seniorRuby
How does Ruby handle object allocation internally (RVALUE structure)?
Updated May 17, 2026
Short answer
Ruby objects are represented using RVALUE structures allocated in heap pages managed by GC.
Deep explanation
Each Ruby object is stored in an RVALUE structure containing metadata, type flags, and references. The GC manages fixed-size heap slots grouped into pages. Allocation is fast via free lists. When pages are exhausted, GC reclaims memory and rebuilds free slots.
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