(v13) The memory pool system

This page applies to Harlequin v13.1r0 and later; and to Harlequin Core but not Harlequin MultiRIP.

The Harlequin RIP uses the Memory Pool System (MPS) internally (www.ravenbrook.com/project/mps). The Memory Pool System was originally developed by Harlequin Ltd., but is now an open-source project supported by Ravenbrook Ltd.

MPS is a fast allocation, flexible memory management system, supporting allocation and release of memory to and from the operating system. It includes garbage collection and customizable memory pool types. The integration of MPS in the Harlequin RIP is a custom version built to support RIP allocation patterns and requirements.

The memory arena is a fundamental concept in the MPS. Memory arenas control how the MPS acquires and releases memory segments from the operating system.