Question

-(NSArray*)getSomeStuff {
    NSMutableArray *array = [[NSMutableArray alloc]init];
    // Add some objects to array
    return array;
}

I alloced that array, so I have to release it at some point. However, how do I release it if I need it until I return it?

Answer 1

Use autorelease :

return [array autorelease];

It will be released later, but the caller might retain it to take ownership.

Alternatively, you could use the array class method :

-(NSArray*)getSomeStuff {
    NSMutableArray *array = [NSMutableArray array];
    //...
    return array;
}