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17 17
18 my $w = AnyEvent->condvar; # stores whether a condition was flagged 18 my $w = AnyEvent->condvar; # stores whether a condition was flagged
19 $w->send; # wake up current and all future recv's 19 $w->send; # wake up current and all future recv's
20 $w->recv; # enters "main loop" till $condvar gets ->send 20 $w->recv; # enters "main loop" till $condvar gets ->send
21 21
22INTRODUCTION/TUTORIAL
23 This manpage is mainly a reference manual. If you are interested in a
24 tutorial or some gentle introduction, have a look at the AnyEvent::Intro
25 manpage.
26
22WHY YOU SHOULD USE THIS MODULE (OR NOT) 27WHY YOU SHOULD USE THIS MODULE (OR NOT)
23 Glib, POE, IO::Async, Event... CPAN offers event models by the dozen 28 Glib, POE, IO::Async, Event... CPAN offers event models by the dozen
24 nowadays. So what is different about AnyEvent? 29 nowadays. So what is different about AnyEvent?
25 30
26 Executive Summary: AnyEvent is *compatible*, AnyEvent is *free of 31 Executive Summary: AnyEvent is *compatible*, AnyEvent is *free of
27 policy* and AnyEvent is *small and efficient*. 32 policy* and AnyEvent is *small and efficient*.
28 33
29 First and foremost, *AnyEvent is not an event model* itself, it only 34 First and foremost, *AnyEvent is not an event model* itself, it only
30 interfaces to whatever event model the main program happens to use in a 35 interfaces to whatever event model the main program happens to use, in a
31 pragmatic way. For event models and certain classes of immortals alike, 36 pragmatic way. For event models and certain classes of immortals alike,
32 the statement "there can only be one" is a bitter reality: In general, 37 the statement "there can only be one" is a bitter reality: In general,
33 only one event loop can be active at the same time in a process. 38 only one event loop can be active at the same time in a process.
34 AnyEvent helps hiding the differences between those event loops. 39 AnyEvent cannot change this, but it can hide the differences between
40 those event loops.
35 41
36 The goal of AnyEvent is to offer module authors the ability to do event 42 The goal of AnyEvent is to offer module authors the ability to do event
37 programming (waiting for I/O or timer events) without subscribing to a 43 programming (waiting for I/O or timer events) without subscribing to a
38 religion, a way of living, and most importantly: without forcing your 44 religion, a way of living, and most importantly: without forcing your
39 module users into the same thing by forcing them to use the same event 45 module users into the same thing by forcing them to use the same event
40 model you use. 46 model you use.
41 47
42 For modules like POE or IO::Async (which is a total misnomer as it is 48 For modules like POE or IO::Async (which is a total misnomer as it is
43 actually doing all I/O *synchronously*...), using them in your module is 49 actually doing all I/O *synchronously*...), using them in your module is
44 like joining a cult: After you joined, you are dependent on them and you 50 like joining a cult: After you joined, you are dependent on them and you
45 cannot use anything else, as it is simply incompatible to everything 51 cannot use anything else, as they are simply incompatible to everything
46 that isn't itself. What's worse, all the potential users of your module 52 that isn't them. What's worse, all the potential users of your module
47 are *also* forced to use the same event loop you use. 53 are *also* forced to use the same event loop you use.
48 54
49 AnyEvent is different: AnyEvent + POE works fine. AnyEvent + Glib works 55 AnyEvent is different: AnyEvent + POE works fine. AnyEvent + Glib works
50 fine. AnyEvent + Tk works fine etc. etc. but none of these work together 56 fine. AnyEvent + Tk works fine etc. etc. but none of these work together
51 with the rest: POE + IO::Async? no go. Tk + Event? no go. Again: if your 57 with the rest: POE + IO::Async? No go. Tk + Event? No go. Again: if your
52 module uses one of those, every user of your module has to use it, too. 58 module uses one of those, every user of your module has to use it, too.
53 But if your module uses AnyEvent, it works transparently with all event 59 But if your module uses AnyEvent, it works transparently with all event
54 models it supports (including stuff like POE and IO::Async, as long as 60 models it supports (including stuff like IO::Async, as long as those use
55 those use one of the supported event loops. It is trivial to add new 61 one of the supported event loops. It is trivial to add new event loops
56 event loops to AnyEvent, too, so it is future-proof). 62 to AnyEvent, too, so it is future-proof).
57 63
58 In addition to being free of having to use *the one and only true event 64 In addition to being free of having to use *the one and only true event
59 model*, AnyEvent also is free of bloat and policy: with POE or similar 65 model*, AnyEvent also is free of bloat and policy: with POE or similar
60 modules, you get an enourmous amount of code and strict rules you have 66 modules, you get an enormous amount of code and strict rules you have to
61 to follow. AnyEvent, on the other hand, is lean and up to the point, by 67 follow. AnyEvent, on the other hand, is lean and up to the point, by
62 only offering the functionality that is necessary, in as thin as a 68 only offering the functionality that is necessary, in as thin as a
63 wrapper as technically possible. 69 wrapper as technically possible.
64 70
71 Of course, AnyEvent comes with a big (and fully optional!) toolbox of
72 useful functionality, such as an asynchronous DNS resolver, 100%
73 non-blocking connects (even with TLS/SSL, IPv6 and on broken platforms
74 such as Windows) and lots of real-world knowledge and workarounds for
75 platform bugs and differences.
76
65 Of course, if you want lots of policy (this can arguably be somewhat 77 Now, if you *do want* lots of policy (this can arguably be somewhat
66 useful) and you want to force your users to use the one and only event 78 useful) and you want to force your users to use the one and only event
67 model, you should *not* use this module. 79 model, you should *not* use this module.
68 80
69DESCRIPTION 81DESCRIPTION
70 AnyEvent provides an identical interface to multiple event loops. This 82 AnyEvent provides an identical interface to multiple event loops. This
99 starts using it, all bets are off. Maybe you should tell their authors 111 starts using it, all bets are off. Maybe you should tell their authors
100 to use AnyEvent so their modules work together with others seamlessly... 112 to use AnyEvent so their modules work together with others seamlessly...
101 113
102 The pure-perl implementation of AnyEvent is called 114 The pure-perl implementation of AnyEvent is called
103 "AnyEvent::Impl::Perl". Like other event modules you can load it 115 "AnyEvent::Impl::Perl". Like other event modules you can load it
104 explicitly. 116 explicitly and enjoy the high availability of that event loop :)
105 117
106WATCHERS 118WATCHERS
107 AnyEvent has the central concept of a *watcher*, which is an object that 119 AnyEvent has the central concept of a *watcher*, which is an object that
108 stores relevant data for each kind of event you are waiting for, such as 120 stores relevant data for each kind of event you are waiting for, such as
109 the callback to call, the filehandle to watch, etc. 121 the callback to call, the file handle to watch, etc.
110 122
111 These watchers are normal Perl objects with normal Perl lifetime. After 123 These watchers are normal Perl objects with normal Perl lifetime. After
112 creating a watcher it will immediately "watch" for events and invoke the 124 creating a watcher it will immediately "watch" for events and invoke the
113 callback when the event occurs (of course, only when the event model is 125 callback when the event occurs (of course, only when the event model is
114 in control). 126 in control).
122 Many watchers either are used with "recursion" (repeating timers for 134 Many watchers either are used with "recursion" (repeating timers for
123 example), or need to refer to their watcher object in other ways. 135 example), or need to refer to their watcher object in other ways.
124 136
125 An any way to achieve that is this pattern: 137 An any way to achieve that is this pattern:
126 138
127 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->type (arg => value ..., cb => sub { 139 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->type (arg => value ..., cb => sub {
128 # you can use $w here, for example to undef it 140 # you can use $w here, for example to undef it
129 undef $w; 141 undef $w;
130 }); 142 });
131 143
132 Note that "my $w; $w =" combination. This is necessary because in Perl, 144 Note that "my $w; $w =" combination. This is necessary because in Perl,
133 my variables are only visible after the statement in which they are 145 my variables are only visible after the statement in which they are
134 declared. 146 declared.
135 147
136 I/O WATCHERS 148 I/O WATCHERS
137 You can create an I/O watcher by calling the "AnyEvent->io" method with 149 You can create an I/O watcher by calling the "AnyEvent->io" method with
138 the following mandatory key-value pairs as arguments: 150 the following mandatory key-value pairs as arguments:
139 151
140 "fh" the Perl *file handle* (*not* file descriptor) to watch for events. 152 "fh" the Perl *file handle* (*not* file descriptor) to watch for events
153 (AnyEvent might or might not keep a reference to this file handle).
141 "poll" must be a string that is either "r" or "w", which creates a 154 "poll" must be a string that is either "r" or "w", which creates a
142 watcher waiting for "r"eadable or "w"ritable events, respectively. "cb" 155 watcher waiting for "r"eadable or "w"ritable events, respectively. "cb"
143 is the callback to invoke each time the file handle becomes ready. 156 is the callback to invoke each time the file handle becomes ready.
144 157
145 Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 158 Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
152 165
153 Some event loops issue spurious readyness notifications, so you should 166 Some event loops issue spurious readyness notifications, so you should
154 always use non-blocking calls when reading/writing from/to your file 167 always use non-blocking calls when reading/writing from/to your file
155 handles. 168 handles.
156 169
157 Example:
158
159 # wait for readability of STDIN, then read a line and disable the watcher 170 Example: wait for readability of STDIN, then read a line and disable the
171 watcher.
172
160 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => \*STDIN, poll => 'r', cb => sub { 173 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => \*STDIN, poll => 'r', cb => sub {
161 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>); 174 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>);
162 warn "read: $input\n"; 175 warn "read: $input\n";
163 undef $w; 176 undef $w;
164 }); 177 });
173 186
174 Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 187 Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
175 presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent 188 presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent
176 callbacks cannot use arguments passed to time watcher callbacks. 189 callbacks cannot use arguments passed to time watcher callbacks.
177 190
178 The timer callback will be invoked at most once: if you want a repeating 191 The callback will normally be invoked once only. If you specify another
179 timer you have to create a new watcher (this is a limitation by both Tk 192 parameter, "interval", as a strictly positive number (> 0), then the
180 and Glib). 193 callback will be invoked regularly at that interval (in fractional
194 seconds) after the first invocation. If "interval" is specified with a
195 false value, then it is treated as if it were missing.
181 196
182 Example: 197 The callback will be rescheduled before invoking the callback, but no
198 attempt is done to avoid timer drift in most backends, so the interval
199 is only approximate.
183 200
184 # fire an event after 7.7 seconds 201 Example: fire an event after 7.7 seconds.
202
185 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 7.7, cb => sub { 203 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 7.7, cb => sub {
186 warn "timeout\n"; 204 warn "timeout\n";
187 }); 205 });
188 206
189 # to cancel the timer: 207 # to cancel the timer:
190 undef $w; 208 undef $w;
191 209
192 Example 2:
193
194 # fire an event after 0.5 seconds, then roughly every second 210 Example 2: fire an event after 0.5 seconds, then roughly every second.
195 my $w;
196 211
197 my $cb = sub {
198 # cancel the old timer while creating a new one
199 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 1, cb => $cb); 212 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 0.5, interval => 1, cb => sub {
213 warn "timeout\n";
200 }; 214 };
201
202 # start the "loop" by creating the first watcher
203 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 0.5, cb => $cb);
204 215
205 TIMING ISSUES 216 TIMING ISSUES
206 There are two ways to handle timers: based on real time (relative, "fire 217 There are two ways to handle timers: based on real time (relative, "fire
207 in 10 seconds") and based on wallclock time (absolute, "fire at 12 218 in 10 seconds") and based on wallclock time (absolute, "fire at 12
208 o'clock"). 219 o'clock").
220 on wallclock time) timers. 231 on wallclock time) timers.
221 232
222 AnyEvent always prefers relative timers, if available, matching the 233 AnyEvent always prefers relative timers, if available, matching the
223 AnyEvent API. 234 AnyEvent API.
224 235
236 AnyEvent has two additional methods that return the "current time":
237
238 AnyEvent->time
239 This returns the "current wallclock time" as a fractional number of
240 seconds since the Epoch (the same thing as "time" or
241 "Time::HiRes::time" return, and the result is guaranteed to be
242 compatible with those).
243
244 It progresses independently of any event loop processing, i.e. each
245 call will check the system clock, which usually gets updated
246 frequently.
247
248 AnyEvent->now
249 This also returns the "current wallclock time", but unlike "time",
250 above, this value might change only once per event loop iteration,
251 depending on the event loop (most return the same time as "time",
252 above). This is the time that AnyEvent's timers get scheduled
253 against.
254
255 *In almost all cases (in all cases if you don't care), this is the
256 function to call when you want to know the current time.*
257
258 This function is also often faster then "AnyEvent->time", and thus
259 the preferred method if you want some timestamp (for example,
260 AnyEvent::Handle uses this to update it's activity timeouts).
261
262 The rest of this section is only of relevance if you try to be very
263 exact with your timing, you can skip it without bad conscience.
264
265 For a practical example of when these times differ, consider
266 Event::Lib and EV and the following set-up:
267
268 The event loop is running and has just invoked one of your callback
269 at time=500 (assume no other callbacks delay processing). In your
270 callback, you wait a second by executing "sleep 1" (blocking the
271 process for a second) and then (at time=501) you create a relative
272 timer that fires after three seconds.
273
274 With Event::Lib, "AnyEvent->time" and "AnyEvent->now" will both
275 return 501, because that is the current time, and the timer will be
276 scheduled to fire at time=504 (501 + 3).
277
278 With EV, "AnyEvent->time" returns 501 (as that is the current time),
279 but "AnyEvent->now" returns 500, as that is the time the last event
280 processing phase started. With EV, your timer gets scheduled to run
281 at time=503 (500 + 3).
282
283 In one sense, Event::Lib is more exact, as it uses the current time
284 regardless of any delays introduced by event processing. However,
285 most callbacks do not expect large delays in processing, so this
286 causes a higher drift (and a lot more system calls to get the
287 current time).
288
289 In another sense, EV is more exact, as your timer will be scheduled
290 at the same time, regardless of how long event processing actually
291 took.
292
293 In either case, if you care (and in most cases, you don't), then you
294 can get whatever behaviour you want with any event loop, by taking
295 the difference between "AnyEvent->time" and "AnyEvent->now" into
296 account.
297
225 SIGNAL WATCHERS 298 SIGNAL WATCHERS
226 You can watch for signals using a signal watcher, "signal" is the signal 299 You can watch for signals using a signal watcher, "signal" is the signal
227 *name* without any "SIG" prefix, "cb" is the Perl callback to be invoked 300 *name* in uppercase and without any "SIG" prefix, "cb" is the Perl
228 whenever a signal occurs. 301 callback to be invoked whenever a signal occurs.
229 302
230 Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 303 Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
231 presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent 304 presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent
232 callbacks cannot use arguments passed to signal watcher callbacks. 305 callbacks cannot use arguments passed to signal watcher callbacks.
233 306
234 Multiple signal occurances can be clumped together into one callback 307 Multiple signal occurrences can be clumped together into one callback
235 invocation, and callback invocation will be synchronous. synchronous 308 invocation, and callback invocation will be synchronous. Synchronous
236 means that it might take a while until the signal gets handled by the 309 means that it might take a while until the signal gets handled by the
237 process, but it is guarenteed not to interrupt any other callbacks. 310 process, but it is guaranteed not to interrupt any other callbacks.
238 311
239 The main advantage of using these watchers is that you can share a 312 The main advantage of using these watchers is that you can share a
240 signal between multiple watchers. 313 signal between multiple watchers.
241 314
242 This watcher might use %SIG, so programs overwriting those signals 315 This watcher might use %SIG, so programs overwriting those signals
269 an AnyEvent program, you *have* to create at least one watcher before 342 an AnyEvent program, you *have* to create at least one watcher before
270 you "fork" the child (alternatively, you can call "AnyEvent::detect"). 343 you "fork" the child (alternatively, you can call "AnyEvent::detect").
271 344
272 Example: fork a process and wait for it 345 Example: fork a process and wait for it
273 346
274 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar; 347 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
275 348
276 my $pid = fork or exit 5; 349 my $pid = fork or exit 5;
277 350
278 my $w = AnyEvent->child ( 351 my $w = AnyEvent->child (
279 pid => $pid, 352 pid => $pid,
280 cb => sub { 353 cb => sub {
281 my ($pid, $status) = @_; 354 my ($pid, $status) = @_;
282 warn "pid $pid exited with status $status"; 355 warn "pid $pid exited with status $status";
283 $done->send; 356 $done->send;
284 }, 357 },
285 ); 358 );
286 359
287 # do something else, then wait for process exit 360 # do something else, then wait for process exit
288 $done->recv; 361 $done->recv;
289 362
290 CONDITION VARIABLES 363 CONDITION VARIABLES
291 If you are familiar with some event loops you will know that all of them 364 If you are familiar with some event loops you will know that all of them
292 require you to run some blocking "loop", "run" or similar function that 365 require you to run some blocking "loop", "run" or similar function that
293 will actively watch for new events and call your callbacks. 366 will actively watch for new events and call your callbacks.
301 Condition variables can be created by calling the "AnyEvent->condvar" 374 Condition variables can be created by calling the "AnyEvent->condvar"
302 method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is 375 method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is
303 "cb", which specifies a callback to be called when the condition 376 "cb", which specifies a callback to be called when the condition
304 variable becomes true. 377 variable becomes true.
305 378
306 After creation, the conditon variable is "false" until it becomes "true" 379 After creation, the condition variable is "false" until it becomes
380 "true" by calling the "send" method (or calling the condition variable
381 as if it were a callback, read about the caveats in the description for
307 by calling the "send" method. 382 the "->send" method).
308 383
309 Condition variables are similar to callbacks, except that you can 384 Condition variables are similar to callbacks, except that you can
310 optionally wait for them. They can also be called merge points - points 385 optionally wait for them. They can also be called merge points - points
311 in time where multiple outstandign events have been processed. And yet 386 in time where multiple outstanding events have been processed. And yet
312 another way to call them is transations - each condition variable can be 387 another way to call them is transactions - each condition variable can
313 used to represent a transaction, which finishes at some point and 388 be used to represent a transaction, which finishes at some point and
314 delivers a result. 389 delivers a result.
315 390
316 Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has 391 Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has
317 finished, for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http 392 finished, for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http
318 requests, then a condition variable would be the ideal candidate to 393 requests, then a condition variable would be the ideal candidate to
323 you can block your main program until an event occurs - for example, you 398 you can block your main program until an event occurs - for example, you
324 could "->recv" in your main program until the user clicks the Quit 399 could "->recv" in your main program until the user clicks the Quit
325 button of your app, which would "->send" the "quit" event. 400 button of your app, which would "->send" the "quit" event.
326 401
327 Note that condition variables recurse into the event loop - if you have 402 Note that condition variables recurse into the event loop - if you have
328 two pieces of code that call "->recv" in a round-robbin fashion, you 403 two pieces of code that call "->recv" in a round-robin fashion, you
329 lose. Therefore, condition variables are good to export to your caller, 404 lose. Therefore, condition variables are good to export to your caller,
330 but you should avoid making a blocking wait yourself, at least in 405 but you should avoid making a blocking wait yourself, at least in
331 callbacks, as this asks for trouble. 406 callbacks, as this asks for trouble.
332 407
333 Condition variables are represented by hash refs in perl, and the keys 408 Condition variables are represented by hash refs in perl, and the keys
338 413
339 There are two "sides" to a condition variable - the "producer side" 414 There are two "sides" to a condition variable - the "producer side"
340 which eventually calls "-> send", and the "consumer side", which waits 415 which eventually calls "-> send", and the "consumer side", which waits
341 for the send to occur. 416 for the send to occur.
342 417
343 Example: 418 Example: wait for a timer.
344 419
345 # wait till the result is ready 420 # wait till the result is ready
346 my $result_ready = AnyEvent->condvar; 421 my $result_ready = AnyEvent->condvar;
347 422
348 # do something such as adding a timer 423 # do something such as adding a timer
356 431
357 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback 432 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback
358 # calls send 433 # calls send
359 $result_ready->recv; 434 $result_ready->recv;
360 435
436 Example: wait for a timer, but take advantage of the fact that condition
437 variables are also code references.
438
439 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
440 my $delay = AnyEvent->timer (after => 5, cb => $done);
441 $done->recv;
442
361 METHODS FOR PRODUCERS 443 METHODS FOR PRODUCERS
362 These methods should only be used by the producing side, i.e. the 444 These methods should only be used by the producing side, i.e. the
363 code/module that eventually sends the signal. Note that it is also the 445 code/module that eventually sends the signal. Note that it is also the
364 producer side which creates the condvar in most cases, but it isn't 446 producer side which creates the condvar in most cases, but it isn't
365 uncommon for the consumer to create it as well. 447 uncommon for the consumer to create it as well.
372 If a callback has been set on the condition variable, it is called 454 If a callback has been set on the condition variable, it is called
373 immediately from within send. 455 immediately from within send.
374 456
375 Any arguments passed to the "send" call will be returned by all 457 Any arguments passed to the "send" call will be returned by all
376 future "->recv" calls. 458 future "->recv" calls.
459
460 Condition variables are overloaded so one can call them directly (as
461 a code reference). Calling them directly is the same as calling
462 "send". Note, however, that many C-based event loops do not handle
463 overloading, so as tempting as it may be, passing a condition
464 variable instead of a callback does not work. Both the pure perl and
465 EV loops support overloading, however, as well as all functions that
466 use perl to invoke a callback (as in AnyEvent::Socket and
467 AnyEvent::DNS for example).
377 468
378 $cv->croak ($error) 469 $cv->croak ($error)
379 Similar to send, but causes all call's to "->recv" to invoke 470 Similar to send, but causes all call's to "->recv" to invoke
380 "Carp::croak" with the given error message/object/scalar. 471 "Carp::croak" with the given error message/object/scalar.
381 472
427 (the loop doesn't execute once). 518 (the loop doesn't execute once).
428 519
429 This is the general pattern when you "fan out" into multiple 520 This is the general pattern when you "fan out" into multiple
430 subrequests: use an outer "begin"/"end" pair to set the callback and 521 subrequests: use an outer "begin"/"end" pair to set the callback and
431 ensure "end" is called at least once, and then, for each subrequest 522 ensure "end" is called at least once, and then, for each subrequest
432 you start, call "begin" and for eahc subrequest you finish, call 523 you start, call "begin" and for each subrequest you finish, call
433 "end". 524 "end".
434 525
435 METHODS FOR CONSUMERS 526 METHODS FOR CONSUMERS
436 These methods should only be used by the consuming side, i.e. the code 527 These methods should only be used by the consuming side, i.e. the code
437 awaits the condition. 528 awaits the condition.
453 (programs might want to do that to stay interactive), so *if you are 544 (programs might want to do that to stay interactive), so *if you are
454 using this from a module, never require a blocking wait*, but let 545 using this from a module, never require a blocking wait*, but let
455 the caller decide whether the call will block or not (for example, 546 the caller decide whether the call will block or not (for example,
456 by coupling condition variables with some kind of request results 547 by coupling condition variables with some kind of request results
457 and supporting callbacks so the caller knows that getting the result 548 and supporting callbacks so the caller knows that getting the result
458 will not block, while still suppporting blocking waits if the caller 549 will not block, while still supporting blocking waits if the caller
459 so desires). 550 so desires).
460 551
461 Another reason *never* to "->recv" in a module is that you cannot 552 Another reason *never* to "->recv" in a module is that you cannot
462 sensibly have two "->recv"'s in parallel, as that would require 553 sensibly have two "->recv"'s in parallel, as that would require
463 multiple interpreters or coroutines/threads, none of which 554 multiple interpreters or coroutines/threads, none of which
481 $cb = $cv->cb ([new callback]) 572 $cb = $cv->cb ([new callback])
482 This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and 573 This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and
483 optionally replaces it before doing so. 574 optionally replaces it before doing so.
484 575
485 The callback will be called when the condition becomes "true", i.e. 576 The callback will be called when the condition becomes "true", i.e.
486 when "send" or "croak" are called. Calling "recv" inside the 577 when "send" or "croak" are called, with the only argument being the
578 condition variable itself. Calling "recv" inside the callback or at
487 callback or at any later time is guaranteed not to block. 579 any later time is guaranteed not to block.
488 580
489GLOBAL VARIABLES AND FUNCTIONS 581GLOBAL VARIABLES AND FUNCTIONS
490 $AnyEvent::MODEL 582 $AnyEvent::MODEL
491 Contains "undef" until the first watcher is being created. Then it 583 Contains "undef" until the first watcher is being created. Then it
492 contains the event model that is being used, which is the name of 584 contains the event model that is being used, which is the name of
566 If it doesn't care, it can just "use AnyEvent" and use it itself, or not 658 If it doesn't care, it can just "use AnyEvent" and use it itself, or not
567 do anything special (it does not need to be event-based) and let 659 do anything special (it does not need to be event-based) and let
568 AnyEvent decide which implementation to chose if some module relies on 660 AnyEvent decide which implementation to chose if some module relies on
569 it. 661 it.
570 662
571 If the main program relies on a specific event model. For example, in 663 If the main program relies on a specific event model - for example, in
572 Gtk2 programs you have to rely on the Glib module. You should load the 664 Gtk2 programs you have to rely on the Glib module - you should load the
573 event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it: 665 event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it:
574 generally speaking, you should load it as early as possible. The reason 666 generally speaking, you should load it as early as possible. The reason
575 is that modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent 667 is that modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent
576 will decide on the event model to use as soon as it creates watchers, 668 will decide on the event model to use as soon as it creates watchers,
577 and it might chose the wrong one unless you load the correct one 669 and it might chose the wrong one unless you load the correct one
578 yourself. 670 yourself.
579 671
580 You can chose to use a rather inefficient pure-perl implementation by 672 You can chose to use a pure-perl implementation by loading the
581 loading the "AnyEvent::Impl::Perl" module, which gives you similar 673 "AnyEvent::Impl::Perl" module, which gives you similar behaviour
582 behaviour everywhere, but letting AnyEvent chose is generally better. 674 everywhere, but letting AnyEvent chose the model is generally better.
675
676 MAINLOOP EMULATION
677 Sometimes (often for short test scripts, or even standalone programs who
678 only want to use AnyEvent), you do not want to run a specific event
679 loop.
680
681 In that case, you can use a condition variable like this:
682
683 AnyEvent->condvar->recv;
684
685 This has the effect of entering the event loop and looping forever.
686
687 Note that usually your program has some exit condition, in which case it
688 is better to use the "traditional" approach of storing a condition
689 variable somewhere, waiting for it, and sending it when the program
690 should exit cleanly.
583 691
584OTHER MODULES 692OTHER MODULES
585 The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use 693 The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use
586 AnyEvent and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent modules 694 AnyEvent and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent modules
587 in the same program. Some of the modules come with AnyEvent, some are 695 in the same program. Some of the modules come with AnyEvent, some are
590 AnyEvent::Util 698 AnyEvent::Util
591 Contains various utility functions that replace often-used but 699 Contains various utility functions that replace often-used but
592 blocking functions such as "inet_aton" by event-/callback-based 700 blocking functions such as "inet_aton" by event-/callback-based
593 versions. 701 versions.
594 702
703 AnyEvent::Socket
704 Provides various utility functions for (internet protocol) sockets,
705 addresses and name resolution. Also functions to create non-blocking
706 tcp connections or tcp servers, with IPv6 and SRV record support and
707 more.
708
595 AnyEvent::Handle 709 AnyEvent::Handle
596 Provide read and write buffers and manages watchers for reads and 710 Provide read and write buffers, manages watchers for reads and
597 writes. 711 writes, supports raw and formatted I/O, I/O queued and fully
712 transparent and non-blocking SSL/TLS.
713
714 AnyEvent::DNS
715 Provides rich asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities.
716
717 AnyEvent::HTTP
718 A simple-to-use HTTP library that is capable of making a lot of
719 concurrent HTTP requests.
598 720
599 AnyEvent::HTTPD 721 AnyEvent::HTTPD
600 Provides a simple web application server framework. 722 Provides a simple web application server framework.
601 723
602 AnyEvent::DNS
603 Provides asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities, beyond what
604 AnyEvent::Util offers.
605
606 AnyEvent::FastPing 724 AnyEvent::FastPing
607 The fastest ping in the west. 725 The fastest ping in the west.
726
727 AnyEvent::DBI
728 Executes DBI requests asynchronously in a proxy process.
729
730 AnyEvent::AIO
731 Truly asynchronous I/O, should be in the toolbox of every event
732 programmer. AnyEvent::AIO transparently fuses IO::AIO and AnyEvent
733 together.
734
735 AnyEvent::BDB
736 Truly asynchronous Berkeley DB access. AnyEvent::BDB transparently
737 fuses BDB and AnyEvent together.
738
739 AnyEvent::GPSD
740 A non-blocking interface to gpsd, a daemon delivering GPS
741 information.
742
743 AnyEvent::IGS
744 A non-blocking interface to the Internet Go Server protocol (used by
745 App::IGS).
608 746
609 Net::IRC3 747 Net::IRC3
610 AnyEvent based IRC client module family. 748 AnyEvent based IRC client module family.
611 749
612 Net::XMPP2 750 Net::XMPP2
619 Event::ExecFlow 757 Event::ExecFlow
620 High level API for event-based execution flow control. 758 High level API for event-based execution flow control.
621 759
622 Coro 760 Coro
623 Has special support for AnyEvent via Coro::AnyEvent. 761 Has special support for AnyEvent via Coro::AnyEvent.
624
625 AnyEvent::AIO, IO::AIO
626 Truly asynchronous I/O, should be in the toolbox of every event
627 programmer. AnyEvent::AIO transparently fuses IO::AIO and AnyEvent
628 together.
629
630 AnyEvent::BDB, BDB
631 Truly asynchronous Berkeley DB access. AnyEvent::AIO transparently
632 fuses IO::AIO and AnyEvent together.
633 762
634 IO::Lambda 763 IO::Lambda
635 The lambda approach to I/O - don't ask, look there. Can use 764 The lambda approach to I/O - don't ask, look there. Can use
636 AnyEvent. 765 AnyEvent.
637 766
691 by "PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL". 820 by "PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL".
692 821
693 When set to 2 or higher, cause AnyEvent to report to STDERR which 822 When set to 2 or higher, cause AnyEvent to report to STDERR which
694 event model it chooses. 823 event model it chooses.
695 824
825 "PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT"
826 AnyEvent does not do much argument checking by default, as thorough
827 argument checking is very costly. Setting this variable to a true
828 value will cause AnyEvent to load "AnyEvent::Strict" and then to
829 thoroughly check the arguments passed to most method calls. If it
830 finds any problems it will croak.
831
832 In other words, enables "strict" mode.
833
834 Unlike "use strict" it is definitely recommended ot keep it off in
835 production.
836
696 "PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL" 837 "PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL"
697 This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent, 838 This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent,
698 before autodetection and -probing kicks in. It must be a string 839 before auto detection and -probing kicks in. It must be a string
699 consisting entirely of ASCII letters. The string "AnyEvent::Impl::" 840 consisting entirely of ASCII letters. The string "AnyEvent::Impl::"
700 gets prepended and the resulting module name is loaded and if the 841 gets prepended and the resulting module name is loaded and if the
701 load was successful, used as event model. If it fails to load 842 load was successful, used as event model. If it fails to load
702 AnyEvent will proceed with autodetection and -probing. 843 AnyEvent will proceed with auto detection and -probing.
703 844
704 This functionality might change in future versions. 845 This functionality might change in future versions.
705 846
706 For example, to force the pure perl model (AnyEvent::Impl::Perl) you 847 For example, to force the pure perl model (AnyEvent::Impl::Perl) you
707 could start your program like this: 848 could start your program like this:
708 849
709 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ... 850 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ...
851
852 "PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS"
853 Used by both AnyEvent::DNS and AnyEvent::Socket to determine
854 preferences for IPv4 or IPv6. The default is unspecified (and might
855 change, or be the result of auto probing).
856
857 Must be set to a comma-separated list of protocols or address
858 families, current supported: "ipv4" and "ipv6". Only protocols
859 mentioned will be used, and preference will be given to protocols
860 mentioned earlier in the list.
861
862 This variable can effectively be used for denial-of-service attacks
863 against local programs (e.g. when setuid), although the impact is
864 likely small, as the program has to handle connection errors
865 already-
866
867 Examples: "PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4,ipv6" - prefer IPv4 over
868 IPv6, but support both and try to use both.
869 "PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4" - only support IPv4, never try to
870 resolve or contact IPv6 addresses.
871 "PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv6,ipv4" support either IPv4 or IPv6, but
872 prefer IPv6 over IPv4.
873
874 "PERL_ANYEVENT_EDNS0"
875 Used by AnyEvent::DNS to decide whether to use the EDNS0 extension
876 for DNS. This extension is generally useful to reduce DNS traffic,
877 but some (broken) firewalls drop such DNS packets, which is why it
878 is off by default.
879
880 Setting this variable to 1 will cause AnyEvent::DNS to announce
881 EDNS0 in its DNS requests.
882
883 "PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_FORKS"
884 The maximum number of child processes that
885 "AnyEvent::Util::fork_call" will create in parallel.
710 886
711EXAMPLE PROGRAM 887EXAMPLE PROGRAM
712 The following program uses an I/O watcher to read data from STDIN, a 888 The following program uses an I/O watcher to read data from STDIN, a
713 timer to display a message once per second, and a condition variable to 889 timer to display a message once per second, and a condition variable to
714 quit the program when the user enters quit: 890 quit the program when the user enters quit:
722 poll => 'r', 898 poll => 'r',
723 cb => sub { 899 cb => sub {
724 warn "io event <$_[0]>\n"; # will always output <r> 900 warn "io event <$_[0]>\n"; # will always output <r>
725 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>); # read a line 901 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>); # read a line
726 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read 902 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read
727 $cv->broadcast if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i 903 $cv->send if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i
728 }, 904 },
729 ); 905 );
730 906
731 my $time_watcher; # can only be used once 907 my $time_watcher; # can only be used once
732 908
737 }); 913 });
738 } 914 }
739 915
740 new_timer; # create first timer 916 new_timer; # create first timer
741 917
742 $cv->wait; # wait until user enters /^q/i 918 $cv->recv; # wait until user enters /^q/i
743 919
744REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE 920REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE
745 Consider the Net::FCP module. It features (among others) the following 921 Consider the Net::FCP module. It features (among others) the following
746 API calls, which are to freenet what HTTP GET requests are to http: 922 API calls, which are to freenet what HTTP GET requests are to http:
747 923
796 syswrite $txn->{fh}, $txn->{request} 972 syswrite $txn->{fh}, $txn->{request}
797 or die "connection or write error"; 973 or die "connection or write error";
798 $txn->{w} = AnyEvent->io (fh => $txn->{fh}, poll => 'r', cb => sub { $txn->fh_ready_r }); 974 $txn->{w} = AnyEvent->io (fh => $txn->{fh}, poll => 'r', cb => sub { $txn->fh_ready_r });
799 975
800 Again, "fh_ready_r" waits till all data has arrived, and then stores the 976 Again, "fh_ready_r" waits till all data has arrived, and then stores the
801 result and signals any possible waiters that the request ahs finished: 977 result and signals any possible waiters that the request has finished:
802 978
803 sysread $txn->{fh}, $txn->{buf}, length $txn->{$buf}; 979 sysread $txn->{fh}, $txn->{buf}, length $txn->{$buf};
804 980
805 if (end-of-file or data complete) { 981 if (end-of-file or data complete) {
806 $txn->{result} = $txn->{buf}; 982 $txn->{result} = $txn->{buf};
807 $txn->{finished}->broadcast; 983 $txn->{finished}->send;
808 $txb->{cb}->($txn) of $txn->{cb}; # also call callback 984 $txb->{cb}->($txn) of $txn->{cb}; # also call callback
809 } 985 }
810 986
811 The "result" method, finally, just waits for the finished signal (if the 987 The "result" method, finally, just waits for the finished signal (if the
812 request was already finished, it doesn't wait, of course, and returns 988 request was already finished, it doesn't wait, of course, and returns
813 the data: 989 the data:
814 990
815 $txn->{finished}->wait; 991 $txn->{finished}->recv;
816 return $txn->{result}; 992 return $txn->{result};
817 993
818 The actual code goes further and collects all errors ("die"s, 994 The actual code goes further and collects all errors ("die"s,
819 exceptions) that occured during request processing. The "result" method 995 exceptions) that occurred during request processing. The "result" method
820 detects whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn 996 detects whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn
821 object) and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and 997 object) and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and
822 other problems get reported tot he code that tries to use the result, 998 other problems get reported tot he code that tries to use the result,
823 not in a random callback. 999 not in a random callback.
824 1000
855 1031
856 my $quit = AnyEvent->condvar; 1032 my $quit = AnyEvent->condvar;
857 1033
858 $fcp->txn_client_get ($url)->cb (sub { 1034 $fcp->txn_client_get ($url)->cb (sub {
859 ... 1035 ...
860 $quit->broadcast; 1036 $quit->send;
861 }); 1037 });
862 1038
863 $quit->wait; 1039 $quit->recv;
864 1040
865BENCHMARKS 1041BENCHMARKS
866 To give you an idea of the performance and overheads that AnyEvent adds 1042 To give you an idea of the performance and overheads that AnyEvent adds
867 over the event loops themselves and to give you an impression of the 1043 over the event loops themselves and to give you an impression of the
868 speed of various event loops I prepared some benchmarks. 1044 speed of various event loops I prepared some benchmarks.
869 1045
870 BENCHMARKING ANYEVENT OVERHEAD 1046 BENCHMARKING ANYEVENT OVERHEAD
871 Here is a benchmark of various supported event models used natively and 1047 Here is a benchmark of various supported event models used natively and
872 through anyevent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero 1048 through AnyEvent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero
873 timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable, 1049 timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable,
874 which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again. 1050 which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again.
875 1051
876 Source code for this benchmark is found as eg/bench in the AnyEvent 1052 Source code for this benchmark is found as eg/bench in the AnyEvent
877 distribution. 1053 distribution.
893 between all watchers, to avoid adding memory overhead. That means 1069 between all watchers, to avoid adding memory overhead. That means
894 closure creation and memory usage is not included in the figures. 1070 closure creation and memory usage is not included in the figures.
895 1071
896 *invoke* is the time, in microseconds, used to invoke a simple callback. 1072 *invoke* is the time, in microseconds, used to invoke a simple callback.
897 The callback simply counts down a Perl variable and after it was invoked 1073 The callback simply counts down a Perl variable and after it was invoked
898 "watcher" times, it would "->broadcast" a condvar once to signal the end 1074 "watcher" times, it would "->send" a condvar once to signal the end of
899 of this phase. 1075 this phase.
900 1076
901 *destroy* is the time, in microseconds, that it takes to destroy a 1077 *destroy* is the time, in microseconds, that it takes to destroy a
902 single watcher. 1078 single watcher.
903 1079
904 Results 1080 Results
992 1168
993 * You should avoid POE like the plague if you want performance or 1169 * You should avoid POE like the plague if you want performance or
994 reasonable memory usage. 1170 reasonable memory usage.
995 1171
996 BENCHMARKING THE LARGE SERVER CASE 1172 BENCHMARKING THE LARGE SERVER CASE
997 This benchmark atcually benchmarks the event loop itself. It works by 1173 This benchmark actually benchmarks the event loop itself. It works by
998 creating a number of "servers": each server consists of a socketpair, a 1174 creating a number of "servers": each server consists of a socket pair, a
999 timeout watcher that gets reset on activity (but never fires), and an 1175 timeout watcher that gets reset on activity (but never fires), and an
1000 I/O watcher waiting for input on one side of the socket. Each time the 1176 I/O watcher waiting for input on one side of the socket. Each time the
1001 socket watcher reads a byte it will write that byte to a random other 1177 socket watcher reads a byte it will write that byte to a random other
1002 "server". 1178 "server".
1003 1179
1004 The effect is that there will be a lot of I/O watchers, only part of 1180 The effect is that there will be a lot of I/O watchers, only part of
1005 which are active at any one point (so there is a constant number of 1181 which are active at any one point (so there is a constant number of
1006 active fds for each loop iterstaion, but which fds these are is random). 1182 active fds for each loop iteration, but which fds these are is random).
1007 The timeout is reset each time something is read because that reflects 1183 The timeout is reset each time something is read because that reflects
1008 how most timeouts work (and puts extra pressure on the event loops). 1184 how most timeouts work (and puts extra pressure on the event loops).
1009 1185
1010 In this benchmark, we use 10000 socketpairs (20000 sockets), of which 1186 In this benchmark, we use 10000 socket pairs (20000 sockets), of which
1011 100 (1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with 1187 100 (1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with
1012 many connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time. 1188 many connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time.
1013 1189
1014 Source code for this benchmark is found as eg/bench2 in the AnyEvent 1190 Source code for this benchmark is found as eg/bench2 in the AnyEvent
1015 distribution. 1191 distribution.
1016 1192
1017 Explanation of the columns 1193 Explanation of the columns
1018 *sockets* is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" 1194 *sockets* is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers"
1019 (as each server has a read and write socket end). 1195 (as each server has a read and write socket end).
1020 1196
1021 *create* is the time it takes to create a socketpair (which is 1197 *create* is the time it takes to create a socket pair (which is
1022 nontrivial) and two watchers: an I/O watcher and a timeout watcher. 1198 nontrivial) and two watchers: an I/O watcher and a timeout watcher.
1023 1199
1024 *request*, the most important value, is the time it takes to handle a 1200 *request*, the most important value, is the time it takes to handle a
1025 single "request", that is, reading the token from the pipe and 1201 single "request", that is, reading the token from the pipe and
1026 forwarding it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout 1202 forwarding it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout
1090 and speed most when you have lots of watchers, not when you only have a 1266 and speed most when you have lots of watchers, not when you only have a
1091 few of them). 1267 few of them).
1092 1268
1093 EV is again fastest. 1269 EV is again fastest.
1094 1270
1095 Perl again comes second. It is noticably faster than the C-based event 1271 Perl again comes second. It is noticeably faster than the C-based event
1096 loops Event and Glib, although the difference is too small to really 1272 loops Event and Glib, although the difference is too small to really
1097 matter. 1273 matter.
1098 1274
1099 POE also performs much better in this case, but is is still far behind 1275 POE also performs much better in this case, but is is still far behind
1100 the others. 1276 the others.
1120 model than specified in the variable. 1296 model than specified in the variable.
1121 1297
1122 You can make AnyEvent completely ignore this variable by deleting it 1298 You can make AnyEvent completely ignore this variable by deleting it
1123 before the first watcher gets created, e.g. with a "BEGIN" block: 1299 before the first watcher gets created, e.g. with a "BEGIN" block:
1124 1300
1125 BEGIN { delete $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} } 1301 BEGIN { delete $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} }
1126 1302
1127 use AnyEvent; 1303 use AnyEvent;
1128 1304
1129 Similar considerations apply to $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}, as that can 1305 Similar considerations apply to $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}, as that can
1130 be used to probe what backend is used and gain other information (which 1306 be used to probe what backend is used and gain other information (which
1131 is probably even less useful to an attacker than PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL). 1307 is probably even less useful to an attacker than PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL),
1308 and $ENV{PERL_ANYEGENT_STRICT}.
1309
1310BUGS
1311 Perl 5.8 has numerous memleaks that sometimes hit this module and are
1312 hard to work around. If you suffer from memleaks, first upgrade to Perl
1313 5.10 and check wether the leaks still show up. (Perl 5.10.0 has other
1314 annoying mamleaks, such as leaking on "map" and "grep" but it is usually
1315 not as pronounced).
1132 1316
1133SEE ALSO 1317SEE ALSO
1318 Utility functions: AnyEvent::Util.
1319
1134 Event modules: EV, EV::Glib, Glib::EV, Event, Glib::Event, Glib, Tk, 1320 Event modules: EV, EV::Glib, Glib::EV, Event, Glib::Event, Glib, Tk,
1135 Event::Lib, Qt, POE. 1321 Event::Lib, Qt, POE.
1136 1322
1137 Implementations: AnyEvent::Impl::EV, AnyEvent::Impl::Event, 1323 Implementations: AnyEvent::Impl::EV, AnyEvent::Impl::Event,
1138 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib, AnyEvent::Impl::Tk, AnyEvent::Impl::Perl, 1324 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib, AnyEvent::Impl::Tk, AnyEvent::Impl::Perl,
1139 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib, AnyEvent::Impl::Qt, AnyEvent::Impl::POE. 1325 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib, AnyEvent::Impl::Qt, AnyEvent::Impl::POE.
1140 1326
1327 Non-blocking file handles, sockets, TCP clients and servers:
1328 AnyEvent::Handle, AnyEvent::Socket.
1329
1330 Asynchronous DNS: AnyEvent::DNS.
1331
1141 Coroutine support: Coro, Coro::AnyEvent, Coro::EV, Coro::Event, 1332 Coroutine support: Coro, Coro::AnyEvent, Coro::EV, Coro::Event,
1142 1333
1143 Nontrivial usage examples: Net::FCP, Net::XMPP2. 1334 Nontrivial usage examples: Net::FCP, Net::XMPP2, AnyEvent::DNS.
1144 1335
1145AUTHOR 1336AUTHOR
1146 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 1337 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
1147 http://home.schmorp.de/ 1338 http://home.schmorp.de/
1148 1339

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