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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
9 async { 9 async {
10 # some asynchronous thread of execution 10 # some asynchronous thread of execution
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 coroutine
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
39very slow and memory-intensive emulation of processes using threads. This 35in the form of cooperative threads (also called coroutines in the
40is a performance win on Windows machines, and a loss everywhere else). 36documentation). They are similar to kernel threads but don't (in general)
37run in parallel at the same time even on SMP machines. The specific flavor
38of thread offered by this module also guarantees you that it will not
39switch between threads unless necessary, at easily-identified points in
40your program, so locking and parallel access are rarely an issue, making
41thread programming much safer and easier than using other thread models.
41 42
43Unlike the so-called "Perl threads" (which are not actually real threads
44but only the windows process emulation ported to unix), Coro provides a
45full shared address space, which makes communication between threads
46very easy. And threads are fast, too: disabling the Windows process
47emulation code in your perl and using Coro can easily result in a two to
48four times speed increase for your programs.
49
50Coro achieves that by supporting multiple running interpreters that share
51data, which is especially useful to code pseudo-parallel processes and
52for event-based programming, such as multiple HTTP-GET requests running
53concurrently. See L<Coro::AnyEvent> to learn more on how to integrate Coro
54into an event-based environment.
55
42In this module, coroutines are defined as "callchain + lexical variables + 56In this module, a thread is defined as "callchain + lexical variables +
43@_ + $_ + $@ + $/ + C stack), that is, a coroutine has its own callchain, 57@_ + $_ + $@ + $/ + C stack), that is, a thread has its own callchain,
44its own set of lexicals and its own set of perls most important global 58its own set of lexicals and its own set of perls most important global
45variables (see L<Coro::State> for more configuration). 59variables (see L<Coro::State> for more configuration and background info).
60
61See also the C<SEE ALSO> section at the end of this document - the Coro
62module family is quite large.
46 63
47=cut 64=cut
48 65
49package Coro; 66package Coro;
50 67
51use strict; 68use strict qw(vars subs);
52no warnings "uninitialized"; 69no warnings "uninitialized";
70
71use Guard ();
53 72
54use Coro::State; 73use Coro::State;
55 74
56use base qw(Coro::State Exporter); 75use base qw(Coro::State Exporter);
57 76
58our $idle; # idle handler 77our $idle; # idle handler
59our $main; # main coroutine 78our $main; # main coroutine
60our $current; # current coroutine 79our $current; # current coroutine
61 80
62our $VERSION = '4.1'; 81our $VERSION = 5.13;
63 82
64our @EXPORT = qw(async async_pool cede schedule terminate current unblock_sub); 83our @EXPORT = qw(async async_pool cede schedule terminate current unblock_sub);
65our %EXPORT_TAGS = ( 84our %EXPORT_TAGS = (
66 prio => [qw(PRIO_MAX PRIO_HIGH PRIO_NORMAL PRIO_LOW PRIO_IDLE PRIO_MIN)], 85 prio => [qw(PRIO_MAX PRIO_HIGH PRIO_NORMAL PRIO_LOW PRIO_IDLE PRIO_MIN)],
67); 86);
68our @EXPORT_OK = (@{$EXPORT_TAGS{prio}}, qw(nready)); 87our @EXPORT_OK = (@{$EXPORT_TAGS{prio}}, qw(nready));
69 88
70{ 89=head1 GLOBAL VARIABLES
71 my @async;
72 my $init;
73
74 # this way of handling attributes simply is NOT scalable ;()
75 sub import {
76 no strict 'refs';
77
78 Coro->export_to_level (1, @_);
79
80 my $old = *{(caller)[0]."::MODIFY_CODE_ATTRIBUTES"}{CODE};
81 *{(caller)[0]."::MODIFY_CODE_ATTRIBUTES"} = sub {
82 my ($package, $ref) = (shift, shift);
83 my @attrs;
84 for (@_) {
85 if ($_ eq "Coro") {
86 push @async, $ref;
87 unless ($init++) {
88 eval q{
89 sub INIT {
90 &async(pop @async) while @async;
91 }
92 };
93 }
94 } else {
95 push @attrs, $_;
96 }
97 }
98 return $old ? $old->($package, $ref, @attrs) : @attrs;
99 };
100 }
101
102}
103 90
104=over 4 91=over 4
105 92
106=item $main 93=item $Coro::main
107 94
108This coroutine represents the main program. 95This variable stores the coroutine object that represents the main
96program. While you cna C<ready> it and do most other things you can do to
97coroutines, it is mainly useful to compare again C<$Coro::current>, to see
98whether you are running in the main program or not.
109 99
110=cut 100=cut
111 101
112$main = new Coro; 102# $main is now being initialised by Coro::State
113 103
114=item $current (or as function: current) 104=item $Coro::current
115 105
116The current coroutine (the last coroutine switched to). The initial value 106The coroutine object representing the current coroutine (the last
107coroutine that the Coro scheduler switched to). The initial value is
117is C<$main> (of course). 108C<$Coro::main> (of course).
118 109
119This variable is B<strictly> I<read-only>. It is provided for performance 110This variable is B<strictly> I<read-only>. You can take copies of the
120reasons. If performance is not essential you are encouraged to use the 111value stored in it and use it as any other coroutine object, but you must
121C<Coro::current> function instead. 112not otherwise modify the variable itself.
122 113
123=cut 114=cut
124 115
125$main->{desc} = "[main::]";
126
127# maybe some other module used Coro::Specific before...
128$main->{_specific} = $current->{_specific}
129 if $current;
130
131_set_current $main;
132
133sub current() { $current } 116sub current() { $current } # [DEPRECATED]
134 117
135=item $idle 118=item $Coro::idle
136 119
120This variable is mainly useful to integrate Coro into event loops. It is
121usually better to rely on L<Coro::AnyEvent> or L<Coro::EV>, as this is
122pretty low-level functionality.
123
124This variable stores either a coroutine or a callback.
125
137A callback that is called whenever the scheduler finds no ready coroutines 126If it is a callback, the it is called whenever the scheduler finds no
138to run. The default implementation prints "FATAL: deadlock detected" and 127ready coroutines to run. The default implementation prints "FATAL:
139exits, because the program has no other way to continue. 128deadlock detected" and exits, because the program has no other way to
129continue.
140 130
131If it is a coroutine object, then this object will be readied (without
132invoking any ready hooks, however) when the scheduler finds no other ready
133coroutines to run.
134
141This hook is overwritten by modules such as C<Coro::Timer> and 135This hook is overwritten by modules such as C<Coro::EV> and
142C<Coro::Event> to wait on an external event that hopefully wake up a 136C<Coro::AnyEvent> to wait on an external event that hopefully wake up a
143coroutine so the scheduler can run it. 137coroutine so the scheduler can run it.
138
139Note that the callback I<must not>, under any circumstances, block
140the current coroutine. Normally, this is achieved by having an "idle
141coroutine" that calls the event loop and then blocks again, and then
142readying that coroutine in the idle handler, or by simply placing the idle
143coroutine in this variable.
144
145See L<Coro::Event> or L<Coro::AnyEvent> for examples of using this
146technique.
144 147
145Please note that if your callback recursively invokes perl (e.g. for event 148Please note that if your callback recursively invokes perl (e.g. for event
146handlers), then it must be prepared to be called recursively itself. 149handlers), then it must be prepared to be called recursively itself.
147 150
148=cut 151=cut
150$idle = sub { 153$idle = sub {
151 require Carp; 154 require Carp;
152 Carp::croak ("FATAL: deadlock detected"); 155 Carp::croak ("FATAL: deadlock detected");
153}; 156};
154 157
155sub _cancel {
156 my ($self) = @_;
157
158 # free coroutine data and mark as destructed
159 $self->_destroy
160 or return;
161
162 # call all destruction callbacks
163 $_->(@{$self->{_status}})
164 for @{(delete $self->{_on_destroy}) || []};
165}
166
167# this coroutine is necessary because a coroutine 158# this coroutine is necessary because a coroutine
168# cannot destroy itself. 159# cannot destroy itself.
169my @destroy; 160our @destroy;
170my $manager; 161our $manager;
171 162
172$manager = new Coro sub { 163$manager = new Coro sub {
173 while () { 164 while () {
174 (shift @destroy)->_cancel 165 Coro::_cancel shift @destroy
175 while @destroy; 166 while @destroy;
176 167
177 &schedule; 168 &schedule;
178 } 169 }
179}; 170};
180$manager->desc ("[coro manager]"); 171$manager->{desc} = "[coro manager]";
181$manager->prio (PRIO_MAX); 172$manager->prio (PRIO_MAX);
182 173
183# static methods. not really.
184
185=back 174=back
186 175
187=head2 STATIC METHODS 176=head1 SIMPLE COROUTINE CREATION
188
189Static methods are actually functions that operate on the current coroutine only.
190 177
191=over 4 178=over 4
192 179
193=item async { ... } [@args...] 180=item async { ... } [@args...]
194 181
195Create a new asynchronous coroutine and return it's coroutine object 182Create a new coroutine and return its coroutine object (usually
196(usually unused). When the sub returns the new coroutine is automatically 183unused). The coroutine will be put into the ready queue, so
184it will start running automatically on the next scheduler run.
185
186The first argument is a codeblock/closure that should be executed in the
187coroutine. When it returns argument returns the coroutine is automatically
197terminated. 188terminated.
198 189
190The remaining arguments are passed as arguments to the closure.
191
199See the C<Coro::State::new> constructor for info about the coroutine 192See the C<Coro::State::new> constructor for info about the coroutine
200environment in which coroutines run. 193environment in which coroutines are executed.
201 194
202Calling C<exit> in a coroutine will do the same as calling exit outside 195Calling C<exit> in a coroutine will do the same as calling exit outside
203the coroutine. Likewise, when the coroutine dies, the program will exit, 196the coroutine. Likewise, when the coroutine dies, the program will exit,
204just as it would in the main program. 197just as it would in the main program.
205 198
199If you do not want that, you can provide a default C<die> handler, or
200simply avoid dieing (by use of C<eval>).
201
206 # create a new coroutine that just prints its arguments 202Example: Create a new coroutine that just prints its arguments.
203
207 async { 204 async {
208 print "@_\n"; 205 print "@_\n";
209 } 1,2,3,4; 206 } 1,2,3,4;
210 207
211=cut 208=cut
217} 214}
218 215
219=item async_pool { ... } [@args...] 216=item async_pool { ... } [@args...]
220 217
221Similar to C<async>, but uses a coroutine pool, so you should not call 218Similar to C<async>, but uses a coroutine pool, so you should not call
222terminate or join (although you are allowed to), and you get a coroutine 219terminate or join on it (although you are allowed to), and you get a
223that might have executed other code already (which can be good or bad :). 220coroutine that might have executed other code already (which can be good
221or bad :).
224 222
223On the plus side, this function is about twice as fast as creating (and
224destroying) a completely new coroutine, so if you need a lot of generic
225coroutines in quick successsion, use C<async_pool>, not C<async>.
226
225Also, the block is executed in an C<eval> context and a warning will be 227The code block is executed in an C<eval> context and a warning will be
226issued in case of an exception instead of terminating the program, as 228issued in case of an exception instead of terminating the program, as
227C<async> does. As the coroutine is being reused, stuff like C<on_destroy> 229C<async> does. As the coroutine is being reused, stuff like C<on_destroy>
228will not work in the expected way, unless you call terminate or cancel, 230will not work in the expected way, unless you call terminate or cancel,
229which somehow defeats the purpose of pooling. 231which somehow defeats the purpose of pooling (but is fine in the
232exceptional case).
230 233
231The priority will be reset to C<0> after each job, tracing will be 234The priority will be reset to C<0> after each run, tracing will be
232disabled, the description will be reset and the default output filehandle 235disabled, the description will be reset and the default output filehandle
233gets restored, so you can change alkl these. Otherwise the coroutine will 236gets restored, so you can change all these. Otherwise the coroutine will
234be re-used "as-is": most notably if you change other per-coroutine global 237be re-used "as-is": most notably if you change other per-coroutine global
235stuff such as C<$/> you need to revert that change, which is most simply 238stuff such as C<$/> you I<must needs> revert that change, which is most
236done by using local as in C< local $/ >. 239simply done by using local as in: C<< local $/ >>.
237 240
238The pool size is limited to 8 idle coroutines (this can be adjusted by 241The idle pool size is limited to C<8> idle coroutines (this can be
239changing $Coro::POOL_SIZE), and there can be as many non-idle coros as 242adjusted by changing $Coro::POOL_SIZE), but there can be as many non-idle
240required. 243coros as required.
241 244
242If you are concerned about pooled coroutines growing a lot because a 245If you are concerned about pooled coroutines growing a lot because a
243single C<async_pool> used a lot of stackspace you can e.g. C<async_pool 246single C<async_pool> used a lot of stackspace you can e.g. C<async_pool
244{ terminate }> once per second or so to slowly replenish the pool. In 247{ terminate }> once per second or so to slowly replenish the pool. In
245addition to that, when the stacks used by a handler grows larger than 16kb 248addition to that, when the stacks used by a handler grows larger than 32kb
246(adjustable with $Coro::POOL_RSS) it will also exit. 249(adjustable via $Coro::POOL_RSS) it will also be destroyed.
247 250
248=cut 251=cut
249 252
250our $POOL_SIZE = 8; 253our $POOL_SIZE = 8;
251our $POOL_RSS = 16 * 1024; 254our $POOL_RSS = 32 * 1024;
252our @async_pool; 255our @async_pool;
253 256
254sub pool_handler { 257sub pool_handler {
255 my $cb;
256
257 while () { 258 while () {
258 eval { 259 eval {
259 while () { 260 &{&_pool_handler} while 1;
260 _pool_1 $cb;
261 &$cb;
262 _pool_2 $cb;
263 &schedule;
264 }
265 }; 261 };
266 262
267 last if $@ eq "\3async_pool terminate\2\n";
268 warn $@ if $@; 263 warn $@ if $@;
269 } 264 }
270} 265}
271 266
272sub async_pool(&@) { 267=back
273 # this is also inlined into the unlock_scheduler
274 my $coro = (pop @async_pool) || new Coro \&pool_handler;
275 268
276 $coro->{_invoke} = [@_]; 269=head1 STATIC METHODS
277 $coro->ready;
278 270
279 $coro 271Static methods are actually functions that implicitly operate on the
280} 272current coroutine.
273
274=over 4
281 275
282=item schedule 276=item schedule
283 277
284Calls the scheduler. Please note that the current coroutine will not be put 278Calls the scheduler. The scheduler will find the next coroutine that is
279to be run from the ready queue and switches to it. The next coroutine
280to be run is simply the one with the highest priority that is longest
281in its ready queue. If there is no coroutine ready, it will clal the
282C<$Coro::idle> hook.
283
284Please note that the current coroutine will I<not> be put into the ready
285into the ready queue, so calling this function usually means you will 285queue, so calling this function usually means you will never be called
286never be called again unless something else (e.g. an event handler) calls 286again unless something else (e.g. an event handler) calls C<< ->ready >>,
287ready. 287thus waking you up.
288 288
289The canonical way to wait on external events is this: 289This makes C<schedule> I<the> generic method to use to block the current
290coroutine and wait for events: first you remember the current coroutine in
291a variable, then arrange for some callback of yours to call C<< ->ready
292>> on that once some event happens, and last you call C<schedule> to put
293yourself to sleep. Note that a lot of things can wake your coroutine up,
294so you need to check whether the event indeed happened, e.g. by storing the
295status in a variable.
290 296
291 { 297See B<HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK>, below, for some ways to wait for callbacks.
292 # remember current coroutine
293 my $current = $Coro::current;
294 298
295 # register a hypothetical event handler 299=item cede
296 on_event_invoke sub { 300
297 # wake up sleeping coroutine 301"Cede" to other coroutines. This function puts the current coroutine into
298 $current->ready; 302the ready queue and calls C<schedule>, which has the effect of giving
299 undef $current; 303up the current "timeslice" to other coroutines of the same or higher
304priority. Once your coroutine gets its turn again it will automatically be
305resumed.
306
307This function is often called C<yield> in other languages.
308
309=item Coro::cede_notself
310
311Works like cede, but is not exported by default and will cede to I<any>
312coroutine, regardless of priority. This is useful sometimes to ensure
313progress is made.
314
315=item terminate [arg...]
316
317Terminates the current coroutine with the given status values (see L<cancel>).
318
319=item Coro::on_enter BLOCK, Coro::on_leave BLOCK
320
321These function install enter and leave winders in the current scope. The
322enter block will be executed when on_enter is called and whenever the
323current coroutine is re-entered by the scheduler, while the leave block is
324executed whenever the current coroutine is blocked by the scheduler, and
325also when the containing scope is exited (by whatever means, be it exit,
326die, last etc.).
327
328I<Neither invoking the scheduler, nor exceptions, are allowed within those
329BLOCKs>. That means: do not even think about calling C<die> without an
330eval, and do not even think of entering the scheduler in any way.
331
332Since both BLOCKs are tied to the current scope, they will automatically
333be removed when the current scope exits.
334
335These functions implement the same concept as C<dynamic-wind> in scheme
336does, and are useful when you want to localise some resource to a specific
337coroutine.
338
339They slow down coroutine switching considerably for coroutines that use
340them (But coroutine switching is still reasonably fast if the handlers are
341fast).
342
343These functions are best understood by an example: The following function
344will change the current timezone to "Antarctica/South_Pole", which
345requires a call to C<tzset>, but by using C<on_enter> and C<on_leave>,
346which remember/change the current timezone and restore the previous
347value, respectively, the timezone is only changes for the coroutine that
348installed those handlers.
349
350 use POSIX qw(tzset);
351
352 async {
353 my $old_tz; # store outside TZ value here
354
355 Coro::on_enter {
356 $old_tz = $ENV{TZ}; # remember the old value
357
358 $ENV{TZ} = "Antarctica/South_Pole";
359 tzset; # enable new value
300 }; 360 };
301 361
302 # call schedule until event occurred. 362 Coro::on_leave {
303 # in case we are woken up for other reasons 363 $ENV{TZ} = $old_tz;
304 # (current still defined), loop. 364 tzset; # restore old value
305 Coro::schedule while $current; 365 };
366
367 # at this place, the timezone is Antarctica/South_Pole,
368 # without disturbing the TZ of any other coroutine.
306 } 369 };
307 370
308=item cede 371This can be used to localise about any resource (locale, uid, current
309 372working directory etc.) to a block, despite the existance of other
310"Cede" to other coroutines. This function puts the current coroutine into the 373coroutines.
311ready queue and calls C<schedule>, which has the effect of giving up the
312current "timeslice" to other coroutines of the same or higher priority.
313
314Returns true if at least one coroutine switch has happened.
315
316=item Coro::cede_notself
317
318Works like cede, but is not exported by default and will cede to any
319coroutine, regardless of priority, once.
320
321Returns true if at least one coroutine switch has happened.
322
323=item terminate [arg...]
324
325Terminates the current coroutine with the given status values (see L<cancel>).
326 374
327=item killall 375=item killall
328 376
329Kills/terminates/cancels all coroutines except the currently running 377Kills/terminates/cancels all coroutines except the currently running one.
330one. This is useful after a fork, either in the child or the parent, as
331usually only one of them should inherit the running coroutines.
332 378
333=cut 379Note that while this will try to free some of the main interpreter
380resources if the calling coroutine isn't the main coroutine, but one
381cannot free all of them, so if a coroutine that is not the main coroutine
382calls this function, there will be some one-time resource leak.
334 383
335sub terminate { 384=cut
336 $current->cancel (@_);
337}
338 385
339sub killall { 386sub killall {
340 for (Coro::State::list) { 387 for (Coro::State::list) {
341 $_->cancel 388 $_->cancel
342 if $_ != $current && UNIVERSAL::isa $_, "Coro"; 389 if $_ != $current && UNIVERSAL::isa $_, "Coro";
343 } 390 }
344} 391}
345 392
346=back 393=back
347 394
348# dynamic methods
349
350=head2 COROUTINE METHODS 395=head1 COROUTINE OBJECT METHODS
351 396
352These are the methods you can call on coroutine objects. 397These are the methods you can call on coroutine objects (or to create
398them).
353 399
354=over 4 400=over 4
355 401
356=item new Coro \&sub [, @args...] 402=item new Coro \&sub [, @args...]
357 403
358Create a new coroutine and return it. When the sub returns the coroutine 404Create a new coroutine and return it. When the sub returns, the coroutine
359automatically terminates as if C<terminate> with the returned values were 405automatically terminates as if C<terminate> with the returned values were
360called. To make the coroutine run you must first put it into the ready queue 406called. To make the coroutine run you must first put it into the ready
361by calling the ready method. 407queue by calling the ready method.
362 408
363See C<async> and C<Coro::State::new> for additional info about the 409See C<async> and C<Coro::State::new> for additional info about the
364coroutine environment. 410coroutine environment.
365 411
366=cut 412=cut
367 413
368sub _run_coro { 414sub _coro_run {
369 terminate &{+shift}; 415 terminate &{+shift};
370} 416}
371 417
372sub new {
373 my $class = shift;
374
375 $class->SUPER::new (\&_run_coro, @_)
376}
377
378=item $success = $coroutine->ready 418=item $success = $coroutine->ready
379 419
380Put the given coroutine into the ready queue (according to it's priority) 420Put the given coroutine into the end of its ready queue (there is one
381and return true. If the coroutine is already in the ready queue, do nothing 421queue for each priority) and return true. If the coroutine is already in
382and return false. 422the ready queue, do nothing and return false.
423
424This ensures that the scheduler will resume this coroutine automatically
425once all the coroutines of higher priority and all coroutines of the same
426priority that were put into the ready queue earlier have been resumed.
383 427
384=item $is_ready = $coroutine->is_ready 428=item $is_ready = $coroutine->is_ready
385 429
386Return wether the coroutine is currently the ready queue or not, 430Return whether the coroutine is currently the ready queue or not,
387 431
388=item $coroutine->cancel (arg...) 432=item $coroutine->cancel (arg...)
389 433
390Terminates the given coroutine and makes it return the given arguments as 434Terminates the given coroutine and makes it return the given arguments as
391status (default: the empty list). Never returns if the coroutine is the 435status (default: the empty list). Never returns if the coroutine is the
393 437
394=cut 438=cut
395 439
396sub cancel { 440sub cancel {
397 my $self = shift; 441 my $self = shift;
398 $self->{_status} = [@_];
399 442
400 if ($current == $self) { 443 if ($current == $self) {
401 push @destroy, $self; 444 terminate @_;
402 $manager->ready;
403 &schedule while 1;
404 } else { 445 } else {
446 $self->{_status} = [@_];
405 $self->_cancel; 447 $self->_cancel;
406 } 448 }
407} 449}
408 450
451=item $coroutine->schedule_to
452
453Puts the current coroutine to sleep (like C<Coro::schedule>), but instead
454of continuing with the next coro from the ready queue, always switch to
455the given coroutine object (regardless of priority etc.). The readyness
456state of that coroutine isn't changed.
457
458This is an advanced method for special cases - I'd love to hear about any
459uses for this one.
460
461=item $coroutine->cede_to
462
463Like C<schedule_to>, but puts the current coroutine into the ready
464queue. This has the effect of temporarily switching to the given
465coroutine, and continuing some time later.
466
467This is an advanced method for special cases - I'd love to hear about any
468uses for this one.
469
470=item $coroutine->throw ([$scalar])
471
472If C<$throw> is specified and defined, it will be thrown as an exception
473inside the coroutine at the next convenient point in time. Otherwise
474clears the exception object.
475
476Coro will check for the exception each time a schedule-like-function
477returns, i.e. after each C<schedule>, C<cede>, C<< Coro::Semaphore->down
478>>, C<< Coro::Handle->readable >> and so on. Most of these functions
479detect this case and return early in case an exception is pending.
480
481The exception object will be thrown "as is" with the specified scalar in
482C<$@>, i.e. if it is a string, no line number or newline will be appended
483(unlike with C<die>).
484
485This can be used as a softer means than C<cancel> to ask a coroutine to
486end itself, although there is no guarantee that the exception will lead to
487termination, and if the exception isn't caught it might well end the whole
488program.
489
490You might also think of C<throw> as being the moral equivalent of
491C<kill>ing a coroutine with a signal (in this case, a scalar).
492
409=item $coroutine->join 493=item $coroutine->join
410 494
411Wait until the coroutine terminates and return any values given to the 495Wait until the coroutine terminates and return any values given to the
412C<terminate> or C<cancel> functions. C<join> can be called concurrently 496C<terminate> or C<cancel> functions. C<join> can be called concurrently
413from multiple coroutines. 497from multiple coroutines, and all will be resumed and given the status
498return once the C<$coroutine> terminates.
414 499
415=cut 500=cut
416 501
417sub join { 502sub join {
418 my $self = shift; 503 my $self = shift;
433 518
434=item $coroutine->on_destroy (\&cb) 519=item $coroutine->on_destroy (\&cb)
435 520
436Registers a callback that is called when this coroutine gets destroyed, 521Registers a callback that is called when this coroutine gets destroyed,
437but before it is joined. The callback gets passed the terminate arguments, 522but before it is joined. The callback gets passed the terminate arguments,
438if any. 523if any, and I<must not> die, under any circumstances.
439 524
440=cut 525=cut
441 526
442sub on_destroy { 527sub on_destroy {
443 my ($self, $cb) = @_; 528 my ($self, $cb) = @_;
473higher values mean lower priority, just as in unix). 558higher values mean lower priority, just as in unix).
474 559
475=item $olddesc = $coroutine->desc ($newdesc) 560=item $olddesc = $coroutine->desc ($newdesc)
476 561
477Sets (or gets in case the argument is missing) the description for this 562Sets (or gets in case the argument is missing) the description for this
478coroutine. This is just a free-form string you can associate with a coroutine. 563coroutine. This is just a free-form string you can associate with a
564coroutine.
479 565
480This method simply sets the C<< $coroutine->{desc} >> member to the given string. You 566This method simply sets the C<< $coroutine->{desc} >> member to the given
481can modify this member directly if you wish. 567string. You can modify this member directly if you wish.
482
483=item $coroutine->throw ([$scalar])
484
485If C<$throw> is specified and defined, it will be thrown as an exception
486inside the coroutine at the next convinient point in time (usually after
487it gains control at the next schedule/transfer/cede). Otherwise clears the
488exception object.
489
490The exception object will be thrown "as is" with the specified scalar in
491C<$@>, i.e. if it is a string, no line number or newline will be appended
492(unlike with C<die>).
493
494This can be used as a softer means than C<cancel> to ask a coroutine to
495end itself, although there is no guarentee that the exception will lead to
496termination, and if the exception isn't caught it might well end the whole
497program.
498 568
499=cut 569=cut
500 570
501sub desc { 571sub desc {
502 my $old = $_[0]{desc}; 572 my $old = $_[0]{desc};
503 $_[0]{desc} = $_[1] if @_ > 1; 573 $_[0]{desc} = $_[1] if @_ > 1;
504 $old; 574 $old;
505} 575}
506 576
577sub transfer {
578 require Carp;
579 Carp::croak ("You must not call ->transfer on Coro objects. Use Coro::State objects or the ->schedule_to method. Caught");
580}
581
507=back 582=back
508 583
509=head2 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 584=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
510 585
511=over 4 586=over 4
512 587
513=item Coro::nready 588=item Coro::nready
514 589
515Returns the number of coroutines that are currently in the ready state, 590Returns the number of coroutines that are currently in the ready state,
516i.e. that can be switched to. The value C<0> means that the only runnable 591i.e. that can be switched to by calling C<schedule> directory or
592indirectly. The value C<0> means that the only runnable coroutine is the
517coroutine is the currently running one, so C<cede> would have no effect, 593currently running one, so C<cede> would have no effect, and C<schedule>
518and C<schedule> would cause a deadlock unless there is an idle handler 594would cause a deadlock unless there is an idle handler that wakes up some
519that wakes up some coroutines. 595coroutines.
520 596
521=item my $guard = Coro::guard { ... } 597=item my $guard = Coro::guard { ... }
522 598
523This creates and returns a guard object. Nothing happens until the object 599This function still exists, but is deprecated. Please use the
524gets destroyed, in which case the codeblock given as argument will be 600C<Guard::guard> function instead.
525executed. This is useful to free locks or other resources in case of a
526runtime error or when the coroutine gets canceled, as in both cases the
527guard block will be executed. The guard object supports only one method,
528C<< ->cancel >>, which will keep the codeblock from being executed.
529 601
530Example: set some flag and clear it again when the coroutine gets canceled
531or the function returns:
532
533 sub do_something {
534 my $guard = Coro::guard { $busy = 0 };
535 $busy = 1;
536
537 # do something that requires $busy to be true
538 }
539
540=cut 602=cut
541 603
542sub guard(&) { 604BEGIN { *guard = \&Guard::guard }
543 bless \(my $cb = $_[0]), "Coro::guard"
544}
545
546sub Coro::guard::cancel {
547 ${$_[0]} = sub { };
548}
549
550sub Coro::guard::DESTROY {
551 ${$_[0]}->();
552}
553
554 605
555=item unblock_sub { ... } 606=item unblock_sub { ... }
556 607
557This utility function takes a BLOCK or code reference and "unblocks" it, 608This utility function takes a BLOCK or code reference and "unblocks" it,
558returning the new coderef. This means that the new coderef will return 609returning a new coderef. Unblocking means that calling the new coderef
559immediately without blocking, returning nothing, while the original code 610will return immediately without blocking, returning nothing, while the
560ref will be called (with parameters) from within its own coroutine. 611original code ref will be called (with parameters) from within another
612coroutine.
561 613
562The reason this function exists is that many event libraries (such as the 614The reason this function exists is that many event libraries (such as the
563venerable L<Event|Event> module) are not coroutine-safe (a weaker form 615venerable L<Event|Event> module) are not coroutine-safe (a weaker form
564of thread-safety). This means you must not block within event callbacks, 616of reentrancy). This means you must not block within event callbacks,
565otherwise you might suffer from crashes or worse. 617otherwise you might suffer from crashes or worse. The only event library
618currently known that is safe to use without C<unblock_sub> is L<EV>.
566 619
567This function allows your callbacks to block by executing them in another 620This function allows your callbacks to block by executing them in another
568coroutine where it is safe to block. One example where blocking is handy 621coroutine where it is safe to block. One example where blocking is handy
569is when you use the L<Coro::AIO|Coro::AIO> functions to save results to 622is when you use the L<Coro::AIO|Coro::AIO> functions to save results to
570disk. 623disk, for example.
571 624
572In short: simply use C<unblock_sub { ... }> instead of C<sub { ... }> when 625In short: simply use C<unblock_sub { ... }> instead of C<sub { ... }> when
573creating event callbacks that want to block. 626creating event callbacks that want to block.
627
628If your handler does not plan to block (e.g. simply sends a message to
629another coroutine, or puts some other coroutine into the ready queue),
630there is no reason to use C<unblock_sub>.
631
632Note that you also need to use C<unblock_sub> for any other callbacks that
633are indirectly executed by any C-based event loop. For example, when you
634use a module that uses L<AnyEvent> (and you use L<Coro::AnyEvent>) and it
635provides callbacks that are the result of some event callback, then you
636must not block either, or use C<unblock_sub>.
574 637
575=cut 638=cut
576 639
577our @unblock_queue; 640our @unblock_queue;
578 641
581# return immediately and can be reused) and because we cannot cede 644# return immediately and can be reused) and because we cannot cede
582# inside an event callback. 645# inside an event callback.
583our $unblock_scheduler = new Coro sub { 646our $unblock_scheduler = new Coro sub {
584 while () { 647 while () {
585 while (my $cb = pop @unblock_queue) { 648 while (my $cb = pop @unblock_queue) {
586 # this is an inlined copy of async_pool 649 &async_pool (@$cb);
587 my $coro = (pop @async_pool) || new Coro \&pool_handler;
588 650
589 $coro->{_invoke} = $cb;
590 $coro->ready;
591 cede; # for short-lived callbacks, this reduces pressure on the coro pool 651 # for short-lived callbacks, this reduces pressure on the coro pool
652 # as the chance is very high that the async_poll coro will be back
653 # in the idle state when cede returns
654 cede;
592 } 655 }
593 schedule; # sleep well 656 schedule; # sleep well
594 } 657 }
595}; 658};
596$unblock_scheduler->desc ("[unblock_sub scheduler]"); 659$unblock_scheduler->{desc} = "[unblock_sub scheduler]";
597 660
598sub unblock_sub(&) { 661sub unblock_sub(&) {
599 my $cb = shift; 662 my $cb = shift;
600 663
601 sub { 664 sub {
602 unshift @unblock_queue, [$cb, @_]; 665 unshift @unblock_queue, [$cb, @_];
603 $unblock_scheduler->ready; 666 $unblock_scheduler->ready;
604 } 667 }
605} 668}
606 669
670=item $cb = Coro::rouse_cb
671
672Create and return a "rouse callback". That's a code reference that,
673when called, will remember a copy of its arguments and notify the owner
674coroutine of the callback.
675
676See the next function.
677
678=item @args = Coro::rouse_wait [$cb]
679
680Wait for the specified rouse callback (or the last one that was created in
681this coroutine).
682
683As soon as the callback is invoked (or when the callback was invoked
684before C<rouse_wait>), it will return the arguments originally passed to
685the rouse callback.
686
687See the section B<HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK> for an actual usage example.
688
607=back 689=back
608 690
609=cut 691=cut
610 692
6111; 6931;
612 694
695=head1 HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK
696
697It is very common for a coroutine to wait for some callback to be
698called. This occurs naturally when you use coroutines in an otherwise
699event-based program, or when you use event-based libraries.
700
701These typically register a callback for some event, and call that callback
702when the event occured. In a coroutine, however, you typically want to
703just wait for the event, simplyifying things.
704
705For example C<< AnyEvent->child >> registers a callback to be called when
706a specific child has exited:
707
708 my $child_watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub { ... });
709
710But from withina coroutine, you often just want to write this:
711
712 my $status = wait_for_child $pid;
713
714Coro offers two functions specifically designed to make this easy,
715C<Coro::rouse_cb> and C<Coro::rouse_wait>.
716
717The first function, C<rouse_cb>, generates and returns a callback that,
718when invoked, will save its arguments and notify the coroutine that
719created the callback.
720
721The second function, C<rouse_wait>, waits for the callback to be called
722(by calling C<schedule> to go to sleep) and returns the arguments
723originally passed to the callback.
724
725Using these functions, it becomes easy to write the C<wait_for_child>
726function mentioned above:
727
728 sub wait_for_child($) {
729 my ($pid) = @_;
730
731 my $watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => Coro::rouse_cb);
732
733 my ($rpid, $rstatus) = Coro::rouse_wait;
734 $rstatus
735 }
736
737In the case where C<rouse_cb> and C<rouse_wait> are not flexible enough,
738you can roll your own, using C<schedule>:
739
740 sub wait_for_child($) {
741 my ($pid) = @_;
742
743 # store the current coroutine in $current,
744 # and provide result variables for the closure passed to ->child
745 my $current = $Coro::current;
746 my ($done, $rstatus);
747
748 # pass a closure to ->child
749 my $watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub {
750 $rstatus = $_[1]; # remember rstatus
751 $done = 1; # mark $rstatus as valud
752 });
753
754 # wait until the closure has been called
755 schedule while !$done;
756
757 $rstatus
758 }
759
760
613=head1 BUGS/LIMITATIONS 761=head1 BUGS/LIMITATIONS
614 762
615 - you must make very sure that no coro is still active on global 763=over 4
616 destruction. very bad things might happen otherwise (usually segfaults).
617 764
765=item fork with pthread backend
766
767When Coro is compiled using the pthread backend (which isn't recommended
768but required on many BSDs as their libcs are completely broken), then
769coroutines will not survive a fork. There is no known workaround except to
770fix your libc and use a saner backend.
771
772=item perl process emulation ("threads")
773
618 - this module is not thread-safe. You should only ever use this module 774This module is not perl-pseudo-thread-safe. You should only ever use this
619 from the same thread (this requirement might be loosened in the future 775module from the first thread (this requirement might be removed in the
620 to allow per-thread schedulers, but Coro::State does not yet allow 776future to allow per-thread schedulers, but Coro::State does not yet allow
621 this). 777this). I recommend disabling thread support and using processes, as having
778the windows process emulation enabled under unix roughly halves perl
779performance, even when not used.
780
781=item coroutine switching not signal safe
782
783You must not switch to another coroutine from within a signal handler
784(only relevant with %SIG - most event libraries provide safe signals).
785
786That means you I<MUST NOT> call any function that might "block" the
787current coroutine - C<cede>, C<schedule> C<< Coro::Semaphore->down >> or
788anything that calls those. Everything else, including calling C<ready>,
789works.
790
791=back
792
622 793
623=head1 SEE ALSO 794=head1 SEE ALSO
624 795
625Lower level Configuration, Coroutine Environment: L<Coro::State>. 796Event-Loop integration: L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>.
626 797
627Debugging: L<Coro::Debug>. 798Debugging: L<Coro::Debug>.
628 799
629Support/Utility: L<Coro::Specific>, L<Coro::Util>. 800Support/Utility: L<Coro::Specific>, L<Coro::Util>.
630 801
631Locking/IPC: L<Coro::Signal>, L<Coro::Channel>, L<Coro::Semaphore>, L<Coro::SemaphoreSet>, L<Coro::RWLock>. 802Locking and IPC: L<Coro::Signal>, L<Coro::Channel>, L<Coro::Semaphore>,
803L<Coro::SemaphoreSet>, L<Coro::RWLock>.
632 804
633Event/IO: L<Coro::Timer>, L<Coro::Event>, L<Coro::Handle>, L<Coro::Socket>. 805I/O and Timers: L<Coro::Timer>, L<Coro::Handle>, L<Coro::Socket>, L<Coro::AIO>.
634 806
635Compatibility: L<Coro::LWP>, L<Coro::Storable>, L<Coro::Select>. 807Compatibility with other modules: L<Coro::LWP> (but see also L<AnyEvent::HTTP> for
808a better-working alternative), L<Coro::BDB>, L<Coro::Storable>,
809L<Coro::Select>.
636 810
637Embedding: L<Coro:MakeMaker>. 811XS API: L<Coro::MakeMaker>.
812
813Low level Configuration, Thread Environment, Continuations: L<Coro::State>.
638 814
639=head1 AUTHOR 815=head1 AUTHOR
640 816
641 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 817 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
642 http://home.schmorp.de/ 818 http://home.schmorp.de/

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