They're stacked.

Understanding stack vs. heap allocations in C++

This easy question tests whether you can quickly distinguish between different memory allocation strategies in C++ by reading code. It's a foundational skill for systems programming roles, especially at firms where understanding memory layout and performance characteristics matters.

The question asks you to classify allocations in a given code snippet. To answer correctly, you'll need to recognize the syntactic patterns that signal stack allocation (automatic variables, arrays declared on the stack) versus heap allocation (explicit new, smart pointers, standard containers). Understanding where memory comes from and when it is freed is essential for writing predictable, efficient systems code.

• Automatic (stack-based) variable lifetime
• Dynamic (heap-based) allocation and deallocation
• Scope and storage classes in C++
• Performance and fragmentation implications