Description: Stack underflow is an error that occurs in the memory management of programming languages and systems when trying to extract an element from an empty stack. In programming terms, a stack is a data structure that follows the LIFO (Last In, First Out) principle, where the last element added is the first to be removed. This type of error can arise in various situations, such as in the implementation of recursive algorithms, where it is expected that the stack contains elements to perform the necessary operations. When an attempt is made to access an element in an empty stack, the system cannot fulfill the request, resulting in an underflow. This issue can lead to unexpected behaviors in a program, such as crashes or exceptions, and it is crucial for developers to properly handle conditions that may lead to this type of error. Detection and prevention of stack underflow are important aspects of secure programming, as they can affect the stability and security of applications. In summary, stack underflow is a fundamental concept in memory management that highlights the importance of proper manipulation of data structures in software development.
