CODEWITHSUNDEEP
webassembly
Ian
Ian

Reputation: 13

Is there a difference between the stack size and heap size in web assembly?

I am currently learning about web assembly, using C++ and the emscripten toolchain. I understand how memory works with the stack and the heap in C++, as well as that web assembly uses a contiguous memory buffer that can be a max size of 4GB (or whatever the browser allows). Is there a max size for allocating data on the stack in C++ within web assembly, and is it different than the max memory size. For example can I allocate all of my data in C++ on the stack, and be able to use the max memory, or should I be allocating my data on the heap, and manage it myself (with smart pointers)?

Upvotes: 1

Views: 1040

Answers (1)

Gabriel Cuvillier
Gabriel Cuvillier

Reputation: 3663

I think total memory (TOTAL_MEMORY option) includes both stack and heap space.

You have the TOTAL_STACK= option that allow to change the size reserved to the stack. 5MB by default.

Regarding memory usage, you should simply do what you would do in regular C++ code: sometimes things are better on the stack, sometimes better with smart pointers or other managed heap memory strategies, sometimes just manual new/delete.

Upvotes: 2

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