Stack overflow

Updated: 01/18/2023 by Computer Hope

Stack overflow may refer to any of the following:

1. A stack overflow error can occur in a computer program due to excessive memory usage. This excessive memory usage occurs on the call stack, where information is stored relating to the active subroutines in the program. The call stack has a limited amount of memory available to it. Its size is determined by the programming language, the architecture, whether multi-threading is available on the CPU (central processing unit), and how much memory is available.

Usually, when a stack overflow error occurs, the program crashes and can either freeze or close the program. Any unsaved data or work is lost. The stack overflow error is often caused by an infinite loop or the creation of variables larger than the size of the call stack.

The stack overflow problem is not as prevalent on the newer operating systems; however, the small footprint on mobile devices can become challenging. If your mobile device's operating system gives you a stack overflow error, you may have too many applications running, a virus uses stack space, or your device has bad hardware. Check your app usage and virus protection and run a memory diagnostic app on your mobile device to see if this helps clear up your error.

2. With a website, Stack Overflow is a questions and answers website released in 2008.

Error, Memory terms, Overflow error, SO