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Garbage collection (computer science) facts for kids

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When a computer program is run, it will use memory, to store certain values. While these values are used, there is a reference to them. When they are no longer used, there are no more references. Clearing the parts of memory which a computer program used, but where there are no more references is called garbage collection.

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  • Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs p.764a

    Stop-and-copy garbage collection in a Lisp architecture: Memory is divided into working and free memory; new objects are allocated in the former. When it is full (depicted), garbage collection is performed: All data structures still in use are located by pointer tracing and copied into consecutive locations in free memory.

  • Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs p.764b

    After that, the working memory contents is discarded in favor of the compressed copy, and the role of working and free memory are exchanged (depicted).

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