Difference Between Contiguous and Non-Contiguous Memory Allocation

In this post, we will understand the difference between contiguous and non-contiguous memory allocation −

Contiguous Memory Allocation

• In this allocation type, the consecutive blocks of memory is allocated to a file/process.

• It executes quickly in comparison to non-contiguous memory.

• It is easy to be controlled by the operating system.

• Minimum overhead since there are not many address translation when a process is being executed.

• There is internal fragmentation in contiguous memory allocation.

• There are different types of partitions: Single partition allocation and multi-partition allocation.

• Memory gets wasted.

• The swapped-in process is arranged in the originally allocated space itself.

Non-contiguous Memory Allocation

• In this type of allocation, separate blocks of memory are allocated to a file/process.

• It executes slowly in comparison to contiguous memory.

• It is difficult to be controlled by the operating system.

• More overhead since it needs to translate multiple addresses.

• It includes paging.

• It includes segmentation.

• No memory is wasted.

• External fragmentation occurs in this type of allocation.

• The swapped-in processes can be arranged in any location in the memory.