dynamic memory allocation

(computer science) A computer system in which memory capacity is made available to a program on the basis of actual, momentary need during program execution, and areas of storage may be reassigned at any time. Also known as dynamic allocation; dynamic memory allocation.

Reserving memory in a program moment to moment, as needed, without having to reserve a fixed amount when the program starts up. All modern operating systems perform dynamic memory allocation for their own use as well as providing an API function such as "malloc" (memory allocate) to allow applications to do the same. See garbage collection.

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