Static Storage Allocation
Static storage allocation is a memory management technique where memory for variables is allocated at compile-time or program load-time, and remains fixed throughout the program's execution. It is typically used for global variables, static variables, and constants that have a predetermined size and lifetime. This approach contrasts with dynamic allocation, where memory is requested and released during runtime.
Developers should use static storage allocation when dealing with data that has a known, fixed size and needs to persist for the entire duration of the program, such as configuration settings, lookup tables, or shared resources in multi-threaded applications. It is efficient because it avoids runtime overhead for memory management, reduces fragmentation, and can improve performance in systems with limited resources, like embedded systems or real-time applications.