Prozessspeicherverwaltung

Prozessspeicher, often translated as process memory or runtime memory, refers to the dynamic storage area allocated to a running computer program or process. When an application is launched, the operating system reserves a portion of the system's RAM (Random Access Memory) for that specific process. This allocated memory is used to store various types of data essential for the program's execution.

The primary components within process memory include the code segment, which holds the program's executable instructions; the data segment, which stores global and static variables; and the heap, a region used for dynamic memory allocation, where data is created and destroyed as needed during runtime. Additionally, there is the stack, which manages function calls, local variables, and return addresses.

The management of process memory is a critical function of the operating system. It ensures that each process has its own isolated memory space, preventing one program from interfering with another's data. This isolation is crucial for system stability and security. When a process terminates, its allocated memory is reclaimed by the operating system and made available for other applications. Efficient memory management is key to optimal system performance, as it minimizes resource contention and prevents issues like memory leaks or segmentation faults.