"Local" and clearing varibles or tables

[Animl]

I know this is like a broken record from me. I just don't seem to keep it straight, OR I didn't get the answer I needed.

If I set a variable or table with a local, is it nessisary to clear or nil the items when no longer needed too?

Does using "" or nil keep it in memory only empty, when th elocal would have removed it?

Is it best to use just local by itself or both?

My core issue is I want as much memory cleared as I can while the program is still open.

I have watched it when it's minimized in taskmgr (XP) and I see memory usage take a nose dive. How can I get this same effect when maximized, or can I?

Can anyone explain this to me in depth, and\or suggest an app I can view what's loaded in memory from my app?

Sorry for the basic repost.

[bule]

If you define the variables as local, the will be void at the end of the event where you have defined them. But the big memory usage is usually not due to variables, but having many pages, objects and especially pictures.

You might want to enable the following option in the project settings:
Project - Settings - Advanced - Conserve memory