seniorRuby

How does Ruby handle stack overflow and recursion limits at VM level?

Updated May 17, 2026

Short answer

Ruby enforces recursion limits using stack depth tracking in VM frames.

Deep explanation

Each method call increases VM frame depth counter. When depth exceeds system or Ruby-defined limits, a SystemStackError is raised. This prevents uncontrolled recursion from exhausting OS stack memory. Ruby distinguishes VM stack frames from C stack but maps them closely for safety.

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