an improved method , apparatus , and computer instructions for identifying a memory leak in a heap . prior to the start of the observation period , all live objects in the heap are identified to form a set of live objects by altering an indicator in the live objects . after running the system for the required amount of time or until completion of the event being monitored , the system is used to obtain the list of live objects without the altered indicator . live objects without the altered indicators form the most likely objects associated with a memory leak .