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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