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Multiprogramming Is A Method Used in Operating Sys...

The document compares fixed partitioning and variable partitioning in memory management for multiprogramming. Fixed partitioning uses a predetermined number of static partitions leading to internal fragmentation and limited job sizes, while variable partitioning allocates memory dynamically based on job size, resulting in higher efficiency but also external fragmentation and increased complexity. Overall, fixed partitioning is simpler to implement, whereas variable partitioning offers more flexibility for diverse job sizes.

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Saksham Rai
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0 views1 page

Multiprogramming Is A Method Used in Operating Sys...

The document compares fixed partitioning and variable partitioning in memory management for multiprogramming. Fixed partitioning uses a predetermined number of static partitions leading to internal fragmentation and limited job sizes, while variable partitioning allocates memory dynamically based on job size, resulting in higher efficiency but also external fragmentation and increased complexity. Overall, fixed partitioning is simpler to implement, whereas variable partitioning offers more flexibility for diverse job sizes.

Uploaded by

Saksham Rai
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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Fixed Partitioning vs.

Variable Partitioning: A Comparison


Multiprogramming, a technique for boosting CPU utilization, relies on efficient memory
management. Two primary methods for partitioning memory in a multiprogramming environment
are fixed partitioning and variable partitioning. Here's a detailed comparison:
Fixed Partitioning
●​ Definition: Main memory is divided into a predetermined, fixed number of partitions, each
with a set size. Each partition can accommodate a single job.
●​ Memory Allocation: The size of each partition is static. If a job is smaller than its
allocated partition, the unused space within that partition is wasted, leading to internal
fragmentation.
●​ Overhead: Management overhead is low. The operating system only needs to track
which fixed partitions are occupied.
●​ Fragmentation: Suffers from internal fragmentation.
●​ Job Size Limitation: Jobs are restricted by partition sizes. A job larger than the biggest
partition cannot be loaded.
●​ Simplicity: Easier to implement and manage due to the static nature of the partitions.
Variable Partitioning
●​ Definition: Memory is dynamically divided into partitions of varying sizes, tailored to the
specific needs of each job as it is loaded.
●​ Memory Allocation: Memory is allocated based on the actual size of the job, promoting
more efficient memory utilization.
●​ Overhead: Higher management overhead. The operating system must continuously track
free memory blocks and allocate them dynamically.
●​ Fragmentation: Prone to external fragmentation, where free memory is fragmented into
small, non-contiguous blocks, potentially unusable for larger jobs even if the total free
space is sufficient.
●​ Job Size Flexibility: Accommodates jobs of diverse sizes since memory is allocated
precisely to their requirements.
●​ Complexity: More complex to implement due to dynamic memory management and the
need to address fragmentation issues.
Summary
Feature Fixed Partitioning Variable Partitioning
Definition Fixed number of predetermined Dynamically created partitions
size partitions of varying sizes
Memory Allocation Fixed size, can lead to internal Based on job size, more
fragmentation efficient
Overhead Relatively low Higher
Fragmentation Internal fragmentation External fragmentation
Job Size Limited by partition size Flexible, accommodates
varying job sizes
Complexity Simpler to implement More complex due to dynamic
management

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