Heap vs Stack vs Static Memory

Static Memory

• Static memory is a type of memory that is allocated at compile-time.
• It is used to store data that will not change during the execution of the program.
• static variables, string literals, program’s binary are stored here.
• Static memory is typically allocated in a section of memory known as the data segment.
• Since static memory is allocated at compile-time, it is not possible to dynamically allocate or deallocate memory in this segment at runtime.
• Cleans up after the program’s execution.

Stack Memory

• contains function arguments, local variables,
• The stack stores values in the order it gets them and removes the values in the opposite order. This is referred to as last in, first out.
• Used for storing function call parameters and local variables.
• Limited in size and has a fixed size for each data item.
• Data on the stack must have a known, fixed size.
• Accessing data on the stack is faster than accessing data on the heap.
• Works well for data that needs to be accessed sequentially and is close to other data.

Heap Memory

• Stores data in a less organized manner.
• Used for dynamically allocating memory at runtime.
• Allocating on the heap involves requesting a certain amount of space and receiving a pointer to that location.
• Can store data with an unknown or variable size at compile time.
• Requires the use of pointers to access data on the heap.
• Accessing data on the heap is slower than accessing data on the stack due to pointer indirection.
• Can accommodate larger amounts of data and data structures.
• Allows for flexible memory management but requires manual deallocation to avoid memory leaks.