BASE ADDRESS Meaning and
Definition
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Base address refers to the starting or initial location of a physical or virtual memory segment or block within a computer's memory hierarchy. In computing, memory is organized into segments or blocks that store data and instructions for the execution of programs. Each memory segment is assigned a unique base address, which identifies the location where the segment starts in memory.
The base address is crucial for memory management, as it allows the operating system or software to access specific segments of memory efficiently. It serves as a reference point or anchor from which other memory locations in the segment are calculated or relative offsets are determined.
For example, in a virtual memory system, the base address represents the location at which a process's virtual memory space begins. The base address is combined with a relative offset or displacement to access a specific memory location within the segment. This offset is determined by adding or subtracting a specific number of bytes from the base address.
In addition to memory management, base addresses are also used in addressing schemes for devices or peripherals connected to a computer, such as input/output (I/O) devices. Each device may be assigned a base address that allows the CPU to communicate with the device by reading from or writing to specific memory locations.
In summary, a base address is the starting location or reference point of a memory segment or block, used to efficiently locate and access data or instructions in memory. It plays a crucial role in memory management and address calculations within a computer system.
Common Misspellings for BASE ADDRESS
- vase address
- nase address
- hase address
- gase address
- bzse address
- bsse address
- bwse address
- bqse address
- baae address
- baze address
- baxe address
- bade address
- baee address
- bawe address
- basw address
- bass address
- basd address
- basr address
- bas4 address
- bas3 address
Etymology of BASE ADDRESS
The word "base" in this context comes from the Latin word "basis", which means "foundation" or "bottom". "Address" has its origins in the Latin word "ad-dire", meaning "to direct", which later transformed into the Old French word "adresser". In computing terminology, the term "base address" refers to the starting location or memory address of a particular object or data structure. Essentially, it signifies the foundational position from which further addressing or accessing occurs.
