[Cuis-dev] method lookup

[ken.dickey at whidbey.com]

On 2024-07-14 14:15, Mark Volkmann via Cuis-dev wrote:

> How can I do that? I don't plan to modify them directly, but I'd like 
> to examine them to solidify my understanding of how method lookup 
> works.

Selector lookup mechanics are hidden within the VM and the basics 
explained in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inline_caching .

Just as with any other object, you can open an Inspector on a Class.  
E.g. select a Class name in a Browser and CMD-i (menu Inspect-it).  
Select the #methodDict instvar of the Class to see the dictionary 
bindings.

Or you can Explore-it and look within the methodDict selector bindings 
to see each method's header, literals, and bytecodes.

Hey, easy peasy -- I like easy!  And quite informative.

The thing about Smalltalk is taking the walls out and the blinders off.  
:)

Sure, you can damage yourself (e.g. set Smalltalk to nil) but you have 
much more freedom than you may be used to.

Good on ya,
-KenD