MoarVM

MoarVM is a virtual machine developed to run programs written in the Raku language (formerly known as Perl 6). It serves as the runtime for the NQP (Not Quite Perl) compiler and the Rakudo compiler, forming the core of the Raku toolchain. MoarVM was created to provide a high-performance, dynamic-language runtime and to succeed Parrot as the VM used by Rakudo and its ecosystem.

The VM executes bytecode produced by NQP/Rakudo and implements the language’s dynamic features, including a rich object system, gradual typing, and multiple dispatch. It provides memory management through a garbage collector and includes a scheduler for lightweight concurrency, enabling multiple tasks to run on multi-core processors. MoarVM also emphasizes efficient method dispatch and runtime performance for dynamic code patterns common in Raku programs.

MoarVM offers interoperability with C through a native call interface, allowing programs and libraries written in C to be used from Raku code. This contributes to practical integration with existing ecosystem components and libraries.

The project is open-source and maintained by the community as part of the Rakudo/NQP toolchain. It is written primarily in C and designed to be portable across major operating systems. MoarVM continues to evolve in tandem with improvements to the Raku language, focusing on performance, feature support, and compatibility with the broader ecosystem.