To debug memory leaks, use profiling tools like Node.js's built-in inspector or tools like Clinic.js. Monitor memory usage over time to identify unexpected growth patterns.

Memory leaks can lead to significant performance issues and crashes in Node.js applications, making debugging them a priority. Begin by using profiling tools like Node.js's built-in inspector or third-party options like Clinic.js to monitor memory usage. By taking memory snapshots at different intervals, you can compare them to identify unexpected growth patterns in memory consumption. Look for objects that are not being garbage collected as expected; this often indicates a memory leak. Common culprits include event listeners that are not properly removed, circular references, or large data structures that are unintentionally retained in memory. Another effective technique is to use the --inspect flag when running your application, which allows you to connect to the Chrome DevTools and analyze memory usage in real time. Keep an eye on the heap and stack sizes, as excessive growth can indicate underlying issues. Review your code for places where resources might not be released properly, such as open database connections or unhandled streams. By systematically profiling and analyzing your application's memory behavior, you can effectively identify and resolve memory leaks, ensuring a more stable and responsive application.