title: How far can memory leaks go?
body: <p>I've run into memory leaks many times. Usually when I'm <code>malloc</code>-ing like there's no tomorrow, or dangling <code>FILE *</code>s like dirty laundry. I generally assume (read: hope desperately) that all memory is cleaned up at least when the program terminates. Are there any situations where leaked memory won't be collected when the program terminates, or crashes?</p>
  
  <p>If the answer varies widely from language-to-language, then let's focus on C(++).</p>
  
  <p>Please note hyperbolic usage of the phrase, 'like there's no tomorrow', and 'dangling ... like dirty laundry'. Unsafe* <code>malloc</code>*ing can hurt the ones you love. Also, please use caution with dirty laundry.  </p>