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Revision 1.54 by root, Fri Aug 14 16:15:37 2009 UTC

8 8
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
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"
19
20 # ports are message endpoints
21
22 # sending messages
13 snd $port, type => data...; 23 snd $port, type => data...;
24 snd $port, @msg;
25 snd @msg_with_first_element_being_a_port;
14 26
15 $SELF # receiving/own port id in rcv callbacks 27 # creating/using ports, the simple way
28 my $simple_port = port { my @msg = @_; 0 };
16 29
17 rcv $port, smartmatch => $cb->($port, @msg); 30 # creating/using ports, tagged message matching
18 31 my $port = port;
19 # examples:
20 rcv $port2, ping => sub { snd $_[0], "pong"; 0 }; 32 rcv $port, ping => sub { snd $_[0], "pong"; 0 };
21 rcv $port1, pong => sub { warn "pong received\n" }; 33 rcv $port, pong => sub { warn "pong received\n"; 0 };
22 snd $port2, ping => $port1;
23 34
24 # more, smarter, matches (_any_ is exported by this module) 35 # create a port on another node
25 rcv $port, [child_died => $pid] => sub { ... 36 my $port = spawn $node, $initfunc, @initdata;
26 rcv $port, [_any_, _any_, 3] => sub { .. $_[2] is 3 37
38 # monitoring
39 mon $port, $cb->(@msg) # callback is invoked on death
40 mon $port, $otherport # kill otherport on abnormal death
41 mon $port, $otherport, @msg # send message on death
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46 AnyEvent::MP::Intro - outdated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.
27 51
28=head1 DESCRIPTION 52=head1 DESCRIPTION
29 53
30This module (-family) implements a simple message passing framework. 54This module (-family) implements a simple message passing framework.
31 55
35For 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>
36manual page. 60manual page.
37 61
38At the moment, this module family is severly broken and underdocumented, 62At the moment, this module family is severly broken and underdocumented,
39so 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 -
40stay tuned! The basic API should be finished, however. 64stay tuned!
41 65
42=head1 CONCEPTS 66=head1 CONCEPTS
43 67
44=over 4 68=over 4
45 69
46=item port 70=item port
47 71
48A 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).
49 73
50Some 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
51messages. All C<rcv> handlers will receive messages they match, messages 75some messages. Messages will not be queued.
52will not be queued.
53 76
54=item port id - C<noderef#portname> 77=item port id - C<noderef#portname>
55 78
56A 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
57separator, and a port name (a printable string of unspecified format). An 80separator, and a port name (a printable string of unspecified format). An
58exception 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
59reference. 82reference.
60 83
61=item node 84=item node
62 85
63A 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,
64port. 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
65create new ports, among other things. 88ports.
66 89
67Nodes are either private (single-process only), slaves (connected to a 90Nodes are either private (single-process only), slaves (connected to a
68master node only) or public nodes (connectable from unrelated nodes). 91master node only) or public nodes (connectable from unrelated nodes).
69 92
70=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>
90 113
91=cut 114=cut
92 115
93package AnyEvent::MP; 116package AnyEvent::MP;
94 117
95use AnyEvent::MP::Base; 118use AnyEvent::MP::Kernel;
96 119
97use common::sense; 120use common::sense;
98 121
99use Carp (); 122use Carp ();
100 123
101use AE (); 124use AE ();
102 125
103use base "Exporter"; 126use base "Exporter";
104 127
105our $VERSION = '0.1'; 128our $VERSION = $AnyEvent::MP::Kernel::VERSION;
129
106our @EXPORT = qw( 130our @EXPORT = qw(
107 NODE $NODE *SELF node_of _any_ 131 NODE $NODE *SELF node_of _any_
108 resolve_node initialise_node 132 resolve_node initialise_node
109 snd rcv mon kil reg psub 133 snd rcv mon kil reg psub spawn
110 port 134 port
111); 135);
112 136
113our $SELF; 137our $SELF;
114 138
118 kil $SELF, die => $msg; 142 kil $SELF, die => $msg;
119} 143}
120 144
121=item $thisnode = NODE / $NODE 145=item $thisnode = NODE / $NODE
122 146
123The C<NODE> function returns, and the C<$NODE> variable contains 147The C<NODE> function returns, and the C<$NODE> variable contains the
124the 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
125to C<become_public> or C<become_slave>, after which all local port 149C<initialise_node>.
126identifiers become invalid.
127 150
128=item $noderef = node_of $port 151=item $noderef = node_of $port
129 152
130Extracts and returns the noderef from a portid or a noderef. 153Extracts and returns the noderef from a port ID or a noderef.
131 154
132=item initialise_node $noderef, $seednode, $seednode... 155=item initialise_node $noderef, $seednode, $seednode...
133 156
134=item initialise_node "slave/", $master, $master... 157=item initialise_node "slave/", $master, $master...
135 158
138it should know the noderefs of some other nodes in the network. 161it should know the noderefs of some other nodes in the network.
139 162
140This function initialises a node - it must be called exactly once (or 163This function initialises a node - it must be called exactly once (or
141never) before calling other AnyEvent::MP functions. 164never) before calling other AnyEvent::MP functions.
142 165
143All arguments are noderefs, which can be either resolved or unresolved. 166All arguments (optionally except for the first) are noderefs, which can be
167either resolved or unresolved.
168
169The first argument will be looked up in the configuration database first
170(if it is C<undef> then the current nodename will be used instead) to find
171the relevant configuration profile (see L<aemp>). If none is found then
172the default configuration is used. The configuration supplies additional
173seed/master nodes and can override the actual noderef.
144 174
145There are two types of networked nodes, public nodes and slave nodes: 175There are two types of networked nodes, public nodes and slave nodes:
146 176
147=over 4 177=over 4
148 178
149=item public nodes 179=item public nodes
150 180
151For public nodes, C<$noderef> must either be a (possibly unresolved) 181For public nodes, C<$noderef> (supplied either directly to
152noderef, in which case it will be resolved, or C<undef> (or missing), in 182C<initialise_node> or indirectly via a profile or the nodename) must be a
153which case the noderef will be guessed. 183noderef (possibly unresolved, in which case it will be resolved).
154 184
155Afterwards, the node will bind itself on all endpoints and try to connect 185After resolving, the node will bind itself on all endpoints and try to
156to all additional C<$seednodes> that are specified. Seednodes are optional 186connect to all additional C<$seednodes> that are specified. Seednodes are
157and can be used to quickly bootstrap the node into an existing network. 187optional and can be used to quickly bootstrap the node into an existing
188network.
158 189
159=item slave nodes 190=item slave nodes
160 191
161When the C<$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
162become 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
163route most of their traffic to the master node that they attach to. 195their traffic to the master node that they attach to.
164 196
165At least one additional noderef is required: The node will try to connect 197At least one additional noderef is required (either by specifying it
166to 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
167successfully 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.
168 201
169=back 202=back
170 203
171This 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
172nodes, until it has successfully established a connection to a master 205nodes, until it has successfully established a connection to a master
173server. 206server.
174 207
175Example: 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.
176 211
177 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";
178 223
179Example: 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
180servers to become part of the network. 225servers to become part of the network.
181 226
182 initialise_node undef, "master1", "master2"; 227 initialise_node undef, "master1", "master2";
185 230
186 initialise_node 4041; 231 initialise_node 4041;
187 232
188Example: become a public node, only visible on localhost port 4044. 233Example: become a public node, only visible on localhost port 4044.
189 234
190 initialise_node "locahost:4044"; 235 initialise_node "localhost:4044";
191
192Example: become a slave node to any of the specified master servers.
193
194 initialise_node "slave/", "master1", "192.168.13.17", "mp.example.net";
195 236
196=item $cv = resolve_node $noderef 237=item $cv = resolve_node $noderef
197 238
198Takes an unresolved node reference that may contain hostnames and 239Takes an unresolved node reference that may contain hostnames and
199abbreviated IDs, resolves all of them and returns a resolved node 240abbreviated IDs, resolves all of them and returns a resolved node
236=item snd $port, type => @data 277=item snd $port, type => @data
237 278
238=item snd $port, @msg 279=item snd $port, @msg
239 280
240Send 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
241a 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.
242stringifies a sa port ID (such as a port object :).
243 283
244While 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
245string 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
246type etc.). 286type etc.).
247 287
248The message data effectively becomes read-only after a call to this 288The message data effectively becomes read-only after a call to this
249function: modifying any argument is not allowed and can cause many 289function: modifying any argument is not allowed and can cause many
250problems. 290problems.
255that Storable can serialise and deserialise is allowed, and for the local 295that Storable can serialise and deserialise is allowed, and for the local
256node, anything can be passed. 296node, anything can be passed.
257 297
258=item $local_port = port 298=item $local_port = port
259 299
260Create 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
261matching port ("full port") or a single-callback port ("miniport"), 301no callbacks set and will throw an error when it receives messages.
262depending on how C<rcv> callbacks are bound to the object.
263 302
264=item $port = port { my @msg = @_; $finished } 303=item $local_port = port { my @msg = @_ }
265 304
266Creates a "miniport", that is, a very lightweight port without any pattern 305Creates a new local port, and returns its ID. Semantically the same as
267matching behind it, and returns its ID. Semantically the same as creating
268a port and calling C<rcv $port, $callback> on it. 306creating a port and calling C<rcv $port, $callback> on it.
269 307
270The block will be called for every message received on the port. When the 308The block will be called for every message received on the port, with the
271callback returns a true value its job is considered "done" and the port 309global variable C<$SELF> set to the port ID. Runtime errors will cause the
272will 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.
273 312
274The 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:
275be passed to the callback.
276 314
277If you need the local port id in the callback, this works nicely: 315 my $port = port {
278 316 my @msg = @_;
279 my $port; $port = port { 317 ...
280 snd $otherport, reply => $port; 318 kil $SELF;
281 }; 319 };
282 320
283=cut 321=cut
284 322
285sub rcv($@); 323sub rcv($@);
324
325sub _kilme {
326 die "received message on port without callback";
327}
286 328
287sub port(;&) { 329sub port(;&) {
288 my $id = "$UNIQ." . $ID++; 330 my $id = "$UNIQ." . $ID++;
289 my $port = "$NODE#$id"; 331 my $port = "$NODE#$id";
290 332
291 if (@_) { 333 rcv $port, shift || \&_kilme;
292 rcv $port, shift;
293 } else {
294 $PORT{$id} = sub { }; # nop
295 }
296 334
297 $port 335 $port
298} 336}
299 337
300=item reg $port, $name
301
302Registers the given port under the name C<$name>. If the name already
303exists it is replaced.
304
305A port can only be registered under one well known name.
306
307A port automatically becomes unregistered when it is killed.
308
309=cut
310
311sub reg(@) {
312 my ($port, $name) = @_;
313
314 $REG{$name} = $port;
315}
316
317=item rcv $port, $callback->(@msg) 338=item rcv $local_port, $callback->(@msg)
318 339
319Replaces the callback on the specified miniport (after converting it to 340Replaces the default callback on the specified port. There is no way to
320one if required). 341remove the default callback: use C<sub { }> to disable it, or better
321 342C<kil> the port when it is no longer needed.
322=item rcv $port, tagstring => $callback->(@msg), ...
323
324=item rcv $port, $smartmatch => $callback->(@msg), ...
325
326=item rcv $port, [$smartmatch...] => $callback->(@msg), ...
327
328Register callbacks to be called on matching messages on the given full
329port (after converting it to one if required).
330
331The callback has to return a true value when its work is done, after
332which is will be removed, or a false value in which case it will stay
333registered.
334 343
335The global C<$SELF> (exported by this module) contains C<$port> while 344The global C<$SELF> (exported by this module) contains C<$port> while
336executing the callback. 345executing the callback. Runtime errors during callback execution will
346result in the port being C<kil>ed.
337 347
338Runtime errors wdurign callback execution will result in the port being 348The default callback received all messages not matched by a more specific
339C<kil>ed. 349C<tag> match.
340 350
341If the match is an array reference, then it will be matched against the 351=item rcv $local_port, tag => $callback->(@msg_without_tag), ...
342first elements of the message, otherwise only the first element is being
343matched.
344 352
345Any element in the match that is specified as C<_any_> (a function 353Register (or replace) callbacks to be called on messages starting with the
346exported by this module) matches any single element of the message. 354given tag on the given port (and return the port), or unregister it (when
355C<$callback> is C<$undef> or missing). There can only be one callback
356registered for each tag.
347 357
348While not required, it is highly recommended that the first matching 358The original message will be passed to the callback, after the first
349element is a string identifying the message. The one-string-only match is 359element (the tag) has been removed. The callback will use the same
350also the most efficient match (by far). 360environment as the default callback (see above).
361
362Example: create a port and bind receivers on it in one go.
363
364 my $port = rcv port,
365 msg1 => sub { ... },
366 msg2 => sub { ... },
367 ;
368
369Example: create a port, bind receivers and send it in a message elsewhere
370in one go:
371
372 snd $otherport, reply =>
373 rcv port,
374 msg1 => sub { ... },
375 ...
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, $otherport;
385 };
351 386
352=cut 387=cut
353 388
354sub rcv($@) { 389sub rcv($@) {
355 my $port = shift; 390 my $port = shift;
356 my ($noderef, $portid) = split /#/, $port, 2; 391 my ($noderef, $portid) = split /#/, $port, 2;
357 392
358 ($NODE{$noderef} || add_node $noderef) == $NODE{""} 393 ($NODE{$noderef} || add_node $noderef) == $NODE{""}
359 or Carp::croak "$port: rcv can only be called on local ports, caught"; 394 or Carp::croak "$port: rcv can only be called on local ports, caught";
360 395
361 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 {
362 my $cb = shift; 404 my $cb = shift;
363 delete $PORT_DATA{$portid};
364 $PORT{$portid} = sub { 405 $PORT{$portid} = sub {
365 local $SELF = $port; 406 local $SELF = $port;
366 eval { 407 eval { &$cb }; _self_die if $@;
367 &$cb 408 };
368 and kil $port;
369 }; 409 }
370 _self_die if $@; 410 } elsif (defined $_[0]) {
371 };
372 } else {
373 my $self = $PORT_DATA{$portid} ||= do { 411 my $self = $PORT_DATA{$portid} ||= do {
374 my $self = bless { 412 my $self = bless [$PORT{$port} || sub { }, { }, $port], "AnyEvent::MP::Port";
375 id => $port,
376 }, "AnyEvent::MP::Port";
377 413
378 $PORT{$portid} = sub { 414 $PORT{$portid} = sub {
379 local $SELF = $port; 415 local $SELF = $port;
380 416
381 eval {
382 for (@{ $self->{rc0}{$_[0]} }) { 417 if (my $cb = $self->[1]{$_[0]}) {
383 $_ && &{$_->[0]} 418 shift;
384 && undef $_; 419 eval { &$cb }; _self_die if $@;
385 } 420 } else {
386
387 for (@{ $self->{rcv}{$_[0]} }) {
388 $_ && [@_[1 .. @{$_->[1]}]] ~~ $_->[1]
389 && &{$_->[0]} 421 &{ $self->[0] };
390 && undef $_;
391 }
392
393 for (@{ $self->{any} }) {
394 $_ && [@_[0 .. $#{$_->[1]}]] ~~ $_->[1]
395 && &{$_->[0]}
396 && undef $_;
397 } 422 }
398 }; 423 };
399 _self_die if $@; 424
425 $self
400 }; 426 };
401 427
402 $self
403 };
404
405 "AnyEvent::MP::Port" eq ref $self 428 "AnyEvent::MP::Port" eq ref $self
406 or Carp::croak "$port: rcv can only be called on message matching ports, caught"; 429 or Carp::croak "$port: rcv can only be called on message matching ports, caught";
407 430
408 while (@_) {
409 my ($match, $cb) = splice @_, 0, 2; 431 my ($tag, $cb) = splice @_, 0, 2;
410 432
411 if (!ref $match) { 433 if (defined $cb) {
412 push @{ $self->{rc0}{$match} }, [$cb]; 434 $self->[1]{$tag} = $cb;
413 } elsif (("ARRAY" eq ref $match && !ref $match->[0])) {
414 my ($type, @match) = @$match;
415 @match
416 ? push @{ $self->{rcv}{$match->[0]} }, [$cb, \@match]
417 : push @{ $self->{rc0}{$match->[0]} }, [$cb];
418 } else { 435 } else {
419 push @{ $self->{any} }, [$cb, $match]; 436 delete $self->[1]{$tag};
420 } 437 }
421 } 438 }
422 } 439 }
423 440
424 $port 441 $port
462 } 479 }
463} 480}
464 481
465=item $guard = mon $port, $cb->(@reason) 482=item $guard = mon $port, $cb->(@reason)
466 483
467=item $guard = mon $port, $otherport 484=item $guard = mon $port, $rcvport
468 485
486=item $guard = mon $port
487
469=item $guard = mon $port, $otherport, @msg 488=item $guard = mon $port, $rcvport, @msg
470 489
471Monitor the given port and do something when the port is killed. 490Monitor the given port and do something when the port is killed or
491messages to it were lost, and optionally return a guard that can be used
492to stop monitoring again.
472 493
494C<mon> effectively guarantees that, in the absence of hardware failures,
495that after starting the monitor, either all messages sent to the port
496will arrive, or the monitoring action will be invoked after possible
497message loss has been detected. No messages will be lost "in between"
498(after the first lost message no further messages will be received by the
499port). After the monitoring action was invoked, further messages might get
500delivered again.
501
473In the first form, the callback is simply called with any number 502In the first form (callback), the callback is simply called with any
474of C<@reason> elements (no @reason means that the port was deleted 503number of C<@reason> elements (no @reason means that the port was deleted
475"normally"). Note also that I<< the callback B<must> never die >>, so use 504"normally"). Note also that I<< the callback B<must> never die >>, so use
476C<eval> if unsure. 505C<eval> if unsure.
477 506
478In the second form, the other port will be C<kil>'ed with C<@reason>, iff 507In the second form (another port given), the other port (C<$rcvport>)
479a @reason was specified, i.e. on "normal" kils nothing happens, while 508will be C<kil>'ed with C<@reason>, iff a @reason was specified, i.e. on
480under all other conditions, the other port is killed with the same reason. 509"normal" kils nothing happens, while under all other conditions, the other
510port is killed with the same reason.
481 511
512The third form (kill self) is the same as the second form, except that
513C<$rvport> defaults to C<$SELF>.
514
482In the last form, a message of the form C<@msg, @reason> will be C<snd>. 515In the last form (message), a message of the form C<@msg, @reason> will be
516C<snd>.
517
518As a rule of thumb, monitoring requests should always monitor a port from
519a local port (or callback). The reason is that kill messages might get
520lost, just like any other message. Another less obvious reason is that
521even monitoring requests can get lost (for exmaple, when the connection
522to the other node goes down permanently). When monitoring a port locally
523these problems do not exist.
483 524
484Example: call a given callback when C<$port> is killed. 525Example: call a given callback when C<$port> is killed.
485 526
486 mon $port, sub { warn "port died because of <@_>\n" }; 527 mon $port, sub { warn "port died because of <@_>\n" };
487 528
488Example: kill ourselves when C<$port> is killed abnormally. 529Example: kill ourselves when C<$port> is killed abnormally.
489 530
490 mon $port, $self; 531 mon $port;
491 532
492Example: send us a restart message another C<$port> is killed. 533Example: send us a restart message when another C<$port> is killed.
493 534
494 mon $port, $self => "restart"; 535 mon $port, $self => "restart";
495 536
496=cut 537=cut
497 538
498sub mon { 539sub mon {
499 my ($noderef, $port) = split /#/, shift, 2; 540 my ($noderef, $port) = split /#/, shift, 2;
500 541
501 my $node = $NODE{$noderef} || add_node $noderef; 542 my $node = $NODE{$noderef} || add_node $noderef;
502 543
503 my $cb = shift; 544 my $cb = @_ ? shift : $SELF || Carp::croak 'mon: called with one argument only, but $SELF not set,';
504 545
505 unless (ref $cb) { 546 unless (ref $cb) {
506 if (@_) { 547 if (@_) {
507 # send a kill info message 548 # send a kill info message
508 my (@msg) = ($cb, @_); 549 my (@msg) = ($cb, @_);
539=cut 580=cut
540 581
541sub mon_guard { 582sub mon_guard {
542 my ($port, @refs) = @_; 583 my ($port, @refs) = @_;
543 584
585 #TODO: mon-less form?
586
544 mon $port, sub { 0 && @refs } 587 mon $port, sub { 0 && @refs }
545} 588}
546 589
547=item lnk $port1, $port2
548
549Link two ports. This is simply a shorthand for:
550
551 mon $port1, $port2;
552 mon $port2, $port1;
553
554It means that if either one is killed abnormally, the other one gets
555killed as well.
556
557=item kil $port[, @reason] 590=item kil $port[, @reason]
558 591
559Kill the specified port with the given C<@reason>. 592Kill the specified port with the given C<@reason>.
560 593
561If no C<@reason> is specified, then the port is killed "normally" (linked 594If no C<@reason> is specified, then the port is killed "normally" (linked
567Runtime errors while evaluating C<rcv> callbacks or inside C<psub> blocks 600Runtime errors while evaluating C<rcv> callbacks or inside C<psub> blocks
568will be reported as reason C<< die => $@ >>. 601will be reported as reason C<< die => $@ >>.
569 602
570Transport/communication errors are reported as C<< transport_error => 603Transport/communication errors are reported as C<< transport_error =>
571$message >>. 604$message >>.
605
606=cut
607
608=item $port = spawn $node, $initfunc[, @initdata]
609
610Creates a port on the node C<$node> (which can also be a port ID, in which
611case it's the node where that port resides).
612
613The port ID of the newly created port is return immediately, and it is
614permissible to immediately start sending messages or monitor the port.
615
616After the port has been created, the init function is
617called. This function must be a fully-qualified function name
618(e.g. C<MyApp::Chat::Server::init>). To specify a function in the main
619program, use C<::name>.
620
621If the function doesn't exist, then the node tries to C<require>
622the package, then the package above the package and so on (e.g.
623C<MyApp::Chat::Server>, C<MyApp::Chat>, C<MyApp>) until the function
624exists or it runs out of package names.
625
626The init function is then called with the newly-created port as context
627object (C<$SELF>) and the C<@initdata> values as arguments.
628
629A common idiom is to pass your own port, monitor the spawned port, and
630in the init function, monitor the original port. This two-way monitoring
631ensures that both ports get cleaned up when there is a problem.
632
633Example: spawn a chat server port on C<$othernode>.
634
635 # this node, executed from within a port context:
636 my $server = spawn $othernode, "MyApp::Chat::Server::connect", $SELF;
637 mon $server;
638
639 # init function on C<$othernode>
640 sub connect {
641 my ($srcport) = @_;
642
643 mon $srcport;
644
645 rcv $SELF, sub {
646 ...
647 };
648 }
649
650=cut
651
652sub _spawn {
653 my $port = shift;
654 my $init = shift;
655
656 local $SELF = "$NODE#$port";
657 eval {
658 &{ load_func $init }
659 };
660 _self_die if $@;
661}
662
663sub spawn(@) {
664 my ($noderef, undef) = split /#/, shift, 2;
665
666 my $id = "$RUNIQ." . $ID++;
667
668 $_[0] =~ /::/
669 or Carp::croak "spawn init function must be a fully-qualified name, caught";
670
671 ($NODE{$noderef} || add_node $noderef)
672 ->send (["", "AnyEvent::MP::_spawn" => $id, @_]);
673
674 "$noderef#$id"
675}
572 676
573=back 677=back
574 678
575=head1 NODE MESSAGES 679=head1 NODE MESSAGES
576 680
618 722
619=back 723=back
620 724
621=head1 AnyEvent::MP vs. Distributed Erlang 725=head1 AnyEvent::MP vs. Distributed Erlang
622 726
623AnyEvent::MP got lots of its ideas from distributed erlang (erlang node 727AnyEvent::MP got lots of its ideas from distributed Erlang (Erlang node
624== aemp node, erlang process == aemp port), so many of the documents and 728== aemp node, Erlang process == aemp port), so many of the documents and
625programming techniques employed by erlang apply to AnyEvent::MP. Here is a 729programming techniques employed by Erlang apply to AnyEvent::MP. Here is a
626sample: 730sample:
627 731
628 http://www.erlang.se/doc/programming_rules.shtml 732 http://www.Erlang.se/doc/programming_rules.shtml
629 http://erlang.org/doc/getting_started/part_frame.html # chapters 3 and 4 733 http://Erlang.org/doc/getting_started/part_frame.html # chapters 3 and 4
630 http://erlang.org/download/erlang-book-part1.pdf # chapters 5 and 6 734 http://Erlang.org/download/Erlang-book-part1.pdf # chapters 5 and 6
631 http://erlang.org/download/armstrong_thesis_2003.pdf # chapters 4 and 5 735 http://Erlang.org/download/armstrong_thesis_2003.pdf # chapters 4 and 5
632 736
633Despite the similarities, there are also some important differences: 737Despite the similarities, there are also some important differences:
634 738
635=over 4 739=over 4
636 740
641convenience functionality. 745convenience functionality.
642 746
643This means that AEMP requires a less tightly controlled environment at the 747This means that AEMP requires a less tightly controlled environment at the
644cost of longer node references and a slightly higher management overhead. 748cost of longer node references and a slightly higher management overhead.
645 749
750=item * Erlang has a "remote ports are like local ports" philosophy, AEMP
751uses "local ports are like remote ports".
752
753The failure modes for local ports are quite different (runtime errors
754only) then for remote ports - when a local port dies, you I<know> it dies,
755when a connection to another node dies, you know nothing about the other
756port.
757
758Erlang pretends remote ports are as reliable as local ports, even when
759they are not.
760
761AEMP encourages a "treat remote ports differently" philosophy, with local
762ports being the special case/exception, where transport errors cannot
763occur.
764
646=item * Erlang uses processes and a mailbox, AEMP does not queue. 765=item * Erlang uses processes and a mailbox, AEMP does not queue.
647 766
648Erlang uses processes that selctively receive messages, and therefore 767Erlang uses processes that selectively receive messages, and therefore
649needs a queue. AEMP is event based, queuing messages would serve no useful 768needs a queue. AEMP is event based, queuing messages would serve no
650purpose. 769useful purpose. For the same reason the pattern-matching abilities of
770AnyEvent::MP are more limited, as there is little need to be able to
771filter messages without dequeing them.
651 772
652(But see L<Coro::MP> for a more erlang-like process model on top of AEMP). 773(But see L<Coro::MP> for a more Erlang-like process model on top of AEMP).
653 774
654=item * Erlang sends are synchronous, AEMP sends are asynchronous. 775=item * Erlang sends are synchronous, AEMP sends are asynchronous.
655 776
656Sending messages in erlang is synchronous and blocks the process. AEMP 777Sending messages in Erlang is synchronous and blocks the process (and
657sends are immediate, connection establishment is handled in the 778so does not need a queue that can overflow). AEMP sends are immediate,
658background. 779connection establishment is handled in the background.
659 780
660=item * Erlang can silently lose messages, AEMP cannot. 781=item * Erlang suffers from silent message loss, AEMP does not.
661 782
662Erlang makes few guarantees on messages delivery - messages can get lost 783Erlang makes few guarantees on messages delivery - messages can get lost
663without any of the processes realising it (i.e. you send messages a, b, 784without any of the processes realising it (i.e. you send messages a, b,
664and c, and the other side only receives messages a and c). 785and c, and the other side only receives messages a and c).
665 786
666AEMP guarantees correct ordering, and the guarantee that there are no 787AEMP guarantees correct ordering, and the guarantee that there are no
667holes in the message sequence. 788holes in the message sequence.
668 789
669=item * In erlang, processes can be declared dead and later be found to be 790=item * In Erlang, processes can be declared dead and later be found to be
670alive. 791alive.
671 792
672In erlang it can happen that a monitored process is declared dead and 793In Erlang it can happen that a monitored process is declared dead and
673linked processes get killed, but later it turns out that the process is 794linked processes get killed, but later it turns out that the process is
674still alive - and can receive messages. 795still alive - and can receive messages.
675 796
676In AEMP, when port monitoring detects a port as dead, then that port will 797In AEMP, when port monitoring detects a port as dead, then that port will
677eventually be killed - it cannot happen that a node detects a port as dead 798eventually be killed - it cannot happen that a node detects a port as dead
678and then later sends messages to it, finding it is still alive. 799and then later sends messages to it, finding it is still alive.
679 800
680=item * Erlang can send messages to the wrong port, AEMP does not. 801=item * Erlang can send messages to the wrong port, AEMP does not.
681 802
682In erlang it is quite possible that a node that restarts reuses a process 803In Erlang it is quite likely that a node that restarts reuses a process ID
683ID known to other nodes for a completely different process, causing 804known to other nodes for a completely different process, causing messages
684messages destined for that process to end up in an unrelated process. 805destined for that process to end up in an unrelated process.
685 806
686AEMP never reuses port IDs, so old messages or old port IDs floating 807AEMP never reuses port IDs, so old messages or old port IDs floating
687around in the network will not be sent to an unrelated port. 808around in the network will not be sent to an unrelated port.
688 809
689=item * Erlang uses unprotected connections, AEMP uses secure 810=item * Erlang uses unprotected connections, AEMP uses secure
693securely authenticate nodes. 814securely authenticate nodes.
694 815
695=item * The AEMP protocol is optimised for both text-based and binary 816=item * The AEMP protocol is optimised for both text-based and binary
696communications. 817communications.
697 818
698The AEMP protocol, unlike the erlang protocol, supports both 819The AEMP protocol, unlike the Erlang protocol, supports both
699language-independent text-only protocols (good for debugging) and binary, 820language-independent text-only protocols (good for debugging) and binary,
700language-specific serialisers (e.g. Storable). 821language-specific serialisers (e.g. Storable).
701 822
702It has also been carefully designed to be implementable in other languages 823It has also been carefully designed to be implementable in other languages
703with a minimum of work while gracefully degrading fucntionality to make the 824with a minimum of work while gracefully degrading fucntionality to make the
704protocol simple. 825protocol simple.
705 826
827=item * AEMP has more flexible monitoring options than Erlang.
828
829In Erlang, you can chose to receive I<all> exit signals as messages
830or I<none>, there is no in-between, so monitoring single processes is
831difficult to implement. Monitoring in AEMP is more flexible than in
832Erlang, as one can choose between automatic kill, exit message or callback
833on a per-process basis.
834
835=item * Erlang tries to hide remote/local connections, AEMP does not.
836
837Monitoring in Erlang is not an indicator of process death/crashes,
838as linking is (except linking is unreliable in Erlang).
839
840In AEMP, you don't "look up" registered port names or send to named ports
841that might or might not be persistent. Instead, you normally spawn a port
842on the remote node. The init function monitors the you, and you monitor
843the remote port. Since both monitors are local to the node, they are much
844more reliable.
845
846This also saves round-trips and avoids sending messages to the wrong port
847(hard to do in Erlang).
848
849=back
850
851=head1 RATIONALE
852
853=over 4
854
855=item Why strings for ports and noderefs, why not objects?
856
857We considered "objects", but found that the actual number of methods
858thatc an be called are very low. Since port IDs and noderefs travel over
859the network frequently, the serialising/deserialising would add lots of
860overhead, as well as having to keep a proxy object.
861
862Strings can easily be printed, easily serialised etc. and need no special
863procedures to be "valid".
864
865And a a miniport consists of a single closure stored in a global hash - it
866can't become much cheaper.
867
868=item Why favour JSON, why not real serialising format such as Storable?
869
870In fact, any AnyEvent::MP node will happily accept Storable as framing
871format, but currently there is no way to make a node use Storable by
872default.
873
874The default framing protocol is JSON because a) JSON::XS is many times
875faster for small messages and b) most importantly, after years of
876experience we found that object serialisation is causing more problems
877than it gains: Just like function calls, objects simply do not travel
878easily over the network, mostly because they will always be a copy, so you
879always have to re-think your design.
880
881Keeping your messages simple, concentrating on data structures rather than
882objects, will keep your messages clean, tidy and efficient.
883
706=back 884=back
707 885
708=head1 SEE ALSO 886=head1 SEE ALSO
709 887
710L<AnyEvent>. 888L<AnyEvent>.

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