How is automatic memory cleanup performed in the runtime environment?

In the C# runtime environment (CLR), automatic memory management is performed by the garbage collector (GC). It monitors objects in the managed heap and frees the memory occupied by objects that are no longer in use by the program.

The garbage collector operates on a generational algorithm, dividing objects into generations 0, 1, and 2, which optimizes performance. When memory fills up, the GC runs, identifies unreachable objects, and frees their memory.

This allows developers not to worry about manual memory management, reducing the likelihood of leaks and errors related to improper resource release.