memóriaallokáció

Memóriaallokáció, often referred to as memory allocation, is the process of reserving a portion of computer memory for a specific program or data structure. When a program needs to store information, it requests memory from the operating system. This request can be for a fixed amount of memory or for a variable amount that might change during the program's execution.

There are two primary types of memory allocation: static and dynamic. Static allocation occurs before the program begins execution, typically for variables whose size is known at compile time. This memory is allocated in a fixed location and remains for the entire duration of the program. Dynamic allocation, on the other hand, happens during program execution. This allows programs to request and release memory as needed, making them more flexible and efficient, especially when dealing with data of unknown or changing sizes.

The operating system manages the available memory and keeps track of which parts are in use and which are free. When a program requests memory, the operating system finds a suitable block of free memory and assigns it. Conversely, when a program no longer needs a piece of memory, it can release it back to the operating system, making it available for other requests. Improper memory management, such as failing to release allocated memory, can lead to memory leaks, where available memory is gradually consumed, potentially causing performance degradation or program crashes. Efficient memory allocation is crucial for the optimal performance and stability of software applications.