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Abstract
AIX provides different memory allocators and each allocator uses different memory management algorithms and data structures to meet the requirements of various applications.
Some highlights on benefits of robust, optimal allocation policy called Watson2.
Content
The default AIX memory allocator, which is also called Yorktown, is most common MALLOC found in AIX systems which is active after you install an AIX system as some drawbacks as it
* Requires Multiple Hand-tune options(pool,bucket,mutiheap ...) to be set manually based on single or multi-threaded applications to get optimal performance.
* Requires clients to possess advanced skills for hand tuning their applications.
As a long-term solution, AIX came up with more robust, optimal allocation policy called Watson2.
Watson2 allocator is an off-the-shelf allocator that yields better processing and memory allocation and has been part of the AIX 7.2 version since 2016.
The Watson2 allocator can be set by exporting the MALLOCTYPE environment variable: export MALLOCTYPE=watson2.
Watson2 allocator has a lot of advantages over the default allocator. Following list for some of the major advantages:
Watson2 malloc subsystem provides an alternative memory mangement.
Watson2 does not need any user intervention or tuning to obtain optimal performance(need not to be aware of multiple handtune options). That is, the Watson2 malloc subsystem adapts to the behavior of the application as it changes from a single thread to multiple threads and back from multiple threads to a single thread.
Watson2 scales better compared to a default allocator in multi-threaded applications.
Related Information
For more information refer to the, System memory allocation article in the IBM Knowledge Center.
AIX Watson2 memory allocator
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Author: Tilak Nayak
Operating System: AIX and VIOS
Hardware: Power
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Document Information
More support for:
IBM Power Systems Enterprise Cloud Edition with AIX 7.2
Software version:
All Versions
Operating system(s):
AIX
Document number:
1073346
Modified date:
21 October 2021
UID
ibm11073346