Overcommit: meaning, definitions and examples
💻
overcommit
[ ˌoʊvərkəˈmɪt ]
computing context
Overcommit refers to the practice of allocating more resources than are physically available, based on the assumption that not all allocated resources will be used at the same time. This is a common strategy in computer resource management, particularly with memory allocation in operating systems, allowing for more efficient utilization of available resources.
Synonyms
overallocate, overextend.
Examples of usage
- The server can overcommit memory to handle spikes in traffic.
- Overcommitting resources in cloud computing can lead to performance issues.
- Administrators need to be cautious when deciding to overcommit CPU resources.
Etymology
The term 'overcommit' is derived from the prefix 'over-', meaning 'excessively' or 'beyond what is necessary', combined with the verb 'commit', which traces back to the Latin 'committere', meaning 'to bring together, to connect'. The concept evolved within the context of resource management in computing, reflecting the necessity to maximize efficiency by allowing temporary over-allocation of system resources. As computing technologies advanced, particularly in the areas of virtualization and cloud computing, the term became more prevalent, highlighting the balancing act required to manage limited resources while meeting the demands of numerous users and applications.