[Matplotlib-users] Tip for savefig scripts and memory issues

[K.-Michael A. <kmi...@gm...>]

Dear all,

just a small tip for all who are creating many images by using 
something like this:

for param in range(10):
	data = get_data(param)
	fig = plt.figure()
	ax = fig.add_subplot(111)
	im = ax.imshow(data)
	fig.savefig('data_'+str(param)+'.png)
	# plt.close(fig)

Unfortunately, even so the objects are created inside the loop, it 
seems they don't vanish completely from loop to loop. So, without the 
currently commented 'plt.close(fig)' you will create a huge memory leak 
(well, depending on your image sizes) that grinds even your 4GB Macbook 
Pro to a complete halt. ;)

Hopefully that helps some people out.

BR,
Michael