Question

Segment replacement algorithms are more complex than page replacement algorithms because :

a) Segments are better than pages
b) Pages are better than segments
c) Segments have variable sizes
d) Segments have fixed sizes

Answer 1

Segment replacement algorithms are complex because segments have variable sizes, which requires more sophisticated memory management compared to fixed-sized pages.

Step-by-step explanation:

Segment replacement algorithms are more complex than page replacement algorithms primarily because segments have variable sizes. Unlike pages, which are typically fixed-sized blocks of memory, segments can vary in length depending on the data or instructions they contain.

This variability introduces additional complexity in managing memory since the memory manager must handle segments of differing sizes, which complicates the tracking, allocation, and replacement processes. The variability may result in more fragmented memory, requiring sophisticated strategies to efficiently utilize available memory and ensure that larger segments find a contiguous space when needed.