Allocating Stack Space for Threads

Generally, you do not need to allocate stack space for threads. The system allocates 1 megabyte (for 32 bit systems) or 2 megabytes (for 64 bit systems) of virtual memory for each thread's stack with no swap space reserved. The system uses the MAP_NORESERVE option of mmap() to make the allocations.

Each thread stack created by the system has a red zone. The system creates the red zone by appending a page to the overflow end of a stack to catch stack overflows. This page is invalid and causes a memory fault if accessed. Red zones are appended to all automatically allocated stacks whether the size is specified by the application or the default size is used.

Runtime stack requirements vary for library calls and dynamic linking. You should be absolutely certain that the specified stack satisfies the runtime requirements for library calls and dynamic linking.

Very few occasions exist when specifying a stack, its size, or both, is appropriate. Even an expert has a difficult time knowing whether the right size was specified. Even a program that is compliant with ABI standards cannot determine its stack size statically. The stack size is dependent on the needs of the particular runtime environment in execution.