Summary

RAM is fast, volatile memory where programs run and data is actively processed. More RAM reduces disk swapping and speeds builds, VMs, and data-heavy tasks. Key attributes: capacity, frequency, latency, channels, and DDR generation. Types include DRAM and SRAM; servers may use ECC. For code, understand stack vs heap, allocation, references, and garbage collection. Monitor usage with OS tools, profilers, and limits. Optimize by streaming data, batching, using in-place ops, and choosing memory-efficient structures.