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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 (see section of same name for
47emulation coming from the Windows platform: On standard operating systems 46more details) ported to UNIX, and as such act as processes), Coro
48they serve no purpose whatsoever, except by making your programs slow and 47provides a full shared address space, which makes communication between
49making them use a lot of memory. Best disable them when building perl, or 48threads very easy. And coro threads are fast, too: disabling the Windows
50aks your software vendor/distributor to do it for you). 49process emulation code in your perl and using Coro can easily result in
50a two to four times speed increase for your programs. A parallel matrix
51multiplication benchmark (very communication-intensive) runs over 300
52times faster on a single core than perls pseudo-threads on a quad core
53using all four cores.
51 54
55Coro achieves that by supporting multiple running interpreters that share
56data, which is especially useful to code pseudo-parallel processes and
57for event-based programming, such as multiple HTTP-GET requests running
58concurrently. See L<Coro::AnyEvent> to learn more on how to integrate Coro
59into an event-based environment.
60
52In this module, coroutines are defined as "callchain + lexical variables + 61In this module, a thread is defined as "callchain + lexical variables +
53@_ + $_ + $@ + $/ + C stack), that is, a coroutine has its own callchain, 62some package variables + C stack), that is, a thread has its own callchain,
54its own set of lexicals and its own set of perls most important global 63its own set of lexicals and its own set of perls most important global
55variables (see L<Coro::State> for more configuration). 64variables (see L<Coro::State> for more configuration and background info).
65
66See also the C<SEE ALSO> section at the end of this document - the Coro
67module family is quite large.
68
69=head1 CORO THREAD LIFE CYCLE
70
71During the long and exciting (or not) life of a coro thread, it goes
72through a number of states:
73
74=over 4
75
76=item 1. Creation
77
78The first thing in the life of a coro thread is it's creation -
79obviously. The typical way to create a thread is to call the C<async
80BLOCK> function:
81
82 async {
83 # thread code goes here
84 };
85
86You can also pass arguments, which are put in C<@_>:
87
88 async {
89 print $_[1]; # prints 2
90 } 1, 2, 3;
91
92This creates a new coro thread and puts it into the ready queue, meaning
93it will run as soon as the CPU is free for it.
94
95C<async> will return a coro object - you can store this for future
96reference or ignore it, the thread itself will keep a reference to it's
97thread object - threads are alive on their own.
98
99Another way to create a thread is to call the C<new> constructor with a
100code-reference:
101
102 new Coro sub {
103 # thread code goes here
104 }, @optional_arguments;
105
106This is quite similar to calling C<async>, but the important difference is
107that the new thread is not put into the ready queue, so the thread will
108not run until somebody puts it there. C<async> is, therefore, identical to
109this sequence:
110
111 my $coro = new Coro sub {
112 # thread code goes here
113 };
114 $coro->ready;
115 return $coro;
116
117=item 2. Startup
118
119When a new coro thread is created, only a copy of the code reference
120and the arguments are stored, no extra memory for stacks and so on is
121allocated, keeping the coro thread in a low-memory state.
122
123Only when it actually starts executing will all the resources be finally
124allocated.
125
126The optional arguments specified at coro creation are available in C<@_>,
127similar to function calls.
128
129=item 3. Running / Blocking
130
131A lot can happen after the coro thread has started running. Quite usually,
132it will not run to the end in one go (because you could use a function
133instead), but it will give up the CPU regularly because it waits for
134external events.
135
136As long as a coro thread runs, it's coro object is available in the global
137variable C<$Coro::current>.
138
139The low-level way to give up the CPU is to call the scheduler, which
140selects a new coro thread to run:
141
142 Coro::schedule;
143
144Since running threads are not in the ready queue, calling the scheduler
145without doing anything else will block the coro thread forever - you need
146to arrange either for the coro to put woken up (readied) by some other
147event or some other thread, or you can put it into the ready queue before
148scheduling:
149
150 # this is exactly what Coro::cede does
151 $Coro::current->ready;
152 Coro::schedule;
153
154All the higher-level synchronisation methods (Coro::Semaphore,
155Coro::rouse_*...) are actually implemented via C<< ->ready >> and C<<
156Coro::schedule >>.
157
158While the coro thread is running it also might get assigned a C-level
159thread, or the C-level thread might be unassigned from it, as the Coro
160runtime wishes. A C-level thread needs to be assigned when your perl
161thread calls into some C-level function and that function in turn calls
162perl and perl then wants to switch coroutines. This happens most often
163when you run an event loop and block in the callback, or when perl
164itself calls some function such as C<AUTOLOAD> or methods via the C<tie>
165mechanism.
166
167=item 4. Termination
168
169Many threads actually terminate after some time. There are a number of
170ways to terminate a coro thread, the simplest is returning from the
171top-level code reference:
172
173 async {
174 # after returning from here, the coro thread is terminated
175 };
176
177 async {
178 return if 0.5 < rand; # terminate a little earlier, maybe
179 print "got a chance to print this\n";
180 # or here
181 };
182
183Any values returned from the coroutine can be recovered using C<< ->join
184>>:
185
186 my $coro = async {
187 "hello, world\n" # return a string
188 };
189
190 my $hello_world = $coro->join;
191
192 print $hello_world;
193
194Another way to terminate is to call C<< Coro::terminate >>, which at any
195subroutine call nesting level:
196
197 async {
198 Coro::terminate "return value 1", "return value 2";
199 };
200
201And yet another way is to C<< ->cancel >> the coro thread from another
202thread:
203
204 my $coro = async {
205 exit 1;
206 };
207
208 $coro->cancel; # an also accept values for ->join to retrieve
209
210Cancellation I<can> be dangerous - it's a bit like calling C<exit> without
211actually exiting, and might leave C libraries and XS modules in a weird
212state. Unlike other thread implementations, however, Coro is exceptionally
213safe with regards to cancellation, as perl will always be in a consistent
214state.
215
216So, cancelling a thread that runs in an XS event loop might not be the
217best idea, but any other combination that deals with perl only (cancelling
218when a thread is in a C<tie> method or an C<AUTOLOAD> for example) is
219safe.
220
221=item 5. Cleanup
222
223Threads will allocate various resources. Most but not all will be returned
224when a thread terminates, during clean-up.
225
226Cleanup is quite similar to throwing an uncaught exception: perl will
227work it's way up through all subroutine calls and blocks. On it's way, it
228will release all C<my> variables, undo all C<local>'s and free any other
229resources truly local to the thread.
230
231So, a common way to free resources is to keep them referenced only by my
232variables:
233
234 async {
235 my $big_cache = new Cache ...;
236 };
237
238If there are no other references, then the C<$big_cache> object will be
239freed when the thread terminates, regardless of how it does so.
240
241What it does C<NOT> do is unlock any Coro::Semaphores or similar
242resources, but that's where the C<guard> methods come in handy:
243
244 my $sem = new Coro::Semaphore;
245
246 async {
247 my $lock_guard = $sem->guard;
248 # if we reutrn, or die or get cancelled, here,
249 # then the semaphore will be "up"ed.
250 };
251
252The C<Guard::guard> function comes in handy for any custom cleanup you
253might want to do:
254
255 async {
256 my $window = new Gtk2::Window "toplevel";
257 # The window will not be cleaned up automatically, even when $window
258 # gets freed, so use a guard to ensure it's destruction
259 # in case of an error:
260 my $window_guard = Guard::guard { $window->destroy };
261
262 # we are safe here
263 };
264
265Last not least, C<local> can often be handy, too, e.g. when temporarily
266replacing the coro thread description:
267
268 sub myfunction {
269 local $Coro::current->{desc} = "inside myfunction(@_)";
270
271 # if we return or die here, the description will be restored
272 }
273
274=item 6. Viva La Zombie Muerte
275
276Even after a thread has terminated and cleaned up it's resources, the coro
277object still is there and stores the return values of the thread. Only in
278this state will the coro object be "reference counted" in the normal perl
279sense: the thread code keeps a reference to it when it is active, but not
280after it has terminated.
281
282The means the coro object gets freed automatically when the thread has
283terminated and cleaned up and there arenot other references.
284
285If there are, the coro object will stay around, and you can call C<<
286->join >> as many times as you wish to retrieve the result values:
287
288 async {
289 print "hi\n";
290 1
291 };
292
293 # run the async above, and free everything before returning
294 # from Coro::cede:
295 Coro::cede;
296
297 {
298 my $coro = async {
299 print "hi\n";
300 1
301 };
302
303 # run the async above, and clean up, but do not free the coro
304 # object:
305 Coro::cede;
306
307 # optionally retrieve the result values
308 my @results = $coro->join;
309
310 # now $coro goes out of scope, and presumably gets freed
311 };
312
313=back
56 314
57=cut 315=cut
58 316
59package Coro; 317package Coro;
60 318
61use strict qw(vars subs); 319use common::sense;
62no warnings "uninitialized"; 320
321use Carp ();
322
323use Guard ();
63 324
64use Coro::State; 325use Coro::State;
65 326
66use base qw(Coro::State Exporter); 327use base qw(Coro::State Exporter);
67 328
68our $idle; # idle handler 329our $idle; # idle handler
69our $main; # main coroutine 330our $main; # main coro
70our $current; # current coroutine 331our $current; # current coro
71 332
72our $VERSION = 5.0; 333our $VERSION = 5.372;
73 334
74our @EXPORT = qw(async async_pool cede schedule terminate current unblock_sub); 335our @EXPORT = qw(async async_pool cede schedule terminate current unblock_sub rouse_cb rouse_wait);
75our %EXPORT_TAGS = ( 336our %EXPORT_TAGS = (
76 prio => [qw(PRIO_MAX PRIO_HIGH PRIO_NORMAL PRIO_LOW PRIO_IDLE PRIO_MIN)], 337 prio => [qw(PRIO_MAX PRIO_HIGH PRIO_NORMAL PRIO_LOW PRIO_IDLE PRIO_MIN)],
77); 338);
78our @EXPORT_OK = (@{$EXPORT_TAGS{prio}}, qw(nready)); 339our @EXPORT_OK = (@{$EXPORT_TAGS{prio}}, qw(nready));
79 340
341=head1 GLOBAL VARIABLES
342
80=over 4 343=over 4
81 344
82=item $Coro::main 345=item $Coro::main
83 346
84This variable stores the coroutine object that represents the main 347This variable stores the Coro object that represents the main
85program. While you cna C<ready> it and do most other things you can do to 348program. While you cna C<ready> it and do most other things you can do to
86coroutines, it is mainly useful to compare again C<$Coro::current>, to see 349coro, it is mainly useful to compare again C<$Coro::current>, to see
87whether you are running in the main program or not. 350whether you are running in the main program or not.
88 351
89=cut 352=cut
90 353
91# $main is now being initialised by Coro::State 354# $main is now being initialised by Coro::State
92 355
93=item $Coro::current 356=item $Coro::current
94 357
95The coroutine object representing the current coroutine (the last 358The Coro object representing the current coro (the last
96coroutine that the Coro scheduler switched to). The initial value is 359coro that the Coro scheduler switched to). The initial value is
97C<$Coro::main> (of course). 360C<$Coro::main> (of course).
98 361
99This variable is B<strictly> I<read-only>. You can take copies of the 362This 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 363value stored in it and use it as any other Coro object, but you must
101not otherwise modify the variable itself. 364not otherwise modify the variable itself.
102 365
103=cut 366=cut
104 367
105sub current() { $current } # [DEPRECATED] 368sub current() { $current } # [DEPRECATED]
106 369
107=item $Coro::idle 370=item $Coro::idle
108 371
109This variable is mainly useful to integrate Coro into event loops. It is 372This variable is mainly useful to integrate Coro into event loops. It is
110usually better to rely on L<Coro::AnyEvent> or LC<Coro::EV>, as this is 373usually better to rely on L<Coro::AnyEvent> or L<Coro::EV>, as this is
111pretty low-level functionality. 374pretty low-level functionality.
112 375
113This variable stores a callback that is called whenever the scheduler 376This variable stores a Coro object that is put into the ready queue when
114finds no ready coroutines to run. The default implementation prints 377there are no other ready threads (without invoking any ready hooks).
115"FATAL: deadlock detected" and exits, because the program has no other way
116to continue.
117 378
379The default implementation dies with "FATAL: deadlock detected.", followed
380by a thread listing, because the program has no other way to continue.
381
118This hook is overwritten by modules such as C<Coro::Timer> and 382This hook is overwritten by modules such as C<Coro::EV> and
119C<Coro::AnyEvent> to wait on an external event that hopefully wake up a 383C<Coro::AnyEvent> to wait on an external event that hopefully wakes up a
120coroutine so the scheduler can run it. 384coro so the scheduler can run it.
121 385
122Note that the callback I<must not>, under any circumstances, block
123the current coroutine. Normally, this is achieved by having an "idle
124coroutine" that calls the event loop and then blocks again, and then
125readying that coroutine in the idle handler.
126
127See L<Coro::Event> or L<Coro::AnyEvent> for examples of using this 386See L<Coro::EV> or L<Coro::AnyEvent> for examples of using this technique.
128technique.
129 387
130Please note that if your callback recursively invokes perl (e.g. for event
131handlers), then it must be prepared to be called recursively itself.
132
133=cut 388=cut
134 389
135$idle = sub { 390# ||= because other modules could have provided their own by now
136 require Carp; 391$idle ||= new Coro sub {
137 Carp::croak ("FATAL: deadlock detected"); 392 require Coro::Debug;
393 die "FATAL: deadlock detected.\n"
394 . Coro::Debug::ps_listing ();
138}; 395};
139 396
140sub _cancel {
141 my ($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 397# this coro is necessary because a coro
153# cannot destroy itself. 398# cannot destroy itself.
154our @destroy; 399our @destroy;
155our $manager; 400our $manager;
156 401
157$manager = new Coro sub { 402$manager = new Coro sub {
158 while () { 403 while () {
159 (shift @destroy)->_cancel 404 _destroy shift @destroy
160 while @destroy; 405 while @destroy;
161 406
162 &schedule; 407 &schedule;
163 } 408 }
164}; 409};
165$manager->{desc} = "[coro manager]"; 410$manager->{desc} = "[coro manager]";
166$manager->prio (PRIO_MAX); 411$manager->prio (PRIO_MAX);
167 412
168=back 413=back
169 414
170=head2 SIMPLE COROUTINE CREATION 415=head1 SIMPLE CORO CREATION
171 416
172=over 4 417=over 4
173 418
174=item async { ... } [@args...] 419=item async { ... } [@args...]
175 420
176Create a new coroutine and return it's coroutine object (usually 421Create a new coro and return its Coro object (usually
177unused). The coroutine will be put into the ready queue, so 422unused). The coro will be put into the ready queue, so
178it will start running automatically on the next scheduler run. 423it will start running automatically on the next scheduler run.
179 424
180The first argument is a codeblock/closure that should be executed in the 425The first argument is a codeblock/closure that should be executed in the
181coroutine. When it returns argument returns the coroutine is automatically 426coro. When it returns argument returns the coro is automatically
182terminated. 427terminated.
183 428
184The remaining arguments are passed as arguments to the closure. 429The remaining arguments are passed as arguments to the closure.
185 430
186See the C<Coro::State::new> constructor for info about the coroutine 431See the C<Coro::State::new> constructor for info about the coro
187environment in which coroutines are executed. 432environment in which coro are executed.
188 433
189Calling C<exit> in a coroutine will do the same as calling exit outside 434Calling C<exit> in a coro will do the same as calling exit outside
190the coroutine. Likewise, when the coroutine dies, the program will exit, 435the coro. Likewise, when the coro dies, the program will exit,
191just as it would in the main program. 436just as it would in the main program.
192 437
193If you do not want that, you can provide a default C<die> handler, or 438If you do not want that, you can provide a default C<die> handler, or
194simply avoid dieing (by use of C<eval>). 439simply avoid dieing (by use of C<eval>).
195 440
196Example: Create a new coroutine that just prints its arguments. 441Example: Create a new coro that just prints its arguments.
197 442
198 async { 443 async {
199 print "@_\n"; 444 print "@_\n";
200 } 1,2,3,4; 445 } 1,2,3,4;
201 446
202=cut
203
204sub async(&@) {
205 my $coro = new Coro @_;
206 $coro->ready;
207 $coro
208}
209
210=item async_pool { ... } [@args...] 447=item async_pool { ... } [@args...]
211 448
212Similar to C<async>, but uses a coroutine pool, so you should not call 449Similar 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 450terminate 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 451coro that might have executed other code already (which can be good
215or bad :). 452or bad :).
216 453
217On the plus side, this function is faster than creating (and destroying) 454On 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 455destroying) a completely new coro, so if you need a lot of generic
219quick successsion, use C<async_pool>, not C<async>. 456coros in quick successsion, use C<async_pool>, not C<async>.
220 457
221The code block is executed in an C<eval> context and a warning will be 458The 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 459issued 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> 460C<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, 461will not work in the expected way, unless you call terminate or cancel,
225which somehow defeats the purpose of pooling (but is fine in the 462which somehow defeats the purpose of pooling (but is fine in the
226exceptional case). 463exceptional case).
227 464
228The priority will be reset to C<0> after each run, tracing will be 465The priority will be reset to C<0> after each run, tracing will be
229disabled, the description will be reset and the default output filehandle 466disabled, the description will be reset and the default output filehandle
230gets restored, so you can change all these. Otherwise the coroutine will 467gets 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 468be 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 469stuff such as C<$/> you I<must needs> revert that change, which is most
233simply done by using local as in: C<< local $/ >>. 470simply done by using local as in: C<< local $/ >>.
234 471
235The idle pool size is limited to C<8> idle coroutines (this can be 472The 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 473adjusted by changing $Coro::POOL_SIZE), but there can be as many non-idle
237coros as required. 474coros as required.
238 475
239If you are concerned about pooled coroutines growing a lot because a 476If 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 477single 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 478{ 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 479addition to that, when the stacks used by a handler grows larger than 32kb
243(adjustable via $Coro::POOL_RSS) it will also be destroyed. 480(adjustable via $Coro::POOL_RSS) it will also be destroyed.
244 481
245=cut 482=cut
246 483
247our $POOL_SIZE = 8; 484our $POOL_SIZE = 8;
248our $POOL_RSS = 16 * 1024; 485our $POOL_RSS = 32 * 1024;
249our @async_pool; 486our @async_pool;
250 487
251sub pool_handler { 488sub pool_handler {
252 my $cb;
253
254 while () { 489 while () {
255 eval { 490 eval {
256 while () { 491 &{&_pool_handler} while 1;
257 _pool_1 $cb;
258 &$cb;
259 _pool_2 $cb;
260 &schedule;
261 }
262 }; 492 };
263 493
264 if ($@) {
265 last if $@ eq "\3async_pool terminate\2\n";
266 warn $@; 494 warn $@ if $@;
267 }
268 } 495 }
269} 496}
270 497
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 $coro
279}
280
281=back 498=back
282 499
283=head2 STATIC METHODS 500=head1 STATIC METHODS
284 501
285Static methods are actually functions that operate on the current coroutine. 502Static methods are actually functions that implicitly operate on the
503current coro.
286 504
287=over 4 505=over 4
288 506
289=item schedule 507=item schedule
290 508
291Calls the scheduler. The scheduler will find the next coroutine that is 509Calls the scheduler. The scheduler will find the next coro that is
292to be run from the ready queue and switches to it. The next coroutine 510to be run from the ready queue and switches to it. The next coro
293to be run is simply the one with the highest priority that is longest 511to be run is simply the one with the highest priority that is longest
294in its ready queue. If there is no coroutine ready, it will clal the 512in its ready queue. If there is no coro ready, it will call the
295C<$Coro::idle> hook. 513C<$Coro::idle> hook.
296 514
297Please note that the current coroutine will I<not> be put into the ready 515Please 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 516queue, so calling this function usually means you will never be called
299again unless something else (e.g. an event handler) calls C<< ->ready >>, 517again unless something else (e.g. an event handler) calls C<< ->ready >>,
300thus waking you up. 518thus waking you up.
301 519
302This makes C<schedule> I<the> generic method to use to block the current 520This 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 521coro and wait for events: first you remember the current coro in
304a variable, then arrange for some callback of yours to call C<< ->ready 522a 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 523>> 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, 524yourself 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 525so you need to check whether the event indeed happened, e.g. by storing the
308status in a variable. 526status in a variable.
309 527
310See B<HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK>, below, for some ways to wait for callbacks. 528See B<HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK>, below, for some ways to wait for callbacks.
311 529
312=item cede 530=item cede
313 531
314"Cede" to other coroutines. This function puts the current coroutine into 532"Cede" to other coros. This function puts the current coro into
315the ready queue and calls C<schedule>, which has the effect of giving 533the ready queue and calls C<schedule>, which has the effect of giving
316up the current "timeslice" to other coroutines of the same or higher 534up the current "timeslice" to other coros of the same or higher
317priority. Once your coroutine gets its turn again it will automatically be 535priority. Once your coro gets its turn again it will automatically be
318resumed. 536resumed.
319 537
320This function is often called C<yield> in other languages. 538This function is often called C<yield> in other languages.
321 539
322=item Coro::cede_notself 540=item Coro::cede_notself
323 541
324Works like cede, but is not exported by default and will cede to I<any> 542Works like cede, but is not exported by default and will cede to I<any>
325coroutine, regardless of priority. This is useful sometimes to ensure 543coro, regardless of priority. This is useful sometimes to ensure
326progress is made. 544progress is made.
327 545
328=item terminate [arg...] 546=item terminate [arg...]
329 547
330Terminates the current coroutine with the given status values (see L<cancel>). 548Terminates the current coro with the given status values (see
549L<cancel>). The values will not be copied, but referenced directly.
550
551=item Coro::on_enter BLOCK, Coro::on_leave BLOCK
552
553These function install enter and leave winders in the current scope. The
554enter block will be executed when on_enter is called and whenever the
555current coro is re-entered by the scheduler, while the leave block is
556executed whenever the current coro is blocked by the scheduler, and
557also when the containing scope is exited (by whatever means, be it exit,
558die, last etc.).
559
560I<Neither invoking the scheduler, nor exceptions, are allowed within those
561BLOCKs>. That means: do not even think about calling C<die> without an
562eval, and do not even think of entering the scheduler in any way.
563
564Since both BLOCKs are tied to the current scope, they will automatically
565be removed when the current scope exits.
566
567These functions implement the same concept as C<dynamic-wind> in scheme
568does, and are useful when you want to localise some resource to a specific
569coro.
570
571They slow down thread switching considerably for coros that use them
572(about 40% for a BLOCK with a single assignment, so thread switching is
573still reasonably fast if the handlers are fast).
574
575These functions are best understood by an example: The following function
576will change the current timezone to "Antarctica/South_Pole", which
577requires a call to C<tzset>, but by using C<on_enter> and C<on_leave>,
578which remember/change the current timezone and restore the previous
579value, respectively, the timezone is only changed for the coro that
580installed those handlers.
581
582 use POSIX qw(tzset);
583
584 async {
585 my $old_tz; # store outside TZ value here
586
587 Coro::on_enter {
588 $old_tz = $ENV{TZ}; # remember the old value
589
590 $ENV{TZ} = "Antarctica/South_Pole";
591 tzset; # enable new value
592 };
593
594 Coro::on_leave {
595 $ENV{TZ} = $old_tz;
596 tzset; # restore old value
597 };
598
599 # at this place, the timezone is Antarctica/South_Pole,
600 # without disturbing the TZ of any other coro.
601 };
602
603This can be used to localise about any resource (locale, uid, current
604working directory etc.) to a block, despite the existance of other
605coros.
606
607Another interesting example implements time-sliced multitasking using
608interval timers (this could obviously be optimised, but does the job):
609
610 # "timeslice" the given block
611 sub timeslice(&) {
612 use Time::HiRes ();
613
614 Coro::on_enter {
615 # on entering the thread, we set an VTALRM handler to cede
616 $SIG{VTALRM} = sub { cede };
617 # and then start the interval timer
618 Time::HiRes::setitimer &Time::HiRes::ITIMER_VIRTUAL, 0.01, 0.01;
619 };
620 Coro::on_leave {
621 # on leaving the thread, we stop the interval timer again
622 Time::HiRes::setitimer &Time::HiRes::ITIMER_VIRTUAL, 0, 0;
623 };
624
625 &{+shift};
626 }
627
628 # use like this:
629 timeslice {
630 # The following is an endless loop that would normally
631 # monopolise the process. Since it runs in a timesliced
632 # environment, it will regularly cede to other threads.
633 while () { }
634 };
635
331 636
332=item killall 637=item killall
333 638
334Kills/terminates/cancels all coroutines except the currently running 639Kills/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.
337 640
338Note that while this will try to free some of the main programs resources, 641Note that while this will try to free some of the main interpreter
642resources 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 643cannot 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. 644calls this function, there will be some one-time resource leak.
341 645
342=cut 646=cut
343
344sub terminate {
345 $current->{_status} = [@_];
346 push @destroy, $current;
347 $manager->ready;
348 do { &schedule } while 1;
349}
350 647
351sub killall { 648sub killall {
352 for (Coro::State::list) { 649 for (Coro::State::list) {
353 $_->cancel 650 $_->cancel
354 if $_ != $current && UNIVERSAL::isa $_, "Coro"; 651 if $_ != $current && UNIVERSAL::isa $_, "Coro";
355 } 652 }
356} 653}
357 654
358=back 655=back
359 656
360=head2 COROUTINE METHODS 657=head1 CORO OBJECT METHODS
361 658
362These are the methods you can call on coroutine objects (or to create 659These are the methods you can call on coro objects (or to create
363them). 660them).
364 661
365=over 4 662=over 4
366 663
367=item new Coro \&sub [, @args...] 664=item new Coro \&sub [, @args...]
368 665
369Create a new coroutine and return it. When the sub returns, the coroutine 666Create a new coro and return it. When the sub returns, the coro
370automatically terminates as if C<terminate> with the returned values were 667automatically terminates as if C<terminate> with the returned values were
371called. To make the coroutine run you must first put it into the ready 668called. To make the coro run you must first put it into the ready
372queue by calling the ready method. 669queue by calling the ready method.
373 670
374See C<async> and C<Coro::State::new> for additional info about the 671See C<async> and C<Coro::State::new> for additional info about the
375coroutine environment. 672coro environment.
376 673
377=cut 674=cut
378 675
379sub _terminate { 676sub _coro_run {
380 terminate &{+shift}; 677 terminate &{+shift};
381} 678}
382 679
383=item $success = $coroutine->ready 680=item $success = $coro->ready
384 681
385Put the given coroutine into the end of its ready queue (there is one 682Put 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 683queue for each priority) and return true. If the coro is already in
387the ready queue, do nothing and return false. 684the ready queue, do nothing and return false.
388 685
389This ensures that the scheduler will resume this coroutine automatically 686This ensures that the scheduler will resume this coro automatically
390once all the coroutines of higher priority and all coroutines of the same 687once all the coro of higher priority and all coro of the same
391priority that were put into the ready queue earlier have been resumed. 688priority that were put into the ready queue earlier have been resumed.
392 689
690=item $coro->suspend
691
692Suspends the specified coro. A suspended coro works just like any other
693coro, except that the scheduler will not select a suspended coro for
694execution.
695
696Suspending a coro can be useful when you want to keep the coro from
697running, but you don't want to destroy it, or when you want to temporarily
698freeze a coro (e.g. for debugging) to resume it later.
699
700A scenario for the former would be to suspend all (other) coros after a
701fork and keep them alive, so their destructors aren't called, but new
702coros can be created.
703
704=item $coro->resume
705
706If the specified coro was suspended, it will be resumed. Note that when
707the coro was in the ready queue when it was suspended, it might have been
708unreadied by the scheduler, so an activation might have been lost.
709
710To avoid this, it is best to put a suspended coro into the ready queue
711unconditionally, as every synchronisation mechanism must protect itself
712against spurious wakeups, and the one in the Coro family certainly do
713that.
714
393=item $is_ready = $coroutine->is_ready 715=item $is_ready = $coro->is_ready
394 716
395Return whether the coroutine is currently the ready queue or not, 717Returns true iff the Coro object is in the ready queue. Unless the Coro
718object gets destroyed, it will eventually be scheduled by the scheduler.
396 719
720=item $is_running = $coro->is_running
721
722Returns true iff the Coro object is currently running. Only one Coro object
723can ever be in the running state (but it currently is possible to have
724multiple running Coro::States).
725
726=item $is_suspended = $coro->is_suspended
727
728Returns true iff this Coro object has been suspended. Suspended Coros will
729not ever be scheduled.
730
397=item $coroutine->cancel (arg...) 731=item $coro->cancel (arg...)
398 732
399Terminates the given coroutine and makes it return the given arguments as 733Terminates the given Coro object and makes it return the given arguments as
400status (default: the empty list). Never returns if the coroutine is the 734status (default: an empty list). Never returns if the Coro is the
401current coroutine. 735current Coro.
402 736
403=cut 737The arguments are not copied, but instead will be referenced directly
738(e.g. if you pass C<$var> and after the call change that variable, then
739you might change the return values passed to e.g. C<join>, so don't do
740that).
404 741
405sub cancel { 742The resources of the Coro are usually freed (or destructed) before this
406 my $self = shift; 743call returns, but this can be delayed for an indefinite amount of time, as
744in some cases the manager thread has to run first to actually destruct the
745Coro object.
407 746
408 if ($current == $self) { 747=item $coro->schedule_to
409 terminate @_;
410 } else {
411 $self->{_status} = [@_];
412 $self->_cancel;
413 }
414}
415 748
749Puts the current coro to sleep (like C<Coro::schedule>), but instead
750of continuing with the next coro from the ready queue, always switch to
751the given coro object (regardless of priority etc.). The readyness
752state of that coro isn't changed.
753
754This is an advanced method for special cases - I'd love to hear about any
755uses for this one.
756
757=item $coro->cede_to
758
759Like C<schedule_to>, but puts the current coro into the ready
760queue. This has the effect of temporarily switching to the given
761coro, and continuing some time later.
762
763This is an advanced method for special cases - I'd love to hear about any
764uses for this one.
765
416=item $coroutine->throw ([$scalar]) 766=item $coro->throw ([$scalar])
417 767
418If C<$throw> is specified and defined, it will be thrown as an exception 768If C<$throw> is specified and defined, it will be thrown as an exception
419inside the coroutine at the next convenient point in time. Otherwise 769inside the coro at the next convenient point in time. Otherwise
420clears the exception object. 770clears the exception object.
421 771
422Coro will check for the exception each time a schedule-like-function 772Coro will check for the exception each time a schedule-like-function
423returns, i.e. after each C<schedule>, C<cede>, C<< Coro::Semaphore->down 773returns, i.e. after each C<schedule>, C<cede>, C<< Coro::Semaphore->down
424>>, C<< Coro::Handle->readable >> and so on. Most of these functions 774>>, C<< Coro::Handle->readable >> and so on. Most of these functions
426 776
427The exception object will be thrown "as is" with the specified scalar in 777The exception object will be thrown "as is" with the specified scalar in
428C<$@>, i.e. if it is a string, no line number or newline will be appended 778C<$@>, i.e. if it is a string, no line number or newline will be appended
429(unlike with C<die>). 779(unlike with C<die>).
430 780
431This can be used as a softer means than C<cancel> to ask a coroutine to 781This 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 782end 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 783termination, and if the exception isn't caught it might well end the whole
434program. 784program.
435 785
436You might also think of C<throw> as being the moral equivalent of 786You 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). 787C<kill>ing a coro with a signal (in this case, a scalar).
438 788
439=item $coroutine->join 789=item $coro->join
440 790
441Wait until the coroutine terminates and return any values given to the 791Wait until the coro terminates and return any values given to the
442C<terminate> or C<cancel> functions. C<join> can be called concurrently 792C<terminate> or C<cancel> functions. C<join> can be called concurrently
443from multiple coroutines, and all will be resumed and given the status 793from multiple threads, and all will be resumed and given the status
444return once the C<$coroutine> terminates. 794return once the C<$coro> terminates.
445 795
446=cut 796=cut
447 797
448sub join { 798sub join {
449 my $self = shift; 799 my $self = shift;
460 } 810 }
461 811
462 wantarray ? @{$self->{_status}} : $self->{_status}[0]; 812 wantarray ? @{$self->{_status}} : $self->{_status}[0];
463} 813}
464 814
465=item $coroutine->on_destroy (\&cb) 815=item $coro->on_destroy (\&cb)
466 816
467Registers a callback that is called when this coroutine gets destroyed, 817Registers a callback that is called when this coro thread gets destroyed,
468but before it is joined. The callback gets passed the terminate arguments, 818but before it is joined. The callback gets passed the terminate arguments,
469if any, and I<must not> die, under any circumstances. 819if any, and I<must not> die, under any circumstances.
470 820
821There can be any number of C<on_destroy> callbacks per coro.
822
471=cut 823=cut
472 824
473sub on_destroy { 825sub on_destroy {
474 my ($self, $cb) = @_; 826 my ($self, $cb) = @_;
475 827
476 push @{ $self->{_on_destroy} }, $cb; 828 push @{ $self->{_on_destroy} }, $cb;
477} 829}
478 830
479=item $oldprio = $coroutine->prio ($newprio) 831=item $oldprio = $coro->prio ($newprio)
480 832
481Sets (or gets, if the argument is missing) the priority of the 833Sets (or gets, if the argument is missing) the priority of the
482coroutine. Higher priority coroutines get run before lower priority 834coro thread. Higher priority coro get run before lower priority
483coroutines. Priorities are small signed integers (currently -4 .. +3), 835coros. Priorities are small signed integers (currently -4 .. +3),
484that you can refer to using PRIO_xxx constants (use the import tag :prio 836that you can refer to using PRIO_xxx constants (use the import tag :prio
485to get then): 837to get then):
486 838
487 PRIO_MAX > PRIO_HIGH > PRIO_NORMAL > PRIO_LOW > PRIO_IDLE > PRIO_MIN 839 PRIO_MAX > PRIO_HIGH > PRIO_NORMAL > PRIO_LOW > PRIO_IDLE > PRIO_MIN
488 3 > 1 > 0 > -1 > -3 > -4 840 3 > 1 > 0 > -1 > -3 > -4
489 841
490 # set priority to HIGH 842 # set priority to HIGH
491 current->prio(PRIO_HIGH); 843 current->prio (PRIO_HIGH);
492 844
493The idle coroutine ($Coro::idle) always has a lower priority than any 845The idle coro thread ($Coro::idle) always has a lower priority than any
494existing coroutine. 846existing coro.
495 847
496Changing the priority of the current coroutine will take effect immediately, 848Changing the priority of the current coro will take effect immediately,
497but changing the priority of coroutines in the ready queue (but not 849but changing the priority of a coro in the ready queue (but not running)
498running) will only take effect after the next schedule (of that 850will only take effect after the next schedule (of that coro). This is a
499coroutine). This is a bug that will be fixed in some future version. 851bug that will be fixed in some future version.
500 852
501=item $newprio = $coroutine->nice ($change) 853=item $newprio = $coro->nice ($change)
502 854
503Similar to C<prio>, but subtract the given value from the priority (i.e. 855Similar to C<prio>, but subtract the given value from the priority (i.e.
504higher values mean lower priority, just as in unix). 856higher values mean lower priority, just as in UNIX's nice command).
505 857
506=item $olddesc = $coroutine->desc ($newdesc) 858=item $olddesc = $coro->desc ($newdesc)
507 859
508Sets (or gets in case the argument is missing) the description for this 860Sets (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 861coro thread. This is just a free-form string you can associate with a
510coroutine. 862coro.
511 863
512This method simply sets the C<< $coroutine->{desc} >> member to the given 864This method simply sets the C<< $coro->{desc} >> member to the given
513string. You can modify this member directly if you wish. 865string. You can modify this member directly if you wish, and in fact, this
866is often preferred to indicate major processing states that cna then be
867seen for example in a L<Coro::Debug> session:
868
869 sub my_long_function {
870 local $Coro::current->{desc} = "now in my_long_function";
871 ...
872 $Coro::current->{desc} = "my_long_function: phase 1";
873 ...
874 $Coro::current->{desc} = "my_long_function: phase 2";
875 ...
876 }
514 877
515=cut 878=cut
516 879
517sub desc { 880sub desc {
518 my $old = $_[0]{desc}; 881 my $old = $_[0]{desc};
519 $_[0]{desc} = $_[1] if @_ > 1; 882 $_[0]{desc} = $_[1] if @_ > 1;
520 $old; 883 $old;
521} 884}
522 885
886sub transfer {
887 require Carp;
888 Carp::croak ("You must not call ->transfer on Coro objects. Use Coro::State objects or the ->schedule_to method. Caught");
889}
890
523=back 891=back
524 892
525=head2 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 893=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
526 894
527=over 4 895=over 4
528 896
529=item Coro::nready 897=item Coro::nready
530 898
531Returns the number of coroutines that are currently in the ready state, 899Returns the number of coro that are currently in the ready state,
532i.e. that can be switched to by calling C<schedule> directory or 900i.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 901indirectly. 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> 902currently 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 903would cause a deadlock unless there is an idle handler that wakes up some
536coroutines. 904coro.
537 905
538=item my $guard = Coro::guard { ... } 906=item my $guard = Coro::guard { ... }
539 907
540This creates and returns a guard object. Nothing happens until the object 908This function still exists, but is deprecated. Please use the
541gets destroyed, in which case the codeblock given as argument will be 909C<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.
546 910
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 911=cut
558 912
559sub guard(&) { 913BEGIN { *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
571 914
572=item unblock_sub { ... } 915=item unblock_sub { ... }
573 916
574This utility function takes a BLOCK or code reference and "unblocks" it, 917This utility function takes a BLOCK or code reference and "unblocks" it,
575returning a new coderef. Unblocking means that calling the new coderef 918returning a new coderef. Unblocking means that calling the new coderef
576will return immediately without blocking, returning nothing, while the 919will return immediately without blocking, returning nothing, while the
577original code ref will be called (with parameters) from within another 920original code ref will be called (with parameters) from within another
578coroutine. 921coro.
579 922
580The reason this function exists is that many event libraries (such as the 923The reason this function exists is that many event libraries (such as
581venerable L<Event|Event> module) are not coroutine-safe (a weaker form 924the venerable L<Event|Event> module) are not thread-safe (a weaker form
582of thread-safety). This means you must not block within event callbacks, 925of reentrancy). This means you must not block within event callbacks,
583otherwise you might suffer from crashes or worse. The only event library 926otherwise 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>. 927currently known that is safe to use without C<unblock_sub> is L<EV> (but
928you might still run into deadlocks if all event loops are blocked).
929
930Coro will try to catch you when you block in the event loop
931("FATAL:$Coro::IDLE blocked itself"), but this is just best effort and
932only works when you do not run your own event loop.
585 933
586This function allows your callbacks to block by executing them in another 934This function allows your callbacks to block by executing them in another
587coroutine where it is safe to block. One example where blocking is handy 935coro 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 936is when you use the L<Coro::AIO|Coro::AIO> functions to save results to
589disk, for example. 937disk, for example.
590 938
591In short: simply use C<unblock_sub { ... }> instead of C<sub { ... }> when 939In short: simply use C<unblock_sub { ... }> instead of C<sub { ... }> when
592creating event callbacks that want to block. 940creating event callbacks that want to block.
593 941
594If your handler does not plan to block (e.g. simply sends a message to 942If 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), 943another coro, or puts some other coro into the ready queue), there is
596there is no reason to use C<unblock_sub>. 944no reason to use C<unblock_sub>.
597 945
598Note that you also need to use C<unblock_sub> for any other callbacks that 946Note 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 947are 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 948use 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 949provides callbacks that are the result of some event callback, then you
610# return immediately and can be reused) and because we cannot cede 958# return immediately and can be reused) and because we cannot cede
611# inside an event callback. 959# inside an event callback.
612our $unblock_scheduler = new Coro sub { 960our $unblock_scheduler = new Coro sub {
613 while () { 961 while () {
614 while (my $cb = pop @unblock_queue) { 962 while (my $cb = pop @unblock_queue) {
615 # this is an inlined copy of async_pool 963 &async_pool (@$cb);
616 my $coro = (pop @async_pool) || new Coro \&pool_handler;
617 964
618 $coro->{_invoke} = $cb;
619 $coro->ready;
620 cede; # for short-lived callbacks, this reduces pressure on the coro pool 965 # for short-lived callbacks, this reduces pressure on the coro pool
966 # as the chance is very high that the async_poll coro will be back
967 # in the idle state when cede returns
968 cede;
621 } 969 }
622 schedule; # sleep well 970 schedule; # sleep well
623 } 971 }
624}; 972};
625$unblock_scheduler->{desc} = "[unblock_sub scheduler]"; 973$unblock_scheduler->{desc} = "[unblock_sub scheduler]";
631 unshift @unblock_queue, [$cb, @_]; 979 unshift @unblock_queue, [$cb, @_];
632 $unblock_scheduler->ready; 980 $unblock_scheduler->ready;
633 } 981 }
634} 982}
635 983
636=item $cb = Coro::rouse_cb 984=item $cb = rouse_cb
637 985
638Create and return a "rouse callback". That's a code reference that, when 986Create and return a "rouse callback". That's a code reference that,
639called, will save its arguments and notify the owner coroutine of the 987when called, will remember a copy of its arguments and notify the owner
640callback. 988coro of the callback.
641 989
642See the next function. 990See the next function.
643 991
644=item @args = Coro::rouse_wait [$cb] 992=item @args = rouse_wait [$cb]
645 993
646Wait for the specified rouse callback (or the last one tht was created in 994Wait for the specified rouse callback (or the last one that was created in
647this coroutine). 995this coro).
648 996
649As soon as the callback is invoked (or when the calback was invoked before 997As soon as the callback is invoked (or when the callback was invoked
650C<rouse_wait>), it will return a copy of the arguments originally passed 998before C<rouse_wait>), it will return the arguments originally passed to
651to the rouse callback. 999the rouse callback. In scalar context, that means you get the I<last>
1000argument, just as if C<rouse_wait> had a C<return ($a1, $a2, $a3...)>
1001statement at the end.
652 1002
653See the section B<HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK> for an actual usage example. 1003See the section B<HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK> for an actual usage example.
654 1004
655=back 1005=back
656 1006
657=cut 1007=cut
658 1008
1009for my $module (qw(Channel RWLock Semaphore SemaphoreSet Signal Specific)) {
1010 my $old = defined &{"Coro::$module\::new"} && \&{"Coro::$module\::new"};
1011
1012 *{"Coro::$module\::new"} = sub {
1013 require "Coro/$module.pm";
1014
1015 # some modules have their new predefined in State.xs, some don't
1016 *{"Coro::$module\::new"} = $old
1017 if $old;
1018
1019 goto &{"Coro::$module\::new"};
1020 };
1021}
1022
6591; 10231;
660 1024
661=head1 HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK 1025=head1 HOW TO WAIT FOR A CALLBACK
662 1026
663It is very common for a coroutine to wait for some callback to be 1027It is very common for a coro to wait for some callback to be
664called. This occurs naturally when you use coroutines in an otherwise 1028called. This occurs naturally when you use coro in an otherwise
665event-based program, or when you use event-based libraries. 1029event-based program, or when you use event-based libraries.
666 1030
667These typically register a callback for some event, and call that callback 1031These typically register a callback for some event, and call that callback
668when the event occured. In a coroutine, however, you typically want to 1032when the event occured. In a coro, however, you typically want to
669just wait for the event, simplyifying things. 1033just wait for the event, simplyifying things.
670 1034
671For example C<< AnyEvent->child >> registers a callback to be called when 1035For example C<< AnyEvent->child >> registers a callback to be called when
672a specific child has exited: 1036a specific child has exited:
673 1037
674 my $child_watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub { ... }); 1038 my $child_watcher = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub { ... });
675 1039
676But from withina coroutine, you often just want to write this: 1040But from within a coro, you often just want to write this:
677 1041
678 my $status = wait_for_child $pid; 1042 my $status = wait_for_child $pid;
679 1043
680Coro offers two functions specifically designed to make this easy, 1044Coro offers two functions specifically designed to make this easy,
681C<Coro::rouse_cb> and C<Coro::rouse_wait>. 1045C<Coro::rouse_cb> and C<Coro::rouse_wait>.
682 1046
683The first function, C<rouse_cb>, generates and returns a callback that, 1047The first function, C<rouse_cb>, generates and returns a callback that,
684when invoked, will save it's arguments and notify the coroutine that 1048when invoked, will save its arguments and notify the coro that
685created the callback. 1049created the callback.
686 1050
687The second function, C<rouse_wait>, waits for the callback to be called 1051The second function, C<rouse_wait>, waits for the callback to be called
688(by calling C<schedule> to go to sleep) and returns the arguments 1052(by calling C<schedule> to go to sleep) and returns the arguments
689originally passed to the callback. 1053originally passed to the callback.
704you can roll your own, using C<schedule>: 1068you can roll your own, using C<schedule>:
705 1069
706 sub wait_for_child($) { 1070 sub wait_for_child($) {
707 my ($pid) = @_; 1071 my ($pid) = @_;
708 1072
709 # store the current coroutine in $current, 1073 # store the current coro in $current,
710 # and provide result variables for the closure passed to ->child 1074 # and provide result variables for the closure passed to ->child
711 my $current = $Coro::current; 1075 my $current = $Coro::current;
712 my ($done, $rstatus); 1076 my ($done, $rstatus);
713 1077
714 # pass a closure to ->child 1078 # pass a closure to ->child
730 1094
731=item fork with pthread backend 1095=item fork with pthread backend
732 1096
733When Coro is compiled using the pthread backend (which isn't recommended 1097When Coro is compiled using the pthread backend (which isn't recommended
734but required on many BSDs as their libcs are completely broken), then 1098but required on many BSDs as their libcs are completely broken), then
735coroutines will not survive a fork. There is no known workaround except to 1099coro will not survive a fork. There is no known workaround except to
736fix your libc and use a saner backend. 1100fix your libc and use a saner backend.
737 1101
738=item perl process emulation ("threads") 1102=item perl process emulation ("threads")
739 1103
740This module is not perl-pseudo-thread-safe. You should only ever use this 1104This 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 1105module from the first thread (this requirement might be removed in the
742future to allow per-thread schedulers, but Coro::State does not yet allow 1106future to allow per-thread schedulers, but Coro::State does not yet allow
743this). I recommend disabling thread support and using processes, as having 1107this). I recommend disabling thread support and using processes, as having
744the windows process emulation enabled under unix roughly halves perl 1108the windows process emulation enabled under unix roughly halves perl
745performance, even when not used. 1109performance, even when not used.
746 1110
747=item coroutine switching not signal safe 1111=item coro switching is not signal safe
748 1112
749You must not switch to another coroutine from within a signal handler 1113You must not switch to another coro from within a signal handler (only
750(only relevant with %SIG - most event libraries provide safe signals). 1114relevant with %SIG - most event libraries provide safe signals), I<unless>
1115you are sure you are not interrupting a Coro function.
751 1116
752That means you I<MUST NOT> call any function that might "block" the 1117That means you I<MUST NOT> call any function that might "block" the
753current coroutine - C<cede>, C<schedule> C<< Coro::Semaphore->down >> or 1118current coro - C<cede>, C<schedule> C<< Coro::Semaphore->down >> or
754anything that calls those. Everything else, including calling C<ready>, 1119anything that calls those. Everything else, including calling C<ready>,
755works. 1120works.
756 1121
757=back 1122=back
758 1123
759 1124
1125=head1 WINDOWS PROCESS EMULATION
1126
1127A great many people seem to be confused about ithreads (for example, Chip
1128Salzenberg called me unintelligent, incapable, stupid and gullible,
1129while in the same mail making rather confused statements about perl
1130ithreads (for example, that memory or files would be shared), showing his
1131lack of understanding of this area - if it is hard to understand for Chip,
1132it is probably not obvious to everybody).
1133
1134What follows is an ultra-condensed version of my talk about threads in
1135scripting languages given on the perl workshop 2009:
1136
1137The so-called "ithreads" were originally implemented for two reasons:
1138first, to (badly) emulate unix processes on native win32 perls, and
1139secondly, to replace the older, real thread model ("5.005-threads").
1140
1141It does that by using threads instead of OS processes. The difference
1142between processes and threads is that threads share memory (and other
1143state, such as files) between threads within a single process, while
1144processes do not share anything (at least not semantically). That
1145means that modifications done by one thread are seen by others, while
1146modifications by one process are not seen by other processes.
1147
1148The "ithreads" work exactly like that: when creating a new ithreads
1149process, all state is copied (memory is copied physically, files and code
1150is copied logically). Afterwards, it isolates all modifications. On UNIX,
1151the same behaviour can be achieved by using operating system processes,
1152except that UNIX typically uses hardware built into the system to do this
1153efficiently, while the windows process emulation emulates this hardware in
1154software (rather efficiently, but of course it is still much slower than
1155dedicated hardware).
1156
1157As mentioned before, loading code, modifying code, modifying data
1158structures and so on is only visible in the ithreads process doing the
1159modification, not in other ithread processes within the same OS process.
1160
1161This is why "ithreads" do not implement threads for perl at all, only
1162processes. What makes it so bad is that on non-windows platforms, you can
1163actually take advantage of custom hardware for this purpose (as evidenced
1164by the forks module, which gives you the (i-) threads API, just much
1165faster).
1166
1167Sharing data is in the i-threads model is done by transfering data
1168structures between threads using copying semantics, which is very slow -
1169shared data simply does not exist. Benchmarks using i-threads which are
1170communication-intensive show extremely bad behaviour with i-threads (in
1171fact, so bad that Coro, which cannot take direct advantage of multiple
1172CPUs, is often orders of magnitude faster because it shares data using
1173real threads, refer to my talk for details).
1174
1175As summary, i-threads *use* threads to implement processes, while
1176the compatible forks module *uses* processes to emulate, uhm,
1177processes. I-threads slow down every perl program when enabled, and
1178outside of windows, serve no (or little) practical purpose, but
1179disadvantages every single-threaded Perl program.
1180
1181This is the reason that I try to avoid the name "ithreads", as it is
1182misleading as it implies that it implements some kind of thread model for
1183perl, and prefer the name "windows process emulation", which describes the
1184actual use and behaviour of it much better.
1185
760=head1 SEE ALSO 1186=head1 SEE ALSO
761 1187
762Event-Loop integration: L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>. 1188Event-Loop integration: L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>.
763 1189
764Debugging: L<Coro::Debug>. 1190Debugging: L<Coro::Debug>.
765 1191
766Support/Utility: L<Coro::Specific>, L<Coro::Util>. 1192Support/Utility: L<Coro::Specific>, L<Coro::Util>.
767 1193
768Locking/IPC: L<Coro::Signal>, L<Coro::Channel>, L<Coro::Semaphore>, L<Coro::SemaphoreSet>, L<Coro::RWLock>. 1194Locking and IPC: L<Coro::Signal>, L<Coro::Channel>, L<Coro::Semaphore>,
1195L<Coro::SemaphoreSet>, L<Coro::RWLock>.
769 1196
770IO/Timers: L<Coro::Timer>, L<Coro::Handle>, L<Coro::Socket>, L<Coro::AIO>. 1197I/O and Timers: L<Coro::Timer>, L<Coro::Handle>, L<Coro::Socket>, L<Coro::AIO>.
771 1198
772Compatibility: L<Coro::LWP>, L<Coro::BDB>, L<Coro::Storable>, L<Coro::Select>. 1199Compatibility with other modules: L<Coro::LWP> (but see also L<AnyEvent::HTTP> for
1200a better-working alternative), L<Coro::BDB>, L<Coro::Storable>,
1201L<Coro::Select>.
773 1202
774XS API: L<Coro::MakeMaker>. 1203XS API: L<Coro::MakeMaker>.
775 1204
776Low level Configuration, Coroutine Environment: L<Coro::State>. 1205Low level Configuration, Thread Environment, Continuations: L<Coro::State>.
777 1206
778=head1 AUTHOR 1207=head1 AUTHOR
779 1208
780 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 1209 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
781 http://home.schmorp.de/ 1210 http://home.schmorp.de/

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