Memory Omniscriptum Memory Hierarchy: Theory of computation, Computer programming, Locality of reference, Computer storage, Processor register, CPU cache

Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. The term memory hierarchy is used in the theory of computation when discussing performance issues in computer architectural design, algorithm predictions, and the lower level programming constructs such as involving locality of reference. A 'memory hierarchy' in computer storage distinguishes each level in the 'hierarchy' by response time. Since response time, complexity, and capacity are related, the levels may also be distinguished by the controlling technology. The many trade-offs in designing for high performance will include the structure of the memory hierarchy, i.e. the size and technology of each component. So the various components can be viewed as forming a hierarchy of memories in which each member mi is in a sense subordinate to the next highest member mi-1 of the hierarchy. To limit waiting by higher levels, a lower level will respond by filling a buffer and then signaling to activate the transfer.