The Four Noble Truths of Memory Management
# The First Noble Truth: The Nature of Sufferingclass Memoryattr_accessor :fragments, :leaks, :cycles# In the garden of computation# Patterns of suffering emergedef nature_of_dukkha@fragments = [] # Shattered pieces of what was whole@leaks = {} # Attachments that persist beyond need@cycles = [] # The wheel of reference and releaseendend# The Second Noble Truth: The Cause of Sufferingmodule Attachment# Grasping creates suffering# Each reference a thread of desiredef self.bind_to_existence(memory)memory.cycles << memory # We create cyclesmemory.leaks[memory] # We hold referencesmemory # We refuse to let gorescue RuntimeError# Even errors cannot free usretry # The cycle continuesendend# The Third Noble Truth: The End of Sufferingmodule Liberation# When nothing is held# All is completedef self.find_nirvanaObjectSpace.garbage_collect do |object|object.freeze # Let go of changeobject = nil # Release identityGC.start # Return to emptinessendyield if block_given? # The path opensnil # Form becomes voidendend# The Fourth Noble Truth: The Noble Eightfold Pathmodule EightfoldPathextend self# Right Understandingdef trace_roots(memory)memory.roots.each(&method(:observe))end# Right Intentiondef mark_living(&block)ObjectSpace.each_object(&block)end# Right Speechdef document_wisdom(code)code.describe_purposeend# Right Actiondef release_with_care(reference)reference&.unfreezereference = nilend# Right Livelihooddef allocate_mindfullynew.tap { |obj| yield obj if block_given? }end# Right Effortdef defragment_spaceGC.compactend# Right Mindfulnessdef observe_patternsGC.statend# Right Concentrationdef optimize_with_wisdomGC.optimizeendend# The Final Koanmodule Reflection# When all memory is freed# Where does the program go?def self.contemplate_voidfreed = nil # Empty the vesselfreed = Object.new # Form arisesfreed = nil # Form dissolves# The cycle continues # But who observes?endend
The poem is structured in five parts, mirroring Buddhist teachings: 1. The Four Noble Truths as Ruby classes and modules 2. Memory concepts expressed through Ruby's object system 3. Comments serve as contemplative verses 4. Ruby blocks represent containment and release 5. Concludes with a koan about the cyclical nature of existence Ruby's elegant syntax and object-oriented nature allow the metaphors to flow naturally, while its memory management features ground the technical concepts.
Demonstrates memory management concepts using Ruby's features: • ObjectSpace for memory introspection • Garbage collection through GC module • Object lifecycle management • Reference and cycle handling • Memory compaction and optimization • Block-based resource management • Exception handling for cycle demonstration Each concept is expressed using Ruby's actual memory management capabilities while maintaining poetic metaphors.
Maps fundamental Buddhist concepts to memory management: 1. First Noble Truth: Memory fragmentation and leaks as inherent suffering 2. Second Noble Truth: Reference cycles and attachments as the cause 3. Third Noble Truth: Garbage collection as a path to liberation 4. Fourth Noble Truth: Memory management best practices as the Eightfold Path Key parallels: • Object references as forms of attachment • Garbage collection as letting go • Memory optimization as mindful practice • Object lifecycles as samsara • Nil as representation of emptiness • Exception handling as persistence of suffering • Block-given pattern as openness to change The final koan questions the nature of program existence through Ruby's object model, suggesting that even in perfect memory management, the fundamental questions of existence persist.