Fragmentation (computing)

Inefficient use of storage space In computer storage, fragmentation is a phenomenon in the computer system which involves the distribution of data into smaller pieces so that storage space, such as computer memory or a hard drive, is used inefficiently, reducing capacity or performance and often both. The exact consequences of fragmentation depend on the specific system of storage allocation in use and the particular form of fragmentation. In many cases, fragmentation leads to storage space being "wasted", and programs will tend to run inefficiently due to the shortage of memory. Basic principle In main memory fragmentation, when a computer program requests blocks of memory from the computer system, the blocks are allocated in chunks. When the computer program is finished with a chunk, it can free it back to the system, making it available to later be allocated again to another or the same program. The size and the amount of time a chunk is held by a program vary. During its lifespan, a computer program can request and free many chunks of memory. Fragmentation can occur when a block of memory is requested by a program and is allocated to that program, but the program has not freed