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Opened Nov 06, 2025 by Brianne Fullarton@briannefullart
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Understanding Noncontiguous Memory Allocation: what it's Worthwhile to Know


On this planet of computer science and programming, memory allocation is a crucial idea that determines how and where data is stored in a computer’s memory. One widespread type of memory allocation is noncontiguous memory allocation. In this article, we are going to discover what noncontiguous memory allocation is, how it really works, and why it is important in the field of computer science. What is Noncontiguous Memory Allocation? Noncontiguous memory allocation refers to a method used by operating systems to allocate memory blocks that are not bodily adjoining or contiguous. In easy terms, it signifies that when a program requests a specific amount of memory, the working system assigns a number of non-adjacent blocks to meet the request. How Does Noncontiguous Memory Allocation Work? Noncontiguous memory allocation works by maintaining a knowledge structure referred to as the "Memory Wave map" or "allocation table." This data structure retains observe of which components of the computer’s memory are allocated and which are free. When a program requests memory, the operating system searches for available non-adjoining blocks that may accommodate the requested dimension.


To find these non-adjacent blocks effectively, numerous algorithms are used. One generally used algorithm is called "best-fit," which searches for the smallest obtainable block that may match the requested size. Another algorithm referred to as "first-fit" starts looking out from the start of the free space until an applicable block is found. Once appropriate non-adjoining blocks are identified, they're assigned to satisfy the program’s request. The allocated blocks may not be physically adjoining but are logically connected by means of pointers or other information constructions maintained by the working system. Noncontiguous memory allocation plays an important function in optimizing resource utilization in fashionable pc programs. It allows programs to make the most of fragmented areas of out there free house quite than requiring a single continuous block. This flexibility enables efficient memory allocation, particularly in scenarios the place there is proscribed contiguous free area. Moreover, noncontiguous memory allocation permits for dynamic memory management. Packages can request extra memory during runtime, and the operating system can allocate available non-adjacent blocks to satisfy these requests.


This dynamic allocation and deallocation of memory are essential for managing memory effectively in complex functions that require frequent allocation and deallocation. Noncontiguous memory allocation is usually utilized in numerous areas of laptop science. One instance is virtual memory techniques that use noncontiguous allocation strategies to map digital addresses to bodily addresses. Digital Memory Wave permits programs to use extra memory than bodily accessible by swapping information between disk storage and RAM. Another instance is the file techniques utilized by working methods to retailer and manage recordsdata on disk. File techniques typically use noncontiguous allocation methods to allocate disk space for files. This permits files to be stored in fragmented blocks throughout the disk, optimizing space utilization. In conclusion, MemoryWave Guide noncontiguous memory allocation is an important concept in laptop science that permits environment friendly useful resource utilization and dynamic memory administration. By understanding how it works and MemoryWave Guide its significance, builders can design extra environment friendly algorithms and systems that make optimal use of available laptop resources.


One in every of the explanations llama.cpp attracted a lot consideration is as a result of it lowers the limitations of entry for operating large language fashions. That is nice for serving to the benefits of those fashions be extra widely accessible to the public. It's also serving to companies save on prices. Due to mmap() we're much closer to each these targets than we had been earlier than. Furthermore, the reduction of user-visible latency has made the device more nice to use. New customers should request entry from Meta and browse Simon Willison's weblog post for an explanation of how to get started. Please notice that, with our recent adjustments, a number of the steps in his 13B tutorial regarding multiple .1, and so forth. information can now be skipped. That is because our conversion tools now turn multi-half weights right into a single file. The essential idea we tried was to see how a lot better mmap() might make the loading of weights, if we wrote a new implementation of std::ifstream.


We decided that this would enhance load latency by 18%. This was a giant deal, since it's user-visible latency. Nevertheless it turned out we have been measuring the improper factor. Please be aware that I say "unsuitable" in the absolute best manner; being flawed makes an vital contribution to figuring out what's right. I don't think I've ever seen a high-stage library that's in a position to do what mmap() does, as a result of it defies makes an attempt at abstraction. After evaluating our resolution to dynamic linker implementations, it became apparent that the true worth of mmap() was in not needing to copy the memory at all. The weights are just a bunch of floating point numbers on disk. At runtime, they're just a bunch of floats in memory. So what mmap() does is it simply makes the weights on disk out there at no matter memory handle we would like. We merely must be certain that the layout on disk is the same as the format in memory. STL containers that acquired populated with info in the course of the loading process.

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Reference: briannefullart/4205memory-wave#19