Heap management refers to the process of allocating and deallocating memory in a computer's heap, which is a region of memory used for dynamic storage. Unlike stack memory, which is managed automatically, heap memory requires explicit management by the programmer. This allows for flexible memory usage, enabling programs to request and release memory as needed during runtime. Effective heap management is crucial for optimizing performance and preventing memory leaks, which occur when allocated memory is not properly released. Techniques such as garbage collection and memory pooling are often employed to manage heap memory efficiently, ensuring that resources are used effectively and that the program runs smoothly.