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Revision 1.39 by root, Fri Aug 7 23:21:48 2009 UTC vs.
Revision 1.55 by root, Fri Aug 14 23:17:17 2009 UTC

9 $NODE # contains this node's noderef 9 $NODE # contains this node's noderef
10 NODE # returns this node's noderef 10 NODE # returns this node's noderef
11 NODE $port # returns the noderef of the port 11 NODE $port # returns the noderef of the port
12 12
13 $SELF # receiving/own port id in rcv callbacks 13 $SELF # receiving/own port id in rcv callbacks
14
15 # initialise the node so it can send/receive messages
16 initialise_node; # -OR-
17 initialise_node "localhost:4040"; # -OR-
18 initialise_node "slave/", "localhost:4040"
14 19
15 # ports are message endpoints 20 # ports are message endpoints
16 21
17 # sending messages 22 # sending messages
18 snd $port, type => data...; 23 snd $port, type => data...;
19 snd $port, @msg; 24 snd $port, @msg;
20 snd @msg_with_first_element_being_a_port; 25 snd @msg_with_first_element_being_a_port;
21 26
22 # miniports 27 # creating/using ports, the simple way
23 my $miniport = port { my @msg = @_; 0 }; 28 my $simple_port = port { my @msg = @_; 0 };
24 29
25 # full ports 30 # creating/using ports, tagged message matching
26 my $port = port; 31 my $port = port;
27 rcv $port, smartmatch => $cb->(@msg);
28 rcv $port, ping => sub { snd $_[0], "pong"; 0 }; 32 rcv $port, ping => sub { snd $_[0], "pong"; 0 };
29 rcv $port, pong => sub { warn "pong received\n"; 0 }; 33 rcv $port, pong => sub { warn "pong received\n"; 0 };
30 34
31 # remote ports 35 # create a port on another node
32 my $port = spawn $node, $initfunc, @initdata; 36 my $port = spawn $node, $initfunc, @initdata;
33
34 # more, smarter, matches (_any_ is exported by this module)
35 rcv $port, [child_died => $pid] => sub { ...
36 rcv $port, [_any_, _any_, 3] => sub { .. $_[2] is 3
37 37
38 # monitoring 38 # monitoring
39 mon $port, $cb->(@msg) # callback is invoked on death 39 mon $port, $cb->(@msg) # callback is invoked on death
40 mon $port, $otherport # kill otherport on abnormal death 40 mon $port, $otherport # kill otherport on abnormal death
41 mon $port, $otherport, @msg # send message on death 41 mon $port, $otherport, @msg # send message on death
42 42
43=head1 CURRENT STATUS
44
45 AnyEvent::MP - stable API, should work
46 AnyEvent::MP::Intro - outdated
47 AnyEvent::MP::Kernel - WIP
48 AnyEvent::MP::Transport - mostly stable
49
50 stay tuned.
51
43=head1 DESCRIPTION 52=head1 DESCRIPTION
44 53
45This module (-family) implements a simple message passing framework. 54This module (-family) implements a simple message passing framework.
46 55
47Despite its simplicity, you can securely message other processes running 56Despite its simplicity, you can securely message other processes running
50For an introduction to this module family, see the L<AnyEvent::MP::Intro> 59For an introduction to this module family, see the L<AnyEvent::MP::Intro>
51manual page. 60manual page.
52 61
53At the moment, this module family is severly broken and underdocumented, 62At the moment, this module family is severly broken and underdocumented,
54so do not use. This was uploaded mainly to reserve the CPAN namespace - 63so do not use. This was uploaded mainly to reserve the CPAN namespace -
55stay tuned! The basic API should be finished, however. 64stay tuned!
56 65
57=head1 CONCEPTS 66=head1 CONCEPTS
58 67
59=over 4 68=over 4
60 69
61=item port 70=item port
62 71
63A port is something you can send messages to (with the C<snd> function). 72A port is something you can send messages to (with the C<snd> function).
64 73
65Some ports allow you to register C<rcv> handlers that can match specific 74Ports allow you to register C<rcv> handlers that can match all or just
66messages. All C<rcv> handlers will receive messages they match, messages 75some messages. Messages will not be queued.
67will not be queued.
68 76
69=item port id - C<noderef#portname> 77=item port id - C<noderef#portname>
70 78
71A port id is normaly the concatenation of a noderef, a hash-mark (C<#>) as 79A port ID is the concatenation of a noderef, a hash-mark (C<#>) as
72separator, and a port name (a printable string of unspecified format). An 80separator, and a port name (a printable string of unspecified format). An
73exception is the the node port, whose ID is identical to its node 81exception is the the node port, whose ID is identical to its node
74reference. 82reference.
75 83
76=item node 84=item node
77 85
78A node is a single process containing at least one port - the node 86A node is a single process containing at least one port - the node port,
79port. You can send messages to node ports to find existing ports or to 87which provides nodes to manage each other remotely, and to create new
80create new ports, among other things. 88ports.
81 89
82Nodes are either private (single-process only), slaves (connected to a 90Nodes are either private (single-process only), slaves (connected to a
83master node only) or public nodes (connectable from unrelated nodes). 91master node only) or public nodes (connectable from unrelated nodes).
84 92
85=item noderef - C<host:port,host:port...>, C<id@noderef>, C<id> 93=item noderef - C<host:port,host:port...>, C<id@noderef>, C<id>
105 113
106=cut 114=cut
107 115
108package AnyEvent::MP; 116package AnyEvent::MP;
109 117
110use AnyEvent::MP::Base; 118use AnyEvent::MP::Kernel;
111 119
112use common::sense; 120use common::sense;
113 121
114use Carp (); 122use Carp ();
115 123
116use AE (); 124use AE ();
117 125
118use base "Exporter"; 126use base "Exporter";
119 127
120our $VERSION = '0.1'; 128our $VERSION = $AnyEvent::MP::Kernel::VERSION;
129
121our @EXPORT = qw( 130our @EXPORT = qw(
122 NODE $NODE *SELF node_of _any_ 131 NODE $NODE *SELF node_of _any_
123 resolve_node initialise_node 132 resolve_node initialise_node
124 snd rcv mon kil reg psub spawn 133 snd rcv mon kil reg psub spawn
125 port 134 port
133 kil $SELF, die => $msg; 142 kil $SELF, die => $msg;
134} 143}
135 144
136=item $thisnode = NODE / $NODE 145=item $thisnode = NODE / $NODE
137 146
138The C<NODE> function returns, and the C<$NODE> variable contains 147The C<NODE> function returns, and the C<$NODE> variable contains the
139the noderef of the local node. The value is initialised by a call 148noderef of the local node. The value is initialised by a call to
140to C<become_public> or C<become_slave>, after which all local port 149C<initialise_node>.
141identifiers become invalid.
142 150
143=item $noderef = node_of $port 151=item $noderef = node_of $port
144 152
145Extracts and returns the noderef from a portid or a noderef. 153Extracts and returns the noderef from a port ID or a noderef.
146 154
147=item initialise_node $noderef, $seednode, $seednode... 155=item initialise_node $noderef, $seednode, $seednode...
148 156
149=item initialise_node "slave/", $master, $master... 157=item initialise_node "slave/", $master, $master...
150 158
153it should know the noderefs of some other nodes in the network. 161it should know the noderefs of some other nodes in the network.
154 162
155This function initialises a node - it must be called exactly once (or 163This function initialises a node - it must be called exactly once (or
156never) before calling other AnyEvent::MP functions. 164never) before calling other AnyEvent::MP functions.
157 165
158All arguments are noderefs, which can be either resolved or unresolved. 166All arguments (optionally except for the first) are noderefs, which can be
167either resolved or unresolved.
168
169The first argument will be looked up in the configuration database first
170(if it is C<undef> then the current nodename will be used instead) to find
171the relevant configuration profile (see L<aemp>). If none is found then
172the default configuration is used. The configuration supplies additional
173seed/master nodes and can override the actual noderef.
159 174
160There are two types of networked nodes, public nodes and slave nodes: 175There are two types of networked nodes, public nodes and slave nodes:
161 176
162=over 4 177=over 4
163 178
164=item public nodes 179=item public nodes
165 180
166For public nodes, C<$noderef> must either be a (possibly unresolved) 181For public nodes, C<$noderef> (supplied either directly to
167noderef, in which case it will be resolved, or C<undef> (or missing), in 182C<initialise_node> or indirectly via a profile or the nodename) must be a
168which case the noderef will be guessed. 183noderef (possibly unresolved, in which case it will be resolved).
169 184
170Afterwards, the node will bind itself on all endpoints and try to connect 185After resolving, the node will bind itself on all endpoints and try to
171to all additional C<$seednodes> that are specified. Seednodes are optional 186connect to all additional C<$seednodes> that are specified. Seednodes are
172and can be used to quickly bootstrap the node into an existing network. 187optional and can be used to quickly bootstrap the node into an existing
188network.
173 189
174=item slave nodes 190=item slave nodes
175 191
176When the C<$noderef> is the special string C<slave/>, then the node will 192When the C<$noderef> (either as given or overriden by the config file)
193is the special string C<slave/>, then the node will become a slave
177become a slave node. Slave nodes cannot be contacted from outside and will 194node. Slave nodes cannot be contacted from outside and will route most of
178route most of their traffic to the master node that they attach to. 195their traffic to the master node that they attach to.
179 196
180At least one additional noderef is required: The node will try to connect 197At least one additional noderef is required (either by specifying it
181to all of them and will become a slave attached to the first node it can 198directly or because it is part of the configuration profile): The node
182successfully connect to. 199will try to connect to all of them and will become a slave attached to the
200first node it can successfully connect to.
183 201
184=back 202=back
185 203
186This function will block until all nodes have been resolved and, for slave 204This function will block until all nodes have been resolved and, for slave
187nodes, until it has successfully established a connection to a master 205nodes, until it has successfully established a connection to a master
188server. 206server.
189 207
190Example: become a public node listening on the default node. 208Example: become a public node listening on the guessed noderef, or the one
209specified via C<aemp> for the current node. This should be the most common
210form of invocation for "daemon"-type nodes.
191 211
192 initialise_node; 212 initialise_node;
213
214Example: become a slave node to any of the the seednodes specified via
215C<aemp>. This form is often used for commandline clients.
216
217 initialise_node "slave/";
218
219Example: become a slave node to any of the specified master servers. This
220form is also often used for commandline clients.
221
222 initialise_node "slave/", "master1", "192.168.13.17", "mp.example.net";
193 223
194Example: become a public node, and try to contact some well-known master 224Example: become a public node, and try to contact some well-known master
195servers to become part of the network. 225servers to become part of the network.
196 226
197 initialise_node undef, "master1", "master2"; 227 initialise_node undef, "master1", "master2";
200 230
201 initialise_node 4041; 231 initialise_node 4041;
202 232
203Example: become a public node, only visible on localhost port 4044. 233Example: become a public node, only visible on localhost port 4044.
204 234
205 initialise_node "locahost:4044"; 235 initialise_node "localhost:4044";
206
207Example: become a slave node to any of the specified master servers.
208
209 initialise_node "slave/", "master1", "192.168.13.17", "mp.example.net";
210 236
211=item $cv = resolve_node $noderef 237=item $cv = resolve_node $noderef
212 238
213Takes an unresolved node reference that may contain hostnames and 239Takes an unresolved node reference that may contain hostnames and
214abbreviated IDs, resolves all of them and returns a resolved node 240abbreviated IDs, resolves all of them and returns a resolved node
251=item snd $port, type => @data 277=item snd $port, type => @data
252 278
253=item snd $port, @msg 279=item snd $port, @msg
254 280
255Send the given message to the given port ID, which can identify either 281Send the given message to the given port ID, which can identify either
256a local or a remote port, and can be either a string or soemthignt hat 282a local or a remote port, and must be a port ID.
257stringifies a sa port ID (such as a port object :).
258 283
259While the message can be about anything, it is highly recommended to use a 284While the message can be about anything, it is highly recommended to use a
260string as first element (a portid, or some word that indicates a request 285string as first element (a port ID, or some word that indicates a request
261type etc.). 286type etc.).
262 287
263The message data effectively becomes read-only after a call to this 288The message data effectively becomes read-only after a call to this
264function: modifying any argument is not allowed and can cause many 289function: modifying any argument is not allowed and can cause many
265problems. 290problems.
270that Storable can serialise and deserialise is allowed, and for the local 295that Storable can serialise and deserialise is allowed, and for the local
271node, anything can be passed. 296node, anything can be passed.
272 297
273=item $local_port = port 298=item $local_port = port
274 299
275Create a new local port object that can be used either as a pattern 300Create a new local port object and returns its port ID. Initially it has
276matching port ("full port") or a single-callback port ("miniport"), 301no callbacks set and will throw an error when it receives messages.
277depending on how C<rcv> callbacks are bound to the object.
278 302
279=item $port = port { my @msg = @_; $finished } 303=item $local_port = port { my @msg = @_ }
280 304
281Creates a "miniport", that is, a very lightweight port without any pattern 305Creates a new local port, and returns its ID. Semantically the same as
282matching behind it, and returns its ID. Semantically the same as creating
283a port and calling C<rcv $port, $callback> on it. 306creating a port and calling C<rcv $port, $callback> on it.
284 307
285The block will be called for every message received on the port. When the 308The block will be called for every message received on the port, with the
286callback returns a true value its job is considered "done" and the port 309global variable C<$SELF> set to the port ID. Runtime errors will cause the
287will be destroyed. Otherwise it will stay alive. 310port to be C<kil>ed. The message will be passed as-is, no extra argument
311(i.e. no port ID) will be passed to the callback.
288 312
289The message will be passed as-is, no extra argument (i.e. no port id) will 313If you want to stop/destroy the port, simply C<kil> it:
290be passed to the callback.
291 314
292If you need the local port id in the callback, this works nicely: 315 my $port = port {
293 316 my @msg = @_;
294 my $port; $port = port { 317 ...
295 snd $otherport, reply => $port; 318 kil $SELF;
296 }; 319 };
297 320
298=cut 321=cut
299 322
300sub rcv($@); 323sub rcv($@);
324
325sub _kilme {
326 die "received message on port without callback";
327}
301 328
302sub port(;&) { 329sub port(;&) {
303 my $id = "$UNIQ." . $ID++; 330 my $id = "$UNIQ." . $ID++;
304 my $port = "$NODE#$id"; 331 my $port = "$NODE#$id";
305 332
306 if (@_) { 333 rcv $port, shift || \&_kilme;
307 rcv $port, shift;
308 } else {
309 $PORT{$id} = sub { }; # nop
310 }
311 334
312 $port 335 $port
313} 336}
314 337
315=item reg $port, $name
316
317=item reg $name
318
319Registers the given port (or C<$SELF><<< if missing) under the name
320C<$name>. If the name already exists it is replaced.
321
322A port can only be registered under one well known name.
323
324A port automatically becomes unregistered when it is killed.
325
326=cut
327
328sub reg(@) {
329 my $port = @_ > 1 ? shift : $SELF || Carp::croak 'reg: called with one argument only, but $SELF not set,';
330
331 $REG{$_[0]} = $port;
332}
333
334=item rcv $port, $callback->(@msg) 338=item rcv $local_port, $callback->(@msg)
335 339
336Replaces the callback on the specified miniport (after converting it to 340Replaces the default callback on the specified port. There is no way to
337one if required). 341remove the default callback: use C<sub { }> to disable it, or better
338 342C<kil> the port when it is no longer needed.
339=item rcv $port, tagstring => $callback->(@msg), ...
340
341=item rcv $port, $smartmatch => $callback->(@msg), ...
342
343=item rcv $port, [$smartmatch...] => $callback->(@msg), ...
344
345Register callbacks to be called on matching messages on the given full
346port (after converting it to one if required) and return the port.
347
348The callback has to return a true value when its work is done, after
349which is will be removed, or a false value in which case it will stay
350registered.
351 343
352The global C<$SELF> (exported by this module) contains C<$port> while 344The global C<$SELF> (exported by this module) contains C<$port> while
353executing the callback. 345executing the callback. Runtime errors during callback execution will
346result in the port being C<kil>ed.
354 347
355Runtime errors during callback execution will result in the port being 348The default callback received all messages not matched by a more specific
356C<kil>ed. 349C<tag> match.
357 350
358If the match is an array reference, then it will be matched against the 351=item rcv $local_port, tag => $callback->(@msg_without_tag), ...
359first elements of the message, otherwise only the first element is being
360matched.
361 352
362Any element in the match that is specified as C<_any_> (a function 353Register (or replace) callbacks to be called on messages starting with the
363exported by this module) matches any single element of the message. 354given tag on the given port (and return the port), or unregister it (when
355C<$callback> is C<$undef> or missing). There can only be one callback
356registered for each tag.
364 357
365While not required, it is highly recommended that the first matching 358The original message will be passed to the callback, after the first
366element is a string identifying the message. The one-string-only match is 359element (the tag) has been removed. The callback will use the same
367also the most efficient match (by far). 360environment as the default callback (see above).
368 361
369Example: create a port and bind receivers on it in one go. 362Example: create a port and bind receivers on it in one go.
370 363
371 my $port = rcv port, 364 my $port = rcv port,
372 msg1 => sub { ...; 0 }, 365 msg1 => sub { ... },
373 msg2 => sub { ...; 0 }, 366 msg2 => sub { ... },
374 ; 367 ;
375 368
376Example: create a port, bind receivers and send it in a message elsewhere 369Example: create a port, bind receivers and send it in a message elsewhere
377in one go: 370in one go:
378 371
379 snd $otherport, reply => 372 snd $otherport, reply =>
380 rcv port, 373 rcv port,
381 msg1 => sub { ...; 0 }, 374 msg1 => sub { ... },
382 ... 375 ...
383 ; 376 ;
377
378Example: temporarily register a rcv callback for a tag matching some port
379(e.g. for a rpc reply) and unregister it after a message was received.
380
381 rcv $port, $otherport => sub {
382 my @reply = @_;
383
384 rcv $SELF, $otherport;
385 };
384 386
385=cut 387=cut
386 388
387sub rcv($@) { 389sub rcv($@) {
388 my $port = shift; 390 my $port = shift;
389 my ($noderef, $portid) = split /#/, $port, 2; 391 my ($noderef, $portid) = split /#/, $port, 2;
390 392
391 ($NODE{$noderef} || add_node $noderef) == $NODE{""} 393 ($NODE{$noderef} || add_node $noderef) == $NODE{""}
392 or Carp::croak "$port: rcv can only be called on local ports, caught"; 394 or Carp::croak "$port: rcv can only be called on local ports, caught";
393 395
394 if (@_ == 1) { 396 while (@_) {
397 if (ref $_[0]) {
398 if (my $self = $PORT_DATA{$portid}) {
399 "AnyEvent::MP::Port" eq ref $self
400 or Carp::croak "$port: rcv can only be called on message matching ports, caught";
401
402 $self->[2] = shift;
403 } else {
395 my $cb = shift; 404 my $cb = shift;
396 delete $PORT_DATA{$portid};
397 $PORT{$portid} = sub { 405 $PORT{$portid} = sub {
398 local $SELF = $port; 406 local $SELF = $port;
399 eval { 407 eval { &$cb }; _self_die if $@;
400 &$cb 408 };
401 and kil $port;
402 }; 409 }
403 _self_die if $@; 410 } elsif (defined $_[0]) {
404 };
405 } else {
406 my $self = $PORT_DATA{$portid} ||= do { 411 my $self = $PORT_DATA{$portid} ||= do {
407 my $self = bless { 412 my $self = bless [$PORT{$port} || sub { }, { }, $port], "AnyEvent::MP::Port";
408 id => $port,
409 }, "AnyEvent::MP::Port";
410 413
411 $PORT{$portid} = sub { 414 $PORT{$portid} = sub {
412 local $SELF = $port; 415 local $SELF = $port;
413 416
414 eval {
415 for (@{ $self->{rc0}{$_[0]} }) { 417 if (my $cb = $self->[1]{$_[0]}) {
416 $_ && &{$_->[0]} 418 shift;
417 && undef $_; 419 eval { &$cb }; _self_die if $@;
418 } 420 } else {
419
420 for (@{ $self->{rcv}{$_[0]} }) {
421 $_ && [@_[1 .. @{$_->[1]}]] ~~ $_->[1]
422 && &{$_->[0]} 421 &{ $self->[0] };
423 && undef $_;
424 }
425
426 for (@{ $self->{any} }) {
427 $_ && [@_[0 .. $#{$_->[1]}]] ~~ $_->[1]
428 && &{$_->[0]}
429 && undef $_;
430 } 422 }
431 }; 423 };
432 _self_die if $@; 424
425 $self
433 }; 426 };
434 427
435 $self
436 };
437
438 "AnyEvent::MP::Port" eq ref $self 428 "AnyEvent::MP::Port" eq ref $self
439 or Carp::croak "$port: rcv can only be called on message matching ports, caught"; 429 or Carp::croak "$port: rcv can only be called on message matching ports, caught";
440 430
441 while (@_) {
442 my ($match, $cb) = splice @_, 0, 2; 431 my ($tag, $cb) = splice @_, 0, 2;
443 432
444 if (!ref $match) { 433 if (defined $cb) {
445 push @{ $self->{rc0}{$match} }, [$cb]; 434 $self->[1]{$tag} = $cb;
446 } elsif (("ARRAY" eq ref $match && !ref $match->[0])) {
447 my ($type, @match) = @$match;
448 @match
449 ? push @{ $self->{rcv}{$match->[0]} }, [$cb, \@match]
450 : push @{ $self->{rc0}{$match->[0]} }, [$cb];
451 } else { 435 } else {
452 push @{ $self->{any} }, [$cb, $match]; 436 delete $self->[1]{$tag};
453 } 437 }
454 } 438 }
455 } 439 }
456 440
457 $port 441 $port
501 485
502=item $guard = mon $port 486=item $guard = mon $port
503 487
504=item $guard = mon $port, $rcvport, @msg 488=item $guard = mon $port, $rcvport, @msg
505 489
506Monitor the given port and do something when the port is killed, and 490Monitor the given port and do something when the port is killed or
507optionally return a guard that can be used to stop monitoring again. 491messages to it were lost, and optionally return a guard that can be used
492to stop monitoring again.
493
494C<mon> effectively guarantees that, in the absence of hardware failures,
495that after starting the monitor, either all messages sent to the port
496will arrive, or the monitoring action will be invoked after possible
497message loss has been detected. No messages will be lost "in between"
498(after the first lost message no further messages will be received by the
499port). After the monitoring action was invoked, further messages might get
500delivered again.
508 501
509In the first form (callback), the callback is simply called with any 502In the first form (callback), the callback is simply called with any
510number of C<@reason> elements (no @reason means that the port was deleted 503number of C<@reason> elements (no @reason means that the port was deleted
511"normally"). Note also that I<< the callback B<must> never die >>, so use 504"normally"). Note also that I<< the callback B<must> never die >>, so use
512C<eval> if unsure. 505C<eval> if unsure.
513 506
514In the second form (another port given), the other port (C<$rcvport) 507In the second form (another port given), the other port (C<$rcvport>)
515will be C<kil>'ed with C<@reason>, iff a @reason was specified, i.e. on 508will be C<kil>'ed with C<@reason>, iff a @reason was specified, i.e. on
516"normal" kils nothing happens, while under all other conditions, the other 509"normal" kils nothing happens, while under all other conditions, the other
517port is killed with the same reason. 510port is killed with the same reason.
518 511
519The third form (kill self) is the same as the second form, except that 512The third form (kill self) is the same as the second form, except that
546sub mon { 539sub mon {
547 my ($noderef, $port) = split /#/, shift, 2; 540 my ($noderef, $port) = split /#/, shift, 2;
548 541
549 my $node = $NODE{$noderef} || add_node $noderef; 542 my $node = $NODE{$noderef} || add_node $noderef;
550 543
551 my $cb = @_ ? $_[0] : $SELF || Carp::croak 'mon: called with one argument only, but $SELF not set,'; 544 my $cb = @_ ? shift : $SELF || Carp::croak 'mon: called with one argument only, but $SELF not set,';
552 545
553 unless (ref $cb) { 546 unless (ref $cb) {
554 if (@_) { 547 if (@_) {
555 # send a kill info message 548 # send a kill info message
556 my (@msg) = @_; 549 my (@msg) = ($cb, @_);
557 $cb = sub { snd @msg, @_ }; 550 $cb = sub { snd @msg, @_ };
558 } else { 551 } else {
559 # simply kill other port 552 # simply kill other port
560 my $port = $cb; 553 my $port = $cb;
561 $cb = sub { kil $port, @_ if @_ }; 554 $cb = sub { kil $port, @_ if @_ };
620The port ID of the newly created port is return immediately, and it is 613The port ID of the newly created port is return immediately, and it is
621permissible to immediately start sending messages or monitor the port. 614permissible to immediately start sending messages or monitor the port.
622 615
623After the port has been created, the init function is 616After the port has been created, the init function is
624called. This function must be a fully-qualified function name 617called. This function must be a fully-qualified function name
625(e.g. C<MyApp::Chat::Server::init>). 618(e.g. C<MyApp::Chat::Server::init>). To specify a function in the main
619program, use C<::name>.
626 620
627If the function doesn't exist, then the node tries to C<require> 621If the function doesn't exist, then the node tries to C<require>
628the package, then the package above the package and so on (e.g. 622the package, then the package above the package and so on (e.g.
629C<MyApp::Chat::Server>, C<MyApp::Chat>, C<MyApp>) until the function 623C<MyApp::Chat::Server>, C<MyApp::Chat>, C<MyApp>) until the function
630exists or it runs out of package names. 624exists or it runs out of package names.
672 my $id = "$RUNIQ." . $ID++; 666 my $id = "$RUNIQ." . $ID++;
673 667
674 $_[0] =~ /::/ 668 $_[0] =~ /::/
675 or Carp::croak "spawn init function must be a fully-qualified name, caught"; 669 or Carp::croak "spawn init function must be a fully-qualified name, caught";
676 670
677 ($NODE{$noderef} || add_node $noderef) 671 snd_to_func $noderef, "AnyEvent::MP::_spawn" => $id, @_;
678 ->send (["", "AnyEvent::MP::_spawn" => $id, @_]);
679 672
680 "$noderef#$id" 673 "$noderef#$id"
681} 674}
682 675
683=back 676=back
751convenience functionality. 744convenience functionality.
752 745
753This means that AEMP requires a less tightly controlled environment at the 746This means that AEMP requires a less tightly controlled environment at the
754cost of longer node references and a slightly higher management overhead. 747cost of longer node references and a slightly higher management overhead.
755 748
749=item * Erlang has a "remote ports are like local ports" philosophy, AEMP
750uses "local ports are like remote ports".
751
752The failure modes for local ports are quite different (runtime errors
753only) then for remote ports - when a local port dies, you I<know> it dies,
754when a connection to another node dies, you know nothing about the other
755port.
756
757Erlang pretends remote ports are as reliable as local ports, even when
758they are not.
759
760AEMP encourages a "treat remote ports differently" philosophy, with local
761ports being the special case/exception, where transport errors cannot
762occur.
763
756=item * Erlang uses processes and a mailbox, AEMP does not queue. 764=item * Erlang uses processes and a mailbox, AEMP does not queue.
757 765
758Erlang uses processes that selctively receive messages, and therefore 766Erlang uses processes that selectively receive messages, and therefore
759needs a queue. AEMP is event based, queuing messages would serve no useful 767needs a queue. AEMP is event based, queuing messages would serve no
760purpose. 768useful purpose. For the same reason the pattern-matching abilities of
769AnyEvent::MP are more limited, as there is little need to be able to
770filter messages without dequeing them.
761 771
762(But see L<Coro::MP> for a more Erlang-like process model on top of AEMP). 772(But see L<Coro::MP> for a more Erlang-like process model on top of AEMP).
763 773
764=item * Erlang sends are synchronous, AEMP sends are asynchronous. 774=item * Erlang sends are synchronous, AEMP sends are asynchronous.
765 775
766Sending messages in Erlang is synchronous and blocks the process. AEMP 776Sending messages in Erlang is synchronous and blocks the process (and
767sends are immediate, connection establishment is handled in the 777so does not need a queue that can overflow). AEMP sends are immediate,
768background. 778connection establishment is handled in the background.
769 779
770=item * Erlang can silently lose messages, AEMP cannot. 780=item * Erlang suffers from silent message loss, AEMP does not.
771 781
772Erlang makes few guarantees on messages delivery - messages can get lost 782Erlang makes few guarantees on messages delivery - messages can get lost
773without any of the processes realising it (i.e. you send messages a, b, 783without any of the processes realising it (i.e. you send messages a, b,
774and c, and the other side only receives messages a and c). 784and c, and the other side only receives messages a and c).
775 785
787eventually be killed - it cannot happen that a node detects a port as dead 797eventually be killed - it cannot happen that a node detects a port as dead
788and then later sends messages to it, finding it is still alive. 798and then later sends messages to it, finding it is still alive.
789 799
790=item * Erlang can send messages to the wrong port, AEMP does not. 800=item * Erlang can send messages to the wrong port, AEMP does not.
791 801
792In Erlang it is quite possible that a node that restarts reuses a process 802In Erlang it is quite likely that a node that restarts reuses a process ID
793ID known to other nodes for a completely different process, causing 803known to other nodes for a completely different process, causing messages
794messages destined for that process to end up in an unrelated process. 804destined for that process to end up in an unrelated process.
795 805
796AEMP never reuses port IDs, so old messages or old port IDs floating 806AEMP never reuses port IDs, so old messages or old port IDs floating
797around in the network will not be sent to an unrelated port. 807around in the network will not be sent to an unrelated port.
798 808
799=item * Erlang uses unprotected connections, AEMP uses secure 809=item * Erlang uses unprotected connections, AEMP uses secure
835This also saves round-trips and avoids sending messages to the wrong port 845This also saves round-trips and avoids sending messages to the wrong port
836(hard to do in Erlang). 846(hard to do in Erlang).
837 847
838=back 848=back
839 849
850=head1 RATIONALE
851
852=over 4
853
854=item Why strings for ports and noderefs, why not objects?
855
856We considered "objects", but found that the actual number of methods
857thatc an be called are very low. Since port IDs and noderefs travel over
858the network frequently, the serialising/deserialising would add lots of
859overhead, as well as having to keep a proxy object.
860
861Strings can easily be printed, easily serialised etc. and need no special
862procedures to be "valid".
863
864And a a miniport consists of a single closure stored in a global hash - it
865can't become much cheaper.
866
867=item Why favour JSON, why not real serialising format such as Storable?
868
869In fact, any AnyEvent::MP node will happily accept Storable as framing
870format, but currently there is no way to make a node use Storable by
871default.
872
873The default framing protocol is JSON because a) JSON::XS is many times
874faster for small messages and b) most importantly, after years of
875experience we found that object serialisation is causing more problems
876than it gains: Just like function calls, objects simply do not travel
877easily over the network, mostly because they will always be a copy, so you
878always have to re-think your design.
879
880Keeping your messages simple, concentrating on data structures rather than
881objects, will keep your messages clean, tidy and efficient.
882
883=back
884
840=head1 SEE ALSO 885=head1 SEE ALSO
841 886
842L<AnyEvent>. 887L<AnyEvent>.
843 888
844=head1 AUTHOR 889=head1 AUTHOR

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