ViewVC Help
View File | Revision Log | Show Annotations | Download File
/cvs/AnyEvent-Fork/Fork.pm
(Generate patch)

Comparing AnyEvent-Fork/Fork.pm (file contents):
Revision 1.27 by root, Sat Apr 6 09:05:50 2013 UTC vs.
Revision 1.67 by root, Thu May 12 16:54:01 2016 UTC

27 27
28Special care has been taken to make this module useful from other modules, 28Special care has been taken to make this module useful from other modules,
29while still supporting specialised environments such as L<App::Staticperl> 29while still supporting specialised environments such as L<App::Staticperl>
30or L<PAR::Packer>. 30or L<PAR::Packer>.
31 31
32=head1 WHAT THIS MODULE IS NOT 32=head2 WHAT THIS MODULE IS NOT
33 33
34This module only creates processes and lets you pass file handles and 34This module only creates processes and lets you pass file handles and
35strings to it, and run perl code. It does not implement any kind of RPC - 35strings to it, and run perl code. It does not implement any kind of RPC -
36there is no back channel from the process back to you, and there is no RPC 36there is no back channel from the process back to you, and there is no RPC
37or message passing going on. 37or message passing going on.
38 38
39If you need some form of RPC, you can either implement it yourself 39If you need some form of RPC, you could use the L<AnyEvent::Fork::RPC>
40in whatever way you like, use some message-passing module such 40companion module, which adds simple RPC/job queueing to a process created
41as L<AnyEvent::MP>, some pipe such as L<AnyEvent::ZeroMQ>, use 41by this module.
42L<AnyEvent::Handle> on both sides to send e.g. JSON or Storable messages,
43and so on.
44 42
43And if you need some automatic process pool management on top of
44L<AnyEvent::Fork::RPC>, you can look at the L<AnyEvent::Fork::Pool>
45companion module.
46
47Or you can implement it yourself in whatever way you like: use some
48message-passing module such as L<AnyEvent::MP>, some pipe such as
49L<AnyEvent::ZeroMQ>, use L<AnyEvent::Handle> on both sides to send
50e.g. JSON or Storable messages, and so on.
51
52=head2 COMPARISON TO OTHER MODULES
53
54There is an abundance of modules on CPAN that do "something fork", such as
55L<Parallel::ForkManager>, L<AnyEvent::ForkManager>, L<AnyEvent::Worker>
56or L<AnyEvent::Subprocess>. There are modules that implement their own
57process management, such as L<AnyEvent::DBI>.
58
59The problems that all these modules try to solve are real, however, none
60of them (from what I have seen) tackle the very real problems of unwanted
61memory sharing, efficiency or not being able to use event processing, GUI
62toolkits or similar modules in the processes they create.
63
64This module doesn't try to replace any of them - instead it tries to solve
65the problem of creating processes with a minimum of fuss and overhead (and
66also luxury). Ideally, most of these would use AnyEvent::Fork internally,
67except they were written before AnyEvent:Fork was available, so obviously
68had to roll their own.
69
45=head1 PROBLEM STATEMENT 70=head2 PROBLEM STATEMENT
46 71
47There are two traditional ways to implement parallel processing on UNIX 72There are two traditional ways to implement parallel processing on UNIX
48like operating systems - fork and process, and fork+exec and process. They 73like operating systems - fork and process, and fork+exec and process. They
49have different advantages and disadvantages that I describe below, 74have different advantages and disadvantages that I describe below,
50together with how this module tries to mitigate the disadvantages. 75together with how this module tries to mitigate the disadvantages.
64 89
65=item Forking usually creates a copy-on-write copy of the parent 90=item Forking usually creates a copy-on-write copy of the parent
66process. 91process.
67 92
68For example, modules or data files that are loaded will not use additional 93For example, modules or data files that are loaded will not use additional
69memory after a fork. When exec'ing a new process, modules and data files 94memory after a fork. Exec'ing a new process, in contrast, means modules
70might need to be loaded again, at extra CPU and memory cost. But when 95and data files might need to be loaded again, at extra CPU and memory
71forking, literally all data structures are copied - if the program frees 96cost.
97
98But when forking, you still create a copy of your data structures - if
72them and replaces them by new data, the child processes will retain the 99the program frees them and replaces them by new data, the child processes
73old version even if it isn't used, which can suddenly and unexpectedly 100will retain the old version even if it isn't used, which can suddenly and
74increase memory usage when freeing memory. 101unexpectedly increase memory usage when freeing memory.
75 102
103For example, L<Gtk2::CV> is an image viewer optimised for large
104directories (millions of pictures). It also forks subprocesses for
105thumbnail generation, which inherit the data structure that stores all
106file information. If the user changes the directory, it gets freed in
107the main process, leaving a copy in the thumbnailer processes. This can
108lead to many times the memory usage that would actually be required. The
109solution is to fork early (and being unable to dynamically generate more
110subprocesses or do this from a module)... or to use L<AnyEvent:Fork>.
111
76The trade-off is between more sharing with fork (which can be good or 112There is a trade-off between more sharing with fork (which can be good or
77bad), and no sharing with exec. 113bad), and no sharing with exec.
78 114
79This module allows the main program to do a controlled fork, and allows 115This module allows the main program to do a controlled fork, and allows
80modules to exec processes safely at any time. When creating a custom 116modules to exec processes safely at any time. When creating a custom
81process pool you can take advantage of data sharing via fork without 117process pool you can take advantage of data sharing via fork without
86shared and what isn't, at all times. 122shared and what isn't, at all times.
87 123
88=item Exec'ing a new perl process might be difficult. 124=item Exec'ing a new perl process might be difficult.
89 125
90For example, it is not easy to find the correct path to the perl 126For example, it is not easy to find the correct path to the perl
91interpreter - C<$^X> might not be a perl interpreter at all. 127interpreter - C<$^X> might not be a perl interpreter at all. Worse, there
128might not even be a perl binary installed on the system.
92 129
93This module tries hard to identify the correct path to the perl 130This module tries hard to identify the correct path to the perl
94interpreter. With a cooperative main program, exec'ing the interpreter 131interpreter. With a cooperative main program, exec'ing the interpreter
95might not even be necessary, but even without help from the main program, 132might not even be necessary, but even without help from the main program,
96it will still work when used from a module. 133it will still work when used from a module.
102and modules are no longer loadable because they refer to a different 139and modules are no longer loadable because they refer to a different
103perl version, or parts of a distribution are newer than the ones already 140perl version, or parts of a distribution are newer than the ones already
104loaded. 141loaded.
105 142
106This module supports creating pre-initialised perl processes to be used as 143This module supports creating pre-initialised perl processes to be used as
107a template for new processes. 144a template for new processes at a later time, e.g. for use in a process
145pool.
108 146
109=item Forking might be impossible when a program is running. 147=item Forking might be impossible when a program is running.
110 148
111For example, POSIX makes it almost impossible to fork from a 149For example, POSIX makes it almost impossible to fork from a
112multi-threaded program while doing anything useful in the child - in 150multi-threaded program while doing anything useful in the child - in
113fact, if your perl program uses POSIX threads (even indirectly via 151fact, if your perl program uses POSIX threads (even indirectly via
114e.g. L<IO::AIO> or L<threads>), you cannot call fork on the perl level 152e.g. L<IO::AIO> or L<threads>), you cannot call fork on the perl level
115anymore without risking corruption issues on a number of operating 153anymore without risking memory corruption or worse on a number of
116systems. 154operating systems.
117 155
118This module can safely fork helper processes at any time, by calling 156This module can safely fork helper processes at any time, by calling
119fork+exec in C, in a POSIX-compatible way (via L<Proc::FastSpawn>). 157fork+exec in C, in a POSIX-compatible way (via L<Proc::FastSpawn>).
120 158
121=item Parallel processing with fork might be inconvenient or difficult 159=item Parallel processing with fork might be inconvenient or difficult
140 178
141=back 179=back
142 180
143=head1 EXAMPLES 181=head1 EXAMPLES
144 182
183This is where the wall of text ends and code speaks.
184
145=head2 Create a single new process, tell it to run your worker function. 185=head2 Create a single new process, tell it to run your worker function.
146 186
147 AnyEvent::Fork 187 AnyEvent::Fork
148 ->new 188 ->new
149 ->require ("MyModule") 189 ->require ("MyModule")
152 192
153 # now $master_filehandle is connected to the 193 # now $master_filehandle is connected to the
154 # $slave_filehandle in the new process. 194 # $slave_filehandle in the new process.
155 }); 195 });
156 196
157 # MyModule::worker might look like this 197C<MyModule> might look like this:
198
199 package MyModule;
200
158 sub MyModule::worker { 201 sub worker {
159 my ($slave_filehandle) = @_; 202 my ($slave_filehandle) = @_;
160 203
161 # now $slave_filehandle is connected to the $master_filehandle 204 # now $slave_filehandle is connected to the $master_filehandle
162 # in the original prorcess. have fun! 205 # in the original process. have fun!
163 } 206 }
164 207
165=head2 Create a pool of server processes all accepting on the same socket. 208=head2 Create a pool of server processes all accepting on the same socket.
166 209
167 # create listener socket 210 # create listener socket
182 } 225 }
183 226
184 # now do other things - maybe use the filehandle provided by run 227 # now do other things - maybe use the filehandle provided by run
185 # to wait for the processes to die. or whatever. 228 # to wait for the processes to die. or whatever.
186 229
187 # My::Server::run might look like this 230C<My::Server> might look like this:
188 sub My::Server::run { 231
232 package My::Server;
233
234 sub run {
189 my ($slave, $listener, $id) = @_; 235 my ($slave, $listener, $id) = @_;
190 236
191 close $slave; # we do not use the socket, so close it to save resources 237 close $slave; # we do not use the socket, so close it to save resources
192 238
193 # we could go ballistic and use e.g. AnyEvent here, or IO::AIO, 239 # we could go ballistic and use e.g. AnyEvent here, or IO::AIO,
197 } 243 }
198 } 244 }
199 245
200=head2 use AnyEvent::Fork as a faster fork+exec 246=head2 use AnyEvent::Fork as a faster fork+exec
201 247
202This runs /bin/echo hi, with stdout redirected to /tmp/log and stderr to 248This runs C</bin/echo hi>, with standard output redirected to F</tmp/log>
203the communications socket. It is usually faster than fork+exec, but still 249and standard error redirected to the communications socket. It is usually
204let's you prepare the environment. 250faster than fork+exec, but still lets you prepare the environment.
205 251
206 open my $output, ">/tmp/log" or die "$!"; 252 open my $output, ">/tmp/log" or die "$!";
207 253
208 AnyEvent::Fork 254 AnyEvent::Fork
209 ->new 255 ->new
210 ->eval (' 256 ->eval ('
257 # compile a helper function for later use
211 sub run { 258 sub run {
212 my ($fh, $output, @cmd) = @_; 259 my ($fh, $output, @cmd) = @_;
213 260
214 # perl will clear close-on-exec on STDOUT/STDERR 261 # perl will clear close-on-exec on STDOUT/STDERR
215 open STDOUT, ">&", $output or die; 262 open STDOUT, ">&", $output or die;
222 ->send_arg ("/bin/echo", "hi") 269 ->send_arg ("/bin/echo", "hi")
223 ->run ("run", my $cv = AE::cv); 270 ->run ("run", my $cv = AE::cv);
224 271
225 my $stderr = $cv->recv; 272 my $stderr = $cv->recv;
226 273
274=head2 For stingy users: put the worker code into a C<DATA> section.
275
276When you want to be stingy with files, you can put your code into the
277C<DATA> section of your module (or program):
278
279 use AnyEvent::Fork;
280
281 AnyEvent::Fork
282 ->new
283 ->eval (do { local $/; <DATA> })
284 ->run ("doit", sub { ... });
285
286 __DATA__
287
288 sub doit {
289 ... do something!
290 }
291
292=head2 For stingy standalone programs: do not rely on external files at
293all.
294
295For single-file scripts it can be inconvenient to rely on external
296files - even when using a C<DATA> section, you still need to C<exec> an
297external perl interpreter, which might not be available when using
298L<App::Staticperl>, L<Urlader> or L<PAR::Packer> for example.
299
300Two modules help here - L<AnyEvent::Fork::Early> forks a template process
301for all further calls to C<new_exec>, and L<AnyEvent::Fork::Template>
302forks the main program as a template process.
303
304Here is how your main program should look like:
305
306 #! perl
307
308 # optional, as the very first thing.
309 # in case modules want to create their own processes.
310 use AnyEvent::Fork::Early;
311
312 # next, load all modules you need in your template process
313 use Example::My::Module
314 use Example::Whatever;
315
316 # next, put your run function definition and anything else you
317 # need, but do not use code outside of BEGIN blocks.
318 sub worker_run {
319 my ($fh, @args) = @_;
320 ...
321 }
322
323 # now preserve everything so far as AnyEvent::Fork object
324 # in $TEMPLATE.
325 use AnyEvent::Fork::Template;
326
327 # do not put code outside of BEGIN blocks until here
328
329 # now use the $TEMPLATE process in any way you like
330
331 # for example: create 10 worker processes
332 my @worker;
333 my $cv = AE::cv;
334 for (1..10) {
335 $cv->begin;
336 $TEMPLATE->fork->send_arg ($_)->run ("worker_run", sub {
337 push @worker, shift;
338 $cv->end;
339 });
340 }
341 $cv->recv;
342
227=head1 CONCEPTS 343=head1 CONCEPTS
228 344
229This module can create new processes either by executing a new perl 345This module can create new processes either by executing a new perl
230process, or by forking from an existing "template" process. 346process, or by forking from an existing "template" process.
347
348All these processes are called "child processes" (whether they are direct
349children or not), while the process that manages them is called the
350"parent process".
231 351
232Each such process comes with its own file handle that can be used to 352Each such process comes with its own file handle that can be used to
233communicate with it (it's actually a socket - one end in the new process, 353communicate with it (it's actually a socket - one end in the new process,
234one end in the main process), and among the things you can do in it are 354one end in the main process), and among the things you can do in it are
235load modules, fork new processes, send file handles to it, and execute 355load modules, fork new processes, send file handles to it, and execute
314=head1 THE C<AnyEvent::Fork> CLASS 434=head1 THE C<AnyEvent::Fork> CLASS
315 435
316This module exports nothing, and only implements a single class - 436This module exports nothing, and only implements a single class -
317C<AnyEvent::Fork>. 437C<AnyEvent::Fork>.
318 438
319There are two constructors that both create new processes - C<new> and 439There are two class constructors that both create new processes - C<new>
320C<new_exec>. The C<fork> method creates a new process by forking an 440and C<new_exec>. The C<fork> method creates a new process by forking an
321existing one and could be considered a third constructor. 441existing one and could be considered a third constructor.
322 442
323Most of the remaining methods deal with preparing the new process, by 443Most of the remaining methods deal with preparing the new process, by
324loading code, evaluating code and sending data to the new process. They 444loading code, evaluating code and sending data to the new process. They
325usually return the process object, so you can chain method calls. 445usually return the process object, so you can chain method calls.
326 446
327If a process object is destroyed before calling its C<run> method, then 447If a process object is destroyed before calling its C<run> method, then
328the process simply exits. After C<run> is called, all responsibility is 448the process simply exits. After C<run> is called, all responsibility is
329passed to the specified function. 449passed to the specified function.
330 450
451As long as there is any outstanding work to be done, process objects
452resist being destroyed, so there is no reason to store them unless you
453need them later - configure and forget works just fine.
454
331=over 4 455=over 4
332 456
333=cut 457=cut
334 458
335package AnyEvent::Fork; 459package AnyEvent::Fork;
341use AnyEvent; 465use AnyEvent;
342use AnyEvent::Util (); 466use AnyEvent::Util ();
343 467
344use IO::FDPass; 468use IO::FDPass;
345 469
346our $VERSION = 0.5; 470our $VERSION = 1.3;
347
348our $PERL; # the path to the perl interpreter, deduces with various forms of magic
349
350=item my $pool = new AnyEvent::Fork key => value...
351
352Create a new process pool. The following named parameters are supported:
353
354=over 4
355
356=back
357
358=cut
359 471
360# the early fork template process 472# the early fork template process
361our $EARLY; 473our $EARLY;
362 474
363# the empty template process 475# the empty template process
364our $TEMPLATE; 476our $TEMPLATE;
477
478sub QUEUE() { 0 }
479sub FH() { 1 }
480sub WW() { 2 }
481sub PID() { 3 }
482sub CB() { 4 }
483
484sub _new {
485 my ($self, $fh, $pid) = @_;
486
487 AnyEvent::Util::fh_nonblocking $fh, 1;
488
489 $self = bless [
490 [], # write queue - strings or fd's
491 $fh,
492 undef, # AE watcher
493 $pid,
494 ], $self;
495
496 $self
497}
365 498
366sub _cmd { 499sub _cmd {
367 my $self = shift; 500 my $self = shift;
368 501
369 # ideally, we would want to use "a (w/a)*" as format string, but perl 502 # ideally, we would want to use "a (w/a)*" as format string, but perl
370 # versions from at least 5.8.9 to 5.16.3 are all buggy and can't unpack 503 # versions from at least 5.8.9 to 5.16.3 are all buggy and can't unpack
371 # it. 504 # it.
372 push @{ $self->[2] }, pack "a L/a*", $_[0], $_[1]; 505 push @{ $self->[QUEUE] }, pack "a L/a*", $_[0], $_[1];
373 506
374 $self->[3] ||= AE::io $self->[1], 1, sub { 507 $self->[WW] ||= AE::io $self->[FH], 1, sub {
375 do { 508 do {
376 # send the next "thing" in the queue - either a reference to an fh, 509 # send the next "thing" in the queue - either a reference to an fh,
377 # or a plain string. 510 # or a plain string.
378 511
379 if (ref $self->[2][0]) { 512 if (ref $self->[QUEUE][0]) {
380 # send fh 513 # send fh
381 unless (IO::FDPass::send fileno $self->[1], fileno ${ $self->[2][0] }) { 514 unless (IO::FDPass::send fileno $self->[FH], fileno ${ $self->[QUEUE][0] }) {
382 return if $! == Errno::EAGAIN || $! == Errno::EWOULDBLOCK; 515 return if $! == Errno::EAGAIN || $! == Errno::EWOULDBLOCK;
383 undef $self->[3]; 516 undef $self->[WW];
384 die "AnyEvent::Fork: file descriptor send failure: $!"; 517 die "AnyEvent::Fork: file descriptor send failure: $!";
385 } 518 }
386 519
387 shift @{ $self->[2] }; 520 shift @{ $self->[QUEUE] };
388 521
389 } else { 522 } else {
390 # send string 523 # send string
391 my $len = syswrite $self->[1], $self->[2][0]; 524 my $len = syswrite $self->[FH], $self->[QUEUE][0];
392 525
393 unless ($len) { 526 unless ($len) {
394 return if $! == Errno::EAGAIN || $! == Errno::EWOULDBLOCK; 527 return if $! == Errno::EAGAIN || $! == Errno::EWOULDBLOCK;
395 undef $self->[3]; 528 undef $self->[WW];
396 die "AnyEvent::Fork: command write failure: $!"; 529 die "AnyEvent::Fork: command write failure: $!";
397 } 530 }
398 531
399 substr $self->[2][0], 0, $len, ""; 532 substr $self->[QUEUE][0], 0, $len, "";
400 shift @{ $self->[2] } unless length $self->[2][0]; 533 shift @{ $self->[QUEUE] } unless length $self->[QUEUE][0];
401 } 534 }
402 } while @{ $self->[2] }; 535 } while @{ $self->[QUEUE] };
403 536
404 # everything written 537 # everything written
405 undef $self->[3]; 538 undef $self->[WW];
406 539
407 # invoke run callback, if any 540 # invoke run callback, if any
408 $self->[4]->($self->[1]) if $self->[4]; 541 if ($self->[CB]) {
542 $self->[CB]->($self->[FH]);
543 @$self = ();
544 }
409 }; 545 };
410 546
411 () # make sure we don't leak the watcher 547 () # make sure we don't leak the watcher
412}
413
414sub _new {
415 my ($self, $fh, $pid) = @_;
416
417 AnyEvent::Util::fh_nonblocking $fh, 1;
418
419 $self = bless [
420 $pid,
421 $fh,
422 [], # write queue - strings or fd's
423 undef, # AE watcher
424 ], $self;
425
426 $self
427} 548}
428 549
429# fork template from current process, used by AnyEvent::Fork::Early/Template 550# fork template from current process, used by AnyEvent::Fork::Early/Template
430sub _new_fork { 551sub _new_fork {
431 my ($fh, $slave) = AnyEvent::Util::portable_socketpair; 552 my ($fh, $slave) = AnyEvent::Util::portable_socketpair;
436 if ($pid eq 0) { 557 if ($pid eq 0) {
437 require AnyEvent::Fork::Serve; 558 require AnyEvent::Fork::Serve;
438 $AnyEvent::Fork::Serve::OWNER = $parent; 559 $AnyEvent::Fork::Serve::OWNER = $parent;
439 close $fh; 560 close $fh;
440 $0 = "$_[1] of $parent"; 561 $0 = "$_[1] of $parent";
441 $SIG{CHLD} = 'IGNORE';
442 AnyEvent::Fork::Serve::serve ($slave); 562 AnyEvent::Fork::Serve::serve ($slave);
443 exit 0; 563 exit 0;
444 } elsif (!$pid) { 564 } elsif (!$pid) {
445 die "AnyEvent::Fork::Early/Template: unable to fork template process: $!"; 565 die "AnyEvent::Fork::Early/Template: unable to fork template process: $!";
446 } 566 }
453Create a new "empty" perl interpreter process and returns its process 573Create a new "empty" perl interpreter process and returns its process
454object for further manipulation. 574object for further manipulation.
455 575
456The new process is forked from a template process that is kept around 576The new process is forked from a template process that is kept around
457for this purpose. When it doesn't exist yet, it is created by a call to 577for this purpose. When it doesn't exist yet, it is created by a call to
458C<new_exec> and kept around for future calls. 578C<new_exec> first and then stays around for future calls.
459
460When the process object is destroyed, it will release the file handle
461that connects it with the new process. When the new process has not yet
462called C<run>, then the process will exit. Otherwise, what happens depends
463entirely on the code that is executed.
464 579
465=cut 580=cut
466 581
467sub new { 582sub new {
468 my $class = shift; 583 my $class = shift;
505 620
506You should use C<new> whenever possible, except when having a template 621You should use C<new> whenever possible, except when having a template
507process around is unacceptable. 622process around is unacceptable.
508 623
509The path to the perl interpreter is divined using various methods - first 624The path to the perl interpreter is divined using various methods - first
510C<$^X> is investigated to see if the path ends with something that sounds 625C<$^X> is investigated to see if the path ends with something that looks
511as if it were the perl interpreter. Failing this, the module falls back to 626as if it were the perl interpreter. Failing this, the module falls back to
512using C<$Config::Config{perlpath}>. 627using C<$Config::Config{perlpath}>.
513 628
629The path to perl can also be overriden by setting the global variable
630C<$AnyEvent::Fork::PERL> - it's value will be used for all subsequent
631invocations.
632
514=cut 633=cut
634
635our $PERL;
515 636
516sub new_exec { 637sub new_exec {
517 my ($self) = @_; 638 my ($self) = @_;
518 639
519 return $EARLY->fork 640 return $EARLY->fork
520 if $EARLY; 641 if $EARLY;
521 642
643 unless (defined $PERL) {
522 # first find path of perl 644 # first find path of perl
523 my $perl = $; 645 my $perl = $^X;
524 646
525 # first we try $^X, but the path must be absolute (always on win32), and end in sth. 647 # first we try $^X, but the path must be absolute (always on win32), and end in sth.
526 # that looks like perl. this obviously only works for posix and win32 648 # that looks like perl. this obviously only works for posix and win32
527 unless ( 649 unless (
528 ($^O eq "MSWin32" || $perl =~ m%^/%) 650 ($^O eq "MSWin32" || $perl =~ m%^/%)
529 && $perl =~ m%[/\\]perl(?:[0-9]+(\.[0-9]+)+)?(\.exe)?$%i 651 && $perl =~ m%[/\\]perl(?:[0-9]+(\.[0-9]+)+)?(\.exe)?$%i
530 ) { 652 ) {
531 # if it doesn't look perlish enough, try Config 653 # if it doesn't look perlish enough, try Config
532 require Config; 654 require Config;
533 $perl = $Config::Config{perlpath}; 655 $perl = $Config::Config{perlpath};
534 $perl =~ s/(?:\Q$Config::Config{_exe}\E)?$/$Config::Config{_exe}/; 656 $perl =~ s/(?:\Q$Config::Config{_exe}\E)?$/$Config::Config{_exe}/;
657 }
658
659 $PERL = $perl;
535 } 660 }
536 661
537 require Proc::FastSpawn; 662 require Proc::FastSpawn;
538 663
539 my ($fh, $slave) = AnyEvent::Util::portable_socketpair; 664 my ($fh, $slave) = AnyEvent::Util::portable_socketpair;
547 #local $ENV{PERL5LIB} = join ":", grep !ref, @INC; 672 #local $ENV{PERL5LIB} = join ":", grep !ref, @INC;
548 my %env = %ENV; 673 my %env = %ENV;
549 $env{PERL5LIB} = join +($^O eq "MSWin32" ? ";" : ":"), grep !ref, @INC; 674 $env{PERL5LIB} = join +($^O eq "MSWin32" ? ";" : ":"), grep !ref, @INC;
550 675
551 my $pid = Proc::FastSpawn::spawn ( 676 my $pid = Proc::FastSpawn::spawn (
552 $perl, 677 $PERL,
553 ["perl", "-MAnyEvent::Fork::Serve", "-e", "AnyEvent::Fork::Serve::me", fileno $slave, $$], 678 [$PERL, "-MAnyEvent::Fork::Serve", "-e", "AnyEvent::Fork::Serve::me", fileno $slave, $$],
554 [map "$_=$env{$_}", keys %env], 679 [map "$_=$env{$_}", keys %env],
555 ) or die "unable to spawn AnyEvent::Fork server: $!"; 680 ) or die "unable to spawn AnyEvent::Fork server: $!";
556 681
557 $self->_new ($fh, $pid) 682 $self->_new ($fh, $pid)
558} 683}
559 684
560=item $pid = $proc->pid 685=item $pid = $proc->pid
561 686
562Returns the process id of the process I<iff it is a direct child of the 687Returns the process id of the process I<iff it is a direct child of the
563process> running AnyEvent::Fork, and C<undef> otherwise. 688process running AnyEvent::Fork>, and C<undef> otherwise. As a general
689rule (that you cannot rely upon), processes created via C<new_exec>,
690L<AnyEvent::Fork::Early> or L<AnyEvent::Fork::Template> are direct
691children, while all other processes are not.
564 692
565Normally, only processes created via C<< AnyEvent::Fork->new_exec >> and 693Or in other words, you do not normally have to take care of zombies for
566L<AnyEvent::Fork::Template> are direct children, and you are responsible 694processes created via C<new>, but when in doubt, or zombies are a problem,
567to clean up their zombies when they die. 695you need to check whether a process is a diretc child by calling this
568 696method, and possibly creating a child watcher or reap it manually.
569All other processes are not direct children, and will be cleaned up by
570AnyEvent::Fork.
571 697
572=cut 698=cut
573 699
574sub pid { 700sub pid {
575 $_[0][0] 701 $_[0][PID]
576} 702}
577 703
578=item $proc = $proc->eval ($perlcode, @args) 704=item $proc = $proc->eval ($perlcode, @args)
579 705
580Evaluates the given C<$perlcode> as ... perl code, while setting C<@_> to 706Evaluates the given C<$perlcode> as ... Perl code, while setting C<@_> to
581the strings specified by C<@args>, in the "main" package. 707the strings specified by C<@args>, in the "main" package.
582 708
583This call is meant to do any custom initialisation that might be required 709This call is meant to do any custom initialisation that might be required
584(for example, the C<require> method uses it). It's not supposed to be used 710(for example, the C<require> method uses it). It's not supposed to be used
585to completely take over the process, use C<run> for that. 711to completely take over the process, use C<run> for that.
586 712
587The code will usually be executed after this call returns, and there is no 713The code will usually be executed after this call returns, and there is no
588way to pass anything back to the calling process. Any evaluation errors 714way to pass anything back to the calling process. Any evaluation errors
589will be reported to stderr and cause the process to exit. 715will be reported to stderr and cause the process to exit.
590 716
591If you want to execute some code to take over the process (see the 717If you want to execute some code (that isn't in a module) to take over the
592"fork+exec" example in the SYNOPSIS), you should compile a function via 718process, you should compile a function via C<eval> first, and then call
593C<eval> first, and then call it via C<run>. This also gives you access to 719it via C<run>. This also gives you access to any arguments passed via the
594any arguments passed via the C<send_xxx> methods, such as file handles. 720C<send_xxx> methods, such as file handles. See the L<use AnyEvent::Fork as
721a faster fork+exec> example to see it in action.
595 722
596Returns the process object for easy chaining of method calls. 723Returns the process object for easy chaining of method calls.
724
725It's common to want to call an iniitalisation function with some
726arguments. Make sure you actually pass C<@_> to that function (for example
727by using C<&name> syntax), and do not just specify a function name:
728
729 $proc->eval ('&MyModule::init', $string1, $string2);
597 730
598=cut 731=cut
599 732
600sub eval { 733sub eval {
601 my ($self, $code, @args) = @_; 734 my ($self, $code, @args) = @_;
625=item $proc = $proc->send_fh ($handle, ...) 758=item $proc = $proc->send_fh ($handle, ...)
626 759
627Send one or more file handles (I<not> file descriptors) to the process, 760Send one or more file handles (I<not> file descriptors) to the process,
628to prepare a call to C<run>. 761to prepare a call to C<run>.
629 762
630The process object keeps a reference to the handles until this is done, 763The process object keeps a reference to the handles until they have
631so you must not explicitly close the handles. This is most easily 764been passed over to the process, so you must not explicitly close the
632accomplished by simply not storing the file handles anywhere after passing 765handles. This is most easily accomplished by simply not storing the file
633them to this method. 766handles anywhere after passing them to this method - when AnyEvent::Fork
767is finished using them, perl will automatically close them.
634 768
635Returns the process object for easy chaining of method calls. 769Returns the process object for easy chaining of method calls.
636 770
637Example: pass a file handle to a process, and release it without 771Example: pass a file handle to a process, and release it without
638closing. It will be closed automatically when it is no longer used. 772closing. It will be closed automatically when it is no longer used.
645sub send_fh { 779sub send_fh {
646 my ($self, @fh) = @_; 780 my ($self, @fh) = @_;
647 781
648 for my $fh (@fh) { 782 for my $fh (@fh) {
649 $self->_cmd ("h"); 783 $self->_cmd ("h");
650 push @{ $self->[2] }, \$fh; 784 push @{ $self->[QUEUE] }, \$fh;
651 } 785 }
652 786
653 $self 787 $self
654} 788}
655 789
656=item $proc = $proc->send_arg ($string, ...) 790=item $proc = $proc->send_arg ($string, ...)
657 791
658Send one or more argument strings to the process, to prepare a call to 792Send one or more argument strings to the process, to prepare a call to
659C<run>. The strings can be any octet string. 793C<run>. The strings can be any octet strings.
660 794
661The protocol is optimised to pass a moderate number of relatively short 795The protocol is optimised to pass a moderate number of relatively short
662strings - while you can pass up to 4GB of data in one go, this is more 796strings - while you can pass up to 4GB of data in one go, this is more
663meant to pass some ID information or other startup info, not big chunks of 797meant to pass some ID information or other startup info, not big chunks of
664data. 798data.
680Enter the function specified by the function name in C<$func> in the 814Enter the function specified by the function name in C<$func> in the
681process. The function is called with the communication socket as first 815process. The function is called with the communication socket as first
682argument, followed by all file handles and string arguments sent earlier 816argument, followed by all file handles and string arguments sent earlier
683via C<send_fh> and C<send_arg> methods, in the order they were called. 817via C<send_fh> and C<send_arg> methods, in the order they were called.
684 818
819The process object becomes unusable on return from this function - any
820further method calls result in undefined behaviour.
821
685The function name should be fully qualified, but if it isn't, it will be 822The function name should be fully qualified, but if it isn't, it will be
686looked up in the main package. 823looked up in the C<main> package.
687 824
688If the called function returns, doesn't exist, or any error occurs, the 825If the called function returns, doesn't exist, or any error occurs, the
689process exits. 826process exits.
690 827
691Preparing the process is done in the background - when all commands have 828Preparing the process is done in the background - when all commands have
692been sent, the callback is invoked with the local communications socket 829been sent, the callback is invoked with the local communications socket
693as argument. At this point you can start using the socket in any way you 830as argument. At this point you can start using the socket in any way you
694like. 831like.
695 832
696The process object becomes unusable on return from this function - any
697further method calls result in undefined behaviour.
698
699If the communication socket isn't used, it should be closed on both sides, 833If the communication socket isn't used, it should be closed on both sides,
700to save on kernel memory. 834to save on kernel memory.
701 835
702The socket is non-blocking in the parent, and blocking in the newly 836The socket is non-blocking in the parent, and blocking in the newly
703created process. The close-on-exec flag is set in both. 837created process. The close-on-exec flag is set in both.
704 838
705Even if not used otherwise, the socket can be a good indicator for the 839Even if not used otherwise, the socket can be a good indicator for the
706existence of the process - if the other process exits, you get a readable 840existence of the process - if the other process exits, you get a readable
707event on it, because exiting the process closes the socket (if it didn't 841event on it, because exiting the process closes the socket (if it didn't
708create any children using fork). 842create any children using fork).
843
844=over 4
845
846=item Compatibility to L<AnyEvent::Fork::Remote>
847
848If you want to write code that works with both this module and
849L<AnyEvent::Fork::Remote>, you need to write your code so that it assumes
850there are two file handles for communications, which might not be unix
851domain sockets. The C<run> function should start like this:
852
853 sub run {
854 my ($rfh, @args) = @_; # @args is your normal arguments
855 my $wfh = fileno $rfh ? $rfh : *STDOUT;
856
857 # now use $rfh for reading and $wfh for writing
858 }
859
860This checks whether the passed file handle is, in fact, the process
861C<STDIN> handle. If it is, then the function was invoked visa
862L<AnyEvent::Fork::Remote>, so STDIN should be used for reading and
863C<STDOUT> should be used for writing.
864
865In all other cases, the function was called via this module, and there is
866only one file handle that should be sued for reading and writing.
867
868=back
709 869
710Example: create a template for a process pool, pass a few strings, some 870Example: create a template for a process pool, pass a few strings, some
711file handles, then fork, pass one more string, and run some code. 871file handles, then fork, pass one more string, and run some code.
712 872
713 my $pool = AnyEvent::Fork 873 my $pool = AnyEvent::Fork
741=cut 901=cut
742 902
743sub run { 903sub run {
744 my ($self, $func, $cb) = @_; 904 my ($self, $func, $cb) = @_;
745 905
746 $self->[4] = $cb; 906 $self->[CB] = $cb;
747 $self->_cmd (r => $func); 907 $self->_cmd (r => $func);
908}
909
910=back
911
912=head2 EXPERIMENTAL METHODS
913
914These methods might go away completely or change behaviour, at any time.
915
916=over 4
917
918=item $proc->to_fh ($cb->($fh)) # EXPERIMENTAL, MIGHT BE REMOVED
919
920Flushes all commands out to the process and then calls the callback with
921the communications socket.
922
923The process object becomes unusable on return from this function - any
924further method calls result in undefined behaviour.
925
926The point of this method is to give you a file handle that you can pass
927to another process. In that other process, you can call C<new_from_fh
928AnyEvent::Fork $fh> to create a new C<AnyEvent::Fork> object from it,
929thereby effectively passing a fork object to another process.
930
931=cut
932
933sub to_fh {
934 my ($self, $cb) = @_;
935
936 $self->[CB] = $cb;
937
938 unless ($self->[WW]) {
939 $self->[CB]->($self->[FH]);
940 @$self = ();
941 }
942}
943
944=item new_from_fh AnyEvent::Fork $fh # EXPERIMENTAL, MIGHT BE REMOVED
945
946Takes a file handle originally rceeived by the C<to_fh> method and creates
947a new C<AnyEvent:Fork> object. The child process itself will not change in
948any way, i.e. it will keep all the modifications done to it before calling
949C<to_fh>.
950
951The new object is very much like the original object, except that the
952C<pid> method will return C<undef> even if the process is a direct child.
953
954=cut
955
956sub new_from_fh {
957 my ($class, $fh) = @_;
958
959 $class->_new ($fh)
748} 960}
749 961
750=back 962=back
751 963
752=head1 PERFORMANCE 964=head1 PERFORMANCE
762 974
763 2079 new processes per second, using manual socketpair + fork 975 2079 new processes per second, using manual socketpair + fork
764 976
765Then I did the same thing, but instead of calling fork, I called 977Then I did the same thing, but instead of calling fork, I called
766AnyEvent::Fork->new->run ("CORE::exit") and then again waited for the 978AnyEvent::Fork->new->run ("CORE::exit") and then again waited for the
767socket form the child to close on exit. This does the same thing as manual 979socket from the child to close on exit. This does the same thing as manual
768socket pair + fork, except that what is forked is the template process 980socket pair + fork, except that what is forked is the template process
769(2440kB), and the socket needs to be passed to the server at the other end 981(2440kB), and the socket needs to be passed to the server at the other end
770of the socket first. 982of the socket first.
771 983
772 2307 new processes per second, using AnyEvent::Fork->new 984 2307 new processes per second, using AnyEvent::Fork->new
777 479 vfork+execs per second, using AnyEvent::Fork->new_exec 989 479 vfork+execs per second, using AnyEvent::Fork->new_exec
778 990
779So how can C<< AnyEvent->new >> be faster than a standard fork, even 991So how can C<< AnyEvent->new >> be faster than a standard fork, even
780though it uses the same operations, but adds a lot of overhead? 992though it uses the same operations, but adds a lot of overhead?
781 993
782The difference is simply the process size: forking the 6MB process takes 994The difference is simply the process size: forking the 5MB process takes
783so much longer than forking the 2.5MB template process that the overhead 995so much longer than forking the 2.5MB template process that the extra
784introduced is canceled out. 996overhead is canceled out.
785 997
786If the benchmark process grows, the normal fork becomes even slower: 998If the benchmark process grows, the normal fork becomes even slower:
787 999
788 1340 new processes, manual fork in a 20MB process 1000 1340 new processes, manual fork of a 20MB process
789 731 new processes, manual fork in a 200MB process 1001 731 new processes, manual fork of a 200MB process
790 235 new processes, manual fork in a 2000MB process 1002 235 new processes, manual fork of a 2000MB process
791 1003
792What that means (to me) is that I can use this module without having a 1004What that means (to me) is that I can use this module without having a bad
793very bad conscience because of the extra overhead required to start new 1005conscience because of the extra overhead required to start new processes.
794processes.
795 1006
796=head1 TYPICAL PROBLEMS 1007=head1 TYPICAL PROBLEMS
797 1008
798This section lists typical problems that remain. I hope by recognising 1009This section lists typical problems that remain. I hope by recognising
799them, most can be avoided. 1010them, most can be avoided.
800 1011
801=over 4 1012=over 4
802 1013
803=item "leaked" file descriptors for exec'ed processes 1014=item leaked file descriptors for exec'ed processes
804 1015
805POSIX systems inherit file descriptors by default when exec'ing a new 1016POSIX systems inherit file descriptors by default when exec'ing a new
806process. While perl itself laudably sets the close-on-exec flags on new 1017process. While perl itself laudably sets the close-on-exec flags on new
807file handles, most C libraries don't care, and even if all cared, it's 1018file handles, most C libraries don't care, and even if all cared, it's
808often not possible to set the flag in a race-free manner. 1019often not possible to set the flag in a race-free manner.
828libraries or the code that leaks those file descriptors. 1039libraries or the code that leaks those file descriptors.
829 1040
830Fortunately, most of these leaked descriptors do no harm, other than 1041Fortunately, most of these leaked descriptors do no harm, other than
831sitting on some resources. 1042sitting on some resources.
832 1043
833=item "leaked" file descriptors for fork'ed processes 1044=item leaked file descriptors for fork'ed processes
834 1045
835Normally, L<AnyEvent::Fork> does start new processes by exec'ing them, 1046Normally, L<AnyEvent::Fork> does start new processes by exec'ing them,
836which closes file descriptors not marked for being inherited. 1047which closes file descriptors not marked for being inherited.
837 1048
838However, L<AnyEvent::Fork::Early> and L<AnyEvent::Fork::Template> offer 1049However, L<AnyEvent::Fork::Early> and L<AnyEvent::Fork::Template> offer
847 1058
848The solution is to either not load these modules before use'ing 1059The solution is to either not load these modules before use'ing
849L<AnyEvent::Fork::Early> or L<AnyEvent::Fork::Template>, or to delay 1060L<AnyEvent::Fork::Early> or L<AnyEvent::Fork::Template>, or to delay
850initialising them, for example, by calling C<init Gtk2> manually. 1061initialising them, for example, by calling C<init Gtk2> manually.
851 1062
852=item exit runs destructors 1063=item exiting calls object destructors
853 1064
854This only applies to users of Lc<AnyEvent::Fork:Early> and 1065This only applies to users of L<AnyEvent::Fork:Early> and
855L<AnyEvent::Fork::Template>. 1066L<AnyEvent::Fork::Template>, or when initialising code creates objects
1067that reference external resources.
856 1068
857When a process created by AnyEvent::Fork exits, it might do so by calling 1069When a process created by AnyEvent::Fork exits, it might do so by calling
858exit, or simply letting perl reach the end of the program. At which point 1070exit, or simply letting perl reach the end of the program. At which point
859Perl runs all destructors. 1071Perl runs all destructors.
860 1072
879to make it so, mostly due to the bloody broken perl that nobody seems to 1091to make it so, mostly due to the bloody broken perl that nobody seems to
880care about. The fork emulation is a bad joke - I have yet to see something 1092care about. The fork emulation is a bad joke - I have yet to see something
881useful that you can do with it without running into memory corruption 1093useful that you can do with it without running into memory corruption
882issues or other braindamage. Hrrrr. 1094issues or other braindamage. Hrrrr.
883 1095
884Cygwin perl is not supported at the moment, as it should implement fd 1096Since fork is endlessly broken on win32 perls (it doesn't even remotely
885passing, but doesn't, and rolling my own is hard, as cygwin doesn't 1097work within it's documented limits) and quite obviously it's not getting
886support enough functionality to do it. 1098improved any time soon, the best way to proceed on windows would be to
1099always use C<new_exec> and thus never rely on perl's fork "emulation".
1100
1101Cygwin perl is not supported at the moment due to some hilarious
1102shortcomings of its API - see L<IO::FDPoll> for more details. If you never
1103use C<send_fh> and always use C<new_exec> to create processes, it should
1104work though.
1105
1106=head1 USING AnyEvent::Fork IN SUBPROCESSES
1107
1108AnyEvent::Fork itself cannot generally be used in subprocesses. As long as
1109only one process ever forks new processes, sharing the template processes
1110is possible (you could use a pipe as a lock by writing a byte into it to
1111unlock, and reading the byte to lock for example)
1112
1113To make concurrent calls possible after fork, you should get rid of the
1114template and early fork processes. AnyEvent::Fork will create a new
1115template process as needed.
1116
1117 undef $AnyEvent::Fork::EARLY;
1118 undef $AnyEvent::Fork::TEMPLATE;
1119
1120It doesn't matter whether you get rid of them in the parent or child after
1121a fork.
887 1122
888=head1 SEE ALSO 1123=head1 SEE ALSO
889 1124
890L<AnyEvent::Fork::Early> (to avoid executing a perl interpreter), 1125L<AnyEvent::Fork::Early>, to avoid executing a perl interpreter at all
1126(part of this distribution).
1127
891L<AnyEvent::Fork::Template> (to create a process by forking the main 1128L<AnyEvent::Fork::Template>, to create a process by forking the main
892program at a convenient time). 1129program at a convenient time (part of this distribution).
893 1130
894=head1 AUTHOR 1131L<AnyEvent::Fork::Remote>, for another way to create processes that is
1132mostly compatible to this module and modules building on top of it, but
1133works better with remote processes.
1134
1135L<AnyEvent::Fork::RPC>, for simple RPC to child processes (on CPAN).
1136
1137L<AnyEvent::Fork::Pool>, for simple worker process pool (on CPAN).
1138
1139=head1 AUTHOR AND CONTACT INFORMATION
895 1140
896 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 1141 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
897 http://home.schmorp.de/ 1142 http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/AnyEvent-Fork
898 1143
899=cut 1144=cut
900 1145
9011 11461
902 1147

Diff Legend

Removed lines
+ Added lines
< Changed lines
> Changed lines