Allocator - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

memory management

An allocator is a component in programming that is responsible for managing memory allocation and deallocation. It provides a way for programs to request memory and track usage to avoid leaks and fragmentation.

Synonyms

memory distributor, memory manager, resource manager.

Examples of usage

The memory allocator efficiently manages dynamic memory.
In C++, you can define a custom allocator.
Using the same allocator for multiple objects avoids fragmentation.
The allocator failed to provide sufficient memory.

Interesting Facts

Economics

In economics, an efficient allocator aims to maximize the use of available resources to benefit the most people.
Government policies often involve resource allocation to ensure that services like healthcare and education reach those in need.
Market systems depend on effective allocation to match supply with demand, affecting prices and availability.

Business

Companies implement allocators in project management to assign team members based on skills and project needs.
Effective allocation can lead to higher productivity and reduced operational costs for businesses.
In finance, asset allocation is crucial for investment strategies, balancing risk across different investment types.

Computing

Memory allocation in computers is the process of reserving a portion of the computer's memory for specific tasks.
Dynamic memory allocation allows programs to request memory while they run, optimizing resource use.
Software developers use allocators to manage resources efficiently, impacting the performance of applications.

Education

Teachers act as allocators when dividing class time among various subjects to ensure a balanced education.
Educational grants often require careful allocation to help students from different backgrounds.
Effective resource allocation in schools can improve educational outcomes and support diverse learning needs.

Origin of 'allocator'

Main points about word origin

The term originates from the Latin word 'allocare', which means 'to assign or assign to'.
It has been part of the English language since the 15th century, primarily used in formal contexts.
In computing, the concept of allocation became important with the development of programming languages in the mid-20th century.

The term 'allocator' originates from the Latin word 'allocare', which means 'to assign' or 'to distribute'. It was adapted into English in the field of computer science to refer to a system or method for assigning memory or resources in programming. The concept became critical in the early days of computing, as efficient memory management was essential for optimizing performance. As programming languages evolved, the allocator gained prominence in languages like C and C++, which provided developers with the ability to directly manage memory allocation and deallocation. Over time, the allocator model has expanded to include various types of memory management strategies, such as heap allocation and stack allocation, leading to its widespread use in modern software development.

Allocator Meaning: Definition and Examples