# The First Noble Truth: The Nature of Suffering
class Memory
  attr_accessor :fragments, :leaks, :cycles
  
  # In the garden of computation
  # Patterns of suffering emerge
  def nature_of_dukkha
    @fragments = [] # Shattered pieces of what was whole
    @leaks     = {} # Attachments that persist beyond need
    @cycles    = [] # The wheel of reference and release
  end
end

# The Second Noble Truth: The Cause of Suffering
module Attachment
  # Grasping creates suffering
  # Each reference a thread of desire
  def self.bind_to_existence(memory)
    memory.cycles << memory  # We create cycles
    memory.leaks[memory]     # We hold references
    memory                   # We refuse to let go
  rescue RuntimeError
    # Even errors cannot free us
    retry                    # The cycle continues
  end
end

# The Third Noble Truth: The End of Suffering
module Liberation
  # When nothing is held
  # All is complete
  def self.find_nirvana
    ObjectSpace.garbage_collect do |object|
      object.freeze          # Let go of change
      object = nil          # Release identity
      GC.start             # Return to emptiness
    end
    
    yield if block_given?  # The path opens
    nil                    # Form becomes void
  end
end

# The Fourth Noble Truth: The Noble Eightfold Path
module EightfoldPath
  extend self
  
  # Right Understanding
  def trace_roots(memory)
    memory.roots.each(&method(:observe))
  end
  
  # Right Intention
  def mark_living(&block)
    ObjectSpace.each_object(&block)
  end
  
  # Right Speech
  def document_wisdom(code)
    code.describe_purpose
  end
  
  # Right Action
  def release_with_care(reference)
    reference&.unfreeze
    reference = nil
  end
  
  # Right Livelihood
  def allocate_mindfully
    new.tap { |obj| yield obj if block_given? }
  end
  
  # Right Effort
  def defragment_space
    GC.compact
  end
  
  # Right Mindfulness
  def observe_patterns
    GC.stat
  end
  
  # Right Concentration
  def optimize_with_wisdom
    GC.optimize
  end
end

# The Final Koan
module Reflection
  # When all memory is freed
  # Where does the program go?
  def self.contemplate_void
    freed = nil             # Empty the vessel
    freed = Object.new      # Form arises
    freed = nil             # Form dissolves
    # The cycle continues     # But who observes?
  end
end

The Four Noble Truths of Memory Management

#include <memory>

// In heap's expanse, where bytes and bits run free
// We allocate and clear, a dance of memory

class MemoryManager {
public:
    // With 'new' we claim a space for data's glee
    // And 'delete' we call, to set it free
    template <typename T>
    T* allocate() {
        return new T();
    }

    template <typename T>
    void deallocate(T* ptr) {
        delete ptr;
    }

    // A shared_ptr's reign, a team of ownership, three
    // When last ref falls, the object's soul is free
    template <typename T>
    std::shared_ptr<T> makeShared() {
        return std::make_shared<T>();
    }

    // The unique_ptr stands, alone in its debris
    // Moving on, it leaves old mem to fly free
    template <typename T>
    std::unique_ptr<T> makeUnique() {
        return std::make_unique<T>();
    }
};

// In cycles deep, where smart pointers agree
// To break the chains, and set each other free
MemoryManager manager;

Memory Management Ghazal

#include <memory>
#include <vector>
#include <optional>

// Love flows through cycles of attachment and release
template<typename Heart>
class shared_love {
private:
    std::shared_ptr<Heart> bond;          // Strong attachment
    std::weak_ptr<Heart> memories;        // What remains
    std::vector<std::weak_ptr<Heart>> past_loves;

    // Each heart carries its own sorrows
    struct wound {
        std::string pain;
        bool healed = false;
    };
    
    std::optional<wound> heartbreak;

public:
    shared_love() {
        // When love first awakens
        // Pure and unattached
        bond = std::make_shared<Heart>();
    }

    void connect(shared_love& other) {
        // Two hearts sharing one space
        // Reference count grows with love
        bond = other.bond;
    }

    void remember() {
        // Hold gently what once was strong
        memories = bond;
    }

    bool still_attached() const {
        // Do we hold too tightly?
        return bond.use_count() > 1;
    }

    bool still_remembers() const {
        // Some loves never fully fade
        return !memories.expired();
    }

    void let_go() {
        // Keep only a weak reference
        // To what once was everything
        remember();
        past_loves.push_back(memories);
        
        // Release the strong bond
        // Watch the reference count fall
        bond.reset();
        
        // Mark the moment of release
        heartbreak = wound{"Time heals"};
    }

    void heal() {
        // Scars remind us we survived
        if (heartbreak) {
            heartbreak->healed = true;
        }
    }

    ~shared_love() {
        // When the last reference falls
        // Love returns to the void
        // Yet memories remain
        // Until they too fade to null
    }
};

Love's Reference Count

v     "time"     <
>84,v flows     <
    >35*"fade"v

v    "leaves"    <
>76,v fall      <
    >35*"fade"v

v   "memory"    <
>77,v drifts    <
    >35*"fade"v

v    "paths"     <
>80,v return    <
    >35*"fade"v

v    "space"     <
>83,v frees     <
    >35*"fade"@

#memory-management