Finite-size scaling approach to dynamic storage allocation problem

It is demonstrated how dynamic storage allocation algorithms can be analyzed in terms of finite-size scaling. The method is illustrated in the three simple cases of the first-fit, next-fit and best-fit algorithms, and the system works at full capacity. The analysis is done from two different points of view—running speed and employed memory. In both cases, and for all algorithms, it is shown that a simple scaling function exists and the relevant exponents are calculated. The method can be applied on similar problems as well.