Scribd
Upload
199 views3 pages

Memory Allocation Algorithms

The document outlines four memory allocation algorithms: First Fit, Best Fit, Worst Fit, and Next Fit, detailing their methods, advantages, and disadvantages. Each algorithm has a unique approach to allocating memory blocks based on size and search patterns, impacting speed and fragmentation. A summary table compares the algorithms based on their search patterns and goals.

Uploaded by

tuhinakarmakar9090
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
199 views3 pages

Memory Allocation Algorithms

The document outlines four memory allocation algorithms: First Fit, Best Fit, Worst Fit, and Next Fit, detailing their methods, advantages, and disadvantages. Each algorithm has a unique approach to allocating memory blocks based on size and search patterns, impacting speed and fragmentation. A summary table compares the algorithms based on their search patterns and goals.

Uploaded by

tuhinakarmakar9090
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Memory Allocation Algorithms

1. First Fit

How it works:

Scan memory from the beginning and allocate the first free block that is large enough.

Example:

Free blocks: [100 KB, 500 KB, 200 KB, 300 KB]

Request: 212 KB -> Allocated to 300 KB block.

Advantages:

- Fast, simple to implement.

Disadvantages:

- Can leave many small gaps (fragments) at the start.

2. Best Fit

How it works:

Find the smallest free block that is big enough for the request.

Example:

Free blocks: [100 KB, 500 KB, 200 KB, 300 KB]

Request: 212 KB -> Allocated to 300 KB block.

Advantages:

- Reduces internal fragmentation.

Disadvantages:

- Slower (must search entire list), can create many small unusable holes.
3. Worst Fit

How it works:

Allocate the largest available free block.

Example:

Free blocks: [100 KB, 500 KB, 200 KB, 300 KB]

Request: 212 KB -> Allocated to 500 KB block.

Advantages:

- Leaves large free blocks, reducing external fragmentation.

Disadvantages:

- Often wastes big blocks unnecessarily.

4. Next Fit

How it works:

Similar to First Fit, but it starts searching from where it last left off.

Example:

Free blocks: [100 KB, 500 KB, 200 KB, 300 KB]

After serving a previous request at 200 KB, it starts checking from 300 KB block next.

Advantages:

- Distributes free space more evenly.

Disadvantages:

- Can still fragment memory, slightly slower than First Fit.


Summary Table

Algorithm | Search Pattern | Goal

----------- | ------------------------ | --------------------------

First Fit | Start from beginning | Fastest, simple

Best Fit | Smallest sufficient block| Save space

Worst Fit | Largest available block | Leave large blocks

Next Fit | Continue from last spot | Balance search effort

You might also like