Summary

The WASM compilation target uses a bump allocator only. Linear memory is never reclaimed.

Current state

• String constants and closures are allocated in linear memory
• A simple bump allocator (heap_offset) advances monotonically
• No garbage collection or memory reclamation of any kind
• Programs that allocate heavily will eventually run out of memory

What's needed

• A garbage collection strategy suitable for WASM linear memory
• Reference counting or tracing GC for heap-allocated values
• Integration with the Alloc effect tracking (spec Chapter 7, Section 7.7.4)

Spec reference

Chapter 11, Section 11.12 "Limitations"