memory address

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "memory address" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of computer science and programming to refer to a specific location in a computer's memory where data is stored. Example: "In order to access the variable, you need to know its memory address."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"You examine the memory address at which the computer's halted — you make a note of it.

The New Yorker

The CPU has a program counter that holds the memory address (location) of the next instruction to be executed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Developers that use modern languages tend not to spend time on the minutiae of memory management or fixing bugs, due to referencing pointers to the wrong memory address.

The Guardian - Tech

If it is a branch instruction, part of it will contain the memory address of the next instruction to execute once the branch condition is satisfied.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A user loaded a program from paper tape by employing switches to specify its memory address, to start loading, and to run the program.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By sequentially changing the values of the transistors used to store information, they were able to "reverse engineer" the memory address map, allowing them to extract the secret information contained in the smart card.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Data items stored nonconsecutively in memory may be linked by pointers (memory addresses stored with items to indicate where the "next" item or items in the structure are located).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The locality of reference property means that a sequence of memory addresses will frequently be used, and fast DRAM is designed to speed access to subsequent addresses after the first one.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nor would the Judge let Nunn testify that when he had examined the system he had found discrepancies in the locations of memory addresses for the storage of information.

The New Yorker

In particular, data structures specify types of data, and thus which operations can be performed on them, while eliminating the need for a programmer to keep track of memory addresses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Likewise, memory addressing needs (probabilistically) encrypted addresses to be translated back to (deterministic) physical memory addresses.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing low-level programming or computer architecture, use "memory address" to precisely identify a specific location in memory. Always ensure the context clearly defines whether you're referring to a physical or virtual address.

Common error

Avoid using "memory address" without specifying whether you are referring to a physical or virtual address, especially in contexts where the distinction is crucial for understanding memory management or security. Using the unqualified term may lead to misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "memory address" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific location in a computer's memory. Ludwig examples show it used to explain computer architecture, data storage, and programming concepts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

24%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "memory address" is a noun phrase commonly used in computer science to denote a specific location in computer memory. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in technical writing. Its function is primarily to identify a location for storing and retrieving data. The phrase appears most frequently in scientific and technical contexts, with a formal register. Understanding its meaning and usage is crucial for anyone working with computer systems or low-level programming. Consider alternatives like "storage location" or "memory location" to suit specific contexts. Always clarify whether you're talking about physical or virtual addresses to prevent ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

address in memory

Reorders the phrase while retaining the same meaning.

memory location

Emphasizes the specific position within the computer's memory.

data address

Highlights that the address points to data.

storage address

Emphasizes the address as a place to find stored information.

storage location

Focuses on the physical or logical place where data is stored.

physical address

Specifies the actual location in physical memory.

virtual address

Indicates an address in the virtual memory space.

memory cell

Highlights the smallest addressable unit in memory.

memory offset

Specifies the distance from a base address.

address space

Refers to the range of addresses available to a program.

FAQs

How is a "memory address" used in programming?

In programming, a "memory address" is used to access and manipulate data stored in a computer's memory. Variables, data structures, and executable code are all stored at specific "memory locations", and their addresses allow the program to find and use them.

What is the difference between a "memory address" and a pointer?

A "memory address" is a specific location in memory, while a pointer is a variable that stores a "memory address". Pointers are used to indirectly access data stored at the address they hold, allowing for dynamic memory management and complex data structures.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "memory address"?

Some alternatives to "memory address" include "storage location", "memory location", and "data address". The best choice depends on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Why is understanding "memory address" important in computer science?

Understanding "memory address" is crucial for tasks like debugging, optimizing code, and implementing low-level systems. It allows programmers to understand how data is organized and accessed, which helps in preventing memory leaks, buffer overflows, and other memory-related issues.