How to Allocate Memory
2 days ago
- #data-structures
- #memory-optimization
- #performance
- Rethinking memory allocation can lead to significant speed improvements (2-20×).
- Avoid generic memory allocation; allocate specific data structures based on usage patterns.
- Consider alternative data structures (e.g., trie instead of hash tables) for better memory allocation strategies.
- Use separate allocators for different data structures or usage patterns to improve performance.
- Wrap malloc calls in type-specific functions for better profiling and management.
- Operating systems provide tools like mmap for allocating contiguous virtual memory (pages).
- Stack allocation can be optimized using tools like alloca or sbrk for multiple stacks.
- Buddy allocators are effective for managing arrays, especially for operations like copying, extending, and slicing.
- Reference counting can optimize memory management for arrays and recursive data structures.
- Class-based object allocation with separate free lists minimizes fragmentation and improves efficiency.
- Garbage collection strategies can be implemented without pauses by controlling collection steps per allocation.