memory-leak-detector

Verifies Zig allocations have matching deallocations during code reviews.

1|1|Updated Feb 8, 2026

Search Tags:#testing #zig #defer #resource-management #memory-leaks #allocator #deinit

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/code0100fun/botfiles --skill memory-leak-detector-code0100fun

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: memory-leak-detector
Source: https://github.com/code0100fun/botfiles/tree/main/plugins/zig-dev/skills/memory-leak-detector
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/code0100fun/botfiles --skill memory-leak-detector-code0100fun

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Memory leaks in Zig can cause performance degradation and stability issues. This Skill analyzes allocation patterns to verify that every allocation has a corresponding deallocation and that resources are properly cleaned up in both normal code paths and tests.

Core Features & Use Cases

Allocation/Deallocation Pairing: checks that allocations use a matching cleanup (free, destroy, deinit) and that cleanup is performed as early as possible with defer.
Test Function Cleanup: ensures tests free resources before completion to prevent leaks during testing.
Conditional Allocations and Error Paths: promotes arena usage or errdefer to guarantee cleanup on error paths.
Struct/Type Lifecycle: requires deinit or equivalent cleanup for types owning resources, with clear ownership documentation.
Arena Allocator Guidance: recommends arena-based temporary allocations to simplify cleanup.
Review Guidance: provides red flags to watch for, such as missing defer, leaky allocations in loops, and cleanup on early returns.

Quick Start

Run the memory-leak-detector on your Zig project to surface missing deallocation patterns and enforce proper cleanup.

Frequently Asked Questions about memory-leak-detector

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I detect memory leaks in my Zig code?▼

To detect Zig memory leaks, analyze allocation patterns to verify every allocation has a matching deallocation using free, destroy, or deinit, and enforce proper cleanup with defer in both normal code paths and tests.

How do you ensure Zig allocations are cleaned up on error paths?▼

To ensure allocations are cleaned up on error paths, use errdefer to guarantee deallocation when errors occur, or simplify temporary resource management by using an arena allocator to bulk-free temporary allocations.

What is the best way to manage struct lifecycle and resource ownership in Zig?▼

Managing struct lifecycle requires implementing a deinit method for any type owning resources, ensuring strict cleanup rules are followed, and providing clear ownership documentation to define deallocation responsibilities.

Why do my Zig tests leak memory?▼

Your Zig tests leak memory because test functions are completing without freeing allocated resources, requiring strict test cleanup rules to ensure tests free resources before completion to prevent leaks during testing.

Can I use arena allocators to simplify Zig memory management?▼

You can use arena allocators to simplify Zig memory management by recommending arena-based temporary allocations, which allows you to bulk-free temporary resources instead of tracking individual deallocations.