What is the difference between Flash memory and RAM in embedded systems?

Flash and RAM are both essential memory types in embedded systems with different characteristics. Flash memory: Non-volatile (retains data without power). Stores program code and constants. Slower write operations, limited write cycles (10K-100K). Larger capacity, lower cost per bit. Types include NOR (code execution) and NAND (data storage). RAM (Random Access Memory): Volatile (loses data without power). Stores variables, stack, and heap during execution. Fast read/write operations, unlimited cycles. Smaller capacity in microcontrollers. Types include SRAM (fast, expensive) and DRAM (dense, needs refresh). Typical MCU might have 256KB Flash and 64KB SRAM.