How does macOS handle memory management, and what is the significance of the virtual memory system in macOS?

Database System Concepts
7th Edition
ISBN:9780078022159
Author:Abraham Silberschatz Professor, Henry F. Korth, S. Sudarshan
Publisher:Abraham Silberschatz Professor, Henry F. Korth, S. Sudarshan
Chapter1: Introduction
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How does macOS handle memory management, and what is the significance of the virtual memory system in macOS?

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Step 1: Introduction:

                 macOS, the operating system developed by Apple Inc. for its Macintosh computers, employs a sophisticated memory management system to ensure optimal performance and stability. Memory management is crucial for any operating system, as it directly impacts how efficiently applications run and how well the system utilizes its hardware resources.

             Virtual memory is a memory management technique used by operating systems, including macOS, to provide the illusion of having more physical memory than is physically installed on a computer. It achieves this by using a combination of physical RAM and disk storage ( usually a dedicated portion of the disk known as the "pagefile" or "swap space") to create a larger, contiguous block of memory called virtual memory.   

Here, we will delve into how macOS handles memory management and discuss the significance  it brings to the overall user experience.

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