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Revision 1.137 by root, Wed Sep 26 19:26:48 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.181 by root, Fri May 9 22:04:37 2008 UTC

2 2
3Coro - coroutine process abstraction 3Coro - coroutine process abstraction
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 use Coro; 7 use Coro;
8 8
9 async { 9 async {
10 # some asynchronous thread of execution 10 # some asynchronous thread of execution
11 print "2\n";
12 cede; # yield back to main
13 print "4\n";
11 }; 14 };
12 15 print "1\n";
13 # alternatively create an async coroutine like this: 16 cede; # yield to coroutine
14 17 print "3\n";
15 sub some_func : Coro { 18 cede; # and again
16 # some more async code 19
17 } 20 # use locking
18 21 my $lock = new Coro::Semaphore;
19 cede; 22 my $locked;
23
24 $lock->down;
25 $locked = 1;
26 $lock->up;
20 27
21=head1 DESCRIPTION 28=head1 DESCRIPTION
22 29
23This module collection manages coroutines. Coroutines are similar 30This module collection manages coroutines. Coroutines are similar to
24to threads but don't run in parallel at the same time even on SMP 31threads but don't (in general) run in parallel at the same time even
25machines. The specific flavor of coroutine used in this module also 32on SMP machines. The specific flavor of coroutine used in this module
26guarantees you that it will not switch between coroutines unless 33also guarantees you that it will not switch between coroutines unless
27necessary, at easily-identified points in your program, so locking and 34necessary, at easily-identified points in your program, so locking and
28parallel access are rarely an issue, making coroutine programming much 35parallel access are rarely an issue, making coroutine programming much
29safer than threads programming. 36safer and easier than threads programming.
30 37
31(Perl, however, does not natively support real threads but instead does a 38Unlike a normal perl program, however, coroutines allow you to have
32very slow and memory-intensive emulation of processes using threads. This 39multiple running interpreters that share data, which is especially useful
33is a performance win on Windows machines, and a loss everywhere else). 40to code pseudo-parallel processes, such as multiple HTTP-GET requests
41running concurrently.
42
43Coroutines are also useful because Perl has no support for threads (the so
44called "threads" that perl offers are nothing more than the (bad) process
45emulation coming from the Windows platform: On standard operating systems
46they serve no purpose whatsoever, except by making your programs slow and
47making them use a lot of memory. Best disable them when building perl, or
48aks your software vendor/distributor to do it for you).
34 49
35In this module, coroutines are defined as "callchain + lexical variables + 50In this module, coroutines are defined as "callchain + lexical variables +
36@_ + $_ + $@ + $/ + C stack), that is, a coroutine has its own callchain, 51@_ + $_ + $@ + $/ + C stack), that is, a coroutine has its own callchain,
37its own set of lexicals and its own set of perls most important global 52its own set of lexicals and its own set of perls most important global
38variables. 53variables (see L<Coro::State> for more configuration).
39 54
40=cut 55=cut
41 56
42package Coro; 57package Coro;
43 58
50 65
51our $idle; # idle handler 66our $idle; # idle handler
52our $main; # main coroutine 67our $main; # main coroutine
53our $current; # current coroutine 68our $current; # current coroutine
54 69
55our $VERSION = '3.7'; 70our $VERSION = 4.6;
56 71
57our @EXPORT = qw(async async_pool cede schedule terminate current unblock_sub); 72our @EXPORT = qw(async async_pool cede schedule terminate current unblock_sub);
58our %EXPORT_TAGS = ( 73our %EXPORT_TAGS = (
59 prio => [qw(PRIO_MAX PRIO_HIGH PRIO_NORMAL PRIO_LOW PRIO_IDLE PRIO_MIN)], 74 prio => [qw(PRIO_MAX PRIO_HIGH PRIO_NORMAL PRIO_LOW PRIO_IDLE PRIO_MIN)],
60); 75);
61our @EXPORT_OK = (@{$EXPORT_TAGS{prio}}, qw(nready)); 76our @EXPORT_OK = (@{$EXPORT_TAGS{prio}}, qw(nready));
62 77
63{
64 my @async;
65 my $init;
66
67 # this way of handling attributes simply is NOT scalable ;()
68 sub import {
69 no strict 'refs';
70
71 Coro->export_to_level (1, @_);
72
73 my $old = *{(caller)[0]."::MODIFY_CODE_ATTRIBUTES"}{CODE};
74 *{(caller)[0]."::MODIFY_CODE_ATTRIBUTES"} = sub {
75 my ($package, $ref) = (shift, shift);
76 my @attrs;
77 for (@_) {
78 if ($_ eq "Coro") {
79 push @async, $ref;
80 unless ($init++) {
81 eval q{
82 sub INIT {
83 &async(pop @async) while @async;
84 }
85 };
86 }
87 } else {
88 push @attrs, $_;
89 }
90 }
91 return $old ? $old->($package, $ref, @attrs) : @attrs;
92 };
93 }
94
95}
96
97=over 4 78=over 4
98 79
99=item $main 80=item $Coro::main
100 81
101This coroutine represents the main program. 82This variable stores the coroutine object that represents the main
83program. While you cna C<ready> it and do most other things you can do to
84coroutines, it is mainly useful to compare again C<$Coro::current>, to see
85wether you are running in the main program or not.
102 86
103=cut 87=cut
104 88
105$main = new Coro; 89$main = new Coro;
106 90
107=item $current (or as function: current) 91=item $Coro::current
108 92
109The current coroutine (the last coroutine switched to). The initial value 93The coroutine object representing the current coroutine (the last
94coroutine that the Coro scheduler switched to). The initial value is
110is C<$main> (of course). 95C<$main> (of course).
111 96
112This variable is B<strictly> I<read-only>. It is provided for performance 97This variable is B<strictly> I<read-only>. You can take copies of the
113reasons. If performance is not essential you are encouraged to use the 98value stored in it and use it as any other coroutine object, but you must
114C<Coro::current> function instead. 99not otherwise modify the variable itself.
115 100
116=cut 101=cut
117 102
118$main->{desc} = "[main::]"; 103$main->{desc} = "[main::]";
119 104
120# maybe some other module used Coro::Specific before... 105# maybe some other module used Coro::Specific before...
121$main->{specific} = $current->{specific} 106$main->{_specific} = $current->{_specific}
122 if $current; 107 if $current;
123 108
124_set_current $main; 109_set_current $main;
125 110
126sub current() { $current } 111sub current() { $current } # [DEPRECATED]
127 112
128=item $idle 113=item $Coro::idle
129 114
130A callback that is called whenever the scheduler finds no ready coroutines 115This variable is mainly useful to integrate Coro into event loops. It is
131to run. The default implementation prints "FATAL: deadlock detected" and 116usually better to rely on L<Coro::AnyEvent> or LC<Coro::EV>, as this is
132exits, because the program has no other way to continue. 117pretty low-level functionality.
118
119This variable stores a callback that is called whenever the scheduler
120finds no ready coroutines to run. The default implementation prints
121"FATAL: deadlock detected" and exits, because the program has no other way
122to continue.
133 123
134This hook is overwritten by modules such as C<Coro::Timer> and 124This hook is overwritten by modules such as C<Coro::Timer> and
135C<Coro::Event> to wait on an external event that hopefully wake up a 125C<Coro::AnyEvent> to wait on an external event that hopefully wake up a
136coroutine so the scheduler can run it. 126coroutine so the scheduler can run it.
137 127
128Note that the callback I<must not>, under any circumstances, block
129the current coroutine. Normally, this is achieved by having an "idle
130coroutine" that calls the event loop and then blocks again, and then
131readying that coroutine in the idle handler.
132
133See L<Coro::Event> or L<Coro::AnyEvent> for examples of using this
134technique.
135
138Please note that if your callback recursively invokes perl (e.g. for event 136Please note that if your callback recursively invokes perl (e.g. for event
139handlers), then it must be prepared to be called recursively. 137handlers), then it must be prepared to be called recursively itself.
140 138
141=cut 139=cut
142 140
143$idle = sub { 141$idle = sub {
144 require Carp; 142 require Carp;
151 # free coroutine data and mark as destructed 149 # free coroutine data and mark as destructed
152 $self->_destroy 150 $self->_destroy
153 or return; 151 or return;
154 152
155 # call all destruction callbacks 153 # call all destruction callbacks
156 $_->(@{$self->{status}}) 154 $_->(@{$self->{_status}})
157 for @{(delete $self->{destroy_cb}) || []}; 155 for @{(delete $self->{_on_destroy}) || []};
158}
159
160sub _do_trace {
161 $current->{_trace_cb}->();
162} 156}
163 157
164# this coroutine is necessary because a coroutine 158# this coroutine is necessary because a coroutine
165# cannot destroy itself. 159# cannot destroy itself.
166my @destroy; 160my @destroy;
175 } 169 }
176}; 170};
177$manager->desc ("[coro manager]"); 171$manager->desc ("[coro manager]");
178$manager->prio (PRIO_MAX); 172$manager->prio (PRIO_MAX);
179 173
180# static methods. not really.
181
182=back 174=back
183 175
184=head2 STATIC METHODS 176=head2 SIMPLE COROUTINE CREATION
185
186Static methods are actually functions that operate on the current coroutine only.
187 177
188=over 4 178=over 4
189 179
190=item async { ... } [@args...] 180=item async { ... } [@args...]
191 181
192Create a new asynchronous coroutine and return it's coroutine object 182Create a new coroutine and return it's coroutine object (usually
193(usually unused). When the sub returns the new coroutine is automatically 183unused). The coroutine will be put into the ready queue, so
184it will start running automatically on the next scheduler run.
185
186The first argument is a codeblock/closure that should be executed in the
187coroutine. When it returns argument returns the coroutine is automatically
194terminated. 188terminated.
189
190The remaining arguments are passed as arguments to the closure.
191
192See the C<Coro::State::new> constructor for info about the coroutine
193environment in which coroutines are executed.
195 194
196Calling C<exit> in a coroutine will do the same as calling exit outside 195Calling C<exit> in a coroutine will do the same as calling exit outside
197the coroutine. Likewise, when the coroutine dies, the program will exit, 196the coroutine. Likewise, when the coroutine dies, the program will exit,
198just as it would in the main program. 197just as it would in the main program.
199 198
199If you do not want that, you can provide a default C<die> handler, or
200simply avoid dieing (by use of C<eval>).
201
200 # create a new coroutine that just prints its arguments 202Example: Create a new coroutine that just prints its arguments.
203
201 async { 204 async {
202 print "@_\n"; 205 print "@_\n";
203 } 1,2,3,4; 206 } 1,2,3,4;
204 207
205=cut 208=cut
211} 214}
212 215
213=item async_pool { ... } [@args...] 216=item async_pool { ... } [@args...]
214 217
215Similar to C<async>, but uses a coroutine pool, so you should not call 218Similar to C<async>, but uses a coroutine pool, so you should not call
216terminate or join (although you are allowed to), and you get a coroutine 219terminate or join on it (although you are allowed to), and you get a
217that might have executed other code already (which can be good or bad :). 220coroutine that might have executed other code already (which can be good
221or bad :).
218 222
223On the plus side, this function is faster than creating (and destroying)
224a completely new coroutine, so if you need a lot of generic coroutines in
225quick successsion, use C<async_pool>, not C<async>.
226
219Also, the block is executed in an C<eval> context and a warning will be 227The code block is executed in an C<eval> context and a warning will be
220issued in case of an exception instead of terminating the program, as 228issued in case of an exception instead of terminating the program, as
221C<async> does. As the coroutine is being reused, stuff like C<on_destroy> 229C<async> does. As the coroutine is being reused, stuff like C<on_destroy>
222will not work in the expected way, unless you call terminate or cancel, 230will not work in the expected way, unless you call terminate or cancel,
223which somehow defeats the purpose of pooling. 231which somehow defeats the purpose of pooling (but is fine in the
232exceptional case).
224 233
225The priority will be reset to C<0> after each job, otherwise the coroutine 234The priority will be reset to C<0> after each run, tracing will be
226will be re-used "as-is". 235disabled, the description will be reset and the default output filehandle
236gets restored, so you can change all these. Otherwise the coroutine will
237be re-used "as-is": most notably if you change other per-coroutine global
238stuff such as C<$/> you I<must needs> to revert that change, which is most
239simply done by using local as in: C< local $/ >.
227 240
228The pool size is limited to 8 idle coroutines (this can be adjusted by 241The pool size is limited to C<8> idle coroutines (this can be adjusted by
229changing $Coro::POOL_SIZE), and there can be as many non-idle coros as 242changing $Coro::POOL_SIZE), and there can be as many non-idle coros as
230required. 243required.
231 244
232If you are concerned about pooled coroutines growing a lot because a 245If you are concerned about pooled coroutines growing a lot because a
233single C<async_pool> used a lot of stackspace you can e.g. C<async_pool 246single C<async_pool> used a lot of stackspace you can e.g. C<async_pool
234{ terminate }> once per second or so to slowly replenish the pool. In 247{ terminate }> once per second or so to slowly replenish the pool. In
235addition to that, when the stacks used by a handler grows larger than 16kb 248addition to that, when the stacks used by a handler grows larger than 16kb
236(adjustable with $Coro::POOL_RSS) it will also exit. 249(adjustable via $Coro::POOL_RSS) it will also be destroyed.
237 250
238=cut 251=cut
239 252
240our $POOL_SIZE = 8; 253our $POOL_SIZE = 8;
241our $POOL_RSS = 16 * 1024; 254our $POOL_RSS = 16 * 1024;
252 _pool_2 $cb; 265 _pool_2 $cb;
253 &schedule; 266 &schedule;
254 } 267 }
255 }; 268 };
256 269
257 last if $@ eq "\3terminate\2\n"; 270 last if $@ eq "\3async_pool terminate\2\n";
258 warn $@ if $@; 271 warn $@ if $@;
259 } 272 }
260} 273}
261 274
262sub async_pool(&@) { 275sub async_pool(&@) {
267 $coro->ready; 280 $coro->ready;
268 281
269 $coro 282 $coro
270} 283}
271 284
285=back
286
287=head2 STATIC METHODS
288
289Static methods are actually functions that operate on the current coroutine.
290
291=over 4
292
272=item schedule 293=item schedule
273 294
274Calls the scheduler. Please note that the current coroutine will not be put 295Calls the scheduler. The scheduler will find the next coroutine that is
296to be run from the ready queue and switches to it. The next coroutine
297to be run is simply the one with the highest priority that is longest
298in its ready queue. If there is no coroutine ready, it will clal the
299C<$Coro::idle> hook.
300
301Please note that the current coroutine will I<not> be put into the ready
275into the ready queue, so calling this function usually means you will 302queue, so calling this function usually means you will never be called
276never be called again unless something else (e.g. an event handler) calls 303again unless something else (e.g. an event handler) calls C<< ->ready >>,
277ready. 304thus waking you up.
305
306This makes C<schedule> I<the> generic method to use to block the current
307coroutine and wait for events: first you remember the current coroutine in
308a variable, then arrange for some callback of yours to call C<< ->ready
309>> on that once some event happens, and last you call C<schedule> to put
310yourself to sleep. Note that a lot of things can wake your coroutine up,
311so you need to check wether the event indeed happened, e.g. by storing the
312status in a variable.
278 313
279The canonical way to wait on external events is this: 314The canonical way to wait on external events is this:
280 315
281 { 316 {
282 # remember current coroutine 317 # remember current coroutine
295 Coro::schedule while $current; 330 Coro::schedule while $current;
296 } 331 }
297 332
298=item cede 333=item cede
299 334
300"Cede" to other coroutines. This function puts the current coroutine into the 335"Cede" to other coroutines. This function puts the current coroutine into
301ready queue and calls C<schedule>, which has the effect of giving up the 336the ready queue and calls C<schedule>, which has the effect of giving
302current "timeslice" to other coroutines of the same or higher priority. 337up the current "timeslice" to other coroutines of the same or higher
338priority. Once your coroutine gets its turn again it will automatically be
339resumed.
303 340
304Returns true if at least one coroutine switch has happened. 341This function is often called C<yield> in other languages.
305 342
306=item Coro::cede_notself 343=item Coro::cede_notself
307 344
308Works like cede, but is not exported by default and will cede to any 345Works like cede, but is not exported by default and will cede to I<any>
309coroutine, regardless of priority, once. 346coroutine, regardless of priority. This is useful sometimes to ensure
310 347progress is made.
311Returns true if at least one coroutine switch has happened.
312 348
313=item terminate [arg...] 349=item terminate [arg...]
314 350
315Terminates the current coroutine with the given status values (see L<cancel>). 351Terminates the current coroutine with the given status values (see L<cancel>).
352
353=item killall
354
355Kills/terminates/cancels all coroutines except the currently running
356one. This is useful after a fork, either in the child or the parent, as
357usually only one of them should inherit the running coroutines.
358
359Note that while this will try to free some of the main programs resources,
360you cnanot free all of them, so if a coroutine that is not the main
361program calls this function, there will be some one-time resource leak.
316 362
317=cut 363=cut
318 364
319sub terminate { 365sub terminate {
320 $current->cancel (@_); 366 $current->cancel (@_);
321} 367}
322 368
369sub killall {
370 for (Coro::State::list) {
371 $_->cancel
372 if $_ != $current && UNIVERSAL::isa $_, "Coro";
373 }
374}
375
323=back 376=back
324 377
325# dynamic methods
326
327=head2 COROUTINE METHODS 378=head2 COROUTINE METHODS
328 379
329These are the methods you can call on coroutine objects. 380These are the methods you can call on coroutine objects (or to create
381them).
330 382
331=over 4 383=over 4
332 384
333=item new Coro \&sub [, @args...] 385=item new Coro \&sub [, @args...]
334 386
335Create a new coroutine and return it. When the sub returns the coroutine 387Create a new coroutine and return it. When the sub returns, the coroutine
336automatically terminates as if C<terminate> with the returned values were 388automatically terminates as if C<terminate> with the returned values were
337called. To make the coroutine run you must first put it into the ready queue 389called. To make the coroutine run you must first put it into the ready
338by calling the ready method. 390queue by calling the ready method.
339 391
340See C<async> for additional discussion. 392See C<async> and C<Coro::State::new> for additional info about the
393coroutine environment.
341 394
342=cut 395=cut
343 396
344sub _run_coro { 397sub _run_coro {
345 terminate &{+shift}; 398 terminate &{+shift};
351 $class->SUPER::new (\&_run_coro, @_) 404 $class->SUPER::new (\&_run_coro, @_)
352} 405}
353 406
354=item $success = $coroutine->ready 407=item $success = $coroutine->ready
355 408
356Put the given coroutine into the ready queue (according to it's priority) 409Put the given coroutine into the end of its ready queue (there is one
357and return true. If the coroutine is already in the ready queue, do nothing 410queue for each priority) and return true. If the coroutine is already in
358and return false. 411the ready queue, do nothing and return false.
412
413This ensures that the scheduler will resume this coroutine automatically
414once all the coroutines of higher priority and all coroutines of the same
415priority that were put into the ready queue earlier have been resumed.
359 416
360=item $is_ready = $coroutine->is_ready 417=item $is_ready = $coroutine->is_ready
361 418
362Return wether the coroutine is currently the ready queue or not, 419Return wether the coroutine is currently the ready queue or not,
363 420
369 426
370=cut 427=cut
371 428
372sub cancel { 429sub cancel {
373 my $self = shift; 430 my $self = shift;
374 $self->{status} = [@_]; 431 $self->{_status} = [@_];
375 432
376 if ($current == $self) { 433 if ($current == $self) {
377 push @destroy, $self; 434 push @destroy, $self;
378 $manager->ready; 435 $manager->ready;
379 &schedule while 1; 436 &schedule while 1;
383} 440}
384 441
385=item $coroutine->join 442=item $coroutine->join
386 443
387Wait until the coroutine terminates and return any values given to the 444Wait until the coroutine terminates and return any values given to the
388C<terminate> or C<cancel> functions. C<join> can be called multiple times 445C<terminate> or C<cancel> functions. C<join> can be called concurrently
389from multiple coroutine. 446from multiple coroutines, and all will be resumed and given the status
447return once the C<$coroutine> terminates.
390 448
391=cut 449=cut
392 450
393sub join { 451sub join {
394 my $self = shift; 452 my $self = shift;
395 453
396 unless ($self->{status}) { 454 unless ($self->{_status}) {
397 my $current = $current; 455 my $current = $current;
398 456
399 push @{$self->{destroy_cb}}, sub { 457 push @{$self->{_on_destroy}}, sub {
400 $current->ready; 458 $current->ready;
401 undef $current; 459 undef $current;
402 }; 460 };
403 461
404 &schedule while $current; 462 &schedule while $current;
405 } 463 }
406 464
407 wantarray ? @{$self->{status}} : $self->{status}[0]; 465 wantarray ? @{$self->{_status}} : $self->{_status}[0];
408} 466}
409 467
410=item $coroutine->on_destroy (\&cb) 468=item $coroutine->on_destroy (\&cb)
411 469
412Registers a callback that is called when this coroutine gets destroyed, 470Registers a callback that is called when this coroutine gets destroyed,
413but before it is joined. The callback gets passed the terminate arguments, 471but before it is joined. The callback gets passed the terminate arguments,
414if any. 472if any, and I<must not> die, under any circumstances.
415 473
416=cut 474=cut
417 475
418sub on_destroy { 476sub on_destroy {
419 my ($self, $cb) = @_; 477 my ($self, $cb) = @_;
420 478
421 push @{ $self->{destroy_cb} }, $cb; 479 push @{ $self->{_on_destroy} }, $cb;
422} 480}
423 481
424=item $oldprio = $coroutine->prio ($newprio) 482=item $oldprio = $coroutine->prio ($newprio)
425 483
426Sets (or gets, if the argument is missing) the priority of the 484Sets (or gets, if the argument is missing) the priority of the
451=item $olddesc = $coroutine->desc ($newdesc) 509=item $olddesc = $coroutine->desc ($newdesc)
452 510
453Sets (or gets in case the argument is missing) the description for this 511Sets (or gets in case the argument is missing) the description for this
454coroutine. This is just a free-form string you can associate with a coroutine. 512coroutine. This is just a free-form string you can associate with a coroutine.
455 513
514This method simply sets the C<< $coroutine->{desc} >> member to the given string. You
515can modify this member directly if you wish.
516
517=item $coroutine->throw ([$scalar])
518
519If C<$throw> is specified and defined, it will be thrown as an exception
520inside the coroutine at the next convinient point in time (usually after
521it gains control at the next schedule/transfer/cede). Otherwise clears the
522exception object.
523
524The exception object will be thrown "as is" with the specified scalar in
525C<$@>, i.e. if it is a string, no line number or newline will be appended
526(unlike with C<die>).
527
528This can be used as a softer means than C<cancel> to ask a coroutine to
529end itself, although there is no guarentee that the exception will lead to
530termination, and if the exception isn't caught it might well end the whole
531program.
532
456=cut 533=cut
457 534
458sub desc { 535sub desc {
459 my $old = $_[0]{desc}; 536 my $old = $_[0]{desc};
460 $_[0]{desc} = $_[1] if @_ > 1; 537 $_[0]{desc} = $_[1] if @_ > 1;
468=over 4 545=over 4
469 546
470=item Coro::nready 547=item Coro::nready
471 548
472Returns the number of coroutines that are currently in the ready state, 549Returns the number of coroutines that are currently in the ready state,
473i.e. that can be switched to. The value C<0> means that the only runnable 550i.e. that can be switched to by calling C<schedule> directory or
551indirectly. The value C<0> means that the only runnable coroutine is the
474coroutine is the currently running one, so C<cede> would have no effect, 552currently running one, so C<cede> would have no effect, and C<schedule>
475and C<schedule> would cause a deadlock unless there is an idle handler 553would cause a deadlock unless there is an idle handler that wakes up some
476that wakes up some coroutines. 554coroutines.
477 555
478=item my $guard = Coro::guard { ... } 556=item my $guard = Coro::guard { ... }
479 557
480This creates and returns a guard object. Nothing happens until the object 558This creates and returns a guard object. Nothing happens until the object
481gets destroyed, in which case the codeblock given as argument will be 559gets destroyed, in which case the codeblock given as argument will be
510 588
511 589
512=item unblock_sub { ... } 590=item unblock_sub { ... }
513 591
514This utility function takes a BLOCK or code reference and "unblocks" it, 592This utility function takes a BLOCK or code reference and "unblocks" it,
515returning the new coderef. This means that the new coderef will return 593returning a new coderef. Unblocking means that calling the new coderef
516immediately without blocking, returning nothing, while the original code 594will return immediately without blocking, returning nothing, while the
517ref will be called (with parameters) from within its own coroutine. 595original code ref will be called (with parameters) from within another
596coroutine.
518 597
519The reason this function exists is that many event libraries (such as the 598The reason this function exists is that many event libraries (such as the
520venerable L<Event|Event> module) are not coroutine-safe (a weaker form 599venerable L<Event|Event> module) are not coroutine-safe (a weaker form
521of thread-safety). This means you must not block within event callbacks, 600of thread-safety). This means you must not block within event callbacks,
522otherwise you might suffer from crashes or worse. 601otherwise you might suffer from crashes or worse. The only event library
602currently known that is safe to use without C<unblock_sub> is L<EV>.
523 603
524This function allows your callbacks to block by executing them in another 604This function allows your callbacks to block by executing them in another
525coroutine where it is safe to block. One example where blocking is handy 605coroutine where it is safe to block. One example where blocking is handy
526is when you use the L<Coro::AIO|Coro::AIO> functions to save results to 606is when you use the L<Coro::AIO|Coro::AIO> functions to save results to
527disk. 607disk, for example.
528 608
529In short: simply use C<unblock_sub { ... }> instead of C<sub { ... }> when 609In short: simply use C<unblock_sub { ... }> instead of C<sub { ... }> when
530creating event callbacks that want to block. 610creating event callbacks that want to block.
611
612If your handler does not plan to block (e.g. simply sends a message to
613another coroutine, or puts some other coroutine into the ready queue),
614there is no reason to use C<unblock_sub>.
531 615
532=cut 616=cut
533 617
534our @unblock_queue; 618our @unblock_queue;
535 619
567 651
5681; 6521;
569 653
570=head1 BUGS/LIMITATIONS 654=head1 BUGS/LIMITATIONS
571 655
572 - you must make very sure that no coro is still active on global
573 destruction. very bad things might happen otherwise (usually segfaults).
574
575 - this module is not thread-safe. You should only ever use this module 656This module is not perl-pseudo-thread-safe. You should only ever use this
576 from the same thread (this requirement might be loosened in the future 657module from the same thread (this requirement might be removed in the
577 to allow per-thread schedulers, but Coro::State does not yet allow 658future to allow per-thread schedulers, but Coro::State does not yet allow
578 this). 659this). I recommend disabling thread support and using processes, as this
660is much faster and uses less memory.
579 661
580=head1 SEE ALSO 662=head1 SEE ALSO
581 663
664Event-Loop integration: L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>.
665
666Debugging: L<Coro::Debug>.
667
582Support/Utility: L<Coro::Cont>, L<Coro::Specific>, L<Coro::State>, L<Coro::Util>. 668Support/Utility: L<Coro::Specific>, L<Coro::Util>.
583 669
584Locking/IPC: L<Coro::Signal>, L<Coro::Channel>, L<Coro::Semaphore>, L<Coro::SemaphoreSet>, L<Coro::RWLock>. 670Locking/IPC: L<Coro::Signal>, L<Coro::Channel>, L<Coro::Semaphore>, L<Coro::SemaphoreSet>, L<Coro::RWLock>.
585 671
586Event/IO: L<Coro::Timer>, L<Coro::Event>, L<Coro::Handle>, L<Coro::Socket>, L<Coro::Select>. 672IO/Timers: L<Coro::Timer>, L<Coro::Handle>, L<Coro::Socket>, L<Coro::AIO>.
587 673
588Embedding: L<Coro:MakeMaker> 674Compatibility: L<Coro::LWP>, L<Coro::BDB>, L<Coro::Storable>, L<Coro::Select>.
675
676XS API: L<Coro::MakeMaker>.
677
678Low level Configuration, Coroutine Environment: L<Coro::State>.
589 679
590=head1 AUTHOR 680=head1 AUTHOR
591 681
592 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 682 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
593 http://home.schmorp.de/ 683 http://home.schmorp.de/

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