Definition
Fragmentation
Fragmentation is a phenomenon in which memory becomes unusable because it is divided into small, non-contiguous pieces.
Types of Fragmentation
Internal Fragmentation
Internal fragmentation occurs when memory is allocated in fixed-size blocks (partitions). If a process is smaller than the allocated block, the remaining space within that block is wasted.
- Occurrence: Most common in Fixed Partitioning and Paging.
External Fragmentation
External fragmentation occurs when free memory is scattered throughout the system in small, non-contiguous blocks between allocated partitions. While the total amount of free memory might be sufficient for a request, no single block is large enough.
- Occurrence: Most common in Dynamic Partitioning and Segmentation.
- Solution: Compaction (shuffling memory to join holes) or using non-contiguous allocation methods like paging.