axiom-objc-block-retain-cycles

Fix an Objective-C block retain cycle by applying the weak-strong reference pattern to break circular references between objects and blocks. This Skill systematically diagnoses the cycle and guides implementation of mandatory patterns to resolve the memory leak.

A dismissed iOS UIViewController fails to deallocate when a block callback creates a retain cycle. This Skill diagnoses the circular reference using memory analysis tools and provides exact steps to find the cycle and fix it with weak-strong patterns.

The weak-strong pattern for debugging iOS memory leaks involves capturing a weak reference to self outside a block and a strong reference inside. This Skill provides systematic diagnostic rules and mandatory implementation patterns to break Objective-C block retain cycles.

Handle retain cycles in nested Objective-C blocks by applying diagnostic rules to resolve multiple circular references. This Skill provides specific solutions for complex nested block scenarios and addresses common pitfalls like hidden self-references in macros.

You can use Instruments to find hidden self-references in Objective-C blocks by identifying circular references pointing to block callbacks. This Skill systematically diagnoses these common pitfalls and provides mandatory patterns to resolve the resulting crashes from deallocated objects.