Fixing leaks overview

Fixing = break the unexpected retention path + prevent recurrence.

Pattern → fix map

Leak	Fix
Global store	Module scope → bounded cache or external store with TTL
Timer	Store id, clearInterval on teardown
Listener	removeEventListener or AbortController
DOM	Don’t hoard elements; null refs in arrays
Closure	Minimize captured scope
Cache	LRU + max size

Verify the fix

1. Re-run reproduction soak test
2. Snapshot diff — delta should plateau
3. Monitor staging 24–48h before prod

Sections

• Cleanup patterns
• Weak references
• Bounded caches
• Automated leak testing

Defense in depth

Combine cleanup + bounds + tests — production code needs all three.