Garbage collection, Operating System

Assignment Help:

The dynamic memory allocator is a layer between the application and the OS, managing heap objects. When a program requests memory from the allocator (via malloc(), for instance), the allocator will return a pointer (or reference) to a piece of memory of the appropriate size. When the program is done with the memory, the memory should be released back to the allocator. Languages such as C and C++ leave this job to the programmer to perform manually, for example by using free(). On the other hand, languages such as Java, python, etc automatically manage dynamically-allocated memory, which makes the programmer's life easier, and can eliminate entire classes of memory management bugs.

Although using free() and delete is relatively simple, it can be tricky to get them right. A signi?cant fraction of bugs in C and C++ programs are related to manual memory management. If we forget to free objects, we end up with memory leaks; if we free memory too soon, we end up with "dangling pointers"; also, we can try to do weird things, like performing double frees, etc. Therefore, a process that manages memory automatically is clearly useful. The most important concept for correctly implementing a garbage collector is that of live objects: a live object is any object that can still be reached through one (or more) pointers.


Related Discussions:- Garbage collection

What is the drawbacks of contiguous allocation of disk space, What are the ...

What are the drawbacks of contiguous allocation of disk space? The disadvantages are a. Suffers from internal fragmentation b. Suffers from external fragmentation c. F

Multiprogramming, how response times are reduced by allowing time sharing o...

how response times are reduced by allowing time sharing on top of multiprogramming

Define the os/2 threads code, Define the OS/2 threads code The sample p...

Define the OS/2 threads code The sample program in Listing is very similar to the NetWare example. OS/2 commands are substituted for the pseudocode commands controlling thread

Define a election algorithm, Consider a setting where processors are not as...

Consider a setting where processors are not associated with unique identifiers but the total number of processors is known and the processors are organized along a bidirectional ri

Software Support (Introducing Operating Systems), The questions ask List fo...

The questions ask List four major functions of an OS. My answer: Function 1: Provide a user interface Function 2: Manage files Function 3: Manage hardware Function 4: Manage appli

Explain the circumstances under which os use mutexes, Q. Give the reasons ...

Q. Give the reasons why Windows XP, Solaris and Linux implement multiple locking mechanisms. Explain the circumstances under which they use mutexes, spinlocks, semaphores, adaptiv

Explain lru additional reference bits algorithm, Additional Reference bits...

Additional Reference bits algorithm Here we keep an 8-bit byte for every page in memory. At standard intervals the reference bit is shifted by the OS. If a shift register conta

Explain multitasking operating system, Multitasking - An Operating systems...

Multitasking - An Operating systems that is proficient of allowing multiple software processes to be run at the same time. Below are some instances of multitasking Operating Syste

Differences between symmetric and asymmetric multiprocessing, Describe the ...

Describe the differences between symmetric and asymmetric multiprocessing. What are three advantages and one disadvantage of multiprocessor systems? Symmetric multiprocessing t

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd