Homework Help is Here – Start Your Trial Now!
Engineering
Computer Science
There are two main problems with pointers:

There are two main problems with pointers:

Database System Concepts
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
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1PE
See similar textbooks
icon
Related questions
Question
### Understanding Pointer-Related Issues Pointers are vital in programming as they allow for the direct manipulation of memory addresses. However, they also come with certain challenges. There are two main problems frequently associated with pointers: 1. **Marked Sweep and Memory Leaks** - **Marked Sweep**: This is a garbage collection method that involves marking reachable objects and then sweeping (collecting) unreferenced ones. Problems can occur if objects are incorrectly marked, leading to inefficiencies. - **Memory Leaks**: Occur when memory is allocated but not properly deallocated, causing a program to consume more memory over time until it potentially exhausts available resources. 2. **Reference Counters and Marked Sweep** - **Reference Counters**: Keeps track of the number of references to an object in memory. Issues arise when circular references prevent memory from being released. - **Marked Sweep**: See above for explanation. 3. **Dangling Pointers & Memory Leaks** - **Dangling Pointers**: Arise when an object is deleted or deallocated, but the pointer still references the old memory location. Accessing this can lead to unpredictable behavior and crashes. - **Memory Leaks**: See above for explanation. 4. **Dangling Pointers & Tombstones** - **Dangling Pointers**: See above for explanation. - **Tombstones**: A technique used to prevent dangling pointers, where an intermediary object (tombstone) is used to refer to an actual object. Even if the real object is deleted, the pointer can be redirected safely. Understanding these issues is crucial for writing efficient and error-free code, ensuring reliable application performance.
Transcribed Image Text:### Understanding Pointer-Related Issues Pointers are vital in programming as they allow for the direct manipulation of memory addresses. However, they also come with certain challenges. There are two main problems frequently associated with pointers: 1. **Marked Sweep and Memory Leaks** - **Marked Sweep**: This is a garbage collection method that involves marking reachable objects and then sweeping (collecting) unreferenced ones. Problems can occur if objects are incorrectly marked, leading to inefficiencies. - **Memory Leaks**: Occur when memory is allocated but not properly deallocated, causing a program to consume more memory over time until it potentially exhausts available resources. 2. **Reference Counters and Marked Sweep** - **Reference Counters**: Keeps track of the number of references to an object in memory. Issues arise when circular references prevent memory from being released. - **Marked Sweep**: See above for explanation. 3. **Dangling Pointers & Memory Leaks** - **Dangling Pointers**: Arise when an object is deleted or deallocated, but the pointer still references the old memory location. Accessing this can lead to unpredictable behavior and crashes. - **Memory Leaks**: See above for explanation. 4. **Dangling Pointers & Tombstones** - **Dangling Pointers**: See above for explanation. - **Tombstones**: A technique used to prevent dangling pointers, where an intermediary object (tombstone) is used to refer to an actual object. Even if the real object is deleted, the pointer can be redirected safely. Understanding these issues is crucial for writing efficient and error-free code, ensuring reliable application performance.
Expert Solution
Step 1

Computer Science homework question answer, step 1, image 1

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps with 2 images

SEE SOLUTIONCheck out a sample Q&A here
Blurred answer
Recommended textbooks for you
Database System Concepts
Database System Concepts
Computer Science
ISBN:
9780078022159
Author:
Abraham Silberschatz Professor, Henry F. Korth, S. Sudarshan
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Starting Out with Python (4th Edition)
Starting Out with Python (4th Edition)
Computer Science
ISBN:
9780134444321
Author:
Tony Gaddis
Publisher:
PEARSON
Digital Fundamentals (11th Edition)
Digital Fundamentals (11th Edition)
Computer Science
ISBN:
9780132737968
Author:
Thomas L. Floyd
Publisher:
PEARSON
C How to Program (8th Edition)
C How to Program (8th Edition)
Computer Science
ISBN:
9780133976892
Author:
Paul J. Deitel, Harvey Deitel
Publisher:
PEARSON
Database Systems: Design, Implementation, & Manag…
Database Systems: Design, Implementation, & Manag…
Computer Science
ISBN:
9781337627900
Author:
Carlos Coronel, Steven Morris
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Programmable Logic Controllers
Programmable Logic Controllers
Computer Science
ISBN:
9780073373843
Author:
Frank D. Petruzella
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
SEE MORE TEXTBOOKS