Arizona State University (ASU) CSE100 Principles of Programming with C++ Midterm 1 Practice Exam

The distinction between stack memory and heap memory is fundamental in programming, particularly in languages like C++. The correct choice highlights that stack memory is limited to the scope of a function, meaning that variables created on the stack exist only while the function is in operation. Once the function exits, the memory allocated for stack variables is automatically reclaimed.

In contrast, heap memory is used for dynamic memory allocation, allowing programmers to reserve and release memory as needed during the program's execution. This memory remains allocated until explicitly released, making it possible to allocate a varying amount of memory without the constraints of a function's scope.

Understanding this difference is crucial for managing memory effectively in programming. It impacts how variables are declared, how memory is allocated, and how long that memory remains accessible. Additionally, the other options presented do not accurately capture the core differences regarding scope and management of the two types of memory.