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Revision 1.150 by root, Sat Oct 6 01:11:01 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";
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 = '4.02'; 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$idle = sub {
144 require Carp; 136 require Carp;
145 Carp::croak ("FATAL: deadlock detected"); 137 Carp::croak ("FATAL: deadlock detected");
146}; 138};
147 139
148sub _cancel {
149 my ($self) = @_;
150
151 # free coroutine data and mark as destructed
152 $self->_destroy
153 or return;
154
155 # call all destruction callbacks
156 $_->(@{$self->{_status}})
157 for @{(delete $self->{_on_destroy}) || []};
158}
159
160# this coroutine is necessary because a coroutine 140# this coroutine is necessary because a coroutine
161# cannot destroy itself. 141# cannot destroy itself.
162my @destroy; 142our @destroy;
163my $manager; 143our $manager;
164 144
165$manager = new Coro sub { 145$manager = new Coro sub {
166 while () { 146 while () {
167 (shift @destroy)->_cancel 147 Coro::_cancel shift @destroy
168 while @destroy; 148 while @destroy;
169 149
170 &schedule; 150 &schedule;
171 } 151 }
172}; 152};
173$manager->desc ("[coro manager]"); 153$manager->{desc} = "[coro manager]";
174$manager->prio (PRIO_MAX); 154$manager->prio (PRIO_MAX);
175 155
176# static methods. not really.
177
178=back 156=back
179 157
180=head2 STATIC METHODS 158=head2 SIMPLE COROUTINE CREATION
181
182Static methods are actually functions that operate on the current coroutine only.
183 159
184=over 4 160=over 4
185 161
186=item async { ... } [@args...] 162=item async { ... } [@args...]
187 163
188Create a new asynchronous coroutine and return it's coroutine object 164Create a new coroutine and return it's coroutine object (usually
189(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
190terminated. 170terminated.
191 171
172The remaining arguments are passed as arguments to the closure.
173
192See the C<Coro::State::new> constructor for info about the coroutine 174See the C<Coro::State::new> constructor for info about the coroutine
193environment. 175environment in which coroutines are executed.
194 176
195Calling 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
196the coroutine. Likewise, when the coroutine dies, the program will exit, 178the coroutine. Likewise, when the coroutine dies, the program will exit,
197just as it would in the main program. 179just as it would in the main program.
198 180
181If you do not want that, you can provide a default C<die> handler, or
182simply avoid dieing (by use of C<eval>).
183
199 # create a new coroutine that just prints its arguments 184Example: Create a new coroutine that just prints its arguments.
185
200 async { 186 async {
201 print "@_\n"; 187 print "@_\n";
202 } 1,2,3,4; 188 } 1,2,3,4;
203 189
204=cut 190=cut
210} 196}
211 197
212=item async_pool { ... } [@args...] 198=item async_pool { ... } [@args...]
213 199
214Similar 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
215terminate 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
216that 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 :).
217 204
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
218Also, 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
219issued in case of an exception instead of terminating the program, as 210issued 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> 211C<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, 212will not work in the expected way, unless you call terminate or cancel,
222which somehow defeats the purpose of pooling. 213which somehow defeats the purpose of pooling (but is fine in the
214exceptional case).
223 215
224The 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
225disabled, the description will be reset and the default output filehandle 217disabled, the description will be reset and the default output filehandle
226gets restored, so you can change alkl these. Otherwise the coroutine will 218gets 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 219be 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 220stuff such as C<$/> you I<must needs> revert that change, which is most
229done by using local as in C< local $/ >. 221simply done by using local as in: C<< local $/ >>.
230 222
231The 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
232changing $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
233required. 225coros as required.
234 226
235If you are concerned about pooled coroutines growing a lot because a 227If 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 228single 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 229{ 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 230addition to that, when the stacks used by a handler grows larger than 32kb
239(adjustable with $Coro::POOL_RSS) it will also exit. 231(adjustable via $Coro::POOL_RSS) it will also be destroyed.
240 232
241=cut 233=cut
242 234
243our $POOL_SIZE = 8; 235our $POOL_SIZE = 8;
244our $POOL_RSS = 16 * 1024; 236our $POOL_RSS = 32 * 1024;
245our @async_pool; 237our @async_pool;
246 238
247sub pool_handler { 239sub pool_handler {
248 my $cb;
249
250 while () { 240 while () {
251 eval { 241 eval {
252 while () { 242 &{&_pool_handler} while 1;
253 _pool_1 $cb;
254 &$cb;
255 _pool_2 $cb;
256 &schedule;
257 }
258 }; 243 };
259 244
260 last if $@ eq "\3terminate\2\n";
261 warn $@ if $@; 245 warn $@ if $@;
262 } 246 }
263} 247}
264 248
265sub async_pool(&@) { 249=back
266 # this is also inlined into the unlock_scheduler
267 my $coro = (pop @async_pool) || new Coro \&pool_handler;
268 250
269 $coro->{_invoke} = [@_]; 251=head2 STATIC METHODS
270 $coro->ready;
271 252
272 $coro 253Static methods are actually functions that operate on the current coroutine.
273} 254
255=over 4
274 256
275=item schedule 257=item schedule
276 258
277Calls the scheduler. Please note that the current coroutine will not be put 259Calls the scheduler. The scheduler will find the next coroutine that is
260to be run from the ready queue and switches to it. The next coroutine
261to be run is simply the one with the highest priority that is longest
262in its ready queue. If there is no coroutine ready, it will clal the
263C<$Coro::idle> hook.
264
265Please note that the current coroutine will I<not> be put into the ready
278into the ready queue, so calling this function usually means you will 266queue, so calling this function usually means you will never be called
279never be called again unless something else (e.g. an event handler) calls 267again unless something else (e.g. an event handler) calls C<< ->ready >>,
280ready. 268thus waking you up.
281 269
282The 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.
283 277
284 { 278See 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 }
300 279
301=item cede 280=item cede
302 281
303"Cede" to other coroutines. This function puts the current coroutine into the 282"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 283the ready queue and calls C<schedule>, which has the effect of giving
305current "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.
306 287
307Returns true if at least one coroutine switch has happened. 288This function is often called C<yield> in other languages.
308 289
309=item Coro::cede_notself 290=item Coro::cede_notself
310 291
311Works 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>
312coroutine, regardless of priority, once. 293coroutine, regardless of priority. This is useful sometimes to ensure
313 294progress is made.
314Returns true if at least one coroutine switch has happened.
315 295
316=item terminate [arg...] 296=item terminate [arg...]
317 297
318Terminates the current coroutine with the given status values (see L<cancel>). 298Terminates the current coroutine with the given status values (see L<cancel>).
319 299
321 301
322Kills/terminates/cancels all coroutines except the currently running 302Kills/terminates/cancels all coroutines except the currently running
323one. 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
324usually only one of them should inherit the running coroutines. 304usually only one of them should inherit the running coroutines.
325 305
326=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.
327 309
328sub terminate { 310=cut
329 $current->cancel (@_);
330}
331 311
332sub killall { 312sub killall {
333 for (Coro::State::list) { 313 for (Coro::State::list) {
334 $_->cancel 314 $_->cancel
335 if $_ != $current && UNIVERSAL::isa $_, "Coro"; 315 if $_ != $current && UNIVERSAL::isa $_, "Coro";
336 } 316 }
337} 317}
338 318
339=back 319=back
340 320
341# dynamic methods
342
343=head2 COROUTINE METHODS 321=head2 COROUTINE METHODS
344 322
345These are the methods you can call on coroutine objects. 323These are the methods you can call on coroutine objects (or to create
324them).
346 325
347=over 4 326=over 4
348 327
349=item new Coro \&sub [, @args...] 328=item new Coro \&sub [, @args...]
350 329
351Create 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
352automatically terminates as if C<terminate> with the returned values were 331automatically 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 332called. To make the coroutine run you must first put it into the ready
354by calling the ready method. 333queue by calling the ready method.
355 334
356See 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
357coroutine environment. 336coroutine environment.
358 337
359=cut 338=cut
360 339
361sub _run_coro { 340sub _terminate {
362 terminate &{+shift}; 341 terminate &{+shift};
363} 342}
364 343
365sub new {
366 my $class = shift;
367
368 $class->SUPER::new (\&_run_coro, @_)
369}
370
371=item $success = $coroutine->ready 344=item $success = $coroutine->ready
372 345
373Put 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
374and 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
375and 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.
376 353
377=item $is_ready = $coroutine->is_ready 354=item $is_ready = $coroutine->is_ready
378 355
379Return wether the coroutine is currently the ready queue or not, 356Return whether the coroutine is currently the ready queue or not,
380 357
381=item $coroutine->cancel (arg...) 358=item $coroutine->cancel (arg...)
382 359
383Terminates the given coroutine and makes it return the given arguments as 360Terminates the given coroutine and makes it return the given arguments as
384status (default: the empty list). Never returns if the coroutine is the 361status (default: the empty list). Never returns if the coroutine is the
386 363
387=cut 364=cut
388 365
389sub cancel { 366sub cancel {
390 my $self = shift; 367 my $self = shift;
391 $self->{_status} = [@_];
392 368
393 if ($current == $self) { 369 if ($current == $self) {
394 push @destroy, $self; 370 terminate @_;
395 $manager->ready;
396 &schedule while 1;
397 } else { 371 } else {
372 $self->{_status} = [@_];
398 $self->_cancel; 373 $self->_cancel;
399 } 374 }
400} 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).
401 418
402=item $coroutine->join 419=item $coroutine->join
403 420
404Wait until the coroutine terminates and return any values given to the 421Wait until the coroutine terminates and return any values given to the
405C<terminate> or C<cancel> functions. C<join> can be called concurrently 422C<terminate> or C<cancel> functions. C<join> can be called concurrently
406from multiple coroutines. 423from multiple coroutines, and all will be resumed and given the status
424return once the C<$coroutine> terminates.
407 425
408=cut 426=cut
409 427
410sub join { 428sub join {
411 my $self = shift; 429 my $self = shift;
426 444
427=item $coroutine->on_destroy (\&cb) 445=item $coroutine->on_destroy (\&cb)
428 446
429Registers a callback that is called when this coroutine gets destroyed, 447Registers a callback that is called when this coroutine gets destroyed,
430but before it is joined. The callback gets passed the terminate arguments, 448but before it is joined. The callback gets passed the terminate arguments,
431if any. 449if any, and I<must not> die, under any circumstances.
432 450
433=cut 451=cut
434 452
435sub on_destroy { 453sub on_destroy {
436 my ($self, $cb) = @_; 454 my ($self, $cb) = @_;
466higher values mean lower priority, just as in unix). 484higher values mean lower priority, just as in unix).
467 485
468=item $olddesc = $coroutine->desc ($newdesc) 486=item $olddesc = $coroutine->desc ($newdesc)
469 487
470Sets (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
471coroutine. 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.
472 491
473This 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
474can modify this member directly if you wish. 493string. You can modify this member directly if you wish.
475
476=item $coroutine->throw ([$scalar])
477
478If C<$throw> is specified and defined, it will be thrown as an exception
479inside the coroutine at the next convinient point in time (usually after
480it gains control at the next schedule/transfer/cede). Otherwise clears the
481exception object.
482
483The exception object will be thrown "as is" with the specified scalar in
484C<$@>, i.e. if it is a string, no line number or newline will be appended
485(unlike with C<die>).
486
487This can be used as a softer means than C<cancel> to ask a coroutine to
488end itself, although there is no guarentee that the exception will lead to
489termination, and if the exception isn't caught it might well end the whole
490program.
491 494
492=cut 495=cut
493 496
494sub desc { 497sub desc {
495 my $old = $_[0]{desc}; 498 my $old = $_[0]{desc};
496 $_[0]{desc} = $_[1] if @_ > 1; 499 $_[0]{desc} = $_[1] if @_ > 1;
497 $old; 500 $old;
498} 501}
499 502
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
500=back 508=back
501 509
502=head2 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 510=head2 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
503 511
504=over 4 512=over 4
505 513
506=item Coro::nready 514=item Coro::nready
507 515
508Returns the number of coroutines that are currently in the ready state, 516Returns the number of coroutines that are currently in the ready state,
509i.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
510coroutine 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>
511and 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
512that wakes up some coroutines. 521coroutines.
513 522
514=item my $guard = Coro::guard { ... } 523=item my $guard = Coro::guard { ... }
515 524
516This creates and returns a guard object. Nothing happens until the object 525This creates and returns a guard object. Nothing happens until the object
517gets destroyed, in which case the codeblock given as argument will be 526gets destroyed, in which case the codeblock given as argument will be
546 555
547 556
548=item unblock_sub { ... } 557=item unblock_sub { ... }
549 558
550This utility function takes a BLOCK or code reference and "unblocks" it, 559This utility function takes a BLOCK or code reference and "unblocks" it,
551returning the new coderef. This means that the new coderef will return 560returning a new coderef. Unblocking means that calling the new coderef
552immediately without blocking, returning nothing, while the original code 561will return immediately without blocking, returning nothing, while the
553ref will be called (with parameters) from within its own coroutine. 562original code ref will be called (with parameters) from within another
563coroutine.
554 564
555The 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
556venerable L<Event|Event> module) are not coroutine-safe (a weaker form 566venerable L<Event|Event> module) are not coroutine-safe (a weaker form
557of thread-safety). This means you must not block within event callbacks, 567of thread-safety). This means you must not block within event callbacks,
558otherwise 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>.
559 570
560This function allows your callbacks to block by executing them in another 571This function allows your callbacks to block by executing them in another
561coroutine 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
562is 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
563disk. 574disk, for example.
564 575
565In short: simply use C<unblock_sub { ... }> instead of C<sub { ... }> when 576In short: simply use C<unblock_sub { ... }> instead of C<sub { ... }> when
566creating 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>.
567 588
568=cut 589=cut
569 590
570our @unblock_queue; 591our @unblock_queue;
571 592
574# return immediately and can be reused) and because we cannot cede 595# return immediately and can be reused) and because we cannot cede
575# inside an event callback. 596# inside an event callback.
576our $unblock_scheduler = new Coro sub { 597our $unblock_scheduler = new Coro sub {
577 while () { 598 while () {
578 while (my $cb = pop @unblock_queue) { 599 while (my $cb = pop @unblock_queue) {
579 # this is an inlined copy of async_pool 600 &async_pool (@$cb);
580 my $coro = (pop @async_pool) || new Coro \&pool_handler;
581 601
582 $coro->{_invoke} = $cb;
583 $coro->ready;
584 cede; # for short-lived callbacks, this reduces pressure on the coro pool 602 # for short-lived callbacks, this reduces pressure on the coro pool
603 # as the chance is very high that the async_poll coro will be back
604 # in the idle state when cede returns
605 cede;
585 } 606 }
586 schedule; # sleep well 607 schedule; # sleep well
587 } 608 }
588}; 609};
589$unblock_scheduler->desc ("[unblock_sub scheduler]"); 610$unblock_scheduler->{desc} = "[unblock_sub scheduler]";
590 611
591sub unblock_sub(&) { 612sub unblock_sub(&) {
592 my $cb = shift; 613 my $cb = shift;
593 614
594 sub { 615 sub {
595 unshift @unblock_queue, [$cb, @_]; 616 unshift @unblock_queue, [$cb, @_];
596 $unblock_scheduler->ready; 617 $unblock_scheduler->ready;
597 } 618 }
598} 619}
599 620
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
600=back 640=back
601 641
602=cut 642=cut
603 643
6041; 6441;
605 645
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
606=head1 BUGS/LIMITATIONS 712=head1 BUGS/LIMITATIONS
607 713
608 - you must make very sure that no coro is still active on global 714=over 4
609 destruction. very bad things might happen otherwise (usually segfaults).
610 715
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
611 - 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
612 from the same thread (this requirement might be loosened in the future 726module from the same thread (this requirement might be removed in the
613 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
614 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
615 744
616=head1 SEE ALSO 745=head1 SEE ALSO
617 746
747Event-Loop integration: L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>.
748
749Debugging: L<Coro::Debug>.
750
618Support/Utility: L<Coro::Specific>, L<Coro::State>, L<Coro::Util>. 751Support/Utility: L<Coro::Specific>, L<Coro::Util>.
619 752
620Locking/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>.
621 754
622Event/IO: L<Coro::Timer>, L<Coro::Event>, L<Coro::Handle>, L<Coro::Socket>, L<Coro::Select>. 755IO/Timers: L<Coro::Timer>, L<Coro::Handle>, L<Coro::Socket>, L<Coro::AIO>.
623 756
624Embedding: L<Coro:MakeMaker> 757Compatibility: L<Coro::LWP>, L<Coro::BDB>, L<Coro::Storable>, L<Coro::Select>.
758
759XS API: L<Coro::MakeMaker>.
760
761Low level Configuration, Coroutine Environment: L<Coro::State>.
625 762
626=head1 AUTHOR 763=head1 AUTHOR
627 764
628 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 765 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
629 http://home.schmorp.de/ 766 http://home.schmorp.de/

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