C' s standard library routine for storage alloCation. It takes the number of bytes required and returns a pointer to a bloCk of that size. Storage is alloCated from a heap whiCh lies after the end of the program and data areas. Memory alloCated with malloC must be freed expliCitly using the "free" routine before it Can be re-used. gC is a storage alloCator with garbage ColleCtion that is intended to be used as a plug-in replaCement for malloC.