Android Tutorial [B4X] Resumable subs that return values (ResumableSub)

Remember that that a call to Sleep or Wait For in a resumable sub causes the code flow to return to the parent.

Example:
B4X:
Sub Button1_Click
Sum(1, 2)
Log("after sum")
End Sub

Sub Sum(a As Int, b As Int)
Sleep(100) 'this will cause the code flow to return to the parent
Log(a + b)
End Sub
Output:
after sum
3

This is the reason why it is not possible to simply return a value.

Solution

Resumable subs can return a new type named ResumableSub. Other subs can use this value to wait for the sub to complete and get the desired return value.
B4X:
Sub Button1_Click
   Wait For(Sum(1, 2)) Complete (Result As Int)
   Log("result: " & Result)
   Log("after sum")
End Sub

Sub Sum(a As Int, b As Int) As ResumableSub
   Sleep(100)
   Log(a + b)
   Return a + b
End Sub

Output:
3
result: 3
after sum

The above Button1_Click code is equivalent to:
B4X:
Sub Button1_Click
   Dim rs As ResumableSub = Sum(1, 2)
   Wait For(rs) Complete (Result As Int)
   Log("result: " & Result)
   Log("after sum")
End Sub

The steps required are:

1. Add As ResumableSub to the resumable sub signature.
2. Call Return with the value you like to return.
3. In the calling sub, call the resumable sub with Wait For (<sub here>) Complete (Result As <matching type>)

Notes & Tips

- If you don't need to return a value but still want to wait for the resumable sub to complete then return Null from the resumable sub and set the type in the calling sub to Object.
- Multiple subs can safely call the resumable sub. The complete event will reach the correct parent.
- You can wait for resumable subs in other modules (in B4A it is relevant for classes only).
- The Result parameter name can be changed.
 
Last edited:

GMan

Well-Known Member
Licensed User
Longtime User
And it would be very nice if the Q posts the link to that new thread - otherwise we have to search again for (what topic ?) !
 

XbNnX_507

Active Member
Licensed User
Longtime User
Hi,
Is it ok to use
B4X:
Wait For(Sum(1, 2)) Complete '<-  wait to complete only, don't care about result..
if i'm not interested in the result?
B4X IDE doesn't throw any warnings.
 
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