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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 my $lock = new Coro::Semaphore; 22 my $lock = new Coro::Semaphore;
22 my $locked; 23 my $locked;
23 24
24 $lock->down; 25 $lock->down;
25 $locked = 1; 26 $locked = 1;
26 $lock->up; 27 $lock->up;
27 28
28=head1 DESCRIPTION 29=head1 DESCRIPTION
29 30
30This module collection manages coroutines. Coroutines are similar 31For a tutorial-style introduction, please read the L<Coro::Intro>
31to threads but don't run in parallel at the same time even on SMP 32manpage. This manpage mainly contains reference information.
32machines. The specific flavor of coroutine used in this module also
33guarantees you that it will not switch between coroutines unless
34necessary, at easily-identified points in your program, so locking and
35parallel access are rarely an issue, making coroutine programming much
36safer than threads programming.
37 33
38(Perl, however, does not natively support real threads but instead does a 34This module collection manages continuations in general, most often in
39very slow and memory-intensive emulation of processes using threads. This 35the form of cooperative threads (also called coros, or simply "coro"
40is a performance win on Windows machines, and a loss everywhere else). 36in the documentation). They are similar to kernel threads but don't (in
37general) run in parallel at the same time even on SMP machines. The
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.
41 43
44Unlike the so-called "Perl threads" (which are not actually real threads
45but only the windows process emulation ported to unix, and as such act
46as processes), Coro provides a full shared address space, which makes
47communication between threads very easy. And Coro's threads are fast,
48too: disabling the Windows process emulation code in your perl and using
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.
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
42In this module, coroutines are defined as "callchain + lexical variables + 60In this module, a thread is defined as "callchain + lexical variables +
43@_ + $_ + $@ + $/ + C stack), that is, a coroutine has its own callchain, 61some package variables + C stack), that is, a thread has its own callchain,
44its 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
45variables (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.
46 67
47=cut 68=cut
48 69
49package Coro; 70package Coro;
50 71
51use strict; 72use strict qw(vars subs);
52no warnings "uninitialized"; 73no warnings "uninitialized";
53 74
75use Guard ();
76
54use Coro::State; 77use Coro::State;
55 78
56use base qw(Coro::State Exporter); 79use base qw(Coro::State Exporter);
57 80
58our $idle; # idle handler 81our $idle; # idle handler
59our $main; # main coroutine 82our $main; # main coro
60our $current; # current coroutine 83our $current; # current coro
61 84
62our $VERSION = 4.6; 85our $VERSION = 5.13;
63 86
64our @EXPORT = qw(async async_pool cede schedule terminate current unblock_sub); 87our @EXPORT = qw(async async_pool cede schedule terminate current unblock_sub);
65our %EXPORT_TAGS = ( 88our %EXPORT_TAGS = (
66 prio => [qw(PRIO_MAX PRIO_HIGH PRIO_NORMAL PRIO_LOW PRIO_IDLE PRIO_MIN)], 89 prio => [qw(PRIO_MAX PRIO_HIGH PRIO_NORMAL PRIO_LOW PRIO_IDLE PRIO_MIN)],
67); 90);
68our @EXPORT_OK = (@{$EXPORT_TAGS{prio}}, qw(nready)); 91our @EXPORT_OK = (@{$EXPORT_TAGS{prio}}, qw(nready));
69 92
93=head1 GLOBAL VARIABLES
94
70=over 4 95=over 4
71 96
72=item $main 97=item $Coro::main
73 98
74This coroutine represents the main program. 99This variable stores the Coro object that represents the main
100program. While you cna C<ready> it and do most other things you can do to
101coro, it is mainly useful to compare again C<$Coro::current>, to see
102whether you are running in the main program or not.
75 103
76=cut 104=cut
77 105
78$main = new Coro; 106# $main is now being initialised by Coro::State
79 107
80=item $current (or as function: current) 108=item $Coro::current
81 109
82The current coroutine (the last coroutine switched to). The initial value 110The Coro object representing the current coro (the last
111coro that the Coro scheduler switched to). The initial value is
83is C<$main> (of course). 112C<$Coro::main> (of course).
84 113
85This variable is B<strictly> I<read-only>. It is provided for performance 114This variable is B<strictly> I<read-only>. You can take copies of the
86reasons. If performance is not essential you are encouraged to use the 115value stored in it and use it as any other Coro object, but you must
87C<Coro::current> function instead. 116not otherwise modify the variable itself.
88 117
89=cut 118=cut
90 119
91$main->{desc} = "[main::]";
92
93# maybe some other module used Coro::Specific before...
94$main->{_specific} = $current->{_specific}
95 if $current;
96
97_set_current $main;
98
99sub current() { $current } 120sub current() { $current } # [DEPRECATED]
100 121
101=item $idle 122=item $Coro::idle
102 123
124This variable is mainly useful to integrate Coro into event loops. It is
125usually better to rely on L<Coro::AnyEvent> or L<Coro::EV>, as this is
126pretty low-level functionality.
127
128This variable stores either a Coro object or a callback.
129
103A callback that is called whenever the scheduler finds no ready coroutines 130If it is a callback, the it is called whenever the scheduler finds no
104to run. The default implementation prints "FATAL: deadlock detected" and 131ready coros to run. The default implementation prints "FATAL:
105exits, because the program has no other way to continue. 132deadlock detected" and exits, because the program has no other way to
133continue.
106 134
135If it is a coro object, then this object will be readied (without
136invoking any ready hooks, however) when the scheduler finds no other ready
137coros to run.
138
107This hook is overwritten by modules such as C<Coro::Timer> and 139This hook is overwritten by modules such as C<Coro::EV> and
108C<Coro::Event> to wait on an external event that hopefully wake up a 140C<Coro::AnyEvent> to wait on an external event that hopefully wake up a
109coroutine so the scheduler can run it. 141coro so the scheduler can run it.
142
143Note that the callback I<must not>, under any circumstances, block
144the current coro. Normally, this is achieved by having an "idle
145coro" that calls the event loop and then blocks again, and then
146readying that coro in the idle handler, or by simply placing the idle
147coro in this variable.
148
149See L<Coro::Event> or L<Coro::AnyEvent> for examples of using this
150technique.
110 151
111Please note that if your callback recursively invokes perl (e.g. for event 152Please note that if your callback recursively invokes perl (e.g. for event
112handlers), then it must be prepared to be called recursively itself. 153handlers), then it must be prepared to be called recursively itself.
113 154
114=cut 155=cut
116$idle = sub { 157$idle = sub {
117 require Carp; 158 require Carp;
118 Carp::croak ("FATAL: deadlock detected"); 159 Carp::croak ("FATAL: deadlock detected");
119}; 160};
120 161
121sub _cancel {
122 my ($self) = @_;
123
124 # free coroutine data and mark as destructed
125 $self->_destroy
126 or return;
127
128 # call all destruction callbacks
129 $_->(@{$self->{_status}})
130 for @{(delete $self->{_on_destroy}) || []};
131}
132
133# this coroutine is necessary because a coroutine 162# this coro is necessary because a coro
134# cannot destroy itself. 163# cannot destroy itself.
135my @destroy; 164our @destroy;
136my $manager; 165our $manager;
137 166
138$manager = new Coro sub { 167$manager = new Coro sub {
139 while () { 168 while () {
140 (shift @destroy)->_cancel 169 Coro::State::cancel shift @destroy
141 while @destroy; 170 while @destroy;
142 171
143 &schedule; 172 &schedule;
144 } 173 }
145}; 174};
146$manager->desc ("[coro manager]"); 175$manager->{desc} = "[coro manager]";
147$manager->prio (PRIO_MAX); 176$manager->prio (PRIO_MAX);
148 177
149=back 178=back
150 179
151=head2 STATIC METHODS 180=head1 SIMPLE CORO CREATION
152
153Static methods are actually functions that operate on the current coroutine only.
154 181
155=over 4 182=over 4
156 183
157=item async { ... } [@args...] 184=item async { ... } [@args...]
158 185
159Create a new asynchronous coroutine and return it's coroutine object 186Create a new coro and return its Coro object (usually
160(usually unused). When the sub returns the new coroutine is automatically 187unused). The coro will be put into the ready queue, so
188it will start running automatically on the next scheduler run.
189
190The first argument is a codeblock/closure that should be executed in the
191coro. When it returns argument returns the coro is automatically
161terminated. 192terminated.
162 193
194The remaining arguments are passed as arguments to the closure.
195
163See the C<Coro::State::new> constructor for info about the coroutine 196See the C<Coro::State::new> constructor for info about the coro
164environment in which coroutines run. 197environment in which coro are executed.
165 198
166Calling 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
167the coroutine. Likewise, when the coroutine dies, the program will exit, 200the coro. Likewise, when the coro dies, the program will exit,
168just as it would in the main program. 201just as it would in the main program.
169 202
203If you do not want that, you can provide a default C<die> handler, or
204simply avoid dieing (by use of C<eval>).
205
170 # create a new coroutine that just prints its arguments 206Example: Create a new coro that just prints its arguments.
207
171 async { 208 async {
172 print "@_\n"; 209 print "@_\n";
173 } 1,2,3,4; 210 } 1,2,3,4;
174 211
175=cut 212=cut
180 $coro 217 $coro
181} 218}
182 219
183=item async_pool { ... } [@args...] 220=item async_pool { ... } [@args...]
184 221
185Similar 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
186terminate or join (although you are allowed to), and you get a coroutine 223terminate or join on it (although you are allowed to), and you get a
187that might have executed other code already (which can be good or bad :). 224coro that might have executed other code already (which can be good
225or bad :).
188 226
227On the plus side, this function is about twice as fast as creating (and
228destroying) a completely new coro, so if you need a lot of generic
229coros in quick successsion, use C<async_pool>, not C<async>.
230
189Also, the 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
190issued in case of an exception instead of terminating the program, as 232issued in case of an exception instead of terminating the program, as
191C<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>
192will 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,
193which somehow defeats the purpose of pooling. 235which somehow defeats the purpose of pooling (but is fine in the
236exceptional case).
194 237
195The priority will be reset to C<0> after each job, tracing will be 238The priority will be reset to C<0> after each run, tracing will be
196disabled, the description will be reset and the default output filehandle 239disabled, the description will be reset and the default output filehandle
197gets restored, so you can change alkl these. Otherwise the coroutine will 240gets restored, so you can change all these. Otherwise the coro will
198be 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
199stuff such as C<$/> you need to revert that change, which is most simply 242stuff such as C<$/> you I<must needs> revert that change, which is most
200done by using local as in C< local $/ >. 243simply done by using local as in: C<< local $/ >>.
201 244
202The pool size is limited to 8 idle coroutines (this can be adjusted by 245The idle pool size is limited to C<8> idle coros (this can be
203changing $Coro::POOL_SIZE), and there can be as many non-idle coros as 246adjusted by changing $Coro::POOL_SIZE), but there can be as many non-idle
204required. 247coros as required.
205 248
206If you are concerned about pooled coroutines growing a lot because a 249If you are concerned about pooled coros growing a lot because a
207single 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
208{ 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
209addition 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
210(adjustable with $Coro::POOL_RSS) it will also exit. 253(adjustable via $Coro::POOL_RSS) it will also be destroyed.
211 254
212=cut 255=cut
213 256
214our $POOL_SIZE = 8; 257our $POOL_SIZE = 8;
215our $POOL_RSS = 16 * 1024; 258our $POOL_RSS = 32 * 1024;
216our @async_pool; 259our @async_pool;
217 260
218sub pool_handler { 261sub pool_handler {
219 my $cb;
220
221 while () { 262 while () {
222 eval { 263 eval {
223 while () { 264 &{&_pool_handler} while 1;
224 _pool_1 $cb;
225 &$cb;
226 _pool_2 $cb;
227 &schedule;
228 }
229 }; 265 };
230 266
231 last if $@ eq "\3async_pool terminate\2\n";
232 warn $@ if $@; 267 warn $@ if $@;
233 } 268 }
234} 269}
235 270
236sub async_pool(&@) { 271=back
237 # this is also inlined into the unlock_scheduler
238 my $coro = (pop @async_pool) || new Coro \&pool_handler;
239 272
240 $coro->{_invoke} = [@_]; 273=head1 STATIC METHODS
241 $coro->ready;
242 274
243 $coro 275Static methods are actually functions that implicitly operate on the
244} 276current coro.
277
278=over 4
245 279
246=item schedule 280=item schedule
247 281
248Calls the scheduler. Please note that the current coroutine will not be put 282Calls the scheduler. The scheduler will find the next coro that is
283to be run from the ready queue and switches to it. The next coro
284to be run is simply the one with the highest priority that is longest
285in its ready queue. If there is no coro ready, it will clal the
286C<$Coro::idle> hook.
287
288Please note that the current coro will I<not> be put into the ready
249into the ready queue, so calling this function usually means you will 289queue, so calling this function usually means you will never be called
250never be called again unless something else (e.g. an event handler) calls 290again unless something else (e.g. an event handler) calls C<< ->ready >>,
251ready. 291thus waking you up.
252 292
253The canonical way to wait on external events is this: 293This makes C<schedule> I<the> generic method to use to block the current
294coro and wait for events: first you remember the current coro in
295a variable, then arrange for some callback of yours to call C<< ->ready
296>> on that once some event happens, and last you call C<schedule> to put
297yourself to sleep. Note that a lot of things can wake your coro up,
298so you need to check whether the event indeed happened, e.g. by storing the
299status in a variable.
254 300
255 { 301See B<HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK>, below, for some ways to wait for callbacks.
256 # remember current coroutine
257 my $current = $Coro::current;
258 302
259 # register a hypothetical event handler 303=item cede
260 on_event_invoke sub { 304
261 # wake up sleeping coroutine 305"Cede" to other coros. This function puts the current coro into
262 $current->ready; 306the ready queue and calls C<schedule>, which has the effect of giving
263 undef $current; 307up the current "timeslice" to other coros of the same or higher
308priority. Once your coro gets its turn again it will automatically be
309resumed.
310
311This function is often called C<yield> in other languages.
312
313=item Coro::cede_notself
314
315Works like cede, but is not exported by default and will cede to I<any>
316coro, regardless of priority. This is useful sometimes to ensure
317progress is made.
318
319=item terminate [arg...]
320
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
264 }; 364 };
265 365
266 # call schedule until event occurred. 366 Coro::on_leave {
267 # in case we are woken up for other reasons 367 $ENV{TZ} = $old_tz;
268 # (current still defined), loop. 368 tzset; # restore old value
269 Coro::schedule while $current; 369 };
370
371 # at this place, the timezone is Antarctica/South_Pole,
372 # without disturbing the TZ of any other coro.
270 } 373 };
271 374
272=item cede 375This can be used to localise about any resource (locale, uid, current
273 376working directory etc.) to a block, despite the existance of other
274"Cede" to other coroutines. This function puts the current coroutine into the 377coros.
275ready queue and calls C<schedule>, which has the effect of giving up the
276current "timeslice" to other coroutines of the same or higher priority.
277
278=item Coro::cede_notself
279
280Works like cede, but is not exported by default and will cede to any
281coroutine, regardless of priority, once.
282
283=item terminate [arg...]
284
285Terminates the current coroutine with the given status values (see L<cancel>).
286 378
287=item killall 379=item killall
288 380
289Kills/terminates/cancels all coroutines except the currently running 381Kills/terminates/cancels all coros except the currently running one.
290one. This is useful after a fork, either in the child or the parent, as
291usually only one of them should inherit the running coroutines.
292 382
293=cut 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
385cannot free all of them, so if a coro that is not the main coro
386calls this function, there will be some one-time resource leak.
294 387
295sub terminate { 388=cut
296 $current->cancel (@_);
297}
298 389
299sub killall { 390sub killall {
300 for (Coro::State::list) { 391 for (Coro::State::list) {
301 $_->cancel 392 $_->cancel
302 if $_ != $current && UNIVERSAL::isa $_, "Coro"; 393 if $_ != $current && UNIVERSAL::isa $_, "Coro";
303 } 394 }
304} 395}
305 396
306=back 397=back
307 398
308=head2 COROUTINE METHODS 399=head1 CORO OBJECT METHODS
309 400
310These are the methods you can call on coroutine objects. 401These are the methods you can call on coro objects (or to create
402them).
311 403
312=over 4 404=over 4
313 405
314=item new Coro \&sub [, @args...] 406=item new Coro \&sub [, @args...]
315 407
316Create 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
317automatically terminates as if C<terminate> with the returned values were 409automatically terminates as if C<terminate> with the returned values were
318called. To make the coroutine run you must first put it into the ready queue 410called. To make the coro run you must first put it into the ready
319by calling the ready method. 411queue by calling the ready method.
320 412
321See 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
322coroutine environment. 414coro environment.
323 415
324=cut 416=cut
325 417
326sub _run_coro { 418sub _coro_run {
327 terminate &{+shift}; 419 terminate &{+shift};
328} 420}
329 421
330sub new {
331 my $class = shift;
332
333 $class->SUPER::new (\&_run_coro, @_)
334}
335
336=item $success = $coroutine->ready 422=item $success = $coro->ready
337 423
338Put the given coroutine into the ready queue (according to it's priority) 424Put the given coro into the end of its ready queue (there is one
339and return true. If the coroutine is already in the ready queue, do nothing 425queue for each priority) and return true. If the coro is already in
340and return false. 426the ready queue, do nothing and return false.
341 427
428This ensures that the scheduler will resume this coro automatically
429once all the coro of higher priority and all coro of the same
430priority that were put into the ready queue earlier have been resumed.
431
342=item $is_ready = $coroutine->is_ready 432=item $is_ready = $coro->is_ready
343 433
344Return wether 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.
345 436
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
346=item $coroutine->cancel (arg...) 448=item $coro->cancel (arg...)
347 449
348Terminates the given coroutine and makes it return the given arguments as 450Terminates the given Coro and makes it return the given arguments as
349status (default: the empty list). Never returns if the coroutine is the 451status (default: the empty list). Never returns if the Coro is the
350current coroutine. 452current Coro.
351 453
352=cut 454=cut
353 455
354sub cancel { 456sub cancel {
355 my $self = shift; 457 my $self = shift;
356 $self->{_status} = [@_];
357 458
358 if ($current == $self) { 459 if ($current == $self) {
359 push @destroy, $self; 460 terminate @_;
360 $manager->ready;
361 &schedule while 1;
362 } else { 461 } else {
363 $self->_cancel; 462 $self->{_status} = [@_];
463 Coro::State::cancel $self;
364 } 464 }
365} 465}
366 466
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
486=item $coro->throw ([$scalar])
487
488If C<$throw> is specified and defined, it will be thrown as an exception
489inside the coro at the next convenient point in time. Otherwise
490clears the exception object.
491
492Coro will check for the exception each time a schedule-like-function
493returns, i.e. after each C<schedule>, C<cede>, C<< Coro::Semaphore->down
494>>, C<< Coro::Handle->readable >> and so on. Most of these functions
495detect this case and return early in case an exception is pending.
496
497The exception object will be thrown "as is" with the specified scalar in
498C<$@>, i.e. if it is a string, no line number or newline will be appended
499(unlike with C<die>).
500
501This can be used as a softer means than C<cancel> to ask a coro to
502end itself, although there is no guarantee that the exception will lead to
503termination, and if the exception isn't caught it might well end the whole
504program.
505
506You might also think of C<throw> as being the moral equivalent of
507C<kill>ing a coro with a signal (in this case, a scalar).
508
367=item $coroutine->join 509=item $coro->join
368 510
369Wait until the coroutine terminates and return any values given to the 511Wait until the coro terminates and return any values given to the
370C<terminate> or C<cancel> functions. C<join> can be called concurrently 512C<terminate> or C<cancel> functions. C<join> can be called concurrently
371from multiple coroutines. 513from multiple coro, and all will be resumed and given the status
514return once the C<$coro> terminates.
372 515
373=cut 516=cut
374 517
375sub join { 518sub join {
376 my $self = shift; 519 my $self = shift;
387 } 530 }
388 531
389 wantarray ? @{$self->{_status}} : $self->{_status}[0]; 532 wantarray ? @{$self->{_status}} : $self->{_status}[0];
390} 533}
391 534
392=item $coroutine->on_destroy (\&cb) 535=item $coro->on_destroy (\&cb)
393 536
394Registers a callback that is called when this coroutine gets destroyed, 537Registers a callback that is called when this coro gets destroyed,
395but before it is joined. The callback gets passed the terminate arguments, 538but before it is joined. The callback gets passed the terminate arguments,
396if any. 539if any, and I<must not> die, under any circumstances.
397 540
398=cut 541=cut
399 542
400sub on_destroy { 543sub on_destroy {
401 my ($self, $cb) = @_; 544 my ($self, $cb) = @_;
402 545
403 push @{ $self->{_on_destroy} }, $cb; 546 push @{ $self->{_on_destroy} }, $cb;
404} 547}
405 548
406=item $oldprio = $coroutine->prio ($newprio) 549=item $oldprio = $coro->prio ($newprio)
407 550
408Sets (or gets, if the argument is missing) the priority of the 551Sets (or gets, if the argument is missing) the priority of the
409coroutine. Higher priority coroutines get run before lower priority 552coro. Higher priority coro get run before lower priority
410coroutines. Priorities are small signed integers (currently -4 .. +3), 553coro. Priorities are small signed integers (currently -4 .. +3),
411that 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
412to get then): 555to get then):
413 556
414 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
415 3 > 1 > 0 > -1 > -3 > -4 558 3 > 1 > 0 > -1 > -3 > -4
416 559
417 # set priority to HIGH 560 # set priority to HIGH
418 current->prio(PRIO_HIGH); 561 current->prio (PRIO_HIGH);
419 562
420The idle coroutine ($Coro::idle) always has a lower priority than any 563The idle coro ($Coro::idle) always has a lower priority than any
421existing coroutine. 564existing coro.
422 565
423Changing the priority of the current coroutine will take effect immediately, 566Changing the priority of the current coro will take effect immediately,
424but changing the priority of coroutines in the ready queue (but not 567but changing the priority of coro in the ready queue (but not
425running) will only take effect after the next schedule (of that 568running) will only take effect after the next schedule (of that
426coroutine). 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.
427 570
428=item $newprio = $coroutine->nice ($change) 571=item $newprio = $coro->nice ($change)
429 572
430Similar 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.
431higher values mean lower priority, just as in unix). 574higher values mean lower priority, just as in unix).
432 575
433=item $olddesc = $coroutine->desc ($newdesc) 576=item $olddesc = $coro->desc ($newdesc)
434 577
435Sets (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
436coroutine. This is just a free-form string you can associate with a coroutine. 579coro. This is just a free-form string you can associate with a
580coro.
437 581
438This method simply sets the C<< $coroutine->{desc} >> member to the given string. You 582This method simply sets the C<< $coro->{desc} >> member to the given
439can modify this member directly if you wish. 583string. You can modify this member directly if you wish.
440
441=item $coroutine->throw ([$scalar])
442
443If C<$throw> is specified and defined, it will be thrown as an exception
444inside the coroutine at the next convinient point in time (usually after
445it gains control at the next schedule/transfer/cede). Otherwise clears the
446exception object.
447
448The exception object will be thrown "as is" with the specified scalar in
449C<$@>, i.e. if it is a string, no line number or newline will be appended
450(unlike with C<die>).
451
452This can be used as a softer means than C<cancel> to ask a coroutine to
453end itself, although there is no guarentee that the exception will lead to
454termination, and if the exception isn't caught it might well end the whole
455program.
456 584
457=cut 585=cut
458 586
459sub desc { 587sub desc {
460 my $old = $_[0]{desc}; 588 my $old = $_[0]{desc};
461 $_[0]{desc} = $_[1] if @_ > 1; 589 $_[0]{desc} = $_[1] if @_ > 1;
462 $old; 590 $old;
463} 591}
464 592
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
465=back 598=back
466 599
467=head2 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 600=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
468 601
469=over 4 602=over 4
470 603
471=item Coro::nready 604=item Coro::nready
472 605
473Returns the number of coroutines that are currently in the ready state, 606Returns the number of coro that are currently in the ready state,
474i.e. that can be switched to. The value C<0> means that the only runnable 607i.e. that can be switched to by calling C<schedule> directory or
608indirectly. The value C<0> means that the only runnable coro is the
475coroutine is the currently running one, so C<cede> would have no effect, 609currently running one, so C<cede> would have no effect, and C<schedule>
476and C<schedule> would cause a deadlock unless there is an idle handler 610would cause a deadlock unless there is an idle handler that wakes up some
477that wakes up some coroutines. 611coro.
478 612
479=item my $guard = Coro::guard { ... } 613=item my $guard = Coro::guard { ... }
480 614
481This creates and returns a guard object. Nothing happens until the object 615This function still exists, but is deprecated. Please use the
482gets destroyed, in which case the codeblock given as argument will be 616C<Guard::guard> function instead.
483executed. This is useful to free locks or other resources in case of a
484runtime error or when the coroutine gets canceled, as in both cases the
485guard block will be executed. The guard object supports only one method,
486C<< ->cancel >>, which will keep the codeblock from being executed.
487 617
488Example: set some flag and clear it again when the coroutine gets canceled
489or the function returns:
490
491 sub do_something {
492 my $guard = Coro::guard { $busy = 0 };
493 $busy = 1;
494
495 # do something that requires $busy to be true
496 }
497
498=cut 618=cut
499 619
500sub guard(&) { 620BEGIN { *guard = \&Guard::guard }
501 bless \(my $cb = $_[0]), "Coro::guard"
502}
503
504sub Coro::guard::cancel {
505 ${$_[0]} = sub { };
506}
507
508sub Coro::guard::DESTROY {
509 ${$_[0]}->();
510}
511
512 621
513=item unblock_sub { ... } 622=item unblock_sub { ... }
514 623
515This utility function takes a BLOCK or code reference and "unblocks" it, 624This utility function takes a BLOCK or code reference and "unblocks" it,
516returning the new coderef. This means that the new coderef will return 625returning a new coderef. Unblocking means that calling the new coderef
517immediately without blocking, returning nothing, while the original code 626will return immediately without blocking, returning nothing, while the
518ref will be called (with parameters) from within its own coroutine. 627original code ref will be called (with parameters) from within another
628coro.
519 629
520The 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
521venerable L<Event|Event> module) are not coroutine-safe (a weaker form 631venerable L<Event|Event> module) are not thread-safe (a weaker form
522of thread-safety). This means you must not block within event callbacks, 632of reentrancy). This means you must not block within event callbacks,
523otherwise you might suffer from crashes or worse. 633otherwise you might suffer from crashes or worse. The only event library
634currently known that is safe to use without C<unblock_sub> is L<EV>.
524 635
525This function allows your callbacks to block by executing them in another 636This function allows your callbacks to block by executing them in another
526coroutine 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
527is 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
528disk. 639disk, for example.
529 640
530In short: simply use C<unblock_sub { ... }> instead of C<sub { ... }> when 641In short: simply use C<unblock_sub { ... }> instead of C<sub { ... }> when
531creating event callbacks that want to block. 642creating event callbacks that want to block.
643
644If your handler does not plan to block (e.g. simply sends a message to
645another coro, or puts some other coro into the ready queue), there is
646no reason to use C<unblock_sub>.
647
648Note that you also need to use C<unblock_sub> for any other callbacks that
649are indirectly executed by any C-based event loop. For example, when you
650use a module that uses L<AnyEvent> (and you use L<Coro::AnyEvent>) and it
651provides callbacks that are the result of some event callback, then you
652must not block either, or use C<unblock_sub>.
532 653
533=cut 654=cut
534 655
535our @unblock_queue; 656our @unblock_queue;
536 657
539# return immediately and can be reused) and because we cannot cede 660# return immediately and can be reused) and because we cannot cede
540# inside an event callback. 661# inside an event callback.
541our $unblock_scheduler = new Coro sub { 662our $unblock_scheduler = new Coro sub {
542 while () { 663 while () {
543 while (my $cb = pop @unblock_queue) { 664 while (my $cb = pop @unblock_queue) {
544 # this is an inlined copy of async_pool 665 &async_pool (@$cb);
545 my $coro = (pop @async_pool) || new Coro \&pool_handler;
546 666
547 $coro->{_invoke} = $cb;
548 $coro->ready;
549 cede; # for short-lived callbacks, this reduces pressure on the coro pool 667 # for short-lived callbacks, this reduces pressure on the coro pool
668 # as the chance is very high that the async_poll coro will be back
669 # in the idle state when cede returns
670 cede;
550 } 671 }
551 schedule; # sleep well 672 schedule; # sleep well
552 } 673 }
553}; 674};
554$unblock_scheduler->desc ("[unblock_sub scheduler]"); 675$unblock_scheduler->{desc} = "[unblock_sub scheduler]";
555 676
556sub unblock_sub(&) { 677sub unblock_sub(&) {
557 my $cb = shift; 678 my $cb = shift;
558 679
559 sub { 680 sub {
560 unshift @unblock_queue, [$cb, @_]; 681 unshift @unblock_queue, [$cb, @_];
561 $unblock_scheduler->ready; 682 $unblock_scheduler->ready;
562 } 683 }
563} 684}
564 685
686=item $cb = Coro::rouse_cb
687
688Create and return a "rouse callback". That's a code reference that,
689when called, will remember a copy of its arguments and notify the owner
690coro of the callback.
691
692See the next function.
693
694=item @args = Coro::rouse_wait [$cb]
695
696Wait for the specified rouse callback (or the last one that was created in
697this coro).
698
699As soon as the callback is invoked (or when the callback was invoked
700before C<rouse_wait>), it will return the arguments originally passed to
701the rouse callback.
702
703See the section B<HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK> for an actual usage example.
704
565=back 705=back
566 706
567=cut 707=cut
568 708
5691; 7091;
570 710
711=head1 HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK
712
713It is very common for a coro to wait for some callback to be
714called. This occurs naturally when you use coro in an otherwise
715event-based program, or when you use event-based libraries.
716
717These typically register a callback for some event, and call that callback
718when the event occured. In a coro, however, you typically want to
719just wait for the event, simplyifying things.
720
721For example C<< AnyEvent->child >> registers a callback to be called when
722a specific child has exited:
723
724 my $child_watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub { ... });
725
726But from within a coro, you often just want to write this:
727
728 my $status = wait_for_child $pid;
729
730Coro offers two functions specifically designed to make this easy,
731C<Coro::rouse_cb> and C<Coro::rouse_wait>.
732
733The first function, C<rouse_cb>, generates and returns a callback that,
734when invoked, will save its arguments and notify the coro that
735created the callback.
736
737The second function, C<rouse_wait>, waits for the callback to be called
738(by calling C<schedule> to go to sleep) and returns the arguments
739originally passed to the callback.
740
741Using these functions, it becomes easy to write the C<wait_for_child>
742function mentioned above:
743
744 sub wait_for_child($) {
745 my ($pid) = @_;
746
747 my $watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => Coro::rouse_cb);
748
749 my ($rpid, $rstatus) = Coro::rouse_wait;
750 $rstatus
751 }
752
753In the case where C<rouse_cb> and C<rouse_wait> are not flexible enough,
754you can roll your own, using C<schedule>:
755
756 sub wait_for_child($) {
757 my ($pid) = @_;
758
759 # store the current coro in $current,
760 # and provide result variables for the closure passed to ->child
761 my $current = $Coro::current;
762 my ($done, $rstatus);
763
764 # pass a closure to ->child
765 my $watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub {
766 $rstatus = $_[1]; # remember rstatus
767 $done = 1; # mark $rstatus as valud
768 });
769
770 # wait until the closure has been called
771 schedule while !$done;
772
773 $rstatus
774 }
775
776
571=head1 BUGS/LIMITATIONS 777=head1 BUGS/LIMITATIONS
572 778
573 - you must make very sure that no coro is still active on global 779=over 4
574 destruction. very bad things might happen otherwise (usually segfaults).
575 780
781=item fork with pthread backend
782
783When Coro is compiled using the pthread backend (which isn't recommended
784but required on many BSDs as their libcs are completely broken), then
785coro will not survive a fork. There is no known workaround except to
786fix your libc and use a saner backend.
787
788=item perl process emulation ("threads")
789
576 - this module is not thread-safe. You should only ever use this module 790This module is not perl-pseudo-thread-safe. You should only ever use this
577 from the same thread (this requirement might be loosened in the future 791module from the first thread (this requirement might be removed in the
578 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
579 this). 793this). I recommend disabling thread support and using processes, as having
794the windows process emulation enabled under unix roughly halves perl
795performance, even when not used.
796
797=item coro switching is not signal safe
798
799You must not switch to another coro from within a signal handler
800(only relevant with %SIG - most event libraries provide safe signals).
801
802That means you I<MUST NOT> call any function that might "block" the
803current coro - C<cede>, C<schedule> C<< Coro::Semaphore->down >> or
804anything that calls those. Everything else, including calling C<ready>,
805works.
806
807=back
808
580 809
581=head1 SEE ALSO 810=head1 SEE ALSO
582 811
583Lower level Configuration, Coroutine Environment: L<Coro::State>. 812Event-Loop integration: L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>.
584 813
585Debugging: L<Coro::Debug>. 814Debugging: L<Coro::Debug>.
586 815
587Support/Utility: L<Coro::Specific>, L<Coro::Util>. 816Support/Utility: L<Coro::Specific>, L<Coro::Util>.
588 817
589Locking/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>.
590 820
591Event/IO: L<Coro::Timer>, L<Coro::Event>, L<Coro::Handle>, L<Coro::Socket>. 821I/O and Timers: L<Coro::Timer>, L<Coro::Handle>, L<Coro::Socket>, L<Coro::AIO>.
592 822
593Compatibility: L<Coro::LWP>, 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>.
594 826
595Embedding: L<Coro::MakeMaker>. 827XS API: L<Coro::MakeMaker>.
828
829Low level Configuration, Thread Environment, Continuations: L<Coro::State>.
596 830
597=head1 AUTHOR 831=head1 AUTHOR
598 832
599 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 833 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
600 http://home.schmorp.de/ 834 http://home.schmorp.de/

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