What approaches and tools are used to control and optimize memory usage in software systems?

To control and optimize memory usage in iOS applications, the following approaches and tools are used:

• Automatic Reference Counting (ARC) — a reference counting system that automatically releases objects when they are no longer referenced.

• Profiling with Instruments (Allocations, Leaks) — allows tracking memory allocation, detecting leaks, and excessive consumption.

• Code optimization:

  • Avoid strong cyclic references using weak and unowned references.
  • Use lazy initialization and release resources when not needed.
  • Minimize the use of large objects and data copying.

• Using structures instead of classes when possible, as structures are stored on the stack and are released faster.

• Monitoring memory usage during app runtime — tracking peaks and optimizing hot spots.

Example of using a weak reference to prevent retain cycles:

class ViewController {
    var closure: (() -> Void)?

    func setup() {
        closure = { [weak self] in
            self?.doSomething()
        }
    }

    func doSomething() {
        print("Action")
    }
}

Thus, combining automatic mechanisms and manual control with tools allows effective memory management in iOS.