Page Replacement Algorithm Calculator for Computing

Visualize and Understand Page Replacement Algorithms

In computer operating systems, page replacement algorithms are crucial for managing memory. When a new page needs to be loaded into memory and there are no free frames, the OS must decide which existing page to replace. This calculator helps students and professionals visualize and compare how different algorithms handle this process.

How to Use the Simulator

This tool simulates the performance of three common page replacement algorithms:

FIFO (First-In, First-Out): Replaces the page that has been in memory the longest.

LRU (Least Recently Used): Replaces the page that has not been accessed for the longest time.

Optimal (OPT): Replaces the page that will not be needed for the longest time in the future. (This is a theoretical benchmark as it requires knowledge of the future.)

To use the calculator, enter the number of available memory frames and a 'reference string'—a sequence of page numbers that the CPU requests (e.g., "7, 0, 1, 2, 0, 3"). The tool will then process the string for each algorithm, showing you the number of page hits and page faults, allowing you to directly compare their efficiency.