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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.

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4 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.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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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

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