# Efficient Memory Allocation with Minimal Overhead > [! note]- > The content of this page is generated by audio/video transcription and text transformation from the content and links of this source. Source: [https://fosdem.org/2025/schedule/event/fosdem-2025-4479-a-memory-allocator-with-only-0-006-fixed-overhead-written-from-scratch/](https://fosdem.org/2025/schedule/event/fosdem-2025-4479-a-memory-allocator-with-only-0-006-fixed-overhead-written-from-scratch/) <video src="https://video.fosdem.org/2025/k1105/fosdem-2025-4479-a-memory-allocator-with-only-0-006-fixed-overhead-written-from-scratch.av1.webm" controls></video> ## Summary & Highlights: This session at FOSDEM 2025 introduces a novel memory allocator with only 0.006% fixed overhead, designed from scratch to efficiently manage storage. The talk, delivered by Nils Goroll, focuses on the SLASH storage engines for Varnish-Cache, utilizing the buddy memory allocator algorithm, known since the 1960s. The key innovation is the use of minimal metadata, supporting prioritized allocations and an interactive live view. **Introduction to Memory Allocation** The session begins by addressing the challenge of allocating small objects on vast storage, proposing a memory allocator with a fixed overhead of less than two bits per 4KB. This approach is particularly relevant for managing large-scale data efficiently, a crucial consideration for eco-social designers focusing on sustainable software solutions. **Implementation and Technical Details** Nils Goroll explains the technical aspects of the buddy memory allocator, emphasizing its simplicity and efficiency in managing free space. The allocator uses a hierarchical bit field structure to track free pages, allowing for efficient merging and splitting of memory blocks. This method reduces the overhead associated with traditional memory management techniques. **Applications and Use Cases** The allocator is implemented in Varnish-Cache, a web caching software, where it addresses issues of fairness and predictability in memory usage. By ensuring a fixed size for memory allocations, the allocator enhances the efficiency and reliability of the caching process, making it a valuable tool for developers aiming to optimize resource usage in large-scale applications. **Relevance to Eco-Social Transformation** The session highlights the allocator's potential impact on eco-social transformation by promoting sustainable software practices. By reducing the resource footprint of memory management, this innovation contributes to more efficient and eco-friendly computing. Eco-social designers can leverage this approach to develop applications that are both resource-efficient and scalable. **Challenges and Open Questions** While the allocator presents significant benefits, challenges remain in terms of integration with existing systems and ensuring widespread adoption. Questions about the allocator's application beyond web caching and its potential in other domains remain open, inviting further exploration and collaboration within the open-source community. ## Importance for an eco-social transformation The development of a memory allocator with minimal overhead is significant for eco-social transformation as it promotes sustainable software practices by reducing resource consumption. This allocator can be particularly beneficial for eco-social designers focused on creating efficient, scalable applications with a lower environmental impact. The use of open-source platforms like Varnish-Cache ensures that the technology is accessible and can be adapted for various community-oriented projects. However, challenges such as integrating this allocator into existing systems and encouraging its adoption across different domains remain. Additionally, there are social and political considerations in promoting open-source solutions as a standard for sustainable development. ## Links [Slides PDF](https://fosdem.org/2025/schedule/event/fosdem-2025-4479-a-memory-allocator-with-only-0-006-fixed-overhead-written-from-scratch/slides.pdf) [Slides Open Document Format](https://fosdem.org/2025/schedule/event/fosdem-2025-4479-a-memory-allocator-with-only-0-006-fixed-overhead-written-from-scratch/slides.odf) [Video recording (AV1/WebM) - 424.1 MB](https://video.fosdem.org/2025/k1105/fosdem-2025-4479-a-memory-allocator-with-only-0-006-fixed-overhead-written-from-scratch.av1.webm) [Video recording (MP4) - 1.0 GB](https://video.fosdem.org/2025/k1105/fosdem-2025-4479-a-memory-allocator-with-only-0-006-fixed-overhead-written-from-scratch.av1.mp4) [Video recording subtitle file (VTT)](https://video.fosdem.org/2025/k1105/fosdem-2025-4479-a-memory-allocator-with-only-0-006-fixed-overhead-written-from-scratch.vtt) [Chat room(web)](https://fosdem.org/2025/schedule/event/fosdem-2025-4479-a-memory-allocator-with-only-0-006-fixed-overhead-written-from-scratch/chat/) [Chat room(app)](https://fosdem.org/2025/schedule/event/fosdem-2025-4479-a-memory-allocator-with-only-0-006-fixed-overhead-written-from-scratch/chat/app)