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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), Coro provides a
47emulation coming from the Windows platform: On standard operating systems 46full shared address space, which makes communication between threads
48they serve no purpose whatsoever, except by making your programs slow and 47very easy. And threads are fast, too: disabling the Windows process
49making them use a lot of memory. Best disable them when building perl, or 48emulation code in your perl and using Coro can easily result in a two to
50aks your software vendor/distributor to do it for you). 49four times speed increase for your programs.
51 50
51Coro achieves that by supporting multiple running interpreters that share
52data, which is especially useful to code pseudo-parallel processes and
53for event-based programming, such as multiple HTTP-GET requests running
54concurrently. See L<Coro::AnyEvent> to learn more on how to integrate Coro
55into an event-based environment.
56
52In this module, coroutines are defined as "callchain + lexical variables + 57In this module, a thread is defined as "callchain + lexical variables +
53@_ + $_ + $@ + $/ + C stack), that is, a coroutine has its own callchain, 58@_ + $_ + $@ + $/ + C stack), that is, a thread has its own callchain,
54its own set of lexicals and its own set of perls most important global 59its own set of lexicals and its own set of perls most important global
55variables (see L<Coro::State> for more configuration). 60variables (see L<Coro::State> for more configuration and background info).
61
62See also the C<SEE ALSO> section at the end of this document - the Coro
63module family is quite large.
56 64
57=cut 65=cut
58 66
59package Coro; 67package Coro;
60 68
61use strict qw(vars subs); 69use strict qw(vars subs);
62no warnings "uninitialized"; 70no warnings "uninitialized";
63 71
72use Guard ();
73
64use Coro::State; 74use Coro::State;
65 75
66use base qw(Coro::State Exporter); 76use base qw(Coro::State Exporter);
67 77
68our $idle; # idle handler 78our $idle; # idle handler
69our $main; # main coroutine 79our $main; # main coro
70our $current; # current coroutine 80our $current; # current coro
71 81
72our $VERSION = 4.91; 82our $VERSION = 5.13;
73 83
74our @EXPORT = qw(async async_pool cede schedule terminate current unblock_sub); 84our @EXPORT = qw(async async_pool cede schedule terminate current unblock_sub);
75our %EXPORT_TAGS = ( 85our %EXPORT_TAGS = (
76 prio => [qw(PRIO_MAX PRIO_HIGH PRIO_NORMAL PRIO_LOW PRIO_IDLE PRIO_MIN)], 86 prio => [qw(PRIO_MAX PRIO_HIGH PRIO_NORMAL PRIO_LOW PRIO_IDLE PRIO_MIN)],
77); 87);
78our @EXPORT_OK = (@{$EXPORT_TAGS{prio}}, qw(nready)); 88our @EXPORT_OK = (@{$EXPORT_TAGS{prio}}, qw(nready));
79 89
90=head1 GLOBAL VARIABLES
91
80=over 4 92=over 4
81 93
82=item $Coro::main 94=item $Coro::main
83 95
84This variable stores the coroutine object that represents the main 96This variable stores the Coro object that represents the main
85program. While you cna C<ready> it and do most other things you can do to 97program. While you cna C<ready> it and do most other things you can do to
86coroutines, it is mainly useful to compare again C<$Coro::current>, to see 98coro, it is mainly useful to compare again C<$Coro::current>, to see
87whether you are running in the main program or not. 99whether you are running in the main program or not.
88 100
89=cut 101=cut
90 102
91$main = new Coro; 103# $main is now being initialised by Coro::State
92 104
93=item $Coro::current 105=item $Coro::current
94 106
95The coroutine object representing the current coroutine (the last 107The Coro object representing the current coro (the last
96coroutine that the Coro scheduler switched to). The initial value is 108coro that the Coro scheduler switched to). The initial value is
97C<$main> (of course). 109C<$Coro::main> (of course).
98 110
99This variable is B<strictly> I<read-only>. You can take copies of the 111This variable is B<strictly> I<read-only>. You can take copies of the
100value stored in it and use it as any other coroutine object, but you must 112value stored in it and use it as any other Coro object, but you must
101not otherwise modify the variable itself. 113not otherwise modify the variable itself.
102 114
103=cut 115=cut
104 116
105$main->{desc} = "[main::]";
106
107# maybe some other module used Coro::Specific before...
108$main->{_specific} = $current->{_specific}
109 if $current;
110
111_set_current $main;
112
113sub current() { $current } # [DEPRECATED] 117sub current() { $current } # [DEPRECATED]
114 118
115=item $Coro::idle 119=item $Coro::idle
116 120
117This variable is mainly useful to integrate Coro into event loops. It is 121This variable is mainly useful to integrate Coro into event loops. It is
118usually better to rely on L<Coro::AnyEvent> or LC<Coro::EV>, as this is 122usually better to rely on L<Coro::AnyEvent> or L<Coro::EV>, as this is
119pretty low-level functionality. 123pretty low-level functionality.
120 124
121This variable stores a callback that is called whenever the scheduler 125This variable stores either a Coro object or a callback.
126
127If it is a callback, the it is called whenever the scheduler finds no
122finds no ready coroutines to run. The default implementation prints 128ready coros to run. The default implementation prints "FATAL:
123"FATAL: deadlock detected" and exits, because the program has no other way 129deadlock detected" and exits, because the program has no other way to
124to continue. 130continue.
125 131
132If it is a coro object, then this object will be readied (without
133invoking any ready hooks, however) when the scheduler finds no other ready
134coros to run.
135
126This hook is overwritten by modules such as C<Coro::Timer> and 136This hook is overwritten by modules such as C<Coro::EV> and
127C<Coro::AnyEvent> to wait on an external event that hopefully wake up a 137C<Coro::AnyEvent> to wait on an external event that hopefully wake up a
128coroutine so the scheduler can run it. 138coro so the scheduler can run it.
129 139
130Note that the callback I<must not>, under any circumstances, block 140Note that the callback I<must not>, under any circumstances, block
131the current coroutine. Normally, this is achieved by having an "idle 141the current coro. Normally, this is achieved by having an "idle
132coroutine" that calls the event loop and then blocks again, and then 142coro" that calls the event loop and then blocks again, and then
133readying that coroutine in the idle handler. 143readying that coro in the idle handler, or by simply placing the idle
144coro in this variable.
134 145
135See L<Coro::Event> or L<Coro::AnyEvent> for examples of using this 146See L<Coro::Event> or L<Coro::AnyEvent> for examples of using this
136technique. 147technique.
137 148
138Please note that if your callback recursively invokes perl (e.g. for event 149Please note that if your callback recursively invokes perl (e.g. for event
143$idle = sub { 154$idle = sub {
144 require Carp; 155 require Carp;
145 Carp::croak ("FATAL: deadlock detected"); 156 Carp::croak ("FATAL: deadlock detected");
146}; 157};
147 158
148sub _cancel {
149 my ($self) = @_;
150
151 # free coroutine data and mark as destructed
152 $self->_destroy
153 or return;
154
155 # call all destruction callbacks
156 $_->(@{$self->{_status}})
157 for @{ delete $self->{_on_destroy} || [] };
158}
159
160# this coroutine is necessary because a coroutine 159# this coro is necessary because a coro
161# cannot destroy itself. 160# cannot destroy itself.
162my @destroy; 161our @destroy;
163my $manager; 162our $manager;
164 163
165$manager = new Coro sub { 164$manager = new Coro sub {
166 while () { 165 while () {
167 (shift @destroy)->_cancel 166 Coro::State::cancel shift @destroy
168 while @destroy; 167 while @destroy;
169 168
170 &schedule; 169 &schedule;
171 } 170 }
172}; 171};
173$manager->{desc} = "[coro manager]"; 172$manager->{desc} = "[coro manager]";
174$manager->prio (PRIO_MAX); 173$manager->prio (PRIO_MAX);
175 174
176=back 175=back
177 176
178=head2 SIMPLE COROUTINE CREATION 177=head1 SIMPLE CORO CREATION
179 178
180=over 4 179=over 4
181 180
182=item async { ... } [@args...] 181=item async { ... } [@args...]
183 182
184Create a new coroutine and return it's coroutine object (usually 183Create a new coro and return its Coro object (usually
185unused). The coroutine will be put into the ready queue, so 184unused). The coro will be put into the ready queue, so
186it will start running automatically on the next scheduler run. 185it will start running automatically on the next scheduler run.
187 186
188The first argument is a codeblock/closure that should be executed in the 187The first argument is a codeblock/closure that should be executed in the
189coroutine. When it returns argument returns the coroutine is automatically 188coro. When it returns argument returns the coro is automatically
190terminated. 189terminated.
191 190
192The remaining arguments are passed as arguments to the closure. 191The remaining arguments are passed as arguments to the closure.
193 192
194See the C<Coro::State::new> constructor for info about the coroutine 193See the C<Coro::State::new> constructor for info about the coro
195environment in which coroutines are executed. 194environment in which coro are executed.
196 195
197Calling C<exit> in a coroutine will do the same as calling exit outside 196Calling C<exit> in a coro will do the same as calling exit outside
198the coroutine. Likewise, when the coroutine dies, the program will exit, 197the coro. Likewise, when the coro dies, the program will exit,
199just as it would in the main program. 198just as it would in the main program.
200 199
201If you do not want that, you can provide a default C<die> handler, or 200If you do not want that, you can provide a default C<die> handler, or
202simply avoid dieing (by use of C<eval>). 201simply avoid dieing (by use of C<eval>).
203 202
204Example: Create a new coroutine that just prints its arguments. 203Example: Create a new coro that just prints its arguments.
205 204
206 async { 205 async {
207 print "@_\n"; 206 print "@_\n";
208 } 1,2,3,4; 207 } 1,2,3,4;
209 208
215 $coro 214 $coro
216} 215}
217 216
218=item async_pool { ... } [@args...] 217=item async_pool { ... } [@args...]
219 218
220Similar to C<async>, but uses a coroutine pool, so you should not call 219Similar to C<async>, but uses a coro pool, so you should not call
221terminate or join on it (although you are allowed to), and you get a 220terminate or join on it (although you are allowed to), and you get a
222coroutine that might have executed other code already (which can be good 221coro that might have executed other code already (which can be good
223or bad :). 222or bad :).
224 223
225On the plus side, this function is faster than creating (and destroying) 224On the plus side, this function is about twice as fast as creating (and
226a completly new coroutine, so if you need a lot of generic coroutines in 225destroying) a completely new coro, so if you need a lot of generic
227quick successsion, use C<async_pool>, not C<async>. 226coros in quick successsion, use C<async_pool>, not C<async>.
228 227
229The code block is executed in an C<eval> context and a warning will be 228The code block is executed in an C<eval> context and a warning will be
230issued in case of an exception instead of terminating the program, as 229issued in case of an exception instead of terminating the program, as
231C<async> does. As the coroutine is being reused, stuff like C<on_destroy> 230C<async> does. As the coro is being reused, stuff like C<on_destroy>
232will not work in the expected way, unless you call terminate or cancel, 231will not work in the expected way, unless you call terminate or cancel,
233which somehow defeats the purpose of pooling (but is fine in the 232which somehow defeats the purpose of pooling (but is fine in the
234exceptional case). 233exceptional case).
235 234
236The priority will be reset to C<0> after each run, tracing will be 235The priority will be reset to C<0> after each run, tracing will be
237disabled, the description will be reset and the default output filehandle 236disabled, the description will be reset and the default output filehandle
238gets restored, so you can change all these. Otherwise the coroutine will 237gets restored, so you can change all these. Otherwise the coro will
239be re-used "as-is": most notably if you change other per-coroutine global 238be re-used "as-is": most notably if you change other per-coro global
240stuff such as C<$/> you I<must needs> revert that change, which is most 239stuff such as C<$/> you I<must needs> revert that change, which is most
241simply done by using local as in: C<< local $/ >>. 240simply done by using local as in: C<< local $/ >>.
242 241
243The idle pool size is limited to C<8> idle coroutines (this can be 242The idle pool size is limited to C<8> idle coros (this can be
244adjusted by changing $Coro::POOL_SIZE), but there can be as many non-idle 243adjusted by changing $Coro::POOL_SIZE), but there can be as many non-idle
245coros as required. 244coros as required.
246 245
247If you are concerned about pooled coroutines growing a lot because a 246If you are concerned about pooled coros growing a lot because a
248single C<async_pool> used a lot of stackspace you can e.g. C<async_pool 247single C<async_pool> used a lot of stackspace you can e.g. C<async_pool
249{ terminate }> once per second or so to slowly replenish the pool. In 248{ terminate }> once per second or so to slowly replenish the pool. In
250addition to that, when the stacks used by a handler grows larger than 16kb 249addition to that, when the stacks used by a handler grows larger than 32kb
251(adjustable via $Coro::POOL_RSS) it will also be destroyed. 250(adjustable via $Coro::POOL_RSS) it will also be destroyed.
252 251
253=cut 252=cut
254 253
255our $POOL_SIZE = 8; 254our $POOL_SIZE = 8;
256our $POOL_RSS = 16 * 1024; 255our $POOL_RSS = 32 * 1024;
257our @async_pool; 256our @async_pool;
258 257
259sub pool_handler { 258sub pool_handler {
260 my $cb;
261
262 while () { 259 while () {
263 eval { 260 eval {
264 while () { 261 &{&_pool_handler} while 1;
265 _pool_1 $cb;
266 &$cb;
267 _pool_2 $cb;
268 &schedule;
269 }
270 }; 262 };
271 263
272 if ($@) {
273 last if $@ eq "\3async_pool terminate\2\n";
274 warn $@; 264 warn $@ if $@;
275 }
276 } 265 }
277} 266}
278 267
279sub async_pool(&@) {
280 # this is also inlined into the unlock_scheduler
281 my $coro = (pop @async_pool) || new Coro \&pool_handler;
282
283 $coro->{_invoke} = [@_];
284 $coro->ready;
285
286 $coro
287}
288
289=back 268=back
290 269
291=head2 STATIC METHODS 270=head1 STATIC METHODS
292 271
293Static methods are actually functions that operate on the current coroutine. 272Static methods are actually functions that implicitly operate on the
273current coro.
294 274
295=over 4 275=over 4
296 276
297=item schedule 277=item schedule
298 278
299Calls the scheduler. The scheduler will find the next coroutine that is 279Calls the scheduler. The scheduler will find the next coro that is
300to be run from the ready queue and switches to it. The next coroutine 280to be run from the ready queue and switches to it. The next coro
301to be run is simply the one with the highest priority that is longest 281to be run is simply the one with the highest priority that is longest
302in its ready queue. If there is no coroutine ready, it will clal the 282in its ready queue. If there is no coro ready, it will clal the
303C<$Coro::idle> hook. 283C<$Coro::idle> hook.
304 284
305Please note that the current coroutine will I<not> be put into the ready 285Please note that the current coro will I<not> be put into the ready
306queue, so calling this function usually means you will never be called 286queue, so calling this function usually means you will never be called
307again unless something else (e.g. an event handler) calls C<< ->ready >>, 287again unless something else (e.g. an event handler) calls C<< ->ready >>,
308thus waking you up. 288thus waking you up.
309 289
310This makes C<schedule> I<the> generic method to use to block the current 290This makes C<schedule> I<the> generic method to use to block the current
311coroutine and wait for events: first you remember the current coroutine in 291coro and wait for events: first you remember the current coro in
312a variable, then arrange for some callback of yours to call C<< ->ready 292a variable, then arrange for some callback of yours to call C<< ->ready
313>> on that once some event happens, and last you call C<schedule> to put 293>> on that once some event happens, and last you call C<schedule> to put
314yourself to sleep. Note that a lot of things can wake your coroutine up, 294yourself to sleep. Note that a lot of things can wake your coro up,
315so you need to check whether the event indeed happened, e.g. by storing the 295so you need to check whether the event indeed happened, e.g. by storing the
316status in a variable. 296status in a variable.
317 297
318The canonical way to wait on external events is this: 298See B<HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK>, below, for some ways to wait for callbacks.
319 299
320 { 300=item cede
321 # remember current coroutine
322 my $current = $Coro::current;
323 301
324 # register a hypothetical event handler 302"Cede" to other coros. This function puts the current coro into
325 on_event_invoke sub { 303the ready queue and calls C<schedule>, which has the effect of giving
326 # wake up sleeping coroutine 304up the current "timeslice" to other coros of the same or higher
327 $current->ready; 305priority. Once your coro gets its turn again it will automatically be
328 undef $current; 306resumed.
307
308This function is often called C<yield> in other languages.
309
310=item Coro::cede_notself
311
312Works like cede, but is not exported by default and will cede to I<any>
313coro, regardless of priority. This is useful sometimes to ensure
314progress is made.
315
316=item terminate [arg...]
317
318Terminates the current coro with the given status values (see L<cancel>).
319
320=item Coro::on_enter BLOCK, Coro::on_leave BLOCK
321
322These function install enter and leave winders in the current scope. The
323enter block will be executed when on_enter is called and whenever the
324current coro is re-entered by the scheduler, while the leave block is
325executed whenever the current coro is blocked by the scheduler, and
326also when the containing scope is exited (by whatever means, be it exit,
327die, last etc.).
328
329I<Neither invoking the scheduler, nor exceptions, are allowed within those
330BLOCKs>. That means: do not even think about calling C<die> without an
331eval, and do not even think of entering the scheduler in any way.
332
333Since both BLOCKs are tied to the current scope, they will automatically
334be removed when the current scope exits.
335
336These functions implement the same concept as C<dynamic-wind> in scheme
337does, and are useful when you want to localise some resource to a specific
338coro.
339
340They slow down coro switching considerably for coros that use
341them (But coro switching is still reasonably fast if the handlers are
342fast).
343
344These functions are best understood by an example: The following function
345will change the current timezone to "Antarctica/South_Pole", which
346requires a call to C<tzset>, but by using C<on_enter> and C<on_leave>,
347which remember/change the current timezone and restore the previous
348value, respectively, the timezone is only changes for the coro that
349installed those handlers.
350
351 use POSIX qw(tzset);
352
353 async {
354 my $old_tz; # store outside TZ value here
355
356 Coro::on_enter {
357 $old_tz = $ENV{TZ}; # remember the old value
358
359 $ENV{TZ} = "Antarctica/South_Pole";
360 tzset; # enable new value
329 }; 361 };
330 362
331 # call schedule until event occurred. 363 Coro::on_leave {
332 # in case we are woken up for other reasons 364 $ENV{TZ} = $old_tz;
333 # (current still defined), loop. 365 tzset; # restore old value
334 Coro::schedule while $current; 366 };
367
368 # at this place, the timezone is Antarctica/South_Pole,
369 # without disturbing the TZ of any other coro.
335 } 370 };
336 371
337=item cede 372This can be used to localise about any resource (locale, uid, current
338 373working directory etc.) to a block, despite the existance of other
339"Cede" to other coroutines. This function puts the current coroutine into 374coros.
340the ready queue and calls C<schedule>, which has the effect of giving
341up the current "timeslice" to other coroutines of the same or higher
342priority. Once your coroutine gets its turn again it will automatically be
343resumed.
344
345This function is often called C<yield> in other languages.
346
347=item Coro::cede_notself
348
349Works like cede, but is not exported by default and will cede to I<any>
350coroutine, regardless of priority. This is useful sometimes to ensure
351progress is made.
352
353=item terminate [arg...]
354
355Terminates the current coroutine with the given status values (see L<cancel>).
356 375
357=item killall 376=item killall
358 377
359Kills/terminates/cancels all coroutines except the currently running 378Kills/terminates/cancels all coros except the currently running one.
360one. This is useful after a fork, either in the child or the parent, as
361usually only one of them should inherit the running coroutines.
362 379
363Note that while this will try to free some of the main programs resources, 380Note that while this will try to free some of the main interpreter
381resources if the calling coro isn't the main coro, but one
364you cannot free all of them, so if a coroutine that is not the main 382cannot free all of them, so if a coro that is not the main coro
365program calls this function, there will be some one-time resource leak. 383calls this function, there will be some one-time resource leak.
366 384
367=cut 385=cut
368
369sub terminate {
370 $current->cancel (@_);
371}
372 386
373sub killall { 387sub killall {
374 for (Coro::State::list) { 388 for (Coro::State::list) {
375 $_->cancel 389 $_->cancel
376 if $_ != $current && UNIVERSAL::isa $_, "Coro"; 390 if $_ != $current && UNIVERSAL::isa $_, "Coro";
377 } 391 }
378} 392}
379 393
380=back 394=back
381 395
382=head2 COROUTINE METHODS 396=head1 CORO OBJECT METHODS
383 397
384These are the methods you can call on coroutine objects (or to create 398These are the methods you can call on coro objects (or to create
385them). 399them).
386 400
387=over 4 401=over 4
388 402
389=item new Coro \&sub [, @args...] 403=item new Coro \&sub [, @args...]
390 404
391Create a new coroutine and return it. When the sub returns, the coroutine 405Create a new coro and return it. When the sub returns, the coro
392automatically terminates as if C<terminate> with the returned values were 406automatically terminates as if C<terminate> with the returned values were
393called. To make the coroutine run you must first put it into the ready 407called. To make the coro run you must first put it into the ready
394queue by calling the ready method. 408queue by calling the ready method.
395 409
396See C<async> and C<Coro::State::new> for additional info about the 410See C<async> and C<Coro::State::new> for additional info about the
397coroutine environment. 411coro environment.
398 412
399=cut 413=cut
400 414
401sub _run_coro { 415sub _coro_run {
402 terminate &{+shift}; 416 terminate &{+shift};
403} 417}
404 418
405sub new {
406 my $class = shift;
407
408 $class->SUPER::new (\&_run_coro, @_)
409}
410
411=item $success = $coroutine->ready 419=item $success = $coro->ready
412 420
413Put the given coroutine into the end of its ready queue (there is one 421Put the given coro into the end of its ready queue (there is one
414queue for each priority) and return true. If the coroutine is already in 422queue for each priority) and return true. If the coro is already in
415the ready queue, do nothing and return false. 423the ready queue, do nothing and return false.
416 424
417This ensures that the scheduler will resume this coroutine automatically 425This ensures that the scheduler will resume this coro automatically
418once all the coroutines of higher priority and all coroutines of the same 426once all the coro of higher priority and all coro of the same
419priority that were put into the ready queue earlier have been resumed. 427priority that were put into the ready queue earlier have been resumed.
420 428
421=item $is_ready = $coroutine->is_ready 429=item $is_ready = $coro->is_ready
422 430
423Return whether the coroutine is currently the ready queue or not, 431Returns true iff the Coro object is in the ready queue. Unless the Coro
432object gets destroyed, it will eventually be scheduled by the scheduler.
424 433
434=item $is_running = $coro->is_running
435
436Returns true iff the Coro object is currently running. Only one Coro object
437can ever be in the running state (but it currently is possible to have
438multiple running Coro::States).
439
440=item $is_suspended = $coro->is_suspended
441
442Returns true iff this Coro object has been suspended. Suspended Coros will
443not ever be scheduled.
444
425=item $coroutine->cancel (arg...) 445=item $coro->cancel (arg...)
426 446
427Terminates the given coroutine and makes it return the given arguments as 447Terminates the given Coro and makes it return the given arguments as
428status (default: the empty list). Never returns if the coroutine is the 448status (default: the empty list). Never returns if the Coro is the
429current coroutine. 449current Coro.
430 450
431=cut 451=cut
432 452
433sub cancel { 453sub cancel {
434 my $self = shift; 454 my $self = shift;
435 $self->{_status} = [@_];
436 455
437 if ($current == $self) { 456 if ($current == $self) {
438 push @destroy, $self; 457 terminate @_;
439 $manager->ready;
440 &schedule while 1;
441 } else { 458 } else {
442 $self->_cancel; 459 $self->{_status} = [@_];
460 Coro::State::cancel $self;
443 } 461 }
444} 462}
445 463
464=item $coro->schedule_to
465
466Puts the current coro to sleep (like C<Coro::schedule>), but instead
467of continuing with the next coro from the ready queue, always switch to
468the given coro object (regardless of priority etc.). The readyness
469state of that coro isn't changed.
470
471This is an advanced method for special cases - I'd love to hear about any
472uses for this one.
473
474=item $coro->cede_to
475
476Like C<schedule_to>, but puts the current coro into the ready
477queue. This has the effect of temporarily switching to the given
478coro, and continuing some time later.
479
480This is an advanced method for special cases - I'd love to hear about any
481uses for this one.
482
446=item $coroutine->throw ([$scalar]) 483=item $coro->throw ([$scalar])
447 484
448If C<$throw> is specified and defined, it will be thrown as an exception 485If C<$throw> is specified and defined, it will be thrown as an exception
449inside the coroutine at the next convenient point in time (usually after 486inside the coro at the next convenient point in time. Otherwise
450it gains control at the next schedule/transfer/cede). Otherwise clears the
451exception object. 487clears the exception object.
488
489Coro will check for the exception each time a schedule-like-function
490returns, i.e. after each C<schedule>, C<cede>, C<< Coro::Semaphore->down
491>>, C<< Coro::Handle->readable >> and so on. Most of these functions
492detect this case and return early in case an exception is pending.
452 493
453The exception object will be thrown "as is" with the specified scalar in 494The exception object will be thrown "as is" with the specified scalar in
454C<$@>, i.e. if it is a string, no line number or newline will be appended 495C<$@>, i.e. if it is a string, no line number or newline will be appended
455(unlike with C<die>). 496(unlike with C<die>).
456 497
457This can be used as a softer means than C<cancel> to ask a coroutine to 498This can be used as a softer means than C<cancel> to ask a coro to
458end itself, although there is no guarantee that the exception will lead to 499end itself, although there is no guarantee that the exception will lead to
459termination, and if the exception isn't caught it might well end the whole 500termination, and if the exception isn't caught it might well end the whole
460program. 501program.
461 502
462You might also think of C<throw> as being the moral equivalent of 503You might also think of C<throw> as being the moral equivalent of
463C<kill>ing a coroutine with a signal (in this case, a scalar). 504C<kill>ing a coro with a signal (in this case, a scalar).
464 505
465=item $coroutine->join 506=item $coro->join
466 507
467Wait until the coroutine terminates and return any values given to the 508Wait until the coro terminates and return any values given to the
468C<terminate> or C<cancel> functions. C<join> can be called concurrently 509C<terminate> or C<cancel> functions. C<join> can be called concurrently
469from multiple coroutines, and all will be resumed and given the status 510from multiple coro, and all will be resumed and given the status
470return once the C<$coroutine> terminates. 511return once the C<$coro> terminates.
471 512
472=cut 513=cut
473 514
474sub join { 515sub join {
475 my $self = shift; 516 my $self = shift;
486 } 527 }
487 528
488 wantarray ? @{$self->{_status}} : $self->{_status}[0]; 529 wantarray ? @{$self->{_status}} : $self->{_status}[0];
489} 530}
490 531
491=item $coroutine->on_destroy (\&cb) 532=item $coro->on_destroy (\&cb)
492 533
493Registers a callback that is called when this coroutine gets destroyed, 534Registers a callback that is called when this coro gets destroyed,
494but before it is joined. The callback gets passed the terminate arguments, 535but before it is joined. The callback gets passed the terminate arguments,
495if any, and I<must not> die, under any circumstances. 536if any, and I<must not> die, under any circumstances.
496 537
497=cut 538=cut
498 539
500 my ($self, $cb) = @_; 541 my ($self, $cb) = @_;
501 542
502 push @{ $self->{_on_destroy} }, $cb; 543 push @{ $self->{_on_destroy} }, $cb;
503} 544}
504 545
505=item $oldprio = $coroutine->prio ($newprio) 546=item $oldprio = $coro->prio ($newprio)
506 547
507Sets (or gets, if the argument is missing) the priority of the 548Sets (or gets, if the argument is missing) the priority of the
508coroutine. Higher priority coroutines get run before lower priority 549coro. Higher priority coro get run before lower priority
509coroutines. Priorities are small signed integers (currently -4 .. +3), 550coro. Priorities are small signed integers (currently -4 .. +3),
510that you can refer to using PRIO_xxx constants (use the import tag :prio 551that you can refer to using PRIO_xxx constants (use the import tag :prio
511to get then): 552to get then):
512 553
513 PRIO_MAX > PRIO_HIGH > PRIO_NORMAL > PRIO_LOW > PRIO_IDLE > PRIO_MIN 554 PRIO_MAX > PRIO_HIGH > PRIO_NORMAL > PRIO_LOW > PRIO_IDLE > PRIO_MIN
514 3 > 1 > 0 > -1 > -3 > -4 555 3 > 1 > 0 > -1 > -3 > -4
515 556
516 # set priority to HIGH 557 # set priority to HIGH
517 current->prio(PRIO_HIGH); 558 current->prio (PRIO_HIGH);
518 559
519The idle coroutine ($Coro::idle) always has a lower priority than any 560The idle coro ($Coro::idle) always has a lower priority than any
520existing coroutine. 561existing coro.
521 562
522Changing the priority of the current coroutine will take effect immediately, 563Changing the priority of the current coro will take effect immediately,
523but changing the priority of coroutines in the ready queue (but not 564but changing the priority of coro in the ready queue (but not
524running) will only take effect after the next schedule (of that 565running) will only take effect after the next schedule (of that
525coroutine). This is a bug that will be fixed in some future version. 566coro). This is a bug that will be fixed in some future version.
526 567
527=item $newprio = $coroutine->nice ($change) 568=item $newprio = $coro->nice ($change)
528 569
529Similar to C<prio>, but subtract the given value from the priority (i.e. 570Similar to C<prio>, but subtract the given value from the priority (i.e.
530higher values mean lower priority, just as in unix). 571higher values mean lower priority, just as in unix).
531 572
532=item $olddesc = $coroutine->desc ($newdesc) 573=item $olddesc = $coro->desc ($newdesc)
533 574
534Sets (or gets in case the argument is missing) the description for this 575Sets (or gets in case the argument is missing) the description for this
535coroutine. This is just a free-form string you can associate with a 576coro. This is just a free-form string you can associate with a
536coroutine. 577coro.
537 578
538This method simply sets the C<< $coroutine->{desc} >> member to the given 579This method simply sets the C<< $coro->{desc} >> member to the given
539string. You can modify this member directly if you wish. 580string. You can modify this member directly if you wish.
540 581
541=cut 582=cut
542 583
543sub desc { 584sub desc {
544 my $old = $_[0]{desc}; 585 my $old = $_[0]{desc};
545 $_[0]{desc} = $_[1] if @_ > 1; 586 $_[0]{desc} = $_[1] if @_ > 1;
546 $old; 587 $old;
547} 588}
548 589
590sub transfer {
591 require Carp;
592 Carp::croak ("You must not call ->transfer on Coro objects. Use Coro::State objects or the ->schedule_to method. Caught");
593}
594
549=back 595=back
550 596
551=head2 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 597=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
552 598
553=over 4 599=over 4
554 600
555=item Coro::nready 601=item Coro::nready
556 602
557Returns the number of coroutines that are currently in the ready state, 603Returns the number of coro that are currently in the ready state,
558i.e. that can be switched to by calling C<schedule> directory or 604i.e. that can be switched to by calling C<schedule> directory or
559indirectly. The value C<0> means that the only runnable coroutine is the 605indirectly. The value C<0> means that the only runnable coro is the
560currently running one, so C<cede> would have no effect, and C<schedule> 606currently running one, so C<cede> would have no effect, and C<schedule>
561would cause a deadlock unless there is an idle handler that wakes up some 607would cause a deadlock unless there is an idle handler that wakes up some
562coroutines. 608coro.
563 609
564=item my $guard = Coro::guard { ... } 610=item my $guard = Coro::guard { ... }
565 611
566This creates and returns a guard object. Nothing happens until the object 612This function still exists, but is deprecated. Please use the
567gets destroyed, in which case the codeblock given as argument will be 613C<Guard::guard> function instead.
568executed. This is useful to free locks or other resources in case of a
569runtime error or when the coroutine gets canceled, as in both cases the
570guard block will be executed. The guard object supports only one method,
571C<< ->cancel >>, which will keep the codeblock from being executed.
572 614
573Example: set some flag and clear it again when the coroutine gets canceled
574or the function returns:
575
576 sub do_something {
577 my $guard = Coro::guard { $busy = 0 };
578 $busy = 1;
579
580 # do something that requires $busy to be true
581 }
582
583=cut 615=cut
584 616
585sub guard(&) { 617BEGIN { *guard = \&Guard::guard }
586 bless \(my $cb = $_[0]), "Coro::guard"
587}
588
589sub Coro::guard::cancel {
590 ${$_[0]} = sub { };
591}
592
593sub Coro::guard::DESTROY {
594 ${$_[0]}->();
595}
596
597 618
598=item unblock_sub { ... } 619=item unblock_sub { ... }
599 620
600This utility function takes a BLOCK or code reference and "unblocks" it, 621This utility function takes a BLOCK or code reference and "unblocks" it,
601returning a new coderef. Unblocking means that calling the new coderef 622returning a new coderef. Unblocking means that calling the new coderef
602will return immediately without blocking, returning nothing, while the 623will return immediately without blocking, returning nothing, while the
603original code ref will be called (with parameters) from within another 624original code ref will be called (with parameters) from within another
604coroutine. 625coro.
605 626
606The reason this function exists is that many event libraries (such as the 627The reason this function exists is that many event libraries (such as the
607venerable L<Event|Event> module) are not coroutine-safe (a weaker form 628venerable L<Event|Event> module) are not thread-safe (a weaker form
608of thread-safety). This means you must not block within event callbacks, 629of reentrancy). This means you must not block within event callbacks,
609otherwise you might suffer from crashes or worse. The only event library 630otherwise you might suffer from crashes or worse. The only event library
610currently known that is safe to use without C<unblock_sub> is L<EV>. 631currently known that is safe to use without C<unblock_sub> is L<EV>.
611 632
612This function allows your callbacks to block by executing them in another 633This function allows your callbacks to block by executing them in another
613coroutine where it is safe to block. One example where blocking is handy 634coro where it is safe to block. One example where blocking is handy
614is when you use the L<Coro::AIO|Coro::AIO> functions to save results to 635is when you use the L<Coro::AIO|Coro::AIO> functions to save results to
615disk, for example. 636disk, for example.
616 637
617In short: simply use C<unblock_sub { ... }> instead of C<sub { ... }> when 638In short: simply use C<unblock_sub { ... }> instead of C<sub { ... }> when
618creating event callbacks that want to block. 639creating event callbacks that want to block.
619 640
620If your handler does not plan to block (e.g. simply sends a message to 641If your handler does not plan to block (e.g. simply sends a message to
621another coroutine, or puts some other coroutine into the ready queue), 642another coro, or puts some other coro into the ready queue), there is
622there is no reason to use C<unblock_sub>. 643no reason to use C<unblock_sub>.
623 644
624Note that you also need to use C<unblock_sub> for any other callbacks that 645Note that you also need to use C<unblock_sub> for any other callbacks that
625are indirectly executed by any C-based event loop. For example, when you 646are indirectly executed by any C-based event loop. For example, when you
626use a module that uses L<AnyEvent> (and you use L<Coro::AnyEvent>) and it 647use a module that uses L<AnyEvent> (and you use L<Coro::AnyEvent>) and it
627provides callbacks that are the result of some event callback, then you 648provides callbacks that are the result of some event callback, then you
636# return immediately and can be reused) and because we cannot cede 657# return immediately and can be reused) and because we cannot cede
637# inside an event callback. 658# inside an event callback.
638our $unblock_scheduler = new Coro sub { 659our $unblock_scheduler = new Coro sub {
639 while () { 660 while () {
640 while (my $cb = pop @unblock_queue) { 661 while (my $cb = pop @unblock_queue) {
641 # this is an inlined copy of async_pool 662 &async_pool (@$cb);
642 my $coro = (pop @async_pool) || new Coro \&pool_handler;
643 663
644 $coro->{_invoke} = $cb;
645 $coro->ready;
646 cede; # for short-lived callbacks, this reduces pressure on the coro pool 664 # for short-lived callbacks, this reduces pressure on the coro pool
665 # as the chance is very high that the async_poll coro will be back
666 # in the idle state when cede returns
667 cede;
647 } 668 }
648 schedule; # sleep well 669 schedule; # sleep well
649 } 670 }
650}; 671};
651$unblock_scheduler->{desc} = "[unblock_sub scheduler]"; 672$unblock_scheduler->{desc} = "[unblock_sub scheduler]";
657 unshift @unblock_queue, [$cb, @_]; 678 unshift @unblock_queue, [$cb, @_];
658 $unblock_scheduler->ready; 679 $unblock_scheduler->ready;
659 } 680 }
660} 681}
661 682
683=item $cb = Coro::rouse_cb
684
685Create and return a "rouse callback". That's a code reference that,
686when called, will remember a copy of its arguments and notify the owner
687coro of the callback.
688
689See the next function.
690
691=item @args = Coro::rouse_wait [$cb]
692
693Wait for the specified rouse callback (or the last one that was created in
694this coro).
695
696As soon as the callback is invoked (or when the callback was invoked
697before C<rouse_wait>), it will return the arguments originally passed to
698the rouse callback.
699
700See the section B<HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK> for an actual usage example.
701
662=back 702=back
663 703
664=cut 704=cut
665 705
6661; 7061;
667 707
708=head1 HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK
709
710It is very common for a coro to wait for some callback to be
711called. This occurs naturally when you use coro in an otherwise
712event-based program, or when you use event-based libraries.
713
714These typically register a callback for some event, and call that callback
715when the event occured. In a coro, however, you typically want to
716just wait for the event, simplyifying things.
717
718For example C<< AnyEvent->child >> registers a callback to be called when
719a specific child has exited:
720
721 my $child_watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub { ... });
722
723But from within a coro, you often just want to write this:
724
725 my $status = wait_for_child $pid;
726
727Coro offers two functions specifically designed to make this easy,
728C<Coro::rouse_cb> and C<Coro::rouse_wait>.
729
730The first function, C<rouse_cb>, generates and returns a callback that,
731when invoked, will save its arguments and notify the coro that
732created the callback.
733
734The second function, C<rouse_wait>, waits for the callback to be called
735(by calling C<schedule> to go to sleep) and returns the arguments
736originally passed to the callback.
737
738Using these functions, it becomes easy to write the C<wait_for_child>
739function mentioned above:
740
741 sub wait_for_child($) {
742 my ($pid) = @_;
743
744 my $watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => Coro::rouse_cb);
745
746 my ($rpid, $rstatus) = Coro::rouse_wait;
747 $rstatus
748 }
749
750In the case where C<rouse_cb> and C<rouse_wait> are not flexible enough,
751you can roll your own, using C<schedule>:
752
753 sub wait_for_child($) {
754 my ($pid) = @_;
755
756 # store the current coro in $current,
757 # and provide result variables for the closure passed to ->child
758 my $current = $Coro::current;
759 my ($done, $rstatus);
760
761 # pass a closure to ->child
762 my $watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub {
763 $rstatus = $_[1]; # remember rstatus
764 $done = 1; # mark $rstatus as valud
765 });
766
767 # wait until the closure has been called
768 schedule while !$done;
769
770 $rstatus
771 }
772
773
668=head1 BUGS/LIMITATIONS 774=head1 BUGS/LIMITATIONS
669 775
776=over 4
777
778=item fork with pthread backend
779
780When Coro is compiled using the pthread backend (which isn't recommended
781but required on many BSDs as their libcs are completely broken), then
782coro will not survive a fork. There is no known workaround except to
783fix your libc and use a saner backend.
784
785=item perl process emulation ("threads")
786
670This module is not perl-pseudo-thread-safe. You should only ever use this 787This module is not perl-pseudo-thread-safe. You should only ever use this
671module from the same thread (this requirement might be removed in the 788module from the first thread (this requirement might be removed in the
672future to allow per-thread schedulers, but Coro::State does not yet allow 789future to allow per-thread schedulers, but Coro::State does not yet allow
673this). I recommend disabling thread support and using processes, as this 790this). I recommend disabling thread support and using processes, as having
674is much faster and uses less memory. 791the windows process emulation enabled under unix roughly halves perl
792performance, even when not used.
793
794=item coro switching is not signal safe
795
796You must not switch to another coro from within a signal handler
797(only relevant with %SIG - most event libraries provide safe signals).
798
799That means you I<MUST NOT> call any function that might "block" the
800current coro - C<cede>, C<schedule> C<< Coro::Semaphore->down >> or
801anything that calls those. Everything else, including calling C<ready>,
802works.
803
804=back
805
675 806
676=head1 SEE ALSO 807=head1 SEE ALSO
677 808
678Event-Loop integration: L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>. 809Event-Loop integration: L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>.
679 810
680Debugging: L<Coro::Debug>. 811Debugging: L<Coro::Debug>.
681 812
682Support/Utility: L<Coro::Specific>, L<Coro::Util>. 813Support/Utility: L<Coro::Specific>, L<Coro::Util>.
683 814
684Locking/IPC: L<Coro::Signal>, L<Coro::Channel>, L<Coro::Semaphore>, L<Coro::SemaphoreSet>, L<Coro::RWLock>. 815Locking and IPC: L<Coro::Signal>, L<Coro::Channel>, L<Coro::Semaphore>,
816L<Coro::SemaphoreSet>, L<Coro::RWLock>.
685 817
686IO/Timers: L<Coro::Timer>, L<Coro::Handle>, L<Coro::Socket>, L<Coro::AIO>. 818I/O and Timers: L<Coro::Timer>, L<Coro::Handle>, L<Coro::Socket>, L<Coro::AIO>.
687 819
688Compatibility: L<Coro::LWP>, L<Coro::BDB>, L<Coro::Storable>, L<Coro::Select>. 820Compatibility with other modules: L<Coro::LWP> (but see also L<AnyEvent::HTTP> for
821a better-working alternative), L<Coro::BDB>, L<Coro::Storable>,
822L<Coro::Select>.
689 823
690XS API: L<Coro::MakeMaker>. 824XS API: L<Coro::MakeMaker>.
691 825
692Low level Configuration, Coroutine Environment: L<Coro::State>. 826Low level Configuration, Thread Environment, Continuations: L<Coro::State>.
693 827
694=head1 AUTHOR 828=head1 AUTHOR
695 829
696 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 830 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
697 http://home.schmorp.de/ 831 http://home.schmorp.de/

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