How to Resolve the 'GC Overhead Limit Exceeded' Error in Java Despite Having Available Memory

How can I fix the 'GC Overhead Limit Exceeded' error in Java when there appears to be sufficient memory available?

public class MemoryManagementExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        // Simulating memory-intensive operations
        List<String> list = new ArrayList<>();
        while (true) {
            list.add(String.valueOf(Math.random()));
        }
    }
}

The 'GC Overhead Limit Exceeded' error in Java occurs when the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) spends excessive time performing garbage collection (GC) without recovering enough memory. This can happen even when there appears to be sufficient memory available due to how memory is allocated and released in the JVM.

// Example of optimizing memory use by reusing objects
public class OptimizedMemoryExample { 
    public static void main(String[] args) { 
        StringBuilder sb = new StringBuilder(); 
        for (int i = 0; i < 1000; i++) {
            sb.append(Math.random()).append("\n");
        }
        System.out.println(sb.toString());
    }
}

Causes

• Memory leaks leading to unintentional retention of objects.
• Improper memory allocation settings in JVM configuration.
• Creating a high volume of temporary objects that lead to frequent garbage collection.

Solutions

• Analyze and fix memory leaks using profiling tools like VisualVM or Eclipse Memory Analyzer.
• Adjust JVM settings such as increasing the heap size using '-Xmx' and '-Xms', or using '-XX:GCTimeRatio' to modify the GC overhead limit.
• Optimize code to reduce the number of temporary objects being created.

Mistake: Not using a profiling tool to identify memory leaks before increasing memory limits.

Solution: Utilize profiling tools to detect and resolve underlying memory issues to address the root cause.

Mistake: Increasing heap size without understanding object retention patterns.

Solution: Apply proper memory management techniques in your code before merely increasing heap size.