# System handling of undef\_method

**URL:** <https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/system-handling-of-undef-method/183740>\
**Category:** Ruby\
**Created:** [February 19, 2010, 10:23am UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/system-handling-of-undef-method/183740 "2010-02-19T10:23:07Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Paul\_F\_Fraser](https://www.ruby-forum.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/p/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Paul\_F\_Fraser](https://www.ruby-forum.com/u/Paul_F_Fraser)\
**Post date:** [February 19, 2010, 10:23am UTC](https://www.ruby-forum.com/t/system-handling-of-undef-method/183740/1 "2010-02-19T10:23:07Z")

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When a method is undefined, does the code hang around as orphaned code,  
or is it garbage collected and totally removed, or some other action  
performed?  
I am interested in the case of many methods being added for limited  
(possibly once only) use and the effect on code size and performance.  
Paul F Fraser