nova::memoryresource

C++ std::pmr::memory_resource implementations for various allocators.

Highlight: TLSF Memory Resource

The tlsf_memory_resource is a real-time safe memory allocator powered by the excelent Two-Level Segregated Fit (TLSF) algorithm. It provides $O(1)$ constant time allocation and deallocation guarantees and is great for e.g. real-time audio threads.

Components

Type	Backend	Notes
tlsf_memory_resource	tlsf	Real-time safe, $O(1)$ allocations.
mimalloc_memory_resource	mimalloc	Backed by a purely-local mi_heap_t. Requires mimalloc v3.

Usage

tlsf_memory_resource is configured through policy tags:

Policy	Effect
static_size<N>	Embeds an N-byte pool directly in the object (no heap allocation).
use_mutex<M>	Protects allocations with mutex M (default: std::mutex).
lock_memory	Locks the pool into physical memory via mlock (POSIX) / VirtualLock (Windows), preventing pagefaults.

Basic Examples

#include <nova/pmr/tlsf_memory_resource.hpp>

// 64 KB static pool, single-threaded (real-time safe — no heap allocation)
nova::pmr::tlsf_memory_resource< nova::pmr::static_size< 65536 > > mr;
std::pmr::vector<int> v({1, 2, 3}, &mr);

// 64 KB static pool, thread-safe
nova::pmr::tlsf_memory_resource< nova::pmr::static_size< 65536 >,
                                 nova::pmr::use_mutex< std::mutex > > mr;

// Dynamic pool of 64 KB, single-threaded
nova::pmr::tlsf_memory_resource<> mr( 65536 );

// Dynamic pool of 64 KB, thread-safe
nova::pmr::tlsf_memory_resource< nova::pmr::use_mutex< std::mutex > > mr( 65536 );

Memory Locking (Real-Time Safety)

Lock the memory pool into physical RAM to prevent OS page-outs during audio processing or other real-time tasks. Locking is best-effort: if the OS call fails (e.g., insufficient privileges), the pool remains functional but unlocked.

// Compile-time memory locking (always locked)
nova::pmr::tlsf_memory_resource< nova::pmr::static_size< 65536 >,
                                 nova::pmr::lock_memory > mr;

// Runtime opt-in via constructor tag (only that instance is locked)
nova::pmr::tlsf_memory_resource<> mr( 65536, nova::pmr::enable_memory_locking );
nova::pmr::tlsf_memory_resource< nova::pmr::static_size< 65536 > > mr( nova::pmr::enable_memory_locking );

Requirements

• C++20 (GCC 12+, Clang 20+, MSVC 2022+)

Build & test

cmake -B build
cmake --build build
ctest --test-dir build

License

MIT — see LICENSE