Introduction to Epoch-Based Memory Reclamation - What to Do When No Thread is Watching

Explore epoch-based memory reclamation in concurrent programming through this 20-minute conference talk from ACCU 2023. Delve into the challenges of memory reclamation in multi-threaded environments and learn how epoch-based algorithms offer an alternative to hazard pointers. Understand the basic principles of epoch-based reclamation, including how it tracks thread access to data structures and manages logically deleted nodes. Compare the characteristics of epoch-based reclamation with hazard pointers, considering theoretical issues like unbounded memory retention and potential performance benefits. Gain insights from Jeffrey Mendelsohn, an experienced software infrastructure professional, as he provides an introduction to this important topic in concurrent programming and offers suggestions for further study.