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Complete Guide to Memory Management in C++ (No More Leaks!)

Do you know where variables live in memory when your C++ program runs?

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Code Like A Girl

6 min read5 days ago

When a C++ program runs, memory is divided into four main regions: Code Segment, Global & Static Data Segment, Stack, and Heap.

1. Code segment

The code segment stores the compiled machine code of your program. These are the actual instructions that the CPU executes. I have a detailed article on the compilation process.

2. Global & Static Variables is the (Data Segment)

This part of memory holds global and static variables, which exist throughout the program’s execution.

3. Stack

The stack is where local variables and function calls are stored. When a function is called, its local variables are pushed onto the stack, and when the function returns, they are popped off automatically. We will understand this in just a bit.

4. Heap

The heap is where dynamically allocated memory lives. Unlike the stack, memory on the heap is not automatically managed — you must allocate and free it manually.

This is a super clear and concise guide to memory management in C++! Understanding the different memory regions is crucial for writing efficient and leak-free code. The breakdown makes it easy to follow—great job! Looking forward to more insights on best practices for managing heap memory.