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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 >>, the
194thread-equivalent of C<exit>, which works at any subroutine call nesting
195level:
196
197 async {
198 Coro::terminate "return value 1", "return value 2";
199 };
200
201Yet another way is to C<< ->cancel >> (or C<< ->safe_cancel >>) the coro
202thread from another thread:
203
204 my $coro = async {
205 exit 1;
206 };
207
208 $coro->cancel; # also accepts values for ->join to retrieve
209
210Cancellation I<can> be dangerous - it's a bit like calling C<exit> without
211actually exiting, and might leave C libraries and XS modules in a weird
212state. Unlike other thread implementations, however, Coro is exceptionally
213safe with regards to cancellation, as perl will always be in a consistent
214state, and for those cases where you want to do truly marvellous things
215with your coro while it is being cancelled - that is, make sure all
216cleanup code is executed from the thread being cancelled - there is even a
217C<< ->safe_cancel >> method.
218
219So, cancelling a thread that runs in an XS event loop might not be the
220best idea, but any other combination that deals with perl only (cancelling
221when a thread is in a C<tie> method or an C<AUTOLOAD> for example) is
222safe.
223
224Last not least, a coro thread object that isn't referenced is C<<
225->cancel >>'ed automatically - just like other objects in Perl. This
226is not such a common case, however - a running thread is referencedy by
227C<$Coro::current>, a thread ready to run is referenced by the ready queue,
228a thread waiting on a lock or semaphore is referenced by being in some
229wait list and so on. But a thread that isn't in any of those queues gets
230cancelled:
231
232 async {
233 schedule; # cede to other coros, don't go into the ready queue
234 };
235
236 cede;
237 # now the async above is destroyed, as it is not referenced by anything.
238
239A slightly embellished example might make it clearer:
240
241 async {
242 my $guard = Guard::guard { print "destroyed\n" };
243 schedule while 1;
244 };
245
246 cede;
247
248Superficially one might not expect any output - since the C<async>
249implements an endless loop, the C<$guard> will not be cleaned up. However,
250since the thread object returned by C<async> is not stored anywhere, the
251thread is initially referenced because it is in the ready queue, when it
252runs it is referenced by C<$Coro::current>, but when it calls C<schedule>,
253it gets C<cancel>ed causing the guard object to be destroyed (see the next
254section), and printing its message.
255
256If this seems a bit drastic, remember that this only happens when nothing
257references the thread anymore, which means there is no way to further
258execute it, ever. The only options at this point are leaking the thread,
259or cleaning it up, which brings us to...
260
261=item 5. Cleanup
262
263Threads will allocate various resources. Most but not all will be returned
264when a thread terminates, during clean-up.
265
266Cleanup is quite similar to throwing an uncaught exception: perl will
267work its way up through all subroutine calls and blocks. On its way, it
268will release all C<my> variables, undo all C<local>'s and free any other
269resources truly local to the thread.
270
271So, a common way to free resources is to keep them referenced only by my
272variables:
273
274 async {
275 my $big_cache = new Cache ...;
276 };
277
278If there are no other references, then the C<$big_cache> object will be
279freed when the thread terminates, regardless of how it does so.
280
281What it does C<NOT> do is unlock any Coro::Semaphores or similar
282resources, but that's where the C<guard> methods come in handy:
283
284 my $sem = new Coro::Semaphore;
285
286 async {
287 my $lock_guard = $sem->guard;
288 # if we return, or die or get cancelled, here,
289 # then the semaphore will be "up"ed.
290 };
291
292The C<Guard::guard> function comes in handy for any custom cleanup you
293might want to do (but you cannot switch to other coroutines from those
294code blocks):
295
296 async {
297 my $window = new Gtk2::Window "toplevel";
298 # The window will not be cleaned up automatically, even when $window
299 # gets freed, so use a guard to ensure its destruction
300 # in case of an error:
301 my $window_guard = Guard::guard { $window->destroy };
302
303 # we are safe here
304 };
305
306Last not least, C<local> can often be handy, too, e.g. when temporarily
307replacing the coro thread description:
308
309 sub myfunction {
310 local $Coro::current->{desc} = "inside myfunction(@_)";
311
312 # if we return or die here, the description will be restored
313 }
314
315=item 6. Viva La Zombie Muerte
316
317Even after a thread has terminated and cleaned up its resources, the Coro
318object still is there and stores the return values of the thread.
319
320When there are no other references, it will simply be cleaned up and
321freed.
322
323If there areany references, the Coro object will stay around, and you
324can call C<< ->join >> as many times as you wish to retrieve the result
325values:
326
327 async {
328 print "hi\n";
329 1
330 };
331
332 # run the async above, and free everything before returning
333 # from Coro::cede:
334 Coro::cede;
335
336 {
337 my $coro = async {
338 print "hi\n";
339 1
340 };
341
342 # run the async above, and clean up, but do not free the coro
343 # object:
344 Coro::cede;
345
346 # optionally retrieve the result values
347 my @results = $coro->join;
348
349 # now $coro goes out of scope, and presumably gets freed
350 };
351
352=back
353
64=cut 354=cut
65 355
66package Coro; 356package Coro;
67 357
68use strict qw(vars subs); 358use common::sense;
69no warnings "uninitialized"; 359
360use Carp ();
70 361
71use Guard (); 362use Guard ();
72 363
73use Coro::State; 364use Coro::State;
74 365
75use base qw(Coro::State Exporter); 366use base qw(Coro::State Exporter);
76 367
77our $idle; # idle handler 368our $idle; # idle handler
78our $main; # main coroutine 369our $main; # main coro
79our $current; # current coroutine 370our $current; # current coro
80 371
81our $VERSION = 5.13; 372our $VERSION = 6.57;
82 373
83our @EXPORT = qw(async async_pool cede schedule terminate current unblock_sub); 374our @EXPORT = qw(async async_pool cede schedule terminate current unblock_sub rouse_cb rouse_wait);
84our %EXPORT_TAGS = ( 375our %EXPORT_TAGS = (
85 prio => [qw(PRIO_MAX PRIO_HIGH PRIO_NORMAL PRIO_LOW PRIO_IDLE PRIO_MIN)], 376 prio => [qw(PRIO_MAX PRIO_HIGH PRIO_NORMAL PRIO_LOW PRIO_IDLE PRIO_MIN)],
86); 377);
87our @EXPORT_OK = (@{$EXPORT_TAGS{prio}}, qw(nready)); 378our @EXPORT_OK = (@{$EXPORT_TAGS{prio}}, qw(nready));
88 379
90 381
91=over 4 382=over 4
92 383
93=item $Coro::main 384=item $Coro::main
94 385
95This variable stores the coroutine object that represents the main 386This variable stores the Coro object that represents the main
96program. While you cna C<ready> it and do most other things you can do to 387program. While you can C<ready> it and do most other things you can do to
97coroutines, it is mainly useful to compare again C<$Coro::current>, to see 388coro, it is mainly useful to compare again C<$Coro::current>, to see
98whether you are running in the main program or not. 389whether you are running in the main program or not.
99 390
100=cut 391=cut
101 392
102# $main is now being initialised by Coro::State 393# $main is now being initialised by Coro::State
103 394
104=item $Coro::current 395=item $Coro::current
105 396
106The coroutine object representing the current coroutine (the last 397The Coro object representing the current coro (the last
107coroutine that the Coro scheduler switched to). The initial value is 398coro that the Coro scheduler switched to). The initial value is
108C<$Coro::main> (of course). 399C<$Coro::main> (of course).
109 400
110This variable is B<strictly> I<read-only>. You can take copies of the 401This 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 402value stored in it and use it as any other Coro object, but you must
112not otherwise modify the variable itself. 403not otherwise modify the variable itself.
113 404
114=cut 405=cut
115 406
116sub current() { $current } # [DEPRECATED] 407sub current() { $current } # [DEPRECATED]
119 410
120This variable is mainly useful to integrate Coro into event loops. It is 411This 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 412usually better to rely on L<Coro::AnyEvent> or L<Coro::EV>, as this is
122pretty low-level functionality. 413pretty low-level functionality.
123 414
124This variable stores either a coroutine or a callback. 415This variable stores a Coro object that is put into the ready queue when
416there are no other ready threads (without invoking any ready hooks).
125 417
126If it is a callback, the it is called whenever the scheduler finds no 418The default implementation dies with "FATAL: deadlock detected.", followed
127ready coroutines to run. The default implementation prints "FATAL: 419by 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.
134 420
135This hook is overwritten by modules such as C<Coro::EV> and 421This 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 422C<Coro::AnyEvent> to wait on an external event that hopefully wakes up a
137coroutine so the scheduler can run it. 423coro so the scheduler can run it.
138 424
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 425See 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.
150 426
151=cut 427=cut
152 428
153$idle = sub { 429# ||= because other modules could have provided their own by now
154 require Carp; 430$idle ||= new Coro sub {
155 Carp::croak ("FATAL: deadlock detected"); 431 require Coro::Debug;
432 die "FATAL: deadlock detected.\n"
433 . Coro::Debug::ps_listing ();
156}; 434};
157 435
158# this coroutine is necessary because a coroutine 436# this coro is necessary because a coro
159# cannot destroy itself. 437# cannot destroy itself.
160our @destroy; 438our @destroy;
161our $manager; 439our $manager;
162 440
163$manager = new Coro sub { 441$manager = new Coro sub {
164 while () { 442 while () {
165 Coro::_cancel shift @destroy 443 _destroy shift @destroy
166 while @destroy; 444 while @destroy;
167 445
168 &schedule; 446 &schedule;
169 } 447 }
170}; 448};
171$manager->{desc} = "[coro manager]"; 449$manager->{desc} = "[coro manager]";
172$manager->prio (PRIO_MAX); 450$manager->prio (PRIO_MAX);
173 451
174=back 452=back
175 453
176=head1 SIMPLE COROUTINE CREATION 454=head1 SIMPLE CORO CREATION
177 455
178=over 4 456=over 4
179 457
180=item async { ... } [@args...] 458=item async { ... } [@args...]
181 459
182Create a new coroutine and return its coroutine object (usually 460Create a new coro and return its Coro object (usually
183unused). The coroutine will be put into the ready queue, so 461unused). The coro will be put into the ready queue, so
184it will start running automatically on the next scheduler run. 462it will start running automatically on the next scheduler run.
185 463
186The first argument is a codeblock/closure that should be executed in the 464The first argument is a codeblock/closure that should be executed in the
187coroutine. When it returns argument returns the coroutine is automatically 465coro. When it returns argument returns the coro is automatically
188terminated. 466terminated.
189 467
190The remaining arguments are passed as arguments to the closure. 468The remaining arguments are passed as arguments to the closure.
191 469
192See the C<Coro::State::new> constructor for info about the coroutine 470See the C<Coro::State::new> constructor for info about the coro
193environment in which coroutines are executed. 471environment in which coro are executed.
194 472
195Calling C<exit> in a coroutine will do the same as calling exit outside 473Calling C<exit> in a coro will do the same as calling exit outside
196the coroutine. Likewise, when the coroutine dies, the program will exit, 474the coro. Likewise, when the coro dies, the program will exit,
197just as it would in the main program. 475just as it would in the main program.
198 476
199If you do not want that, you can provide a default C<die> handler, or 477If you do not want that, you can provide a default C<die> handler, or
200simply avoid dieing (by use of C<eval>). 478simply avoid dieing (by use of C<eval>).
201 479
202Example: Create a new coroutine that just prints its arguments. 480Example: Create a new coro that just prints its arguments.
203 481
204 async { 482 async {
205 print "@_\n"; 483 print "@_\n";
206 } 1,2,3,4; 484 } 1,2,3,4;
207 485
208=cut
209
210sub async(&@) {
211 my $coro = new Coro @_;
212 $coro->ready;
213 $coro
214}
215
216=item async_pool { ... } [@args...] 486=item async_pool { ... } [@args...]
217 487
218Similar to C<async>, but uses a coroutine pool, so you should not call 488Similar 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 489terminate 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 490coro that might have executed other code already (which can be good
221or bad :). 491or bad :).
222 492
223On the plus side, this function is about twice as fast as creating (and 493On 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 494destroying) a completely new coro, so if you need a lot of generic
225coroutines in quick successsion, use C<async_pool>, not C<async>. 495coros in quick successsion, use C<async_pool>, not C<async>.
226 496
227The code block is executed in an C<eval> context and a warning will be 497The 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 498issued 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> 499C<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, 500will not work in the expected way, unless you call terminate or cancel,
231which somehow defeats the purpose of pooling (but is fine in the 501which somehow defeats the purpose of pooling (but is fine in the
232exceptional case). 502exceptional case).
233 503
234The priority will be reset to C<0> after each run, tracing will be 504The 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 505will be undone, tracing will be disabled, the description will be reset
236gets restored, so you can change all these. Otherwise the coroutine will 506and 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 507these. 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 508change other per-coro global stuff such as C<$/> you I<must needs> revert
239simply done by using local as in: C<< local $/ >>. 509that change, which is most simply done by using local as in: C<< local $/
510>>.
240 511
241The idle pool size is limited to C<8> idle coroutines (this can be 512The 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 513adjusted by changing $Coro::POOL_SIZE), but there can be as many non-idle
243coros as required. 514coros as required.
244 515
245If you are concerned about pooled coroutines growing a lot because a 516If 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 517single 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 518{ 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 519addition to that, when the stacks used by a handler grows larger than 32kb
249(adjustable via $Coro::POOL_RSS) it will also be destroyed. 520(adjustable via $Coro::POOL_RSS) it will also be destroyed.
250 521
267=back 538=back
268 539
269=head1 STATIC METHODS 540=head1 STATIC METHODS
270 541
271Static methods are actually functions that implicitly operate on the 542Static methods are actually functions that implicitly operate on the
272current coroutine. 543current coro.
273 544
274=over 4 545=over 4
275 546
276=item schedule 547=item schedule
277 548
278Calls the scheduler. The scheduler will find the next coroutine that is 549Calls the scheduler. The scheduler will find the next coro that is
279to be run from the ready queue and switches to it. The next coroutine 550to be run from the ready queue and switches to it. The next coro
280to be run is simply the one with the highest priority that is longest 551to be run is simply the one with the highest priority that is longest
281in its ready queue. If there is no coroutine ready, it will clal the 552in its ready queue. If there is no coro ready, it will call the
282C<$Coro::idle> hook. 553C<$Coro::idle> hook.
283 554
284Please note that the current coroutine will I<not> be put into the ready 555Please 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 556queue, so calling this function usually means you will never be called
286again unless something else (e.g. an event handler) calls C<< ->ready >>, 557again unless something else (e.g. an event handler) calls C<< ->ready >>,
287thus waking you up. 558thus waking you up.
288 559
289This makes C<schedule> I<the> generic method to use to block the current 560This 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 561coro and wait for events: first you remember the current coro in
291a variable, then arrange for some callback of yours to call C<< ->ready 562a 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 563>> 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, 564yourself 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 565so you need to check whether the event indeed happened, e.g. by storing the
295status in a variable. 566status in a variable.
296 567
297See B<HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK>, below, for some ways to wait for callbacks. 568See B<HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK>, below, for some ways to wait for callbacks.
298 569
299=item cede 570=item cede
300 571
301"Cede" to other coroutines. This function puts the current coroutine into 572"Cede" to other coros. This function puts the current coro into
302the ready queue and calls C<schedule>, which has the effect of giving 573the ready queue and calls C<schedule>, which has the effect of giving
303up the current "timeslice" to other coroutines of the same or higher 574up the current "timeslice" to other coros of the same or higher
304priority. Once your coroutine gets its turn again it will automatically be 575priority. Once your coro gets its turn again it will automatically be
305resumed. 576resumed.
306 577
307This function is often called C<yield> in other languages. 578This function is often called C<yield> in other languages.
308 579
309=item Coro::cede_notself 580=item Coro::cede_notself
310 581
311Works like cede, but is not exported by default and will cede to I<any> 582Works like cede, but is not exported by default and will cede to I<any>
312coroutine, regardless of priority. This is useful sometimes to ensure 583coro, regardless of priority. This is useful sometimes to ensure
313progress is made. 584progress is made.
314 585
315=item terminate [arg...] 586=item terminate [arg...]
316 587
317Terminates the current coroutine with the given status values (see L<cancel>). 588Terminates the current coro with the given status values (see
589L<cancel>). The values will not be copied, but referenced directly.
590
591=item Coro::on_enter BLOCK, Coro::on_leave BLOCK
592
593These function install enter and leave winders in the current scope. The
594enter block will be executed when on_enter is called and whenever the
595current coro is re-entered by the scheduler, while the leave block is
596executed whenever the current coro is blocked by the scheduler, and
597also when the containing scope is exited (by whatever means, be it exit,
598die, last etc.).
599
600I<Neither invoking the scheduler, nor exceptions, are allowed within those
601BLOCKs>. That means: do not even think about calling C<die> without an
602eval, and do not even think of entering the scheduler in any way.
603
604Since both BLOCKs are tied to the current scope, they will automatically
605be removed when the current scope exits.
606
607These functions implement the same concept as C<dynamic-wind> in scheme
608does, and are useful when you want to localise some resource to a specific
609coro.
610
611They slow down thread switching considerably for coros that use them
612(about 40% for a BLOCK with a single assignment, so thread switching is
613still reasonably fast if the handlers are fast).
614
615These functions are best understood by an example: The following function
616will change the current timezone to "Antarctica/South_Pole", which
617requires a call to C<tzset>, but by using C<on_enter> and C<on_leave>,
618which remember/change the current timezone and restore the previous
619value, respectively, the timezone is only changed for the coro that
620installed those handlers.
621
622 use POSIX qw(tzset);
623
624 async {
625 my $old_tz; # store outside TZ value here
626
627 Coro::on_enter {
628 $old_tz = $ENV{TZ}; # remember the old value
629
630 $ENV{TZ} = "Antarctica/South_Pole";
631 tzset; # enable new value
632 };
633
634 Coro::on_leave {
635 $ENV{TZ} = $old_tz;
636 tzset; # restore old value
637 };
638
639 # at this place, the timezone is Antarctica/South_Pole,
640 # without disturbing the TZ of any other coro.
641 };
642
643This can be used to localise about any resource (locale, uid, current
644working directory etc.) to a block, despite the existence of other
645coros.
646
647Another interesting example implements time-sliced multitasking using
648interval timers (this could obviously be optimised, but does the job):
649
650 # "timeslice" the given block
651 sub timeslice(&) {
652 use Time::HiRes ();
653
654 Coro::on_enter {
655 # on entering the thread, we set an VTALRM handler to cede
656 $SIG{VTALRM} = sub { cede };
657 # and then start the interval timer
658 Time::HiRes::setitimer &Time::HiRes::ITIMER_VIRTUAL, 0.01, 0.01;
659 };
660 Coro::on_leave {
661 # on leaving the thread, we stop the interval timer again
662 Time::HiRes::setitimer &Time::HiRes::ITIMER_VIRTUAL, 0, 0;
663 };
664
665 &{+shift};
666 }
667
668 # use like this:
669 timeslice {
670 # The following is an endless loop that would normally
671 # monopolise the process. Since it runs in a timesliced
672 # environment, it will regularly cede to other threads.
673 while () { }
674 };
675
318 676
319=item killall 677=item killall
320 678
321Kills/terminates/cancels all coroutines except the currently running 679Kills/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.
324 680
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, 681Note that while this will try to free some of the main interpreter
682resources 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 683cannot 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. 684calls this function, there will be some one-time resource leak.
332 685
333=cut 686=cut
334 687
335sub killall { 688sub killall {
336 for (Coro::State::list) { 689 for (Coro::State::list) {
339 } 692 }
340} 693}
341 694
342=back 695=back
343 696
344=head1 COROUTINE OBJECT METHODS 697=head1 CORO OBJECT METHODS
345 698
346These are the methods you can call on coroutine objects (or to create 699These are the methods you can call on coro objects (or to create
347them). 700them).
348 701
349=over 4 702=over 4
350 703
351=item new Coro \&sub [, @args...] 704=item new Coro \&sub [, @args...]
352 705
353Create a new coroutine and return it. When the sub returns, the coroutine 706Create a new coro and return it. When the sub returns, the coro
354automatically terminates as if C<terminate> with the returned values were 707automatically terminates as if C<terminate> with the returned values were
355called. To make the coroutine run you must first put it into the ready 708called. To make the coro run you must first put it into the ready
356queue by calling the ready method. 709queue by calling the ready method.
357 710
358See C<async> and C<Coro::State::new> for additional info about the 711See C<async> and C<Coro::State::new> for additional info about the
359coroutine environment. 712coro environment.
360 713
361=cut 714=cut
362 715
363sub _coro_run { 716sub _coro_run {
364 terminate &{+shift}; 717 terminate &{+shift};
365} 718}
366 719
367=item $success = $coroutine->ready 720=item $success = $coro->ready
368 721
369Put the given coroutine into the end of its ready queue (there is one 722Put 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 723queue for each priority) and return true. If the coro is already in
371the ready queue, do nothing and return false. 724the ready queue, do nothing and return false.
372 725
373This ensures that the scheduler will resume this coroutine automatically 726This ensures that the scheduler will resume this coro automatically
374once all the coroutines of higher priority and all coroutines of the same 727once all the coro of higher priority and all coro of the same
375priority that were put into the ready queue earlier have been resumed. 728priority that were put into the ready queue earlier have been resumed.
376 729
730=item $coro->suspend
731
732Suspends the specified coro. A suspended coro works just like any other
733coro, except that the scheduler will not select a suspended coro for
734execution.
735
736Suspending a coro can be useful when you want to keep the coro from
737running, but you don't want to destroy it, or when you want to temporarily
738freeze a coro (e.g. for debugging) to resume it later.
739
740A scenario for the former would be to suspend all (other) coros after a
741fork and keep them alive, so their destructors aren't called, but new
742coros can be created.
743
744=item $coro->resume
745
746If the specified coro was suspended, it will be resumed. Note that when
747the coro was in the ready queue when it was suspended, it might have been
748unreadied by the scheduler, so an activation might have been lost.
749
750To avoid this, it is best to put a suspended coro into the ready queue
751unconditionally, as every synchronisation mechanism must protect itself
752against spurious wakeups, and the one in the Coro family certainly do
753that.
754
755=item $state->is_new
756
757Returns true iff this Coro object is "new", i.e. has never been run
758yet. Those states basically consist of only the code reference to call and
759the arguments, but consumes very little other resources. New states will
760automatically get assigned a perl interpreter when they are transferred to.
761
762=item $state->is_zombie
763
764Returns true iff the Coro object has been cancelled, i.e.
765its resources freed because they were C<cancel>'ed, C<terminate>'d,
766C<safe_cancel>'ed or simply went out of scope.
767
768The name "zombie" stems from UNIX culture, where a process that has
769exited and only stores and exit status and no other resources is called a
770"zombie".
771
377=item $is_ready = $coroutine->is_ready 772=item $is_ready = $coro->is_ready
378 773
379Return whether the coroutine is currently the ready queue or not, 774Returns true iff the Coro object is in the ready queue. Unless the Coro
775object gets destroyed, it will eventually be scheduled by the scheduler.
380 776
777=item $is_running = $coro->is_running
778
779Returns true iff the Coro object is currently running. Only one Coro object
780can ever be in the running state (but it currently is possible to have
781multiple running Coro::States).
782
783=item $is_suspended = $coro->is_suspended
784
785Returns true iff this Coro object has been suspended. Suspended Coros will
786not ever be scheduled.
787
381=item $coroutine->cancel (arg...) 788=item $coro->cancel ($arg...)
382 789
383Terminates the given coroutine and makes it return the given arguments as 790Terminate the given Coro thread and make it return the given arguments as
384status (default: the empty list). Never returns if the coroutine is the 791status (default: an empty list). Never returns if the Coro is the
385current coroutine. 792current Coro.
386 793
387=cut 794This is a rather brutal way to free a coro, with some limitations - if
795the thread is inside a C callback that doesn't expect to be canceled,
796bad things can happen, or if the cancelled thread insists on running
797complicated cleanup handlers that rely on its thread context, things will
798not work.
388 799
389sub cancel { 800Any cleanup code being run (e.g. from C<guard> blocks, destructors and so
390 my $self = shift; 801on) will be run without a thread context, and is not allowed to switch
802to other threads. A common mistake is to call C<< ->cancel >> from a
803destructor called by die'ing inside the thread to be cancelled for
804example.
391 805
392 if ($current == $self) { 806On the plus side, C<< ->cancel >> will always clean up the thread, no
393 terminate @_; 807matter what. If your cleanup code is complex or you want to avoid
394 } else { 808cancelling a C-thread that doesn't know how to clean up itself, it can be
395 $self->{_status} = [@_]; 809better to C<< ->throw >> an exception, or use C<< ->safe_cancel >>.
396 $self->_cancel; 810
811The arguments to C<< ->cancel >> are not copied, but instead will
812be referenced directly (e.g. if you pass C<$var> and after the call
813change that variable, then you might change the return values passed to
814e.g. C<join>, so don't do that).
815
816The resources of the Coro are usually freed (or destructed) before this
817call returns, but this can be delayed for an indefinite amount of time, as
818in some cases the manager thread has to run first to actually destruct the
819Coro object.
820
821=item $coro->safe_cancel ($arg...)
822
823Works mostly like C<< ->cancel >>, but is inherently "safer", and
824consequently, can fail with an exception in cases the thread is not in a
825cancellable state. Essentially, C<< ->safe_cancel >> is a C<< ->cancel >>
826with extra checks before canceling.
827
828It works a bit like throwing an exception that cannot be caught -
829specifically, it will clean up the thread from within itself, so all
830cleanup handlers (e.g. C<guard> blocks) are run with full thread
831context and can block if they wish. The downside is that there is no
832guarantee that the thread can be cancelled when you call this method, and
833therefore, it might fail. It is also considerably slower than C<cancel> or
834C<terminate>.
835
836A thread is in a safe-cancellable state if it either has never been run
837yet, has already been canceled/terminated or otherwise destroyed, or has
838no C context attached and is inside an SLF function.
839
840The first two states are trivial - a thread that hasnot started or has
841already finished is safe to cancel.
842
843The last state basically means that the thread isn't currently inside a
844perl callback called from some C function (usually via some XS modules)
845and isn't currently executing inside some C function itself (via Coro's XS
846API).
847
848This call returns true when it could cancel the thread, or croaks with an
849error otherwise (i.e. it either returns true or doesn't return at all).
850
851Why the weird interface? Well, there are two common models on how and
852when to cancel things. In the first, you have the expectation that your
853coro thread can be cancelled when you want to cancel it - if the thread
854isn't cancellable, this would be a bug somewhere, so C<< ->safe_cancel >>
855croaks to notify of the bug.
856
857In the second model you sometimes want to ask nicely to cancel a thread,
858but if it's not a good time, well, then don't cancel. This can be done
859relatively easy like this:
860
861 if (! eval { $coro->safe_cancel }) {
862 warn "unable to cancel thread: $@";
397 } 863 }
398}
399 864
865However, what you never should do is first try to cancel "safely" and
866if that fails, cancel the "hard" way with C<< ->cancel >>. That makes
867no sense: either you rely on being able to execute cleanup code in your
868thread context, or you don't. If you do, then C<< ->safe_cancel >> is the
869only way, and if you don't, then C<< ->cancel >> is always faster and more
870direct.
871
400=item $coroutine->schedule_to 872=item $coro->schedule_to
401 873
402Puts the current coroutine to sleep (like C<Coro::schedule>), but instead 874Puts the current coro to sleep (like C<Coro::schedule>), but instead
403of continuing with the next coro from the ready queue, always switch to 875of continuing with the next coro from the ready queue, always switch to
404the given coroutine object (regardless of priority etc.). The readyness 876the given coro object (regardless of priority etc.). The readyness
405state of that coroutine isn't changed. 877state of that coro isn't changed.
406 878
407This is an advanced method for special cases - I'd love to hear about any 879This is an advanced method for special cases - I'd love to hear about any
408uses for this one. 880uses for this one.
409 881
410=item $coroutine->cede_to 882=item $coro->cede_to
411 883
412Like C<schedule_to>, but puts the current coroutine into the ready 884Like C<schedule_to>, but puts the current coro into the ready
413queue. This has the effect of temporarily switching to the given 885queue. This has the effect of temporarily switching to the given
414coroutine, and continuing some time later. 886coro, and continuing some time later.
415 887
416This is an advanced method for special cases - I'd love to hear about any 888This is an advanced method for special cases - I'd love to hear about any
417uses for this one. 889uses for this one.
418 890
419=item $coroutine->throw ([$scalar]) 891=item $coro->throw ([$scalar])
420 892
421If C<$throw> is specified and defined, it will be thrown as an exception 893If C<$throw> is specified and defined, it will be thrown as an exception
422inside the coroutine at the next convenient point in time. Otherwise 894inside the coro at the next convenient point in time. Otherwise
423clears the exception object. 895clears the exception object.
424 896
425Coro will check for the exception each time a schedule-like-function 897Coro will check for the exception each time a schedule-like-function
426returns, i.e. after each C<schedule>, C<cede>, C<< Coro::Semaphore->down 898returns, i.e. after each C<schedule>, C<cede>, C<< Coro::Semaphore->down
427>>, C<< Coro::Handle->readable >> and so on. Most of these functions 899>>, C<< Coro::Handle->readable >> and so on. Most of those functions (all
428detect this case and return early in case an exception is pending. 900that are part of Coro itself) detect this case and return early in case an
901exception is pending.
429 902
430The exception object will be thrown "as is" with the specified scalar in 903The exception object will be thrown "as is" with the specified scalar in
431C<$@>, i.e. if it is a string, no line number or newline will be appended 904C<$@>, i.e. if it is a string, no line number or newline will be appended
432(unlike with C<die>). 905(unlike with C<die>).
433 906
434This can be used as a softer means than C<cancel> to ask a coroutine to 907This 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 908>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 909exception will lead to termination, and if the exception isn't caught it
437program. 910might well end the whole program.
438 911
439You might also think of C<throw> as being the moral equivalent of 912You 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). 913C<kill>ing a coro with a signal (in this case, a scalar).
441 914
442=item $coroutine->join 915=item $coro->join
443 916
444Wait until the coroutine terminates and return any values given to the 917Wait until the coro terminates and return any values given to the
445C<terminate> or C<cancel> functions. C<join> can be called concurrently 918C<terminate> or C<cancel> functions. C<join> can be called concurrently
446from multiple coroutines, and all will be resumed and given the status 919from multiple threads, and all will be resumed and given the status
447return once the C<$coroutine> terminates. 920return once the C<$coro> terminates.
448 921
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) 922=item $coro->on_destroy (\&cb)
469 923
470Registers a callback that is called when this coroutine gets destroyed, 924Registers a callback that is called when this coro thread gets destroyed,
471but before it is joined. The callback gets passed the terminate arguments, 925that is, after its resources have been freed but before it is joined. The
926callback gets passed the terminate/cancel arguments, if any, and I<must
472if any, and I<must not> die, under any circumstances. 927not> die, under any circumstances.
473 928
474=cut 929There can be any number of C<on_destroy> callbacks per coro, and there is
930currently no way to remove a callback once added.
475 931
476sub on_destroy {
477 my ($self, $cb) = @_;
478
479 push @{ $self->{_on_destroy} }, $cb;
480}
481
482=item $oldprio = $coroutine->prio ($newprio) 932=item $oldprio = $coro->prio ($newprio)
483 933
484Sets (or gets, if the argument is missing) the priority of the 934Sets (or gets, if the argument is missing) the priority of the
485coroutine. Higher priority coroutines get run before lower priority 935coro thread. Higher priority coro get run before lower priority
486coroutines. Priorities are small signed integers (currently -4 .. +3), 936coros. Priorities are small signed integers (currently -4 .. +3),
487that you can refer to using PRIO_xxx constants (use the import tag :prio 937that you can refer to using PRIO_xxx constants (use the import tag :prio
488to get then): 938to get then):
489 939
490 PRIO_MAX > PRIO_HIGH > PRIO_NORMAL > PRIO_LOW > PRIO_IDLE > PRIO_MIN 940 PRIO_MAX > PRIO_HIGH > PRIO_NORMAL > PRIO_LOW > PRIO_IDLE > PRIO_MIN
491 3 > 1 > 0 > -1 > -3 > -4 941 3 > 1 > 0 > -1 > -3 > -4
492 942
493 # set priority to HIGH 943 # set priority to HIGH
494 current->prio(PRIO_HIGH); 944 current->prio (PRIO_HIGH);
495 945
496The idle coroutine ($Coro::idle) always has a lower priority than any 946The idle coro thread ($Coro::idle) always has a lower priority than any
497existing coroutine. 947existing coro.
498 948
499Changing the priority of the current coroutine will take effect immediately, 949Changing the priority of the current coro will take effect immediately,
500but changing the priority of coroutines in the ready queue (but not 950but changing the priority of a coro in the ready queue (but not running)
501running) will only take effect after the next schedule (of that 951will 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. 952bug that will be fixed in some future version.
503 953
504=item $newprio = $coroutine->nice ($change) 954=item $newprio = $coro->nice ($change)
505 955
506Similar to C<prio>, but subtract the given value from the priority (i.e. 956Similar to C<prio>, but subtract the given value from the priority (i.e.
507higher values mean lower priority, just as in unix). 957higher values mean lower priority, just as in UNIX's nice command).
508 958
509=item $olddesc = $coroutine->desc ($newdesc) 959=item $olddesc = $coro->desc ($newdesc)
510 960
511Sets (or gets in case the argument is missing) the description for this 961Sets (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 962coro thread. This is just a free-form string you can associate with a
513coroutine. 963coro.
514 964
515This method simply sets the C<< $coroutine->{desc} >> member to the given 965This method simply sets the C<< $coro->{desc} >> member to the given
516string. You can modify this member directly if you wish. 966string. You can modify this member directly if you wish, and in fact, this
967is often preferred to indicate major processing states that can then be
968seen for example in a L<Coro::Debug> session:
969
970 sub my_long_function {
971 local $Coro::current->{desc} = "now in my_long_function";
972 ...
973 $Coro::current->{desc} = "my_long_function: phase 1";
974 ...
975 $Coro::current->{desc} = "my_long_function: phase 2";
976 ...
977 }
517 978
518=cut 979=cut
519 980
520sub desc { 981sub desc {
521 my $old = $_[0]{desc}; 982 my $old = $_[0]{desc};
534 995
535=over 4 996=over 4
536 997
537=item Coro::nready 998=item Coro::nready
538 999
539Returns the number of coroutines that are currently in the ready state, 1000Returns the number of coro that are currently in the ready state,
540i.e. that can be switched to by calling C<schedule> directory or 1001i.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 1002indirectly. 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> 1003currently 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 1004would cause a deadlock unless there is an idle handler that wakes up some
544coroutines. 1005coro.
545 1006
546=item my $guard = Coro::guard { ... } 1007=item my $guard = Coro::guard { ... }
547 1008
548This function still exists, but is deprecated. Please use the 1009This function still exists, but is deprecated. Please use the
549C<Guard::guard> function instead. 1010C<Guard::guard> function instead.
556 1017
557This utility function takes a BLOCK or code reference and "unblocks" it, 1018This utility function takes a BLOCK or code reference and "unblocks" it,
558returning a new coderef. Unblocking means that calling the new coderef 1019returning a new coderef. Unblocking means that calling the new coderef
559will return immediately without blocking, returning nothing, while the 1020will return immediately without blocking, returning nothing, while the
560original code ref will be called (with parameters) from within another 1021original code ref will be called (with parameters) from within another
561coroutine. 1022coro.
562 1023
563The reason this function exists is that many event libraries (such as the 1024The reason this function exists is that many event libraries (such as
564venerable L<Event|Event> module) are not coroutine-safe (a weaker form 1025the venerable L<Event|Event> module) are not thread-safe (a weaker form
565of reentrancy). This means you must not block within event callbacks, 1026of reentrancy). This means you must not block within event callbacks,
566otherwise you might suffer from crashes or worse. The only event library 1027otherwise 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>. 1028currently known that is safe to use without C<unblock_sub> is L<EV> (but
1029you might still run into deadlocks if all event loops are blocked).
1030
1031Coro will try to catch you when you block in the event loop
1032("FATAL: $Coro::idle blocked itself"), but this is just best effort and
1033only works when you do not run your own event loop.
568 1034
569This function allows your callbacks to block by executing them in another 1035This function allows your callbacks to block by executing them in another
570coroutine where it is safe to block. One example where blocking is handy 1036coro where it is safe to block. One example where blocking is handy
571is when you use the L<Coro::AIO|Coro::AIO> functions to save results to 1037is when you use the L<Coro::AIO|Coro::AIO> functions to save results to
572disk, for example. 1038disk, for example.
573 1039
574In short: simply use C<unblock_sub { ... }> instead of C<sub { ... }> when 1040In short: simply use C<unblock_sub { ... }> instead of C<sub { ... }> when
575creating event callbacks that want to block. 1041creating event callbacks that want to block.
576 1042
577If your handler does not plan to block (e.g. simply sends a message to 1043If your handler does not plan to block (e.g. simply sends a message to
578another coroutine, or puts some other coroutine into the ready queue), 1044another coro, or puts some other coro into the ready queue), there is
579there is no reason to use C<unblock_sub>. 1045no reason to use C<unblock_sub>.
580 1046
581Note that you also need to use C<unblock_sub> for any other callbacks that 1047Note that you also need to use C<unblock_sub> for any other callbacks that
582are indirectly executed by any C-based event loop. For example, when you 1048are indirectly executed by any C-based event loop. For example, when you
583use a module that uses L<AnyEvent> (and you use L<Coro::AnyEvent>) and it 1049use a module that uses L<AnyEvent> (and you use L<Coro::AnyEvent>) and it
584provides callbacks that are the result of some event callback, then you 1050provides callbacks that are the result of some event callback, then you
614 unshift @unblock_queue, [$cb, @_]; 1080 unshift @unblock_queue, [$cb, @_];
615 $unblock_scheduler->ready; 1081 $unblock_scheduler->ready;
616 } 1082 }
617} 1083}
618 1084
619=item $cb = Coro::rouse_cb 1085=item $cb = rouse_cb
620 1086
621Create and return a "rouse callback". That's a code reference that, 1087Create and return a "rouse callback". That's a code reference that,
622when called, will remember a copy of its arguments and notify the owner 1088when called, will remember a copy of its arguments and notify the owner
623coroutine of the callback. 1089coro of the callback.
624 1090
1091Only the first invocation will store agruments and signal any waiter -
1092further calls will effectively be ignored, but it is ok to try.
1093
625See the next function. 1094Also see the next function.
626 1095
627=item @args = Coro::rouse_wait [$cb] 1096=item @args = rouse_wait [$cb]
628 1097
629Wait for the specified rouse callback (or the last one that was created in 1098Wait for the specified rouse callback to be invoked (or if the argument is
630this coroutine). 1099missing, use the most recently created callback in the current coro).
631 1100
632As soon as the callback is invoked (or when the callback was invoked 1101As soon as the callback is invoked (or when the callback was invoked
633before C<rouse_wait>), it will return the arguments originally passed to 1102before C<rouse_wait>), it will return the arguments originally passed to
634the rouse callback. 1103the rouse callback. In scalar context, that means you get the I<last>
1104argument, just as if C<rouse_wait> had a C<return ($a1, $a2, $a3...)>
1105statement at the end.
1106
1107You are only allowed to wait once for a given rouse callback.
635 1108
636See the section B<HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK> for an actual usage example. 1109See the section B<HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK> for an actual usage example.
637 1110
1111As of Coro 6.57, you can reliably wait for a rouse callback in a different
1112thread than from where it was created.
1113
638=back 1114=back
639 1115
640=cut 1116=cut
641 1117
1118for my $module (qw(Channel RWLock Semaphore SemaphoreSet Signal Specific)) {
1119 my $old = defined &{"Coro::$module\::new"} && \&{"Coro::$module\::new"};
1120
1121 *{"Coro::$module\::new"} = sub {
1122 require "Coro/$module.pm";
1123
1124 # some modules have their new predefined in State.xs, some don't
1125 *{"Coro::$module\::new"} = $old
1126 if $old;
1127
1128 goto &{"Coro::$module\::new"}
1129 };
1130}
1131
6421; 11321;
643 1133
644=head1 HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK 1134=head1 HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK
645 1135
646It is very common for a coroutine to wait for some callback to be 1136It is very common for a coro to wait for some callback to be
647called. This occurs naturally when you use coroutines in an otherwise 1137called. This occurs naturally when you use coro in an otherwise
648event-based program, or when you use event-based libraries. 1138event-based program, or when you use event-based libraries.
649 1139
650These typically register a callback for some event, and call that callback 1140These typically register a callback for some event, and call that callback
651when the event occured. In a coroutine, however, you typically want to 1141when the event occurred. In a coro, however, you typically want to
652just wait for the event, simplyifying things. 1142just wait for the event, simplyifying things.
653 1143
654For example C<< AnyEvent->child >> registers a callback to be called when 1144For example C<< AnyEvent->child >> registers a callback to be called when
655a specific child has exited: 1145a specific child has exited:
656 1146
657 my $child_watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub { ... }); 1147 my $child_watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub { ... });
658 1148
659But from withina coroutine, you often just want to write this: 1149But from within a coro, you often just want to write this:
660 1150
661 my $status = wait_for_child $pid; 1151 my $status = wait_for_child $pid;
662 1152
663Coro offers two functions specifically designed to make this easy, 1153Coro offers two functions specifically designed to make this easy,
664C<Coro::rouse_cb> and C<Coro::rouse_wait>. 1154C<rouse_cb> and C<rouse_wait>.
665 1155
666The first function, C<rouse_cb>, generates and returns a callback that, 1156The first function, C<rouse_cb>, generates and returns a callback that,
667when invoked, will save its arguments and notify the coroutine that 1157when invoked, will save its arguments and notify the coro that
668created the callback. 1158created the callback.
669 1159
670The second function, C<rouse_wait>, waits for the callback to be called 1160The second function, C<rouse_wait>, waits for the callback to be called
671(by calling C<schedule> to go to sleep) and returns the arguments 1161(by calling C<schedule> to go to sleep) and returns the arguments
672originally passed to the callback. 1162originally passed to the callback.
675function mentioned above: 1165function mentioned above:
676 1166
677 sub wait_for_child($) { 1167 sub wait_for_child($) {
678 my ($pid) = @_; 1168 my ($pid) = @_;
679 1169
680 my $watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => Coro::rouse_cb); 1170 my $watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => rouse_cb);
681 1171
682 my ($rpid, $rstatus) = Coro::rouse_wait; 1172 my ($rpid, $rstatus) = rouse_wait;
683 $rstatus 1173 $rstatus
684 } 1174 }
685 1175
686In the case where C<rouse_cb> and C<rouse_wait> are not flexible enough, 1176In the case where C<rouse_cb> and C<rouse_wait> are not flexible enough,
687you can roll your own, using C<schedule>: 1177you can roll your own, using C<schedule> and C<ready>:
688 1178
689 sub wait_for_child($) { 1179 sub wait_for_child($) {
690 my ($pid) = @_; 1180 my ($pid) = @_;
691 1181
692 # store the current coroutine in $current, 1182 # store the current coro in $current,
693 # and provide result variables for the closure passed to ->child 1183 # and provide result variables for the closure passed to ->child
694 my $current = $Coro::current; 1184 my $current = $Coro::current;
695 my ($done, $rstatus); 1185 my ($done, $rstatus);
696 1186
697 # pass a closure to ->child 1187 # pass a closure to ->child
698 my $watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub { 1188 my $watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub {
699 $rstatus = $_[1]; # remember rstatus 1189 $rstatus = $_[1]; # remember rstatus
700 $done = 1; # mark $rstatus as valud 1190 $done = 1; # mark $rstatus as valid
1191 $current->ready; # wake up the waiting thread
701 }); 1192 });
702 1193
703 # wait until the closure has been called 1194 # wait until the closure has been called
704 schedule while !$done; 1195 schedule while !$done;
705 1196
713 1204
714=item fork with pthread backend 1205=item fork with pthread backend
715 1206
716When Coro is compiled using the pthread backend (which isn't recommended 1207When Coro is compiled using the pthread backend (which isn't recommended
717but required on many BSDs as their libcs are completely broken), then 1208but required on many BSDs as their libcs are completely broken), then
718coroutines will not survive a fork. There is no known workaround except to 1209coro will not survive a fork. There is no known workaround except to
719fix your libc and use a saner backend. 1210fix your libc and use a saner backend.
720 1211
721=item perl process emulation ("threads") 1212=item perl process emulation ("threads")
722 1213
723This module is not perl-pseudo-thread-safe. You should only ever use this 1214This 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 1216future to allow per-thread schedulers, but Coro::State does not yet allow
726this). I recommend disabling thread support and using processes, as having 1217this). I recommend disabling thread support and using processes, as having
727the windows process emulation enabled under unix roughly halves perl 1218the windows process emulation enabled under unix roughly halves perl
728performance, even when not used. 1219performance, even when not used.
729 1220
1221Attempts to use threads created in another emulated process will crash
1222("cleanly", with a null pointer exception).
1223
730=item coroutine switching not signal safe 1224=item coro switching is not signal safe
731 1225
732You must not switch to another coroutine from within a signal handler 1226You must not switch to another coro from within a signal handler (only
733(only relevant with %SIG - most event libraries provide safe signals). 1227relevant with %SIG - most event libraries provide safe signals), I<unless>
1228you are sure you are not interrupting a Coro function.
734 1229
735That means you I<MUST NOT> call any function that might "block" the 1230That means you I<MUST NOT> call any function that might "block" the
736current coroutine - C<cede>, C<schedule> C<< Coro::Semaphore->down >> or 1231current coro - C<cede>, C<schedule> C<< Coro::Semaphore->down >> or
737anything that calls those. Everything else, including calling C<ready>, 1232anything that calls those. Everything else, including calling C<ready>,
738works. 1233works.
739 1234
740=back 1235=back
741 1236
1237
1238=head1 WINDOWS PROCESS EMULATION
1239
1240A great many people seem to be confused about ithreads (for example, Chip
1241Salzenberg called me unintelligent, incapable, stupid and gullible,
1242while in the same mail making rather confused statements about perl
1243ithreads (for example, that memory or files would be shared), showing his
1244lack of understanding of this area - if it is hard to understand for Chip,
1245it is probably not obvious to everybody).
1246
1247What follows is an ultra-condensed version of my talk about threads in
1248scripting languages given on the perl workshop 2009:
1249
1250The so-called "ithreads" were originally implemented for two reasons:
1251first, to (badly) emulate unix processes on native win32 perls, and
1252secondly, to replace the older, real thread model ("5.005-threads").
1253
1254It does that by using threads instead of OS processes. The difference
1255between processes and threads is that threads share memory (and other
1256state, such as files) between threads within a single process, while
1257processes do not share anything (at least not semantically). That
1258means that modifications done by one thread are seen by others, while
1259modifications by one process are not seen by other processes.
1260
1261The "ithreads" work exactly like that: when creating a new ithreads
1262process, all state is copied (memory is copied physically, files and code
1263is copied logically). Afterwards, it isolates all modifications. On UNIX,
1264the same behaviour can be achieved by using operating system processes,
1265except that UNIX typically uses hardware built into the system to do this
1266efficiently, while the windows process emulation emulates this hardware in
1267software (rather efficiently, but of course it is still much slower than
1268dedicated hardware).
1269
1270As mentioned before, loading code, modifying code, modifying data
1271structures and so on is only visible in the ithreads process doing the
1272modification, not in other ithread processes within the same OS process.
1273
1274This is why "ithreads" do not implement threads for perl at all, only
1275processes. What makes it so bad is that on non-windows platforms, you can
1276actually take advantage of custom hardware for this purpose (as evidenced
1277by the forks module, which gives you the (i-) threads API, just much
1278faster).
1279
1280Sharing data is in the i-threads model is done by transferring data
1281structures between threads using copying semantics, which is very slow -
1282shared data simply does not exist. Benchmarks using i-threads which are
1283communication-intensive show extremely bad behaviour with i-threads (in
1284fact, so bad that Coro, which cannot take direct advantage of multiple
1285CPUs, is often orders of magnitude faster because it shares data using
1286real threads, refer to my talk for details).
1287
1288As summary, i-threads *use* threads to implement processes, while
1289the compatible forks module *uses* processes to emulate, uhm,
1290processes. I-threads slow down every perl program when enabled, and
1291outside of windows, serve no (or little) practical purpose, but
1292disadvantages every single-threaded Perl program.
1293
1294This is the reason that I try to avoid the name "ithreads", as it is
1295misleading as it implies that it implements some kind of thread model for
1296perl, and prefer the name "windows process emulation", which describes the
1297actual use and behaviour of it much better.
742 1298
743=head1 SEE ALSO 1299=head1 SEE ALSO
744 1300
745Event-Loop integration: L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>. 1301Event-Loop integration: L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>.
746 1302
759 1315
760XS API: L<Coro::MakeMaker>. 1316XS API: L<Coro::MakeMaker>.
761 1317
762Low level Configuration, Thread Environment, Continuations: L<Coro::State>. 1318Low level Configuration, Thread Environment, Continuations: L<Coro::State>.
763 1319
764=head1 AUTHOR 1320=head1 AUTHOR/SUPPORT/CONTACT
765 1321
766 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 1322 Marc A. Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
767 http://home.schmorp.de/ 1323 http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/Coro.html
768 1324
769=cut 1325=cut
770 1326

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