What is the Difference Between Memory and Storage?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between memory and storage lies in their duration and purpose for storing data. Here are the key differences:
- Memory (RAM): Memory refers to the location of short-term data. It is used to store data that the CPU is currently processing and is crucial for a computer or smartphone's performance. Memory is volatile, meaning it is only capable of storing information while the computer is powered on or in sleep mode. If you fully turn off your computer or smartphone, all the information currently held in RAM is wiped.
- Storage: Storage is the component of your computer that allows you to store and access data on a long-term basis. It is used to store data that needs to be accessed frequently or for a long period of time. Storage is non-volatile, meaning the data is stored even if you turn off the computer. Storage comes in various forms, such as solid-state drives or hard drives.
In summary, memory is used to hold data that the CPU is currently processing, while storage is used to store data that needs to be accessed frequently or for a long period of time. Memory is faster but has a smaller capacity, while storage is slower but has a much larger capacity.
Comparative Table: Memory vs Storage
| Memory | Storage |
|---|---|
| Memory refers to the temporary storage of data in RAM, which is volatile and can be accessed quickly. | Storage refers to the permanent storage of data on a disk or other non-volatile media, which can be accessed more slowly compared to memory. |
Memory tables are created using the ENGINE=MEMORY clause and store their data in RAM, with no table image in persistent storage. |
Storage tables are created using a disk-based storage engine and store their data on disk, with a table image in persistent storage. |
| Memory tables can hold data across user sessions and connections, allowing for faster access to frequently used data. | Storage tables are tied to a specific session and cannot be used across multiple sessions. |
| Memory tables are suitable for temporary work areas or read-only caches for data pulled from other tables, but they are not suitable for long-term storage due to their vulnerability to crashes, hardware issues, or power outages. | Storage tables are suitable for long-term storage and can be used as the primary storage for most application data. |
In summary, memory is a temporary, fast storage medium for data, while storage is a more permanent and slower medium for data storage. Memory tables are useful for temporary work areas and read-only caches, while storage tables are suitable for long-term storage of application data.
Read more:
- Memory vs Hard Disk
- RAM vs Cache Memory
- Working Memory vs Short Term Memory
- Flash Storage vs Hard Drive
- Cache Memory vs Virtual Memory
- Hard Disk vs RAM
- Primary vs Secondary Memory
- CPU vs RAM
- Physical vs Virtual Memory
- Volatile vs Nonvolatile Memory
- Remember vs Recall
- RAM vs ROM
- RAM vs Processor
- Hard Disk vs Hard Drive
- SSD vs HDD
- Static RAM vs Dynamic RAM
- Embedded vs External Memory Devices
- Plasma Cells vs Memory Cells
- MB vs GB