1.1 KiB
Kernel module
As of writing Kernel is an "old style" module, aka a bunch of functions.
These functions return their code, ie a Vm::Function object, which can then be called by ruby code as if it were a "normal" function.
A normal ruby function is one that is parsed and transformed to code. But not all functionality can be written in ruby, one of those chicken and egg things. C uses Assembler in this situation, we use Kernel function.
Slightly more here : http://kide-vm.github.io/2014/06/10/more-clarity.html
The Kernal module is scattered into several files, but that is just so the file doesn't get too long.
PS: Old style also means the acual receiver is not used. Kernel function are more like global functions. PPS: New style is what rails pioneered and has now called Concerns. I call them Aspects, and they not only serve to split a big file up, but use the receiver and also super, ie the fact that a module gets inserted into the method lookup sequence in just the same way as an superclass. This solves the old c++ and Java multiple inheritance dilemma.