seniorObjective-C
How does Objective-C runtime implement message forwarding chain?
Updated May 17, 2026
Short answer
Unresolved messages go through dynamic resolution, forwarding target, and full invocation forwarding.
Deep explanation
When objc_msgSend fails, runtime triggers 3-step fallback: (1) resolveInstanceMethod, (2) forwardingTargetForSelector, (3) methodSignatureForSelector + forwardInvocation. This allows proxy behavior and dynamic dispatch systems.
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