Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Memory usage refers to the amount of computer memory (RAM) that a program or process requires to run. It is a measure of how much space is occupied by data and instructions in the computer's memory.
Related terms
Stack Overflow: A situation that occurs when there is not enough space in the call stack for function calls, usually due to excessive recursion or large data structures.
Garbage Collection: The automatic process performed by programming languages' runtime environments to reclaim memory occupied by objects that are no longer needed.
Virtual Memory: A technique used by operating systems to extend available physical memory by using disk storage as an extension of RAM.