What std::mem::forget Actually Does to Heap Allocations
Rust guarantees memory safety, not resource freedom. Calling std::mem::forget suppresses destructor execution entirely, tearing down the stack pointer while leaving heap metadata active in allocator slabs. This deep dive dissects the machine-level divide between std::mem::forget, Box::into_raw, and ManuallyDrop. Learn how orphaned allocations evade Undefined Behavior while silently fragmenting…
Rust enforces memory safety but does not ensure resource freedom. Calling std::mem::forget disables destructor execution completely, which frees the stack pointer while keeping heap metadata active in allocator slabs. This article explores the intricate differences between std::mem::forget, Box::into_raw, and ManuallyDrop. Understanding how orphaned allocations evade Undefined Behavior while silently fragmenting virtual memory is crucial for maintaining long-running infrastructure stability.
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