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What is virtual memory?

2 months ago 2 min read www.techtarget.com

Summary: This is a summary of an article originally published by TechTarget Data Center. Read the full original article here →

Virtual memory is a crucial memory management capability of an operating system that helps to enhance the efficiency of applications and system performance. By allowing a computer to compensate for physical memory shortages, it creates an illusion for users that they have access to a larger memory pool than they actually do. Virtual memory uses disk space to extend RAM, letting systems run more applications simultaneously and providing a seamless user experience.

A key component of virtual memory is paging, which enables the operating system to manage memory in fixed-size blocks called pages. When a program is executed, its pages are loaded into physical memory, and the operating system keeps track of which pages are in memory and which are stored on disk. If the physical RAM becomes full, the operating system uses a process known as swapping, where it moves inactive pages to disk to free up space for active ones.

In modern computing environments, virtual memory helps to improve multitasking and is particularly beneficial for servers handling multiple applications. By allowing higher efficiency through increased available memory, it enables developers to build more robust applications. Additionally, virtual memory contributes to system security by isolating processes, preventing them from interfering with each other’s data space.

Understanding virtual memory is essential for DevOps professionals as it directly impacts application performance and scalability. Tools and practices that monitor and manage memory usage can lead any development team to optimize their systems effectively, ensuring robust and efficient application performance in both development and production environments.

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