Jenkins OutOfMemoryError: 8 Types, Causes & Fixes 

Jenkins is the backbone of CI/CD pipelines for thousands of engineering teams. When it goes down, everything stops, builds fail, releases stall, and productivity takes a serious hit.

The most common cause of Jenkins outages is Jenkins OutOfMemoryError (java.lang.OutOfMemoryError). Since Jenkins runs on the JVM, it is subject to all the same memory constraints as any Java application, just as described in our guide to Java OutOfMemoryError types. When the JVM cannot allocate enough memory and the Garbage Collector cannot reclaim sufficient space, it throws an OutOfMemoryError, and Jenkins crashes.

The critical thing to understand: simply increasing -Xmx is not always the solution.

There are 8 distinct types of Jenkins OutOfMemoryError, each with a completely different root cause, from heap exhaustion and Metaspace overflow to thread leaks, direct buffer issues, and OS-level process termination. Applying the wrong fix wastes time and leaves the problem unresolved. This guide covers all 8 types with causes and solutions specific to Jenkins.

Why Jenkins Is Especially Vulnerable to OutOfMemoryError 

Jenkins is not a simple application. At any given time, it may be:

• Running dozens of concurrent build jobs
• Loading hundreds of plugins (each with its own class definitions)
• Streaming large build logs into memory
• Communicating with multiple agents over network channels
• Executing Groovy-based pipeline scripts dynamically at runtime

Each of these activities puts pressure on a different region of the JVM’s memory. A plugin-heavy Jenkins master is particularly susceptible to Metaspace exhaustion. A Jenkins instance running many parallel pipelines can run into heap and thread limit issues. An instance upgraded with new plugins without restarting can accumulate class loader leaks over time.

Understanding how the JVM manages memory is the first step to understanding why Jenkins fails.

Jenkins JVM Memory Regions 

To better understand OutOfMemoryError in Jenkins, we first need to understand different JVM Memory regions. Here is a video clip that gives a good introduction about different JVM memory regions. But in nutshell, JVM has following memory regions:

Fig: JVM Memory Regions

1. Young Generation: Newly created application objects are stored in this region.
2. Old Generation: Application objects that are living for longer duration are promoted from the Young Generation to the Old Generation. Basically this region holds long lived objects.
3. Metaspace: Class definitions, method definitions and other metadata that are required to execute your program are stored in the Metaspace region. This region was added in Java 8. Before that metadata definitions were stored in the PermGen. Since Java 8, PermGen was replaced by Metaspace.
4. Threads: Each application thread requires a thread stack. Space allocated for thread stacks, which contain method call information and local variables are stored in this region.
5. Code Cache: Memory areas where compiled native code (machine code) of methods is stored for efficient execution are stored in this region.
6. Direct Buffer: ByteBuffer objects are used by modern framework (i.e. Spring WebClient) for efficient I/O operations. They are stored in this region.
7. GC (Garbage Collection): Memory required for automatic garbage collection to work is stored in this region. 
8. JNI (Java Native Interface): Memory for interacting with native libraries and code written in other languages are stored in this region.
9. misc: There are areas specific to certain JVM implementations or configurations, such as the internal JVM structures or reserved memory spaces, they are classified as ‘misc’ regions.

Note: When any one of these regions is exhausted, the JVM throws an OutOfMemoryError with a message that identifies the affected region. That message is your first diagnostic clue.

Quick Comparison: 8 Types of Jenkins OutOfMemoryError 

No.	Error Message	Root Cause	Key Fix
1	java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Java heap space	Build data, large logs, or memory leaks filling up heap beyond -Xmx limit	Analyze heap dump to find leak; increase -Xmx if traffic-driven
2	java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: GC overhead limit exceeded	JVM spending >98% of time on GC but recovering <2% of heap	Same as Heap Space, analyze heap dump, fix memory leak
3	java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Metaspace	Too many plugin classes or dynamic Groovy pipeline class generation exceeding -XX:MaxMetaspaceSize	Increase -XX:MaxMetaspaceSize; audit and remove unused plugins
4	java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Requested array size exceeds VM limit	Plugin or pipeline code attempting to allocate an array larger than Integer.MAX_VALUE (2,147,483,647)	Identify via heap dump; refactor to process data in chunks
5	java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Permgen space	Same as Metaspace but on Jenkins running Java 7 or earlier	Increase -XX:MaxPermSize; upgrade to Java 8+
6	java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Unable to create new native threads	Thread leak from parallel pipeline stages, agent connections, or plugin thread pools	Analyze thread dump, fix thread leak, tune executor count
7	java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Direct buffer memory	Plugin I/O or agent remoting allocating off-heap byte buffers beyond -XX:MaxDirectMemorySize	Fix buffer leak; increase -XX:MaxDirectMemorySize
8	java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Kill process (java) or sacrifice child	Linux kernel OOM Killer terminating Jenkins when container or host RAM is exhausted	Enable -XX:+UseContainerSupport; align -Xmx to container memory limits

Types of OutOfMemoryError in Jenkins 

Let’s now look into each types of OutOfMemoryError in Jenkins, their causes and solution in detail below: 

1. OutOfMemoryError: Java Heap Space in Jenkins

Fig: ‘java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Java heap space’ in Jenkins

When Jenkins is running builds, managing pipelines, or handling plugin operations, it continuously creates objects in the JVM heap, the memory region divided into Young and Old generations. If the total number of live objects exceeds the maximum heap size configured via -Xmx, the JVM has no room left to allocate new objects and throws a java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Java heap space. This is Jenkins telling you it has simply run out of memory to keep up with the workload.

What are the Common Causes of OutOfMemoryError: Java Heap Space in Jenkins?

‘java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Java Heap Space’ in Jenkins is potentially caused because of the following reasons:

1. Increase in Traffic Volume: When there is a spike in the traffic volume, more objects will be created in the memory. When more objects are created than the allocated Memory limit, Jenkins JVM will throw ‘Java heap space error’.
2. Memory Leak due to Buggy Code: Due to the bug in the Jenkins plugin, or  Jenkins application can inadvertently retain references to objects that are no longer needed, it can lead to buildup of unused objects in memory, eventually exhausting the available heap space, resulting in OutOfMemoryError.
3. Container OOMKill vs. JVM OutOfMemoryError (Kubernetes): These two look similar but are fundamentally different. A JVM OutOfMemoryError is thrown by the JVM itself when the heap is exhausted, the application logs it and may try to recover. An OOMKill is the Linux kernel silently terminating your pod the moment it breaches its memory: limit, with zero JVM warning, you’ll only know it happened via OOMKilled in kubectl describe pod. The fixes don’t overlap: heap tuning or leak fixes for JVM OOM; bumping the pod memory limit or lowering -Xmx for OOMKill.

What are the Solutions of OutOfMemoryError: Java Heap Space in Jenkins?

Here are the potential solutions to address java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Java Heap Space in Jenkins:

1. Identify & Fix the Memory Leak in Jenkins: Using the diagnostic steps described in the above section find the leaking objects in the memory and fix it.
2. Remove the recently added Plugins: Whenever you add new plugins, it will occupy space in the Metaspace. Sometimes you might end up adding poorly implemented, memory inefficient plugins. Remove the recently added plugins and restart the JVM and see whether Jenkins stabilizes. 
3. Revert to Previous Jenkins Installation: If you have recently upgraded to the latest version of Jenkins installation and Java Heap Space OutOfMemoryError started to surface after it, consider reverting to previous Jenkins installation. 
4. Increase Heap size: ‘java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Java heap space’ happens in Jenkins due to lack of space in the heap region of the JVM Memory. Thus increase the heap memory region size. You can increase the heap memory region by passing following arguments to your JVM: 

-Xmx<size> Sets the upper limit for heap size 

2. OutOfMemoryError: GC Overhead Limit Exceeded in Jenkins

Fig: ‘java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: GC overhead limit exceeded’ in Jenkins

When Jenkins’ JVM is spending more than 98% of its time doing garbage collection but recovering less than 2% of the heap, across 5 consecutive GC cycles, the JVM gives up and throws java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: GC overhead limit exceeded. This is Jenkins signaling that it is exhausting nearly all of its processing effort just trying to free memory, yet making almost no progress.

Note: When the above program is executed multiple times, sometimes it may throw ‘java.lang.OutOfMemoryError:Java heap space’ and sometimes it may throw ‘java.lang.OutOfMemoryError:GC overhead limit exceeded’. Depending on how a Jenkins build or pipeline pushes memory, the JVM may throw either one interchangeably. Both point to the same underlying pressure: Jenkins has more live objects than the heap can comfortably sustain. 

What are the Common Causes of OutOfMemoryError: GC overhead limit exceeded in Jenkins?

‘java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: GC Overhead Limit Exceeded’ in Jenkins is potentially caused because of the following reasons:

1. Increase in Traffic Volume: When there is a spike in the traffic volume, more objects will be created in the memory. When more objects are created than the allocated Memory limit, Jenkins JVM will throw ‘Java heap space error’.
2. Memory Leak due to Buggy Code: Due to the bug in the Jenkins plugin, or  Jenkins application can inadvertently retain references to objects that are no longer needed, it can lead to buildup of unused objects in memory, eventually exhausting the available heap space, resulting in OutOfMemoryError.
3. Container OOMKill vs. JVM OutOfMemoryError (Kubernetes): These two look similar but are fundamentally different. A JVM OutOfMemoryError is thrown by the JVM itself when heap is exhausted, the application logs it and may try to recover. An OOMKill is the Linux kernel silently terminating your pod the moment it breaches its memory: limit, with zero JVM warning, you’ll only know it happened via OOMKilled in kubectl describe pod. The fixes don’t overlap: heap tuning or leak fixes for JVM OOM; bumping the pod memory limit or lowering -Xmx for OOMKill.

What are the Solutions of OutOfMemoryError: GC overhead limit exceeded in Jenkins?

Here are the potential solutions to address java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: GC Overhead Limit Exceeded in Jenkins:

1. Identify & Fix the Memory Leak in Jenkins: Using the diagnostic steps described in the above section find the leaking objects in the memory and fix it.
2. Remove the recently added Plugins: Whenever you add new plugins, it will occupy space in the Metaspace. Sometimes you might end up adding poorly implemented, memory inefficient plugins. Remove the recently added plugins and restart the JVM and see whether Jenkins stabilizes. 
3. Revert to Previous Jenkins Installation: If you have recently upgraded to latest version of Jenkins installation and GC Overhead Limit Exceeded OutOfMemoryError started to surface after it, consider reverting to previous Jenkins installation. 
4. Increase Heap size: ‘java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: GC Overhead Limit Exceeded’ happens in Jenkins due to lack of space in the heap region of the JVM Memory. Thus increase the heap memory region size. You can increase the heap memory region by passing following arguments to your JVM: 

-Xmx<size> Sets the upper limit for heap size 

3. OutOfMemoryError: Metaspace in Jenkins

Fig: ‘java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Metaspace’ in Jenkins

When Jenkins loads a large number of plugins, pipeline scripts, and their associated classes into the Metaspace region of JVM memory, exceeding the allocated limit (set via -XX:MaxMetaspaceSize), the JVM throws java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Metaspace, causing Jenkins to become unresponsive or crash.

What are the Common Causes of OutOfMemoryError: Metaspace in Jenkins?

‘java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Metaspace’ in Jenkins is potentially caused because of the following reasons:

1. Creating large number of dynamic classes: If your Jenkins plugins uses JavaScript /Groovy kind of scripting languages or Java Reflection to create new classes at runtime. 
2. Loading large number of classes: Either your Jenkins installation itself has a lot of classes, or it uses a lot of 3rd party plugins/libraries which have a lot of classes in it.
3. Loading large number of class loaders: Your Jenkins installation or the 3rd party plugins is loading a lot of class loaders.

What are the Solutions of OutOfMemoryError: Metaspace in Jenkins?

Here are the potential solutions to address java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Metaspace in Jenkins:

1. Identify & Fix the Memory Leak in Jenkins: Using the diagnostic steps described in the above section find the leaking objects in the memory and fix it.
2. Remove the recently added Plugins: Whenever you add new plugins, it will occupy space in the Metaspace. Sometimes you might end up adding poorly implemented, memory inefficient plugins. Remove the recently added plugins and restart the JVM and see whether Jenkins stabilizes. 
3. Revert to Previous Jenkins Installation: If you have recently upgraded to latest version of Jenkins installation and Metaspace OutOfMemoryError started to surface after it, consider reverting to previous Jenkins installation. 
4. Increase Metaspace size: ‘java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Metaspace’ happens in Jenkins due to lack space in the Metaspace region of the JVM Memory. Thus increase the Metaspace memory region size. You can increase the Metaspace memory region by passing following arguments to your JVM: 

-XX:MaxMetaspaceSize=<size> Sets the upper limit for Metaspace 

-XX:MetaspaceSize=<size> Sets the initial threshold that triggers the first Garbage Collection (GC) for Metaspace.

4. OutOfMemoryError: Requested array size exceeds VM limit in Jenkins

java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Requested array size exceeds VM limit occurs in Jenkins when a build, plugin, or pipeline process attempts to allocate an array larger than the maximum size the JVM permits, capped at Integer.MAX_VALUE (2,147,483,647). What makes this error distinct is that it is not strictly a memory shortage problem. Even if Jenkins has sufficient heap memory available at the time, the JVM will still throw this error the moment an array allocation exceeds that hard limit. 

What are the Common Causes of OutOfMemoryError: Requested array size exceeds VM limit in Jenkins?

‘java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Requested array size exceeds VM limit’ in Jenkins is potentially caused because of the following reasons:

1. Parsing/Loading Large Files: Trying to load or parse very large files (e.g., reading an entire file into a byte array) without chunking can push array size beyond the safe limits.
2. Data Structure Pre-Allocation: Some Jenkins Plugin or poorly written utilities may try to pre-allocate massive arrays assuming they will be used to store large datasets in-memory, which may not be practical.
3. Incorrect Calculations for Array Size: A bug or miscalculation in the Jenkins code or Plugin, such as multiplying large values, can cause the array size to exceed the valid integer range.

What are the Solutions of OutOfMemoryError: Requested array size exceeds VM limit in Jenkins?

Here are the potential solutions to address java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Requested array size exceeds VM limit in Jenkins:

1. Identify & Fix the Memory Leak in Jenkins: Using the diagnostic steps described in the above section find the leaking objects in the memory and fix it.
2. Remove the recently added Plugins: Whenever you add new plugins, it will occupy space in the Metaspace. Sometimes you might end up adding poorly implemented, memory inefficient plugins. Remove the recently added plugins and restart the JVM and see whether Jenkins stabilizes. 
3. Revert to Previous Jenkins Installation: If you have recently upgraded to latest version of Jenkins installation and Requested array size exceeds VM limit OutOfMemoryError started to surface after it, consider reverting to previous Jenkins installation. 
4. Increase Heap size: ‘java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Requested array size exceeds VM limit’ happens in Jenkins due to lack of space in the heap region of the JVM Memory. Thus increase the heap memory region size. You can increase the heap memory region by passing following arguments to your JVM: 

-Xmx<size> Sets the upper limit for heap size

5. OutOfMemoryError: Permgen space in Jenkins

Fig: ‘java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Permgen space’ in Jenkins

java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: PermGen Space occurs in Jenkins when the number of class definitions, method definitions, and metadata loaded into the Permanent Generation region exceeds the memory limit set by -XX:PermSize. In a Jenkins environment, this is commonly driven by the sheer volume of plugins, custom build scripts, and pipeline libraries that continuously load new classes into PermGen, and unlike heap objects, these are rarely unloaded during normal operation, causing the region to fill up over time. 

What are the Common Causes of OutOfMemoryError: Permgen space in Jenkins?

‘java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Permgen space’ in Jenkins is potentially caused because of the following reasons:

1. Creating large number of dynamic classes: If your Jenkins plugins uses JavaScript/Groovy kind of scripting languages or Java Reflection to create new classes at runtime. 
2. Loading large number of classes: Either your Jenkins installation itself has a lot of classes, or it uses a lot of 3rd party plugins/libraries which have a lot of classes in it.
3. Loading large number of class loaders: Your Jenkins installation or the 3rd party plugins is loading a lot of class loaders.

What are the Solutions of OutOfMemoryError: Permgen space in Jenkins?

Here are the potential solutions to address java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Permgen space in Jenkins:

1. Identify & Fix the Memory Leak in Jenkins: Using the diagnostic steps described in the above section find the leaking objects in the memory and fix it.
2. Remove the recently added Plugins: Whenever you add new plugins, it will occupy space in the Metaspace. Sometimes you might end up adding poorly implemented, memory inefficient plugins. Remove the recently added plugins and restart the JVM and see whether Jenkins stabilizes. 
3. Revert to Previous Jenkins Installation: If you have recently upgraded to latest version of Jenkins installation and Permgen space OutOfMemoryError started to surface after it, consider reverting to previous Jenkins installation. 
4. Increase PermGen size: ‘java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Permgen space’ happens in Jenkins due to lack of space in the Permgen region of the JVM Memory. Thus increase the Permgen memory region size. You can increase the Permgen memory region by passing following arguments to your JVM: 

-XX:MaxPermSize=<size> Sets the upper limit for Permgen memory region

–XX:PermSize=<size> Sets the initial threshold that triggers the first Garbage Collection (GC) for Permgen memory region.

6. OutOfMemoryError: Unable to create new native threads in Jenkins

Fig: ‘java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Unable to create new native threads’ in Jenkins

java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Unable to create new native threads occurs in Jenkins when the JVM attempts to create more threads than the available RAM capacity in the native memory region can support. In a Jenkins environment, this pressure builds quickly, parallel build executors, concurrent pipeline stages, agent connections, and plugin activity all spin up threads simultaneously. When the cumulative thread count pushes beyond what the OS can allocate in native memory, Jenkins hits this limit and the JVM throws this error. 

What are the Common Causes of OutOfMemoryError: Unable to create new native threads in Jenkins?

‘java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Unable to create new native threads’ in Jenkins is potentially caused because of the following reasons:

1. Thread Leak due to Buggy Code: Due to the bug in the Jenkins code or Plugin, application can inadvertently create a lot of new threads, it can lead to buildup of unused threads in memory, eventually exhausting the available native memory, resulting in OutOfMemoryError.
2. Lack of RAM capacity: When there is a lack of RAM capacity in the container/device in which the Jenkins is running. 
3. More processes in Memory: When other processes are running on the container/device, it leaves less room for the threads to be created in the native memory. 
4. Kernel Limit: By default, Kernel sets a limit on the number of threads each process can create. When the Jenkins application creates more threads than the allowed kernel limit.

What are the Solutions of OutOfMemoryError: Unable to create new native threads in Jenkins?

Here are the potential solutions to address java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Unable to create new native threads in Jenkins:

1. Identify & Fix the Memory Leak in Jenkins: Using the diagnostic steps described in the above section find the leaking objects in the memory and fix it.
2. Remove the recently added Plugins: Whenever you add new plugins, it will occupy space in the Metaspace. Sometimes you might end up adding poorly implemented, memory inefficient plugins. Remove the recently added plugins and restart the JVM and see whether Jenkins stabilizes. 
3. Revert to Previous Jenkins Installation: If you have recently upgraded to latest version of Jenkins installation and Unable to create new native threads OutOfMemoryError started to surface after it, consider reverting to previous Jenkins installation. 
4. Fix Thread Leak: Analyze the thread dump of your application and identify the leaking threads. Instrument fix to ensure that threads are properly terminated after it completed executing its tasks.
5. Increase RAM capacity: Try to run your application on a container/device which has larger RAM capacity. 
6. Reduce other processes: Terminate (or move) other processes that are running on the container/device, so that there is more room for the java application to create new threads.
7. Reduce thread stack size: When you reduce the thread’s stack size (by using -Xss JVM argument), your application can create a number of threads within the same amount of memory. However, be cautious when you pursue this option, as reducing thread stack size can result in StackOverflowError.
8. Change Kernel setting per process thread limit: By default, Kernel sets a limit on the number of threads each process can create. If OutOfMemoryError is happening because of this limit, then you can increase this limit by using ‘limit -u’ command.

7. OutOfMemoryError: Direct Buffer Memory in Jenkins

Fig: ‘java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Direct buffer memory’ in Jenkins

java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Direct Buffer Memory occurs in Jenkins when direct buffer allocations exceed the limit set by -XX:MaxDirectMemorySize. Direct buffer memory sits outside the JVM heap and is used for high-throughput I/O operations. In a Jenkins environment, plugins or pipeline processes that rely on NIO-based operations, such as artifact streaming, log handling, or network-intensive build steps, can breach this limit by continuously allocating direct byte buffers without releasing them in time.

What are the Common Causes of OutOfMemoryError: Direct Buffer Memory in Jenkins?

‘java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Direct buffer memory’ in Jenkins is potentially caused because of the following reasons:

1. Memory Leak due to Buggy code: If Jenkins application or the plugins that you use does not properly releasing direct buffers after use, they can accumulate over time and eventually exhaust the available direct buffer memory.
2. High Rate of Allocation: If your Jenkins application or plugins is allocating direct buffers at a very high rate and not releasing them promptly, it can quickly consume the available memory.

What are the Solutions of OutOfMemoryError: Direct Buffer Memory in Jenkins?

Here are the potential solutions to address java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Direct buffer memory in Jenkins:

1. Identify & Fix the Memory Leak in Jenkins: Using the diagnostic steps described in the above section find the leaking objects in the memory and fix it.
2. Remove the recently added Plugins: Whenever you add new plugins, it will occupy space in the Metaspace. Sometimes you might end up adding poorly implemented, memory inefficient plugins. Remove the recently added plugins and restart the JVM and see whether Jenkins stabilizes. 
3. Revert to Previous Jenkins Installation: If you have recently upgraded to latest version of Jenkins installation and Direct buffer memory OutOfMemoryError started to surface after it, consider reverting to previous Jenkins installation. 
4. Increase Direct Buffer size: If OutOfMemoryError surfaced due the increase in the traffic volume, then increase the JVM’s Direct Buffer Memory region size (-XX:MaxDirectMemorySize). Upgrade to Java 17 (or above version): Enhancements have been made in Java 17 to use the Direct Buffer Memory region in an effective manner. Thus, if you happen to be running Jenkins on a version less than Java 17, upgrade it. Here is a case study that showcases the performance optimization to Direct Buffer Memory region in Java 17. 

8. OutOfMemoryError: Kill Process or Sacrifice Child in Jenkins

Fig: ‘java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Kill process (java) or sacrifice child’ in Jenkins

java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Kill Process or Sacrifice Child occurs in Jenkins when the host system runs critically low on RAM and the Linux OOM Killer steps in to forcefully terminate memory-consuming processes to free up resources. Unlike other OOME types which are thrown by the JVM itself, this one is triggered by the OS, and if the process the OOM Killer targets happens to be Jenkins, the result is an abrupt termination with no graceful shutdown, no heap dump, and no JVM-level warning.

What are the Common Causes of OutOfMemoryError: Kill Process or Sacrifice Child in Jenkins?

‘java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Kill Process or Sacrifice Child’ in Jenkins is potentially caused because of the following reasons:

1. More processes in the device: When a lot of other processes are running on the container/device, it leaves less memory for the Jenkins application to run.
2. Initial and Max Heap size set to different values: If initial heap size (i.e., -Xms) is configured at a lower value than the max heap size (i.e., -Xmx), then during runtime, Jenkins application’s memory size will grow. If there is a lack of RAM capacity during that growth time, the kernel will terminate the Java application throwing this error.
3. Native Memory region growing: In case the initial and max heap size is set to the same value, native memory region of the JVM can grow during the runtime. If native memory is growing and there is a lack of RAM capacity, then the kernel can terminate the Jenkins application by throwing this error 

What are the Solutions of OutOfMemoryError: Kill Process or Sacrifice Child in Jenkins?

Here are the potential solutions to address java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Kill Process or Sacrifice Child in Jenkins:

1. Identify & Fix the Memory Leak in Jenkins: Using the diagnostic steps described in the above section find the leaking objects in the memory and fix it.
2. Remove the recently added Plugins: Whenever you add new plugins, it will occupy space in the Metaspace. Sometimes you might end up adding poorly implemented, memory inefficient plugins. Remove the recently added plugins and restart the JVM and see whether Jenkins stabilizes. 
3. Revert to Previous Jenkins Installation: If you have recently upgraded to latest version of Jenkins installation and Kill Process or Sacrifice Child OutOfMemoryError started to surface after it, consider reverting to previous Jenkins installation. 
4. Increase RAM capacity: Try to run the Jenkins application on a container/device which has larger RAM capacity.
5. Reduce other processes: Terminate (or move) other  processes that are running on the container/device, so that there is enough memory for the Jenkins application to run.
6. Set initial Heap and Max Heap to same value: When you set the initial heap size (i.e. -Xms) and max heap size (-Xmx) to the same value, JVM will be allocated with maximum heap size right at the startup time. Thus, JVM’s memory allocation will not grow or shrink at runtime. Kernel typically terminates the application which is constantly demanding more memory. Thus, the kernel will not terminate the Jenkins application in the middle.

Note: Setting Initial and Max Heap size to the same value provides considerable benefits such as: Increased application availability, better performance, better Garbage Collection behaviour, faster startup time, … Learn more about the benefits of setting initial and max heap size to same value.

7. Fix Leak in Native Memory: Sometimes there could be a leak in the Native Memory as well. There could be a thread leak, or direct buffer leak – which can cause increased memory consumption. Instrument proper fix to arrest those leaks.

Conclusion

Jenkins is a mission-critical tool for engineering teams, and an OutOfMemoryError can bring it down without warning. As we have seen across these 8 types, no single fix applies to all cases. Each type of OutOfMemoryError points to a specific region of the JVM’s memory model and demands a targeted response. 

The diagnostic process always begins with reading the error message carefully, it tells you exactly which memory region was exhausted. From there, the solutions follow naturally: heap issues call for heap dump analysis and memory leak investigation; Metaspace issues call for plugin audits and class loader analysis; thread issues call for thread dump analysis; and container-related kills call for proper JVM container awareness settings. 

The key takeaway: don’t just increase -Xmx and hope for the best. Identify the type, find the root cause, and apply the right fix. Your Jenkins, and your engineering team, will thank you.