Intermediate Compilers & Programming Language Theory
Q73 / 100

What is the key idea behind generational garbage collection?

Correct! Well done.

Incorrect.

The correct answer is A) Heap memory is divided into generations based on object age, because most objects die young; young generations are collected frequently and cheaply while older, surviving objects are collected less often

A

Correct Answer

Heap memory is divided into generations based on object age, because most objects die young; young generations are collected frequently and cheaply while older, surviving objects are collected less often

Explanation

The "generational hypothesis" observes that most allocated objects become garbage shortly after creation. By focusing collection effort on the young generation (which is small and has high garbage density), collectors like those in the JVM and .NET reduce overall pause times significantly.

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73/100