Stack vs Heap Memory: Key Differences

Introduction

Stack

A stack is a type of memory area in a computer that stores temporary variables created by a function. Variables are declared, stored, and initialized on the stack during runtime.

It is a type of temporary memory. When the computing task is finished, the variable's memory is automatically erased. Methods, local variables, and reference variables are mostly found in the stack section.

Heap

Local stack memory is replaced by "heap" memory, also known as "dynamic" memory. Local memory is completely automatic. Local variables are automatically allocated when a function is called and deallocated when the function exits.

Tabular Differentiation

Parameter	Stack	Heap
Type	Linear data structure.	Hierarchical data structure.
Access Speed	High	Slower
Space management	Efficient management and no fragmentation of memory.	Memory fragmentation can occur when memory blocks are allocated and then freed.
Access	Only local variables	It gives you global access to variables.
Limit of space size	The size is limited and it is dependent on the operating system	No specific limit
Resize	No chance	Variables can be resized.
Memory Allocation	Contiguous allocation of memory	Random allocation
Allocation and Deallocation	Compiler instructions do this automatically.	Manual
Deallocation	It is not necessary to de-allocate variables.	De-allocation must be done explicitly.
Cost	Less	More
Implementation	In three ways: as an array, in dynamic memory, or as a linked list.	Using array & trees.
Main Issue	Memory Shortage	Fragmentation of Memory
Locality of reference	Automatic compile time instructions.	Adequate
Flexibility	Size is Fixed	Resizing is option
Access time	Fast	Slow

Examples of Stack and Heap

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of Stack

Allows you to manage data in a Last In First Out (LIFO) manner, which Linked list and array cannot.
When a function is called, its local variables are stored in a stack, which is automatically destroyed when the function returns.
When a variable is not used outside of that function, a stack is used.
It gives you control over how memory is allocated and released.
The object is automatically cleaned up by Stack.
Variables cannot be resized because they are not easily corrupted.

Disadvantages of Stack

The following are the disadvantages of using Stack memory:

Stack memory is extremely limited.
Putting too many objects on the stack raises the possibility of stack overflow.
It is not possible to gain access at random.
Variable storage will be overwritten, resulting in unpredictable behavior of the function or program.
The stack will exit the memory area, which may result in an abnormal termination.

Advantages of Heap

Heap assists you in determining the greatest and smallest number.
Garbage collection is a process that runs on heap memory to free up the memory used by the object.
The heap method is also employed in the Priority Queue.
It gives you global access to variables.
Heap has no memory size restrictions.

Disadvantages of Heap

It can provide the maximum amount of memory that an operating system can provide.
It takes longer to compute.
Because heap memory is used globally, memory management is more complicated.
It takes too long to execute when compared to the stack.