[erlang-questions] there is a blocking in the process evaluating the huge factorial

[systemio systemio]

Hi all,

My Erlang is (Erlang R13B03 (erts-5.7.4) [smp:2:2] [rq:2] [async-threads:0]). WinXP SP1.

I've found the strange behavior when i spawn the process to evaluate the huge factorial. 

Here is the factorial module:
-module(test).
-compile(export_all).

fac(0) -> 
    1;
fac(N) ->
    N * fac(N-1).

Here is the Erlang Shell code:
1> Fac = fun() -> test:fac(100000) end.
#Fun<erl_eval.20.67289768>
2> S1 = fun()-> spawn(Fac), timer:sleep(3000), io:format("Will I am", []), spawn(Fac) end.
#Fun<erl_eval.20.67289768>
3> S2 = fun()-> spawn(Fac), io:format("Will I am", []), spawn(Fac) end.
#Fun<erl_eval.20.67289768>
4> S1().
Will I am<0.38.0>
5> S2().
Will I am<0.42.0>

In my PC the fun Fac evaluates about 11 sec.

If i start S1() i will see the message "Will I am" after 14 sec and it is strange as i expect it after 3 seconds. After message appeares i type "i()." and hit enter. This command is blocked and result appeares after 11 sec until second process evaluates.

if i start S2() i will see the message "Will i am" immediately but i will not be able to type anything in the shell and my typing will appear after 22 sec.

Also i've tested it with spawn(Node, ...) and the result is IAE same.

Are these behaviors valid or do i do smth wrong?

~
Alex