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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 = 5.0; 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 is now being initialised by Coro::State 103# $main is now being initialised by Coro::State
92 104
93=item $Coro::current 105=item $Coro::current
94 106
95The coroutine object representing the current coroutine (the last 107The Coro object representing the current coro (the last
96coroutine that the Coro scheduler switched to). The initial value is 108coro that the Coro scheduler switched to). The initial value is
97C<$Coro::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
105sub current() { $current } # [DEPRECATED] 117sub current() { $current } # [DEPRECATED]
106 118
107=item $Coro::idle 119=item $Coro::idle
108 120
109This 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
110usually 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
111pretty low-level functionality. 123pretty low-level functionality.
112 124
113This 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
114finds no ready coroutines to run. The default implementation prints 128ready coros to run. The default implementation prints "FATAL:
115"FATAL: deadlock detected" and exits, because the program has no other way 129deadlock detected" and exits, because the program has no other way to
116to continue. 130continue.
117 131
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
118This hook is overwritten by modules such as C<Coro::Timer> and 136This hook is overwritten by modules such as C<Coro::EV> and
119C<Coro::AnyEvent> to wait on an external event that hopefully wake up a 137C<Coro::AnyEvent> to wait on an external event that hopefully wake up a
120coroutine so the scheduler can run it. 138coro so the scheduler can run it.
121 139
122Note that the callback I<must not>, under any circumstances, block 140Note that the callback I<must not>, under any circumstances, block
123the current coroutine. Normally, this is achieved by having an "idle 141the current coro. Normally, this is achieved by having an "idle
124coroutine" that calls the event loop and then blocks again, and then 142coro" that calls the event loop and then blocks again, and then
125readying that coroutine in the idle handler. 143readying that coro in the idle handler, or by simply placing the idle
144coro in this variable.
126 145
127See 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
128technique. 147technique.
129 148
130Please 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
135$idle = sub { 154$idle = sub {
136 require Carp; 155 require Carp;
137 Carp::croak ("FATAL: deadlock detected"); 156 Carp::croak ("FATAL: deadlock detected");
138}; 157};
139 158
140sub _cancel {
141 my ($self) = @_;
142
143 # free coroutine data and mark as destructed
144 $self->_destroy
145 or return;
146
147 # call all destruction callbacks
148 $_->(@{$self->{_status}})
149 for @{ delete $self->{_on_destroy} || [] };
150}
151
152# this coroutine is necessary because a coroutine 159# this coro is necessary because a coro
153# cannot destroy itself. 160# cannot destroy itself.
154our @destroy; 161our @destroy;
155our $manager; 162our $manager;
156 163
157$manager = new Coro sub { 164$manager = new Coro sub {
158 while () { 165 while () {
159 (shift @destroy)->_cancel 166 Coro::State::cancel shift @destroy
160 while @destroy; 167 while @destroy;
161 168
162 &schedule; 169 &schedule;
163 } 170 }
164}; 171};
165$manager->{desc} = "[coro manager]"; 172$manager->{desc} = "[coro manager]";
166$manager->prio (PRIO_MAX); 173$manager->prio (PRIO_MAX);
167 174
168=back 175=back
169 176
170=head2 SIMPLE COROUTINE CREATION 177=head1 SIMPLE CORO CREATION
171 178
172=over 4 179=over 4
173 180
174=item async { ... } [@args...] 181=item async { ... } [@args...]
175 182
176Create a new coroutine and return it's coroutine object (usually 183Create a new coro and return its Coro object (usually
177unused). The coroutine will be put into the ready queue, so 184unused). The coro will be put into the ready queue, so
178it will start running automatically on the next scheduler run. 185it will start running automatically on the next scheduler run.
179 186
180The 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
181coroutine. When it returns argument returns the coroutine is automatically 188coro. When it returns argument returns the coro is automatically
182terminated. 189terminated.
183 190
184The remaining arguments are passed as arguments to the closure. 191The remaining arguments are passed as arguments to the closure.
185 192
186See the C<Coro::State::new> constructor for info about the coroutine 193See the C<Coro::State::new> constructor for info about the coro
187environment in which coroutines are executed. 194environment in which coro are executed.
188 195
189Calling 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
190the coroutine. Likewise, when the coroutine dies, the program will exit, 197the coro. Likewise, when the coro dies, the program will exit,
191just as it would in the main program. 198just as it would in the main program.
192 199
193If 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
194simply avoid dieing (by use of C<eval>). 201simply avoid dieing (by use of C<eval>).
195 202
196Example: Create a new coroutine that just prints its arguments. 203Example: Create a new coro that just prints its arguments.
197 204
198 async { 205 async {
199 print "@_\n"; 206 print "@_\n";
200 } 1,2,3,4; 207 } 1,2,3,4;
201 208
207 $coro 214 $coro
208} 215}
209 216
210=item async_pool { ... } [@args...] 217=item async_pool { ... } [@args...]
211 218
212Similar 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
213terminate 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
214coroutine that might have executed other code already (which can be good 221coro that might have executed other code already (which can be good
215or bad :). 222or bad :).
216 223
217On 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
218a 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
219quick successsion, use C<async_pool>, not C<async>. 226coros in quick successsion, use C<async_pool>, not C<async>.
220 227
221The 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
222issued in case of an exception instead of terminating the program, as 229issued in case of an exception instead of terminating the program, as
223C<async> does. As the coroutine is being reused, stuff like C<on_destroy> 230C<async> does. As the coro is being reused, stuff like C<on_destroy>
224will not work in the expected way, unless you call terminate or cancel, 231will not work in the expected way, unless you call terminate or cancel,
225which somehow defeats the purpose of pooling (but is fine in the 232which somehow defeats the purpose of pooling (but is fine in the
226exceptional case). 233exceptional case).
227 234
228The 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
229disabled, the description will be reset and the default output filehandle 236disabled, the description will be reset and the default output filehandle
230gets restored, so you can change all these. Otherwise the coroutine will 237gets restored, so you can change all these. Otherwise the coro will
231be re-used "as-is": most notably if you change other per-coroutine global 238be re-used "as-is": most notably if you change other per-coro global
232stuff such as C<$/> you I<must needs> revert that change, which is most 239stuff such as C<$/> you I<must needs> revert that change, which is most
233simply done by using local as in: C<< local $/ >>. 240simply done by using local as in: C<< local $/ >>.
234 241
235The 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
236adjusted 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
237coros as required. 244coros as required.
238 245
239If you are concerned about pooled coroutines growing a lot because a 246If you are concerned about pooled coros growing a lot because a
240single C<async_pool> used a lot of stackspace you can e.g. C<async_pool 247single C<async_pool> used a lot of stackspace you can e.g. C<async_pool
241{ terminate }> once per second or so to slowly replenish the pool. In 248{ terminate }> once per second or so to slowly replenish the pool. In
242addition to that, when the stacks used by a handler grows larger than 16kb 249addition to that, when the stacks used by a handler grows larger than 32kb
243(adjustable via $Coro::POOL_RSS) it will also be destroyed. 250(adjustable via $Coro::POOL_RSS) it will also be destroyed.
244 251
245=cut 252=cut
246 253
247our $POOL_SIZE = 8; 254our $POOL_SIZE = 8;
248our $POOL_RSS = 16 * 1024; 255our $POOL_RSS = 32 * 1024;
249our @async_pool; 256our @async_pool;
250 257
251sub pool_handler { 258sub pool_handler {
252 my $cb;
253
254 while () { 259 while () {
255 eval { 260 eval {
256 while () { 261 &{&_pool_handler} while 1;
257 _pool_1 $cb;
258 &$cb;
259 _pool_2 $cb;
260 &schedule;
261 }
262 }; 262 };
263 263
264 if ($@) {
265 last if $@ eq "\3async_pool terminate\2\n";
266 warn $@; 264 warn $@ if $@;
267 }
268 } 265 }
269} 266}
270 267
271sub async_pool(&@) {
272 # this is also inlined into the unblock_scheduler
273 my $coro = (pop @async_pool) || new Coro \&pool_handler;
274
275 $coro->{_invoke} = [@_];
276 $coro->ready;
277
278 $coro
279}
280
281=back 268=back
282 269
283=head2 STATIC METHODS 270=head1 STATIC METHODS
284 271
285Static methods are actually functions that operate on the current coroutine. 272Static methods are actually functions that implicitly operate on the
273current coro.
286 274
287=over 4 275=over 4
288 276
289=item schedule 277=item schedule
290 278
291Calls the scheduler. The scheduler will find the next coroutine that is 279Calls the scheduler. The scheduler will find the next coro that is
292to be run from the ready queue and switches to it. The next coroutine 280to be run from the ready queue and switches to it. The next coro
293to be run is simply the one with the highest priority that is longest 281to be run is simply the one with the highest priority that is longest
294in its ready queue. If there is no coroutine ready, it will clal the 282in its ready queue. If there is no coro ready, it will clal the
295C<$Coro::idle> hook. 283C<$Coro::idle> hook.
296 284
297Please 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
298queue, so calling this function usually means you will never be called 286queue, so calling this function usually means you will never be called
299again unless something else (e.g. an event handler) calls C<< ->ready >>, 287again unless something else (e.g. an event handler) calls C<< ->ready >>,
300thus waking you up. 288thus waking you up.
301 289
302This 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
303coroutine and wait for events: first you remember the current coroutine in 291coro and wait for events: first you remember the current coro in
304a 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
305>> 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
306yourself 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,
307so 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
308status in a variable. 296status in a variable.
309 297
310See B<HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK>, below, for some ways to wait for callbacks. 298See B<HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK>, below, for some ways to wait for callbacks.
311 299
312=item cede 300=item cede
313 301
314"Cede" to other coroutines. This function puts the current coroutine into 302"Cede" to other coros. This function puts the current coro into
315the ready queue and calls C<schedule>, which has the effect of giving 303the ready queue and calls C<schedule>, which has the effect of giving
316up the current "timeslice" to other coroutines of the same or higher 304up the current "timeslice" to other coros of the same or higher
317priority. Once your coroutine gets its turn again it will automatically be 305priority. Once your coro gets its turn again it will automatically be
318resumed. 306resumed.
319 307
320This function is often called C<yield> in other languages. 308This function is often called C<yield> in other languages.
321 309
322=item Coro::cede_notself 310=item Coro::cede_notself
323 311
324Works like cede, but is not exported by default and will cede to I<any> 312Works like cede, but is not exported by default and will cede to I<any>
325coroutine, regardless of priority. This is useful sometimes to ensure 313coro, regardless of priority. This is useful sometimes to ensure
326progress is made. 314progress is made.
327 315
328=item terminate [arg...] 316=item terminate [arg...]
329 317
330Terminates the current coroutine with the given status values (see L<cancel>). 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
361 };
362
363 Coro::on_leave {
364 $ENV{TZ} = $old_tz;
365 tzset; # restore old value
366 };
367
368 # at this place, the timezone is Antarctica/South_Pole,
369 # without disturbing the TZ of any other coro.
370 };
371
372This can be used to localise about any resource (locale, uid, current
373working directory etc.) to a block, despite the existance of other
374coros.
331 375
332=item killall 376=item killall
333 377
334Kills/terminates/cancels all coroutines except the currently running 378Kills/terminates/cancels all coros except the currently running one.
335one. This is useful after a fork, either in the child or the parent, as
336usually only one of them should inherit the running coroutines.
337 379
338Note 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
339you 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
340program calls this function, there will be some one-time resource leak. 383calls this function, there will be some one-time resource leak.
341 384
342=cut 385=cut
343
344sub terminate {
345 $current->{_status} = [@_];
346 push @destroy, $current;
347 $manager->ready;
348 do { &schedule } while 1;
349}
350 386
351sub killall { 387sub killall {
352 for (Coro::State::list) { 388 for (Coro::State::list) {
353 $_->cancel 389 $_->cancel
354 if $_ != $current && UNIVERSAL::isa $_, "Coro"; 390 if $_ != $current && UNIVERSAL::isa $_, "Coro";
355 } 391 }
356} 392}
357 393
358=back 394=back
359 395
360=head2 COROUTINE METHODS 396=head1 CORO OBJECT METHODS
361 397
362These 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
363them). 399them).
364 400
365=over 4 401=over 4
366 402
367=item new Coro \&sub [, @args...] 403=item new Coro \&sub [, @args...]
368 404
369Create 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
370automatically terminates as if C<terminate> with the returned values were 406automatically terminates as if C<terminate> with the returned values were
371called. 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
372queue by calling the ready method. 408queue by calling the ready method.
373 409
374See 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
375coroutine environment. 411coro environment.
376 412
377=cut 413=cut
378 414
379sub _terminate { 415sub _coro_run {
380 terminate &{+shift}; 416 terminate &{+shift};
381} 417}
382 418
383=item $success = $coroutine->ready 419=item $success = $coro->ready
384 420
385Put 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
386queue 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
387the ready queue, do nothing and return false. 423the ready queue, do nothing and return false.
388 424
389This ensures that the scheduler will resume this coroutine automatically 425This ensures that the scheduler will resume this coro automatically
390once 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
391priority that were put into the ready queue earlier have been resumed. 427priority that were put into the ready queue earlier have been resumed.
392 428
393=item $is_ready = $coroutine->is_ready 429=item $is_ready = $coro->is_ready
394 430
395Return 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.
396 433
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
397=item $coroutine->cancel (arg...) 445=item $coro->cancel (arg...)
398 446
399Terminates the given coroutine and makes it return the given arguments as 447Terminates the given Coro and makes it return the given arguments as
400status (default: the empty list). Never returns if the coroutine is the 448status (default: the empty list). Never returns if the Coro is the
401current coroutine. 449current Coro.
402 450
403=cut 451=cut
404 452
405sub cancel { 453sub cancel {
406 my $self = shift; 454 my $self = shift;
407 455
408 if ($current == $self) { 456 if ($current == $self) {
409 terminate @_; 457 terminate @_;
410 } else { 458 } else {
411 $self->{_status} = [@_]; 459 $self->{_status} = [@_];
412 $self->_cancel; 460 Coro::State::cancel $self;
413 } 461 }
414} 462}
415 463
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
416=item $coroutine->throw ([$scalar]) 483=item $coro->throw ([$scalar])
417 484
418If 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
419inside the coroutine at the next convenient point in time. Otherwise 486inside the coro at the next convenient point in time. Otherwise
420clears the exception object. 487clears the exception object.
421 488
422Coro will check for the exception each time a schedule-like-function 489Coro will check for the exception each time a schedule-like-function
423returns, i.e. after each C<schedule>, C<cede>, C<< Coro::Semaphore->down 490returns, i.e. after each C<schedule>, C<cede>, C<< Coro::Semaphore->down
424>>, C<< Coro::Handle->readable >> and so on. Most of these functions 491>>, C<< Coro::Handle->readable >> and so on. Most of these functions
426 493
427The 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
428C<$@>, i.e. if it is a string, no line number or newline will be appended 495C<$@>, i.e. if it is a string, no line number or newline will be appended
429(unlike with C<die>). 496(unlike with C<die>).
430 497
431This 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
432end 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
433termination, 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
434program. 501program.
435 502
436You 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
437C<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).
438 505
439=item $coroutine->join 506=item $coro->join
440 507
441Wait until the coroutine terminates and return any values given to the 508Wait until the coro terminates and return any values given to the
442C<terminate> or C<cancel> functions. C<join> can be called concurrently 509C<terminate> or C<cancel> functions. C<join> can be called concurrently
443from multiple coroutines, and all will be resumed and given the status 510from multiple coro, and all will be resumed and given the status
444return once the C<$coroutine> terminates. 511return once the C<$coro> terminates.
445 512
446=cut 513=cut
447 514
448sub join { 515sub join {
449 my $self = shift; 516 my $self = shift;
460 } 527 }
461 528
462 wantarray ? @{$self->{_status}} : $self->{_status}[0]; 529 wantarray ? @{$self->{_status}} : $self->{_status}[0];
463} 530}
464 531
465=item $coroutine->on_destroy (\&cb) 532=item $coro->on_destroy (\&cb)
466 533
467Registers a callback that is called when this coroutine gets destroyed, 534Registers a callback that is called when this coro gets destroyed,
468but before it is joined. The callback gets passed the terminate arguments, 535but before it is joined. The callback gets passed the terminate arguments,
469if any, and I<must not> die, under any circumstances. 536if any, and I<must not> die, under any circumstances.
470 537
471=cut 538=cut
472 539
474 my ($self, $cb) = @_; 541 my ($self, $cb) = @_;
475 542
476 push @{ $self->{_on_destroy} }, $cb; 543 push @{ $self->{_on_destroy} }, $cb;
477} 544}
478 545
479=item $oldprio = $coroutine->prio ($newprio) 546=item $oldprio = $coro->prio ($newprio)
480 547
481Sets (or gets, if the argument is missing) the priority of the 548Sets (or gets, if the argument is missing) the priority of the
482coroutine. Higher priority coroutines get run before lower priority 549coro. Higher priority coro get run before lower priority
483coroutines. Priorities are small signed integers (currently -4 .. +3), 550coro. Priorities are small signed integers (currently -4 .. +3),
484that 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
485to get then): 552to get then):
486 553
487 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
488 3 > 1 > 0 > -1 > -3 > -4 555 3 > 1 > 0 > -1 > -3 > -4
489 556
490 # set priority to HIGH 557 # set priority to HIGH
491 current->prio(PRIO_HIGH); 558 current->prio (PRIO_HIGH);
492 559
493The idle coroutine ($Coro::idle) always has a lower priority than any 560The idle coro ($Coro::idle) always has a lower priority than any
494existing coroutine. 561existing coro.
495 562
496Changing the priority of the current coroutine will take effect immediately, 563Changing the priority of the current coro will take effect immediately,
497but changing the priority of coroutines in the ready queue (but not 564but changing the priority of coro in the ready queue (but not
498running) will only take effect after the next schedule (of that 565running) will only take effect after the next schedule (of that
499coroutine). 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.
500 567
501=item $newprio = $coroutine->nice ($change) 568=item $newprio = $coro->nice ($change)
502 569
503Similar 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.
504higher values mean lower priority, just as in unix). 571higher values mean lower priority, just as in unix).
505 572
506=item $olddesc = $coroutine->desc ($newdesc) 573=item $olddesc = $coro->desc ($newdesc)
507 574
508Sets (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
509coroutine. 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
510coroutine. 577coro.
511 578
512This method simply sets the C<< $coroutine->{desc} >> member to the given 579This method simply sets the C<< $coro->{desc} >> member to the given
513string. You can modify this member directly if you wish. 580string. You can modify this member directly if you wish.
514 581
515=cut 582=cut
516 583
517sub desc { 584sub desc {
518 my $old = $_[0]{desc}; 585 my $old = $_[0]{desc};
519 $_[0]{desc} = $_[1] if @_ > 1; 586 $_[0]{desc} = $_[1] if @_ > 1;
520 $old; 587 $old;
521} 588}
522 589
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
523=back 595=back
524 596
525=head2 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 597=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
526 598
527=over 4 599=over 4
528 600
529=item Coro::nready 601=item Coro::nready
530 602
531Returns the number of coroutines that are currently in the ready state, 603Returns the number of coro that are currently in the ready state,
532i.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
533indirectly. 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
534currently 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>
535would 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
536coroutines. 608coro.
537 609
538=item my $guard = Coro::guard { ... } 610=item my $guard = Coro::guard { ... }
539 611
540This creates and returns a guard object. Nothing happens until the object 612This function still exists, but is deprecated. Please use the
541gets destroyed, in which case the codeblock given as argument will be 613C<Guard::guard> function instead.
542executed. This is useful to free locks or other resources in case of a
543runtime error or when the coroutine gets canceled, as in both cases the
544guard block will be executed. The guard object supports only one method,
545C<< ->cancel >>, which will keep the codeblock from being executed.
546 614
547Example: set some flag and clear it again when the coroutine gets canceled
548or the function returns:
549
550 sub do_something {
551 my $guard = Coro::guard { $busy = 0 };
552 $busy = 1;
553
554 # do something that requires $busy to be true
555 }
556
557=cut 615=cut
558 616
559sub guard(&) { 617BEGIN { *guard = \&Guard::guard }
560 bless \(my $cb = $_[0]), "Coro::guard"
561}
562
563sub Coro::guard::cancel {
564 ${$_[0]} = sub { };
565}
566
567sub Coro::guard::DESTROY {
568 ${$_[0]}->();
569}
570
571 618
572=item unblock_sub { ... } 619=item unblock_sub { ... }
573 620
574This utility function takes a BLOCK or code reference and "unblocks" it, 621This utility function takes a BLOCK or code reference and "unblocks" it,
575returning a new coderef. Unblocking means that calling the new coderef 622returning a new coderef. Unblocking means that calling the new coderef
576will return immediately without blocking, returning nothing, while the 623will return immediately without blocking, returning nothing, while the
577original code ref will be called (with parameters) from within another 624original code ref will be called (with parameters) from within another
578coroutine. 625coro.
579 626
580The 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
581venerable L<Event|Event> module) are not coroutine-safe (a weaker form 628venerable L<Event|Event> module) are not thread-safe (a weaker form
582of thread-safety). This means you must not block within event callbacks, 629of reentrancy). This means you must not block within event callbacks,
583otherwise you might suffer from crashes or worse. The only event library 630otherwise you might suffer from crashes or worse. The only event library
584currently 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>.
585 632
586This function allows your callbacks to block by executing them in another 633This function allows your callbacks to block by executing them in another
587coroutine 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
588is 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
589disk, for example. 636disk, for example.
590 637
591In short: simply use C<unblock_sub { ... }> instead of C<sub { ... }> when 638In short: simply use C<unblock_sub { ... }> instead of C<sub { ... }> when
592creating event callbacks that want to block. 639creating event callbacks that want to block.
593 640
594If 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
595another coroutine, or puts some other coroutine into the ready queue), 642another coro, or puts some other coro into the ready queue), there is
596there is no reason to use C<unblock_sub>. 643no reason to use C<unblock_sub>.
597 644
598Note 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
599are 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
600use 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
601provides callbacks that are the result of some event callback, then you 648provides callbacks that are the result of some event callback, then you
610# return immediately and can be reused) and because we cannot cede 657# return immediately and can be reused) and because we cannot cede
611# inside an event callback. 658# inside an event callback.
612our $unblock_scheduler = new Coro sub { 659our $unblock_scheduler = new Coro sub {
613 while () { 660 while () {
614 while (my $cb = pop @unblock_queue) { 661 while (my $cb = pop @unblock_queue) {
615 # this is an inlined copy of async_pool 662 &async_pool (@$cb);
616 my $coro = (pop @async_pool) || new Coro \&pool_handler;
617 663
618 $coro->{_invoke} = $cb;
619 $coro->ready;
620 cede; # for short-lived callbacks, this reduces pressure on the coro pool 664 # for short-lived callbacks, this reduces pressure on the coro pool
665 # as the chance is very high that the async_poll coro will be back
666 # in the idle state when cede returns
667 cede;
621 } 668 }
622 schedule; # sleep well 669 schedule; # sleep well
623 } 670 }
624}; 671};
625$unblock_scheduler->{desc} = "[unblock_sub scheduler]"; 672$unblock_scheduler->{desc} = "[unblock_sub scheduler]";
633 } 680 }
634} 681}
635 682
636=item $cb = Coro::rouse_cb 683=item $cb = Coro::rouse_cb
637 684
638Create and return a "rouse callback". That's a code reference that, when 685Create and return a "rouse callback". That's a code reference that,
639called, will save its arguments and notify the owner coroutine of the 686when called, will remember a copy of its arguments and notify the owner
640callback. 687coro of the callback.
641 688
642See the next function. 689See the next function.
643 690
644=item @args = Coro::rouse_wait [$cb] 691=item @args = Coro::rouse_wait [$cb]
645 692
646Wait for the specified rouse callback (or the last one tht was created in 693Wait for the specified rouse callback (or the last one that was created in
647this coroutine). 694this coro).
648 695
649As soon as the callback is invoked (or when the calback was invoked before 696As soon as the callback is invoked (or when the callback was invoked
650C<rouse_wait>), it will return a copy of the arguments originally passed 697before C<rouse_wait>), it will return the arguments originally passed to
651to the rouse callback. 698the rouse callback.
652 699
653See the section B<HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK> for an actual usage example. 700See the section B<HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK> for an actual usage example.
654 701
655=back 702=back
656 703
658 705
6591; 7061;
660 707
661=head1 HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK 708=head1 HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK
662 709
663It is very common for a coroutine to wait for some callback to be 710It is very common for a coro to wait for some callback to be
664called. This occurs naturally when you use coroutines in an otherwise 711called. This occurs naturally when you use coro in an otherwise
665event-based program, or when you use event-based libraries. 712event-based program, or when you use event-based libraries.
666 713
667These typically register a callback for some event, and call that callback 714These typically register a callback for some event, and call that callback
668when the event occured. In a coroutine, however, you typically want to 715when the event occured. In a coro, however, you typically want to
669just wait for the event, simplyifying things. 716just wait for the event, simplyifying things.
670 717
671For example C<< AnyEvent->child >> registers a callback to be called when 718For example C<< AnyEvent->child >> registers a callback to be called when
672a specific child has exited: 719a specific child has exited:
673 720
674 my $child_watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub { ... }); 721 my $child_watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub { ... });
675 722
676But from withina coroutine, you often just want to write this: 723But from within a coro, you often just want to write this:
677 724
678 my $status = wait_for_child $pid; 725 my $status = wait_for_child $pid;
679 726
680Coro offers two functions specifically designed to make this easy, 727Coro offers two functions specifically designed to make this easy,
681C<Coro::rouse_cb> and C<Coro::rouse_wait>. 728C<Coro::rouse_cb> and C<Coro::rouse_wait>.
682 729
683The first function, C<rouse_cb>, generates and returns a callback that, 730The first function, C<rouse_cb>, generates and returns a callback that,
684when invoked, will save it's arguments and notify the coroutine that 731when invoked, will save its arguments and notify the coro that
685created the callback. 732created the callback.
686 733
687The second function, C<rouse_wait>, waits for the callback to be called 734The second function, C<rouse_wait>, waits for the callback to be called
688(by calling C<schedule> to go to sleep) and returns the arguments 735(by calling C<schedule> to go to sleep) and returns the arguments
689originally passed to the callback. 736originally passed to the callback.
704you can roll your own, using C<schedule>: 751you can roll your own, using C<schedule>:
705 752
706 sub wait_for_child($) { 753 sub wait_for_child($) {
707 my ($pid) = @_; 754 my ($pid) = @_;
708 755
709 # store the current coroutine in $current, 756 # store the current coro in $current,
710 # and provide result variables for the closure passed to ->child 757 # and provide result variables for the closure passed to ->child
711 my $current = $Coro::current; 758 my $current = $Coro::current;
712 my ($done, $rstatus); 759 my ($done, $rstatus);
713 760
714 # pass a closure to ->child 761 # pass a closure to ->child
730 777
731=item fork with pthread backend 778=item fork with pthread backend
732 779
733When Coro is compiled using the pthread backend (which isn't recommended 780When Coro is compiled using the pthread backend (which isn't recommended
734but required on many BSDs as their libcs are completely broken), then 781but required on many BSDs as their libcs are completely broken), then
735coroutines will not survive a fork. There is no known workaround except to 782coro will not survive a fork. There is no known workaround except to
736fix your libc and use a saner backend. 783fix your libc and use a saner backend.
737 784
738=item perl process emulation ("threads") 785=item perl process emulation ("threads")
739 786
740This 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
741module from the same thread (this requirement might be removed in the 788module from the first thread (this requirement might be removed in the
742future 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
743this). I recommend disabling thread support and using processes, as having 790this). I recommend disabling thread support and using processes, as having
744the windows process emulation enabled under unix roughly halves perl 791the windows process emulation enabled under unix roughly halves perl
745performance, even when not used. 792performance, even when not used.
746 793
747=item coroutine switching not signal safe 794=item coro switching is not signal safe
748 795
749You must not switch to another coroutine from within a signal handler 796You must not switch to another coro from within a signal handler
750(only relevant with %SIG - most event libraries provide safe signals). 797(only relevant with %SIG - most event libraries provide safe signals).
751 798
752That means you I<MUST NOT> call any function that might "block" the 799That means you I<MUST NOT> call any function that might "block" the
753current coroutine - C<cede>, C<schedule> C<< Coro::Semaphore->down >> or 800current coro - C<cede>, C<schedule> C<< Coro::Semaphore->down >> or
754anything that calls those. Everything else, including calling C<ready>, 801anything that calls those. Everything else, including calling C<ready>,
755works. 802works.
756 803
757=back 804=back
758 805
763 810
764Debugging: L<Coro::Debug>. 811Debugging: L<Coro::Debug>.
765 812
766Support/Utility: L<Coro::Specific>, L<Coro::Util>. 813Support/Utility: L<Coro::Specific>, L<Coro::Util>.
767 814
768Locking/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>.
769 817
770IO/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>.
771 819
772Compatibility: 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>.
773 823
774XS API: L<Coro::MakeMaker>. 824XS API: L<Coro::MakeMaker>.
775 825
776Low level Configuration, Coroutine Environment: L<Coro::State>. 826Low level Configuration, Thread Environment, Continuations: L<Coro::State>.
777 827
778=head1 AUTHOR 828=head1 AUTHOR
779 829
780 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 830 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
781 http://home.schmorp.de/ 831 http://home.schmorp.de/

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