What is the meaning of fragmentation in computer memory?
The meaning of fragmentation in computer memory refers to the phenomenon where free memory space becomes scattered or divided into small, non-contiguous blocks. This can result in inefficient memory utilization and decreased system performance.
Understanding Fragmentation in Computer Memory
Fragmentation in computer memory refers to the phenomenon where free memory space becomes scattered or divided into small, non-contiguous blocks. This can occur in both physical memory (RAM) and virtual memory (disk space).
There are two types of fragmentation: external fragmentation and internal fragmentation. External fragmentation happens when free memory blocks are scattered throughout the memory space, making it challenging to allocate contiguous blocks of memory for new processes. This can result in inefficient memory utilization and decreased system performance.
On the other hand, internal fragmentation occurs when allocated memory blocks are larger than necessary, resulting in wasted memory space within each block. This can happen when memory is allocated in fixed-size blocks, and the requested memory size is smaller than the block size.
Overall, fragmentation can lead to inefficient memory management and can negatively impact the performance of computer systems. It is essential for system administrators and developers to understand fragmentation and implement strategies to mitigate its impact on system performance.