What are the performance differences between stack and heap memory?

What are the performance differences between stack and heap memory?

The stack is faster for memory allocation and deallocation because it follows a last-in, first-out structure. The heap, however, is more flexible but slower due to the need for complex management.

Why is stack memory faster than heap memory?

Stack memory is faster because it uses a simple pointer to manage memory, while heap memory requires more overhead for allocation and deallocation.

Are there any scenarios where using heap memory is better?

Yes, heap memory is better for dynamic memory allocation where the size of data is not known at compile time, such as in linked lists or large data structures.

Can you give an example of when to use stack vs heap?

Sure! Use stack memory for small, temporary variables like function parameters. Use heap memory for larger objects or when you need to share data across functions.