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1=head1 NAME 1=head1 NAME
2 2
3Coro - coroutine process abstraction 3Coro - the only real threads in perl
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 use Coro; 7 use Coro;
8 8
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 coro
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 to 31For a tutorial-style introduction, please read the L<Coro::Intro>
31threads but don't (in general) run in parallel at the same time even 32manpage. This manpage mainly contains reference information.
32on SMP machines. The specific flavor of coroutine used in this module
33also guarantees you that it will not switch between coroutines unless
34necessary, at easily-identified points in your program, so locking and
35parallel access are rarely an issue, making coroutine programming much
36safer and easier than threads programming.
37 33
38Unlike a normal perl program, however, coroutines allow you to have 34This module collection manages continuations in general, most often in
39multiple running interpreters that share data, which is especially useful 35the form of cooperative threads (also called coros, or simply "coro"
40to code pseudo-parallel processes and for event-based programming, such as 36in the documentation). They are similar to kernel threads but don't (in
41multiple HTTP-GET requests running concurrently. See L<Coro::AnyEvent> to 37general) run in parallel at the same time even on SMP machines. The
42learn more. 38specific flavor of thread offered by this module also guarantees you that
39it will not switch between threads unless necessary, at easily-identified
40points in your program, so locking and parallel access are rarely an
41issue, making thread programming much safer and easier than using other
42thread models.
43 43
44Coroutines are also useful because Perl has no support for threads (the so 44Unlike the so-called "Perl threads" (which are not actually real threads
45called "threads" that perl offers are nothing more than the (bad) process 45but only the windows process emulation ported to unix, and as such act
46emulation coming from the Windows platform: On standard operating systems 46as processes), Coro provides a full shared address space, which makes
47they serve no purpose whatsoever, except by making your programs slow and 47communication between threads very easy. And Coro's threads are fast,
48making them use a lot of memory. Best disable them when building perl, or 48too: disabling the Windows process emulation code in your perl and using
49aks your software vendor/distributor to do it for you). 49Coro can easily result in a two to four times speed increase for your
50programs. A parallel matrix multiplication benchmark runs over 300 times
51faster on a single core than perl's pseudo-threads on a quad core using
52all four cores.
50 53
54Coro achieves that by supporting multiple running interpreters that share
55data, which is especially useful to code pseudo-parallel processes and
56for event-based programming, such as multiple HTTP-GET requests running
57concurrently. See L<Coro::AnyEvent> to learn more on how to integrate Coro
58into an event-based environment.
59
51In this module, coroutines are defined as "callchain + lexical variables + 60In this module, a thread is defined as "callchain + lexical variables +
52@_ + $_ + $@ + $/ + C stack), that is, a coroutine has its own callchain, 61some package variables + C stack), that is, a thread has its own callchain,
53its own set of lexicals and its own set of perls most important global 62its own set of lexicals and its own set of perls most important global
54variables (see L<Coro::State> for more configuration). 63variables (see L<Coro::State> for more configuration and background info).
64
65See also the C<SEE ALSO> section at the end of this document - the Coro
66module family is quite large.
55 67
56=cut 68=cut
57 69
58package Coro; 70package Coro;
59 71
60use strict; 72use strict qw(vars subs);
61no warnings "uninitialized"; 73no warnings "uninitialized";
62 74
75use Guard ();
76
63use Coro::State; 77use Coro::State;
64 78
65use base qw(Coro::State Exporter); 79use base qw(Coro::State Exporter);
66 80
67our $idle; # idle handler 81our $idle; # idle handler
68our $main; # main coroutine 82our $main; # main coro
69our $current; # current coroutine 83our $current; # current coro
70 84
71our $VERSION = '4.72'; 85our $VERSION = 5.13;
72 86
73our @EXPORT = qw(async async_pool cede schedule terminate current unblock_sub); 87our @EXPORT = qw(async async_pool cede schedule terminate current unblock_sub);
74our %EXPORT_TAGS = ( 88our %EXPORT_TAGS = (
75 prio => [qw(PRIO_MAX PRIO_HIGH PRIO_NORMAL PRIO_LOW PRIO_IDLE PRIO_MIN)], 89 prio => [qw(PRIO_MAX PRIO_HIGH PRIO_NORMAL PRIO_LOW PRIO_IDLE PRIO_MIN)],
76); 90);
77our @EXPORT_OK = (@{$EXPORT_TAGS{prio}}, qw(nready)); 91our @EXPORT_OK = (@{$EXPORT_TAGS{prio}}, qw(nready));
78 92
93=head1 GLOBAL VARIABLES
94
79=over 4 95=over 4
80 96
81=item $Coro::main 97=item $Coro::main
82 98
83This variable stores the coroutine object that represents the main 99This variable stores the Coro object that represents the main
84program. While you cna C<ready> it and do most other things you can do to 100program. While you cna C<ready> it and do most other things you can do to
85coroutines, it is mainly useful to compare again C<$Coro::current>, to see 101coro, it is mainly useful to compare again C<$Coro::current>, to see
86wether you are running in the main program or not. 102whether you are running in the main program or not.
87 103
88=cut 104=cut
89 105
90$main = new Coro; 106# $main is now being initialised by Coro::State
91 107
92=item $Coro::current 108=item $Coro::current
93 109
94The coroutine object representing the current coroutine (the last 110The Coro object representing the current coro (the last
95coroutine that the Coro scheduler switched to). The initial value is 111coro that the Coro scheduler switched to). The initial value is
96C<$main> (of course). 112C<$Coro::main> (of course).
97 113
98This variable is B<strictly> I<read-only>. You can take copies of the 114This variable is B<strictly> I<read-only>. You can take copies of the
99value stored in it and use it as any other coroutine object, but you must 115value stored in it and use it as any other Coro object, but you must
100not otherwise modify the variable itself. 116not otherwise modify the variable itself.
101 117
102=cut 118=cut
103 119
104$main->{desc} = "[main::]";
105
106# maybe some other module used Coro::Specific before...
107$main->{_specific} = $current->{_specific}
108 if $current;
109
110_set_current $main;
111
112sub current() { $current } # [DEPRECATED] 120sub current() { $current } # [DEPRECATED]
113 121
114=item $Coro::idle 122=item $Coro::idle
115 123
116This variable is mainly useful to integrate Coro into event loops. It is 124This variable is mainly useful to integrate Coro into event loops. It is
117usually better to rely on L<Coro::AnyEvent> or LC<Coro::EV>, as this is 125usually better to rely on L<Coro::AnyEvent> or L<Coro::EV>, as this is
118pretty low-level functionality. 126pretty low-level functionality.
119 127
120This variable stores a callback that is called whenever the scheduler 128This variable stores either a Coro object or a callback.
129
130If it is a callback, the it is called whenever the scheduler finds no
121finds no ready coroutines to run. The default implementation prints 131ready coros to run. The default implementation prints "FATAL:
122"FATAL: deadlock detected" and exits, because the program has no other way 132deadlock detected" and exits, because the program has no other way to
123to continue. 133continue.
124 134
135If it is a coro object, then this object will be readied (without
136invoking any ready hooks, however) when the scheduler finds no other ready
137coros to run.
138
125This hook is overwritten by modules such as C<Coro::Timer> and 139This hook is overwritten by modules such as C<Coro::EV> and
126C<Coro::AnyEvent> to wait on an external event that hopefully wake up a 140C<Coro::AnyEvent> to wait on an external event that hopefully wake up a
127coroutine so the scheduler can run it. 141coro so the scheduler can run it.
128 142
129Note that the callback I<must not>, under any circumstances, block 143Note that the callback I<must not>, under any circumstances, block
130the current coroutine. Normally, this is achieved by having an "idle 144the current coro. Normally, this is achieved by having an "idle
131coroutine" that calls the event loop and then blocks again, and then 145coro" that calls the event loop and then blocks again, and then
132readying that coroutine in the idle handler. 146readying that coro in the idle handler, or by simply placing the idle
147coro in this variable.
133 148
134See L<Coro::Event> or L<Coro::AnyEvent> for examples of using this 149See L<Coro::Event> or L<Coro::AnyEvent> for examples of using this
135technique. 150technique.
136 151
137Please note that if your callback recursively invokes perl (e.g. for event 152Please note that if your callback recursively invokes perl (e.g. for event
142$idle = sub { 157$idle = sub {
143 require Carp; 158 require Carp;
144 Carp::croak ("FATAL: deadlock detected"); 159 Carp::croak ("FATAL: deadlock detected");
145}; 160};
146 161
147sub _cancel {
148 my ($self) = @_;
149
150 # free coroutine data and mark as destructed
151 $self->_destroy
152 or return;
153
154 # call all destruction callbacks
155 $_->(@{$self->{_status}})
156 for @{(delete $self->{_on_destroy}) || []};
157}
158
159# this coroutine is necessary because a coroutine 162# this coro is necessary because a coro
160# cannot destroy itself. 163# cannot destroy itself.
161my @destroy; 164our @destroy;
162my $manager; 165our $manager;
163 166
164$manager = new Coro sub { 167$manager = new Coro sub {
165 while () { 168 while () {
166 (shift @destroy)->_cancel 169 Coro::State::cancel shift @destroy
167 while @destroy; 170 while @destroy;
168 171
169 &schedule; 172 &schedule;
170 } 173 }
171}; 174};
172$manager->desc ("[coro manager]"); 175$manager->{desc} = "[coro manager]";
173$manager->prio (PRIO_MAX); 176$manager->prio (PRIO_MAX);
174 177
175=back 178=back
176 179
177=head2 SIMPLE COROUTINE CREATION 180=head1 SIMPLE CORO CREATION
178 181
179=over 4 182=over 4
180 183
181=item async { ... } [@args...] 184=item async { ... } [@args...]
182 185
183Create a new coroutine and return it's coroutine object (usually 186Create a new coro and return its Coro object (usually
184unused). The coroutine will be put into the ready queue, so 187unused). The coro will be put into the ready queue, so
185it will start running automatically on the next scheduler run. 188it will start running automatically on the next scheduler run.
186 189
187The first argument is a codeblock/closure that should be executed in the 190The first argument is a codeblock/closure that should be executed in the
188coroutine. When it returns argument returns the coroutine is automatically 191coro. When it returns argument returns the coro is automatically
189terminated. 192terminated.
190 193
191The remaining arguments are passed as arguments to the closure. 194The remaining arguments are passed as arguments to the closure.
192 195
193See the C<Coro::State::new> constructor for info about the coroutine 196See the C<Coro::State::new> constructor for info about the coro
194environment in which coroutines are executed. 197environment in which coro are executed.
195 198
196Calling C<exit> in a coroutine will do the same as calling exit outside 199Calling C<exit> in a coro will do the same as calling exit outside
197the coroutine. Likewise, when the coroutine dies, the program will exit, 200the coro. Likewise, when the coro dies, the program will exit,
198just as it would in the main program. 201just as it would in the main program.
199 202
200If you do not want that, you can provide a default C<die> handler, or 203If you do not want that, you can provide a default C<die> handler, or
201simply avoid dieing (by use of C<eval>). 204simply avoid dieing (by use of C<eval>).
202 205
203Example: Create a new coroutine that just prints its arguments. 206Example: Create a new coro that just prints its arguments.
204 207
205 async { 208 async {
206 print "@_\n"; 209 print "@_\n";
207 } 1,2,3,4; 210 } 1,2,3,4;
208 211
214 $coro 217 $coro
215} 218}
216 219
217=item async_pool { ... } [@args...] 220=item async_pool { ... } [@args...]
218 221
219Similar to C<async>, but uses a coroutine pool, so you should not call 222Similar to C<async>, but uses a coro pool, so you should not call
220terminate or join on it (although you are allowed to), and you get a 223terminate or join on it (although you are allowed to), and you get a
221coroutine that might have executed other code already (which can be good 224coro that might have executed other code already (which can be good
222or bad :). 225or bad :).
223 226
224On the plus side, this function is faster than creating (and destroying) 227On the plus side, this function is about twice as fast as creating (and
225a completely new coroutine, so if you need a lot of generic coroutines in 228destroying) a completely new coro, so if you need a lot of generic
226quick successsion, use C<async_pool>, not C<async>. 229coros in quick successsion, use C<async_pool>, not C<async>.
227 230
228The code block is executed in an C<eval> context and a warning will be 231The code block is executed in an C<eval> context and a warning will be
229issued in case of an exception instead of terminating the program, as 232issued in case of an exception instead of terminating the program, as
230C<async> does. As the coroutine is being reused, stuff like C<on_destroy> 233C<async> does. As the coro is being reused, stuff like C<on_destroy>
231will not work in the expected way, unless you call terminate or cancel, 234will not work in the expected way, unless you call terminate or cancel,
232which somehow defeats the purpose of pooling (but is fine in the 235which somehow defeats the purpose of pooling (but is fine in the
233exceptional case). 236exceptional case).
234 237
235The priority will be reset to C<0> after each run, tracing will be 238The priority will be reset to C<0> after each run, tracing will be
236disabled, the description will be reset and the default output filehandle 239disabled, the description will be reset and the default output filehandle
237gets restored, so you can change all these. Otherwise the coroutine will 240gets restored, so you can change all these. Otherwise the coro will
238be re-used "as-is": most notably if you change other per-coroutine global 241be re-used "as-is": most notably if you change other per-coro global
239stuff such as C<$/> you I<must needs> to revert that change, which is most 242stuff such as C<$/> you I<must needs> revert that change, which is most
240simply done by using local as in: C< local $/ >. 243simply done by using local as in: C<< local $/ >>.
241 244
242The pool size is limited to C<8> idle coroutines (this can be adjusted by 245The idle pool size is limited to C<8> idle coros (this can be
243changing $Coro::POOL_SIZE), and there can be as many non-idle coros as 246adjusted by changing $Coro::POOL_SIZE), but there can be as many non-idle
244required. 247coros as required.
245 248
246If you are concerned about pooled coroutines growing a lot because a 249If you are concerned about pooled coros growing a lot because a
247single C<async_pool> used a lot of stackspace you can e.g. C<async_pool 250single C<async_pool> used a lot of stackspace you can e.g. C<async_pool
248{ terminate }> once per second or so to slowly replenish the pool. In 251{ terminate }> once per second or so to slowly replenish the pool. In
249addition to that, when the stacks used by a handler grows larger than 16kb 252addition to that, when the stacks used by a handler grows larger than 32kb
250(adjustable via $Coro::POOL_RSS) it will also be destroyed. 253(adjustable via $Coro::POOL_RSS) it will also be destroyed.
251 254
252=cut 255=cut
253 256
254our $POOL_SIZE = 8; 257our $POOL_SIZE = 8;
255our $POOL_RSS = 16 * 1024; 258our $POOL_RSS = 32 * 1024;
256our @async_pool; 259our @async_pool;
257 260
258sub pool_handler { 261sub pool_handler {
259 my $cb;
260
261 while () { 262 while () {
262 eval { 263 eval {
263 while () { 264 &{&_pool_handler} while 1;
264 _pool_1 $cb;
265 &$cb;
266 _pool_2 $cb;
267 &schedule;
268 }
269 }; 265 };
270 266
271 last if $@ eq "\3async_pool terminate\2\n";
272 warn $@ if $@; 267 warn $@ if $@;
273 } 268 }
274} 269}
275 270
276sub async_pool(&@) {
277 # this is also inlined into the unlock_scheduler
278 my $coro = (pop @async_pool) || new Coro \&pool_handler;
279
280 $coro->{_invoke} = [@_];
281 $coro->ready;
282
283 $coro
284}
285
286=back 271=back
287 272
288=head2 STATIC METHODS 273=head1 STATIC METHODS
289 274
290Static methods are actually functions that operate on the current coroutine. 275Static methods are actually functions that implicitly operate on the
276current coro.
291 277
292=over 4 278=over 4
293 279
294=item schedule 280=item schedule
295 281
296Calls the scheduler. The scheduler will find the next coroutine that is 282Calls the scheduler. The scheduler will find the next coro that is
297to be run from the ready queue and switches to it. The next coroutine 283to be run from the ready queue and switches to it. The next coro
298to be run is simply the one with the highest priority that is longest 284to be run is simply the one with the highest priority that is longest
299in its ready queue. If there is no coroutine ready, it will clal the 285in its ready queue. If there is no coro ready, it will clal the
300C<$Coro::idle> hook. 286C<$Coro::idle> hook.
301 287
302Please note that the current coroutine will I<not> be put into the ready 288Please note that the current coro will I<not> be put into the ready
303queue, so calling this function usually means you will never be called 289queue, so calling this function usually means you will never be called
304again unless something else (e.g. an event handler) calls C<< ->ready >>, 290again unless something else (e.g. an event handler) calls C<< ->ready >>,
305thus waking you up. 291thus waking you up.
306 292
307This makes C<schedule> I<the> generic method to use to block the current 293This makes C<schedule> I<the> generic method to use to block the current
308coroutine and wait for events: first you remember the current coroutine in 294coro and wait for events: first you remember the current coro in
309a variable, then arrange for some callback of yours to call C<< ->ready 295a variable, then arrange for some callback of yours to call C<< ->ready
310>> on that once some event happens, and last you call C<schedule> to put 296>> on that once some event happens, and last you call C<schedule> to put
311yourself to sleep. Note that a lot of things can wake your coroutine up, 297yourself to sleep. Note that a lot of things can wake your coro up,
312so you need to check wether the event indeed happened, e.g. by storing the 298so you need to check whether the event indeed happened, e.g. by storing the
313status in a variable. 299status in a variable.
314 300
315The canonical way to wait on external events is this: 301See B<HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK>, below, for some ways to wait for callbacks.
316 302
317 { 303=item cede
318 # remember current coroutine
319 my $current = $Coro::current;
320 304
321 # register a hypothetical event handler 305"Cede" to other coros. This function puts the current coro into
322 on_event_invoke sub { 306the ready queue and calls C<schedule>, which has the effect of giving
323 # wake up sleeping coroutine 307up the current "timeslice" to other coros of the same or higher
324 $current->ready; 308priority. Once your coro gets its turn again it will automatically be
325 undef $current; 309resumed.
310
311This function is often called C<yield> in other languages.
312
313=item Coro::cede_notself
314
315Works like cede, but is not exported by default and will cede to I<any>
316coro, regardless of priority. This is useful sometimes to ensure
317progress is made.
318
319=item terminate [arg...]
320
321Terminates the current coro with the given status values (see L<cancel>).
322
323=item Coro::on_enter BLOCK, Coro::on_leave BLOCK
324
325These function install enter and leave winders in the current scope. The
326enter block will be executed when on_enter is called and whenever the
327current coro is re-entered by the scheduler, while the leave block is
328executed whenever the current coro is blocked by the scheduler, and
329also when the containing scope is exited (by whatever means, be it exit,
330die, last etc.).
331
332I<Neither invoking the scheduler, nor exceptions, are allowed within those
333BLOCKs>. That means: do not even think about calling C<die> without an
334eval, and do not even think of entering the scheduler in any way.
335
336Since both BLOCKs are tied to the current scope, they will automatically
337be removed when the current scope exits.
338
339These functions implement the same concept as C<dynamic-wind> in scheme
340does, and are useful when you want to localise some resource to a specific
341coro.
342
343They slow down coro switching considerably for coros that use
344them (But coro switching is still reasonably fast if the handlers are
345fast).
346
347These functions are best understood by an example: The following function
348will change the current timezone to "Antarctica/South_Pole", which
349requires a call to C<tzset>, but by using C<on_enter> and C<on_leave>,
350which remember/change the current timezone and restore the previous
351value, respectively, the timezone is only changes for the coro that
352installed those handlers.
353
354 use POSIX qw(tzset);
355
356 async {
357 my $old_tz; # store outside TZ value here
358
359 Coro::on_enter {
360 $old_tz = $ENV{TZ}; # remember the old value
361
362 $ENV{TZ} = "Antarctica/South_Pole";
363 tzset; # enable new value
326 }; 364 };
327 365
328 # call schedule until event occurred. 366 Coro::on_leave {
329 # in case we are woken up for other reasons 367 $ENV{TZ} = $old_tz;
330 # (current still defined), loop. 368 tzset; # restore old value
331 Coro::schedule while $current; 369 };
370
371 # at this place, the timezone is Antarctica/South_Pole,
372 # without disturbing the TZ of any other coro.
332 } 373 };
333 374
334=item cede 375This can be used to localise about any resource (locale, uid, current
335 376working directory etc.) to a block, despite the existance of other
336"Cede" to other coroutines. This function puts the current coroutine into 377coros.
337the ready queue and calls C<schedule>, which has the effect of giving
338up the current "timeslice" to other coroutines of the same or higher
339priority. Once your coroutine gets its turn again it will automatically be
340resumed.
341
342This function is often called C<yield> in other languages.
343
344=item Coro::cede_notself
345
346Works like cede, but is not exported by default and will cede to I<any>
347coroutine, regardless of priority. This is useful sometimes to ensure
348progress is made.
349
350=item terminate [arg...]
351
352Terminates the current coroutine with the given status values (see L<cancel>).
353 378
354=item killall 379=item killall
355 380
356Kills/terminates/cancels all coroutines except the currently running 381Kills/terminates/cancels all coros except the currently running one.
357one. This is useful after a fork, either in the child or the parent, as
358usually only one of them should inherit the running coroutines.
359 382
360Note that while this will try to free some of the main programs resources, 383Note that while this will try to free some of the main interpreter
384resources if the calling coro isn't the main coro, but one
361you cnanot free all of them, so if a coroutine that is not the main 385cannot free all of them, so if a coro that is not the main coro
362program calls this function, there will be some one-time resource leak. 386calls this function, there will be some one-time resource leak.
363 387
364=cut 388=cut
365
366sub terminate {
367 $current->cancel (@_);
368}
369 389
370sub killall { 390sub killall {
371 for (Coro::State::list) { 391 for (Coro::State::list) {
372 $_->cancel 392 $_->cancel
373 if $_ != $current && UNIVERSAL::isa $_, "Coro"; 393 if $_ != $current && UNIVERSAL::isa $_, "Coro";
374 } 394 }
375} 395}
376 396
377=back 397=back
378 398
379=head2 COROUTINE METHODS 399=head1 CORO OBJECT METHODS
380 400
381These are the methods you can call on coroutine objects (or to create 401These are the methods you can call on coro objects (or to create
382them). 402them).
383 403
384=over 4 404=over 4
385 405
386=item new Coro \&sub [, @args...] 406=item new Coro \&sub [, @args...]
387 407
388Create a new coroutine and return it. When the sub returns, the coroutine 408Create a new coro and return it. When the sub returns, the coro
389automatically terminates as if C<terminate> with the returned values were 409automatically terminates as if C<terminate> with the returned values were
390called. To make the coroutine run you must first put it into the ready 410called. To make the coro run you must first put it into the ready
391queue by calling the ready method. 411queue by calling the ready method.
392 412
393See C<async> and C<Coro::State::new> for additional info about the 413See C<async> and C<Coro::State::new> for additional info about the
394coroutine environment. 414coro environment.
395 415
396=cut 416=cut
397 417
398sub _run_coro { 418sub _coro_run {
399 terminate &{+shift}; 419 terminate &{+shift};
400} 420}
401 421
402sub new {
403 my $class = shift;
404
405 $class->SUPER::new (\&_run_coro, @_)
406}
407
408=item $success = $coroutine->ready 422=item $success = $coro->ready
409 423
410Put the given coroutine into the end of its ready queue (there is one 424Put the given coro into the end of its ready queue (there is one
411queue for each priority) and return true. If the coroutine is already in 425queue for each priority) and return true. If the coro is already in
412the ready queue, do nothing and return false. 426the ready queue, do nothing and return false.
413 427
414This ensures that the scheduler will resume this coroutine automatically 428This ensures that the scheduler will resume this coro automatically
415once all the coroutines of higher priority and all coroutines of the same 429once all the coro of higher priority and all coro of the same
416priority that were put into the ready queue earlier have been resumed. 430priority that were put into the ready queue earlier have been resumed.
417 431
418=item $is_ready = $coroutine->is_ready 432=item $is_ready = $coro->is_ready
419 433
420Return wether the coroutine is currently the ready queue or not, 434Returns true iff the Coro object is in the ready queue. Unless the Coro
435object gets destroyed, it will eventually be scheduled by the scheduler.
421 436
437=item $is_running = $coro->is_running
438
439Returns true iff the Coro object is currently running. Only one Coro object
440can ever be in the running state (but it currently is possible to have
441multiple running Coro::States).
442
443=item $is_suspended = $coro->is_suspended
444
445Returns true iff this Coro object has been suspended. Suspended Coros will
446not ever be scheduled.
447
422=item $coroutine->cancel (arg...) 448=item $coro->cancel (arg...)
423 449
424Terminates the given coroutine and makes it return the given arguments as 450Terminates the given Coro and makes it return the given arguments as
425status (default: the empty list). Never returns if the coroutine is the 451status (default: the empty list). Never returns if the Coro is the
426current coroutine. 452current Coro.
427 453
428=cut 454=cut
429 455
430sub cancel { 456sub cancel {
431 my $self = shift; 457 my $self = shift;
432 $self->{_status} = [@_];
433 458
434 if ($current == $self) { 459 if ($current == $self) {
435 push @destroy, $self; 460 terminate @_;
436 $manager->ready;
437 &schedule while 1;
438 } else { 461 } else {
439 $self->_cancel; 462 $self->{_status} = [@_];
463 Coro::State::cancel $self;
440 } 464 }
441} 465}
442 466
467=item $coro->schedule_to
468
469Puts the current coro to sleep (like C<Coro::schedule>), but instead
470of continuing with the next coro from the ready queue, always switch to
471the given coro object (regardless of priority etc.). The readyness
472state of that coro isn't changed.
473
474This is an advanced method for special cases - I'd love to hear about any
475uses for this one.
476
477=item $coro->cede_to
478
479Like C<schedule_to>, but puts the current coro into the ready
480queue. This has the effect of temporarily switching to the given
481coro, and continuing some time later.
482
483This is an advanced method for special cases - I'd love to hear about any
484uses for this one.
485
486=item $coro->throw ([$scalar])
487
488If C<$throw> is specified and defined, it will be thrown as an exception
489inside the coro at the next convenient point in time. Otherwise
490clears the exception object.
491
492Coro will check for the exception each time a schedule-like-function
493returns, i.e. after each C<schedule>, C<cede>, C<< Coro::Semaphore->down
494>>, C<< Coro::Handle->readable >> and so on. Most of these functions
495detect this case and return early in case an exception is pending.
496
497The exception object will be thrown "as is" with the specified scalar in
498C<$@>, i.e. if it is a string, no line number or newline will be appended
499(unlike with C<die>).
500
501This can be used as a softer means than C<cancel> to ask a coro to
502end itself, although there is no guarantee that the exception will lead to
503termination, and if the exception isn't caught it might well end the whole
504program.
505
506You might also think of C<throw> as being the moral equivalent of
507C<kill>ing a coro with a signal (in this case, a scalar).
508
443=item $coroutine->join 509=item $coro->join
444 510
445Wait until the coroutine terminates and return any values given to the 511Wait until the coro terminates and return any values given to the
446C<terminate> or C<cancel> functions. C<join> can be called concurrently 512C<terminate> or C<cancel> functions. C<join> can be called concurrently
447from multiple coroutines, and all will be resumed and given the status 513from multiple coro, and all will be resumed and given the status
448return once the C<$coroutine> terminates. 514return once the C<$coro> terminates.
449 515
450=cut 516=cut
451 517
452sub join { 518sub join {
453 my $self = shift; 519 my $self = shift;
464 } 530 }
465 531
466 wantarray ? @{$self->{_status}} : $self->{_status}[0]; 532 wantarray ? @{$self->{_status}} : $self->{_status}[0];
467} 533}
468 534
469=item $coroutine->on_destroy (\&cb) 535=item $coro->on_destroy (\&cb)
470 536
471Registers a callback that is called when this coroutine gets destroyed, 537Registers a callback that is called when this coro gets destroyed,
472but before it is joined. The callback gets passed the terminate arguments, 538but before it is joined. The callback gets passed the terminate arguments,
473if any, and I<must not> die, under any circumstances. 539if any, and I<must not> die, under any circumstances.
474 540
475=cut 541=cut
476 542
478 my ($self, $cb) = @_; 544 my ($self, $cb) = @_;
479 545
480 push @{ $self->{_on_destroy} }, $cb; 546 push @{ $self->{_on_destroy} }, $cb;
481} 547}
482 548
483=item $oldprio = $coroutine->prio ($newprio) 549=item $oldprio = $coro->prio ($newprio)
484 550
485Sets (or gets, if the argument is missing) the priority of the 551Sets (or gets, if the argument is missing) the priority of the
486coroutine. Higher priority coroutines get run before lower priority 552coro. Higher priority coro get run before lower priority
487coroutines. Priorities are small signed integers (currently -4 .. +3), 553coro. Priorities are small signed integers (currently -4 .. +3),
488that you can refer to using PRIO_xxx constants (use the import tag :prio 554that you can refer to using PRIO_xxx constants (use the import tag :prio
489to get then): 555to get then):
490 556
491 PRIO_MAX > PRIO_HIGH > PRIO_NORMAL > PRIO_LOW > PRIO_IDLE > PRIO_MIN 557 PRIO_MAX > PRIO_HIGH > PRIO_NORMAL > PRIO_LOW > PRIO_IDLE > PRIO_MIN
492 3 > 1 > 0 > -1 > -3 > -4 558 3 > 1 > 0 > -1 > -3 > -4
493 559
494 # set priority to HIGH 560 # set priority to HIGH
495 current->prio(PRIO_HIGH); 561 current->prio (PRIO_HIGH);
496 562
497The idle coroutine ($Coro::idle) always has a lower priority than any 563The idle coro ($Coro::idle) always has a lower priority than any
498existing coroutine. 564existing coro.
499 565
500Changing the priority of the current coroutine will take effect immediately, 566Changing the priority of the current coro will take effect immediately,
501but changing the priority of coroutines in the ready queue (but not 567but changing the priority of coro in the ready queue (but not
502running) will only take effect after the next schedule (of that 568running) will only take effect after the next schedule (of that
503coroutine). This is a bug that will be fixed in some future version. 569coro). This is a bug that will be fixed in some future version.
504 570
505=item $newprio = $coroutine->nice ($change) 571=item $newprio = $coro->nice ($change)
506 572
507Similar to C<prio>, but subtract the given value from the priority (i.e. 573Similar to C<prio>, but subtract the given value from the priority (i.e.
508higher values mean lower priority, just as in unix). 574higher values mean lower priority, just as in unix).
509 575
510=item $olddesc = $coroutine->desc ($newdesc) 576=item $olddesc = $coro->desc ($newdesc)
511 577
512Sets (or gets in case the argument is missing) the description for this 578Sets (or gets in case the argument is missing) the description for this
513coroutine. This is just a free-form string you can associate with a coroutine. 579coro. This is just a free-form string you can associate with a
580coro.
514 581
515This method simply sets the C<< $coroutine->{desc} >> member to the given string. You 582This method simply sets the C<< $coro->{desc} >> member to the given
516can modify this member directly if you wish. 583string. You can modify this member directly if you wish.
517
518=item $coroutine->throw ([$scalar])
519
520If C<$throw> is specified and defined, it will be thrown as an exception
521inside the coroutine at the next convinient point in time (usually after
522it gains control at the next schedule/transfer/cede). Otherwise clears the
523exception object.
524
525The exception object will be thrown "as is" with the specified scalar in
526C<$@>, i.e. if it is a string, no line number or newline will be appended
527(unlike with C<die>).
528
529This can be used as a softer means than C<cancel> to ask a coroutine to
530end itself, although there is no guarentee that the exception will lead to
531termination, and if the exception isn't caught it might well end the whole
532program.
533 584
534=cut 585=cut
535 586
536sub desc { 587sub desc {
537 my $old = $_[0]{desc}; 588 my $old = $_[0]{desc};
538 $_[0]{desc} = $_[1] if @_ > 1; 589 $_[0]{desc} = $_[1] if @_ > 1;
539 $old; 590 $old;
540} 591}
541 592
593sub transfer {
594 require Carp;
595 Carp::croak ("You must not call ->transfer on Coro objects. Use Coro::State objects or the ->schedule_to method. Caught");
596}
597
542=back 598=back
543 599
544=head2 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 600=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
545 601
546=over 4 602=over 4
547 603
548=item Coro::nready 604=item Coro::nready
549 605
550Returns the number of coroutines that are currently in the ready state, 606Returns the number of coro that are currently in the ready state,
551i.e. that can be switched to by calling C<schedule> directory or 607i.e. that can be switched to by calling C<schedule> directory or
552indirectly. The value C<0> means that the only runnable coroutine is the 608indirectly. The value C<0> means that the only runnable coro is the
553currently running one, so C<cede> would have no effect, and C<schedule> 609currently running one, so C<cede> would have no effect, and C<schedule>
554would cause a deadlock unless there is an idle handler that wakes up some 610would cause a deadlock unless there is an idle handler that wakes up some
555coroutines. 611coro.
556 612
557=item my $guard = Coro::guard { ... } 613=item my $guard = Coro::guard { ... }
558 614
559This creates and returns a guard object. Nothing happens until the object 615This function still exists, but is deprecated. Please use the
560gets destroyed, in which case the codeblock given as argument will be 616C<Guard::guard> function instead.
561executed. This is useful to free locks or other resources in case of a
562runtime error or when the coroutine gets canceled, as in both cases the
563guard block will be executed. The guard object supports only one method,
564C<< ->cancel >>, which will keep the codeblock from being executed.
565 617
566Example: set some flag and clear it again when the coroutine gets canceled
567or the function returns:
568
569 sub do_something {
570 my $guard = Coro::guard { $busy = 0 };
571 $busy = 1;
572
573 # do something that requires $busy to be true
574 }
575
576=cut 618=cut
577 619
578sub guard(&) { 620BEGIN { *guard = \&Guard::guard }
579 bless \(my $cb = $_[0]), "Coro::guard"
580}
581
582sub Coro::guard::cancel {
583 ${$_[0]} = sub { };
584}
585
586sub Coro::guard::DESTROY {
587 ${$_[0]}->();
588}
589
590 621
591=item unblock_sub { ... } 622=item unblock_sub { ... }
592 623
593This utility function takes a BLOCK or code reference and "unblocks" it, 624This utility function takes a BLOCK or code reference and "unblocks" it,
594returning a new coderef. Unblocking means that calling the new coderef 625returning a new coderef. Unblocking means that calling the new coderef
595will return immediately without blocking, returning nothing, while the 626will return immediately without blocking, returning nothing, while the
596original code ref will be called (with parameters) from within another 627original code ref will be called (with parameters) from within another
597coroutine. 628coro.
598 629
599The reason this function exists is that many event libraries (such as the 630The reason this function exists is that many event libraries (such as the
600venerable L<Event|Event> module) are not coroutine-safe (a weaker form 631venerable L<Event|Event> module) are not thread-safe (a weaker form
601of thread-safety). This means you must not block within event callbacks, 632of reentrancy). This means you must not block within event callbacks,
602otherwise you might suffer from crashes or worse. The only event library 633otherwise you might suffer from crashes or worse. The only event library
603currently known that is safe to use without C<unblock_sub> is L<EV>. 634currently known that is safe to use without C<unblock_sub> is L<EV>.
604 635
605This function allows your callbacks to block by executing them in another 636This function allows your callbacks to block by executing them in another
606coroutine where it is safe to block. One example where blocking is handy 637coro where it is safe to block. One example where blocking is handy
607is when you use the L<Coro::AIO|Coro::AIO> functions to save results to 638is when you use the L<Coro::AIO|Coro::AIO> functions to save results to
608disk, for example. 639disk, for example.
609 640
610In short: simply use C<unblock_sub { ... }> instead of C<sub { ... }> when 641In short: simply use C<unblock_sub { ... }> instead of C<sub { ... }> when
611creating event callbacks that want to block. 642creating event callbacks that want to block.
612 643
613If your handler does not plan to block (e.g. simply sends a message to 644If your handler does not plan to block (e.g. simply sends a message to
614another coroutine, or puts some other coroutine into the ready queue), 645another coro, or puts some other coro into the ready queue), there is
615there is no reason to use C<unblock_sub>. 646no reason to use C<unblock_sub>.
616 647
617Note that you also need to use C<unblock_sub> for any other callbacks that 648Note that you also need to use C<unblock_sub> for any other callbacks that
618are indirectly executed by any C-based event loop. For example, when you 649are indirectly executed by any C-based event loop. For example, when you
619use a module that uses L<AnyEvent> (and you use L<Coro::AnyEvent>) and it 650use a module that uses L<AnyEvent> (and you use L<Coro::AnyEvent>) and it
620provides callbacks that are the result of some event callback, then you 651provides callbacks that are the result of some event callback, then you
629# return immediately and can be reused) and because we cannot cede 660# return immediately and can be reused) and because we cannot cede
630# inside an event callback. 661# inside an event callback.
631our $unblock_scheduler = new Coro sub { 662our $unblock_scheduler = new Coro sub {
632 while () { 663 while () {
633 while (my $cb = pop @unblock_queue) { 664 while (my $cb = pop @unblock_queue) {
634 # this is an inlined copy of async_pool 665 &async_pool (@$cb);
635 my $coro = (pop @async_pool) || new Coro \&pool_handler;
636 666
637 $coro->{_invoke} = $cb;
638 $coro->ready;
639 cede; # for short-lived callbacks, this reduces pressure on the coro pool 667 # for short-lived callbacks, this reduces pressure on the coro pool
668 # as the chance is very high that the async_poll coro will be back
669 # in the idle state when cede returns
670 cede;
640 } 671 }
641 schedule; # sleep well 672 schedule; # sleep well
642 } 673 }
643}; 674};
644$unblock_scheduler->desc ("[unblock_sub scheduler]"); 675$unblock_scheduler->{desc} = "[unblock_sub scheduler]";
645 676
646sub unblock_sub(&) { 677sub unblock_sub(&) {
647 my $cb = shift; 678 my $cb = shift;
648 679
649 sub { 680 sub {
650 unshift @unblock_queue, [$cb, @_]; 681 unshift @unblock_queue, [$cb, @_];
651 $unblock_scheduler->ready; 682 $unblock_scheduler->ready;
652 } 683 }
653} 684}
654 685
686=item $cb = Coro::rouse_cb
687
688Create and return a "rouse callback". That's a code reference that,
689when called, will remember a copy of its arguments and notify the owner
690coro of the callback.
691
692See the next function.
693
694=item @args = Coro::rouse_wait [$cb]
695
696Wait for the specified rouse callback (or the last one that was created in
697this coro).
698
699As soon as the callback is invoked (or when the callback was invoked
700before C<rouse_wait>), it will return the arguments originally passed to
701the rouse callback.
702
703See the section B<HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK> for an actual usage example.
704
655=back 705=back
656 706
657=cut 707=cut
658 708
6591; 7091;
660 710
711=head1 HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK
712
713It is very common for a coro to wait for some callback to be
714called. This occurs naturally when you use coro in an otherwise
715event-based program, or when you use event-based libraries.
716
717These typically register a callback for some event, and call that callback
718when the event occured. In a coro, however, you typically want to
719just wait for the event, simplyifying things.
720
721For example C<< AnyEvent->child >> registers a callback to be called when
722a specific child has exited:
723
724 my $child_watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub { ... });
725
726But from within a coro, you often just want to write this:
727
728 my $status = wait_for_child $pid;
729
730Coro offers two functions specifically designed to make this easy,
731C<Coro::rouse_cb> and C<Coro::rouse_wait>.
732
733The first function, C<rouse_cb>, generates and returns a callback that,
734when invoked, will save its arguments and notify the coro that
735created the callback.
736
737The second function, C<rouse_wait>, waits for the callback to be called
738(by calling C<schedule> to go to sleep) and returns the arguments
739originally passed to the callback.
740
741Using these functions, it becomes easy to write the C<wait_for_child>
742function mentioned above:
743
744 sub wait_for_child($) {
745 my ($pid) = @_;
746
747 my $watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => Coro::rouse_cb);
748
749 my ($rpid, $rstatus) = Coro::rouse_wait;
750 $rstatus
751 }
752
753In the case where C<rouse_cb> and C<rouse_wait> are not flexible enough,
754you can roll your own, using C<schedule>:
755
756 sub wait_for_child($) {
757 my ($pid) = @_;
758
759 # store the current coro in $current,
760 # and provide result variables for the closure passed to ->child
761 my $current = $Coro::current;
762 my ($done, $rstatus);
763
764 # pass a closure to ->child
765 my $watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub {
766 $rstatus = $_[1]; # remember rstatus
767 $done = 1; # mark $rstatus as valud
768 });
769
770 # wait until the closure has been called
771 schedule while !$done;
772
773 $rstatus
774 }
775
776
661=head1 BUGS/LIMITATIONS 777=head1 BUGS/LIMITATIONS
662 778
779=over 4
780
781=item fork with pthread backend
782
783When Coro is compiled using the pthread backend (which isn't recommended
784but required on many BSDs as their libcs are completely broken), then
785coro will not survive a fork. There is no known workaround except to
786fix your libc and use a saner backend.
787
788=item perl process emulation ("threads")
789
663This module is not perl-pseudo-thread-safe. You should only ever use this 790This module is not perl-pseudo-thread-safe. You should only ever use this
664module from the same thread (this requirement might be removed in the 791module from the first thread (this requirement might be removed in the
665future to allow per-thread schedulers, but Coro::State does not yet allow 792future to allow per-thread schedulers, but Coro::State does not yet allow
666this). I recommend disabling thread support and using processes, as this 793this). I recommend disabling thread support and using processes, as having
667is much faster and uses less memory. 794the windows process emulation enabled under unix roughly halves perl
795performance, even when not used.
796
797=item coro switching is not signal safe
798
799You must not switch to another coro from within a signal handler
800(only relevant with %SIG - most event libraries provide safe signals).
801
802That means you I<MUST NOT> call any function that might "block" the
803current coro - C<cede>, C<schedule> C<< Coro::Semaphore->down >> or
804anything that calls those. Everything else, including calling C<ready>,
805works.
806
807=back
808
668 809
669=head1 SEE ALSO 810=head1 SEE ALSO
670 811
671Event-Loop integration: L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>. 812Event-Loop integration: L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>.
672 813
673Debugging: L<Coro::Debug>. 814Debugging: L<Coro::Debug>.
674 815
675Support/Utility: L<Coro::Specific>, L<Coro::Util>. 816Support/Utility: L<Coro::Specific>, L<Coro::Util>.
676 817
677Locking/IPC: L<Coro::Signal>, L<Coro::Channel>, L<Coro::Semaphore>, L<Coro::SemaphoreSet>, L<Coro::RWLock>. 818Locking and IPC: L<Coro::Signal>, L<Coro::Channel>, L<Coro::Semaphore>,
819L<Coro::SemaphoreSet>, L<Coro::RWLock>.
678 820
679IO/Timers: L<Coro::Timer>, L<Coro::Handle>, L<Coro::Socket>, L<Coro::AIO>. 821I/O and Timers: L<Coro::Timer>, L<Coro::Handle>, L<Coro::Socket>, L<Coro::AIO>.
680 822
681Compatibility: L<Coro::LWP>, L<Coro::BDB>, L<Coro::Storable>, L<Coro::Select>. 823Compatibility with other modules: L<Coro::LWP> (but see also L<AnyEvent::HTTP> for
824a better-working alternative), L<Coro::BDB>, L<Coro::Storable>,
825L<Coro::Select>.
682 826
683XS API: L<Coro::MakeMaker>. 827XS API: L<Coro::MakeMaker>.
684 828
685Low level Configuration, Coroutine Environment: L<Coro::State>. 829Low level Configuration, Thread Environment, Continuations: L<Coro::State>.
686 830
687=head1 AUTHOR 831=head1 AUTHOR
688 832
689 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 833 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
690 http://home.schmorp.de/ 834 http://home.schmorp.de/

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