Process Memory in Linux
Build a first-principles mental model of virtual memory, segments, faults, and isolation.
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Build a first-principles mental model of virtual memory, segments, faults, and isolation.
Same addresses, different processes, zero collisions
Process A
virtual addr: 0x00401000
value: 0
frame: same shared cell
Process B
virtual addr: 0x00401000
value: 0
frame: same shared cell
Physical RAM view
mode: physical
single cell at 0x0012 = 0
Both processes collide in the same physical location.
Addressing mode
Try writes and reads
Process A and Process B both believe they own 0x00401000, but they overwrite each other because there is only one physical location.
Virtual memory lets every process use the same convenient addresses while the kernel maps each one to different physical frames. This gives isolation, safety, and the illusion of a private memory space.