Memory layout of binary code

TBD

A typical memory representation of native computer program consists of following sections.

1. Text segment

A text segment , also known as a code segment or simply as text, is one of the sections of a program in an object file or in memory, which contains executable instructions.

2. Initialized data segment

Initialized data segment, usually called simply the Data Segment. A data segment is a portion of virtual address space of a program, which contains the global variables and static variables that are initialized by the programmer.

3. Uninitialized data segment

Uninitialized data segment, often called the “bss” segment, named after an ancient assembler operator that stood for “block started by symbol.” Data in this segment is initialized by the kernel to arithmetic 0 before the program starts executing

4. Stack

Stack, where automatic variables are stored, along with information that is saved each time a function is called. Each time a function is called, the address of where to return to and certain information about the caller’s environment, such as some of the machine registers, are saved on the stack. The newly called function then allocates room on the stack for its automatic and temporary variables.

5. Heap

Heap is the segment where dynamic memory allocation usually takes place.

Reference

http://www.geeksforgeeks.org/memory-layout-of-c-program/