Summary

This article explains dynamic memory allocation in C with an embedded-systems focus, using visual aids to show how the heap changes over time. It concludes with a practical data-communications switch example and a complete C sample to illustrate real-world pitfalls and techniques.

Key Takeaways

• Explain how malloc/free manipulate the heap and how fragmentation develops in constrained systems
• Identify common pitfalls of using dynamic allocation in embedded firmware (leaks, fragmentation, non-determinism)
• Apply mitigation strategies such as fixed-size pools, slab allocators, and limiting runtime allocation
• Analyze a concrete data-communications switch example and adapt the sample C code for embedded targets

Who Should Read This

Embedded and firmware engineers with some C experience who need to understand the trade-offs of dynamic memory use in microcontroller and RTOS environments.

Still RelevantIntermediate

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