Arduino compiler shows different value of sram memory

Question

I have this code that shows the available sram memory

    int freeRam() 
{
  extern int __heap_start, *__brkval; 
  int v; 
  return (int) &v - (__brkval == 0 ? (int) &__heap_start : (int) __brkval); 
}

void setup()
{
  Serial.begin(9600);
  Serial.println(freeRam());
}

void loop()
{
}

The arduino compiler shows a different value.

• the arduino compiler shows 1856 bytes and
• Serial port shows 1850 bytes

What is the correct value?

Answer 1

Both are correct depending on what value you are interested in. The compiler tells you the size of the global variables. Your code tells you how much memory is free at any one time. Running code requires memory (most often the stack growing to accommodate local variables and the "stack frame" with a copy of the CPU registers in it every time you call a function).

In other words the compiler tells you how much is in your glass when it's handed to you by the barman but your code tells you how much is in there once you have taken a sip.