ViewVC Help
View File | Revision Log | Show Annotations | Download File
/cvs/AnyEvent/README
(Generate patch)

Comparing AnyEvent/README (file contents):
Revision 1.45 by root, Fri Jul 17 14:57:03 2009 UTC vs.
Revision 1.62 by root, Sun Jun 6 10:13:57 2010 UTC

1NAME 1NAME
2 AnyEvent - provide framework for multiple event loops 2 AnyEvent - the DBI of event loop programming
3 3
4 EV, Event, Glib, Tk, Perl, Event::Lib, Qt and POE are various supported 4 EV, Event, Glib, Tk, Perl, Event::Lib, Irssi, rxvt-unicode, IO::Async,
5 event loops. 5 Qt and POE are various supported event loops/environments.
6 6
7SYNOPSIS 7SYNOPSIS
8 use AnyEvent; 8 use AnyEvent;
9 9
10 # if you prefer function calls, look at the AE manpage for
11 # an alternative API.
12
10 # file descriptor readable 13 # file handle or descriptor readable
11 my $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => $fh, poll => "r", cb => sub { ... }); 14 my $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => $fh, poll => "r", cb => sub { ... });
12 15
13 # one-shot or repeating timers 16 # one-shot or repeating timers
14 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, cb => sub { ... }); 17 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, cb => sub { ... });
15 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, interval => $seconds, cb => ... 18 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, interval => $seconds, cb => ...
37 40
38INTRODUCTION/TUTORIAL 41INTRODUCTION/TUTORIAL
39 This manpage is mainly a reference manual. If you are interested in a 42 This manpage is mainly a reference manual. If you are interested in a
40 tutorial or some gentle introduction, have a look at the AnyEvent::Intro 43 tutorial or some gentle introduction, have a look at the AnyEvent::Intro
41 manpage. 44 manpage.
45
46SUPPORT
47 There is a mailinglist for discussing all things AnyEvent, and an IRC
48 channel, too.
49
50 See the AnyEvent project page at the Schmorpforge Ta-Sa Software
51 Repository, at <http://anyevent.schmorp.de>, for more info.
42 52
43WHY YOU SHOULD USE THIS MODULE (OR NOT) 53WHY YOU SHOULD USE THIS MODULE (OR NOT)
44 Glib, POE, IO::Async, Event... CPAN offers event models by the dozen 54 Glib, POE, IO::Async, Event... CPAN offers event models by the dozen
45 nowadays. So what is different about AnyEvent? 55 nowadays. So what is different about AnyEvent?
46 56
166 Note that "my $w; $w =" combination. This is necessary because in Perl, 176 Note that "my $w; $w =" combination. This is necessary because in Perl,
167 my variables are only visible after the statement in which they are 177 my variables are only visible after the statement in which they are
168 declared. 178 declared.
169 179
170 I/O WATCHERS 180 I/O WATCHERS
181 $w = AnyEvent->io (
182 fh => <filehandle_or_fileno>,
183 poll => <"r" or "w">,
184 cb => <callback>,
185 );
186
171 You can create an I/O watcher by calling the "AnyEvent->io" method with 187 You can create an I/O watcher by calling the "AnyEvent->io" method with
172 the following mandatory key-value pairs as arguments: 188 the following mandatory key-value pairs as arguments:
173 189
174 "fh" is the Perl *file handle* (or a naked file descriptor) to watch for 190 "fh" is the Perl *file handle* (or a naked file descriptor) to watch for
175 events (AnyEvent might or might not keep a reference to this file 191 events (AnyEvent might or might not keep a reference to this file
203 warn "read: $input\n"; 219 warn "read: $input\n";
204 undef $w; 220 undef $w;
205 }); 221 });
206 222
207 TIME WATCHERS 223 TIME WATCHERS
224 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => <seconds>, cb => <callback>);
225
226 $w = AnyEvent->timer (
227 after => <fractional_seconds>,
228 interval => <fractional_seconds>,
229 cb => <callback>,
230 );
231
208 You can create a time watcher by calling the "AnyEvent->timer" method 232 You can create a time watcher by calling the "AnyEvent->timer" method
209 with the following mandatory arguments: 233 with the following mandatory arguments:
210 234
211 "after" specifies after how many seconds (fractional values are 235 "after" specifies after how many seconds (fractional values are
212 supported) the callback should be invoked. "cb" is the callback to 236 supported) the callback should be invoked. "cb" is the callback to
333 time, which might affect timers and time-outs. 357 time, which might affect timers and time-outs.
334 358
335 When this is the case, you can call this method, which will update 359 When this is the case, you can call this method, which will update
336 the event loop's idea of "current time". 360 the event loop's idea of "current time".
337 361
362 A typical example would be a script in a web server (e.g.
363 "mod_perl") - when mod_perl executes the script, then the event loop
364 will have the wrong idea about the "current time" (being potentially
365 far in the past, when the script ran the last time). In that case
366 you should arrange a call to "AnyEvent->now_update" each time the
367 web server process wakes up again (e.g. at the start of your script,
368 or in a handler).
369
338 Note that updating the time *might* cause some events to be handled. 370 Note that updating the time *might* cause some events to be handled.
339 371
340 SIGNAL WATCHERS 372 SIGNAL WATCHERS
373 $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => <uppercase_signal_name>, cb => <callback>);
374
341 You can watch for signals using a signal watcher, "signal" is the signal 375 You can watch for signals using a signal watcher, "signal" is the signal
342 *name* in uppercase and without any "SIG" prefix, "cb" is the Perl 376 *name* in uppercase and without any "SIG" prefix, "cb" is the Perl
343 callback to be invoked whenever a signal occurs. 377 callback to be invoked whenever a signal occurs.
344 378
345 Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 379 Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
350 invocation, and callback invocation will be synchronous. Synchronous 384 invocation, and callback invocation will be synchronous. Synchronous
351 means that it might take a while until the signal gets handled by the 385 means that it might take a while until the signal gets handled by the
352 process, but it is guaranteed not to interrupt any other callbacks. 386 process, but it is guaranteed not to interrupt any other callbacks.
353 387
354 The main advantage of using these watchers is that you can share a 388 The main advantage of using these watchers is that you can share a
355 signal between multiple watchers. 389 signal between multiple watchers, and AnyEvent will ensure that signals
390 will not interrupt your program at bad times.
356 391
357 This watcher might use %SIG, so programs overwriting those signals 392 This watcher might use %SIG (depending on the event loop used), so
358 directly will likely not work correctly. 393 programs overwriting those signals directly will likely not work
394 correctly.
359 395
360 Example: exit on SIGINT 396 Example: exit on SIGINT
361 397
362 my $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => "INT", cb => sub { exit 1 }); 398 my $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => "INT", cb => sub { exit 1 });
363 399
400 Restart Behaviour
401 While restart behaviour is up to the event loop implementation, most
402 will not restart syscalls (that includes Async::Interrupt and AnyEvent's
403 pure perl implementation).
404
405 Safe/Unsafe Signals
406 Perl signals can be either "safe" (synchronous to opcode handling) or
407 "unsafe" (asynchronous) - the former might get delayed indefinitely, the
408 latter might corrupt your memory.
409
410 AnyEvent signal handlers are, in addition, synchronous to the event
411 loop, i.e. they will not interrupt your running perl program but will
412 only be called as part of the normal event handling (just like timer,
413 I/O etc. callbacks, too).
414
415 Signal Races, Delays and Workarounds
416 Many event loops (e.g. Glib, Tk, Qt, IO::Async) do not support attaching
417 callbacks to signals in a generic way, which is a pity, as you cannot do
418 race-free signal handling in perl, requiring C libraries for this.
419 AnyEvent will try to do it's best, which means in some cases, signals
420 will be delayed. The maximum time a signal might be delayed is specified
421 in $AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY (default: 10 seconds). This variable
422 can be changed only before the first signal watcher is created, and
423 should be left alone otherwise. This variable determines how often
424 AnyEvent polls for signals (in case a wake-up was missed). Higher values
425 will cause fewer spurious wake-ups, which is better for power and CPU
426 saving.
427
428 All these problems can be avoided by installing the optional
429 Async::Interrupt module, which works with most event loops. It will not
430 work with inherently broken event loops such as Event or Event::Lib (and
431 not with POE currently, as POE does it's own workaround with one-second
432 latency). For those, you just have to suffer the delays.
433
364 CHILD PROCESS WATCHERS 434 CHILD PROCESS WATCHERS
435 $w = AnyEvent->child (pid => <process id>, cb => <callback>);
436
365 You can also watch on a child process exit and catch its exit status. 437 You can also watch on a child process exit and catch its exit status.
366 438
367 The child process is specified by the "pid" argument (if set to 0, it 439 The child process is specified by the "pid" argument (one some backends,
368 watches for any child process exit). The watcher will triggered only 440 using 0 watches for any child process exit, on others this will croak).
369 when the child process has finished and an exit status is available, not 441 The watcher will be triggered only when the child process has finished
370 on any trace events (stopped/continued). 442 and an exit status is available, not on any trace events
443 (stopped/continued).
371 444
372 The callback will be called with the pid and exit status (as returned by 445 The callback will be called with the pid and exit status (as returned by
373 waitpid), so unlike other watcher types, you *can* rely on child watcher 446 waitpid), so unlike other watcher types, you *can* rely on child watcher
374 callback arguments. 447 callback arguments.
375 448
390 of when you start the watcher. 463 of when you start the watcher.
391 464
392 This means you cannot create a child watcher as the very first thing in 465 This means you cannot create a child watcher as the very first thing in
393 an AnyEvent program, you *have* to create at least one watcher before 466 an AnyEvent program, you *have* to create at least one watcher before
394 you "fork" the child (alternatively, you can call "AnyEvent::detect"). 467 you "fork" the child (alternatively, you can call "AnyEvent::detect").
468
469 As most event loops do not support waiting for child events, they will
470 be emulated by AnyEvent in most cases, in which the latency and race
471 problems mentioned in the description of signal watchers apply.
395 472
396 Example: fork a process and wait for it 473 Example: fork a process and wait for it
397 474
398 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar; 475 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
399 476
410 487
411 # do something else, then wait for process exit 488 # do something else, then wait for process exit
412 $done->recv; 489 $done->recv;
413 490
414 IDLE WATCHERS 491 IDLE WATCHERS
415 Sometimes there is a need to do something, but it is not so important to 492 $w = AnyEvent->idle (cb => <callback>);
416 do it instantly, but only when there is nothing better to do. This
417 "nothing better to do" is usually defined to be "no other events need
418 attention by the event loop".
419 493
420 Idle watchers ideally get invoked when the event loop has nothing better 494 Repeatedly invoke the callback after the process becomes idle, until
421 to do, just before it would block the process to wait for new events. 495 either the watcher is destroyed or new events have been detected.
422 Instead of blocking, the idle watcher is invoked.
423 496
424 Most event loops unfortunately do not really support idle watchers (only 497 Idle watchers are useful when there is a need to do something, but it is
498 not so important (or wise) to do it instantly. The callback will be
499 invoked only when there is "nothing better to do", which is usually
500 defined as "all outstanding events have been handled and no new events
501 have been detected". That means that idle watchers ideally get invoked
502 when the event loop has just polled for new events but none have been
503 detected. Instead of blocking to wait for more events, the idle watchers
504 will be invoked.
505
506 Unfortunately, most event loops do not really support idle watchers
425 EV, Event and Glib do it in a usable fashion) - for the rest, AnyEvent 507 (only EV, Event and Glib do it in a usable fashion) - for the rest,
426 will simply call the callback "from time to time". 508 AnyEvent will simply call the callback "from time to time".
427 509
428 Example: read lines from STDIN, but only process them when the program 510 Example: read lines from STDIN, but only process them when the program
429 is otherwise idle: 511 is otherwise idle:
430 512
431 my @lines; # read data 513 my @lines; # read data
444 } 526 }
445 }); 527 });
446 }); 528 });
447 529
448 CONDITION VARIABLES 530 CONDITION VARIABLES
531 $cv = AnyEvent->condvar;
532
533 $cv->send (<list>);
534 my @res = $cv->recv;
535
449 If you are familiar with some event loops you will know that all of them 536 If you are familiar with some event loops you will know that all of them
450 require you to run some blocking "loop", "run" or similar function that 537 require you to run some blocking "loop", "run" or similar function that
451 will actively watch for new events and call your callbacks. 538 will actively watch for new events and call your callbacks.
452 539
453 AnyEvent is slightly different: it expects somebody else to run the 540 AnyEvent is slightly different: it expects somebody else to run the
454 event loop and will only block when necessary (usually when told by the 541 event loop and will only block when necessary (usually when told by the
455 user). 542 user).
456 543
457 The instrument to do that is called a "condition variable", so called 544 The tool to do that is called a "condition variable", so called because
458 because they represent a condition that must become true. 545 they represent a condition that must become true.
459 546
460 Now is probably a good time to look at the examples further below. 547 Now is probably a good time to look at the examples further below.
461 548
462 Condition variables can be created by calling the "AnyEvent->condvar" 549 Condition variables can be created by calling the "AnyEvent->condvar"
463 method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is 550 method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is
468 After creation, the condition variable is "false" until it becomes 555 After creation, the condition variable is "false" until it becomes
469 "true" by calling the "send" method (or calling the condition variable 556 "true" by calling the "send" method (or calling the condition variable
470 as if it were a callback, read about the caveats in the description for 557 as if it were a callback, read about the caveats in the description for
471 the "->send" method). 558 the "->send" method).
472 559
473 Condition variables are similar to callbacks, except that you can 560 Since condition variables are the most complex part of the AnyEvent API,
474 optionally wait for them. They can also be called merge points - points 561 here are some different mental models of what they are - pick the ones
475 in time where multiple outstanding events have been processed. And yet 562 you can connect to:
476 another way to call them is transactions - each condition variable can 563
477 be used to represent a transaction, which finishes at some point and 564 * Condition variables are like callbacks - you can call them (and pass
478 delivers a result. 565 them instead of callbacks). Unlike callbacks however, you can also
566 wait for them to be called.
567
568 * Condition variables are signals - one side can emit or send them,
569 the other side can wait for them, or install a handler that is
570 called when the signal fires.
571
572 * Condition variables are like "Merge Points" - points in your program
573 where you merge multiple independent results/control flows into one.
574
575 * Condition variables represent a transaction - function that start
576 some kind of transaction can return them, leaving the caller the
577 choice between waiting in a blocking fashion, or setting a callback.
578
579 * Condition variables represent future values, or promises to deliver
580 some result, long before the result is available.
479 581
480 Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has 582 Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has
481 finished, for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http 583 finished, for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http
482 requests, then a condition variable would be the ideal candidate to 584 requests, then a condition variable would be the ideal candidate to
483 signal the availability of results. The user can either act when the 585 signal the availability of results. The user can either act when the
504 which eventually calls "-> send", and the "consumer side", which waits 606 which eventually calls "-> send", and the "consumer side", which waits
505 for the send to occur. 607 for the send to occur.
506 608
507 Example: wait for a timer. 609 Example: wait for a timer.
508 610
509 # wait till the result is ready 611 # condition: "wait till the timer is fired"
510 my $result_ready = AnyEvent->condvar; 612 my $timer_fired = AnyEvent->condvar;
511 613
512 # do something such as adding a timer 614 # create the timer - we could wait for, say
513 # or socket watcher the calls $result_ready->send 615 # a handle becomign ready, or even an
514 # when the "result" is ready. 616 # AnyEvent::HTTP request to finish, but
515 # in this case, we simply use a timer: 617 # in this case, we simply use a timer:
516 my $w = AnyEvent->timer ( 618 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (
517 after => 1, 619 after => 1,
518 cb => sub { $result_ready->send }, 620 cb => sub { $timer_fired->send },
519 ); 621 );
520 622
521 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback 623 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback
522 # calls -<send 624 # calls ->send
523 $result_ready->recv; 625 $timer_fired->recv;
524 626
525 Example: wait for a timer, but take advantage of the fact that condition 627 Example: wait for a timer, but take advantage of the fact that condition
526 variables are also callable directly. 628 variables are also callable directly.
527 629
528 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar; 630 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
584 into one. For example, a function that pings many hosts in parallel 686 into one. For example, a function that pings many hosts in parallel
585 might want to use a condition variable for the whole process. 687 might want to use a condition variable for the whole process.
586 688
587 Every call to "->begin" will increment a counter, and every call to 689 Every call to "->begin" will increment a counter, and every call to
588 "->end" will decrement it. If the counter reaches 0 in "->end", the 690 "->end" will decrement it. If the counter reaches 0 in "->end", the
589 (last) callback passed to "begin" will be executed. That callback is 691 (last) callback passed to "begin" will be executed, passing the
590 *supposed* to call "->send", but that is not required. If no 692 condvar as first argument. That callback is *supposed* to call
693 "->send", but that is not required. If no group callback was set,
591 callback was set, "send" will be called without any arguments. 694 "send" will be called without any arguments.
592 695
593 You can think of "$cv->send" giving you an OR condition (one call 696 You can think of "$cv->send" giving you an OR condition (one call
594 sends), while "$cv->begin" and "$cv->end" giving you an AND 697 sends), while "$cv->begin" and "$cv->end" giving you an AND
595 condition (all "begin" calls must be "end"'ed before the condvar 698 condition (all "begin" calls must be "end"'ed before the condvar
596 sends). 699 sends).
624 that are begung can potentially be zero: 727 that are begung can potentially be zero:
625 728
626 my $cv = AnyEvent->condvar; 729 my $cv = AnyEvent->condvar;
627 730
628 my %result; 731 my %result;
629 $cv->begin (sub { $cv->send (\%result) }); 732 $cv->begin (sub { shift->send (\%result) });
630 733
631 for my $host (@list_of_hosts) { 734 for my $host (@list_of_hosts) {
632 $cv->begin; 735 $cv->begin;
633 ping_host_then_call_callback $host, sub { 736 ping_host_then_call_callback $host, sub {
634 $result{$host} = ...; 737 $result{$host} = ...;
701 804
702 $cb = $cv->cb ($cb->($cv)) 805 $cb = $cv->cb ($cb->($cv))
703 This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and 806 This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and
704 optionally replaces it before doing so. 807 optionally replaces it before doing so.
705 808
706 The callback will be called when the condition becomes "true", i.e. 809 The callback will be called when the condition becomes (or already
707 when "send" or "croak" are called, with the only argument being the 810 was) "true", i.e. when "send" or "croak" are called (or were
708 condition variable itself. Calling "recv" inside the callback or at 811 called), with the only argument being the condition variable itself.
812 Calling "recv" inside the callback or at any later time is
709 any later time is guaranteed not to block. 813 guaranteed not to block.
710 814
711SUPPORTED EVENT LOOPS/BACKENDS 815SUPPORTED EVENT LOOPS/BACKENDS
712 The available backend classes are (every class has its own manpage): 816 The available backend classes are (every class has its own manpage):
713 817
714 Backends that are autoprobed when no other event loop can be found. 818 Backends that are autoprobed when no other event loop can be found.
715 EV is the preferred backend when no other event loop seems to be in 819 EV is the preferred backend when no other event loop seems to be in
716 use. If EV is not installed, then AnyEvent will try Event, and, 820 use. If EV is not installed, then AnyEvent will fall back to its own
717 failing that, will fall back to its own pure-perl implementation, 821 pure-perl implementation, which is available everywhere as it comes
718 which is available everywhere as it comes with AnyEvent itself. 822 with AnyEvent itself.
719 823
720 AnyEvent::Impl::EV based on EV (interface to libev, best choice). 824 AnyEvent::Impl::EV based on EV (interface to libev, best choice).
721 AnyEvent::Impl::Event based on Event, very stable, few glitches.
722 AnyEvent::Impl::Perl pure-perl implementation, fast and portable. 825 AnyEvent::Impl::Perl pure-perl implementation, fast and portable.
723 826
724 Backends that are transparently being picked up when they are used. 827 Backends that are transparently being picked up when they are used.
725 These will be used when they are currently loaded when the first 828 These will be used when they are currently loaded when the first
726 watcher is created, in which case it is assumed that the application 829 watcher is created, in which case it is assumed that the application
727 is using them. This means that AnyEvent will automatically pick the 830 is using them. This means that AnyEvent will automatically pick the
728 right backend when the main program loads an event module before 831 right backend when the main program loads an event module before
729 anything starts to create watchers. Nothing special needs to be done 832 anything starts to create watchers. Nothing special needs to be done
730 by the main program. 833 by the main program.
731 834
835 AnyEvent::Impl::Event based on Event, very stable, few glitches.
732 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib based on Glib, slow but very stable. 836 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib based on Glib, slow but very stable.
733 AnyEvent::Impl::Tk based on Tk, very broken. 837 AnyEvent::Impl::Tk based on Tk, very broken.
734 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib based on Event::Lib, leaks memory and worse. 838 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib based on Event::Lib, leaks memory and worse.
735 AnyEvent::Impl::POE based on POE, very slow, some limitations. 839 AnyEvent::Impl::POE based on POE, very slow, some limitations.
840 AnyEvent::Impl::Irssi used when running within irssi.
736 841
737 Backends with special needs. 842 Backends with special needs.
738 Qt requires the Qt::Application to be instantiated first, but will 843 Qt requires the Qt::Application to be instantiated first, but will
739 otherwise be picked up automatically. As long as the main program 844 otherwise be picked up automatically. As long as the main program
740 instantiates the application before any AnyEvent watchers are 845 instantiates the application before any AnyEvent watchers are
805 creates and installs the global IO::AIO watcher in a "post_detect" 910 creates and installs the global IO::AIO watcher in a "post_detect"
806 block to avoid autodetecting the event module at load time. 911 block to avoid autodetecting the event module at load time.
807 912
808 If called in scalar or list context, then it creates and returns an 913 If called in scalar or list context, then it creates and returns an
809 object that automatically removes the callback again when it is 914 object that automatically removes the callback again when it is
915 destroyed (or "undef" when the hook was immediately executed). See
810 destroyed. See Coro::BDB for a case where this is useful. 916 AnyEvent::AIO for a case where this is useful.
917
918 Example: Create a watcher for the IO::AIO module and store it in
919 $WATCHER. Only do so after the event loop is initialised, though.
920
921 our WATCHER;
922
923 my $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect {
924 $WATCHER = AnyEvent->io (fh => IO::AIO::poll_fileno, poll => 'r', cb => \&IO::AIO::poll_cb);
925 };
926
927 # the ||= is important in case post_detect immediately runs the block,
928 # as to not clobber the newly-created watcher. assigning both watcher and
929 # post_detect guard to the same variable has the advantage of users being
930 # able to just C<undef $WATCHER> if the watcher causes them grief.
931
932 $WATCHER ||= $guard;
811 933
812 @AnyEvent::post_detect 934 @AnyEvent::post_detect
813 If there are any code references in this array (you can "push" to it 935 If there are any code references in this array (you can "push" to it
814 before or after loading AnyEvent), then they will called directly 936 before or after loading AnyEvent), then they will called directly
815 after the event loop has been chosen. 937 after the event loop has been chosen.
817 You should check $AnyEvent::MODEL before adding to this array, 939 You should check $AnyEvent::MODEL before adding to this array,
818 though: if it is defined then the event loop has already been 940 though: if it is defined then the event loop has already been
819 detected, and the array will be ignored. 941 detected, and the array will be ignored.
820 942
821 Best use "AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }" when your application 943 Best use "AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }" when your application
822 allows it,as it takes care of these details. 944 allows it, as it takes care of these details.
823 945
824 This variable is mainly useful for modules that can do something 946 This variable is mainly useful for modules that can do something
825 useful when AnyEvent is used and thus want to know when it is 947 useful when AnyEvent is used and thus want to know when it is
826 initialised, but do not need to even load it by default. This array 948 initialised, but do not need to even load it by default. This array
827 provides the means to hook into AnyEvent passively, without loading 949 provides the means to hook into AnyEvent passively, without loading
828 it. 950 it.
951
952 Example: To load Coro::AnyEvent whenever Coro and AnyEvent are used
953 together, you could put this into Coro (this is the actual code used
954 by Coro to accomplish this):
955
956 if (defined $AnyEvent::MODEL) {
957 # AnyEvent already initialised, so load Coro::AnyEvent
958 require Coro::AnyEvent;
959 } else {
960 # AnyEvent not yet initialised, so make sure to load Coro::AnyEvent
961 # as soon as it is
962 push @AnyEvent::post_detect, sub { require Coro::AnyEvent };
963 }
829 964
830WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE 965WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE
831 As a module author, you should "use AnyEvent" and call AnyEvent methods 966 As a module author, you should "use AnyEvent" and call AnyEvent methods
832 freely, but you should not load a specific event module or rely on it. 967 freely, but you should not load a specific event module or rely on it.
833 968
886 1021
887OTHER MODULES 1022OTHER MODULES
888 The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use 1023 The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use
889 AnyEvent as a client and can therefore be mixed easily with other 1024 AnyEvent as a client and can therefore be mixed easily with other
890 AnyEvent modules and other event loops in the same program. Some of the 1025 AnyEvent modules and other event loops in the same program. Some of the
891 modules come with AnyEvent, most are available via CPAN. 1026 modules come as part of AnyEvent, the others are available via CPAN.
892 1027
893 AnyEvent::Util 1028 AnyEvent::Util
894 Contains various utility functions that replace often-used but 1029 Contains various utility functions that replace often-used but
895 blocking functions such as "inet_aton" by event-/callback-based 1030 blocking functions such as "inet_aton" by event-/callback-based
896 versions. 1031 versions.
907 transparent and non-blocking SSL/TLS (via AnyEvent::TLS. 1042 transparent and non-blocking SSL/TLS (via AnyEvent::TLS.
908 1043
909 AnyEvent::DNS 1044 AnyEvent::DNS
910 Provides rich asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities. 1045 Provides rich asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities.
911 1046
1047 AnyEvent::HTTP, AnyEvent::IRC, AnyEvent::XMPP, AnyEvent::GPSD,
1048 AnyEvent::IGS, AnyEvent::FCP
1049 Implement event-based interfaces to the protocols of the same name
1050 (for the curious, IGS is the International Go Server and FCP is the
1051 Freenet Client Protocol).
1052
1053 AnyEvent::Handle::UDP
1054 Here be danger!
1055
1056 As Pauli would put it, "Not only is it not right, it's not even
1057 wrong!" - there are so many things wrong with AnyEvent::Handle::UDP,
1058 most notably it's use of a stream-based API with a protocol that
1059 isn't streamable, that the only way to improve it is to delete it.
1060
1061 It features data corruption (but typically only under load) and
1062 general confusion. On top, the author is not only clueless about UDP
1063 but also fact-resistant - some gems of his understanding: "connect
1064 doesn't work with UDP", "UDP packets are not IP packets", "UDP only
1065 has datagrams, not packets", "I don't need to implement proper error
1066 checking as UDP doesn't support error checking" and so on - he
1067 doesn't even understand what's wrong with his module when it is
1068 explained to him.
1069
912 AnyEvent::HTTP 1070 AnyEvent::DBI
913 A simple-to-use HTTP library that is capable of making a lot of 1071 Executes DBI requests asynchronously in a proxy process for you,
914 concurrent HTTP requests. 1072 notifying you in an event-bnased way when the operation is finished.
1073
1074 AnyEvent::AIO
1075 Truly asynchronous (as opposed to non-blocking) I/O, should be in
1076 the toolbox of every event programmer. AnyEvent::AIO transparently
1077 fuses IO::AIO and AnyEvent together, giving AnyEvent access to
1078 event-based file I/O, and much more.
915 1079
916 AnyEvent::HTTPD 1080 AnyEvent::HTTPD
917 Provides a simple web application server framework. 1081 A simple embedded webserver.
918 1082
919 AnyEvent::FastPing 1083 AnyEvent::FastPing
920 The fastest ping in the west. 1084 The fastest ping in the west.
921 1085
922 AnyEvent::DBI
923 Executes DBI requests asynchronously in a proxy process.
924
925 AnyEvent::AIO
926 Truly asynchronous I/O, should be in the toolbox of every event
927 programmer. AnyEvent::AIO transparently fuses IO::AIO and AnyEvent
928 together.
929
930 AnyEvent::BDB
931 Truly asynchronous Berkeley DB access. AnyEvent::BDB transparently
932 fuses BDB and AnyEvent together.
933
934 AnyEvent::GPSD
935 A non-blocking interface to gpsd, a daemon delivering GPS
936 information.
937
938 AnyEvent::IRC
939 AnyEvent based IRC client module family (replacing the older
940 Net::IRC3).
941
942 AnyEvent::XMPP
943 AnyEvent based XMPP (Jabber protocol) module family (replacing the
944 older Net::XMPP2>.
945
946 AnyEvent::IGS
947 A non-blocking interface to the Internet Go Server protocol (used by
948 App::IGS).
949
950 Net::FCP
951 AnyEvent-based implementation of the Freenet Client Protocol,
952 birthplace of AnyEvent.
953
954 Event::ExecFlow
955 High level API for event-based execution flow control.
956
957 Coro 1086 Coro
958 Has special support for AnyEvent via Coro::AnyEvent. 1087 Has special support for AnyEvent via Coro::AnyEvent.
1088
1089SIMPLIFIED AE API
1090 Starting with version 5.0, AnyEvent officially supports a second, much
1091 simpler, API that is designed to reduce the calling, typing and memory
1092 overhead by using function call syntax and a fixed number of parameters.
1093
1094 See the AE manpage for details.
959 1095
960ERROR AND EXCEPTION HANDLING 1096ERROR AND EXCEPTION HANDLING
961 In general, AnyEvent does not do any error handling - it relies on the 1097 In general, AnyEvent does not do any error handling - it relies on the
962 caller to do that if required. The AnyEvent::Strict module (see also the 1098 caller to do that if required. The AnyEvent::Strict module (see also the
963 "PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT" environment variable, below) provides strict 1099 "PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT" environment variable, below) provides strict
991 by "PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL". 1127 by "PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL".
992 1128
993 When set to 2 or higher, cause AnyEvent to report to STDERR which 1129 When set to 2 or higher, cause AnyEvent to report to STDERR which
994 event model it chooses. 1130 event model it chooses.
995 1131
1132 When set to 8 or higher, then AnyEvent will report extra information
1133 on which optional modules it loads and how it implements certain
1134 features.
1135
996 "PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT" 1136 "PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT"
997 AnyEvent does not do much argument checking by default, as thorough 1137 AnyEvent does not do much argument checking by default, as thorough
998 argument checking is very costly. Setting this variable to a true 1138 argument checking is very costly. Setting this variable to a true
999 value will cause AnyEvent to load "AnyEvent::Strict" and then to 1139 value will cause AnyEvent to load "AnyEvent::Strict" and then to
1000 thoroughly check the arguments passed to most method calls. If it 1140 thoroughly check the arguments passed to most method calls. If it
1001 finds any problems, it will croak. 1141 finds any problems, it will croak.
1002 1142
1003 In other words, enables "strict" mode. 1143 In other words, enables "strict" mode.
1004 1144
1005 Unlike "use strict", it is definitely recommended to keep it off in 1145 Unlike "use strict" (or it's modern cousin, "use common::sense", it
1006 production. Keeping "PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT=1" in your environment 1146 is definitely recommended to keep it off in production. Keeping
1147 "PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT=1" in your environment while developing
1007 while developing programs can be very useful, however. 1148 programs can be very useful, however.
1008 1149
1009 "PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL" 1150 "PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL"
1010 This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent, 1151 This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent,
1011 before auto detection and -probing kicks in. It must be a string 1152 before auto detection and -probing kicks in. It must be a string
1012 consisting entirely of ASCII letters. The string "AnyEvent::Impl::" 1153 consisting entirely of ASCII letters. The string "AnyEvent::Impl::"
1069 "PERL_ANYEVENT_CA_FILE", "PERL_ANYEVENT_CA_PATH". 1210 "PERL_ANYEVENT_CA_FILE", "PERL_ANYEVENT_CA_PATH".
1070 When neither "ca_file" nor "ca_path" was specified during 1211 When neither "ca_file" nor "ca_path" was specified during
1071 AnyEvent::TLS context creation, and either of these environment 1212 AnyEvent::TLS context creation, and either of these environment
1072 variables exist, they will be used to specify CA certificate 1213 variables exist, they will be used to specify CA certificate
1073 locations instead of a system-dependent default. 1214 locations instead of a system-dependent default.
1215
1216 "PERL_ANYEVENT_AVOID_GUARD" and "PERL_ANYEVENT_AVOID_ASYNC_INTERRUPT"
1217 When these are set to 1, then the respective modules are not loaded.
1218 Mostly good for testing AnyEvent itself.
1074 1219
1075SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE 1220SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE
1076 This is an advanced topic that you do not normally need to use AnyEvent 1221 This is an advanced topic that you do not normally need to use AnyEvent
1077 in a module. This section is only of use to event loop authors who want 1222 in a module. This section is only of use to event loop authors who want
1078 to provide AnyEvent compatibility. 1223 to provide AnyEvent compatibility.
1133 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read 1278 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read
1134 $cv->send if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i 1279 $cv->send if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i
1135 }, 1280 },
1136 ); 1281 );
1137 1282
1138 my $time_watcher; # can only be used once
1139
1140 sub new_timer {
1141 $timer = AnyEvent->timer (after => 1, cb => sub { 1283 my $time_watcher = AnyEvent->timer (after => 1, interval => 1, cb => sub {
1142 warn "timeout\n"; # print 'timeout' about every second 1284 warn "timeout\n"; # print 'timeout' at most every second
1143 &new_timer; # and restart the time
1144 });
1145 } 1285 });
1146
1147 new_timer; # create first timer
1148 1286
1149 $cv->recv; # wait until user enters /^q/i 1287 $cv->recv; # wait until user enters /^q/i
1150 1288
1151REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE 1289REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE
1152 Consider the Net::FCP module. It features (among others) the following 1290 Consider the Net::FCP module. It features (among others) the following
1224 1362
1225 The actual code goes further and collects all errors ("die"s, 1363 The actual code goes further and collects all errors ("die"s,
1226 exceptions) that occurred during request processing. The "result" method 1364 exceptions) that occurred during request processing. The "result" method
1227 detects whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn 1365 detects whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn
1228 object) and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and 1366 object) and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and
1229 other problems get reported tot he code that tries to use the result, 1367 other problems get reported to the code that tries to use the result,
1230 not in a random callback. 1368 not in a random callback.
1231 1369
1232 All of this enables the following usage styles: 1370 All of this enables the following usage styles:
1233 1371
1234 1. Blocking: 1372 1. Blocking:
1279 through AnyEvent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero 1417 through AnyEvent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero
1280 timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable, 1418 timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable,
1281 which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again. 1419 which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again.
1282 1420
1283 Source code for this benchmark is found as eg/bench in the AnyEvent 1421 Source code for this benchmark is found as eg/bench in the AnyEvent
1284 distribution. 1422 distribution. It uses the AE interface, which makes a real difference
1423 for the EV and Perl backends only.
1285 1424
1286 Explanation of the columns 1425 Explanation of the columns
1287 *watcher* is the number of event watchers created/destroyed. Since 1426 *watcher* is the number of event watchers created/destroyed. Since
1288 different event models feature vastly different performances, each event 1427 different event models feature vastly different performances, each event
1289 loop was given a number of watchers so that overall runtime is 1428 loop was given a number of watchers so that overall runtime is
1308 *destroy* is the time, in microseconds, that it takes to destroy a 1447 *destroy* is the time, in microseconds, that it takes to destroy a
1309 single watcher. 1448 single watcher.
1310 1449
1311 Results 1450 Results
1312 name watchers bytes create invoke destroy comment 1451 name watchers bytes create invoke destroy comment
1313 EV/EV 400000 224 0.47 0.35 0.27 EV native interface 1452 EV/EV 100000 223 0.47 0.43 0.27 EV native interface
1314 EV/Any 100000 224 2.88 0.34 0.27 EV + AnyEvent watchers 1453 EV/Any 100000 223 0.48 0.42 0.26 EV + AnyEvent watchers
1315 CoroEV/Any 100000 224 2.85 0.35 0.28 coroutines + Coro::Signal 1454 Coro::EV/Any 100000 223 0.47 0.42 0.26 coroutines + Coro::Signal
1316 Perl/Any 100000 452 4.13 0.73 0.95 pure perl implementation 1455 Perl/Any 100000 431 2.70 0.74 0.92 pure perl implementation
1317 Event/Event 16000 517 32.20 31.80 0.81 Event native interface 1456 Event/Event 16000 516 31.16 31.84 0.82 Event native interface
1318 Event/Any 16000 590 35.85 31.55 1.06 Event + AnyEvent watchers 1457 Event/Any 16000 1203 42.61 34.79 1.80 Event + AnyEvent watchers
1319 IOAsync/Any 16000 989 38.10 32.77 11.13 via IO::Async::Loop::IO_Poll 1458 IOAsync/Any 16000 1911 41.92 27.45 16.81 via IO::Async::Loop::IO_Poll
1320 IOAsync/Any 16000 990 37.59 29.50 10.61 via IO::Async::Loop::Epoll 1459 IOAsync/Any 16000 1726 40.69 26.37 15.25 via IO::Async::Loop::Epoll
1321 Glib/Any 16000 1357 102.33 12.31 51.00 quadratic behaviour 1460 Glib/Any 16000 1118 89.00 12.57 51.17 quadratic behaviour
1322 Tk/Any 2000 1860 27.20 66.31 14.00 SEGV with >> 2000 watchers 1461 Tk/Any 2000 1346 20.96 10.75 8.00 SEGV with >> 2000 watchers
1323 POE/Event 2000 6328 109.99 751.67 14.02 via POE::Loop::Event 1462 POE/Any 2000 6951 108.97 795.32 14.24 via POE::Loop::Event
1324 POE/Select 2000 6027 94.54 809.13 579.80 via POE::Loop::Select 1463 POE/Any 2000 6648 94.79 774.40 575.51 via POE::Loop::Select
1325 1464
1326 Discussion 1465 Discussion
1327 The benchmark does *not* measure scalability of the event loop very 1466 The benchmark does *not* measure scalability of the event loop very
1328 well. For example, a select-based event loop (such as the pure perl one) 1467 well. For example, a select-based event loop (such as the pure perl one)
1329 can never compete with an event loop that uses epoll when the number of 1468 can never compete with an event loop that uses epoll when the number of
1340 benchmark machine, handling an event takes roughly 1600 CPU cycles with 1479 benchmark machine, handling an event takes roughly 1600 CPU cycles with
1341 EV, 3100 CPU cycles with AnyEvent's pure perl loop and almost 3000000 1480 EV, 3100 CPU cycles with AnyEvent's pure perl loop and almost 3000000
1342 CPU cycles with POE. 1481 CPU cycles with POE.
1343 1482
1344 "EV" is the sole leader regarding speed and memory use, which are both 1483 "EV" is the sole leader regarding speed and memory use, which are both
1345 maximal/minimal, respectively. Even when going through AnyEvent, it uses 1484 maximal/minimal, respectively. When using the AE API there is zero
1485 overhead (when going through the AnyEvent API create is about 5-6 times
1486 slower, with other times being equal, so still uses far less memory than
1346 far less memory than any other event loop and is still faster than Event 1487 any other event loop and is still faster than Event natively).
1347 natively.
1348 1488
1349 The pure perl implementation is hit in a few sweet spots (both the 1489 The pure perl implementation is hit in a few sweet spots (both the
1350 constant timeout and the use of a single fd hit optimisations in the 1490 constant timeout and the use of a single fd hit optimisations in the
1351 perl interpreter and the backend itself). Nevertheless this shows that 1491 perl interpreter and the backend itself). Nevertheless this shows that
1352 it adds very little overhead in itself. Like any select-based backend 1492 it adds very little overhead in itself. Like any select-based backend
1422 In this benchmark, we use 10000 socket pairs (20000 sockets), of which 1562 In this benchmark, we use 10000 socket pairs (20000 sockets), of which
1423 100 (1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with 1563 100 (1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with
1424 many connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time. 1564 many connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time.
1425 1565
1426 Source code for this benchmark is found as eg/bench2 in the AnyEvent 1566 Source code for this benchmark is found as eg/bench2 in the AnyEvent
1427 distribution. 1567 distribution. It uses the AE interface, which makes a real difference
1568 for the EV and Perl backends only.
1428 1569
1429 Explanation of the columns 1570 Explanation of the columns
1430 *sockets* is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" 1571 *sockets* is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers"
1431 (as each server has a read and write socket end). 1572 (as each server has a read and write socket end).
1432 1573
1438 forwarding it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout 1579 forwarding it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout
1439 and creating a new one that moves the timeout into the future. 1580 and creating a new one that moves the timeout into the future.
1440 1581
1441 Results 1582 Results
1442 name sockets create request 1583 name sockets create request
1443 EV 20000 69.01 11.16 1584 EV 20000 62.66 7.99
1444 Perl 20000 73.32 35.87 1585 Perl 20000 68.32 32.64
1445 IOAsync 20000 157.00 98.14 epoll 1586 IOAsync 20000 174.06 101.15 epoll
1446 IOAsync 20000 159.31 616.06 poll 1587 IOAsync 20000 174.67 610.84 poll
1447 Event 20000 212.62 257.32 1588 Event 20000 202.69 242.91
1448 Glib 20000 651.16 1896.30 1589 Glib 20000 557.01 1689.52
1449 POE 20000 349.67 12317.24 uses POE::Loop::Event 1590 POE 20000 341.54 12086.32 uses POE::Loop::Event
1450 1591
1451 Discussion 1592 Discussion
1452 This benchmark *does* measure scalability and overall performance of the 1593 This benchmark *does* measure scalability and overall performance of the
1453 particular event loop. 1594 particular event loop.
1454 1595
1567 As you can see, the AnyEvent + EV combination even beats the 1708 As you can see, the AnyEvent + EV combination even beats the
1568 hand-optimised "raw sockets benchmark", while AnyEvent + its pure perl 1709 hand-optimised "raw sockets benchmark", while AnyEvent + its pure perl
1569 backend easily beats IO::Lambda and POE. 1710 backend easily beats IO::Lambda and POE.
1570 1711
1571 And even the 100% non-blocking version written using the high-level (and 1712 And even the 100% non-blocking version written using the high-level (and
1572 slow :) AnyEvent::Handle abstraction beats both POE and IO::Lambda by a 1713 slow :) AnyEvent::Handle abstraction beats both POE and IO::Lambda
1573 large margin, even though it does all of DNS, tcp-connect and socket I/O 1714 higher level ("unoptimised") abstractions by a large margin, even though
1574 in a non-blocking way. 1715 it does all of DNS, tcp-connect and socket I/O in a non-blocking way.
1575 1716
1576 The two AnyEvent benchmarks programs can be found as eg/ae0.pl and 1717 The two AnyEvent benchmarks programs can be found as eg/ae0.pl and
1577 eg/ae2.pl in the AnyEvent distribution, the remaining benchmarks are 1718 eg/ae2.pl in the AnyEvent distribution, the remaining benchmarks are
1578 part of the IO::lambda distribution and were used without any changes. 1719 part of the IO::Lambda distribution and were used without any changes.
1579 1720
1580SIGNALS 1721SIGNALS
1581 AnyEvent currently installs handlers for these signals: 1722 AnyEvent currently installs handlers for these signals:
1582 1723
1583 SIGCHLD 1724 SIGCHLD
1603 it is that this way, the handler will be restored to defaults on 1744 it is that this way, the handler will be restored to defaults on
1604 exec. 1745 exec.
1605 1746
1606 Feel free to install your own handler, or reset it to defaults. 1747 Feel free to install your own handler, or reset it to defaults.
1607 1748
1749RECOMMENDED/OPTIONAL MODULES
1750 One of AnyEvent's main goals is to be 100% Pure-Perl(tm): only perl (and
1751 it's built-in modules) are required to use it.
1752
1753 That does not mean that AnyEvent won't take advantage of some additional
1754 modules if they are installed.
1755
1756 This section explains which additional modules will be used, and how
1757 they affect AnyEvent's operation.
1758
1759 Async::Interrupt
1760 This slightly arcane module is used to implement fast signal
1761 handling: To my knowledge, there is no way to do completely
1762 race-free and quick signal handling in pure perl. To ensure that
1763 signals still get delivered, AnyEvent will start an interval timer
1764 to wake up perl (and catch the signals) with some delay (default is
1765 10 seconds, look for $AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY).
1766
1767 If this module is available, then it will be used to implement
1768 signal catching, which means that signals will not be delayed, and
1769 the event loop will not be interrupted regularly, which is more
1770 efficient (and good for battery life on laptops).
1771
1772 This affects not just the pure-perl event loop, but also other event
1773 loops that have no signal handling on their own (e.g. Glib, Tk, Qt).
1774
1775 Some event loops (POE, Event, Event::Lib) offer signal watchers
1776 natively, and either employ their own workarounds (POE) or use
1777 AnyEvent's workaround (using $AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY).
1778 Installing Async::Interrupt does nothing for those backends.
1779
1780 EV This module isn't really "optional", as it is simply one of the
1781 backend event loops that AnyEvent can use. However, it is simply the
1782 best event loop available in terms of features, speed and stability:
1783 It supports the AnyEvent API optimally, implements all the watcher
1784 types in XS, does automatic timer adjustments even when no monotonic
1785 clock is available, can take avdantage of advanced kernel interfaces
1786 such as "epoll" and "kqueue", and is the fastest backend *by far*.
1787 You can even embed Glib/Gtk2 in it (or vice versa, see EV::Glib and
1788 Glib::EV).
1789
1790 If you only use backends that rely on another event loop (e.g.
1791 "Tk"), then this module will do nothing for you.
1792
1793 Guard
1794 The guard module, when used, will be used to implement
1795 "AnyEvent::Util::guard". This speeds up guards considerably (and
1796 uses a lot less memory), but otherwise doesn't affect guard
1797 operation much. It is purely used for performance.
1798
1799 JSON and JSON::XS
1800 One of these modules is required when you want to read or write JSON
1801 data via AnyEvent::Handle. JSON is also written in pure-perl, but
1802 can take advantage of the ultra-high-speed JSON::XS module when it
1803 is installed.
1804
1805 Net::SSLeay
1806 Implementing TLS/SSL in Perl is certainly interesting, but not very
1807 worthwhile: If this module is installed, then AnyEvent::Handle (with
1808 the help of AnyEvent::TLS), gains the ability to do TLS/SSL.
1809
1810 Time::HiRes
1811 This module is part of perl since release 5.008. It will be used
1812 when the chosen event library does not come with a timing source on
1813 it's own. The pure-perl event loop (AnyEvent::Impl::Perl) will
1814 additionally use it to try to use a monotonic clock for timing
1815 stability.
1816
1608FORK 1817FORK
1609 Most event libraries are not fork-safe. The ones who are usually are 1818 Most event libraries are not fork-safe. The ones who are usually are
1610 because they rely on inefficient but fork-safe "select" or "poll" calls. 1819 because they rely on inefficient but fork-safe "select" or "poll" calls
1611 Only EV is fully fork-aware. 1820 - higher performance APIs such as BSD's kqueue or the dreaded Linux
1821 epoll are usually badly thought-out hacks that are incompatible with
1822 fork in one way or another. Only EV is fully fork-aware and ensures that
1823 you continue event-processing in both parent and child (or both, if you
1824 know what you are doing).
1825
1826 This means that, in general, you cannot fork and do event processing in
1827 the child if the event library was initialised before the fork (which
1828 usually happens when the first AnyEvent watcher is created, or the
1829 library is loaded).
1612 1830
1613 If you have to fork, you must either do so *before* creating your first 1831 If you have to fork, you must either do so *before* creating your first
1614 watcher OR you must not use AnyEvent at all in the child. 1832 watcher OR you must not use AnyEvent at all in the child OR you must do
1833 something completely out of the scope of AnyEvent.
1834
1835 The problem of doing event processing in the parent *and* the child is
1836 much more complicated: even for backends that *are* fork-aware or
1837 fork-safe, their behaviour is not usually what you want: fork clones all
1838 watchers, that means all timers, I/O watchers etc. are active in both
1839 parent and child, which is almost never what you want. USing "exec" to
1840 start worker children from some kind of manage rprocess is usually
1841 preferred, because it is much easier and cleaner, at the expense of
1842 having to have another binary.
1615 1843
1616SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS 1844SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS
1617 AnyEvent can be forced to load any event model via 1845 AnyEvent can be forced to load any event model via
1618 $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL}. While this cannot (to my knowledge) be used 1846 $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL}. While this cannot (to my knowledge) be used
1619 to execute arbitrary code or directly gain access, it can easily be used 1847 to execute arbitrary code or directly gain access, it can easily be used
1651 Event::Lib, Qt, POE. 1879 Event::Lib, Qt, POE.
1652 1880
1653 Implementations: AnyEvent::Impl::EV, AnyEvent::Impl::Event, 1881 Implementations: AnyEvent::Impl::EV, AnyEvent::Impl::Event,
1654 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib, AnyEvent::Impl::Tk, AnyEvent::Impl::Perl, 1882 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib, AnyEvent::Impl::Tk, AnyEvent::Impl::Perl,
1655 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib, AnyEvent::Impl::Qt, AnyEvent::Impl::POE, 1883 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib, AnyEvent::Impl::Qt, AnyEvent::Impl::POE,
1656 AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync. 1884 AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync, Anyevent::Impl::Irssi.
1657 1885
1658 Non-blocking file handles, sockets, TCP clients and servers: 1886 Non-blocking file handles, sockets, TCP clients and servers:
1659 AnyEvent::Handle, AnyEvent::Socket, AnyEvent::TLS. 1887 AnyEvent::Handle, AnyEvent::Socket, AnyEvent::TLS.
1660 1888
1661 Asynchronous DNS: AnyEvent::DNS. 1889 Asynchronous DNS: AnyEvent::DNS.

Diff Legend

Removed lines
+ Added lines
< Changed lines
> Changed lines