Async Algorithms

Asked on 08/13/2024

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The concept of async algorithms in Swift is explored in the session titled "Explore Swift performance" at WWDC 2024. In this session, async functions are described as being implemented in two special ways: they keep their local state on a separate stack from the C stack, and they are split into multiple functions at runtime. This allows for efficient memory allocation and deallocation, as async tasks hold onto one or more slabs of memory, which can be allocated and deallocated as needed.

The session explains that async functions are split into partial functions that span the gaps between potential suspension points. For example, if there is one await in a function, it results in two partial functions. The first partial function handles the entry to the original function and awaits the task, while the second picks up after the await, processes the result, and continues the loop if necessary.

For more details, you can refer to the chapter on "Async functions" in the session Explore Swift performance (24:33).