Memory allocation in programming refers to the process of reserving a portion of the computer’s memory for a program to use. This memory can be used to store variables, arrays, objects, and other data structures that the program needs to execute.

There are two main types of memory allocation: static and dynamic.

Static memory allocation is when the memory is allocated at compile time and remains fixed throughout the program’s execution. This is typically used for variables that have a fixed size and are known at compile time.

Dynamic memory allocation, on the other hand, is when the memory is allocated at runtime and can change in size as the program runs. This is typically used for data structures that have a variable size or are created and destroyed during the program’s execution.

In most programming languages, memory allocation is handled by the operating system or a memory management library. The programmer typically requests memory using functions or keywords provided by the language, and the system handles the actual allocation and deallocation of memory.

Proper memory allocation is important for efficient and reliable program execution. Poor memory management can lead to memory leaks, where memory is allocated but never released, causing the program to consume more and more memory until it crashes. It can also lead to buffer overflows and other security vulnerabilities.