Dynamic memory allocation allows programmers to control how much memory is allocated and for how long, solving problems with excessive memory usage and frozen programs. Unlike static memory allocation, it can be set to a lower value to save system memory. However, if the programmer forgets to set a time value, dynamic memory could fill up.
Dynamic memory allocation, also called heap-based memory allocation, is a type of memory management that is sharply contrasted by static memory allocation. In dynamic memory allocation, the programmer tells the computer exactly how much memory to allocate for each program and how long to keep the memory. This solves many of the problems that occur with static memory allocation, such as excessive memory usage and frozen programs. While it solves many problems, if the programmer forgets to tell memory to dump, dynamic memory can become a problem.
Computers, by default, use static memory allocation. This means that memory holds programs as they are used, even if the program is no longer used or if held memory becomes dangerous or a hindrance to performance. For example, if the user interrupts a program that occupies 2 megabytes (MB) on a 3 MB computer and a second program needs another 2 MB, the second program will fail. This is because there is not enough memory in the computer for the other program.
With static memory allocation, the user or programmer cannot specify how much memory they want to store, nor can the programmer tell static memory to dump memory to free up resources. This is why advanced users often use dynamic memory allocation. The programmer is able to control everything related to memory, including resource retention time.
For example, the programmer can set the dynamic memory allocation to contain only 1 MB or less, which would save enough system memory to allow other programs to open. This can be done because static memory usually holds everything related to the program, while dynamic memory allows programmers to set it to a lower value which holds some data, but not all. At the same time, static memory will still be needed, which can be set up in this allocation scheme.
One potential problem with dynamic memory allocation, which rarely comes into play, is that dynamic memory could fill up if the programmer forgets to set a time value. If no time value is set, unlike static memory which will eventually release the memory, dynamic memory will keep the information. If the program has a garbage dump application, and most do, it will kick in after a while to clear the memory. However, it is recommended that you set a time value for memory allocation.
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