Answer
PHP uses reference counting to track variables. The garbage collector removes cyclic references. Large arrays or extensions can exhaust memory if not properly cleaned.
Quick Answer
PHP manages memory via reference counting. Each value tracks how many variables reference it. When count drops to zero, memory is freed. PHP also handles circular references via a cycle collector. Memory is released at end of request in web context. Long-running CLI scripts must be careful - variables accumulate. Use unset() to free large variables early. memory_get_usage() monitors consumption.
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SugharaIQ Editorial Team
Verified Answer
This answer has been peer-reviewed by industry experts holding senior engineering roles to ensure technical accuracy and relevance for modern interview standards.
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Source: SugharaIQ