Describing a data structure, container, or allocation of memory that has a predetermined and unchanging capacity or amount. This means the structure's size cannot be modified after its initial creation. This characteristic is common in low-level programming, where resource management and memory optimization are critical. The term emphasizes a constraint on the amount of data that can be held, often for performance or efficiency reasons. This contrasts with dynamic structures that can grow or shrink as needed.
Fixed-size meaning with examples
- The program used a `fixed-size` array to store the sensor readings. This guaranteed efficient access but limited the number of readings that could be stored. The programmer had to carefully consider the expected data volume to avoid overflow. Using a `fixed-size` approach allowed for faster processing compared to dynamic structures.
- When designing the graphics system, the developers chose to use a `fixed-size` buffer for the image data. This ensured consistent memory usage, even when displaying complex scenes. This strategy simplified memory allocation and deallocation, at the expense of needing to carefully determine buffer dimensions ahead of time.
- The database optimized performance by implementing `fixed-size` index structures. Each entry within the index consumed a predetermined amount of memory. This design enabled very fast lookups, but limited the overall number of searchable records, as increasing the index size was not possible without modification.
- In a communication protocol, the header often uses a `fixed-size` format. This simplifies parsing and ensures reliable data transfer. The receiving end can easily determine where to look for important information. The unchanging header size made error detection easier but constrained the information carried in each communication packet.