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Which type of fragmentation is primarily addressed by performing memory compaction in a system?

easy💻 Programming Q2 of Q15
Operating Systems - Internal vs External Fragmentation - Compaction & Buddy System
Which type of fragmentation is primarily addressed by performing memory compaction in a system?
AInternal fragmentation due to fixed block sizes
BExternal fragmentation caused by scattered free memory blocks
CFragmentation caused by overlapping memory allocations
DFragmentation due to memory leaks
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:

  1. Step 1: Define external fragmentation

    External fragmentation occurs when free memory is split into small scattered blocks.

  2. Step 2: Role of compaction

    Memory compaction moves allocated blocks to consolidate free space into larger contiguous blocks.

  3. Final Answer:

    Option B -> Option B

  4. Quick Check:

    Compaction consolidates free space to reduce external fragmentation [OK]
Quick Trick: Compaction targets scattered free memory, i.e., external fragmentation [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES
  • Confusing internal with external fragmentation
  • Thinking compaction fixes internal fragmentation
  • Assuming compaction fixes memory leaks
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL
  • Internal fragmentation is due to block size mismatch, not fixed by compaction.
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT
  • Checks knowledge of fragmentation types and compaction purpose.
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