need to.
Yes. You're working with the window manager, which isn't technically a part of your process. If you don't destroy the resources then they definitely leak until the system is restarted. So taking care of everything after WM_DESTROY is very important. It falls under the long running program exception.Is that why it's necessary to destroy and close all of your objects and windows in the WM_DESTROY message?
Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand.
You should also realize that WM_DESTROY doesn't necesarlly mean your process is ending. It could easily continue on doing other things, just not interacting with the OS via the messages or maybe just that window has been closed.
A rule of thumb:
Always write your programs as though they will be used as a library. This means clean up after yourself because you would expect the same from a library you use.
So, I could never "fill-up" my memory and never be able to get rid of the stuff in it?
'Never' is a strong word. It you use your brain when managing memory usage, you should be okay. But it's easy to grind the system to a screeching halt by leaking away memory. At a certain point it's easier just to reboot than to try and clean up the mess. So don't make the mess in the first place and you'll be happier.So, I could never "fill-up" my memory and never be able to get rid of the stuff in it?
Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand.
