prosessimuistista

Prosessimuisti, or process memory, refers to the memory allocated to and used by a running computer program, also known as a process. When an operating system launches an application, it allocates a dedicated portion of the main memory (RAM) for that process to store its instructions, data, and state. This memory space is crucial for the program's execution, allowing it to store variables, manage its call stack, and access resources.

The amount of process memory required can vary significantly depending on the complexity and demands of the application. Simple programs may only need a small amount, while resource-intensive applications like video games or large databases can consume gigabytes of memory. The operating system manages this memory, ensuring that each process has its own isolated space to prevent interference with other running programs. This isolation is vital for system stability and security.

When a process terminates, the operating system reclaims its allocated memory, making it available for other processes. Memory leaks can occur if a program fails to release memory it no longer needs, leading to a gradual depletion of available RAM and potential performance degradation or system instability. Understanding process memory is fundamental to comprehending how software interacts with hardware and how operating systems manage resources efficiently.