[Solved] If a system using the buddy system experiences frequent external fragmentation despite merging, which follow-up strategy would best address this issue without incurring high compaction overhead? | Operating Systems

Operating Systems - Internal vs External Fragmentation - Compaction & Buddy System

If a system using the buddy system experiences frequent external fragmentation despite merging, which follow-up strategy would best address this issue without incurring high compaction overhead?

AUse aggressive compaction after every deallocation

BImplement a hybrid allocator combining buddy system with slab allocation for small objects

CDisable merging to avoid fragmentation caused by buddy splits

DIncrease block sizes to reduce splitting and merging frequency

Step-by-Step Solution

Solution:

Step 1: Identify problem cause
Frequent external fragmentation despite merging suggests inefficiency handling small or variable-sized allocations.
Step 2: Evaluate strategies
Increasing block sizes (Increase block sizes to reduce splitting and merging frequency) worsens internal fragmentation; disabling merging (Disable merging to avoid fragmentation caused by buddy splits) increases fragmentation; aggressive compaction (Use aggressive compaction after every deallocation) is costly.
Step 3: Hybrid allocator benefits
Combining buddy system with slab allocator (Implement a hybrid allocator combining buddy system with slab allocation for small objects) handles small objects efficiently, reducing fragmentation without heavy compaction.
Final Answer:
Option B -> Option B
Quick Check:
Hybrid allocators reduce fragmentation and overhead effectively [OK]

Quick Trick: Hybrid allocators combine strengths to reduce fragmentation [OK]

Common Mistakes:

MISTAKES

Assuming compaction is always best
Ignoring hybrid approaches

Trap Explanation:

PITFALL

Candidates often pick costly compaction or simplistic fixes ignoring hybrid solutions.

Interviewer Note:

CONTEXT

Probes advanced understanding of fragmentation mitigation strategies.

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Solution Trace

More Operating Systems Quizzes

If a system using the buddy system experiences frequent external fragmentation despite merging, which follow-up strategy would best address this issue without incurring high compaction overhead?

Step 1: Identify problem cause

Step 2: Evaluate strategies

Step 3: Hybrid allocator benefits

Final Answer:

Quick Check:

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