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Revision 1.142 by root, Tue Oct 2 23:16:24 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.224 by root, Wed Nov 19 05:52:42 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 use Coro::Semaphore;
19 cede; 22 my $lock = new Coro::Semaphore;
23 my $locked;
24
25 $lock->down;
26 $locked = 1;
27 $lock->up;
20 28
21=head1 DESCRIPTION 29=head1 DESCRIPTION
22 30
23This module collection manages coroutines. Coroutines are similar 31This module collection manages coroutines. Coroutines are similar to
24to threads but don't run in parallel at the same time even on SMP 32threads but don't (in general) run in parallel at the same time even
25machines. The specific flavor of coroutine used in this module also 33on SMP machines. The specific flavor of coroutine used in this module
26guarantees you that it will not switch between coroutines unless 34also guarantees you that it will not switch between coroutines unless
27necessary, at easily-identified points in your program, so locking and 35necessary, at easily-identified points in your program, so locking and
28parallel access are rarely an issue, making coroutine programming much 36parallel access are rarely an issue, making coroutine programming much
29safer than threads programming. 37safer and easier than threads programming.
30 38
31(Perl, however, does not natively support real threads but instead does a 39Unlike a normal perl program, however, coroutines allow you to have
32very slow and memory-intensive emulation of processes using threads. This 40multiple running interpreters that share data, which is especially useful
33is a performance win on Windows machines, and a loss everywhere else). 41to code pseudo-parallel processes and for event-based programming, such as
42multiple HTTP-GET requests running concurrently. See L<Coro::AnyEvent> to
43learn more.
44
45Coroutines are also useful because Perl has no support for threads (the so
46called "threads" that perl offers are nothing more than the (bad) process
47emulation coming from the Windows platform: On standard operating systems
48they serve no purpose whatsoever, except by making your programs slow and
49making them use a lot of memory. Best disable them when building perl, or
50aks your software vendor/distributor to do it for you).
34 51
35In this module, coroutines are defined as "callchain + lexical variables + 52In this module, coroutines are defined as "callchain + lexical variables +
36@_ + $_ + $@ + $/ + C stack), that is, a coroutine has its own callchain, 53@_ + $_ + $@ + $/ + C stack), that is, a coroutine has its own callchain,
37its own set of lexicals and its own set of perls most important global 54its own set of lexicals and its own set of perls most important global
38variables. 55variables (see L<Coro::State> for more configuration).
39 56
40=cut 57=cut
41 58
42package Coro; 59package Coro;
43 60
44use strict; 61use strict qw(vars subs);
45no warnings "uninitialized"; 62no warnings "uninitialized";
46 63
47use Coro::State; 64use Coro::State;
48 65
49use base qw(Coro::State Exporter); 66use base qw(Coro::State Exporter);
50 67
51our $idle; # idle handler 68our $idle; # idle handler
52our $main; # main coroutine 69our $main; # main coroutine
53our $current; # current coroutine 70our $current; # current coroutine
54 71
55our $VERSION = '3.8'; 72our $VERSION = 5.0;
56 73
57our @EXPORT = qw(async async_pool cede schedule terminate current unblock_sub); 74our @EXPORT = qw(async async_pool cede schedule terminate current unblock_sub);
58our %EXPORT_TAGS = ( 75our %EXPORT_TAGS = (
59 prio => [qw(PRIO_MAX PRIO_HIGH PRIO_NORMAL PRIO_LOW PRIO_IDLE PRIO_MIN)], 76 prio => [qw(PRIO_MAX PRIO_HIGH PRIO_NORMAL PRIO_LOW PRIO_IDLE PRIO_MIN)],
60); 77);
61our @EXPORT_OK = (@{$EXPORT_TAGS{prio}}, qw(nready)); 78our @EXPORT_OK = (@{$EXPORT_TAGS{prio}}, qw(nready));
62 79
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 80=over 4
98 81
99=item $main 82=item $Coro::main
100 83
101This coroutine represents the main program. 84This variable stores the coroutine object that represents the main
85program. While you cna C<ready> it and do most other things you can do to
86coroutines, it is mainly useful to compare again C<$Coro::current>, to see
87whether you are running in the main program or not.
102 88
103=cut 89=cut
104 90
105$main = new Coro; 91# $main is now being initialised by Coro::State
106 92
107=item $current (or as function: current) 93=item $Coro::current
108 94
109The current coroutine (the last coroutine switched to). The initial value 95The coroutine object representing the current coroutine (the last
96coroutine that the Coro scheduler switched to). The initial value is
110is C<$main> (of course). 97C<$Coro::main> (of course).
111 98
112This variable is B<strictly> I<read-only>. It is provided for performance 99This variable is B<strictly> I<read-only>. You can take copies of the
113reasons. If performance is not essential you are encouraged to use the 100value stored in it and use it as any other coroutine object, but you must
114C<Coro::current> function instead. 101not otherwise modify the variable itself.
115 102
116=cut 103=cut
117 104
118$main->{desc} = "[main::]";
119
120# maybe some other module used Coro::Specific before...
121$main->{_specific} = $current->{_specific}
122 if $current;
123
124_set_current $main;
125
126sub current() { $current } 105sub current() { $current } # [DEPRECATED]
127 106
128=item $idle 107=item $Coro::idle
129 108
130A callback that is called whenever the scheduler finds no ready coroutines 109This variable is mainly useful to integrate Coro into event loops. It is
131to run. The default implementation prints "FATAL: deadlock detected" and 110usually better to rely on L<Coro::AnyEvent> or LC<Coro::EV>, as this is
132exits, because the program has no other way to continue. 111pretty low-level functionality.
112
113This variable stores a callback that is called whenever the scheduler
114finds no ready coroutines to run. The default implementation prints
115"FATAL: deadlock detected" and exits, because the program has no other way
116to continue.
133 117
134This hook is overwritten by modules such as C<Coro::Timer> and 118This hook is overwritten by modules such as C<Coro::Timer> and
135C<Coro::Event> to wait on an external event that hopefully wake up a 119C<Coro::AnyEvent> to wait on an external event that hopefully wake up a
136coroutine so the scheduler can run it. 120coroutine so the scheduler can run it.
137 121
122Note that the callback I<must not>, under any circumstances, block
123the current coroutine. Normally, this is achieved by having an "idle
124coroutine" that calls the event loop and then blocks again, and then
125readying that coroutine in the idle handler.
126
127See L<Coro::Event> or L<Coro::AnyEvent> for examples of using this
128technique.
129
138Please note that if your callback recursively invokes perl (e.g. for event 130Please note that if your callback recursively invokes perl (e.g. for event
139handlers), then it must be prepared to be called recursively. 131handlers), then it must be prepared to be called recursively itself.
140 132
141=cut 133=cut
142 134
143$idle = sub { 135$idle = sub {
144 require Carp; 136 require Carp;
152 $self->_destroy 144 $self->_destroy
153 or return; 145 or return;
154 146
155 # call all destruction callbacks 147 # call all destruction callbacks
156 $_->(@{$self->{_status}}) 148 $_->(@{$self->{_status}})
157 for @{(delete $self->{_on_destroy}) || []}; 149 for @{ delete $self->{_on_destroy} || [] };
158} 150}
159 151
160# this coroutine is necessary because a coroutine 152# this coroutine is necessary because a coroutine
161# cannot destroy itself. 153# cannot destroy itself.
162my @destroy; 154my @destroy;
168 while @destroy; 160 while @destroy;
169 161
170 &schedule; 162 &schedule;
171 } 163 }
172}; 164};
173$manager->desc ("[coro manager]"); 165$manager->{desc} = "[coro manager]";
174$manager->prio (PRIO_MAX); 166$manager->prio (PRIO_MAX);
175 167
176# static methods. not really.
177
178=back 168=back
179 169
180=head2 STATIC METHODS 170=head2 SIMPLE COROUTINE CREATION
181
182Static methods are actually functions that operate on the current coroutine only.
183 171
184=over 4 172=over 4
185 173
186=item async { ... } [@args...] 174=item async { ... } [@args...]
187 175
188Create a new asynchronous coroutine and return it's coroutine object 176Create a new coroutine and return it's coroutine object (usually
189(usually unused). When the sub returns the new coroutine is automatically 177unused). The coroutine will be put into the ready queue, so
178it will start running automatically on the next scheduler run.
179
180The first argument is a codeblock/closure that should be executed in the
181coroutine. When it returns argument returns the coroutine is automatically
190terminated. 182terminated.
183
184The remaining arguments are passed as arguments to the closure.
185
186See the C<Coro::State::new> constructor for info about the coroutine
187environment in which coroutines are executed.
191 188
192Calling C<exit> in a coroutine will do the same as calling exit outside 189Calling C<exit> in a coroutine will do the same as calling exit outside
193the coroutine. Likewise, when the coroutine dies, the program will exit, 190the coroutine. Likewise, when the coroutine dies, the program will exit,
194just as it would in the main program. 191just as it would in the main program.
195 192
193If you do not want that, you can provide a default C<die> handler, or
194simply avoid dieing (by use of C<eval>).
195
196 # create a new coroutine that just prints its arguments 196Example: Create a new coroutine that just prints its arguments.
197
197 async { 198 async {
198 print "@_\n"; 199 print "@_\n";
199 } 1,2,3,4; 200 } 1,2,3,4;
200 201
201=cut 202=cut
207} 208}
208 209
209=item async_pool { ... } [@args...] 210=item async_pool { ... } [@args...]
210 211
211Similar to C<async>, but uses a coroutine pool, so you should not call 212Similar to C<async>, but uses a coroutine pool, so you should not call
212terminate or join (although you are allowed to), and you get a coroutine 213terminate or join on it (although you are allowed to), and you get a
213that might have executed other code already (which can be good or bad :). 214coroutine that might have executed other code already (which can be good
215or bad :).
214 216
217On the plus side, this function is faster than creating (and destroying)
218a completly new coroutine, so if you need a lot of generic coroutines in
219quick successsion, use C<async_pool>, not C<async>.
220
215Also, the block is executed in an C<eval> context and a warning will be 221The code block is executed in an C<eval> context and a warning will be
216issued in case of an exception instead of terminating the program, as 222issued in case of an exception instead of terminating the program, as
217C<async> does. As the coroutine is being reused, stuff like C<on_destroy> 223C<async> does. As the coroutine is being reused, stuff like C<on_destroy>
218will not work in the expected way, unless you call terminate or cancel, 224will not work in the expected way, unless you call terminate or cancel,
219which somehow defeats the purpose of pooling. 225which somehow defeats the purpose of pooling (but is fine in the
226exceptional case).
220 227
221The priority will be reset to C<0> after each job, otherwise the coroutine 228The priority will be reset to C<0> after each run, tracing will be
222will be re-used "as-is". 229disabled, the description will be reset and the default output filehandle
230gets restored, so you can change all these. Otherwise the coroutine will
231be re-used "as-is": most notably if you change other per-coroutine global
232stuff such as C<$/> you I<must needs> revert that change, which is most
233simply done by using local as in: C<< local $/ >>.
223 234
224The pool size is limited to 8 idle coroutines (this can be adjusted by 235The idle pool size is limited to C<8> idle coroutines (this can be
225changing $Coro::POOL_SIZE), and there can be as many non-idle coros as 236adjusted by changing $Coro::POOL_SIZE), but there can be as many non-idle
226required. 237coros as required.
227 238
228If you are concerned about pooled coroutines growing a lot because a 239If you are concerned about pooled coroutines growing a lot because a
229single C<async_pool> used a lot of stackspace you can e.g. C<async_pool 240single C<async_pool> used a lot of stackspace you can e.g. C<async_pool
230{ terminate }> once per second or so to slowly replenish the pool. In 241{ terminate }> once per second or so to slowly replenish the pool. In
231addition to that, when the stacks used by a handler grows larger than 16kb 242addition to that, when the stacks used by a handler grows larger than 16kb
232(adjustable with $Coro::POOL_RSS) it will also exit. 243(adjustable via $Coro::POOL_RSS) it will also be destroyed.
233 244
234=cut 245=cut
235 246
236our $POOL_SIZE = 8; 247our $POOL_SIZE = 8;
237our $POOL_RSS = 16 * 1024; 248our $POOL_RSS = 16 * 1024;
248 _pool_2 $cb; 259 _pool_2 $cb;
249 &schedule; 260 &schedule;
250 } 261 }
251 }; 262 };
252 263
264 if ($@) {
253 last if $@ eq "\3terminate\2\n"; 265 last if $@ eq "\3async_pool terminate\2\n";
254 warn $@ if $@; 266 warn $@;
267 }
255 } 268 }
256} 269}
257 270
258sub async_pool(&@) { 271sub async_pool(&@) {
259 # this is also inlined into the unlock_scheduler 272 # this is also inlined into the unblock_scheduler
260 my $coro = (pop @async_pool) || new Coro \&pool_handler; 273 my $coro = (pop @async_pool) || new Coro \&pool_handler;
261 274
262 $coro->{_invoke} = [@_]; 275 $coro->{_invoke} = [@_];
263 $coro->ready; 276 $coro->ready;
264 277
265 $coro 278 $coro
266} 279}
267 280
281=back
282
283=head2 STATIC METHODS
284
285Static methods are actually functions that operate on the current coroutine.
286
287=over 4
288
268=item schedule 289=item schedule
269 290
270Calls the scheduler. Please note that the current coroutine will not be put 291Calls the scheduler. The scheduler will find the next coroutine that is
292to be run from the ready queue and switches to it. The next coroutine
293to be run is simply the one with the highest priority that is longest
294in its ready queue. If there is no coroutine ready, it will clal the
295C<$Coro::idle> hook.
296
297Please note that the current coroutine will I<not> be put into the ready
271into the ready queue, so calling this function usually means you will 298queue, so calling this function usually means you will never be called
272never be called again unless something else (e.g. an event handler) calls 299again unless something else (e.g. an event handler) calls C<< ->ready >>,
273ready. 300thus waking you up.
274 301
275The canonical way to wait on external events is this: 302This makes C<schedule> I<the> generic method to use to block the current
303coroutine and wait for events: first you remember the current coroutine in
304a variable, then arrange for some callback of yours to call C<< ->ready
305>> on that once some event happens, and last you call C<schedule> to put
306yourself to sleep. Note that a lot of things can wake your coroutine up,
307so you need to check whether the event indeed happened, e.g. by storing the
308status in a variable.
276 309
277 { 310See B<HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK>, below, for some ways to wait for callbacks.
278 # remember current coroutine
279 my $current = $Coro::current;
280
281 # register a hypothetical event handler
282 on_event_invoke sub {
283 # wake up sleeping coroutine
284 $current->ready;
285 undef $current;
286 };
287
288 # call schedule until event occurred.
289 # in case we are woken up for other reasons
290 # (current still defined), loop.
291 Coro::schedule while $current;
292 }
293 311
294=item cede 312=item cede
295 313
296"Cede" to other coroutines. This function puts the current coroutine into the 314"Cede" to other coroutines. This function puts the current coroutine into
297ready queue and calls C<schedule>, which has the effect of giving up the 315the ready queue and calls C<schedule>, which has the effect of giving
298current "timeslice" to other coroutines of the same or higher priority. 316up the current "timeslice" to other coroutines of the same or higher
317priority. Once your coroutine gets its turn again it will automatically be
318resumed.
299 319
300Returns true if at least one coroutine switch has happened. 320This function is often called C<yield> in other languages.
301 321
302=item Coro::cede_notself 322=item Coro::cede_notself
303 323
304Works like cede, but is not exported by default and will cede to any 324Works like cede, but is not exported by default and will cede to I<any>
305coroutine, regardless of priority, once. 325coroutine, regardless of priority. This is useful sometimes to ensure
306 326progress is made.
307Returns true if at least one coroutine switch has happened.
308 327
309=item terminate [arg...] 328=item terminate [arg...]
310 329
311Terminates the current coroutine with the given status values (see L<cancel>). 330Terminates the current coroutine with the given status values (see L<cancel>).
312 331
313=item killall 332=item killall
314 333
315Kills/terminates/cancels all coroutines except the currently running 334Kills/terminates/cancels all coroutines except the currently running
316one. This is useful after a fork, either in the child or the parent, as 335one. This is useful after a fork, either in the child or the parent, as
317usually only one of them should inherit the running coroutines. 336usually only one of them should inherit the running coroutines.
337
338Note that while this will try to free some of the main programs resources,
339you cannot free all of them, so if a coroutine that is not the main
340program calls this function, there will be some one-time resource leak.
318 341
319=cut 342=cut
320 343
321sub terminate { 344sub terminate {
322 $current->cancel (@_); 345 $current->cancel (@_);
329 } 352 }
330} 353}
331 354
332=back 355=back
333 356
334# dynamic methods
335
336=head2 COROUTINE METHODS 357=head2 COROUTINE METHODS
337 358
338These are the methods you can call on coroutine objects. 359These are the methods you can call on coroutine objects (or to create
360them).
339 361
340=over 4 362=over 4
341 363
342=item new Coro \&sub [, @args...] 364=item new Coro \&sub [, @args...]
343 365
344Create a new coroutine and return it. When the sub returns the coroutine 366Create a new coroutine and return it. When the sub returns, the coroutine
345automatically terminates as if C<terminate> with the returned values were 367automatically terminates as if C<terminate> with the returned values were
346called. To make the coroutine run you must first put it into the ready queue 368called. To make the coroutine run you must first put it into the ready
347by calling the ready method. 369queue by calling the ready method.
348 370
349See C<async> for additional discussion. 371See C<async> and C<Coro::State::new> for additional info about the
372coroutine environment.
350 373
351=cut 374=cut
352 375
353sub _run_coro { 376sub _run_coro {
354 terminate &{+shift}; 377 terminate &{+shift};
360 $class->SUPER::new (\&_run_coro, @_) 383 $class->SUPER::new (\&_run_coro, @_)
361} 384}
362 385
363=item $success = $coroutine->ready 386=item $success = $coroutine->ready
364 387
365Put the given coroutine into the ready queue (according to it's priority) 388Put the given coroutine into the end of its ready queue (there is one
366and return true. If the coroutine is already in the ready queue, do nothing 389queue for each priority) and return true. If the coroutine is already in
367and return false. 390the ready queue, do nothing and return false.
391
392This ensures that the scheduler will resume this coroutine automatically
393once all the coroutines of higher priority and all coroutines of the same
394priority that were put into the ready queue earlier have been resumed.
368 395
369=item $is_ready = $coroutine->is_ready 396=item $is_ready = $coroutine->is_ready
370 397
371Return wether the coroutine is currently the ready queue or not, 398Return whether the coroutine is currently the ready queue or not,
372 399
373=item $coroutine->cancel (arg...) 400=item $coroutine->cancel (arg...)
374 401
375Terminates the given coroutine and makes it return the given arguments as 402Terminates the given coroutine and makes it return the given arguments as
376status (default: the empty list). Never returns if the coroutine is the 403status (default: the empty list). Never returns if the coroutine is the
389 } else { 416 } else {
390 $self->_cancel; 417 $self->_cancel;
391 } 418 }
392} 419}
393 420
421=item $coroutine->throw ([$scalar])
422
423If C<$throw> is specified and defined, it will be thrown as an exception
424inside the coroutine at the next convenient point in time. Otherwise
425clears the exception object.
426
427Coro will check for the exception each time a schedule-like-function
428returns, i.e. after each C<schedule>, C<cede>, C<< Coro::Semaphore->down
429>>, C<< Coro::Handle->readable >> and so on. Most of these functions
430detect this case and return early in case an exception is pending.
431
432The exception object will be thrown "as is" with the specified scalar in
433C<$@>, i.e. if it is a string, no line number or newline will be appended
434(unlike with C<die>).
435
436This can be used as a softer means than C<cancel> to ask a coroutine to
437end itself, although there is no guarantee that the exception will lead to
438termination, and if the exception isn't caught it might well end the whole
439program.
440
441You might also think of C<throw> as being the moral equivalent of
442C<kill>ing a coroutine with a signal (in this case, a scalar).
443
394=item $coroutine->join 444=item $coroutine->join
395 445
396Wait until the coroutine terminates and return any values given to the 446Wait until the coroutine terminates and return any values given to the
397C<terminate> or C<cancel> functions. C<join> can be called multiple times 447C<terminate> or C<cancel> functions. C<join> can be called concurrently
398from multiple coroutine. 448from multiple coroutines, and all will be resumed and given the status
449return once the C<$coroutine> terminates.
399 450
400=cut 451=cut
401 452
402sub join { 453sub join {
403 my $self = shift; 454 my $self = shift;
418 469
419=item $coroutine->on_destroy (\&cb) 470=item $coroutine->on_destroy (\&cb)
420 471
421Registers a callback that is called when this coroutine gets destroyed, 472Registers a callback that is called when this coroutine gets destroyed,
422but before it is joined. The callback gets passed the terminate arguments, 473but before it is joined. The callback gets passed the terminate arguments,
423if any. 474if any, and I<must not> die, under any circumstances.
424 475
425=cut 476=cut
426 477
427sub on_destroy { 478sub on_destroy {
428 my ($self, $cb) = @_; 479 my ($self, $cb) = @_;
458higher values mean lower priority, just as in unix). 509higher values mean lower priority, just as in unix).
459 510
460=item $olddesc = $coroutine->desc ($newdesc) 511=item $olddesc = $coroutine->desc ($newdesc)
461 512
462Sets (or gets in case the argument is missing) the description for this 513Sets (or gets in case the argument is missing) the description for this
463coroutine. This is just a free-form string you can associate with a coroutine. 514coroutine. This is just a free-form string you can associate with a
515coroutine.
464 516
465This method simply sets the C<< $coroutine->{desc} >> member to the given string. You 517This method simply sets the C<< $coroutine->{desc} >> member to the given
466can modify this member directly if you wish. 518string. You can modify this member directly if you wish.
467 519
468=cut 520=cut
469 521
470sub desc { 522sub desc {
471 my $old = $_[0]{desc}; 523 my $old = $_[0]{desc};
480=over 4 532=over 4
481 533
482=item Coro::nready 534=item Coro::nready
483 535
484Returns the number of coroutines that are currently in the ready state, 536Returns the number of coroutines that are currently in the ready state,
485i.e. that can be switched to. The value C<0> means that the only runnable 537i.e. that can be switched to by calling C<schedule> directory or
538indirectly. The value C<0> means that the only runnable coroutine is the
486coroutine is the currently running one, so C<cede> would have no effect, 539currently running one, so C<cede> would have no effect, and C<schedule>
487and C<schedule> would cause a deadlock unless there is an idle handler 540would cause a deadlock unless there is an idle handler that wakes up some
488that wakes up some coroutines. 541coroutines.
489 542
490=item my $guard = Coro::guard { ... } 543=item my $guard = Coro::guard { ... }
491 544
492This creates and returns a guard object. Nothing happens until the object 545This creates and returns a guard object. Nothing happens until the object
493gets destroyed, in which case the codeblock given as argument will be 546gets destroyed, in which case the codeblock given as argument will be
522 575
523 576
524=item unblock_sub { ... } 577=item unblock_sub { ... }
525 578
526This utility function takes a BLOCK or code reference and "unblocks" it, 579This utility function takes a BLOCK or code reference and "unblocks" it,
527returning the new coderef. This means that the new coderef will return 580returning a new coderef. Unblocking means that calling the new coderef
528immediately without blocking, returning nothing, while the original code 581will return immediately without blocking, returning nothing, while the
529ref will be called (with parameters) from within its own coroutine. 582original code ref will be called (with parameters) from within another
583coroutine.
530 584
531The reason this function exists is that many event libraries (such as the 585The reason this function exists is that many event libraries (such as the
532venerable L<Event|Event> module) are not coroutine-safe (a weaker form 586venerable L<Event|Event> module) are not coroutine-safe (a weaker form
533of thread-safety). This means you must not block within event callbacks, 587of thread-safety). This means you must not block within event callbacks,
534otherwise you might suffer from crashes or worse. 588otherwise you might suffer from crashes or worse. The only event library
589currently known that is safe to use without C<unblock_sub> is L<EV>.
535 590
536This function allows your callbacks to block by executing them in another 591This function allows your callbacks to block by executing them in another
537coroutine where it is safe to block. One example where blocking is handy 592coroutine where it is safe to block. One example where blocking is handy
538is when you use the L<Coro::AIO|Coro::AIO> functions to save results to 593is when you use the L<Coro::AIO|Coro::AIO> functions to save results to
539disk. 594disk, for example.
540 595
541In short: simply use C<unblock_sub { ... }> instead of C<sub { ... }> when 596In short: simply use C<unblock_sub { ... }> instead of C<sub { ... }> when
542creating event callbacks that want to block. 597creating event callbacks that want to block.
598
599If your handler does not plan to block (e.g. simply sends a message to
600another coroutine, or puts some other coroutine into the ready queue),
601there is no reason to use C<unblock_sub>.
602
603Note that you also need to use C<unblock_sub> for any other callbacks that
604are indirectly executed by any C-based event loop. For example, when you
605use a module that uses L<AnyEvent> (and you use L<Coro::AnyEvent>) and it
606provides callbacks that are the result of some event callback, then you
607must not block either, or use C<unblock_sub>.
543 608
544=cut 609=cut
545 610
546our @unblock_queue; 611our @unblock_queue;
547 612
560 cede; # for short-lived callbacks, this reduces pressure on the coro pool 625 cede; # for short-lived callbacks, this reduces pressure on the coro pool
561 } 626 }
562 schedule; # sleep well 627 schedule; # sleep well
563 } 628 }
564}; 629};
565$unblock_scheduler->desc ("[unblock_sub scheduler]"); 630$unblock_scheduler->{desc} = "[unblock_sub scheduler]";
566 631
567sub unblock_sub(&) { 632sub unblock_sub(&) {
568 my $cb = shift; 633 my $cb = shift;
569 634
570 sub { 635 sub {
571 unshift @unblock_queue, [$cb, @_]; 636 unshift @unblock_queue, [$cb, @_];
572 $unblock_scheduler->ready; 637 $unblock_scheduler->ready;
573 } 638 }
574} 639}
575 640
641=item $cb = Coro::rouse_cb
642
643Create and return a "rouse callback". That's a code reference that, when
644called, will save its arguments and notify the owner coroutine of the
645callback.
646
647See the next function.
648
649=item @args = Coro::rouse_wait [$cb]
650
651Wait for the specified rouse callback (or the last one tht was created in
652this coroutine).
653
654As soon as the callback is invoked (or when the calback was invoked before
655C<rouse_wait>), it will return a copy of the arguments originally passed
656to the rouse callback.
657
658See the section B<HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK> for an actual usage example.
659
576=back 660=back
577 661
578=cut 662=cut
579 663
5801; 6641;
581 665
666=head1 HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK
667
668It is very common for a coroutine to wait for some callback to be
669called. This occurs naturally when you use coroutines in an otherwise
670event-based program, or when you use event-based libraries.
671
672These typically register a callback for some event, and call that callback
673when the event occured. In a coroutine, however, you typically want to
674just wait for the event, simplyifying things.
675
676For example C<< AnyEvent->child >> registers a callback to be called when
677a specific child has exited:
678
679 my $child_watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub { ... });
680
681But from withina coroutine, you often just want to write this:
682
683 my $status = wait_for_child $pid;
684
685Coro offers two functions specifically designed to make this easy,
686C<Coro::rouse_cb> and C<Coro::rouse_wait>.
687
688The first function, C<rouse_cb>, generates and returns a callback that,
689when invoked, will save it's arguments and notify the coroutine that
690created the callback.
691
692The second function, C<rouse_wait>, waits for the callback to be called
693(by calling C<schedule> to go to sleep) and returns the arguments
694originally passed to the callback.
695
696Using these functions, it becomes easy to write the C<wait_for_child>
697function mentioned above:
698
699 sub wait_for_child($) {
700 my ($pid) = @_;
701
702 my $watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => Coro::rouse_cb);
703
704 my ($rpid, $rstatus) = Coro::rouse_wait;
705 $rstatus
706 }
707
708In the case where C<rouse_cb> and C<rouse_wait> are not flexible enough,
709you can roll your own, using C<schedule>:
710
711 sub wait_for_child($) {
712 my ($pid) = @_;
713
714 # store the current coroutine in $current,
715 # and provide result variables for the closure passed to ->child
716 my $current = $Coro::current;
717 my ($done, $rstatus);
718
719 # pass a closure to ->child
720 my $watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub {
721 $rstatus = $_[1]; # remember rstatus
722 $done = 1; # mark $rstatus as valud
723 });
724
725 # wait until the closure has been called
726 schedule while !$done;
727
728 $rstatus
729 }
730
731
582=head1 BUGS/LIMITATIONS 732=head1 BUGS/LIMITATIONS
583 733
584 - you must make very sure that no coro is still active on global 734=over 4
585 destruction. very bad things might happen otherwise (usually segfaults).
586 735
736=item fork with pthread backend
737
738When Coro is compiled using the pthread backend (which isn't recommended
739but required on many BSDs as their libcs are completely broken), then
740coroutines will not survive a fork. There is no known workaround except to
741fix your libc and use a saner backend.
742
743=item perl process emulation ("threads")
744
587 - this module is not thread-safe. You should only ever use this module 745This module is not perl-pseudo-thread-safe. You should only ever use this
588 from the same thread (this requirement might be loosened in the future 746module from the same thread (this requirement might be removed in the
589 to allow per-thread schedulers, but Coro::State does not yet allow 747future to allow per-thread schedulers, but Coro::State does not yet allow
590 this). 748this). I recommend disabling thread support and using processes, as having
749the windows process emulation enabled under unix roughly halves perl
750performance, even when not used.
751
752=item coroutine switching not signal safe
753
754You must not switch to another coroutine from within a signal handler
755(only relevant with %SIG - most event libraries provide safe signals).
756
757That means you I<MUST NOT> call any function that might "block" the
758current coroutine - C<cede>, C<schedule> C<< Coro::Semaphore->down >> or
759anything that calls those. Everything else, including calling C<ready>,
760works.
761
762=back
763
591 764
592=head1 SEE ALSO 765=head1 SEE ALSO
593 766
767Event-Loop integration: L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>.
768
769Debugging: L<Coro::Debug>.
770
594Support/Utility: L<Coro::Cont>, L<Coro::Specific>, L<Coro::State>, L<Coro::Util>. 771Support/Utility: L<Coro::Specific>, L<Coro::Util>.
595 772
596Locking/IPC: L<Coro::Signal>, L<Coro::Channel>, L<Coro::Semaphore>, L<Coro::SemaphoreSet>, L<Coro::RWLock>. 773Locking/IPC: L<Coro::Signal>, L<Coro::Channel>, L<Coro::Semaphore>, L<Coro::SemaphoreSet>, L<Coro::RWLock>.
597 774
598Event/IO: L<Coro::Timer>, L<Coro::Event>, L<Coro::Handle>, L<Coro::Socket>, L<Coro::Select>. 775IO/Timers: L<Coro::Timer>, L<Coro::Handle>, L<Coro::Socket>, L<Coro::AIO>.
599 776
600Embedding: L<Coro:MakeMaker> 777Compatibility: L<Coro::LWP>, L<Coro::BDB>, L<Coro::Storable>, L<Coro::Select>.
778
779XS API: L<Coro::MakeMaker>.
780
781Low level Configuration, Coroutine Environment: L<Coro::State>.
601 782
602=head1 AUTHOR 783=head1 AUTHOR
603 784
604 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 785 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
605 http://home.schmorp.de/ 786 http://home.schmorp.de/

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