objective c - Memory graph / chart in XCode 5 during Debug

Question

What does "Memory" usage chart/graph exactly represents in XCode 5 Debug navigator window?

I have an iOS app project with ARC disabled and no-storyboard/xib (i.e. old style). All memory management done manually using retain/release/autorelease.

When I debug the project in XCode 5, the memory pie-chart / graph show gradually increasing memory usage as the app runs, exceeds 1 GB memory footprints within half hour.

Roughly, it keeps increasing by 0.1 to 0.3 MB per 2 to 3 second with very rare memory dips/decrease (of magnitude < 0.1 MB per 30 seconds).

Is this a concern (memory leak) with respect to memory management? I did memory analysis (using Allocations/Memory Leak through Instruments on XCode 4.6) but didn't find any leaks.

Answer 1

Found answer myself. Unfortunately I had NSZombieEnabled (Zombie object) for debug mode - see below - (menu Product > Scheme > Edit Scheme)

Typically NSZombieEnabled tool keeps even the released objects in memory to help developer find over released objects. Refer this link - What is NSZombie?

After I unchecked "Enable Zombie Objects" option, the memory usage stabilized to about 10 mb (not always increasing) even after half hour app usage - see below -

BOTTOM LINE - Ensure to clear "Enable Zombie Objects" when you want to analyze memory usage.