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1=head1 NAME 1=head1 NAME
2 2
3Coro - coroutine process abstraction 3Coro - the only real threads in perl
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 use Coro; 7 use Coro;
8 8
11 print "2\n"; 11 print "2\n";
12 cede; # yield back to main 12 cede; # yield back to main
13 print "4\n"; 13 print "4\n";
14 }; 14 };
15 print "1\n"; 15 print "1\n";
16 cede; # yield to coroutine 16 cede; # yield to coro
17 print "3\n"; 17 print "3\n";
18 cede; # and again 18 cede; # and again
19 19
20 # use locking 20 # use locking
21 use Coro::Semaphore; 21 use Coro::Semaphore;
26 $locked = 1; 26 $locked = 1;
27 $lock->up; 27 $lock->up;
28 28
29=head1 DESCRIPTION 29=head1 DESCRIPTION
30 30
31This module collection manages coroutines. Coroutines are similar to 31For a tutorial-style introduction, please read the L<Coro::Intro>
32threads but don't (in general) run in parallel at the same time even 32manpage. This manpage mainly contains reference information.
33on SMP machines. The specific flavor of coroutine used in this module
34also guarantees you that it will not switch between coroutines unless
35necessary, at easily-identified points in your program, so locking and
36parallel access are rarely an issue, making coroutine programming much
37safer and easier than threads programming.
38 33
39Unlike a normal perl program, however, coroutines allow you to have 34This module collection manages continuations in general, most often in
40multiple running interpreters that share data, which is especially useful 35the form of cooperative threads (also called coros, or simply "coro"
41to code pseudo-parallel processes and for event-based programming, such as 36in the documentation). They are similar to kernel threads but don't (in
42multiple HTTP-GET requests running concurrently. See L<Coro::AnyEvent> to 37general) run in parallel at the same time even on SMP machines. The
43learn more. 38specific flavor of thread offered by this module also guarantees you that
39it will not switch between threads unless necessary, at easily-identified
40points in your program, so locking and parallel access are rarely an
41issue, making thread programming much safer and easier than using other
42thread models.
44 43
45Coroutines are also useful because Perl has no support for threads (the so 44Unlike the so-called "Perl threads" (which are not actually real threads
46called "threads" that perl offers are nothing more than the (bad) process 45but only the windows process emulation ported to unix, and as such act
47emulation coming from the Windows platform: On standard operating systems 46as processes), Coro provides a full shared address space, which makes
48they serve no purpose whatsoever, except by making your programs slow and 47communication between threads very easy. And Coro's threads are fast,
49making them use a lot of memory. Best disable them when building perl, or 48too: disabling the Windows process emulation code in your perl and using
50aks your software vendor/distributor to do it for you). 49Coro can easily result in a two to four times speed increase for your
50programs. A parallel matrix multiplication benchmark runs over 300 times
51faster on a single core than perl's pseudo-threads on a quad core using
52all four cores.
51 53
54Coro achieves that by supporting multiple running interpreters that share
55data, which is especially useful to code pseudo-parallel processes and
56for event-based programming, such as multiple HTTP-GET requests running
57concurrently. See L<Coro::AnyEvent> to learn more on how to integrate Coro
58into an event-based environment.
59
52In this module, coroutines are defined as "callchain + lexical variables + 60In this module, a thread is defined as "callchain + lexical variables +
53@_ + $_ + $@ + $/ + C stack), that is, a coroutine has its own callchain, 61some package variables + C stack), that is, a thread has its own callchain,
54its 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
55variables (see L<Coro::State> for more configuration). 63variables (see L<Coro::State> for more configuration and background info).
64
65See also the C<SEE ALSO> section at the end of this document - the Coro
66module family is quite large.
56 67
57=cut 68=cut
58 69
59package Coro; 70package Coro;
60 71
61use strict qw(vars subs); 72use strict qw(vars subs);
62no warnings "uninitialized"; 73no warnings "uninitialized";
63 74
75use Guard ();
76
64use Coro::State; 77use Coro::State;
65 78
66use base qw(Coro::State Exporter); 79use base qw(Coro::State Exporter);
67 80
68our $idle; # idle handler 81our $idle; # idle handler
69our $main; # main coroutine 82our $main; # main coro
70our $current; # current coroutine 83our $current; # current coro
71 84
72our $VERSION = 5.0; 85our $VERSION = 5.13;
73 86
74our @EXPORT = qw(async async_pool cede schedule terminate current unblock_sub); 87our @EXPORT = qw(async async_pool cede schedule terminate current unblock_sub);
75our %EXPORT_TAGS = ( 88our %EXPORT_TAGS = (
76 prio => [qw(PRIO_MAX PRIO_HIGH PRIO_NORMAL PRIO_LOW PRIO_IDLE PRIO_MIN)], 89 prio => [qw(PRIO_MAX PRIO_HIGH PRIO_NORMAL PRIO_LOW PRIO_IDLE PRIO_MIN)],
77); 90);
78our @EXPORT_OK = (@{$EXPORT_TAGS{prio}}, qw(nready)); 91our @EXPORT_OK = (@{$EXPORT_TAGS{prio}}, qw(nready));
79 92
93=head1 GLOBAL VARIABLES
94
80=over 4 95=over 4
81 96
82=item $Coro::main 97=item $Coro::main
83 98
84This variable stores the coroutine object that represents the main 99This variable stores the Coro object that represents the main
85program. While you cna C<ready> it and do most other things you can do to 100program. While you cna C<ready> it and do most other things you can do to
86coroutines, it is mainly useful to compare again C<$Coro::current>, to see 101coro, it is mainly useful to compare again C<$Coro::current>, to see
87whether you are running in the main program or not. 102whether you are running in the main program or not.
88 103
89=cut 104=cut
90 105
91# $main is now being initialised by Coro::State 106# $main is now being initialised by Coro::State
92 107
93=item $Coro::current 108=item $Coro::current
94 109
95The coroutine object representing the current coroutine (the last 110The Coro object representing the current coro (the last
96coroutine that the Coro scheduler switched to). The initial value is 111coro that the Coro scheduler switched to). The initial value is
97C<$Coro::main> (of course). 112C<$Coro::main> (of course).
98 113
99This variable is B<strictly> I<read-only>. You can take copies of the 114This variable is B<strictly> I<read-only>. You can take copies of the
100value stored in it and use it as any other coroutine object, but you must 115value stored in it and use it as any other Coro object, but you must
101not otherwise modify the variable itself. 116not otherwise modify the variable itself.
102 117
103=cut 118=cut
104 119
105sub current() { $current } # [DEPRECATED] 120sub current() { $current } # [DEPRECATED]
106 121
107=item $Coro::idle 122=item $Coro::idle
108 123
109This variable is mainly useful to integrate Coro into event loops. It is 124This variable is mainly useful to integrate Coro into event loops. It is
110usually better to rely on L<Coro::AnyEvent> or LC<Coro::EV>, as this is 125usually better to rely on L<Coro::AnyEvent> or L<Coro::EV>, as this is
111pretty low-level functionality. 126pretty low-level functionality.
112 127
113This variable stores a callback that is called whenever the scheduler 128This variable stores either a Coro object or a callback.
129
130If it is a callback, the it is called whenever the scheduler finds no
114finds no ready coroutines to run. The default implementation prints 131ready coros to run. The default implementation prints "FATAL:
115"FATAL: deadlock detected" and exits, because the program has no other way 132deadlock detected" and exits, because the program has no other way to
116to continue. 133continue.
117 134
135If it is a coro object, then this object will be readied (without
136invoking any ready hooks, however) when the scheduler finds no other ready
137coros to run.
138
118This hook is overwritten by modules such as C<Coro::Timer> and 139This hook is overwritten by modules such as C<Coro::EV> and
119C<Coro::AnyEvent> to wait on an external event that hopefully wake up a 140C<Coro::AnyEvent> to wait on an external event that hopefully wake up a
120coroutine so the scheduler can run it. 141coro so the scheduler can run it.
121 142
122Note that the callback I<must not>, under any circumstances, block 143Note that the callback I<must not>, under any circumstances, block
123the current coroutine. Normally, this is achieved by having an "idle 144the current coro. Normally, this is achieved by having an "idle
124coroutine" that calls the event loop and then blocks again, and then 145coro" that calls the event loop and then blocks again, and then
125readying that coroutine in the idle handler. 146readying that coro in the idle handler, or by simply placing the idle
147coro in this variable.
126 148
127See L<Coro::Event> or L<Coro::AnyEvent> for examples of using this 149See L<Coro::Event> or L<Coro::AnyEvent> for examples of using this
128technique. 150technique.
129 151
130Please note that if your callback recursively invokes perl (e.g. for event 152Please note that if your callback recursively invokes perl (e.g. for event
135$idle = sub { 157$idle = sub {
136 require Carp; 158 require Carp;
137 Carp::croak ("FATAL: deadlock detected"); 159 Carp::croak ("FATAL: deadlock detected");
138}; 160};
139 161
140sub _cancel {
141 my ($self) = @_;
142
143 # free coroutine data and mark as destructed
144 $self->_destroy
145 or return;
146
147 # call all destruction callbacks
148 $_->(@{$self->{_status}})
149 for @{ delete $self->{_on_destroy} || [] };
150}
151
152# this coroutine is necessary because a coroutine 162# this coro is necessary because a coro
153# cannot destroy itself. 163# cannot destroy itself.
154my @destroy; 164our @destroy;
155my $manager; 165our $manager;
156 166
157$manager = new Coro sub { 167$manager = new Coro sub {
158 while () { 168 while () {
159 (shift @destroy)->_cancel 169 Coro::State::cancel shift @destroy
160 while @destroy; 170 while @destroy;
161 171
162 &schedule; 172 &schedule;
163 } 173 }
164}; 174};
165$manager->{desc} = "[coro manager]"; 175$manager->{desc} = "[coro manager]";
166$manager->prio (PRIO_MAX); 176$manager->prio (PRIO_MAX);
167 177
168=back 178=back
169 179
170=head2 SIMPLE COROUTINE CREATION 180=head1 SIMPLE CORO CREATION
171 181
172=over 4 182=over 4
173 183
174=item async { ... } [@args...] 184=item async { ... } [@args...]
175 185
176Create a new coroutine and return it's coroutine object (usually 186Create a new coro and return its Coro object (usually
177unused). The coroutine will be put into the ready queue, so 187unused). The coro will be put into the ready queue, so
178it will start running automatically on the next scheduler run. 188it will start running automatically on the next scheduler run.
179 189
180The first argument is a codeblock/closure that should be executed in the 190The first argument is a codeblock/closure that should be executed in the
181coroutine. When it returns argument returns the coroutine is automatically 191coro. When it returns argument returns the coro is automatically
182terminated. 192terminated.
183 193
184The remaining arguments are passed as arguments to the closure. 194The remaining arguments are passed as arguments to the closure.
185 195
186See the C<Coro::State::new> constructor for info about the coroutine 196See the C<Coro::State::new> constructor for info about the coro
187environment in which coroutines are executed. 197environment in which coro are executed.
188 198
189Calling C<exit> in a coroutine will do the same as calling exit outside 199Calling C<exit> in a coro will do the same as calling exit outside
190the coroutine. Likewise, when the coroutine dies, the program will exit, 200the coro. Likewise, when the coro dies, the program will exit,
191just as it would in the main program. 201just as it would in the main program.
192 202
193If you do not want that, you can provide a default C<die> handler, or 203If you do not want that, you can provide a default C<die> handler, or
194simply avoid dieing (by use of C<eval>). 204simply avoid dieing (by use of C<eval>).
195 205
196Example: Create a new coroutine that just prints its arguments. 206Example: Create a new coro that just prints its arguments.
197 207
198 async { 208 async {
199 print "@_\n"; 209 print "@_\n";
200 } 1,2,3,4; 210 } 1,2,3,4;
201 211
207 $coro 217 $coro
208} 218}
209 219
210=item async_pool { ... } [@args...] 220=item async_pool { ... } [@args...]
211 221
212Similar to C<async>, but uses a coroutine pool, so you should not call 222Similar to C<async>, but uses a coro pool, so you should not call
213terminate or join on it (although you are allowed to), and you get a 223terminate or join on it (although you are allowed to), and you get a
214coroutine that might have executed other code already (which can be good 224coro that might have executed other code already (which can be good
215or bad :). 225or bad :).
216 226
217On the plus side, this function is faster than creating (and destroying) 227On the plus side, this function is about twice as fast as creating (and
218a completly new coroutine, so if you need a lot of generic coroutines in 228destroying) a completely new coro, so if you need a lot of generic
219quick successsion, use C<async_pool>, not C<async>. 229coros in quick successsion, use C<async_pool>, not C<async>.
220 230
221The code block is executed in an C<eval> context and a warning will be 231The code block is executed in an C<eval> context and a warning will be
222issued in case of an exception instead of terminating the program, as 232issued in case of an exception instead of terminating the program, as
223C<async> does. As the coroutine is being reused, stuff like C<on_destroy> 233C<async> does. As the coro is being reused, stuff like C<on_destroy>
224will not work in the expected way, unless you call terminate or cancel, 234will not work in the expected way, unless you call terminate or cancel,
225which somehow defeats the purpose of pooling (but is fine in the 235which somehow defeats the purpose of pooling (but is fine in the
226exceptional case). 236exceptional case).
227 237
228The priority will be reset to C<0> after each run, tracing will be 238The priority will be reset to C<0> after each run, tracing will be
229disabled, the description will be reset and the default output filehandle 239disabled, the description will be reset and the default output filehandle
230gets restored, so you can change all these. Otherwise the coroutine will 240gets restored, so you can change all these. Otherwise the coro will
231be re-used "as-is": most notably if you change other per-coroutine global 241be re-used "as-is": most notably if you change other per-coro global
232stuff such as C<$/> you I<must needs> revert that change, which is most 242stuff such as C<$/> you I<must needs> revert that change, which is most
233simply done by using local as in: C<< local $/ >>. 243simply done by using local as in: C<< local $/ >>.
234 244
235The idle pool size is limited to C<8> idle coroutines (this can be 245The idle pool size is limited to C<8> idle coros (this can be
236adjusted by changing $Coro::POOL_SIZE), but there can be as many non-idle 246adjusted by changing $Coro::POOL_SIZE), but there can be as many non-idle
237coros as required. 247coros as required.
238 248
239If you are concerned about pooled coroutines growing a lot because a 249If you are concerned about pooled coros growing a lot because a
240single C<async_pool> used a lot of stackspace you can e.g. C<async_pool 250single C<async_pool> used a lot of stackspace you can e.g. C<async_pool
241{ terminate }> once per second or so to slowly replenish the pool. In 251{ terminate }> once per second or so to slowly replenish the pool. In
242addition to that, when the stacks used by a handler grows larger than 16kb 252addition to that, when the stacks used by a handler grows larger than 32kb
243(adjustable via $Coro::POOL_RSS) it will also be destroyed. 253(adjustable via $Coro::POOL_RSS) it will also be destroyed.
244 254
245=cut 255=cut
246 256
247our $POOL_SIZE = 8; 257our $POOL_SIZE = 8;
248our $POOL_RSS = 16 * 1024; 258our $POOL_RSS = 32 * 1024;
249our @async_pool; 259our @async_pool;
250 260
251sub pool_handler { 261sub pool_handler {
252 my $cb;
253
254 while () { 262 while () {
255 eval { 263 eval {
256 while () { 264 &{&_pool_handler} while 1;
257 _pool_1 $cb;
258 &$cb;
259 _pool_2 $cb;
260 &schedule;
261 }
262 }; 265 };
263 266
264 if ($@) {
265 last if $@ eq "\3async_pool terminate\2\n";
266 warn $@; 267 warn $@ if $@;
267 }
268 } 268 }
269} 269}
270 270
271sub async_pool(&@) {
272 # this is also inlined into the unblock_scheduler
273 my $coro = (pop @async_pool) || new Coro \&pool_handler;
274
275 $coro->{_invoke} = [@_];
276 $coro->ready;
277
278 $coro
279}
280
281=back 271=back
282 272
283=head2 STATIC METHODS 273=head1 STATIC METHODS
284 274
285Static methods are actually functions that operate on the current coroutine. 275Static methods are actually functions that implicitly operate on the
276current coro.
286 277
287=over 4 278=over 4
288 279
289=item schedule 280=item schedule
290 281
291Calls the scheduler. The scheduler will find the next coroutine that is 282Calls the scheduler. The scheduler will find the next coro that is
292to be run from the ready queue and switches to it. The next coroutine 283to be run from the ready queue and switches to it. The next coro
293to be run is simply the one with the highest priority that is longest 284to be run is simply the one with the highest priority that is longest
294in its ready queue. If there is no coroutine ready, it will clal the 285in its ready queue. If there is no coro ready, it will clal the
295C<$Coro::idle> hook. 286C<$Coro::idle> hook.
296 287
297Please note that the current coroutine will I<not> be put into the ready 288Please note that the current coro will I<not> be put into the ready
298queue, so calling this function usually means you will never be called 289queue, so calling this function usually means you will never be called
299again unless something else (e.g. an event handler) calls C<< ->ready >>, 290again unless something else (e.g. an event handler) calls C<< ->ready >>,
300thus waking you up. 291thus waking you up.
301 292
302This makes C<schedule> I<the> generic method to use to block the current 293This makes C<schedule> I<the> generic method to use to block the current
303coroutine and wait for events: first you remember the current coroutine in 294coro and wait for events: first you remember the current coro in
304a variable, then arrange for some callback of yours to call C<< ->ready 295a variable, then arrange for some callback of yours to call C<< ->ready
305>> on that once some event happens, and last you call C<schedule> to put 296>> on that once some event happens, and last you call C<schedule> to put
306yourself to sleep. Note that a lot of things can wake your coroutine up, 297yourself to sleep. Note that a lot of things can wake your coro up,
307so you need to check whether the event indeed happened, e.g. by storing the 298so you need to check whether the event indeed happened, e.g. by storing the
308status in a variable. 299status in a variable.
309 300
310See B<HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK>, below, for some ways to wait for callbacks. 301See B<HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK>, below, for some ways to wait for callbacks.
311 302
312=item cede 303=item cede
313 304
314"Cede" to other coroutines. This function puts the current coroutine into 305"Cede" to other coros. This function puts the current coro into
315the ready queue and calls C<schedule>, which has the effect of giving 306the ready queue and calls C<schedule>, which has the effect of giving
316up the current "timeslice" to other coroutines of the same or higher 307up the current "timeslice" to other coros of the same or higher
317priority. Once your coroutine gets its turn again it will automatically be 308priority. Once your coro gets its turn again it will automatically be
318resumed. 309resumed.
319 310
320This function is often called C<yield> in other languages. 311This function is often called C<yield> in other languages.
321 312
322=item Coro::cede_notself 313=item Coro::cede_notself
323 314
324Works like cede, but is not exported by default and will cede to I<any> 315Works like cede, but is not exported by default and will cede to I<any>
325coroutine, regardless of priority. This is useful sometimes to ensure 316coro, regardless of priority. This is useful sometimes to ensure
326progress is made. 317progress is made.
327 318
328=item terminate [arg...] 319=item terminate [arg...]
329 320
330Terminates the current coroutine with the given status values (see L<cancel>). 321Terminates the current coro with the given status values (see L<cancel>).
322
323=item Coro::on_enter BLOCK, Coro::on_leave BLOCK
324
325These function install enter and leave winders in the current scope. The
326enter block will be executed when on_enter is called and whenever the
327current coro is re-entered by the scheduler, while the leave block is
328executed whenever the current coro is blocked by the scheduler, and
329also when the containing scope is exited (by whatever means, be it exit,
330die, last etc.).
331
332I<Neither invoking the scheduler, nor exceptions, are allowed within those
333BLOCKs>. That means: do not even think about calling C<die> without an
334eval, and do not even think of entering the scheduler in any way.
335
336Since both BLOCKs are tied to the current scope, they will automatically
337be removed when the current scope exits.
338
339These functions implement the same concept as C<dynamic-wind> in scheme
340does, and are useful when you want to localise some resource to a specific
341coro.
342
343They slow down coro switching considerably for coros that use
344them (But coro switching is still reasonably fast if the handlers are
345fast).
346
347These functions are best understood by an example: The following function
348will change the current timezone to "Antarctica/South_Pole", which
349requires a call to C<tzset>, but by using C<on_enter> and C<on_leave>,
350which remember/change the current timezone and restore the previous
351value, respectively, the timezone is only changes for the coro that
352installed those handlers.
353
354 use POSIX qw(tzset);
355
356 async {
357 my $old_tz; # store outside TZ value here
358
359 Coro::on_enter {
360 $old_tz = $ENV{TZ}; # remember the old value
361
362 $ENV{TZ} = "Antarctica/South_Pole";
363 tzset; # enable new value
364 };
365
366 Coro::on_leave {
367 $ENV{TZ} = $old_tz;
368 tzset; # restore old value
369 };
370
371 # at this place, the timezone is Antarctica/South_Pole,
372 # without disturbing the TZ of any other coro.
373 };
374
375This can be used to localise about any resource (locale, uid, current
376working directory etc.) to a block, despite the existance of other
377coros.
331 378
332=item killall 379=item killall
333 380
334Kills/terminates/cancels all coroutines except the currently running 381Kills/terminates/cancels all coros except the currently running one.
335one. This is useful after a fork, either in the child or the parent, as
336usually only one of them should inherit the running coroutines.
337 382
338Note that while this will try to free some of the main programs resources, 383Note that while this will try to free some of the main interpreter
384resources if the calling coro isn't the main coro, but one
339you cannot free all of them, so if a coroutine that is not the main 385cannot free all of them, so if a coro that is not the main coro
340program calls this function, there will be some one-time resource leak. 386calls this function, there will be some one-time resource leak.
341 387
342=cut 388=cut
343
344sub terminate {
345 $current->cancel (@_);
346}
347 389
348sub killall { 390sub killall {
349 for (Coro::State::list) { 391 for (Coro::State::list) {
350 $_->cancel 392 $_->cancel
351 if $_ != $current && UNIVERSAL::isa $_, "Coro"; 393 if $_ != $current && UNIVERSAL::isa $_, "Coro";
352 } 394 }
353} 395}
354 396
355=back 397=back
356 398
357=head2 COROUTINE METHODS 399=head1 CORO OBJECT METHODS
358 400
359These are the methods you can call on coroutine objects (or to create 401These are the methods you can call on coro objects (or to create
360them). 402them).
361 403
362=over 4 404=over 4
363 405
364=item new Coro \&sub [, @args...] 406=item new Coro \&sub [, @args...]
365 407
366Create a new coroutine and return it. When the sub returns, the coroutine 408Create a new coro and return it. When the sub returns, the coro
367automatically terminates as if C<terminate> with the returned values were 409automatically terminates as if C<terminate> with the returned values were
368called. To make the coroutine run you must first put it into the ready 410called. To make the coro run you must first put it into the ready
369queue by calling the ready method. 411queue by calling the ready method.
370 412
371See C<async> and C<Coro::State::new> for additional info about the 413See C<async> and C<Coro::State::new> for additional info about the
372coroutine environment. 414coro environment.
373 415
374=cut 416=cut
375 417
376sub _run_coro { 418sub _coro_run {
377 terminate &{+shift}; 419 terminate &{+shift};
378} 420}
379 421
380sub new {
381 my $class = shift;
382
383 $class->SUPER::new (\&_run_coro, @_)
384}
385
386=item $success = $coroutine->ready 422=item $success = $coro->ready
387 423
388Put the given coroutine into the end of its ready queue (there is one 424Put the given coro into the end of its ready queue (there is one
389queue for each priority) and return true. If the coroutine is already in 425queue for each priority) and return true. If the coro is already in
390the ready queue, do nothing and return false. 426the ready queue, do nothing and return false.
391 427
392This ensures that the scheduler will resume this coroutine automatically 428This ensures that the scheduler will resume this coro automatically
393once all the coroutines of higher priority and all coroutines of the same 429once all the coro of higher priority and all coro of the same
394priority that were put into the ready queue earlier have been resumed. 430priority that were put into the ready queue earlier have been resumed.
395 431
396=item $is_ready = $coroutine->is_ready 432=item $is_ready = $coro->is_ready
397 433
398Return whether the coroutine is currently the ready queue or not, 434Returns true iff the Coro object is in the ready queue. Unless the Coro
435object gets destroyed, it will eventually be scheduled by the scheduler.
399 436
437=item $is_running = $coro->is_running
438
439Returns true iff the Coro object is currently running. Only one Coro object
440can ever be in the running state (but it currently is possible to have
441multiple running Coro::States).
442
443=item $is_suspended = $coro->is_suspended
444
445Returns true iff this Coro object has been suspended. Suspended Coros will
446not ever be scheduled.
447
400=item $coroutine->cancel (arg...) 448=item $coro->cancel (arg...)
401 449
402Terminates the given coroutine and makes it return the given arguments as 450Terminates the given Coro and makes it return the given arguments as
403status (default: the empty list). Never returns if the coroutine is the 451status (default: the empty list). Never returns if the Coro is the
404current coroutine. 452current Coro.
405 453
406=cut 454=cut
407 455
408sub cancel { 456sub cancel {
409 my $self = shift; 457 my $self = shift;
410 $self->{_status} = [@_];
411 458
412 if ($current == $self) { 459 if ($current == $self) {
413 push @destroy, $self; 460 terminate @_;
414 $manager->ready;
415 &schedule while 1;
416 } else { 461 } else {
417 $self->_cancel; 462 $self->{_status} = [@_];
463 Coro::State::cancel $self;
418 } 464 }
419} 465}
420 466
467=item $coro->schedule_to
468
469Puts the current coro to sleep (like C<Coro::schedule>), but instead
470of continuing with the next coro from the ready queue, always switch to
471the given coro object (regardless of priority etc.). The readyness
472state of that coro isn't changed.
473
474This is an advanced method for special cases - I'd love to hear about any
475uses for this one.
476
477=item $coro->cede_to
478
479Like C<schedule_to>, but puts the current coro into the ready
480queue. This has the effect of temporarily switching to the given
481coro, and continuing some time later.
482
483This is an advanced method for special cases - I'd love to hear about any
484uses for this one.
485
421=item $coroutine->throw ([$scalar]) 486=item $coro->throw ([$scalar])
422 487
423If C<$throw> is specified and defined, it will be thrown as an exception 488If C<$throw> is specified and defined, it will be thrown as an exception
424inside the coroutine at the next convenient point in time. Otherwise 489inside the coro at the next convenient point in time. Otherwise
425clears the exception object. 490clears the exception object.
426 491
427Coro will check for the exception each time a schedule-like-function 492Coro will check for the exception each time a schedule-like-function
428returns, i.e. after each C<schedule>, C<cede>, C<< Coro::Semaphore->down 493returns, i.e. after each C<schedule>, C<cede>, C<< Coro::Semaphore->down
429>>, C<< Coro::Handle->readable >> and so on. Most of these functions 494>>, C<< Coro::Handle->readable >> and so on. Most of these functions
431 496
432The exception object will be thrown "as is" with the specified scalar in 497The exception object will be thrown "as is" with the specified scalar in
433C<$@>, i.e. if it is a string, no line number or newline will be appended 498C<$@>, i.e. if it is a string, no line number or newline will be appended
434(unlike with C<die>). 499(unlike with C<die>).
435 500
436This can be used as a softer means than C<cancel> to ask a coroutine to 501This can be used as a softer means than C<cancel> to ask a coro to
437end itself, although there is no guarantee that the exception will lead to 502end itself, although there is no guarantee that the exception will lead to
438termination, and if the exception isn't caught it might well end the whole 503termination, and if the exception isn't caught it might well end the whole
439program. 504program.
440 505
441You might also think of C<throw> as being the moral equivalent of 506You might also think of C<throw> as being the moral equivalent of
442C<kill>ing a coroutine with a signal (in this case, a scalar). 507C<kill>ing a coro with a signal (in this case, a scalar).
443 508
444=item $coroutine->join 509=item $coro->join
445 510
446Wait until the coroutine terminates and return any values given to the 511Wait until the coro terminates and return any values given to the
447C<terminate> or C<cancel> functions. C<join> can be called concurrently 512C<terminate> or C<cancel> functions. C<join> can be called concurrently
448from multiple coroutines, and all will be resumed and given the status 513from multiple coro, and all will be resumed and given the status
449return once the C<$coroutine> terminates. 514return once the C<$coro> terminates.
450 515
451=cut 516=cut
452 517
453sub join { 518sub join {
454 my $self = shift; 519 my $self = shift;
465 } 530 }
466 531
467 wantarray ? @{$self->{_status}} : $self->{_status}[0]; 532 wantarray ? @{$self->{_status}} : $self->{_status}[0];
468} 533}
469 534
470=item $coroutine->on_destroy (\&cb) 535=item $coro->on_destroy (\&cb)
471 536
472Registers a callback that is called when this coroutine gets destroyed, 537Registers a callback that is called when this coro gets destroyed,
473but before it is joined. The callback gets passed the terminate arguments, 538but before it is joined. The callback gets passed the terminate arguments,
474if any, and I<must not> die, under any circumstances. 539if any, and I<must not> die, under any circumstances.
475 540
476=cut 541=cut
477 542
479 my ($self, $cb) = @_; 544 my ($self, $cb) = @_;
480 545
481 push @{ $self->{_on_destroy} }, $cb; 546 push @{ $self->{_on_destroy} }, $cb;
482} 547}
483 548
484=item $oldprio = $coroutine->prio ($newprio) 549=item $oldprio = $coro->prio ($newprio)
485 550
486Sets (or gets, if the argument is missing) the priority of the 551Sets (or gets, if the argument is missing) the priority of the
487coroutine. Higher priority coroutines get run before lower priority 552coro. Higher priority coro get run before lower priority
488coroutines. Priorities are small signed integers (currently -4 .. +3), 553coro. Priorities are small signed integers (currently -4 .. +3),
489that you can refer to using PRIO_xxx constants (use the import tag :prio 554that you can refer to using PRIO_xxx constants (use the import tag :prio
490to get then): 555to get then):
491 556
492 PRIO_MAX > PRIO_HIGH > PRIO_NORMAL > PRIO_LOW > PRIO_IDLE > PRIO_MIN 557 PRIO_MAX > PRIO_HIGH > PRIO_NORMAL > PRIO_LOW > PRIO_IDLE > PRIO_MIN
493 3 > 1 > 0 > -1 > -3 > -4 558 3 > 1 > 0 > -1 > -3 > -4
494 559
495 # set priority to HIGH 560 # set priority to HIGH
496 current->prio(PRIO_HIGH); 561 current->prio (PRIO_HIGH);
497 562
498The idle coroutine ($Coro::idle) always has a lower priority than any 563The idle coro ($Coro::idle) always has a lower priority than any
499existing coroutine. 564existing coro.
500 565
501Changing the priority of the current coroutine will take effect immediately, 566Changing the priority of the current coro will take effect immediately,
502but changing the priority of coroutines in the ready queue (but not 567but changing the priority of coro in the ready queue (but not
503running) will only take effect after the next schedule (of that 568running) will only take effect after the next schedule (of that
504coroutine). This is a bug that will be fixed in some future version. 569coro). This is a bug that will be fixed in some future version.
505 570
506=item $newprio = $coroutine->nice ($change) 571=item $newprio = $coro->nice ($change)
507 572
508Similar to C<prio>, but subtract the given value from the priority (i.e. 573Similar to C<prio>, but subtract the given value from the priority (i.e.
509higher values mean lower priority, just as in unix). 574higher values mean lower priority, just as in unix).
510 575
511=item $olddesc = $coroutine->desc ($newdesc) 576=item $olddesc = $coro->desc ($newdesc)
512 577
513Sets (or gets in case the argument is missing) the description for this 578Sets (or gets in case the argument is missing) the description for this
514coroutine. This is just a free-form string you can associate with a 579coro. This is just a free-form string you can associate with a
515coroutine. 580coro.
516 581
517This method simply sets the C<< $coroutine->{desc} >> member to the given 582This method simply sets the C<< $coro->{desc} >> member to the given
518string. You can modify this member directly if you wish. 583string. You can modify this member directly if you wish.
519 584
520=cut 585=cut
521 586
522sub desc { 587sub desc {
523 my $old = $_[0]{desc}; 588 my $old = $_[0]{desc};
524 $_[0]{desc} = $_[1] if @_ > 1; 589 $_[0]{desc} = $_[1] if @_ > 1;
525 $old; 590 $old;
526} 591}
527 592
593sub transfer {
594 require Carp;
595 Carp::croak ("You must not call ->transfer on Coro objects. Use Coro::State objects or the ->schedule_to method. Caught");
596}
597
528=back 598=back
529 599
530=head2 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 600=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
531 601
532=over 4 602=over 4
533 603
534=item Coro::nready 604=item Coro::nready
535 605
536Returns the number of coroutines that are currently in the ready state, 606Returns the number of coro that are currently in the ready state,
537i.e. that can be switched to by calling C<schedule> directory or 607i.e. that can be switched to by calling C<schedule> directory or
538indirectly. The value C<0> means that the only runnable coroutine is the 608indirectly. The value C<0> means that the only runnable coro is the
539currently running one, so C<cede> would have no effect, and C<schedule> 609currently running one, so C<cede> would have no effect, and C<schedule>
540would cause a deadlock unless there is an idle handler that wakes up some 610would cause a deadlock unless there is an idle handler that wakes up some
541coroutines. 611coro.
542 612
543=item my $guard = Coro::guard { ... } 613=item my $guard = Coro::guard { ... }
544 614
545This creates and returns a guard object. Nothing happens until the object 615This function still exists, but is deprecated. Please use the
546gets destroyed, in which case the codeblock given as argument will be 616C<Guard::guard> function instead.
547executed. This is useful to free locks or other resources in case of a
548runtime error or when the coroutine gets canceled, as in both cases the
549guard block will be executed. The guard object supports only one method,
550C<< ->cancel >>, which will keep the codeblock from being executed.
551 617
552Example: set some flag and clear it again when the coroutine gets canceled
553or the function returns:
554
555 sub do_something {
556 my $guard = Coro::guard { $busy = 0 };
557 $busy = 1;
558
559 # do something that requires $busy to be true
560 }
561
562=cut 618=cut
563 619
564sub guard(&) { 620BEGIN { *guard = \&Guard::guard }
565 bless \(my $cb = $_[0]), "Coro::guard"
566}
567
568sub Coro::guard::cancel {
569 ${$_[0]} = sub { };
570}
571
572sub Coro::guard::DESTROY {
573 ${$_[0]}->();
574}
575
576 621
577=item unblock_sub { ... } 622=item unblock_sub { ... }
578 623
579This utility function takes a BLOCK or code reference and "unblocks" it, 624This utility function takes a BLOCK or code reference and "unblocks" it,
580returning a new coderef. Unblocking means that calling the new coderef 625returning a new coderef. Unblocking means that calling the new coderef
581will return immediately without blocking, returning nothing, while the 626will return immediately without blocking, returning nothing, while the
582original code ref will be called (with parameters) from within another 627original code ref will be called (with parameters) from within another
583coroutine. 628coro.
584 629
585The reason this function exists is that many event libraries (such as the 630The reason this function exists is that many event libraries (such as the
586venerable L<Event|Event> module) are not coroutine-safe (a weaker form 631venerable L<Event|Event> module) are not thread-safe (a weaker form
587of thread-safety). This means you must not block within event callbacks, 632of reentrancy). This means you must not block within event callbacks,
588otherwise you might suffer from crashes or worse. The only event library 633otherwise you might suffer from crashes or worse. The only event library
589currently known that is safe to use without C<unblock_sub> is L<EV>. 634currently known that is safe to use without C<unblock_sub> is L<EV>.
590 635
591This function allows your callbacks to block by executing them in another 636This function allows your callbacks to block by executing them in another
592coroutine where it is safe to block. One example where blocking is handy 637coro where it is safe to block. One example where blocking is handy
593is when you use the L<Coro::AIO|Coro::AIO> functions to save results to 638is when you use the L<Coro::AIO|Coro::AIO> functions to save results to
594disk, for example. 639disk, for example.
595 640
596In short: simply use C<unblock_sub { ... }> instead of C<sub { ... }> when 641In short: simply use C<unblock_sub { ... }> instead of C<sub { ... }> when
597creating event callbacks that want to block. 642creating event callbacks that want to block.
598 643
599If your handler does not plan to block (e.g. simply sends a message to 644If your handler does not plan to block (e.g. simply sends a message to
600another coroutine, or puts some other coroutine into the ready queue), 645another coro, or puts some other coro into the ready queue), there is
601there is no reason to use C<unblock_sub>. 646no reason to use C<unblock_sub>.
602 647
603Note that you also need to use C<unblock_sub> for any other callbacks that 648Note that you also need to use C<unblock_sub> for any other callbacks that
604are indirectly executed by any C-based event loop. For example, when you 649are indirectly executed by any C-based event loop. For example, when you
605use a module that uses L<AnyEvent> (and you use L<Coro::AnyEvent>) and it 650use a module that uses L<AnyEvent> (and you use L<Coro::AnyEvent>) and it
606provides callbacks that are the result of some event callback, then you 651provides callbacks that are the result of some event callback, then you
615# return immediately and can be reused) and because we cannot cede 660# return immediately and can be reused) and because we cannot cede
616# inside an event callback. 661# inside an event callback.
617our $unblock_scheduler = new Coro sub { 662our $unblock_scheduler = new Coro sub {
618 while () { 663 while () {
619 while (my $cb = pop @unblock_queue) { 664 while (my $cb = pop @unblock_queue) {
620 # this is an inlined copy of async_pool 665 &async_pool (@$cb);
621 my $coro = (pop @async_pool) || new Coro \&pool_handler;
622 666
623 $coro->{_invoke} = $cb;
624 $coro->ready;
625 cede; # for short-lived callbacks, this reduces pressure on the coro pool 667 # for short-lived callbacks, this reduces pressure on the coro pool
668 # as the chance is very high that the async_poll coro will be back
669 # in the idle state when cede returns
670 cede;
626 } 671 }
627 schedule; # sleep well 672 schedule; # sleep well
628 } 673 }
629}; 674};
630$unblock_scheduler->{desc} = "[unblock_sub scheduler]"; 675$unblock_scheduler->{desc} = "[unblock_sub scheduler]";
638 } 683 }
639} 684}
640 685
641=item $cb = Coro::rouse_cb 686=item $cb = Coro::rouse_cb
642 687
643Create and return a "rouse callback". That's a code reference that, when 688Create and return a "rouse callback". That's a code reference that,
644called, will save its arguments and notify the owner coroutine of the 689when called, will remember a copy of its arguments and notify the owner
645callback. 690coro of the callback.
646 691
647See the next function. 692See the next function.
648 693
649=item @args = Coro::rouse_wait [$cb] 694=item @args = Coro::rouse_wait [$cb]
650 695
651Wait for the specified rouse callback (or the last one tht was created in 696Wait for the specified rouse callback (or the last one that was created in
652this coroutine). 697this coro).
653 698
654As soon as the callback is invoked (or when the calback was invoked before 699As soon as the callback is invoked (or when the callback was invoked
655C<rouse_wait>), it will return a copy of the arguments originally passed 700before C<rouse_wait>), it will return the arguments originally passed to
656to the rouse callback. 701the rouse callback.
657 702
658See the section B<HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK> for an actual usage example. 703See the section B<HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK> for an actual usage example.
659 704
660=back 705=back
661 706
663 708
6641; 7091;
665 710
666=head1 HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK 711=head1 HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK
667 712
668It is very common for a coroutine to wait for some callback to be 713It is very common for a coro to wait for some callback to be
669called. This occurs naturally when you use coroutines in an otherwise 714called. This occurs naturally when you use coro in an otherwise
670event-based program, or when you use event-based libraries. 715event-based program, or when you use event-based libraries.
671 716
672These typically register a callback for some event, and call that callback 717These typically register a callback for some event, and call that callback
673when the event occured. In a coroutine, however, you typically want to 718when the event occured. In a coro, however, you typically want to
674just wait for the event, simplyifying things. 719just wait for the event, simplyifying things.
675 720
676For example C<< AnyEvent->child >> registers a callback to be called when 721For example C<< AnyEvent->child >> registers a callback to be called when
677a specific child has exited: 722a specific child has exited:
678 723
679 my $child_watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub { ... }); 724 my $child_watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub { ... });
680 725
681But from withina coroutine, you often just want to write this: 726But from within a coro, you often just want to write this:
682 727
683 my $status = wait_for_child $pid; 728 my $status = wait_for_child $pid;
684 729
685Coro offers two functions specifically designed to make this easy, 730Coro offers two functions specifically designed to make this easy,
686C<Coro::rouse_cb> and C<Coro::rouse_wait>. 731C<Coro::rouse_cb> and C<Coro::rouse_wait>.
687 732
688The first function, C<rouse_cb>, generates and returns a callback that, 733The first function, C<rouse_cb>, generates and returns a callback that,
689when invoked, will save it's arguments and notify the coroutine that 734when invoked, will save its arguments and notify the coro that
690created the callback. 735created the callback.
691 736
692The second function, C<rouse_wait>, waits for the callback to be called 737The second function, C<rouse_wait>, waits for the callback to be called
693(by calling C<schedule> to go to sleep) and returns the arguments 738(by calling C<schedule> to go to sleep) and returns the arguments
694originally passed to the callback. 739originally passed to the callback.
709you can roll your own, using C<schedule>: 754you can roll your own, using C<schedule>:
710 755
711 sub wait_for_child($) { 756 sub wait_for_child($) {
712 my ($pid) = @_; 757 my ($pid) = @_;
713 758
714 # store the current coroutine in $current, 759 # store the current coro in $current,
715 # and provide result variables for the closure passed to ->child 760 # and provide result variables for the closure passed to ->child
716 my $current = $Coro::current; 761 my $current = $Coro::current;
717 my ($done, $rstatus); 762 my ($done, $rstatus);
718 763
719 # pass a closure to ->child 764 # pass a closure to ->child
735 780
736=item fork with pthread backend 781=item fork with pthread backend
737 782
738When Coro is compiled using the pthread backend (which isn't recommended 783When Coro is compiled using the pthread backend (which isn't recommended
739but required on many BSDs as their libcs are completely broken), then 784but required on many BSDs as their libcs are completely broken), then
740coroutines will not survive a fork. There is no known workaround except to 785coro will not survive a fork. There is no known workaround except to
741fix your libc and use a saner backend. 786fix your libc and use a saner backend.
742 787
743=item perl process emulation ("threads") 788=item perl process emulation ("threads")
744 789
745This module is not perl-pseudo-thread-safe. You should only ever use this 790This module is not perl-pseudo-thread-safe. You should only ever use this
746module from the same thread (this requirement might be removed in the 791module from the first thread (this requirement might be removed in the
747future to allow per-thread schedulers, but Coro::State does not yet allow 792future to allow per-thread schedulers, but Coro::State does not yet allow
748this). I recommend disabling thread support and using processes, as having 793this). I recommend disabling thread support and using processes, as having
749the windows process emulation enabled under unix roughly halves perl 794the windows process emulation enabled under unix roughly halves perl
750performance, even when not used. 795performance, even when not used.
751 796
752=item coroutine switching not signal safe 797=item coro switching is not signal safe
753 798
754You must not switch to another coroutine from within a signal handler 799You must not switch to another coro from within a signal handler
755(only relevant with %SIG - most event libraries provide safe signals). 800(only relevant with %SIG - most event libraries provide safe signals).
756 801
757That means you I<MUST NOT> call any function that might "block" the 802That means you I<MUST NOT> call any function that might "block" the
758current coroutine - C<cede>, C<schedule> C<< Coro::Semaphore->down >> or 803current coro - C<cede>, C<schedule> C<< Coro::Semaphore->down >> or
759anything that calls those. Everything else, including calling C<ready>, 804anything that calls those. Everything else, including calling C<ready>,
760works. 805works.
761 806
762=back 807=back
763 808
768 813
769Debugging: L<Coro::Debug>. 814Debugging: L<Coro::Debug>.
770 815
771Support/Utility: L<Coro::Specific>, L<Coro::Util>. 816Support/Utility: L<Coro::Specific>, L<Coro::Util>.
772 817
773Locking/IPC: L<Coro::Signal>, L<Coro::Channel>, L<Coro::Semaphore>, L<Coro::SemaphoreSet>, L<Coro::RWLock>. 818Locking and IPC: L<Coro::Signal>, L<Coro::Channel>, L<Coro::Semaphore>,
819L<Coro::SemaphoreSet>, L<Coro::RWLock>.
774 820
775IO/Timers: L<Coro::Timer>, L<Coro::Handle>, L<Coro::Socket>, L<Coro::AIO>. 821I/O and Timers: L<Coro::Timer>, L<Coro::Handle>, L<Coro::Socket>, L<Coro::AIO>.
776 822
777Compatibility: L<Coro::LWP>, L<Coro::BDB>, L<Coro::Storable>, L<Coro::Select>. 823Compatibility with other modules: L<Coro::LWP> (but see also L<AnyEvent::HTTP> for
824a better-working alternative), L<Coro::BDB>, L<Coro::Storable>,
825L<Coro::Select>.
778 826
779XS API: L<Coro::MakeMaker>. 827XS API: L<Coro::MakeMaker>.
780 828
781Low level Configuration, Coroutine Environment: L<Coro::State>. 829Low level Configuration, Thread Environment, Continuations: L<Coro::State>.
782 830
783=head1 AUTHOR 831=head1 AUTHOR
784 832
785 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 833 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
786 http://home.schmorp.de/ 834 http://home.schmorp.de/

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