memory

Manage hierarchical memory contexts with talloc-based allocation and ownership rules in C.

Updated Jun 3, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/mgreenly/ikigai --skill memory-mgreenly
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: memory
Source: https://github.com/mgreenly/ikigai/tree/main/.claude/library/memory
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/mgreenly/ikigai --skill memory-mgreenly

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

talloc-based memory management provides hierarchical contexts, automatic cleanup, and explicit ownership rules to reduce memory leaks and life-cycle errors in C projects across ikigai.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Automatic cleanup: parent context frees all children, simplifying lifecycle management.
  • Ownership hierarchy: one owner per allocation, clarifying lifetimes and responsibilities.
  • Debugging support: built-in leak reporting and memory tree visualization help diagnose issues.
  • Use Case: allocate resources under a context, then free the context to release all related allocations in one call.

Quick Start

Create a TALLOC_CTX and allocate objects as children of that context, then free the context to reclaim all memory.

Frequently Asked Questions about memory

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How does talloc memory management work in C?

Talloc memory management provides hierarchical contexts where freeing a parent automatically releases all child allocations, establishing single ownership to reduce leaks. You create a context, allocate objects as children, then free the context to reclaim all related memory in one call.

How do I prevent memory leaks when passing complex data structures across function boundaries?

To prevent memory leaks across function boundaries, talloc enforces context-based allocations with deterministic cleanup and single-owner rules. Allocate resources under a parent context, then free that context to trigger structured error handling and release all related allocations in one call.

Can I use talloc for deterministic cleanup in C projects without external dependencies?

Yes, talloc provides deterministic cleanup and safe deallocation of complex data structures in C projects without requiring external dependencies. It enforces context-based allocations, single-owner ownership, zero-initialization practices, and structured error handling.

What is the best way to debug memory lifecycle errors in C programs?

The best way to debug memory lifecycle errors is using talloc's built-in leak reporting and memory tree visualization. These features help diagnose ownership hierarchy issues and lifecycle management errors in C codebases requiring deterministic cleanup.

Why does talloc enforce single ownership for memory allocations?

Talloc enforces single ownership to clarify lifetimes and responsibilities, ensuring one owner per allocation. This hierarchical ownership model reduces memory leaks and lifecycle errors by making parent-child relationships explicit across function boundaries.