Whats the best way to learn about VM implementation besides actually hacking code?

Question

I\'d like to learn more about VM implementation and optimization. Right now I\'m contributing (in a small way) with JRuby and am also playing/writing with my own lisp-like langu

Answer 1

also check The Implementation of Lua 5.0. it's widely regarded as the fastest VM in its class and also one of the cleanest and smallest implementations.