The Difference Between Stack and Heap Memory Allocation in C/C++

In C/C++, stack and heap are two types of memory allocation techniques. The main difference lies in how memory is allocated and managed.

Stack Memory Allocation:

Stack memory is used for storing local variables and function call frames. Memory allocation and deallocation in the stack follow a Last-In-First-Out (LIFO) approach. Stack memory is limited in size and is automatically managed by the compiler.

Heap Memory Allocation:

Heap memory is dynamic and allows for memory allocation at runtime. It is used for storing global variables, objects, and data structures. Memory allocation and deallocation in the heap are controlled by the programmer and need to be managed carefully to prevent memory leaks.

Key Differences:

• Control: Stack memory is managed automatically by the compiler, while heap memory requires manual memory management.
• Size: Stack memory size is limited, while heap memory size can grow as needed (within system limits).
• Scope: Stack memory is tied to the function scope, while heap memory can be accessed globally.

Understanding the difference between stack and heap memory allocation is crucial for efficient memory management and optimizing program performance in C/C++.