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Revision 1.148 by root, Fri Oct 5 20:11:25 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.229 by root, Thu Nov 20 06:32:55 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 = '4.01'; 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; 154our @destroy;
163my $manager; 155our $manager;
164 156
165$manager = new Coro sub { 157$manager = new Coro sub {
166 while () { 158 while () {
167 (shift @destroy)->_cancel 159 (shift @destroy)->_cancel
168 while @destroy; 160 while @destroy;
169 161
170 &schedule; 162 &schedule;
171 } 163 }
172}; 164};
173$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.
191 183
184The remaining arguments are passed as arguments to the closure.
185
192See the C<Coro::State::new> constructor for info about the coroutine 186See the C<Coro::State::new> constructor for info about the coroutine
193environment. 187environment in which coroutines are executed.
194 188
195Calling 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
196the coroutine. Likewise, when the coroutine dies, the program will exit, 190the coroutine. Likewise, when the coroutine dies, the program will exit,
197just as it would in the main program. 191just as it would in the main program.
198 192
193If you do not want that, you can provide a default C<die> handler, or
194simply avoid dieing (by use of C<eval>).
195
199 # create a new coroutine that just prints its arguments 196Example: Create a new coroutine that just prints its arguments.
197
200 async { 198 async {
201 print "@_\n"; 199 print "@_\n";
202 } 1,2,3,4; 200 } 1,2,3,4;
203 201
204=cut 202=cut
210} 208}
211 209
212=item async_pool { ... } [@args...] 210=item async_pool { ... } [@args...]
213 211
214Similar 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
215terminate 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
216that 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 :).
217 216
217On the plus side, this function is about twice as fast as creating (and
218destroying) a completely new coroutine, so if you need a lot of generic
219coroutines in quick successsion, use C<async_pool>, not C<async>.
220
218Also, 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
219issued in case of an exception instead of terminating the program, as 222issued in case of an exception instead of terminating the program, as
220C<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>
221will 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,
222which somehow defeats the purpose of pooling. 225which somehow defeats the purpose of pooling (but is fine in the
226exceptional case).
223 227
224The priority will be reset to C<0> after each job, tracing will be 228The priority will be reset to C<0> after each run, tracing will be
225disabled, the description will be reset and the default output filehandle 229disabled, the description will be reset and the default output filehandle
226gets restored, so you can change alkl these. Otherwise the coroutine will 230gets restored, so you can change all these. Otherwise the coroutine will
227be re-used "as-is": most notably if you change other per-coroutine global 231be re-used "as-is": most notably if you change other per-coroutine global
228stuff such as C<$/> you need to revert that change, which is most simply 232stuff such as C<$/> you I<must needs> revert that change, which is most
229done by using local as in C< local $/ >. 233simply done by using local as in: C<< local $/ >>.
230 234
231The 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
232changing $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
233required. 237coros as required.
234 238
235If you are concerned about pooled coroutines growing a lot because a 239If you are concerned about pooled coroutines growing a lot because a
236single 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
237{ 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
238addition 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
239(adjustable with $Coro::POOL_RSS) it will also exit. 243(adjustable via $Coro::POOL_RSS) it will also be destroyed.
240 244
241=cut 245=cut
242 246
243our $POOL_SIZE = 8; 247our $POOL_SIZE = 8;
244our $POOL_RSS = 16 * 1024; 248our $POOL_RSS = 16 * 1024;
245our @async_pool; 249our @async_pool;
246 250
247sub pool_handler { 251sub pool_handler {
248 my $cb;
249
250 while () { 252 while () {
251 eval { 253 eval {
252 while () { 254 &{&_pool_handler} while 1;
253 _pool_1 $cb;
254 &$cb;
255 _pool_2 $cb;
256 &schedule;
257 }
258 }; 255 };
259 256
260 last if $@ eq "\3terminate\2\n";
261 warn $@ if $@; 257 warn $@ if $@;
262 } 258 }
263} 259}
264 260
265sub async_pool(&@) { 261=back
266 # this is also inlined into the unlock_scheduler
267 my $coro = (pop @async_pool) || new Coro \&pool_handler;
268 262
269 $coro->{_invoke} = [@_]; 263=head2 STATIC METHODS
270 $coro->ready;
271 264
272 $coro 265Static methods are actually functions that operate on the current coroutine.
273} 266
267=over 4
274 268
275=item schedule 269=item schedule
276 270
277Calls the scheduler. Please note that the current coroutine will not be put 271Calls the scheduler. The scheduler will find the next coroutine that is
272to be run from the ready queue and switches to it. The next coroutine
273to be run is simply the one with the highest priority that is longest
274in its ready queue. If there is no coroutine ready, it will clal the
275C<$Coro::idle> hook.
276
277Please note that the current coroutine will I<not> be put into the ready
278into the ready queue, so calling this function usually means you will 278queue, so calling this function usually means you will never be called
279never be called again unless something else (e.g. an event handler) calls 279again unless something else (e.g. an event handler) calls C<< ->ready >>,
280ready. 280thus waking you up.
281 281
282The canonical way to wait on external events is this: 282This makes C<schedule> I<the> generic method to use to block the current
283coroutine and wait for events: first you remember the current coroutine in
284a variable, then arrange for some callback of yours to call C<< ->ready
285>> on that once some event happens, and last you call C<schedule> to put
286yourself to sleep. Note that a lot of things can wake your coroutine up,
287so you need to check whether the event indeed happened, e.g. by storing the
288status in a variable.
283 289
284 { 290See B<HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK>, below, for some ways to wait for callbacks.
285 # remember current coroutine
286 my $current = $Coro::current;
287
288 # register a hypothetical event handler
289 on_event_invoke sub {
290 # wake up sleeping coroutine
291 $current->ready;
292 undef $current;
293 };
294
295 # call schedule until event occurred.
296 # in case we are woken up for other reasons
297 # (current still defined), loop.
298 Coro::schedule while $current;
299 }
300 291
301=item cede 292=item cede
302 293
303"Cede" to other coroutines. This function puts the current coroutine into the 294"Cede" to other coroutines. This function puts the current coroutine into
304ready queue and calls C<schedule>, which has the effect of giving up the 295the ready queue and calls C<schedule>, which has the effect of giving
305current "timeslice" to other coroutines of the same or higher priority. 296up the current "timeslice" to other coroutines of the same or higher
297priority. Once your coroutine gets its turn again it will automatically be
298resumed.
306 299
307Returns true if at least one coroutine switch has happened. 300This function is often called C<yield> in other languages.
308 301
309=item Coro::cede_notself 302=item Coro::cede_notself
310 303
311Works like cede, but is not exported by default and will cede to any 304Works like cede, but is not exported by default and will cede to I<any>
312coroutine, regardless of priority, once. 305coroutine, regardless of priority. This is useful sometimes to ensure
313 306progress is made.
314Returns true if at least one coroutine switch has happened.
315 307
316=item terminate [arg...] 308=item terminate [arg...]
317 309
318Terminates the current coroutine with the given status values (see L<cancel>). 310Terminates the current coroutine with the given status values (see L<cancel>).
319 311
321 313
322Kills/terminates/cancels all coroutines except the currently running 314Kills/terminates/cancels all coroutines except the currently running
323one. This is useful after a fork, either in the child or the parent, as 315one. This is useful after a fork, either in the child or the parent, as
324usually only one of them should inherit the running coroutines. 316usually only one of them should inherit the running coroutines.
325 317
318Note that while this will try to free some of the main programs resources,
319you cannot free all of them, so if a coroutine that is not the main
320program calls this function, there will be some one-time resource leak.
321
326=cut 322=cut
327 323
328sub terminate { 324sub terminate {
329 $current->cancel (@_); 325 $current->{_status} = [@_];
326 push @destroy, $current;
327 $manager->ready;
328 do { &schedule } while 1;
330} 329}
331 330
332sub killall { 331sub killall {
333 for (Coro::State::list) { 332 for (Coro::State::list) {
334 $_->cancel 333 $_->cancel
336 } 335 }
337} 336}
338 337
339=back 338=back
340 339
341# dynamic methods
342
343=head2 COROUTINE METHODS 340=head2 COROUTINE METHODS
344 341
345These are the methods you can call on coroutine objects. 342These are the methods you can call on coroutine objects (or to create
343them).
346 344
347=over 4 345=over 4
348 346
349=item new Coro \&sub [, @args...] 347=item new Coro \&sub [, @args...]
350 348
351Create a new coroutine and return it. When the sub returns the coroutine 349Create a new coroutine and return it. When the sub returns, the coroutine
352automatically terminates as if C<terminate> with the returned values were 350automatically terminates as if C<terminate> with the returned values were
353called. To make the coroutine run you must first put it into the ready queue 351called. To make the coroutine run you must first put it into the ready
354by calling the ready method. 352queue by calling the ready method.
355 353
356See C<async> and C<Coro::State::new> for additional info about the 354See C<async> and C<Coro::State::new> for additional info about the
357coroutine environment. 355coroutine environment.
358 356
359=cut 357=cut
360 358
361sub _run_coro { 359sub _terminate {
362 terminate &{+shift}; 360 terminate &{+shift};
363} 361}
364 362
365sub new {
366 my $class = shift;
367
368 $class->SUPER::new (\&_run_coro, @_)
369}
370
371=item $success = $coroutine->ready 363=item $success = $coroutine->ready
372 364
373Put the given coroutine into the ready queue (according to it's priority) 365Put the given coroutine into the end of its ready queue (there is one
374and return true. If the coroutine is already in the ready queue, do nothing 366queue for each priority) and return true. If the coroutine is already in
375and return false. 367the ready queue, do nothing and return false.
368
369This ensures that the scheduler will resume this coroutine automatically
370once all the coroutines of higher priority and all coroutines of the same
371priority that were put into the ready queue earlier have been resumed.
376 372
377=item $is_ready = $coroutine->is_ready 373=item $is_ready = $coroutine->is_ready
378 374
379Return wether the coroutine is currently the ready queue or not, 375Return whether the coroutine is currently the ready queue or not,
380 376
381=item $coroutine->cancel (arg...) 377=item $coroutine->cancel (arg...)
382 378
383Terminates the given coroutine and makes it return the given arguments as 379Terminates the given coroutine and makes it return the given arguments as
384status (default: the empty list). Never returns if the coroutine is the 380status (default: the empty list). Never returns if the coroutine is the
386 382
387=cut 383=cut
388 384
389sub cancel { 385sub cancel {
390 my $self = shift; 386 my $self = shift;
391 $self->{_status} = [@_];
392 387
393 if ($current == $self) { 388 if ($current == $self) {
394 push @destroy, $self; 389 terminate @_;
395 $manager->ready;
396 &schedule while 1;
397 } else { 390 } else {
391 $self->{_status} = [@_];
398 $self->_cancel; 392 $self->_cancel;
399 } 393 }
400} 394}
395
396=item $coroutine->schedule_to
397
398Puts the current coroutine to sleep (like C<Coro::schedule>), but instead
399of continuing with the next coro from the ready queue, always switch to
400the given coroutine object (regardless of priority etc.). The readyness
401state of that coroutine isn't changed.
402
403This is an advanced method for special cases - I'd love to hear about any
404uses for this one.
405
406=item $coroutine->cede_to
407
408Like C<schedule_to>, but puts the current coroutine into the ready
409queue. This has the effect of temporarily switching to the given
410coroutine, and continuing some time later.
411
412This is an advanced method for special cases - I'd love to hear about any
413uses for this one.
414
415=item $coroutine->throw ([$scalar])
416
417If C<$throw> is specified and defined, it will be thrown as an exception
418inside the coroutine at the next convenient point in time. Otherwise
419clears the exception object.
420
421Coro will check for the exception each time a schedule-like-function
422returns, i.e. after each C<schedule>, C<cede>, C<< Coro::Semaphore->down
423>>, C<< Coro::Handle->readable >> and so on. Most of these functions
424detect this case and return early in case an exception is pending.
425
426The exception object will be thrown "as is" with the specified scalar in
427C<$@>, i.e. if it is a string, no line number or newline will be appended
428(unlike with C<die>).
429
430This can be used as a softer means than C<cancel> to ask a coroutine to
431end itself, although there is no guarantee that the exception will lead to
432termination, and if the exception isn't caught it might well end the whole
433program.
434
435You might also think of C<throw> as being the moral equivalent of
436C<kill>ing a coroutine with a signal (in this case, a scalar).
401 437
402=item $coroutine->join 438=item $coroutine->join
403 439
404Wait until the coroutine terminates and return any values given to the 440Wait until the coroutine terminates and return any values given to the
405C<terminate> or C<cancel> functions. C<join> can be called concurrently 441C<terminate> or C<cancel> functions. C<join> can be called concurrently
406from multiple coroutines. 442from multiple coroutines, and all will be resumed and given the status
443return once the C<$coroutine> terminates.
407 444
408=cut 445=cut
409 446
410sub join { 447sub join {
411 my $self = shift; 448 my $self = shift;
426 463
427=item $coroutine->on_destroy (\&cb) 464=item $coroutine->on_destroy (\&cb)
428 465
429Registers a callback that is called when this coroutine gets destroyed, 466Registers a callback that is called when this coroutine gets destroyed,
430but before it is joined. The callback gets passed the terminate arguments, 467but before it is joined. The callback gets passed the terminate arguments,
431if any. 468if any, and I<must not> die, under any circumstances.
432 469
433=cut 470=cut
434 471
435sub on_destroy { 472sub on_destroy {
436 my ($self, $cb) = @_; 473 my ($self, $cb) = @_;
466higher values mean lower priority, just as in unix). 503higher values mean lower priority, just as in unix).
467 504
468=item $olddesc = $coroutine->desc ($newdesc) 505=item $olddesc = $coroutine->desc ($newdesc)
469 506
470Sets (or gets in case the argument is missing) the description for this 507Sets (or gets in case the argument is missing) the description for this
471coroutine. This is just a free-form string you can associate with a coroutine. 508coroutine. This is just a free-form string you can associate with a
509coroutine.
472 510
473This method simply sets the C<< $coroutine->{desc} >> member to the given string. You 511This method simply sets the C<< $coroutine->{desc} >> member to the given
474can modify this member directly if you wish. 512string. You can modify this member directly if you wish.
475 513
476=cut 514=cut
477 515
478sub desc { 516sub desc {
479 my $old = $_[0]{desc}; 517 my $old = $_[0]{desc};
488=over 4 526=over 4
489 527
490=item Coro::nready 528=item Coro::nready
491 529
492Returns the number of coroutines that are currently in the ready state, 530Returns the number of coroutines that are currently in the ready state,
493i.e. that can be switched to. The value C<0> means that the only runnable 531i.e. that can be switched to by calling C<schedule> directory or
532indirectly. The value C<0> means that the only runnable coroutine is the
494coroutine is the currently running one, so C<cede> would have no effect, 533currently running one, so C<cede> would have no effect, and C<schedule>
495and C<schedule> would cause a deadlock unless there is an idle handler 534would cause a deadlock unless there is an idle handler that wakes up some
496that wakes up some coroutines. 535coroutines.
497 536
498=item my $guard = Coro::guard { ... } 537=item my $guard = Coro::guard { ... }
499 538
500This creates and returns a guard object. Nothing happens until the object 539This creates and returns a guard object. Nothing happens until the object
501gets destroyed, in which case the codeblock given as argument will be 540gets destroyed, in which case the codeblock given as argument will be
530 569
531 570
532=item unblock_sub { ... } 571=item unblock_sub { ... }
533 572
534This utility function takes a BLOCK or code reference and "unblocks" it, 573This utility function takes a BLOCK or code reference and "unblocks" it,
535returning the new coderef. This means that the new coderef will return 574returning a new coderef. Unblocking means that calling the new coderef
536immediately without blocking, returning nothing, while the original code 575will return immediately without blocking, returning nothing, while the
537ref will be called (with parameters) from within its own coroutine. 576original code ref will be called (with parameters) from within another
577coroutine.
538 578
539The reason this function exists is that many event libraries (such as the 579The reason this function exists is that many event libraries (such as the
540venerable L<Event|Event> module) are not coroutine-safe (a weaker form 580venerable L<Event|Event> module) are not coroutine-safe (a weaker form
541of thread-safety). This means you must not block within event callbacks, 581of thread-safety). This means you must not block within event callbacks,
542otherwise you might suffer from crashes or worse. 582otherwise you might suffer from crashes or worse. The only event library
583currently known that is safe to use without C<unblock_sub> is L<EV>.
543 584
544This function allows your callbacks to block by executing them in another 585This function allows your callbacks to block by executing them in another
545coroutine where it is safe to block. One example where blocking is handy 586coroutine where it is safe to block. One example where blocking is handy
546is when you use the L<Coro::AIO|Coro::AIO> functions to save results to 587is when you use the L<Coro::AIO|Coro::AIO> functions to save results to
547disk. 588disk, for example.
548 589
549In short: simply use C<unblock_sub { ... }> instead of C<sub { ... }> when 590In short: simply use C<unblock_sub { ... }> instead of C<sub { ... }> when
550creating event callbacks that want to block. 591creating event callbacks that want to block.
592
593If your handler does not plan to block (e.g. simply sends a message to
594another coroutine, or puts some other coroutine into the ready queue),
595there is no reason to use C<unblock_sub>.
596
597Note that you also need to use C<unblock_sub> for any other callbacks that
598are indirectly executed by any C-based event loop. For example, when you
599use a module that uses L<AnyEvent> (and you use L<Coro::AnyEvent>) and it
600provides callbacks that are the result of some event callback, then you
601must not block either, or use C<unblock_sub>.
551 602
552=cut 603=cut
553 604
554our @unblock_queue; 605our @unblock_queue;
555 606
558# return immediately and can be reused) and because we cannot cede 609# return immediately and can be reused) and because we cannot cede
559# inside an event callback. 610# inside an event callback.
560our $unblock_scheduler = new Coro sub { 611our $unblock_scheduler = new Coro sub {
561 while () { 612 while () {
562 while (my $cb = pop @unblock_queue) { 613 while (my $cb = pop @unblock_queue) {
563 # this is an inlined copy of async_pool 614 &async_pool (@$cb);
564 my $coro = (pop @async_pool) || new Coro \&pool_handler;
565 615
566 $coro->{_invoke} = $cb;
567 $coro->ready;
568 cede; # for short-lived callbacks, this reduces pressure on the coro pool 616 # for short-lived callbacks, this reduces pressure on the coro pool
617 # as the chance is very high that the async_poll coro will be back
618 # in the idle state when cede returns
619 cede;
569 } 620 }
570 schedule; # sleep well 621 schedule; # sleep well
571 } 622 }
572}; 623};
573$unblock_scheduler->desc ("[unblock_sub scheduler]"); 624$unblock_scheduler->{desc} = "[unblock_sub scheduler]";
574 625
575sub unblock_sub(&) { 626sub unblock_sub(&) {
576 my $cb = shift; 627 my $cb = shift;
577 628
578 sub { 629 sub {
579 unshift @unblock_queue, [$cb, @_]; 630 unshift @unblock_queue, [$cb, @_];
580 $unblock_scheduler->ready; 631 $unblock_scheduler->ready;
581 } 632 }
582} 633}
583 634
635=item $cb = Coro::rouse_cb
636
637Create and return a "rouse callback". That's a code reference that, when
638called, will save its arguments and notify the owner coroutine of the
639callback.
640
641See the next function.
642
643=item @args = Coro::rouse_wait [$cb]
644
645Wait for the specified rouse callback (or the last one tht was created in
646this coroutine).
647
648As soon as the callback is invoked (or when the calback was invoked before
649C<rouse_wait>), it will return a copy of the arguments originally passed
650to the rouse callback.
651
652See the section B<HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK> for an actual usage example.
653
584=back 654=back
585 655
586=cut 656=cut
587 657
5881; 6581;
589 659
660=head1 HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK
661
662It is very common for a coroutine to wait for some callback to be
663called. This occurs naturally when you use coroutines in an otherwise
664event-based program, or when you use event-based libraries.
665
666These typically register a callback for some event, and call that callback
667when the event occured. In a coroutine, however, you typically want to
668just wait for the event, simplyifying things.
669
670For example C<< AnyEvent->child >> registers a callback to be called when
671a specific child has exited:
672
673 my $child_watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub { ... });
674
675But from withina coroutine, you often just want to write this:
676
677 my $status = wait_for_child $pid;
678
679Coro offers two functions specifically designed to make this easy,
680C<Coro::rouse_cb> and C<Coro::rouse_wait>.
681
682The first function, C<rouse_cb>, generates and returns a callback that,
683when invoked, will save it's arguments and notify the coroutine that
684created the callback.
685
686The second function, C<rouse_wait>, waits for the callback to be called
687(by calling C<schedule> to go to sleep) and returns the arguments
688originally passed to the callback.
689
690Using these functions, it becomes easy to write the C<wait_for_child>
691function mentioned above:
692
693 sub wait_for_child($) {
694 my ($pid) = @_;
695
696 my $watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => Coro::rouse_cb);
697
698 my ($rpid, $rstatus) = Coro::rouse_wait;
699 $rstatus
700 }
701
702In the case where C<rouse_cb> and C<rouse_wait> are not flexible enough,
703you can roll your own, using C<schedule>:
704
705 sub wait_for_child($) {
706 my ($pid) = @_;
707
708 # store the current coroutine in $current,
709 # and provide result variables for the closure passed to ->child
710 my $current = $Coro::current;
711 my ($done, $rstatus);
712
713 # pass a closure to ->child
714 my $watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub {
715 $rstatus = $_[1]; # remember rstatus
716 $done = 1; # mark $rstatus as valud
717 });
718
719 # wait until the closure has been called
720 schedule while !$done;
721
722 $rstatus
723 }
724
725
590=head1 BUGS/LIMITATIONS 726=head1 BUGS/LIMITATIONS
591 727
592 - you must make very sure that no coro is still active on global 728=over 4
593 destruction. very bad things might happen otherwise (usually segfaults).
594 729
730=item fork with pthread backend
731
732When Coro is compiled using the pthread backend (which isn't recommended
733but required on many BSDs as their libcs are completely broken), then
734coroutines will not survive a fork. There is no known workaround except to
735fix your libc and use a saner backend.
736
737=item perl process emulation ("threads")
738
595 - this module is not thread-safe. You should only ever use this module 739This module is not perl-pseudo-thread-safe. You should only ever use this
596 from the same thread (this requirement might be loosened in the future 740module from the same thread (this requirement might be removed in the
597 to allow per-thread schedulers, but Coro::State does not yet allow 741future to allow per-thread schedulers, but Coro::State does not yet allow
598 this). 742this). I recommend disabling thread support and using processes, as having
743the windows process emulation enabled under unix roughly halves perl
744performance, even when not used.
745
746=item coroutine switching not signal safe
747
748You must not switch to another coroutine from within a signal handler
749(only relevant with %SIG - most event libraries provide safe signals).
750
751That means you I<MUST NOT> call any function that might "block" the
752current coroutine - C<cede>, C<schedule> C<< Coro::Semaphore->down >> or
753anything that calls those. Everything else, including calling C<ready>,
754works.
755
756=back
757
599 758
600=head1 SEE ALSO 759=head1 SEE ALSO
601 760
761Event-Loop integration: L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>.
762
763Debugging: L<Coro::Debug>.
764
602Support/Utility: L<Coro::Specific>, L<Coro::State>, L<Coro::Util>. 765Support/Utility: L<Coro::Specific>, L<Coro::Util>.
603 766
604Locking/IPC: L<Coro::Signal>, L<Coro::Channel>, L<Coro::Semaphore>, L<Coro::SemaphoreSet>, L<Coro::RWLock>. 767Locking/IPC: L<Coro::Signal>, L<Coro::Channel>, L<Coro::Semaphore>, L<Coro::SemaphoreSet>, L<Coro::RWLock>.
605 768
606Event/IO: L<Coro::Timer>, L<Coro::Event>, L<Coro::Handle>, L<Coro::Socket>, L<Coro::Select>. 769IO/Timers: L<Coro::Timer>, L<Coro::Handle>, L<Coro::Socket>, L<Coro::AIO>.
607 770
608Embedding: L<Coro:MakeMaker> 771Compatibility: L<Coro::LWP>, L<Coro::BDB>, L<Coro::Storable>, L<Coro::Select>.
772
773XS API: L<Coro::MakeMaker>.
774
775Low level Configuration, Coroutine Environment: L<Coro::State>.
609 776
610=head1 AUTHOR 777=head1 AUTHOR
611 778
612 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 779 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
613 http://home.schmorp.de/ 780 http://home.schmorp.de/

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