# Memory map

> data structure

**Wikidata**: [Q719484](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q719484)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memory_map)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/memory-map

## Summary
A memory map is a data structure that defines the organization and layout of computer memory, translating logical addresses to physical locations within the digital device. It serves as a critical reference for managing how data is stored and accessed in memory.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: Memory map is an instance of computer memory and a subclass of data structure.
- **Aliases**: Also known as "Memory map".
- **Official Name**: "Mapa de memoria".
- **Wikipedia Presence**: Has a dedicated article titled "Memory map" across 9 languages: Catalan, English, Spanish, Basque, Indonesian, Korean, Portuguese, Swedish, and Chinese.
- **Identifiers**: Freebase ID `/m/03gq4rh`; Library of Congress Authority ID `sh85083504`; National Library of Israel J9U ID `987007563003705171`; Microsoft Academic ID (discontinued) `74426580`.
- **Sitelink Count**: Associated with 9 Wikipedia sites.
- **Concept Focus**: Primarily a data structure related to managing computer memory organization.

## FAQs
### Q: What exactly does a memory map map?
A: A memory map defines the allocation and organization of memory addresses within a computer, translating logical addresses used by software to the physical locations where data is actually stored in memory.

### Q: Why is a memory map necessary in computing?
A: It is essential for efficient memory management, allowing the operating system and programs to understand how memory is partitioned and utilized, enabling proper data storage, retrieval, and protection of memory regions.

### Q: How does a memory map differ from physical computer memory itself?
A: Computer memory is the physical hardware (like RAM) that stores data, while a memory map is the abstract data structure or table that describes the layout, boundaries, and uses of different portions of that physical memory.

## Why It Matters
Memory maps are fundamental to computer architecture and operating system design. They provide the critical roadmap that enables efficient resource allocation, memory protection, and virtualization. Without a clear memory map, systems couldn't reliably manage where programs and data reside, leading to conflicts, security vulnerabilities, and performance bottlenecks. They are indispensable for tasks like process scheduling, dynamic memory allocation, and implementing memory-mapped I/O, making modern multitasking and complex software applications possible. Their role underpins the reliability and performance of virtually all computing systems today.

## Notable For
- **Data Structure Classification**: Recognized as a core subclass of data structures specifically related to computer memory organization.
- **Multi-language Recognition**: Its Wikipedia article ("Memory map") exists in 9 distinct languages, indicating significant global relevance in computer science.
- **Authority Identifiers**: Holds established identifiers in major library classification systems (Library of Congress, National Library of Israel) and historical academic databases (Freebase, Microsoft Academic).

## Body
### Classification and Relationships
- **Instance Of**: Computer memory (physical device used for storing information for immediate use).
- **Subclass Of**: Data structure (organized format for storing and manipulating data).
- **Aliases**: "Memory map".

### Identifiers and References
- **Freebase ID**: `/m/03gq4rh` (reference: Q15241312, publication date: 2013-10-28).
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: `sh85083504`.
- **National Library of Israel J9U ID**: `987007563003705171` (reference: Q106509962).
- **Microsoft Academic ID (Discontinued)**: `74426580`.

### Online Presence
- **Wikipedia Title**: "Memory map".
- **Wikipedia Languages**: Catalan (ca), English (en), Spanish (es), Basque (eu), Indonesian (id), Korean (ko), Portuguese (pt), Swedish (sv), Chinese (zh).
- **Sitelink Count**: 9 Wikipedia language editions.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
3. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)