Stack vs Heap Memory

The stack and heap are two different areas of memory used in C++ programs:

Stack Memory:

• Managed automatically by the compiler
• Used for local variables and function parameters
• Memory is allocated and deallocated in a last-in-first-out (LIFO) order
• Fast allocation and deallocation
• Limited in size (typically 1-2 MB)
• Memory is freed when the function returns

Heap Memory (Free Store):

• Managed manually by the programmer using new and delete
• Used for dynamic memory allocation
• Memory remains allocated until explicitly freed
• Slower allocation and deallocation compared to stack
• Much larger in size compared to stack
• Requires careful memory management to avoid leaks and dangling pointers

Example of stack allocation:

1void function() {
2  int x = 5;// Allocated on the stack
3}// x is automatically deallocated

Example of heap allocation:

1int* ptr = new int;  // Allocated on the heap
2delete ptr;          // Explicitly deallocated

Proper understanding of stack and heap memory is crucial for effective memory management in C++.