#40 What is the Memory Hierarchy?

#40 What is the Memory Hierarchy?

Author: David Kopec, Rebecca Kopec March 15, 2021 Duration: 17:26

A modern computer doesn't just have one type of memory. It has disk, RAM, CPU caches, CPU registers, and much more. In this episode we dive into the different types of memory and how they work together. We delineate each type by capacity, latency, and permanence. The memory hierarchy is a classic trade-off between space and time. We also discuss other types of memory within our computing systems.

Show Notes

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Ever wondered how the apps on your phone actually work, or what really happens when you click "download"? Kopec Explains Software is here to demystify those everyday digital mysteries. Hosted by David and Rebecca Kopec, this conversation breaks down complex, software-related ideas into clear, relatable concepts you can grasp. The focus isn't on jargon or textbook definitions, but on building a genuine, intuitive feel for how technology operates. Each episode picks apart a different facet of the software world, from the fundamentals of coding to the ethics of artificial intelligence, translating technical subjects into plain English. You'll come away not just with new knowledge, but with a clearer framework for understanding the digital systems that shape our lives. It’s a straightforward, engaging resource for anyone with curiosity about the technology they use daily, whether you're a seasoned professional looking for a fresh perspective or a complete novice starting from scratch. Tune into the podcast for thoughtful discussions that make the vast and often intimidating landscape of software feel accessible and genuinely interesting.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Kopec Explains Software
Podcast Episodes
#109 How Is Memory Managed by Programmers? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:02
Different programming languages employ different memory management techniques. The most common are manual memory management, tracing garbage collectors, and reference counting. For the programmer, each of these technique…
#108 How Does Mozilla Make Money? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:42
Mozilla is the entity that makes the Firefox web browser. It has an interesting corporate structure. The non-profit Mozilla Foundation has a for-profit subsidiary that does Firefox development. Much of Mozilla's revenue…
#107 Free Software vs. Open Source Software [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:31
In the late 1990s, the open source software movement split from the free software movement. A rebranding, the open source movement has a less philosophical, or some may say moral, focus than the free software movement. D…
#106 Cross-Platform Mobile Frameworks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:36
Cross-platform mobile frameworks enable developers to write an app once and recompile it for both iOS and Android. This can reduce development costs, but there are some downsides. In this episode we discuss the differenc…
#105 The 2038 Problem [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:44
On January 19, 2038, certain non-updated legacy systems that use Unix time will roll their dates around to December 13, 1901. In Unix, time is recorded as the number of seconds since January 1, 1970. Because a signed 32-…
#104 Web Apps vs. Native Apps [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:31
When planning the development of a new app, one of the most basic questions to answer is whether to develop it as a Web app or as a native app. In this episode we delineate some of the pros and cons of each approach, inc…
#103 Expert Systems: A Forgotten Area of AI [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:40
Expert systems are a sub-discipline within artificial intelligence concerned with creating problem solving programs based on machine-encoded human domain expertise. An expert system typically consists of a knowledge base…
#102 PDF [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:21
The PDF (Portable Document Format) file format has become ubiquitous in the computing world. PDF is a super format that can embed vector graphics, advanced typography, bitmap graphics, multiple compression technologies,…
#101 Accessibility [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:14
It is important to make software that is usable by all people, and that includes users with physical or mental challenges. Accessibility is about removing barriers, so that software can be used by everyone. In this episo…
#100 Early Web Innovations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:58
When it was released, the World Wide Web revolutionized communications and commerce. It was created by Tim Berners-Lee, who outlined its key technical achievements, philosophy, and insights in his 2000 book Weaving the W…