How does Kotlin handle memory management on the JVM compared to native languages?

Kotlin relies on JVM garbage collection, unlike manual memory management in native languages.

Kotlin runs on the JVM, so memory allocation happens in heap and stack managed by JVM GC. Objects are automatically collected when unreachable. Unlike C/C++, Kotlin avoids manual memory allocation and deallocation, eliminating many memory corruption issues. However, GC introduces non-deterministic pauses, so developers must design for allocation efficiency, especially in Android where UI smoothness depends on predictable memory behavior.