performance: sort engine performance

Core/Utils.lua

@@ -482,20 +482,23 @@ function Utils:DeepCopy(orig)
     return copy
 end
 
--- Get class color
+-- Class colors (cached at module level to avoid table creation per call)
+local CLASS_COLORS = {
+    WARRIOR = {r = 0.78, g = 0.61, b = 0.43},
+    PALADIN = {r = 0.96, g = 0.55, b = 0.73},
+    HUNTER = {r = 0.67, g = 0.83, b = 0.45},
+    ROGUE = {r = 1.00, g = 0.96, b = 0.41},
+    PRIEST = {r = 1.00, g = 1.00, b = 1.00},
+    SHAMAN = {r = 0.00, g = 0.44, b = 0.87},
+    MAGE = {r = 0.41, g = 0.80, b = 0.94},
+    WARLOCK = {r = 0.58, g = 0.51, b = 0.79},
+    DRUID = {r = 1.00, g = 0.49, b = 0.04},
+    _default = {r = 0.5, g = 0.5, b = 0.5},
+}
+
+-- Get class color (uses cached table)
 function Utils:GetClassColor(class)
-    local colors = {
-        WARRIOR = {r = 0.78, g = 0.61, b = 0.43},
-        PALADIN = {r = 0.96, g = 0.55, b = 0.73},
-        HUNTER = {r = 0.67, g = 0.83, b = 0.45},
-        ROGUE = {r = 1.00, g = 0.96, b = 0.41},
-        PRIEST = {r = 1.00, g = 1.00, b = 1.00},
-        SHAMAN = {r = 0.00, g = 0.44, b = 0.87},
-        MAGE = {r = 0.41, g = 0.80, b = 0.94},
-        WARLOCK = {r = 0.58, g = 0.51, b = 0.79},
-        DRUID = {r = 1.00, g = 0.49, b = 0.04},
-    }
-    return colors[class] or {r = 0.5, g = 0.5, b = 0.5}
+    return CLASS_COLORS[class] or CLASS_COLORS._default
 end
 
 -- Format time ago
@@ -536,52 +539,65 @@ local function IsGreenColor(r, g, b)
     return r < 0.4 and g > 0.7 and b < 0.4
 end
 
--- Patterns that indicate an item has special functionality (not junk)
-local SPECIAL_TEXT_PATTERNS = {
-    -- Use effects
-    "use:",
-    "use :",
-    -- Equip effects
-    "equip:",
-    "equip :",
-    -- Proc effects
-    "chance on hit:",
-    "chance on hit :",
-    "chance to",
-    "chance on",
-    -- Stat effects
-    "increases",
-    "improves",
-    "restores",
-    "regenerate",
-    "generates",
-    "absorbs",
-    "reduces",
-    "grants",
-    "gives",
-    -- Learning
-    "teaches",
-    "learn",
-    -- Special actions
-    "creates",
-    "summons",
-    "teleports",
-    "opens",
-    "activates",
-    -- Resistance/stats
-    "resistance",
-    "armor",
-    "damage",
-    "healing",
-    "mana",
-    "health",
-    "spirit",
-    "intellect",
-    "stamina",
-    "strength",
-    "agility",
+-- Fast pattern lookup table for special text detection (Lua 5.0 optimized)
+-- Uses prefix-based lookup to avoid iterating all patterns
+local SPECIAL_TEXT_PREFIXES = {
+    ["use"] = true,      -- use:, use :
+    ["equ"] = true,      -- equip:, equip :
+    ["cha"] = true,      -- chance on hit, chance to
+    ["inc"] = true,      -- increases
+    ["imp"] = true,      -- improves
+    ["res"] = true,      -- restores, resistance
+    ["reg"] = true,      -- regenerate
+    ["gen"] = true,      -- generates
+    ["abs"] = true,      -- absorbs
+    ["red"] = true,      -- reduces
+    ["gra"] = true,      -- grants
+    ["giv"] = true,      -- gives
+    ["tea"] = true,      -- teaches
+    ["lea"] = true,      -- learn
+    ["cre"] = true,      -- creates
+    ["sum"] = true,      -- summons
+    ["tel"] = true,      -- teleports
+    ["ope"] = true,      -- opens
+    ["act"] = true,      -- activates
+    ["arm"] = true,      -- armor
+    ["dam"] = true,      -- damage
+    ["hea"] = true,      -- healing, health
+    ["man"] = true,      -- mana
+    ["spi"] = true,      -- spirit
+    ["int"] = true,      -- intellect
+    ["sta"] = true,      -- stamina
+    ["str"] = true,      -- strength
+    ["agi"] = true,      -- agility
 }
 
+-- Full patterns for validation after prefix match (only checked if prefix matches)
+local SPECIAL_TEXT_PATTERNS = {
+    "use:", "equip:", "chance on", "chance to",
+    "increases", "improves", "restores", "regenerate", "generates",
+    "absorbs", "reduces", "grants", "gives", "teaches", "learn",
+    "creates", "summons", "teleports", "opens", "activates",
+    "resistance", "armor", "damage", "healing", "mana", "health",
+    "spirit", "intellect", "stamina", "strength", "agility",
+}
+
+-- Fast check if text contains special patterns (uses prefix lookup first)
+local function HasSpecialTextPattern(textLower)
+    -- Quick prefix check (3 chars) to avoid full pattern scan
+    local prefix = string.sub(textLower, 1, 3)
+    if not SPECIAL_TEXT_PREFIXES[prefix] then
+        return false
+    end
+    -- Prefix matched - do full pattern check
+    for _, pattern in ipairs(SPECIAL_TEXT_PATTERNS) do
+        if string.find(textLower, pattern) then
+            return true
+        end
+    end
+    return false
+end
+
 -- Check if an item's tooltip contains yellow or green description text
 -- This indicates the item has a use effect, equip effect, or special property
 -- Returns: hasSpecialText (boolean), textType ("yellow", "green", or nil)
@@ -644,16 +660,14 @@ function Utils:HasSpecialTooltipText(bagID, slotID, itemLink)
 
                 -- Check for yellow/gold text (Use:, Equip:, Chance on hit:, etc.)
                 if IsYellowColor(r, g, b) then
-                    -- Check if it matches any special text pattern
-                    for _, pattern in ipairs(SPECIAL_TEXT_PATTERNS) do
-                        if string.find(textLower, pattern) then
-                            addon:Debug("HasSpecialTooltipText: YELLOW match '%s' in: %s", pattern, text)
-                            -- Cache positive result
-                            if cacheKey then
-                                tooltipCache.specialText[cacheKey] = { hasSpecial = true, textType = "yellow" }
-                            end
-                            return true, "yellow"
+                    -- Use optimized prefix-based pattern check
+                    if HasSpecialTextPattern(textLower) then
+                        addon:Debug("HasSpecialTooltipText: YELLOW match in: %s", text)
+                        -- Cache positive result
+                        if cacheKey then
+                            tooltipCache.specialText[cacheKey] = { hasSpecial = true, textType = "yellow" }
                         end
+                        return true, "yellow"
                     end
                 end
 

Data/BagScanner.lua

@@ -14,8 +14,55 @@ local cacheValid = false
 local eventPending = false
 local dirtySlots = {}  -- Track specific slots that changed: dirtySlots[bagID][slotID] = true
 
--- Clear the bag cache
+--=====================================================
+-- Item Data Pool (Baganator-inspired memory optimization)
+-- Reuses item data tables instead of creating new ones
+--=====================================================
+local itemDataPool = {}
+local ITEM_DATA_POOL_MAX = 200  -- Limit pool size to prevent unbounded growth
+
+-- Acquire item data table from pool
+local function AcquireItemData()
+    return table.remove(itemDataPool) or {}
+end
+
+-- Release item data table back to pool
+local function ReleaseItemData(data)
+    if data and table.getn(itemDataPool) < ITEM_DATA_POOL_MAX then
+        -- Clear all fields for reuse
+        data.link = nil
+        data.texture = nil
+        data.count = nil
+        data.quality = nil
+        data.name = nil
+        data.iLevel = nil
+        data.type = nil
+        data.class = nil
+        data.subclass = nil
+        data.equipSlot = nil
+        data.locked = nil
+        table.insert(itemDataPool, data)
+    end
+end
+
+-- Release all item data in a bag cache entry
+local function ReleaseBagCacheData(bagData)
+    if bagData and bagData.slots then
+        for slotID, itemData in pairs(bagData.slots) do
+            if itemData then
+                ReleaseItemData(itemData)
+            end
+        end
+    end
+end
+
+-- Clear the bag cache (releases pooled data)
 function BagScanner:ClearCache()
+    if bagCache then
+        for bagID, bagData in pairs(bagCache) do
+            ReleaseBagCacheData(bagData)
+        end
+    end
     bagCache = nil
     cacheValid = false
     dirtySlots = {}
@@ -142,7 +189,7 @@ function BagScanner:ScanBag(bagID)
     return bag
 end
 
--- Scan a single slot
+-- Scan a single slot (uses item data pooling)
 function BagScanner:ScanSlot(bagID, slot)
     -- Validate parameters to prevent API errors
     if bagID == nil or slot == nil or slot < 1 then
@@ -164,19 +211,20 @@ function BagScanner:ScanSlot(bagID, slot)
         name, link, itemQuality, iLevel, itemCategory, itemType, itemStackCount, itemSubType, itemTexture, itemEquipLoc, itemSellPrice = addon.Modules.Utils:GetItemInfo(itemLink)
     end
 
-    return {
-        link = itemLink,
-        texture = texture,
-        count = itemCount or 1,
-        quality = quality or itemQuality or 0,
-        name = name,
-        iLevel = iLevel,
-        type = itemType,
-        class = itemCategory,
-        subclass = itemSubType,
-        equipSlot = itemEquipLoc,
-        locked = locked,
-    }
+    -- Use pooled item data table instead of creating new one
+    local itemData = AcquireItemData()
+    itemData.link = itemLink
+    itemData.texture = texture
+    itemData.count = itemCount or 1
+    itemData.quality = quality or itemQuality or 0
+    itemData.name = name
+    itemData.iLevel = iLevel
+    itemData.type = itemType
+    itemData.class = itemCategory
+    itemData.subclass = itemSubType
+    itemData.equipSlot = itemEquipLoc
+    itemData.locked = locked
+    return itemData
 end
 
 -- Save current bags to database

Sorting/SortEngine.lua

@@ -12,6 +12,10 @@ SortEngine.sortingInProgress = false
 -- Performance: Max items to move per cycle
 -- Baganator uses 5 for manual transfers, but sorting needs more for smooth operation
 local MAX_MOVES_PER_CYCLE = 20
+local MAX_BANK_MOVES_PER_CYCLE = 30  -- Bank has 50% more slots, needs more moves per cycle
+
+-- Current sort context (set by ExecuteSort, used by ApplySort)
+local currentSortType = "bags"
 
 -- Transfer status constants (like Baganator's SortStatus)
 local TransferStatus = {
@@ -131,10 +135,22 @@ local GEM_PATTERNS = {
 --===========================================================================
 
 -- Property cache to prevent race conditions during rapid moves
+-- With size limits to prevent unbounded memory growth (Baganator pattern)
 local propertyCache = {}
+local propertyCacheSize = 0
+local PROPERTY_CACHE_MAX = 500  -- Prevent memory leaks from unbounded cache
 
 function SortEngine:ClearCache()
 	propertyCache = {}
+	propertyCacheSize = 0
+end
+
+-- Get cache statistics for performance monitoring
+function SortEngine:GetCacheStats()
+	return {
+		size = propertyCacheSize,
+		maxSize = PROPERTY_CACHE_MAX,
+	}
 end
 
 local function GetItemProperties(bagID, slotID, itemLink)
@@ -148,6 +164,12 @@ local function GetItemProperties(bagID, slotID, itemLink)
 		return propertyCache[cacheKey]
 	end
 
+	-- Evict cache if it exceeds max size to prevent memory leaks
+	if propertyCacheSize >= PROPERTY_CACHE_MAX then
+		propertyCache = {}
+		propertyCacheSize = 0
+	end
+
 	local props = {
 		isQuest = false,
 		isQuestStarter = false,
@@ -231,6 +253,7 @@ local function GetItemProperties(bagID, slotID, itemLink)
 	end
 
 	propertyCache[cacheKey] = props
+	propertyCacheSize = propertyCacheSize + 1
 	return props
 end
 
@@ -990,12 +1013,15 @@ local function BuildTargetPositions(bagIDs, itemCount)
 		})
 	end
 
-	table.sort(sortedBags, function(a, b)
-		if a.priority ~= b.priority then
-			return a.priority > b.priority
-		end
-		return a.bagID < b.bagID
-	end)
+	-- Only sort if we have more than one element
+	if table.getn(sortedBags) > 1 then
+		table.sort(sortedBags, function(a, b)
+			if a.priority ~= b.priority then
+				return a.priority > b.priority
+			end
+			return a.bagID < b.bagID
+		end)
+	end
 
 	-- Build positions in priority order
 	for _, bagInfo in ipairs(sortedBags) do
@@ -1034,6 +1060,9 @@ local function ApplySort(bagIDs, items, targetPositions)
 	local moveToEmpty = {}
 	local swapOccupied = {}
 
+	-- Use bank-specific move limit (bank has 50% more slots)
+	local maxMoves = (currentSortType == "bank") and MAX_BANK_MOVES_PER_CYCLE or MAX_MOVES_PER_CYCLE
+
 	-- Build move queues
 	for i, item in ipairs(items) do
 		local target = targetPositions[i]
@@ -1071,7 +1100,7 @@ local function ApplySort(bagIDs, items, targetPositions)
 
 	for _, move in ipairs(moveToEmpty) do
 		-- Limit moves per cycle to prevent slot locking (like Baganator)
-		if moveCount >= MAX_MOVES_PER_CYCLE then
+		if moveCount >= maxMoves then
 			break
 		end
 
@@ -1089,7 +1118,7 @@ local function ApplySort(bagIDs, items, targetPositions)
 	-- Execute swaps with occupied slots (if we haven't hit the limit)
 	for _, move in ipairs(swapOccupied) do
 		-- Limit moves per cycle
-		if moveCount >= MAX_MOVES_PER_CYCLE then
+		if moveCount >= maxMoves then
 			break
 		end
 
@@ -1137,12 +1166,15 @@ local function BuildGreyTailPositions(bagIDs, greyCount)
 		end
 	end
 
-	table.sort(ordered, function(a, b)
-		if a.priority ~= b.priority then
-			return a.priority < b.priority -- lowest first
-		end
-		return a.bagID > b.bagID -- higher bagID later (treated as further to the right)
-	end)
+	-- Only sort if we have more than one element
+	if table.getn(ordered) > 1 then
+		table.sort(ordered, function(a, b)
+			if a.priority ~= b.priority then
+				return a.priority < b.priority -- lowest first
+			end
+			return a.bagID > b.bagID -- higher bagID later (treated as further to the right)
+		end)
+	end
 
 	-- Collect tail slots from end to start, spilling to previous bags as needed.
 	local tailSlots = {}
@@ -1160,17 +1192,19 @@ local function BuildGreyTailPositions(bagIDs, greyCount)
 	-- STABILITY FIX: Sort the collected tail slots to match the ascending scan order.
 	-- This ensures that identical items don't swap places every pass.
 	-- Ascending order: Priority DESC, BagID ASC, Slot ASC (matching BuildTargetPositions)
-	table.sort(tailSlots, function(a, b)
-		local aPrio = tonumber(addon.Modules.Utils:GetContainerPriority(a.bag)) or 0
-		local bPrio = tonumber(addon.Modules.Utils:GetContainerPriority(b.bag)) or 0
-		if aPrio ~= bPrio then
-			return aPrio > bPrio
-		end
-		if a.bag ~= b.bag then
-			return a.bag < b.bag
-		end
-		return a.slot < b.slot
-	end)
+	if table.getn(tailSlots) > 1 then
+		table.sort(tailSlots, function(a, b)
+			local aPrio = tonumber(addon.Modules.Utils:GetContainerPriority(a.bag)) or 0
+			local bPrio = tonumber(addon.Modules.Utils:GetContainerPriority(b.bag)) or 0
+			if aPrio ~= bPrio then
+				return aPrio > bPrio
+			end
+			if a.bag ~= b.bag then
+				return a.bag < b.bag
+			end
+			return a.slot < b.slot
+		end)
+	end
 
 	return tailSlots
 end
@@ -1622,6 +1656,9 @@ function SortEngine:ExecuteSort(sortFunction, analyzeFunction, updateFrame, sort
 		return false, "sorting in progress"
 	end
 
+	-- Set current sort context so ApplySort uses correct move limits
+	currentSortType = sortType or "bags"
+
 	-- Clear property cache at the start of a sort operation
 	self:ClearCache()
 
@@ -1630,6 +1667,7 @@ function SortEngine:ExecuteSort(sortFunction, analyzeFunction, updateFrame, sort
 
 	-- Check if already sorted
 	if analysis.alreadySorted then
+		currentSortType = "bags"  -- Reset to default
 		return false, "already sorted"
 	end
 
@@ -1643,7 +1681,8 @@ function SortEngine:ExecuteSort(sortFunction, analyzeFunction, updateFrame, sort
 
  local passCount = 0
  local maxPasses = math.max(analysis.passes, 1)  -- Use estimated passes, minimum 1
- local safetyLimit = math.max(maxPasses * 3, 10)  -- Reasonable upper bound
+ -- Bank has 50% more slots (240 vs 160), so needs higher safety limit
+ local safetyLimit = (sortType == "bank") and math.max(maxPasses * 4, 15) or math.max(maxPasses * 3, 10)
  local totalMoves = 0
  local noProgressPasses = 0
 
@@ -1671,6 +1710,7 @@ function SortEngine:ExecuteSort(sortFunction, analyzeFunction, updateFrame, sort
 					frame:SetScript("OnUpdate", nil)
 					SortEngine.sortingInProgress = false
 					SortEngine:UpdateSortButtonState(false)
+					currentSortType = "bags"  -- Reset sort context
 					-- Clear caches after sorting to ensure fresh detection
 					if sortType == "bank" then
 						addon.Modules.BankScanner:ClearCache()
@@ -1696,6 +1736,7 @@ function SortEngine:ExecuteSort(sortFunction, analyzeFunction, updateFrame, sort
 					frame:SetScript("OnUpdate", nil)
 					SortEngine.sortingInProgress = false
 					SortEngine:UpdateSortButtonState(false)
+					currentSortType = "bags"  -- Reset sort context
 					-- Clear caches after sorting to ensure fresh detection
 					if sortType == "bank" then
 						addon.Modules.BankScanner:ClearCache()
@@ -1728,6 +1769,7 @@ function SortEngine:ExecuteSort(sortFunction, analyzeFunction, updateFrame, sort
                         frame:SetScript("OnUpdate", nil)
                         SortEngine.sortingInProgress = false
                         SortEngine:UpdateSortButtonState(false)
+                        currentSortType = "bags"  -- Reset sort context
                         -- Clear caches after sorting to ensure fresh detection
                         if sortType == "bank" then
                             addon.Modules.BankScanner:ClearCache()

UI/BankFrame.lua

@@ -173,9 +173,8 @@ function BankFrame:Update()
         -- Check if we have any displayed items
         local hasDisplayedItems = false
         for _, bankBagParent in pairs(bankBagParents) do
-            if bankBagParent then
-                local children = { bankBagParent:GetChildren() }
-                for _, button in ipairs(children) do
+            if bankBagParent and bankBagParent.itemButtons then
+                for button in pairs(bankBagParent.itemButtons) do
                     if button.hasItem and button:IsShown() then
                         hasDisplayedItems = true
                         break
@@ -194,9 +193,8 @@ function BankFrame:Update()
 
     -- Mark all existing buttons as not in use (we'll mark active ones during display)
     for _, bankBagParent in pairs(bankBagParents) do
-        if bankBagParent then
-            local buttons = { bankBagParent:GetChildren() }
-            for _, button in ipairs(buttons) do
+        if bankBagParent and bankBagParent.itemButtons then
+            for button in pairs(bankBagParent.itemButtons) do
                 if button.hasItem ~= nil then
                     button.inUse = false
                 end
@@ -274,9 +272,8 @@ function BankFrame:Update()
 
     -- Clean up unused buttons AFTER display is complete (prevents drag/drop issues)
     for _, bankBagParent in pairs(bankBagParents) do
-        if bankBagParent then
-            local buttons = { bankBagParent:GetChildren() }
-            for _, button in ipairs(buttons) do
+        if bankBagParent and bankBagParent.itemButtons then
+            for button in pairs(bankBagParent.itemButtons) do
                 if button.hasItem ~= nil and not button.inUse then
                     button:Hide()
                     button:ClearAllPoints()

UI/FrameHelpers.lua

@@ -135,44 +135,77 @@ function Guda_CategorizeItem(itemData, bagID, slotID, categories, specialItems,
     table.insert(categories[cat], {bagID = bagID, slotID = slotID, itemData = itemData})
 end
 
--- Initialize empty category tables
+--=====================================================
+-- Category Table Pooling (memory optimization)
+-- Reuses category tables instead of creating new ones
+--=====================================================
+local categoriesCache = nil
+local specialItemsCache = nil
+
+-- Clear a table without creating a new one (Lua 5.0 compatible)
+local function WipeTable(t)
+    if not t then return end
+    for k in pairs(t) do
+        t[k] = nil
+    end
+end
+
+-- Initialize empty category tables (reuses cached tables)
 function Guda_InitCategories()
     -- Refresh category list from CategoryManager (enabled categories only for display)
     Guda_RefreshCategoryList()
 
-    -- Create tables for ALL categories (not just enabled) so items can be categorized
-    -- Items in disabled categories simply won't be displayed
-    local categories = {}
+    -- Reuse or create categories table
+    if not categoriesCache then
+        categoriesCache = {}
+    end
+
+    -- Clear existing category arrays (don't recreate the main table)
+    for cat, items in pairs(categoriesCache) do
+        WipeTable(items)
+    end
 
     if addon.Modules.CategoryManager then
         -- Get full category order (all categories, not just enabled)
         local allCategories = addon.Modules.CategoryManager:GetCategoryOrder()
         for _, cat in ipairs(allCategories) do
-            categories[cat] = {}
+            if not categoriesCache[cat] then
+                categoriesCache[cat] = {}
+            end
         end
     else
         -- Fallback: use the display list
         for _, cat in ipairs(Guda_CategoryList) do
-            categories[cat] = {}
+            if not categoriesCache[cat] then
+                categoriesCache[cat] = {}
+            end
         end
     end
 
     -- Always ensure Miscellaneous exists as fallback
-    if not categories["Miscellaneous"] then
-        categories["Miscellaneous"] = {}
+    if not categoriesCache["Miscellaneous"] then
+        categoriesCache["Miscellaneous"] = {}
     end
 
     -- Always ensure Keyring exists (handled specially in BagFrame)
-    if not categories["Keyring"] then
-        categories["Keyring"] = {}
+    if not categoriesCache["Keyring"] then
+        categoriesCache["Keyring"] = {}
     end
 
-    local specialItems = {
-        Hearthstone = {},
-        Mount = {},
-        Tools = {}
-    }
-    return categories, specialItems
+    -- Reuse or create specialItems table
+    if not specialItemsCache then
+        specialItemsCache = {
+            Hearthstone = {},
+            Mount = {},
+            Tools = {}
+        }
+    else
+        WipeTable(specialItemsCache.Hearthstone)
+        WipeTable(specialItemsCache.Mount)
+        WipeTable(specialItemsCache.Tools)
+    end
+
+    return categoriesCache, specialItemsCache
 end
 
 -- Sort items within a category
@@ -254,17 +287,26 @@ function Guda_GetBagParent(framePrefix, parentsTable, bagID, containerName)
         if parentsTable[bagID].SetID then
             parentsTable[bagID]:SetID(bagID)
         end
+        -- Track item buttons to avoid GetChildren() table allocation
+        parentsTable[bagID].itemButtons = {}
     end
     return parentsTable[bagID]
 end
 
+-- Register an item button with its parent for tracking
+function Guda_RegisterItemButton(parent, button)
+    if parent and parent.itemButtons and button then
+        parent.itemButtons[button] = true
+    end
+end
+
 -- Update lock/desaturation states for a table of parent frames
+-- Uses itemButtons tracking to avoid GetChildren() table allocation
 function Guda_UpdateLockStates(parentsTable)
     if not parentsTable then return end
     for _, parent in pairs(parentsTable) do
-        if parent then
-            local buttons = { parent:GetChildren() }
-            for _, button in ipairs(buttons) do
+        if parent and parent.itemButtons then
+            for button in pairs(parent.itemButtons) do
                 if button.hasItem ~= nil and button:IsShown() and button.bagID and button.slotID then
                     -- GetContainerItemInfo returns: texture, itemCount, locked, quality, readable
                     -- The 3rd return value is the lock state (boolean or nil)

UI/ItemButton.lua

@@ -23,37 +23,45 @@ local function IsQuestItem(bagID, slotID, isBank, itemData)
 end
 
 --=====================================================
--- Junk Icon Helper Functions (reusable for all views)
--- Shows a vendor sell icon on junk items
+-- Junk Icon Pool (Baganator-inspired memory optimization)
+-- Uses frame pooling to avoid creating new frames per button
 --=====================================================
+local junkIconPool = {}
 
--- Create junk icon for a button (parented to UIParent for full opacity)
-local function CreateJunkIcon(button)
-    if button.junkIcon then return button.junkIcon end
+-- Get a junk icon from pool or create new one
+local function AcquireJunkIcon()
+    local icon = table.remove(junkIconPool)
+    if not icon then
+        icon = CreateFrame("Frame", nil, UIParent)
+        icon:SetFrameStrata("HIGH")
+        icon:SetWidth(14)
+        icon:SetHeight(14)
 
-    local junkFrame = CreateFrame("Frame", nil, UIParent)
-    junkFrame:SetFrameStrata("HIGH")
-    junkFrame:SetWidth(14)
-    junkFrame:SetHeight(14)
-
-    local texture = junkFrame:CreateTexture(nil, "OVERLAY")
-    texture:SetAllPoints(junkFrame)
-    texture:SetTexture("Interface\\GossipFrame\\VendorGossipIcon")
-    texture:SetTexCoord(0, 1, 0, 1)
-
-    junkFrame:Hide()
-    button.junkIcon = junkFrame
-    return junkFrame
+        local texture = icon:CreateTexture(nil, "OVERLAY")
+        texture:SetAllPoints(icon)
+        texture:SetTexture("Interface\\GossipFrame\\VendorGossipIcon")
+        texture:SetTexCoord(0, 1, 0, 1)
+        icon.texture = texture
+    end
+    return icon
 end
 
--- Update junk icon visibility and position
-local function UpdateJunkIcon(button, isJunk, iconSize)
-    -- Create icon if it doesn't exist
-    if not button.junkIcon then
-        CreateJunkIcon(button)
+-- Release a junk icon back to the pool
+local function ReleaseJunkIcon(icon)
+    if icon then
+        icon:Hide()
+        icon:ClearAllPoints()
+        table.insert(junkIconPool, icon)
     end
+end
 
+-- Update junk icon visibility and position (uses pooling)
+local function UpdateJunkIcon(button, isJunk, iconSize)
     if isJunk then
+        -- Acquire from pool if needed
+        if not button.junkIcon then
+            button.junkIcon = AcquireJunkIcon()
+        end
         -- Scale icon size based on button size
         local junkIconSize = math.max(10, math.min(14, iconSize * 0.30))
         button.junkIcon:SetWidth(junkIconSize)
@@ -63,14 +71,19 @@ local function UpdateJunkIcon(button, isJunk, iconSize)
         button.junkIcon:SetAlpha(1.0)
         button.junkIcon:Show()
     else
-        button.junkIcon:Hide()
+        -- Release back to pool when not needed
+        if button.junkIcon then
+            ReleaseJunkIcon(button.junkIcon)
+            button.junkIcon = nil
+        end
     end
 end
 
--- Hide junk icon (for cleanup/reset)
+-- Hide junk icon (releases to pool)
 local function HideJunkIcon(button)
     if button.junkIcon then
-        button.junkIcon:Hide()
+        ReleaseJunkIcon(button.junkIcon)
+        button.junkIcon = nil
     end
 end
 
@@ -251,6 +264,11 @@ function Guda_GetItemButton(parent)
     buttonPool[nextButtonID] = button
     nextButtonID = nextButtonID + 1
 
+    -- Register button with parent for tracking (avoids GetChildren() allocation)
+    if Guda_RegisterItemButton then
+        Guda_RegisterItemButton(parent, button)
+    end
+
     return button
 end