Buddy System : Practice Problems with Answers + solved PYQs

What is Buddy System in Operating System ?

The Buddy System is a technique for memory allocation and management utilized in operating systems. It works by dividing memory into partitions to meet allocation requests while aiming to reduce fragmentation. In this approach, memory is divided into blocks that are sized in powers of 2.

Method to Solve Buddy System Questions

1. Step 1: Determine the size of the memory block needed for allocation.
2. Step 2: Identify the smallest power of 2 that can fit the required memory size.
3. Step 3: Iteratively divide the available memory block into smaller blocks (buddies) until you reach the desired block size.
4. Step 4: Allocate the memory block to the process that requested it.
5. Step 5: When the process releases the memory, combine it with its buddy if that buddy is free, creating a larger block.
6. Step 6: Continue this process for any future allocation or deallocation requests.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Buddy System

Why Buddy System is Better Than Other Algorithms

The Buddy System is often preferred over other memory allocation algorithms (like First Fit, Best Fit, Next Fit and Worst Fit) due to its efficient block splitting and merging mechanism, which minimizes internal fragmentation and allows for quick allocation and deallocation. Its use of power-of-2 block sizes simplifies memory management and reduces the complexity of maintaining free memory lists. However, it still requires careful management to handle external fragmentation effectively.

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