Volatile memory, also known as volatile storage, is computer memory

Computer memory

In computing, memory refers to the physical devices used to store programs or data on a temporary or permanent basis for use in a computer or other digital electronic device. The term primary memory is used for the information in physical systems which are fast In computing, memory refers to the...

 that requires power to maintain the stored information, unlike non-volatile memory

Non-volatile memory

Non-volatile memory, nonvolatile memory, NVM or non-volatile storage, in the most basic sense, is computer memory that can retain the stored information even when not powered. Examples of non-volatile memory include read-only memory, flash memory, ferroelectric RAM, most types of magnetic computer...

 which does not require a maintained power supply. It has been less popularly known as temporary memory.

Most forms of modern random access memory (RAM) are volatile storage, including dynamic random access memory

Dynamic random access memory

Dynamic random-access memory is a type of random-access memory that stores each bit of data in a separate capacitor within an integrated circuit. The capacitor can be either charged or discharged; these two states are taken to represent the two values of a bit, conventionally called 0 and 1...

 (DRAM) and static random access memory

Static random access memory

Static random-access memory is a type of semiconductor memory where the word static indicates that, unlike dynamic RAM , it does not need to be periodically refreshed, as SRAM uses bistable latching circuitry to store each bit...

 (SRAM). Content addressable memory and dual-ported RAM

Dual-ported RAM

Dual-ported RAM is a type of Random Access Memory that allows multiple reads or writes to occur at the same time, or nearly the same time, unlike single-ported RAM which only allows one access at a time....

 are usually implemented using volatile storage. Early volatile storage technologies include delay line memory

Delay line memory

Delay line memory was a form of computer memory used on some of the earliest digital computers. Like many modern forms of electronic computer memory, delay line memory was a refreshable memory, but as opposed to modern random-access memory, delay line memory was serial-access...

 and Williams tube

Williams tube

The Williams tube or the Williams-Kilburn tube , developed in about 1946 or 1947, was a cathode ray tube used to electronically store binary data....

.