Final answer:
File deallocation is the process of releasing memory space allocated to a file after it is no longer needed. It prevents memory leaks and improves overall system efficiency. Proper file deallocation ensures that memory resources can be reused and prevents performance issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The significance associated with the term and function file deallocation is related to memory management in computer systems. In computer science, file deallocation refers to the process of releasing or freeing up memory space that was allocated to a file after it is no longer needed.
File deallocation is important because it helps prevent memory leaks, which can lead to inefficient memory usage and potential system crashes. When files are deallocated, the memory they occupied can be reused for other files or processes, improving the overall efficiency of the system.
For example, in a file system, when a user deletes a file, the file is deallocated and the memory space it occupied becomes available for storing new files. Without proper file deallocation, the system could eventually run out of available memory and become unable to allocate resources, causing performance issues.