Explain how the JVM manages memory. Discuss the different areas of memory, such as heap and stack, and the role of the garbage collector in memory management. How does garbage collection impact performance, and what strategies can be adopted to optimize memory usage in Java applications?

The JVM manages memory through the stack and heap. The stack stores primitive types and object references, while the heap contains actual objects and their data. Garbage collection (GC) is responsible for reclaiming memory from objects that are no longer in use. GC can impact performance due to pauses during collection cycles, but techniques such as Generational GC and tuning options like the Garbage First collector can help optimize memory management. Additionally, using weak references and avoiding memory leaks contribute to efficient memory usage.