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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;
22 my $lock = new Coro::Semaphore; 21 my $lock = new Coro::Semaphore;
23 my $locked; 22 my $locked;
24 23
25 $lock->down; 24 $lock->down;
26 $locked = 1; 25 $locked = 1;
29=head1 DESCRIPTION 28=head1 DESCRIPTION
30 29
31For a tutorial-style introduction, please read the L<Coro::Intro> 30For a tutorial-style introduction, please read the L<Coro::Intro>
32manpage. This manpage mainly contains reference information. 31manpage. This manpage mainly contains reference information.
33 32
34This module collection manages continuations in general, most often 33This module collection manages continuations in general, most often in
35in the form of cooperative threads (also called coroutines in the 34the form of cooperative threads (also called coros, or simply "coro"
36documentation). They are similar to kernel threads but don't (in general) 35in the documentation). They are similar to kernel threads but don't (in
37run in parallel at the same time even on SMP machines. The specific flavor 36general) run in parallel at the same time even on SMP machines. The
38of thread offered by this module also guarantees you that it will not 37specific flavor of thread offered by this module also guarantees you that
39switch between threads unless necessary, at easily-identified points in 38it will not switch between threads unless necessary, at easily-identified
40your program, so locking and parallel access are rarely an issue, making 39points in your program, so locking and parallel access are rarely an
41thread programming much safer and easier than using other thread models. 40issue, making thread programming much safer and easier than using other
41thread models.
42 42
43Unlike the so-called "Perl threads" (which are not actually real threads 43Unlike the so-called "Perl threads" (which are not actually real threads
44but only the windows process emulation ported to unix), Coro provides a 44but only the windows process emulation (see section of same name for
45more details) ported to UNIX, and as such act as processes), Coro
45full shared address space, which makes communication between threads 46provides a full shared address space, which makes communication between
46very easy. And threads are fast, too: disabling the Windows process 47threads very easy. And coro threads are fast, too: disabling the Windows
47emulation code in your perl and using Coro can easily result in a two to 48process emulation code in your perl and using Coro can easily result in
48four times speed increase for your programs. 49a two to four times speed increase for your programs. A parallel matrix
50multiplication benchmark (very communication-intensive) runs over 300
51times faster on a single core than perls pseudo-threads on a quad core
52using all four cores.
49 53
50Coro achieves that by supporting multiple running interpreters that share 54Coro achieves that by supporting multiple running interpreters that share
51data, which is especially useful to code pseudo-parallel processes and 55data, which is especially useful to code pseudo-parallel processes and
52for event-based programming, such as multiple HTTP-GET requests running 56for event-based programming, such as multiple HTTP-GET requests running
53concurrently. See L<Coro::AnyEvent> to learn more on how to integrate Coro 57concurrently. See L<Coro::AnyEvent> to learn more on how to integrate Coro
54into an event-based environment. 58into an event-based environment.
55 59
56In this module, a thread is defined as "callchain + lexical variables + 60In this module, a thread is defined as "callchain + lexical variables +
57@_ + $_ + $@ + $/ + C stack), that is, a thread has its own callchain, 61some package variables + C stack), that is, a thread has its own callchain,
58its 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
59variables (see L<Coro::State> for more configuration and background info). 63variables (see L<Coro::State> for more configuration and background info).
60 64
61See also the C<SEE ALSO> section at the end of this document - the Coro 65See also the C<SEE ALSO> section at the end of this document - the Coro
62module family is quite large. 66module family is quite large.
63 67
68=head1 CORO THREAD LIFE CYCLE
69
70During the long and exciting (or not) life of a coro thread, it goes
71through a number of states:
72
73=over 4
74
75=item 1. Creation
76
77The first thing in the life of a coro thread is its creation -
78obviously. The typical way to create a thread is to call the C<async
79BLOCK> function:
80
81 async {
82 # thread code goes here
83 };
84
85You can also pass arguments, which are put in C<@_>:
86
87 async {
88 print $_[1]; # prints 2
89 } 1, 2, 3;
90
91This creates a new coro thread and puts it into the ready queue, meaning
92it will run as soon as the CPU is free for it.
93
94C<async> will return a Coro object - you can store this for future
95reference or ignore it - a thread that is running, ready to run or waiting
96for some event is alive on its own.
97
98Another way to create a thread is to call the C<new> constructor with a
99code-reference:
100
101 new Coro sub {
102 # thread code goes here
103 }, @optional_arguments;
104
105This is quite similar to calling C<async>, but the important difference is
106that the new thread is not put into the ready queue, so the thread will
107not run until somebody puts it there. C<async> is, therefore, identical to
108this sequence:
109
110 my $coro = new Coro sub {
111 # thread code goes here
112 };
113 $coro->ready;
114 return $coro;
115
116=item 2. Startup
117
118When a new coro thread is created, only a copy of the code reference
119and the arguments are stored, no extra memory for stacks and so on is
120allocated, keeping the coro thread in a low-memory state.
121
122Only when it actually starts executing will all the resources be finally
123allocated.
124
125The optional arguments specified at coro creation are available in C<@_>,
126similar to function calls.
127
128=item 3. Running / Blocking
129
130A lot can happen after the coro thread has started running. Quite usually,
131it will not run to the end in one go (because you could use a function
132instead), but it will give up the CPU regularly because it waits for
133external events.
134
135As long as a coro thread runs, its Coro object is available in the global
136variable C<$Coro::current>.
137
138The low-level way to give up the CPU is to call the scheduler, which
139selects a new coro thread to run:
140
141 Coro::schedule;
142
143Since running threads are not in the ready queue, calling the scheduler
144without doing anything else will block the coro thread forever - you need
145to arrange either for the coro to put woken up (readied) by some other
146event or some other thread, or you can put it into the ready queue before
147scheduling:
148
149 # this is exactly what Coro::cede does
150 $Coro::current->ready;
151 Coro::schedule;
152
153All the higher-level synchronisation methods (Coro::Semaphore,
154Coro::rouse_*...) are actually implemented via C<< ->ready >> and C<<
155Coro::schedule >>.
156
157While the coro thread is running it also might get assigned a C-level
158thread, or the C-level thread might be unassigned from it, as the Coro
159runtime wishes. A C-level thread needs to be assigned when your perl
160thread calls into some C-level function and that function in turn calls
161perl and perl then wants to switch coroutines. This happens most often
162when you run an event loop and block in the callback, or when perl
163itself calls some function such as C<AUTOLOAD> or methods via the C<tie>
164mechanism.
165
166=item 4. Termination
167
168Many threads actually terminate after some time. There are a number of
169ways to terminate a coro thread, the simplest is returning from the
170top-level code reference:
171
172 async {
173 # after returning from here, the coro thread is terminated
174 };
175
176 async {
177 return if 0.5 < rand; # terminate a little earlier, maybe
178 print "got a chance to print this\n";
179 # or here
180 };
181
182Any values returned from the coroutine can be recovered using C<< ->join
183>>:
184
185 my $coro = async {
186 "hello, world\n" # return a string
187 };
188
189 my $hello_world = $coro->join;
190
191 print $hello_world;
192
193Another way to terminate is to call C<< Coro::terminate >>, which at any
194subroutine call nesting level:
195
196 async {
197 Coro::terminate "return value 1", "return value 2";
198 };
199
200Yet another way is to C<< ->cancel >> (or C<< ->safe_cancel >>) the coro
201thread from another thread:
202
203 my $coro = async {
204 exit 1;
205 };
206
207 $coro->cancel; # also accepts values for ->join to retrieve
208
209Cancellation I<can> be dangerous - it's a bit like calling C<exit> without
210actually exiting, and might leave C libraries and XS modules in a weird
211state. Unlike other thread implementations, however, Coro is exceptionally
212safe with regards to cancellation, as perl will always be in a consistent
213state, and for those cases where you want to do truly marvellous things
214with your coro while it is being cancelled - that is, make sure all
215cleanup code is executed from the thread being cancelled - there is even a
216C<< ->safe_cancel >> method.
217
218So, cancelling a thread that runs in an XS event loop might not be the
219best idea, but any other combination that deals with perl only (cancelling
220when a thread is in a C<tie> method or an C<AUTOLOAD> for example) is
221safe.
222
223Last not least, a coro thread object that isn't referenced is C<<
224->cancel >>'ed automatically - just like other objects in Perl. This
225is not such a common case, however - a running thread is referencedy by
226C<$Coro::current>, a thread ready to run is referenced by the ready queue,
227a thread waiting on a lock or semaphore is referenced by being in some
228wait list and so on. But a thread that isn't in any of those queues gets
229cancelled:
230
231 async {
232 schedule; # cede to other coros, don't go into the ready queue
233 };
234
235 cede;
236 # now the async above is destroyed, as it is not referenced by anything.
237
238A slightly embellished example might make it clearer:
239
240 async {
241 my $guard = Guard::guard { print "destroyed\n" };
242 schedule while 1;
243 };
244
245 cede;
246
247Superficially one might not expect any output - since the C<async>
248implements an endless loop, the C<$guard> will not be cleaned up. However,
249since the thread object returned by C<async> is not stored anywhere, the
250thread is initially referenced because it is in the ready queue, when it
251runs it is referenced by C<$Coro::current>, but when it calls C<schedule>,
252it gets C<cancel>ed causing the guard object to be destroyed (see the next
253section), and printing its message.
254
255If this seems a bit drastic, remember that this only happens when nothing
256references the thread anymore, which means there is no way to further
257execute it, ever. The only options at this point are leaking the thread,
258or cleaning it up, which brings us to...
259
260=item 5. Cleanup
261
262Threads will allocate various resources. Most but not all will be returned
263when a thread terminates, during clean-up.
264
265Cleanup is quite similar to throwing an uncaught exception: perl will
266work its way up through all subroutine calls and blocks. On its way, it
267will release all C<my> variables, undo all C<local>'s and free any other
268resources truly local to the thread.
269
270So, a common way to free resources is to keep them referenced only by my
271variables:
272
273 async {
274 my $big_cache = new Cache ...;
275 };
276
277If there are no other references, then the C<$big_cache> object will be
278freed when the thread terminates, regardless of how it does so.
279
280What it does C<NOT> do is unlock any Coro::Semaphores or similar
281resources, but that's where the C<guard> methods come in handy:
282
283 my $sem = new Coro::Semaphore;
284
285 async {
286 my $lock_guard = $sem->guard;
287 # if we return, or die or get cancelled, here,
288 # then the semaphore will be "up"ed.
289 };
290
291The C<Guard::guard> function comes in handy for any custom cleanup you
292might want to do (but you cannot switch to other coroutines from those
293code blocks):
294
295 async {
296 my $window = new Gtk2::Window "toplevel";
297 # The window will not be cleaned up automatically, even when $window
298 # gets freed, so use a guard to ensure its destruction
299 # in case of an error:
300 my $window_guard = Guard::guard { $window->destroy };
301
302 # we are safe here
303 };
304
305Last not least, C<local> can often be handy, too, e.g. when temporarily
306replacing the coro thread description:
307
308 sub myfunction {
309 local $Coro::current->{desc} = "inside myfunction(@_)";
310
311 # if we return or die here, the description will be restored
312 }
313
314=item 6. Viva La Zombie Muerte
315
316Even after a thread has terminated and cleaned up its resources, the Coro
317object still is there and stores the return values of the thread.
318
319When there are no other references, it will simply be cleaned up and
320freed.
321
322If there areany references, the Coro object will stay around, and you
323can call C<< ->join >> as many times as you wish to retrieve the result
324values:
325
326 async {
327 print "hi\n";
328 1
329 };
330
331 # run the async above, and free everything before returning
332 # from Coro::cede:
333 Coro::cede;
334
335 {
336 my $coro = async {
337 print "hi\n";
338 1
339 };
340
341 # run the async above, and clean up, but do not free the coro
342 # object:
343 Coro::cede;
344
345 # optionally retrieve the result values
346 my @results = $coro->join;
347
348 # now $coro goes out of scope, and presumably gets freed
349 };
350
351=back
352
64=cut 353=cut
65 354
66package Coro; 355package Coro;
67 356
68use strict qw(vars subs); 357use common::sense;
69no warnings "uninitialized"; 358
359use Carp ();
70 360
71use Guard (); 361use Guard ();
72 362
73use Coro::State; 363use Coro::State;
74 364
75use base qw(Coro::State Exporter); 365use base qw(Coro::State Exporter);
76 366
77our $idle; # idle handler 367our $idle; # idle handler
78our $main; # main coroutine 368our $main; # main coro
79our $current; # current coroutine 369our $current; # current coro
80 370
81our $VERSION = 5.13; 371our $VERSION = 6.57;
82 372
83our @EXPORT = qw(async async_pool cede schedule terminate current unblock_sub); 373our @EXPORT = qw(async async_pool cede schedule terminate current unblock_sub rouse_cb rouse_wait);
84our %EXPORT_TAGS = ( 374our %EXPORT_TAGS = (
85 prio => [qw(PRIO_MAX PRIO_HIGH PRIO_NORMAL PRIO_LOW PRIO_IDLE PRIO_MIN)], 375 prio => [qw(PRIO_MAX PRIO_HIGH PRIO_NORMAL PRIO_LOW PRIO_IDLE PRIO_MIN)],
86); 376);
87our @EXPORT_OK = (@{$EXPORT_TAGS{prio}}, qw(nready)); 377our @EXPORT_OK = (@{$EXPORT_TAGS{prio}}, qw(nready));
88 378
90 380
91=over 4 381=over 4
92 382
93=item $Coro::main 383=item $Coro::main
94 384
95This variable stores the coroutine object that represents the main 385This variable stores the Coro object that represents the main
96program. While you cna C<ready> it and do most other things you can do to 386program. While you can C<ready> it and do most other things you can do to
97coroutines, it is mainly useful to compare again C<$Coro::current>, to see 387coro, it is mainly useful to compare again C<$Coro::current>, to see
98whether you are running in the main program or not. 388whether you are running in the main program or not.
99 389
100=cut 390=cut
101 391
102# $main is now being initialised by Coro::State 392# $main is now being initialised by Coro::State
103 393
104=item $Coro::current 394=item $Coro::current
105 395
106The coroutine object representing the current coroutine (the last 396The Coro object representing the current coro (the last
107coroutine that the Coro scheduler switched to). The initial value is 397coro that the Coro scheduler switched to). The initial value is
108C<$Coro::main> (of course). 398C<$Coro::main> (of course).
109 399
110This variable is B<strictly> I<read-only>. You can take copies of the 400This variable is B<strictly> I<read-only>. You can take copies of the
111value stored in it and use it as any other coroutine object, but you must 401value stored in it and use it as any other Coro object, but you must
112not otherwise modify the variable itself. 402not otherwise modify the variable itself.
113 403
114=cut 404=cut
115 405
116sub current() { $current } # [DEPRECATED] 406sub current() { $current } # [DEPRECATED]
119 409
120This variable is mainly useful to integrate Coro into event loops. It is 410This variable is mainly useful to integrate Coro into event loops. It is
121usually better to rely on L<Coro::AnyEvent> or L<Coro::EV>, as this is 411usually better to rely on L<Coro::AnyEvent> or L<Coro::EV>, as this is
122pretty low-level functionality. 412pretty low-level functionality.
123 413
124This variable stores either a coroutine or a callback. 414This variable stores a Coro object that is put into the ready queue when
415there are no other ready threads (without invoking any ready hooks).
125 416
126If it is a callback, the it is called whenever the scheduler finds no 417The default implementation dies with "FATAL: deadlock detected.", followed
127ready coroutines to run. The default implementation prints "FATAL: 418by a thread listing, because the program has no other way to continue.
128deadlock detected" and exits, because the program has no other way to
129continue.
130
131If it is a coroutine object, then this object will be readied (without
132invoking any ready hooks, however) when the scheduler finds no other ready
133coroutines to run.
134 419
135This hook is overwritten by modules such as C<Coro::EV> and 420This hook is overwritten by modules such as C<Coro::EV> and
136C<Coro::AnyEvent> to wait on an external event that hopefully wake up a 421C<Coro::AnyEvent> to wait on an external event that hopefully wakes up a
137coroutine so the scheduler can run it. 422coro so the scheduler can run it.
138 423
139Note that the callback I<must not>, under any circumstances, block
140the current coroutine. Normally, this is achieved by having an "idle
141coroutine" that calls the event loop and then blocks again, and then
142readying that coroutine in the idle handler, or by simply placing the idle
143coroutine in this variable.
144
145See L<Coro::Event> or L<Coro::AnyEvent> for examples of using this 424See L<Coro::EV> or L<Coro::AnyEvent> for examples of using this technique.
146technique.
147
148Please note that if your callback recursively invokes perl (e.g. for event
149handlers), then it must be prepared to be called recursively itself.
150 425
151=cut 426=cut
152 427
153$idle = sub { 428# ||= because other modules could have provided their own by now
154 require Carp; 429$idle ||= new Coro sub {
155 Carp::croak ("FATAL: deadlock detected"); 430 require Coro::Debug;
431 die "FATAL: deadlock detected.\n"
432 . Coro::Debug::ps_listing ();
156}; 433};
157 434
158# this coroutine is necessary because a coroutine 435# this coro is necessary because a coro
159# cannot destroy itself. 436# cannot destroy itself.
160our @destroy; 437our @destroy;
161our $manager; 438our $manager;
162 439
163$manager = new Coro sub { 440$manager = new Coro sub {
164 while () { 441 while () {
165 Coro::_cancel shift @destroy 442 _destroy shift @destroy
166 while @destroy; 443 while @destroy;
167 444
168 &schedule; 445 &schedule;
169 } 446 }
170}; 447};
171$manager->{desc} = "[coro manager]"; 448$manager->{desc} = "[coro manager]";
172$manager->prio (PRIO_MAX); 449$manager->prio (PRIO_MAX);
173 450
174=back 451=back
175 452
176=head1 SIMPLE COROUTINE CREATION 453=head1 SIMPLE CORO CREATION
177 454
178=over 4 455=over 4
179 456
180=item async { ... } [@args...] 457=item async { ... } [@args...]
181 458
182Create a new coroutine and return its coroutine object (usually 459Create a new coro and return its Coro object (usually
183unused). The coroutine will be put into the ready queue, so 460unused). The coro will be put into the ready queue, so
184it will start running automatically on the next scheduler run. 461it will start running automatically on the next scheduler run.
185 462
186The first argument is a codeblock/closure that should be executed in the 463The first argument is a codeblock/closure that should be executed in the
187coroutine. When it returns argument returns the coroutine is automatically 464coro. When it returns argument returns the coro is automatically
188terminated. 465terminated.
189 466
190The remaining arguments are passed as arguments to the closure. 467The remaining arguments are passed as arguments to the closure.
191 468
192See the C<Coro::State::new> constructor for info about the coroutine 469See the C<Coro::State::new> constructor for info about the coro
193environment in which coroutines are executed. 470environment in which coro are executed.
194 471
195Calling C<exit> in a coroutine will do the same as calling exit outside 472Calling C<exit> in a coro will do the same as calling exit outside
196the coroutine. Likewise, when the coroutine dies, the program will exit, 473the coro. Likewise, when the coro dies, the program will exit,
197just as it would in the main program. 474just as it would in the main program.
198 475
199If you do not want that, you can provide a default C<die> handler, or 476If you do not want that, you can provide a default C<die> handler, or
200simply avoid dieing (by use of C<eval>). 477simply avoid dieing (by use of C<eval>).
201 478
202Example: Create a new coroutine that just prints its arguments. 479Example: Create a new coro that just prints its arguments.
203 480
204 async { 481 async {
205 print "@_\n"; 482 print "@_\n";
206 } 1,2,3,4; 483 } 1,2,3,4;
207 484
208=cut
209
210sub async(&@) {
211 my $coro = new Coro @_;
212 $coro->ready;
213 $coro
214}
215
216=item async_pool { ... } [@args...] 485=item async_pool { ... } [@args...]
217 486
218Similar to C<async>, but uses a coroutine pool, so you should not call 487Similar to C<async>, but uses a coro pool, so you should not call
219terminate or join on it (although you are allowed to), and you get a 488terminate or join on it (although you are allowed to), and you get a
220coroutine that might have executed other code already (which can be good 489coro that might have executed other code already (which can be good
221or bad :). 490or bad :).
222 491
223On the plus side, this function is about twice as fast as creating (and 492On the plus side, this function is about twice as fast as creating (and
224destroying) a completely new coroutine, so if you need a lot of generic 493destroying) a completely new coro, so if you need a lot of generic
225coroutines in quick successsion, use C<async_pool>, not C<async>. 494coros in quick successsion, use C<async_pool>, not C<async>.
226 495
227The code block is executed in an C<eval> context and a warning will be 496The code block is executed in an C<eval> context and a warning will be
228issued in case of an exception instead of terminating the program, as 497issued in case of an exception instead of terminating the program, as
229C<async> does. As the coroutine is being reused, stuff like C<on_destroy> 498C<async> does. As the coro is being reused, stuff like C<on_destroy>
230will not work in the expected way, unless you call terminate or cancel, 499will not work in the expected way, unless you call terminate or cancel,
231which somehow defeats the purpose of pooling (but is fine in the 500which somehow defeats the purpose of pooling (but is fine in the
232exceptional case). 501exceptional case).
233 502
234The priority will be reset to C<0> after each run, tracing will be 503The priority will be reset to C<0> after each run, all C<swap_sv> calls
235disabled, the description will be reset and the default output filehandle 504will be undone, tracing will be disabled, the description will be reset
236gets restored, so you can change all these. Otherwise the coroutine will 505and the default output filehandle gets restored, so you can change all
237be re-used "as-is": most notably if you change other per-coroutine global 506these. Otherwise the coro will be re-used "as-is": most notably if you
238stuff such as C<$/> you I<must needs> revert that change, which is most 507change other per-coro global stuff such as C<$/> you I<must needs> revert
239simply done by using local as in: C<< local $/ >>. 508that change, which is most simply done by using local as in: C<< local $/
509>>.
240 510
241The idle pool size is limited to C<8> idle coroutines (this can be 511The idle pool size is limited to C<8> idle coros (this can be
242adjusted by changing $Coro::POOL_SIZE), but there can be as many non-idle 512adjusted by changing $Coro::POOL_SIZE), but there can be as many non-idle
243coros as required. 513coros as required.
244 514
245If you are concerned about pooled coroutines growing a lot because a 515If you are concerned about pooled coros growing a lot because a
246single C<async_pool> used a lot of stackspace you can e.g. C<async_pool 516single C<async_pool> used a lot of stackspace you can e.g. C<async_pool
247{ terminate }> once per second or so to slowly replenish the pool. In 517{ terminate }> once per second or so to slowly replenish the pool. In
248addition to that, when the stacks used by a handler grows larger than 32kb 518addition to that, when the stacks used by a handler grows larger than 32kb
249(adjustable via $Coro::POOL_RSS) it will also be destroyed. 519(adjustable via $Coro::POOL_RSS) it will also be destroyed.
250 520
267=back 537=back
268 538
269=head1 STATIC METHODS 539=head1 STATIC METHODS
270 540
271Static methods are actually functions that implicitly operate on the 541Static methods are actually functions that implicitly operate on the
272current coroutine. 542current coro.
273 543
274=over 4 544=over 4
275 545
276=item schedule 546=item schedule
277 547
278Calls the scheduler. The scheduler will find the next coroutine that is 548Calls the scheduler. The scheduler will find the next coro that is
279to be run from the ready queue and switches to it. The next coroutine 549to be run from the ready queue and switches to it. The next coro
280to be run is simply the one with the highest priority that is longest 550to be run is simply the one with the highest priority that is longest
281in its ready queue. If there is no coroutine ready, it will clal the 551in its ready queue. If there is no coro ready, it will call the
282C<$Coro::idle> hook. 552C<$Coro::idle> hook.
283 553
284Please note that the current coroutine will I<not> be put into the ready 554Please note that the current coro will I<not> be put into the ready
285queue, so calling this function usually means you will never be called 555queue, so calling this function usually means you will never be called
286again unless something else (e.g. an event handler) calls C<< ->ready >>, 556again unless something else (e.g. an event handler) calls C<< ->ready >>,
287thus waking you up. 557thus waking you up.
288 558
289This makes C<schedule> I<the> generic method to use to block the current 559This makes C<schedule> I<the> generic method to use to block the current
290coroutine and wait for events: first you remember the current coroutine in 560coro and wait for events: first you remember the current coro in
291a variable, then arrange for some callback of yours to call C<< ->ready 561a variable, then arrange for some callback of yours to call C<< ->ready
292>> on that once some event happens, and last you call C<schedule> to put 562>> on that once some event happens, and last you call C<schedule> to put
293yourself to sleep. Note that a lot of things can wake your coroutine up, 563yourself to sleep. Note that a lot of things can wake your coro up,
294so you need to check whether the event indeed happened, e.g. by storing the 564so you need to check whether the event indeed happened, e.g. by storing the
295status in a variable. 565status in a variable.
296 566
297See B<HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK>, below, for some ways to wait for callbacks. 567See B<HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK>, below, for some ways to wait for callbacks.
298 568
299=item cede 569=item cede
300 570
301"Cede" to other coroutines. This function puts the current coroutine into 571"Cede" to other coros. This function puts the current coro into
302the ready queue and calls C<schedule>, which has the effect of giving 572the ready queue and calls C<schedule>, which has the effect of giving
303up the current "timeslice" to other coroutines of the same or higher 573up the current "timeslice" to other coros of the same or higher
304priority. Once your coroutine gets its turn again it will automatically be 574priority. Once your coro gets its turn again it will automatically be
305resumed. 575resumed.
306 576
307This function is often called C<yield> in other languages. 577This function is often called C<yield> in other languages.
308 578
309=item Coro::cede_notself 579=item Coro::cede_notself
310 580
311Works like cede, but is not exported by default and will cede to I<any> 581Works like cede, but is not exported by default and will cede to I<any>
312coroutine, regardless of priority. This is useful sometimes to ensure 582coro, regardless of priority. This is useful sometimes to ensure
313progress is made. 583progress is made.
314 584
315=item terminate [arg...] 585=item terminate [arg...]
316 586
317Terminates the current coroutine with the given status values (see L<cancel>). 587Terminates the current coro with the given status values (see
588L<cancel>). The values will not be copied, but referenced directly.
589
590=item Coro::on_enter BLOCK, Coro::on_leave BLOCK
591
592These function install enter and leave winders in the current scope. The
593enter block will be executed when on_enter is called and whenever the
594current coro is re-entered by the scheduler, while the leave block is
595executed whenever the current coro is blocked by the scheduler, and
596also when the containing scope is exited (by whatever means, be it exit,
597die, last etc.).
598
599I<Neither invoking the scheduler, nor exceptions, are allowed within those
600BLOCKs>. That means: do not even think about calling C<die> without an
601eval, and do not even think of entering the scheduler in any way.
602
603Since both BLOCKs are tied to the current scope, they will automatically
604be removed when the current scope exits.
605
606These functions implement the same concept as C<dynamic-wind> in scheme
607does, and are useful when you want to localise some resource to a specific
608coro.
609
610They slow down thread switching considerably for coros that use them
611(about 40% for a BLOCK with a single assignment, so thread switching is
612still reasonably fast if the handlers are fast).
613
614These functions are best understood by an example: The following function
615will change the current timezone to "Antarctica/South_Pole", which
616requires a call to C<tzset>, but by using C<on_enter> and C<on_leave>,
617which remember/change the current timezone and restore the previous
618value, respectively, the timezone is only changed for the coro that
619installed those handlers.
620
621 use POSIX qw(tzset);
622
623 async {
624 my $old_tz; # store outside TZ value here
625
626 Coro::on_enter {
627 $old_tz = $ENV{TZ}; # remember the old value
628
629 $ENV{TZ} = "Antarctica/South_Pole";
630 tzset; # enable new value
631 };
632
633 Coro::on_leave {
634 $ENV{TZ} = $old_tz;
635 tzset; # restore old value
636 };
637
638 # at this place, the timezone is Antarctica/South_Pole,
639 # without disturbing the TZ of any other coro.
640 };
641
642This can be used to localise about any resource (locale, uid, current
643working directory etc.) to a block, despite the existence of other
644coros.
645
646Another interesting example implements time-sliced multitasking using
647interval timers (this could obviously be optimised, but does the job):
648
649 # "timeslice" the given block
650 sub timeslice(&) {
651 use Time::HiRes ();
652
653 Coro::on_enter {
654 # on entering the thread, we set an VTALRM handler to cede
655 $SIG{VTALRM} = sub { cede };
656 # and then start the interval timer
657 Time::HiRes::setitimer &Time::HiRes::ITIMER_VIRTUAL, 0.01, 0.01;
658 };
659 Coro::on_leave {
660 # on leaving the thread, we stop the interval timer again
661 Time::HiRes::setitimer &Time::HiRes::ITIMER_VIRTUAL, 0, 0;
662 };
663
664 &{+shift};
665 }
666
667 # use like this:
668 timeslice {
669 # The following is an endless loop that would normally
670 # monopolise the process. Since it runs in a timesliced
671 # environment, it will regularly cede to other threads.
672 while () { }
673 };
674
318 675
319=item killall 676=item killall
320 677
321Kills/terminates/cancels all coroutines except the currently running 678Kills/terminates/cancels all coros except the currently running one.
322one. This can be useful after a fork, either in the child or the parent,
323as usually only one of them should inherit the running coroutines.
324 679
325Note that in the implementation, destructors run as normal, making this
326function not so useful after a fork. Future versions of this function
327might try to free resources without running any code.
328
329Note that while this will try to free some of the main programs resources, 680Note that while this will try to free some of the main interpreter
681resources if the calling coro isn't the main coro, but one
330you cannot free all of them, so if a coroutine that is not the main 682cannot free all of them, so if a coro that is not the main coro
331program calls this function, there will be some one-time resource leak. 683calls this function, there will be some one-time resource leak.
332 684
333=cut 685=cut
334 686
335sub killall { 687sub killall {
336 for (Coro::State::list) { 688 for (Coro::State::list) {
339 } 691 }
340} 692}
341 693
342=back 694=back
343 695
344=head1 COROUTINE OBJECT METHODS 696=head1 CORO OBJECT METHODS
345 697
346These are the methods you can call on coroutine objects (or to create 698These are the methods you can call on coro objects (or to create
347them). 699them).
348 700
349=over 4 701=over 4
350 702
351=item new Coro \&sub [, @args...] 703=item new Coro \&sub [, @args...]
352 704
353Create a new coroutine and return it. When the sub returns, the coroutine 705Create a new coro and return it. When the sub returns, the coro
354automatically terminates as if C<terminate> with the returned values were 706automatically terminates as if C<terminate> with the returned values were
355called. To make the coroutine run you must first put it into the ready 707called. To make the coro run you must first put it into the ready
356queue by calling the ready method. 708queue by calling the ready method.
357 709
358See C<async> and C<Coro::State::new> for additional info about the 710See C<async> and C<Coro::State::new> for additional info about the
359coroutine environment. 711coro environment.
360 712
361=cut 713=cut
362 714
363sub _coro_run { 715sub _coro_run {
364 terminate &{+shift}; 716 terminate &{+shift};
365} 717}
366 718
367=item $success = $coroutine->ready 719=item $success = $coro->ready
368 720
369Put the given coroutine into the end of its ready queue (there is one 721Put the given coro into the end of its ready queue (there is one
370queue for each priority) and return true. If the coroutine is already in 722queue for each priority) and return true. If the coro is already in
371the ready queue, do nothing and return false. 723the ready queue, do nothing and return false.
372 724
373This ensures that the scheduler will resume this coroutine automatically 725This ensures that the scheduler will resume this coro automatically
374once all the coroutines of higher priority and all coroutines of the same 726once all the coro of higher priority and all coro of the same
375priority that were put into the ready queue earlier have been resumed. 727priority that were put into the ready queue earlier have been resumed.
376 728
729=item $coro->suspend
730
731Suspends the specified coro. A suspended coro works just like any other
732coro, except that the scheduler will not select a suspended coro for
733execution.
734
735Suspending a coro can be useful when you want to keep the coro from
736running, but you don't want to destroy it, or when you want to temporarily
737freeze a coro (e.g. for debugging) to resume it later.
738
739A scenario for the former would be to suspend all (other) coros after a
740fork and keep them alive, so their destructors aren't called, but new
741coros can be created.
742
743=item $coro->resume
744
745If the specified coro was suspended, it will be resumed. Note that when
746the coro was in the ready queue when it was suspended, it might have been
747unreadied by the scheduler, so an activation might have been lost.
748
749To avoid this, it is best to put a suspended coro into the ready queue
750unconditionally, as every synchronisation mechanism must protect itself
751against spurious wakeups, and the one in the Coro family certainly do
752that.
753
754=item $state->is_new
755
756Returns true iff this Coro object is "new", i.e. has never been run
757yet. Those states basically consist of only the code reference to call and
758the arguments, but consumes very little other resources. New states will
759automatically get assigned a perl interpreter when they are transferred to.
760
761=item $state->is_zombie
762
763Returns true iff the Coro object has been cancelled, i.e.
764its resources freed because they were C<cancel>'ed, C<terminate>'d,
765C<safe_cancel>'ed or simply went out of scope.
766
767The name "zombie" stems from UNIX culture, where a process that has
768exited and only stores and exit status and no other resources is called a
769"zombie".
770
377=item $is_ready = $coroutine->is_ready 771=item $is_ready = $coro->is_ready
378 772
379Return whether the coroutine is currently the ready queue or not, 773Returns true iff the Coro object is in the ready queue. Unless the Coro
774object gets destroyed, it will eventually be scheduled by the scheduler.
380 775
776=item $is_running = $coro->is_running
777
778Returns true iff the Coro object is currently running. Only one Coro object
779can ever be in the running state (but it currently is possible to have
780multiple running Coro::States).
781
782=item $is_suspended = $coro->is_suspended
783
784Returns true iff this Coro object has been suspended. Suspended Coros will
785not ever be scheduled.
786
381=item $coroutine->cancel (arg...) 787=item $coro->cancel ($arg...)
382 788
383Terminates the given coroutine and makes it return the given arguments as 789Terminate the given Coro thread and make it return the given arguments as
384status (default: the empty list). Never returns if the coroutine is the 790status (default: an empty list). Never returns if the Coro is the
385current coroutine. 791current Coro.
386 792
387=cut 793This is a rather brutal way to free a coro, with some limitations - if
794the thread is inside a C callback that doesn't expect to be canceled,
795bad things can happen, or if the cancelled thread insists on running
796complicated cleanup handlers that rely on its thread context, things will
797not work.
388 798
389sub cancel { 799Any cleanup code being run (e.g. from C<guard> blocks, destructors and so
390 my $self = shift; 800on) will be run without a thread context, and is not allowed to switch
801to other threads. A common mistake is to call C<< ->cancel >> from a
802destructor called by die'ing inside the thread to be cancelled for
803example.
391 804
392 if ($current == $self) { 805On the plus side, C<< ->cancel >> will always clean up the thread, no
393 terminate @_; 806matter what. If your cleanup code is complex or you want to avoid
394 } else { 807cancelling a C-thread that doesn't know how to clean up itself, it can be
395 $self->{_status} = [@_]; 808better to C<< ->throw >> an exception, or use C<< ->safe_cancel >>.
396 $self->_cancel; 809
810The arguments to C<< ->cancel >> are not copied, but instead will
811be referenced directly (e.g. if you pass C<$var> and after the call
812change that variable, then you might change the return values passed to
813e.g. C<join>, so don't do that).
814
815The resources of the Coro are usually freed (or destructed) before this
816call returns, but this can be delayed for an indefinite amount of time, as
817in some cases the manager thread has to run first to actually destruct the
818Coro object.
819
820=item $coro->safe_cancel ($arg...)
821
822Works mostly like C<< ->cancel >>, but is inherently "safer", and
823consequently, can fail with an exception in cases the thread is not in a
824cancellable state. Essentially, C<< ->safe_cancel >> is a C<< ->cancel >>
825with extra checks before canceling.
826
827It works a bit like throwing an exception that cannot be caught -
828specifically, it will clean up the thread from within itself, so all
829cleanup handlers (e.g. C<guard> blocks) are run with full thread
830context and can block if they wish. The downside is that there is no
831guarantee that the thread can be cancelled when you call this method, and
832therefore, it might fail. It is also considerably slower than C<cancel> or
833C<terminate>.
834
835A thread is in a safe-cancellable state if it either has never been run
836yet, has already been canceled/terminated or otherwise destroyed, or has
837no C context attached and is inside an SLF function.
838
839The first two states are trivial - a thread that hasnot started or has
840already finished is safe to cancel.
841
842The last state basically means that the thread isn't currently inside a
843perl callback called from some C function (usually via some XS modules)
844and isn't currently executing inside some C function itself (via Coro's XS
845API).
846
847This call returns true when it could cancel the thread, or croaks with an
848error otherwise (i.e. it either returns true or doesn't return at all).
849
850Why the weird interface? Well, there are two common models on how and
851when to cancel things. In the first, you have the expectation that your
852coro thread can be cancelled when you want to cancel it - if the thread
853isn't cancellable, this would be a bug somewhere, so C<< ->safe_cancel >>
854croaks to notify of the bug.
855
856In the second model you sometimes want to ask nicely to cancel a thread,
857but if it's not a good time, well, then don't cancel. This can be done
858relatively easy like this:
859
860 if (! eval { $coro->safe_cancel }) {
861 warn "unable to cancel thread: $@";
397 } 862 }
398}
399 863
864However, what you never should do is first try to cancel "safely" and
865if that fails, cancel the "hard" way with C<< ->cancel >>. That makes
866no sense: either you rely on being able to execute cleanup code in your
867thread context, or you don't. If you do, then C<< ->safe_cancel >> is the
868only way, and if you don't, then C<< ->cancel >> is always faster and more
869direct.
870
400=item $coroutine->schedule_to 871=item $coro->schedule_to
401 872
402Puts the current coroutine to sleep (like C<Coro::schedule>), but instead 873Puts the current coro to sleep (like C<Coro::schedule>), but instead
403of continuing with the next coro from the ready queue, always switch to 874of continuing with the next coro from the ready queue, always switch to
404the given coroutine object (regardless of priority etc.). The readyness 875the given coro object (regardless of priority etc.). The readyness
405state of that coroutine isn't changed. 876state of that coro isn't changed.
406 877
407This is an advanced method for special cases - I'd love to hear about any 878This is an advanced method for special cases - I'd love to hear about any
408uses for this one. 879uses for this one.
409 880
410=item $coroutine->cede_to 881=item $coro->cede_to
411 882
412Like C<schedule_to>, but puts the current coroutine into the ready 883Like C<schedule_to>, but puts the current coro into the ready
413queue. This has the effect of temporarily switching to the given 884queue. This has the effect of temporarily switching to the given
414coroutine, and continuing some time later. 885coro, and continuing some time later.
415 886
416This is an advanced method for special cases - I'd love to hear about any 887This is an advanced method for special cases - I'd love to hear about any
417uses for this one. 888uses for this one.
418 889
419=item $coroutine->throw ([$scalar]) 890=item $coro->throw ([$scalar])
420 891
421If C<$throw> is specified and defined, it will be thrown as an exception 892If C<$throw> is specified and defined, it will be thrown as an exception
422inside the coroutine at the next convenient point in time. Otherwise 893inside the coro at the next convenient point in time. Otherwise
423clears the exception object. 894clears the exception object.
424 895
425Coro will check for the exception each time a schedule-like-function 896Coro will check for the exception each time a schedule-like-function
426returns, i.e. after each C<schedule>, C<cede>, C<< Coro::Semaphore->down 897returns, i.e. after each C<schedule>, C<cede>, C<< Coro::Semaphore->down
427>>, C<< Coro::Handle->readable >> and so on. Most of these functions 898>>, C<< Coro::Handle->readable >> and so on. Most of those functions (all
428detect this case and return early in case an exception is pending. 899that are part of Coro itself) detect this case and return early in case an
900exception is pending.
429 901
430The exception object will be thrown "as is" with the specified scalar in 902The exception object will be thrown "as is" with the specified scalar in
431C<$@>, i.e. if it is a string, no line number or newline will be appended 903C<$@>, i.e. if it is a string, no line number or newline will be appended
432(unlike with C<die>). 904(unlike with C<die>).
433 905
434This can be used as a softer means than C<cancel> to ask a coroutine to 906This can be used as a softer means than either C<cancel> or C<safe_cancel
435end itself, although there is no guarantee that the exception will lead to 907>to ask a coro to end itself, although there is no guarantee that the
436termination, and if the exception isn't caught it might well end the whole 908exception will lead to termination, and if the exception isn't caught it
437program. 909might well end the whole program.
438 910
439You might also think of C<throw> as being the moral equivalent of 911You might also think of C<throw> as being the moral equivalent of
440C<kill>ing a coroutine with a signal (in this case, a scalar). 912C<kill>ing a coro with a signal (in this case, a scalar).
441 913
442=item $coroutine->join 914=item $coro->join
443 915
444Wait until the coroutine terminates and return any values given to the 916Wait until the coro terminates and return any values given to the
445C<terminate> or C<cancel> functions. C<join> can be called concurrently 917C<terminate> or C<cancel> functions. C<join> can be called concurrently
446from multiple coroutines, and all will be resumed and given the status 918from multiple threads, and all will be resumed and given the status
447return once the C<$coroutine> terminates. 919return once the C<$coro> terminates.
448 920
449=cut
450
451sub join {
452 my $self = shift;
453
454 unless ($self->{_status}) {
455 my $current = $current;
456
457 push @{$self->{_on_destroy}}, sub {
458 $current->ready;
459 undef $current;
460 };
461
462 &schedule while $current;
463 }
464
465 wantarray ? @{$self->{_status}} : $self->{_status}[0];
466}
467
468=item $coroutine->on_destroy (\&cb) 921=item $coro->on_destroy (\&cb)
469 922
470Registers a callback that is called when this coroutine gets destroyed, 923Registers a callback that is called when this coro thread gets destroyed,
471but before it is joined. The callback gets passed the terminate arguments, 924that is, after its resources have been freed but before it is joined. The
925callback gets passed the terminate/cancel arguments, if any, and I<must
472if any, and I<must not> die, under any circumstances. 926not> die, under any circumstances.
473 927
474=cut 928There can be any number of C<on_destroy> callbacks per coro, and there is
929currently no way to remove a callback once added.
475 930
476sub on_destroy {
477 my ($self, $cb) = @_;
478
479 push @{ $self->{_on_destroy} }, $cb;
480}
481
482=item $oldprio = $coroutine->prio ($newprio) 931=item $oldprio = $coro->prio ($newprio)
483 932
484Sets (or gets, if the argument is missing) the priority of the 933Sets (or gets, if the argument is missing) the priority of the
485coroutine. Higher priority coroutines get run before lower priority 934coro thread. Higher priority coro get run before lower priority
486coroutines. Priorities are small signed integers (currently -4 .. +3), 935coros. Priorities are small signed integers (currently -4 .. +3),
487that you can refer to using PRIO_xxx constants (use the import tag :prio 936that you can refer to using PRIO_xxx constants (use the import tag :prio
488to get then): 937to get then):
489 938
490 PRIO_MAX > PRIO_HIGH > PRIO_NORMAL > PRIO_LOW > PRIO_IDLE > PRIO_MIN 939 PRIO_MAX > PRIO_HIGH > PRIO_NORMAL > PRIO_LOW > PRIO_IDLE > PRIO_MIN
491 3 > 1 > 0 > -1 > -3 > -4 940 3 > 1 > 0 > -1 > -3 > -4
492 941
493 # set priority to HIGH 942 # set priority to HIGH
494 current->prio(PRIO_HIGH); 943 current->prio (PRIO_HIGH);
495 944
496The idle coroutine ($Coro::idle) always has a lower priority than any 945The idle coro thread ($Coro::idle) always has a lower priority than any
497existing coroutine. 946existing coro.
498 947
499Changing the priority of the current coroutine will take effect immediately, 948Changing the priority of the current coro will take effect immediately,
500but changing the priority of coroutines in the ready queue (but not 949but changing the priority of a coro in the ready queue (but not running)
501running) will only take effect after the next schedule (of that 950will only take effect after the next schedule (of that coro). This is a
502coroutine). This is a bug that will be fixed in some future version. 951bug that will be fixed in some future version.
503 952
504=item $newprio = $coroutine->nice ($change) 953=item $newprio = $coro->nice ($change)
505 954
506Similar to C<prio>, but subtract the given value from the priority (i.e. 955Similar to C<prio>, but subtract the given value from the priority (i.e.
507higher values mean lower priority, just as in unix). 956higher values mean lower priority, just as in UNIX's nice command).
508 957
509=item $olddesc = $coroutine->desc ($newdesc) 958=item $olddesc = $coro->desc ($newdesc)
510 959
511Sets (or gets in case the argument is missing) the description for this 960Sets (or gets in case the argument is missing) the description for this
512coroutine. This is just a free-form string you can associate with a 961coro thread. This is just a free-form string you can associate with a
513coroutine. 962coro.
514 963
515This method simply sets the C<< $coroutine->{desc} >> member to the given 964This method simply sets the C<< $coro->{desc} >> member to the given
516string. You can modify this member directly if you wish. 965string. You can modify this member directly if you wish, and in fact, this
966is often preferred to indicate major processing states that can then be
967seen for example in a L<Coro::Debug> session:
968
969 sub my_long_function {
970 local $Coro::current->{desc} = "now in my_long_function";
971 ...
972 $Coro::current->{desc} = "my_long_function: phase 1";
973 ...
974 $Coro::current->{desc} = "my_long_function: phase 2";
975 ...
976 }
517 977
518=cut 978=cut
519 979
520sub desc { 980sub desc {
521 my $old = $_[0]{desc}; 981 my $old = $_[0]{desc};
534 994
535=over 4 995=over 4
536 996
537=item Coro::nready 997=item Coro::nready
538 998
539Returns the number of coroutines that are currently in the ready state, 999Returns the number of coro that are currently in the ready state,
540i.e. that can be switched to by calling C<schedule> directory or 1000i.e. that can be switched to by calling C<schedule> directory or
541indirectly. The value C<0> means that the only runnable coroutine is the 1001indirectly. The value C<0> means that the only runnable coro is the
542currently running one, so C<cede> would have no effect, and C<schedule> 1002currently running one, so C<cede> would have no effect, and C<schedule>
543would cause a deadlock unless there is an idle handler that wakes up some 1003would cause a deadlock unless there is an idle handler that wakes up some
544coroutines. 1004coro.
545 1005
546=item my $guard = Coro::guard { ... } 1006=item my $guard = Coro::guard { ... }
547 1007
548This function still exists, but is deprecated. Please use the 1008This function still exists, but is deprecated. Please use the
549C<Guard::guard> function instead. 1009C<Guard::guard> function instead.
556 1016
557This utility function takes a BLOCK or code reference and "unblocks" it, 1017This utility function takes a BLOCK or code reference and "unblocks" it,
558returning a new coderef. Unblocking means that calling the new coderef 1018returning a new coderef. Unblocking means that calling the new coderef
559will return immediately without blocking, returning nothing, while the 1019will return immediately without blocking, returning nothing, while the
560original code ref will be called (with parameters) from within another 1020original code ref will be called (with parameters) from within another
561coroutine. 1021coro.
562 1022
563The reason this function exists is that many event libraries (such as the 1023The reason this function exists is that many event libraries (such as
564venerable L<Event|Event> module) are not coroutine-safe (a weaker form 1024the venerable L<Event|Event> module) are not thread-safe (a weaker form
565of reentrancy). This means you must not block within event callbacks, 1025of reentrancy). This means you must not block within event callbacks,
566otherwise you might suffer from crashes or worse. The only event library 1026otherwise you might suffer from crashes or worse. The only event library
567currently known that is safe to use without C<unblock_sub> is L<EV>. 1027currently known that is safe to use without C<unblock_sub> is L<EV> (but
1028you might still run into deadlocks if all event loops are blocked).
1029
1030Coro will try to catch you when you block in the event loop
1031("FATAL: $Coro::idle blocked itself"), but this is just best effort and
1032only works when you do not run your own event loop.
568 1033
569This function allows your callbacks to block by executing them in another 1034This function allows your callbacks to block by executing them in another
570coroutine where it is safe to block. One example where blocking is handy 1035coro where it is safe to block. One example where blocking is handy
571is when you use the L<Coro::AIO|Coro::AIO> functions to save results to 1036is when you use the L<Coro::AIO|Coro::AIO> functions to save results to
572disk, for example. 1037disk, for example.
573 1038
574In short: simply use C<unblock_sub { ... }> instead of C<sub { ... }> when 1039In short: simply use C<unblock_sub { ... }> instead of C<sub { ... }> when
575creating event callbacks that want to block. 1040creating event callbacks that want to block.
576 1041
577If your handler does not plan to block (e.g. simply sends a message to 1042If your handler does not plan to block (e.g. simply sends a message to
578another coroutine, or puts some other coroutine into the ready queue), 1043another coro, or puts some other coro into the ready queue), there is
579there is no reason to use C<unblock_sub>. 1044no reason to use C<unblock_sub>.
580 1045
581Note that you also need to use C<unblock_sub> for any other callbacks that 1046Note that you also need to use C<unblock_sub> for any other callbacks that
582are indirectly executed by any C-based event loop. For example, when you 1047are indirectly executed by any C-based event loop. For example, when you
583use a module that uses L<AnyEvent> (and you use L<Coro::AnyEvent>) and it 1048use a module that uses L<AnyEvent> (and you use L<Coro::AnyEvent>) and it
584provides callbacks that are the result of some event callback, then you 1049provides callbacks that are the result of some event callback, then you
614 unshift @unblock_queue, [$cb, @_]; 1079 unshift @unblock_queue, [$cb, @_];
615 $unblock_scheduler->ready; 1080 $unblock_scheduler->ready;
616 } 1081 }
617} 1082}
618 1083
619=item $cb = Coro::rouse_cb 1084=item $cb = rouse_cb
620 1085
621Create and return a "rouse callback". That's a code reference that, 1086Create and return a "rouse callback". That's a code reference that,
622when called, will remember a copy of its arguments and notify the owner 1087when called, will remember a copy of its arguments and notify the owner
623coroutine of the callback. 1088coro of the callback.
624 1089
1090Only the first invocation will store agruments and signal any waiter -
1091further calls will effectively be ignored, but it is ok to try.
1092
625See the next function. 1093Also see the next function.
626 1094
627=item @args = Coro::rouse_wait [$cb] 1095=item @args = rouse_wait [$cb]
628 1096
629Wait for the specified rouse callback (or the last one that was created in 1097Wait for the specified rouse callback to be invoked (or if the argument is
630this coroutine). 1098missing, use the most recently created callback in the current coro).
631 1099
632As soon as the callback is invoked (or when the callback was invoked 1100As soon as the callback is invoked (or when the callback was invoked
633before C<rouse_wait>), it will return the arguments originally passed to 1101before C<rouse_wait>), it will return the arguments originally passed to
634the rouse callback. 1102the rouse callback. In scalar context, that means you get the I<last>
1103argument, just as if C<rouse_wait> had a C<return ($a1, $a2, $a3...)>
1104statement at the end.
1105
1106You are only allowed to wait once for a given rouse callback.
635 1107
636See the section B<HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK> for an actual usage example. 1108See the section B<HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK> for an actual usage example.
637 1109
1110As of Coro 6.57, you can reliably wait for a rouse callback in a different
1111thread than from where it was created.
1112
638=back 1113=back
639 1114
640=cut 1115=cut
641 1116
1117for my $module (qw(Channel RWLock Semaphore SemaphoreSet Signal Specific)) {
1118 my $old = defined &{"Coro::$module\::new"} && \&{"Coro::$module\::new"};
1119
1120 *{"Coro::$module\::new"} = sub {
1121 require "Coro/$module.pm";
1122
1123 # some modules have their new predefined in State.xs, some don't
1124 *{"Coro::$module\::new"} = $old
1125 if $old;
1126
1127 goto &{"Coro::$module\::new"}
1128 };
1129}
1130
6421; 11311;
643 1132
644=head1 HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK 1133=head1 HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK
645 1134
646It is very common for a coroutine to wait for some callback to be 1135It is very common for a coro to wait for some callback to be
647called. This occurs naturally when you use coroutines in an otherwise 1136called. This occurs naturally when you use coro in an otherwise
648event-based program, or when you use event-based libraries. 1137event-based program, or when you use event-based libraries.
649 1138
650These typically register a callback for some event, and call that callback 1139These typically register a callback for some event, and call that callback
651when the event occured. In a coroutine, however, you typically want to 1140when the event occurred. In a coro, however, you typically want to
652just wait for the event, simplyifying things. 1141just wait for the event, simplyifying things.
653 1142
654For example C<< AnyEvent->child >> registers a callback to be called when 1143For example C<< AnyEvent->child >> registers a callback to be called when
655a specific child has exited: 1144a specific child has exited:
656 1145
657 my $child_watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub { ... }); 1146 my $child_watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub { ... });
658 1147
659But from withina coroutine, you often just want to write this: 1148But from within a coro, you often just want to write this:
660 1149
661 my $status = wait_for_child $pid; 1150 my $status = wait_for_child $pid;
662 1151
663Coro offers two functions specifically designed to make this easy, 1152Coro offers two functions specifically designed to make this easy,
664C<Coro::rouse_cb> and C<Coro::rouse_wait>. 1153C<rouse_cb> and C<rouse_wait>.
665 1154
666The first function, C<rouse_cb>, generates and returns a callback that, 1155The first function, C<rouse_cb>, generates and returns a callback that,
667when invoked, will save its arguments and notify the coroutine that 1156when invoked, will save its arguments and notify the coro that
668created the callback. 1157created the callback.
669 1158
670The second function, C<rouse_wait>, waits for the callback to be called 1159The second function, C<rouse_wait>, waits for the callback to be called
671(by calling C<schedule> to go to sleep) and returns the arguments 1160(by calling C<schedule> to go to sleep) and returns the arguments
672originally passed to the callback. 1161originally passed to the callback.
675function mentioned above: 1164function mentioned above:
676 1165
677 sub wait_for_child($) { 1166 sub wait_for_child($) {
678 my ($pid) = @_; 1167 my ($pid) = @_;
679 1168
680 my $watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => Coro::rouse_cb); 1169 my $watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => rouse_cb);
681 1170
682 my ($rpid, $rstatus) = Coro::rouse_wait; 1171 my ($rpid, $rstatus) = rouse_wait;
683 $rstatus 1172 $rstatus
684 } 1173 }
685 1174
686In the case where C<rouse_cb> and C<rouse_wait> are not flexible enough, 1175In the case where C<rouse_cb> and C<rouse_wait> are not flexible enough,
687you can roll your own, using C<schedule>: 1176you can roll your own, using C<schedule> and C<ready>:
688 1177
689 sub wait_for_child($) { 1178 sub wait_for_child($) {
690 my ($pid) = @_; 1179 my ($pid) = @_;
691 1180
692 # store the current coroutine in $current, 1181 # store the current coro in $current,
693 # and provide result variables for the closure passed to ->child 1182 # and provide result variables for the closure passed to ->child
694 my $current = $Coro::current; 1183 my $current = $Coro::current;
695 my ($done, $rstatus); 1184 my ($done, $rstatus);
696 1185
697 # pass a closure to ->child 1186 # pass a closure to ->child
698 my $watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub { 1187 my $watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub {
699 $rstatus = $_[1]; # remember rstatus 1188 $rstatus = $_[1]; # remember rstatus
700 $done = 1; # mark $rstatus as valud 1189 $done = 1; # mark $rstatus as valid
1190 $current->ready; # wake up the waiting thread
701 }); 1191 });
702 1192
703 # wait until the closure has been called 1193 # wait until the closure has been called
704 schedule while !$done; 1194 schedule while !$done;
705 1195
713 1203
714=item fork with pthread backend 1204=item fork with pthread backend
715 1205
716When Coro is compiled using the pthread backend (which isn't recommended 1206When Coro is compiled using the pthread backend (which isn't recommended
717but required on many BSDs as their libcs are completely broken), then 1207but required on many BSDs as their libcs are completely broken), then
718coroutines will not survive a fork. There is no known workaround except to 1208coro will not survive a fork. There is no known workaround except to
719fix your libc and use a saner backend. 1209fix your libc and use a saner backend.
720 1210
721=item perl process emulation ("threads") 1211=item perl process emulation ("threads")
722 1212
723This module is not perl-pseudo-thread-safe. You should only ever use this 1213This module is not perl-pseudo-thread-safe. You should only ever use this
725future to allow per-thread schedulers, but Coro::State does not yet allow 1215future to allow per-thread schedulers, but Coro::State does not yet allow
726this). I recommend disabling thread support and using processes, as having 1216this). I recommend disabling thread support and using processes, as having
727the windows process emulation enabled under unix roughly halves perl 1217the windows process emulation enabled under unix roughly halves perl
728performance, even when not used. 1218performance, even when not used.
729 1219
1220Attempts to use threads created in another emulated process will crash
1221("cleanly", with a null pointer exception).
1222
730=item coroutine switching not signal safe 1223=item coro switching is not signal safe
731 1224
732You must not switch to another coroutine from within a signal handler 1225You must not switch to another coro from within a signal handler (only
733(only relevant with %SIG - most event libraries provide safe signals). 1226relevant with %SIG - most event libraries provide safe signals), I<unless>
1227you are sure you are not interrupting a Coro function.
734 1228
735That means you I<MUST NOT> call any function that might "block" the 1229That means you I<MUST NOT> call any function that might "block" the
736current coroutine - C<cede>, C<schedule> C<< Coro::Semaphore->down >> or 1230current coro - C<cede>, C<schedule> C<< Coro::Semaphore->down >> or
737anything that calls those. Everything else, including calling C<ready>, 1231anything that calls those. Everything else, including calling C<ready>,
738works. 1232works.
739 1233
740=back 1234=back
741 1235
1236
1237=head1 WINDOWS PROCESS EMULATION
1238
1239A great many people seem to be confused about ithreads (for example, Chip
1240Salzenberg called me unintelligent, incapable, stupid and gullible,
1241while in the same mail making rather confused statements about perl
1242ithreads (for example, that memory or files would be shared), showing his
1243lack of understanding of this area - if it is hard to understand for Chip,
1244it is probably not obvious to everybody).
1245
1246What follows is an ultra-condensed version of my talk about threads in
1247scripting languages given on the perl workshop 2009:
1248
1249The so-called "ithreads" were originally implemented for two reasons:
1250first, to (badly) emulate unix processes on native win32 perls, and
1251secondly, to replace the older, real thread model ("5.005-threads").
1252
1253It does that by using threads instead of OS processes. The difference
1254between processes and threads is that threads share memory (and other
1255state, such as files) between threads within a single process, while
1256processes do not share anything (at least not semantically). That
1257means that modifications done by one thread are seen by others, while
1258modifications by one process are not seen by other processes.
1259
1260The "ithreads" work exactly like that: when creating a new ithreads
1261process, all state is copied (memory is copied physically, files and code
1262is copied logically). Afterwards, it isolates all modifications. On UNIX,
1263the same behaviour can be achieved by using operating system processes,
1264except that UNIX typically uses hardware built into the system to do this
1265efficiently, while the windows process emulation emulates this hardware in
1266software (rather efficiently, but of course it is still much slower than
1267dedicated hardware).
1268
1269As mentioned before, loading code, modifying code, modifying data
1270structures and so on is only visible in the ithreads process doing the
1271modification, not in other ithread processes within the same OS process.
1272
1273This is why "ithreads" do not implement threads for perl at all, only
1274processes. What makes it so bad is that on non-windows platforms, you can
1275actually take advantage of custom hardware for this purpose (as evidenced
1276by the forks module, which gives you the (i-) threads API, just much
1277faster).
1278
1279Sharing data is in the i-threads model is done by transferring data
1280structures between threads using copying semantics, which is very slow -
1281shared data simply does not exist. Benchmarks using i-threads which are
1282communication-intensive show extremely bad behaviour with i-threads (in
1283fact, so bad that Coro, which cannot take direct advantage of multiple
1284CPUs, is often orders of magnitude faster because it shares data using
1285real threads, refer to my talk for details).
1286
1287As summary, i-threads *use* threads to implement processes, while
1288the compatible forks module *uses* processes to emulate, uhm,
1289processes. I-threads slow down every perl program when enabled, and
1290outside of windows, serve no (or little) practical purpose, but
1291disadvantages every single-threaded Perl program.
1292
1293This is the reason that I try to avoid the name "ithreads", as it is
1294misleading as it implies that it implements some kind of thread model for
1295perl, and prefer the name "windows process emulation", which describes the
1296actual use and behaviour of it much better.
742 1297
743=head1 SEE ALSO 1298=head1 SEE ALSO
744 1299
745Event-Loop integration: L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>. 1300Event-Loop integration: L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>.
746 1301
759 1314
760XS API: L<Coro::MakeMaker>. 1315XS API: L<Coro::MakeMaker>.
761 1316
762Low level Configuration, Thread Environment, Continuations: L<Coro::State>. 1317Low level Configuration, Thread Environment, Continuations: L<Coro::State>.
763 1318
764=head1 AUTHOR 1319=head1 AUTHOR/SUPPORT/CONTACT
765 1320
766 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 1321 Marc A. Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
767 http://home.schmorp.de/ 1322 http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/Coro.html
768 1323
769=cut 1324=cut
770 1325

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