Allocatable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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allocatable

[ˈæləˌkeɪtəbl̩ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

memory management

Capable of being allocated, especially in the context of computer memory management.

Synonyms

allocable, apportionable, assignable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
allocatable	Used when discussing resources that can be distributed or assigned for a specific purpose, often in financial or project management contexts. The budget for the new project is allocatable once the board gives approval The team needs to know which resources are allocatable for the upcoming quarter
assignable	Used when something can be given a specific role, task, or responsibility, often in work, project management, or legal contexts. The new project tasks are assignable to the engineering team The lease contract is not assignable without the landlord's consent
allocable	Refers to something that can be distributed or divided among different uses or recipients, often used in legal or accounting contexts. The costs will be allocable among different departments The court decided that the funds were allocable to the victims of the fraud case
apportionable	Specifically used when talking about dividing something into parts or shares, typically in finance, taxation, or legal contexts. The tax liability is apportionable between the two states The responsibilities are apportionable based on the employees' roles

Examples of usage

Allocatable memory can be dynamically assigned and reassigned as needed.
In a virtual memory system, pages are marked as allocatable or non-allocatable.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

Fortran programming

A Fortran feature that allows data to be allocated dynamically during program execution.

Synonyms

dynamic array, flexible size array.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
allocatable	Used in programming and computing to describe resources, especially memory, that can be assigned or allocated as needed. The variable is allocatable, allowing it to be allocated at runtime. Allocatable resources are crucial for efficient memory management.
dynamic array	Commonly used in computer science and programming to describe an array that can change size during runtime, making it flexible for varying amounts of data. A dynamic array is useful when the number of elements is not known in advance. In Python, a list acts as a dynamic array.
flexible size array	Often utilized in programming contexts to emphasize the ability of an array to adjust its size according to the data it needs to store; less technical than 'dynamic array'. For programs that handle variable amounts of data, a flexible size array is ideal. The class includes mechanisms for handling flexible size arrays efficiently.

Word

Description / Examples

allocatable

Used in programming and computing to describe resources, especially memory, that can be assigned or allocated as needed.

The variable is allocatable, allowing it to be allocated at runtime.
Allocatable resources are crucial for efficient memory management.

dynamic array

Commonly used in computer science and programming to describe an array that can change size during runtime, making it flexible for varying amounts of data.

A dynamic array is useful when the number of elements is not known in advance.
In Python, a list acts as a dynamic array.

flexible size array

Often utilized in programming contexts to emphasize the ability of an array to adjust its size according to the data it needs to store; less technical than 'dynamic array'.

For programs that handle variable amounts of data, a flexible size array is ideal.
The class includes mechanisms for handling flexible size arrays efficiently.

Examples of usage

The allocatable keyword in Fortran enables the creation of arrays with flexible sizes.
Allocatable arrays are a powerful feature in modern Fortran programming.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Economics

In finance, allocatable resources refer to funds or assets set aside for specific projects or departments.
Organizations often analyze their budgets to determine what is allocatable to maximize efficiency and outcomes.
The concept is crucial in cost accounting, where resources must be allocated correctly to track profitability.

Technology

In computing, resource allocation involves distributing system resources like CPU time and memory to ensure smooth operation.
Allocatable memory in programming languages indicates memory that can be assigned to variables as needed.
Cloud computing often focuses on allocatable resources to manage scalability and cost-effectiveness for users.

Psychology

Allocatable time in personal productivity refers to how individuals manage their time for tasks to avoid burnout.
Understanding because of the bounded nature of time leads people to allocate their time thoughtfully across various activities.
Research shows that better time allocation can lead to improved mental health and life satisfaction.

Project Management

In project management, controlling allocatable resources helps ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
Tools like Gantt charts often visualize how resources are allocated across different phases of a project.
Team members sometimes negotiate which tasks have allocatable resources to promote collaboration and effectiveness.

Origin of 'allocatable'

Main points about word origin

The word originates from the Latin 'allocare', meaning 'to assign or designate'.
It became part of the English vocabulary in the late 19th century, reflecting emerging economic concepts.
Similar to other financial terms, it's derived from the field of economics and resource management.

The term 'allocatable' originated in the computing field, specifically in the context of memory management and programming languages like Fortran. It stems from the verb 'allocate,' which has Latin roots in 'allocare' meaning 'to place.' The concept of dynamic memory allocation and flexible data structures led to the usage of 'allocatable' to describe objects that can be assigned resources as needed.