Memory management (computer science)
Memory management in computer science is a vital process performed by an operating system that involves allocating and organizing the computer's memory resources. This process ensures that applications have the necessary memory to operate efficiently while balancing the demands of multiple programs. Memory management involves differentiating between various types of memory, such as volatile memory like Random Access Memory (RAM), which is used for immediate tasks, and non-volatile memory like hard disk drives, which store data long-term.
The operating system monitors memory usage, dynamically assigning memory blocks to applications and adjusting these allocations as needed. If memory is mismanaged, it can lead to system malfunctions, causing programs to crash if they are assigned insufficient memory or limiting the number of applications that can run simultaneously if too much memory is allocated to one program. Effective memory management is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and ensuring the computer operates smoothly, allowing users to execute tasks without interruption.
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Memory management (computer science)
Memory management is a continuous process carried out by the operating system of a computer. During this process, the operating system assigns tasks to different parts of the computer. In order to complete this process in an effective manner, the operating system needs to be able to correctly assign applications the amount of working memory necessary for them to run smoothly. It must also be able to adjust those parameters as necessary and know what specific types of memory to assign to each application.
If an operating system cannot manage memory effectively, the computer may cease to function. Programs and applications require memory to operate, and may crash if given too little. However, if a program or application is granted too much memory, it may unnecessarily restrict the number of programs or applications that the computer can run at once.
Computers contain different types of memory, each of which is specialized for a different purpose. Random Access Memory (RAM), like other types of volatile memory, can be rapidly written and rewritten. This makes it ideal for fast-paced work, but less efficient for storing data for long periods. Hard disk drives are slower to read and write, but are better at keeping data safe for long periods.
Background
Computer memory refers to physical devices capable of storing information. Modern computers contain numerous types of computer memory, each of which is specialized to complete different tasks. In most cases, computer memory is divided into volatile memory or non-volatile memory. Volatile memory only stores data for as long as the device remains powered. If a computer turns off, any data stored by volatile memory modules is lost.
Random Access Memory (RAM) is a type of volatile memory essential to modern computers. RAM can be written and rewritten at an extremely rapid pace. This allows the computer to utilize RAM for numerous tasks in a short time. However, RAM is inefficient at storing data for long periods.
Long term memory, also called secondary storage, is commonly handled by installing a hard disk drive, or hard drive. Hard drives contain many times more memory than RAM modules, but take far longer to read or write. This makes them more efficient at storing data for long periods. They are commonly used to store media, such as images and videos, which may not be viewed on a regular basis. Additionally, hard drives are non-volatile memory, so they can save data after the computer is turned off.
When a computer is instructed to access a program, the program is loaded from the hard drive to the RAM. Because the RAM can be read and written at a more rapid pace than the hard drive, the computer’s central processing unit (CPU) can interact with the program more quickly when it is loaded onto the RAM. This allows the computer to run more demanding programs in a smooth, efficient manner. Any changes made to the program or process will then be rewritten onto the hard drive.
Overview
Memory management is a process conducted by a computer’s operating system. The operating system is the software that supports basic computer functions. These include executing applications, controlling peripherals, and presenting a graphical user interface (GUI). Without an operating system, it would be very difficult for the average person to utilize a computer.
In order to keep the computer executing tasks in an efficient manner, the operating system needs to ensure that the computer’s memory is being utilized correctly. It must ensure that every process that the user activates has enough allotted memory to function, and that none of the allotted memory is already in use by another process. The operating system must also ensure that each task is using the correct type of computer memory. If the operating system fails at any of these tasks, the computer may malfunction in various ways.
Memory management requires that the operating system keep track of the numerous methods by which the computer can store data. These include the RAM chips, traditional hard drive, solid state drives (SSDs), and memory caches. The computer must know where specific sets of data are stored, so that when the user instructs the computer to access the data, the data can be retrieved in a timely manner. The operating system must also be able to rapidly relocate data as appropriate. For example, the computer may be required to move data from its short-term location in the RAM chips to the hard drive. It may then be required to find that data and retrieve it for a user on another occasion.
Application memory management involves managing the demands of multiple computer programs at once. Each program or application executed by the user requires an amount of computer memory to function. In some cases, the amount of memory required by a program or application might rapidly change. The operating system manages this by assigning each application blocks of memory, most of which are multiples of two kilobytes in size. Applications are loaded directly into these blocks of memory. The blocks may be adjusted as the computer deems necessary.
Computers have a finite amount of memory available for use at any given time. Each computer has a limited amount of storage space for programs, applications, drivers, operating systems, and any other processes. Operating systems are designed to analyze the computer hardware, communicating with individual components and tracking exactly how much memory is available at any given time. This information can then be relayed to the computer user, who can instruct the computer to use more space. Users may also instruct the computer to delete data, freeing more space for other uses.
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