Custom Memory Heap Crash Debugging

This skill provides systematic approaches for debugging crashes related to custom memory heaps, with emphasis on static destruction ordering issues, DEBUG vs RELEASE discrepancies, and memory lifecycle problems.

Problem Recognition

Apply this skill when encountering:

• Crashes that occur only in RELEASE builds but not DEBUG builds
• Segmentation faults or access violations during program shutdown
• Use-after-free errors involving custom allocators
• Crashes in standard library code (locale, iostream, etc.) when custom heaps are involved
• Memory lifecycle issues during static destruction phase

Investigation Approach

Phase 1: Reproduce and Characterize