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Revision 1.156 by root, Fri Nov 9 19:50:15 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.233 by root, Fri Nov 21 06:02:07 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"; 11 print "2\n";
12 cede; # yield back to main 12 cede; # yield back to main
13 print "4\n"; 13 print "4\n";
14 }; 14 };
15 print "1\n"; 15 print "1\n";
16 cede; # yield to coroutine 16 cede; # yield to coroutine
17 print "3\n"; 17 print "3\n";
18 cede; # and again 18 cede; # and again
19 19
20 # use locking 20 # use locking
21 use Coro::Semaphore;
21 my $lock = new Coro::Semaphore; 22 my $lock = new Coro::Semaphore;
22 my $locked; 23 my $locked;
23 24
24 $lock->down; 25 $lock->down;
25 $locked = 1; 26 $locked = 1;
26 $lock->up; 27 $lock->up;
27 28
28=head1 DESCRIPTION 29=head1 DESCRIPTION
29 30
30This module collection manages coroutines. Coroutines are similar 31This module collection manages coroutines. Coroutines are similar to
31to 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
32machines. The specific flavor of coroutine used in this module also 33on SMP machines. The specific flavor of coroutine used in this module
33guarantees you that it will not switch between coroutines unless 34also guarantees you that it will not switch between coroutines unless
34necessary, at easily-identified points in your program, so locking and 35necessary, at easily-identified points in your program, so locking and
35parallel access are rarely an issue, making coroutine programming much 36parallel access are rarely an issue, making coroutine programming much
36safer than threads programming. 37safer and easier than threads programming.
37 38
38(Perl, however, does not natively support real threads but instead does a 39Unlike a normal perl program, however, coroutines allow you to have
39very slow and memory-intensive emulation of processes using threads. This 40multiple running interpreters that share data, which is especially useful
40is 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).
41 51
42In this module, coroutines are defined as "callchain + lexical variables + 52In this module, coroutines are defined as "callchain + lexical variables +
43@_ + $_ + $@ + $/ + C stack), that is, a coroutine has its own callchain, 53@_ + $_ + $@ + $/ + C stack), that is, a coroutine has its own callchain,
44its 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
45variables (see L<Coro::State> for more configuration). 55variables (see L<Coro::State> for more configuration).
46 56
47=cut 57=cut
48 58
49package Coro; 59package Coro;
50 60
51use strict; 61use strict qw(vars subs);
52no warnings "uninitialized"; 62no warnings "uninitialized";
53 63
54use Coro::State; 64use Coro::State;
55 65
56use base qw(Coro::State Exporter); 66use base qw(Coro::State Exporter);
57 67
58our $idle; # idle handler 68our $idle; # idle handler
59our $main; # main coroutine 69our $main; # main coroutine
60our $current; # current coroutine 70our $current; # current coroutine
61 71
62our $VERSION = '4.2'; 72our $VERSION = "5.0";
63 73
64our @EXPORT = qw(async async_pool cede schedule terminate current unblock_sub); 74our @EXPORT = qw(async async_pool cede schedule terminate current unblock_sub);
65our %EXPORT_TAGS = ( 75our %EXPORT_TAGS = (
66 prio => [qw(PRIO_MAX PRIO_HIGH PRIO_NORMAL PRIO_LOW PRIO_IDLE PRIO_MIN)], 76 prio => [qw(PRIO_MAX PRIO_HIGH PRIO_NORMAL PRIO_LOW PRIO_IDLE PRIO_MIN)],
67); 77);
68our @EXPORT_OK = (@{$EXPORT_TAGS{prio}}, qw(nready)); 78our @EXPORT_OK = (@{$EXPORT_TAGS{prio}}, qw(nready));
69 79
70{
71 my @async;
72 my $init;
73
74 # this way of handling attributes simply is NOT scalable ;()
75 sub import {
76 no strict 'refs';
77
78 Coro->export_to_level (1, @_);
79
80 my $old = *{(caller)[0]."::MODIFY_CODE_ATTRIBUTES"}{CODE};
81 *{(caller)[0]."::MODIFY_CODE_ATTRIBUTES"} = sub {
82 my ($package, $ref) = (shift, shift);
83 my @attrs;
84 for (@_) {
85 if ($_ eq "Coro") {
86 push @async, $ref;
87 unless ($init++) {
88 eval q{
89 sub INIT {
90 &async(pop @async) while @async;
91 }
92 };
93 }
94 } else {
95 push @attrs, $_;
96 }
97 }
98 return $old ? $old->($package, $ref, @attrs) : @attrs;
99 };
100 }
101
102}
103
104=over 4 80=over 4
105 81
106=item $main 82=item $Coro::main
107 83
108This coroutine represents the main program. 84This variable stores the coroutine object that represents the main
85program. While you cna C<ready> it and do most other things you can do to
86coroutines, it is mainly useful to compare again C<$Coro::current>, to see
87whether you are running in the main program or not.
109 88
110=cut 89=cut
111 90
112$main = new Coro; 91# $main is now being initialised by Coro::State
113 92
114=item $current (or as function: current) 93=item $Coro::current
115 94
116The current coroutine (the last coroutine switched to). The initial value 95The coroutine object representing the current coroutine (the last
96coroutine that the Coro scheduler switched to). The initial value is
117is C<$main> (of course). 97C<$Coro::main> (of course).
118 98
119This variable is B<strictly> I<read-only>. It is provided for performance 99This variable is B<strictly> I<read-only>. You can take copies of the
120reasons. If performance is not essential you are encouraged to use the 100value stored in it and use it as any other coroutine object, but you must
121C<Coro::current> function instead. 101not otherwise modify the variable itself.
122 102
123=cut 103=cut
124 104
125$main->{desc} = "[main::]";
126
127# maybe some other module used Coro::Specific before...
128$main->{_specific} = $current->{_specific}
129 if $current;
130
131_set_current $main;
132
133sub current() { $current } 105sub current() { $current } # [DEPRECATED]
134 106
135=item $idle 107=item $Coro::idle
136 108
137A callback that is called whenever the scheduler finds no ready coroutines 109This variable is mainly useful to integrate Coro into event loops. It is
138to run. The default implementation prints "FATAL: deadlock detected" and 110usually better to rely on L<Coro::AnyEvent> or LC<Coro::EV>, as this is
139exits, because the program has no other way to continue. 111pretty low-level functionality.
112
113This variable stores a callback that is called whenever the scheduler
114finds no ready coroutines to run. The default implementation prints
115"FATAL: deadlock detected" and exits, because the program has no other way
116to continue.
140 117
141This hook is overwritten by modules such as C<Coro::Timer> and 118This hook is overwritten by modules such as C<Coro::Timer> and
142C<Coro::Event> to wait on an external event that hopefully wake up a 119C<Coro::AnyEvent> to wait on an external event that hopefully wake up a
143coroutine so the scheduler can run it. 120coroutine so the scheduler can run it.
121
122Note that the callback I<must not>, under any circumstances, block
123the current coroutine. Normally, this is achieved by having an "idle
124coroutine" that calls the event loop and then blocks again, and then
125readying that coroutine in the idle handler.
126
127See L<Coro::Event> or L<Coro::AnyEvent> for examples of using this
128technique.
144 129
145Please note that if your callback recursively invokes perl (e.g. for event 130Please note that if your callback recursively invokes perl (e.g. for event
146handlers), then it must be prepared to be called recursively itself. 131handlers), then it must be prepared to be called recursively itself.
147 132
148=cut 133=cut
150$idle = sub { 135$idle = sub {
151 require Carp; 136 require Carp;
152 Carp::croak ("FATAL: deadlock detected"); 137 Carp::croak ("FATAL: deadlock detected");
153}; 138};
154 139
155sub _cancel {
156 my ($self) = @_;
157
158 # free coroutine data and mark as destructed
159 $self->_destroy
160 or return;
161
162 # call all destruction callbacks
163 $_->(@{$self->{_status}})
164 for @{(delete $self->{_on_destroy}) || []};
165}
166
167# this coroutine is necessary because a coroutine 140# this coroutine is necessary because a coroutine
168# cannot destroy itself. 141# cannot destroy itself.
169my @destroy; 142our @destroy;
170my $manager; 143our $manager;
171 144
172$manager = new Coro sub { 145$manager = new Coro sub {
173 while () { 146 while () {
174 (shift @destroy)->_cancel 147 Coro::_cancel shift @destroy
175 while @destroy; 148 while @destroy;
176 149
177 &schedule; 150 &schedule;
178 } 151 }
179}; 152};
180$manager->desc ("[coro manager]"); 153$manager->{desc} = "[coro manager]";
181$manager->prio (PRIO_MAX); 154$manager->prio (PRIO_MAX);
182 155
183# static methods. not really.
184
185=back 156=back
186 157
187=head2 STATIC METHODS 158=head2 SIMPLE COROUTINE CREATION
188
189Static methods are actually functions that operate on the current coroutine only.
190 159
191=over 4 160=over 4
192 161
193=item async { ... } [@args...] 162=item async { ... } [@args...]
194 163
195Create a new asynchronous coroutine and return it's coroutine object 164Create a new coroutine and return it's coroutine object (usually
196(usually unused). When the sub returns the new coroutine is automatically 165unused). The coroutine will be put into the ready queue, so
166it will start running automatically on the next scheduler run.
167
168The first argument is a codeblock/closure that should be executed in the
169coroutine. When it returns argument returns the coroutine is automatically
197terminated. 170terminated.
198 171
172The remaining arguments are passed as arguments to the closure.
173
199See the C<Coro::State::new> constructor for info about the coroutine 174See the C<Coro::State::new> constructor for info about the coroutine
200environment in which coroutines run. 175environment in which coroutines are executed.
201 176
202Calling C<exit> in a coroutine will do the same as calling exit outside 177Calling C<exit> in a coroutine will do the same as calling exit outside
203the coroutine. Likewise, when the coroutine dies, the program will exit, 178the coroutine. Likewise, when the coroutine dies, the program will exit,
204just as it would in the main program. 179just as it would in the main program.
205 180
181If you do not want that, you can provide a default C<die> handler, or
182simply avoid dieing (by use of C<eval>).
183
206 # create a new coroutine that just prints its arguments 184Example: Create a new coroutine that just prints its arguments.
185
207 async { 186 async {
208 print "@_\n"; 187 print "@_\n";
209 } 1,2,3,4; 188 } 1,2,3,4;
210 189
211=cut 190=cut
217} 196}
218 197
219=item async_pool { ... } [@args...] 198=item async_pool { ... } [@args...]
220 199
221Similar to C<async>, but uses a coroutine pool, so you should not call 200Similar to C<async>, but uses a coroutine pool, so you should not call
222terminate or join (although you are allowed to), and you get a coroutine 201terminate or join on it (although you are allowed to), and you get a
223that might have executed other code already (which can be good or bad :). 202coroutine that might have executed other code already (which can be good
203or bad :).
224 204
205On the plus side, this function is about twice as fast as creating (and
206destroying) a completely new coroutine, so if you need a lot of generic
207coroutines in quick successsion, use C<async_pool>, not C<async>.
208
225Also, the block is executed in an C<eval> context and a warning will be 209The code block is executed in an C<eval> context and a warning will be
226issued in case of an exception instead of terminating the program, as 210issued in case of an exception instead of terminating the program, as
227C<async> does. As the coroutine is being reused, stuff like C<on_destroy> 211C<async> does. As the coroutine is being reused, stuff like C<on_destroy>
228will not work in the expected way, unless you call terminate or cancel, 212will not work in the expected way, unless you call terminate or cancel,
229which somehow defeats the purpose of pooling. 213which somehow defeats the purpose of pooling (but is fine in the
214exceptional case).
230 215
231The priority will be reset to C<0> after each job, tracing will be 216The priority will be reset to C<0> after each run, tracing will be
232disabled, the description will be reset and the default output filehandle 217disabled, the description will be reset and the default output filehandle
233gets restored, so you can change alkl these. Otherwise the coroutine will 218gets restored, so you can change all these. Otherwise the coroutine will
234be re-used "as-is": most notably if you change other per-coroutine global 219be re-used "as-is": most notably if you change other per-coroutine global
235stuff such as C<$/> you need to revert that change, which is most simply 220stuff such as C<$/> you I<must needs> revert that change, which is most
236done by using local as in C< local $/ >. 221simply done by using local as in: C<< local $/ >>.
237 222
238The pool size is limited to 8 idle coroutines (this can be adjusted by 223The idle pool size is limited to C<8> idle coroutines (this can be
239changing $Coro::POOL_SIZE), and there can be as many non-idle coros as 224adjusted by changing $Coro::POOL_SIZE), but there can be as many non-idle
240required. 225coros as required.
241 226
242If you are concerned about pooled coroutines growing a lot because a 227If you are concerned about pooled coroutines growing a lot because a
243single C<async_pool> used a lot of stackspace you can e.g. C<async_pool 228single C<async_pool> used a lot of stackspace you can e.g. C<async_pool
244{ terminate }> once per second or so to slowly replenish the pool. In 229{ terminate }> once per second or so to slowly replenish the pool. In
245addition to that, when the stacks used by a handler grows larger than 16kb 230addition to that, when the stacks used by a handler grows larger than 32kb
246(adjustable with $Coro::POOL_RSS) it will also exit. 231(adjustable via $Coro::POOL_RSS) it will also be destroyed.
247 232
248=cut 233=cut
249 234
250our $POOL_SIZE = 8; 235our $POOL_SIZE = 8;
251our $POOL_RSS = 16 * 1024; 236our $POOL_RSS = 32 * 1024;
252our @async_pool; 237our @async_pool;
253 238
254sub pool_handler { 239sub pool_handler {
255 my $cb;
256
257 while () { 240 while () {
258 eval { 241 eval {
259 while () { 242 &{&_pool_handler} while 1;
260 _pool_1 $cb;
261 &$cb;
262 _pool_2 $cb;
263 &schedule;
264 }
265 }; 243 };
266 244
267 last if $@ eq "\3async_pool terminate\2\n";
268 warn $@ if $@; 245 warn $@ if $@;
269 } 246 }
270} 247}
271 248
272sub async_pool(&@) { 249=back
273 # this is also inlined into the unlock_scheduler
274 my $coro = (pop @async_pool) || new Coro \&pool_handler;
275 250
276 $coro->{_invoke} = [@_]; 251=head2 STATIC METHODS
277 $coro->ready;
278 252
279 $coro 253Static methods are actually functions that operate on the current coroutine.
280} 254
255=over 4
281 256
282=item schedule 257=item schedule
283 258
284Calls the scheduler. Please note that the current coroutine will not be put 259Calls the scheduler. The scheduler will find the next coroutine that is
260to be run from the ready queue and switches to it. The next coroutine
261to be run is simply the one with the highest priority that is longest
262in its ready queue. If there is no coroutine ready, it will clal the
263C<$Coro::idle> hook.
264
265Please note that the current coroutine will I<not> be put into the ready
285into the ready queue, so calling this function usually means you will 266queue, so calling this function usually means you will never be called
286never be called again unless something else (e.g. an event handler) calls 267again unless something else (e.g. an event handler) calls C<< ->ready >>,
287ready. 268thus waking you up.
288 269
289The canonical way to wait on external events is this: 270This makes C<schedule> I<the> generic method to use to block the current
271coroutine and wait for events: first you remember the current coroutine in
272a variable, then arrange for some callback of yours to call C<< ->ready
273>> on that once some event happens, and last you call C<schedule> to put
274yourself to sleep. Note that a lot of things can wake your coroutine up,
275so you need to check whether the event indeed happened, e.g. by storing the
276status in a variable.
290 277
291 { 278See B<HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK>, below, for some ways to wait for callbacks.
292 # remember current coroutine
293 my $current = $Coro::current;
294
295 # register a hypothetical event handler
296 on_event_invoke sub {
297 # wake up sleeping coroutine
298 $current->ready;
299 undef $current;
300 };
301
302 # call schedule until event occurred.
303 # in case we are woken up for other reasons
304 # (current still defined), loop.
305 Coro::schedule while $current;
306 }
307 279
308=item cede 280=item cede
309 281
310"Cede" to other coroutines. This function puts the current coroutine into the 282"Cede" to other coroutines. This function puts the current coroutine into
311ready queue and calls C<schedule>, which has the effect of giving up the 283the ready queue and calls C<schedule>, which has the effect of giving
312current "timeslice" to other coroutines of the same or higher priority. 284up the current "timeslice" to other coroutines of the same or higher
285priority. Once your coroutine gets its turn again it will automatically be
286resumed.
287
288This function is often called C<yield> in other languages.
313 289
314=item Coro::cede_notself 290=item Coro::cede_notself
315 291
316Works like cede, but is not exported by default and will cede to any 292Works like cede, but is not exported by default and will cede to I<any>
317coroutine, regardless of priority, once. 293coroutine, regardless of priority. This is useful sometimes to ensure
294progress is made.
318 295
319=item terminate [arg...] 296=item terminate [arg...]
320 297
321Terminates the current coroutine with the given status values (see L<cancel>). 298Terminates the current coroutine with the given status values (see L<cancel>).
322 299
324 301
325Kills/terminates/cancels all coroutines except the currently running 302Kills/terminates/cancels all coroutines except the currently running
326one. This is useful after a fork, either in the child or the parent, as 303one. This is useful after a fork, either in the child or the parent, as
327usually only one of them should inherit the running coroutines. 304usually only one of them should inherit the running coroutines.
328 305
329=cut 306Note that while this will try to free some of the main programs resources,
307you cannot free all of them, so if a coroutine that is not the main
308program calls this function, there will be some one-time resource leak.
330 309
331sub terminate { 310=cut
332 $current->cancel (@_);
333}
334 311
335sub killall { 312sub killall {
336 for (Coro::State::list) { 313 for (Coro::State::list) {
337 $_->cancel 314 $_->cancel
338 if $_ != $current && UNIVERSAL::isa $_, "Coro"; 315 if $_ != $current && UNIVERSAL::isa $_, "Coro";
339 } 316 }
340} 317}
341 318
342=back 319=back
343 320
344# dynamic methods
345
346=head2 COROUTINE METHODS 321=head2 COROUTINE METHODS
347 322
348These are the methods you can call on coroutine objects. 323These are the methods you can call on coroutine objects (or to create
324them).
349 325
350=over 4 326=over 4
351 327
352=item new Coro \&sub [, @args...] 328=item new Coro \&sub [, @args...]
353 329
354Create a new coroutine and return it. When the sub returns the coroutine 330Create a new coroutine and return it. When the sub returns, the coroutine
355automatically terminates as if C<terminate> with the returned values were 331automatically terminates as if C<terminate> with the returned values were
356called. To make the coroutine run you must first put it into the ready queue 332called. To make the coroutine run you must first put it into the ready
357by calling the ready method. 333queue by calling the ready method.
358 334
359See C<async> and C<Coro::State::new> for additional info about the 335See C<async> and C<Coro::State::new> for additional info about the
360coroutine environment. 336coroutine environment.
361 337
362=cut 338=cut
363 339
364sub _run_coro { 340sub _terminate {
365 terminate &{+shift}; 341 terminate &{+shift};
366} 342}
367 343
368sub new {
369 my $class = shift;
370
371 $class->SUPER::new (\&_run_coro, @_)
372}
373
374=item $success = $coroutine->ready 344=item $success = $coroutine->ready
375 345
376Put the given coroutine into the ready queue (according to it's priority) 346Put the given coroutine into the end of its ready queue (there is one
377and return true. If the coroutine is already in the ready queue, do nothing 347queue for each priority) and return true. If the coroutine is already in
378and return false. 348the ready queue, do nothing and return false.
349
350This ensures that the scheduler will resume this coroutine automatically
351once all the coroutines of higher priority and all coroutines of the same
352priority that were put into the ready queue earlier have been resumed.
379 353
380=item $is_ready = $coroutine->is_ready 354=item $is_ready = $coroutine->is_ready
381 355
382Return wether the coroutine is currently the ready queue or not, 356Return whether the coroutine is currently the ready queue or not,
383 357
384=item $coroutine->cancel (arg...) 358=item $coroutine->cancel (arg...)
385 359
386Terminates the given coroutine and makes it return the given arguments as 360Terminates the given coroutine and makes it return the given arguments as
387status (default: the empty list). Never returns if the coroutine is the 361status (default: the empty list). Never returns if the coroutine is the
389 363
390=cut 364=cut
391 365
392sub cancel { 366sub cancel {
393 my $self = shift; 367 my $self = shift;
394 $self->{_status} = [@_];
395 368
396 if ($current == $self) { 369 if ($current == $self) {
397 push @destroy, $self; 370 terminate @_;
398 $manager->ready;
399 &schedule while 1;
400 } else { 371 } else {
372 $self->{_status} = [@_];
401 $self->_cancel; 373 $self->_cancel;
402 } 374 }
403} 375}
376
377=item $coroutine->schedule_to
378
379Puts the current coroutine to sleep (like C<Coro::schedule>), but instead
380of continuing with the next coro from the ready queue, always switch to
381the given coroutine object (regardless of priority etc.). The readyness
382state of that coroutine isn't changed.
383
384This is an advanced method for special cases - I'd love to hear about any
385uses for this one.
386
387=item $coroutine->cede_to
388
389Like C<schedule_to>, but puts the current coroutine into the ready
390queue. This has the effect of temporarily switching to the given
391coroutine, and continuing some time later.
392
393This is an advanced method for special cases - I'd love to hear about any
394uses for this one.
395
396=item $coroutine->throw ([$scalar])
397
398If C<$throw> is specified and defined, it will be thrown as an exception
399inside the coroutine at the next convenient point in time. Otherwise
400clears the exception object.
401
402Coro will check for the exception each time a schedule-like-function
403returns, i.e. after each C<schedule>, C<cede>, C<< Coro::Semaphore->down
404>>, C<< Coro::Handle->readable >> and so on. Most of these functions
405detect this case and return early in case an exception is pending.
406
407The exception object will be thrown "as is" with the specified scalar in
408C<$@>, i.e. if it is a string, no line number or newline will be appended
409(unlike with C<die>).
410
411This can be used as a softer means than C<cancel> to ask a coroutine to
412end itself, although there is no guarantee that the exception will lead to
413termination, and if the exception isn't caught it might well end the whole
414program.
415
416You might also think of C<throw> as being the moral equivalent of
417C<kill>ing a coroutine with a signal (in this case, a scalar).
404 418
405=item $coroutine->join 419=item $coroutine->join
406 420
407Wait until the coroutine terminates and return any values given to the 421Wait until the coroutine terminates and return any values given to the
408C<terminate> or C<cancel> functions. C<join> can be called concurrently 422C<terminate> or C<cancel> functions. C<join> can be called concurrently
409from multiple coroutines. 423from multiple coroutines, and all will be resumed and given the status
424return once the C<$coroutine> terminates.
410 425
411=cut 426=cut
412 427
413sub join { 428sub join {
414 my $self = shift; 429 my $self = shift;
429 444
430=item $coroutine->on_destroy (\&cb) 445=item $coroutine->on_destroy (\&cb)
431 446
432Registers a callback that is called when this coroutine gets destroyed, 447Registers a callback that is called when this coroutine gets destroyed,
433but before it is joined. The callback gets passed the terminate arguments, 448but before it is joined. The callback gets passed the terminate arguments,
434if any. 449if any, and I<must not> die, under any circumstances.
435 450
436=cut 451=cut
437 452
438sub on_destroy { 453sub on_destroy {
439 my ($self, $cb) = @_; 454 my ($self, $cb) = @_;
469higher values mean lower priority, just as in unix). 484higher values mean lower priority, just as in unix).
470 485
471=item $olddesc = $coroutine->desc ($newdesc) 486=item $olddesc = $coroutine->desc ($newdesc)
472 487
473Sets (or gets in case the argument is missing) the description for this 488Sets (or gets in case the argument is missing) the description for this
474coroutine. This is just a free-form string you can associate with a coroutine. 489coroutine. This is just a free-form string you can associate with a
490coroutine.
475 491
476This method simply sets the C<< $coroutine->{desc} >> member to the given string. You 492This method simply sets the C<< $coroutine->{desc} >> member to the given
477can modify this member directly if you wish. 493string. You can modify this member directly if you wish.
478
479=item $coroutine->throw ([$scalar])
480
481If C<$throw> is specified and defined, it will be thrown as an exception
482inside the coroutine at the next convinient point in time (usually after
483it gains control at the next schedule/transfer/cede). Otherwise clears the
484exception object.
485
486The exception object will be thrown "as is" with the specified scalar in
487C<$@>, i.e. if it is a string, no line number or newline will be appended
488(unlike with C<die>).
489
490This can be used as a softer means than C<cancel> to ask a coroutine to
491end itself, although there is no guarentee that the exception will lead to
492termination, and if the exception isn't caught it might well end the whole
493program.
494 494
495=cut 495=cut
496 496
497sub desc { 497sub desc {
498 my $old = $_[0]{desc}; 498 my $old = $_[0]{desc};
499 $_[0]{desc} = $_[1] if @_ > 1; 499 $_[0]{desc} = $_[1] if @_ > 1;
500 $old; 500 $old;
501} 501}
502 502
503sub transfer {
504 require Carp;
505 Carp::croak ("You must not call ->transfer on Coro objects. Use Coro::State objects or the ->schedule_to method. Caught");
506}
507
503=back 508=back
504 509
505=head2 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 510=head2 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
506 511
507=over 4 512=over 4
508 513
509=item Coro::nready 514=item Coro::nready
510 515
511Returns the number of coroutines that are currently in the ready state, 516Returns the number of coroutines that are currently in the ready state,
512i.e. that can be switched to. The value C<0> means that the only runnable 517i.e. that can be switched to by calling C<schedule> directory or
518indirectly. The value C<0> means that the only runnable coroutine is the
513coroutine is the currently running one, so C<cede> would have no effect, 519currently running one, so C<cede> would have no effect, and C<schedule>
514and C<schedule> would cause a deadlock unless there is an idle handler 520would cause a deadlock unless there is an idle handler that wakes up some
515that wakes up some coroutines. 521coroutines.
516 522
517=item my $guard = Coro::guard { ... } 523=item my $guard = Coro::guard { ... }
518 524
519This creates and returns a guard object. Nothing happens until the object 525This creates and returns a guard object. Nothing happens until the object
520gets destroyed, in which case the codeblock given as argument will be 526gets destroyed, in which case the codeblock given as argument will be
549 555
550 556
551=item unblock_sub { ... } 557=item unblock_sub { ... }
552 558
553This utility function takes a BLOCK or code reference and "unblocks" it, 559This utility function takes a BLOCK or code reference and "unblocks" it,
554returning the new coderef. This means that the new coderef will return 560returning a new coderef. Unblocking means that calling the new coderef
555immediately without blocking, returning nothing, while the original code 561will return immediately without blocking, returning nothing, while the
556ref will be called (with parameters) from within its own coroutine. 562original code ref will be called (with parameters) from within another
563coroutine.
557 564
558The reason this function exists is that many event libraries (such as the 565The reason this function exists is that many event libraries (such as the
559venerable L<Event|Event> module) are not coroutine-safe (a weaker form 566venerable L<Event|Event> module) are not coroutine-safe (a weaker form
560of thread-safety). This means you must not block within event callbacks, 567of thread-safety). This means you must not block within event callbacks,
561otherwise you might suffer from crashes or worse. 568otherwise you might suffer from crashes or worse. The only event library
569currently known that is safe to use without C<unblock_sub> is L<EV>.
562 570
563This function allows your callbacks to block by executing them in another 571This function allows your callbacks to block by executing them in another
564coroutine where it is safe to block. One example where blocking is handy 572coroutine where it is safe to block. One example where blocking is handy
565is when you use the L<Coro::AIO|Coro::AIO> functions to save results to 573is when you use the L<Coro::AIO|Coro::AIO> functions to save results to
566disk. 574disk, for example.
567 575
568In short: simply use C<unblock_sub { ... }> instead of C<sub { ... }> when 576In short: simply use C<unblock_sub { ... }> instead of C<sub { ... }> when
569creating event callbacks that want to block. 577creating event callbacks that want to block.
578
579If your handler does not plan to block (e.g. simply sends a message to
580another coroutine, or puts some other coroutine into the ready queue),
581there is no reason to use C<unblock_sub>.
582
583Note that you also need to use C<unblock_sub> for any other callbacks that
584are indirectly executed by any C-based event loop. For example, when you
585use a module that uses L<AnyEvent> (and you use L<Coro::AnyEvent>) and it
586provides callbacks that are the result of some event callback, then you
587must not block either, or use C<unblock_sub>.
570 588
571=cut 589=cut
572 590
573our @unblock_queue; 591our @unblock_queue;
574 592
577# return immediately and can be reused) and because we cannot cede 595# return immediately and can be reused) and because we cannot cede
578# inside an event callback. 596# inside an event callback.
579our $unblock_scheduler = new Coro sub { 597our $unblock_scheduler = new Coro sub {
580 while () { 598 while () {
581 while (my $cb = pop @unblock_queue) { 599 while (my $cb = pop @unblock_queue) {
582 # this is an inlined copy of async_pool 600 &async_pool (@$cb);
583 my $coro = (pop @async_pool) || new Coro \&pool_handler;
584 601
585 $coro->{_invoke} = $cb;
586 $coro->ready;
587 cede; # for short-lived callbacks, this reduces pressure on the coro pool 602 # for short-lived callbacks, this reduces pressure on the coro pool
603 # as the chance is very high that the async_poll coro will be back
604 # in the idle state when cede returns
605 cede;
588 } 606 }
589 schedule; # sleep well 607 schedule; # sleep well
590 } 608 }
591}; 609};
592$unblock_scheduler->desc ("[unblock_sub scheduler]"); 610$unblock_scheduler->{desc} = "[unblock_sub scheduler]";
593 611
594sub unblock_sub(&) { 612sub unblock_sub(&) {
595 my $cb = shift; 613 my $cb = shift;
596 614
597 sub { 615 sub {
598 unshift @unblock_queue, [$cb, @_]; 616 unshift @unblock_queue, [$cb, @_];
599 $unblock_scheduler->ready; 617 $unblock_scheduler->ready;
600 } 618 }
601} 619}
602 620
621=item $cb = Coro::rouse_cb
622
623Create and return a "rouse callback". That's a code reference that, when
624called, will save its arguments and notify the owner coroutine of the
625callback.
626
627See the next function.
628
629=item @args = Coro::rouse_wait [$cb]
630
631Wait for the specified rouse callback (or the last one tht was created in
632this coroutine).
633
634As soon as the callback is invoked (or when the calback was invoked before
635C<rouse_wait>), it will return a copy of the arguments originally passed
636to the rouse callback.
637
638See the section B<HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK> for an actual usage example.
639
603=back 640=back
604 641
605=cut 642=cut
606 643
6071; 6441;
608 645
646=head1 HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK
647
648It is very common for a coroutine to wait for some callback to be
649called. This occurs naturally when you use coroutines in an otherwise
650event-based program, or when you use event-based libraries.
651
652These typically register a callback for some event, and call that callback
653when the event occured. In a coroutine, however, you typically want to
654just wait for the event, simplyifying things.
655
656For example C<< AnyEvent->child >> registers a callback to be called when
657a specific child has exited:
658
659 my $child_watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub { ... });
660
661But from withina coroutine, you often just want to write this:
662
663 my $status = wait_for_child $pid;
664
665Coro offers two functions specifically designed to make this easy,
666C<Coro::rouse_cb> and C<Coro::rouse_wait>.
667
668The first function, C<rouse_cb>, generates and returns a callback that,
669when invoked, will save it's arguments and notify the coroutine that
670created the callback.
671
672The second function, C<rouse_wait>, waits for the callback to be called
673(by calling C<schedule> to go to sleep) and returns the arguments
674originally passed to the callback.
675
676Using these functions, it becomes easy to write the C<wait_for_child>
677function mentioned above:
678
679 sub wait_for_child($) {
680 my ($pid) = @_;
681
682 my $watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => Coro::rouse_cb);
683
684 my ($rpid, $rstatus) = Coro::rouse_wait;
685 $rstatus
686 }
687
688In the case where C<rouse_cb> and C<rouse_wait> are not flexible enough,
689you can roll your own, using C<schedule>:
690
691 sub wait_for_child($) {
692 my ($pid) = @_;
693
694 # store the current coroutine in $current,
695 # and provide result variables for the closure passed to ->child
696 my $current = $Coro::current;
697 my ($done, $rstatus);
698
699 # pass a closure to ->child
700 my $watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub {
701 $rstatus = $_[1]; # remember rstatus
702 $done = 1; # mark $rstatus as valud
703 });
704
705 # wait until the closure has been called
706 schedule while !$done;
707
708 $rstatus
709 }
710
711
609=head1 BUGS/LIMITATIONS 712=head1 BUGS/LIMITATIONS
610 713
611 - you must make very sure that no coro is still active on global 714=over 4
612 destruction. very bad things might happen otherwise (usually segfaults).
613 715
716=item fork with pthread backend
717
718When Coro is compiled using the pthread backend (which isn't recommended
719but required on many BSDs as their libcs are completely broken), then
720coroutines will not survive a fork. There is no known workaround except to
721fix your libc and use a saner backend.
722
723=item perl process emulation ("threads")
724
614 - this module is not thread-safe. You should only ever use this module 725This module is not perl-pseudo-thread-safe. You should only ever use this
615 from the same thread (this requirement might be loosened in the future 726module from the same thread (this requirement might be removed in the
616 to allow per-thread schedulers, but Coro::State does not yet allow 727future to allow per-thread schedulers, but Coro::State does not yet allow
617 this). 728this). I recommend disabling thread support and using processes, as having
729the windows process emulation enabled under unix roughly halves perl
730performance, even when not used.
731
732=item coroutine switching not signal safe
733
734You must not switch to another coroutine from within a signal handler
735(only relevant with %SIG - most event libraries provide safe signals).
736
737That means you I<MUST NOT> call any function that might "block" the
738current coroutine - C<cede>, C<schedule> C<< Coro::Semaphore->down >> or
739anything that calls those. Everything else, including calling C<ready>,
740works.
741
742=back
743
618 744
619=head1 SEE ALSO 745=head1 SEE ALSO
620 746
621Lower level Configuration, Coroutine Environment: L<Coro::State>. 747Event-Loop integration: L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>.
622 748
623Debugging: L<Coro::Debug>. 749Debugging: L<Coro::Debug>.
624 750
625Support/Utility: L<Coro::Specific>, L<Coro::Util>. 751Support/Utility: L<Coro::Specific>, L<Coro::Util>.
626 752
627Locking/IPC: L<Coro::Signal>, L<Coro::Channel>, L<Coro::Semaphore>, L<Coro::SemaphoreSet>, L<Coro::RWLock>. 753Locking/IPC: L<Coro::Signal>, L<Coro::Channel>, L<Coro::Semaphore>, L<Coro::SemaphoreSet>, L<Coro::RWLock>.
628 754
629Event/IO: L<Coro::Timer>, L<Coro::Event>, L<Coro::Handle>, L<Coro::Socket>. 755IO/Timers: L<Coro::Timer>, L<Coro::Handle>, L<Coro::Socket>, L<Coro::AIO>.
630 756
631Compatibility: L<Coro::LWP>, L<Coro::Storable>, L<Coro::Select>. 757Compatibility: L<Coro::LWP>, L<Coro::BDB>, L<Coro::Storable>, L<Coro::Select>.
632 758
633Embedding: L<Coro:MakeMaker>. 759XS API: L<Coro::MakeMaker>.
760
761Low level Configuration, Coroutine Environment: L<Coro::State>.
634 762
635=head1 AUTHOR 763=head1 AUTHOR
636 764
637 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 765 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
638 http://home.schmorp.de/ 766 http://home.schmorp.de/

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