Persistent Memory Allocation

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2022-07-01 19:30:06

This episode of Drill Bits presents a new persistent memory allocator that enables a new capability for scripting languages. The new allocator is suitable for serious use, yet it is more concise and simpler than most alternatives. The new capability is transparent on-demand persistence for interpreted scripts with zero effort from script authors. Persistent memory allocation and persistent scripting demonstrate, at two very different software layers, that the right interfaces multiply programmer impact by leveraging mountains of existing software and hardware. Both the new persistent memory allocator and a persistent script interpreter that uses it are available as open-source software.

Scripting allows you to write clear, concise, and correct code quickly and conveniently. Scripting languages enhance productivity via keen instincts for programmer intentions. For example, they create and initialize variables as needed without explicit declarations. Persistent scripting brings similar do-what-I-mean convenience to data used across multiple script executions.

The AWK program in figure 1 captures the essence of classic scripting chores such as log file processing. Its input block reads strings, one per input line, and uses associative arrays to assign serial numbers to unique strings and to count their frequencies. After all input has been processed, the END block prints a summary report.

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