Tutorial Playlist
47 Lessons1. Introduction to Operating System
2. Types of Operating Systems
3. Linux Operating System
4. An Introduction To Unix Operating System
5. Ubuntu Operating System
6. MS DOS Operating System
7. Mobile Operating System
8. Understanding Functions of Operating System
9. Components of Operating System
10. Understanding the Kernel in Operating Systems
11. Structure of Operating System
12. Process in Operating System
13. What is Bios
14. What is Booting in Computer
15. What is Interrupt in Operating System?
16. Process Control Block in Operating Systems
17. Threads in Operating System
18. Process Synchronization in OS
19. Critical Section in OS
20. Semaphore in Operating System
21. Deadlock in Operating System
22. Deadlock Prevention in OS
23. Paging in Operating System
24. Segmentation in Operating System
25. Virtual Memory in Operating System
26. File System in Operating Systems
27. Page Table in OS
28. Round Robin Scheduling in Operating System
29. Shortest Job First Scheduling Algorithm
30. Priority Scheduling in OS
31. Page Replacement Algorithms in Operating System
32. Race Condition in OS
33. Distributed Operating System
34. Navigating Contiguous Memory Allocation in Operating Systems
35. Fragmentation in Operating System
Now Reading
36. Banker’s Algorithm in OS
37. Context Switching in OS
38. First Come First Serve (FCFS) Scheduling Algorithm in Operating System
39. Understanding Inter Process Communication in OS
40. Multiprogramming Operating System
41. Python OS Module
42. Preemptive Priority Scheduling Algorithm
43. Resource Allocation Graph in OS
44. Scheduling Algorithms in OS
45. System Calls In Operating System
46. Thrashing in Operating Systems: A Deep Dive
47. Time Sharing Operating System
Greetings, my fellow tech enthusiasts! As your friendly neighborhood OS explorer, I am eagerly poised to delve into the intriguing realm of fragmentation in OS today.
Picture this: in the throes of a gripping gaming session, your computer abruptly succumbs to stuttering and freezing. The frustration it elicits is palpable—an experience I have personally encountered; hence, I empathize deeply with the annoyance you must feel.
Fragmentation in OS could potentially contribute to this performance degradation. Allow me to guide you through an exploration of fragmentation: its definition, how it manifests, and the various types that may cross your path. Rest assured, by the conclusion of our tutorial, mastering fragmentation will be well within your capabilities.
In this tutorial, we will explore what is fragmentation in OS, internal fragmentation and external fragmentation in OS, types of fragmentation in OS, and more. By the end, you'll be a fragmentation in OS pro!
Let’s start with a metaphor to explain fragmentation in OS.
Like a disorderly closet, fragmentation in OS scatters everything and makes finding necessities more difficult. In technical parlance, this term denotes the condition in which available memory or storage space divides into smaller non-contiguous chunks. It mirrors the challenge of squeezing an oversized piece of furniture into a room full of small scattered spaces.
I perceive fragmentation as an incomplete puzzle. It's a condition where the operating system allocates and deallocates memory or storage over time, potentially resulting in small, dispersed free spaces. Such a scenario poses substantial challenges to the efficient utilization of available resources by the OS. Consequently, performance issues might arise.
So, when we discuss what is fragmentation in OS, we are essentially addressing the phenomenon of memory or storage space scattering and inefficient utilization. This pervasive issue of memory fragmentation in OS can significantly impact your system's overall performance.
Let us now pause: we shall define fragmentation in OS in a more technical sense. When available memory or storage space does not exist as an uninterrupted block—that is, when it lacks contiguity—fragmentation arises. Various reasons can cause this scenario, such as the frequent allocation and deallocation of memory, improper memory management, or inefficient storage algorithms.
To gain a profound understanding of fragmentation in OS, one must master the foundational concepts of memory management and allocation. The operating system bears responsibility for the efficient administration of available memory and storage resources; it ensures that programs receive the necessary space to function smoothly. However, this process encounters disruption when fragmentation occurs, thereby impeding the OS's ability to perform its task effectively. In that light, let’s look at what we understand by memory fragmentation in OS.
But before that, if you're new to the world of operating systems, I highly recommend checking out upGrad's courses in computer science and software engineering for an extensive curriculum as well as superior placement support.
Let’s now talk about one particular kind of fragmentation in OS—memory fragmentation in OS.
Memory fragmentation in OS is like having a closet full of clothes but struggling to find a matching outfit because everything is scattered and disorganized. It's a common issue that occurs when the available memory becomes divided into small, non-contiguous chunks, making it difficult for the operating system to allocate contiguous blocks for new processes or data.
So, what exactly causes memory fragmentation in OS? There are a few key factors at play:
Memory fragmentation in OS has significant consequences, including diminished system performance and potential crashes or freezes. Should the operating system fail to locate a large enough contiguous memory block for accommodating new requests, it might resort to swapping data between disk and memory which is considerably slower. The outcome could be a sluggish performance that frustrates the user experience.
Two main culprits can wreak havoc on your system's performance when it comes to types of fragmentation in OS—internal fragmentation and external fragmentation in OS.
Let's take a closer look at each of these types and understand how they differ from one another.
Consider this example: A program requests 50KB of memory; however, the operating system (OS) allocates a block of 64KB. The difference between these two values, 14KB to be precise, is what we term internal fragmentation: an unused portion within allocated space that cannot accommodate any other data or process.
Ordering a large pizza and realizing you cannot finish it all provides an apt metaphor for internal fragmentation in OS. Much like the leftover slices that go to waste, so does the memory within an allocated block when left unused. This issue, accumulating over time, often leads to a significant amount of memory resources being wasted.
Suppose the total available memory equals 1GB. However, allocating a contiguous 100KB block for a new process presents a challenge, as the memory is scattered into small, 4KB blocks.
In OS discussions, one must grasp the distinction between internal and external fragmentation in OS. Internal fragmentation manifests within an allocated block. On the other hand, external fragmentation denotes scattered free memory blocks throughout the entire system. System performance experiences impacts from both types, necessitating distinct approaches to mitigate their effects.
Operating systems frequently use techniques such as memory compaction and slab allocation to address internal fragmentation. Memory compaction—wherein allocated memory blocks undergo periodic rearrangement, resulting in the creation of larger contiguous free-memory blocks—is one such approach. Conversely, through slab allocation, they pre-allocate fixed-size blocks of memory for specific object types, reducing the probability of internal fragmentation.
Memory management algorithms such as the buddy system and memory pooling address external fragmentation. The buddy system, by allocating memory in powers of 2, facilitates the discovery of contiguous blocks and minimizes fragmentation. On the other hand, memory pooling decreases the impact of external fragmentation by pre-allocating fixed-size blocks of memory and managing them separately.
So, the next time you encounter a sluggish system, take a moment to appreciate the complexity of memory fragmentation in OS and the efforts put into mitigating fragmentation. And remember, a well-managed operating system is a happy operating system!
When we discuss fragmentation in OS, we must consider its dual nature. While it can yield benefits, such as more efficient utilization of disk space, drawbacks accompany these advantages.
Now, let's delve into an exploration of the advantages and disadvantages of fragmentation in OS.
Advantages of Fragmentation in OS
Disadvantages of Fragmentation in OS
Phew! We've certainly embarked on an extensive exploration of fragmentation in OS. I trust you relished delving into this concept just as much as I did. Armed with the knowledge we've acquired today, you now possess a superior readiness to confront fragmentation in OS—a challenge that might have initially appeared formidable.
Regularly defragment your disk, manage memory properly, and employ efficient allocation algorithms. These strategies will help you combat fragmentation in OS, which can potentially compromise system performance. Do not allow scattered blocks to undermine your system!
Should you thirst for a further understanding of operating systems and aspire to enhance your skills, I suggest exploring upGrad's diverse range of technical courses, an exceptional opportunity to delve into the depths of OS knowledge. You will learn professional performance optimization techniques, truly mastering the art like a seasoned expert—all at your fingertips!
Mukesh kumar
Working with upGrad as a Senior Engineering Manager with more than 10+ years of experience in Software Development and Product Management.
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upGrad does not grant credit; credits are granted, accepted or transferred at the sole discretion of the relevant educational institution offering the diploma or degree. We advise you to enquire further regarding the suitability of this program for your academic, professional requirements and job prospects before enr...