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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, FLTK 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 => ...);
16 19
17 print AnyEvent->now; # prints current event loop time 20 print AnyEvent->now; # prints current event loop time
18 print AnyEvent->time; # think Time::HiRes::time or simply CORE::time. 21 print AnyEvent->time; # think Time::HiRes::time or simply CORE::time.
19 22
20 # POSIX signal 23 # POSIX signal
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 An FAQ document is available as AnyEvent::FAQ.
48
49 There also is a mailinglist for discussing all things AnyEvent, and an
50 IRC channel, too.
51
52 See the AnyEvent project page at the Schmorpforge Ta-Sa Software
53 Repository, at <http://anyevent.schmorp.de>, for more info.
42 54
43WHY YOU SHOULD USE THIS MODULE (OR NOT) 55WHY YOU SHOULD USE THIS MODULE (OR NOT)
44 Glib, POE, IO::Async, Event... CPAN offers event models by the dozen 56 Glib, POE, IO::Async, Event... CPAN offers event models by the dozen
45 nowadays. So what is different about AnyEvent? 57 nowadays. So what is different about AnyEvent?
46 58
61 module users into the same thing by forcing them to use the same event 73 module users into the same thing by forcing them to use the same event
62 model you use. 74 model you use.
63 75
64 For modules like POE or IO::Async (which is a total misnomer as it is 76 For modules like POE or IO::Async (which is a total misnomer as it is
65 actually doing all I/O *synchronously*...), using them in your module is 77 actually doing all I/O *synchronously*...), using them in your module is
66 like joining a cult: After you joined, you are dependent on them and you 78 like joining a cult: After you join, you are dependent on them and you
67 cannot use anything else, as they are simply incompatible to everything 79 cannot use anything else, as they are simply incompatible to everything
68 that isn't them. What's worse, all the potential users of your module 80 that isn't them. What's worse, all the potential users of your module
69 are *also* forced to use the same event loop you use. 81 are *also* forced to use the same event loop you use.
70 82
71 AnyEvent is different: AnyEvent + POE works fine. AnyEvent + Glib works 83 AnyEvent is different: AnyEvent + POE works fine. AnyEvent + Glib works
72 fine. AnyEvent + Tk works fine etc. etc. but none of these work together 84 fine. AnyEvent + Tk works fine etc. etc. but none of these work together
73 with the rest: POE + IO::Async? No go. Tk + Event? No go. Again: if your 85 with the rest: POE + EV? No go. Tk + Event? No go. Again: if your module
74 module uses one of those, every user of your module has to use it, too. 86 uses one of those, every user of your module has to use it, too. But if
75 But if your module uses AnyEvent, it works transparently with all event 87 your module uses AnyEvent, it works transparently with all event models
76 models it supports (including stuff like IO::Async, as long as those use 88 it supports (including stuff like IO::Async, as long as those use one of
77 one of the supported event loops. It is trivial to add new event loops 89 the supported event loops. It is easy to add new event loops to
78 to AnyEvent, too, so it is future-proof). 90 AnyEvent, too, so it is future-proof).
79 91
80 In addition to being free of having to use *the one and only true event 92 In addition to being free of having to use *the one and only true event
81 model*, AnyEvent also is free of bloat and policy: with POE or similar 93 model*, AnyEvent also is free of bloat and policy: with POE or similar
82 modules, you get an enormous amount of code and strict rules you have to 94 modules, you get an enormous amount of code and strict rules you have to
83 follow. AnyEvent, on the other hand, is lean and up to the point, by 95 follow. AnyEvent, on the other hand, is lean and to the point, by only
84 only offering the functionality that is necessary, in as thin as a 96 offering the functionality that is necessary, in as thin as a wrapper as
85 wrapper as technically possible. 97 technically possible.
86 98
87 Of course, AnyEvent comes with a big (and fully optional!) toolbox of 99 Of course, AnyEvent comes with a big (and fully optional!) toolbox of
88 useful functionality, such as an asynchronous DNS resolver, 100% 100 useful functionality, such as an asynchronous DNS resolver, 100%
89 non-blocking connects (even with TLS/SSL, IPv6 and on broken platforms 101 non-blocking connects (even with TLS/SSL, IPv6 and on broken platforms
90 such as Windows) and lots of real-world knowledge and workarounds for 102 such as Windows) and lots of real-world knowledge and workarounds for
93 Now, if you *do want* lots of policy (this can arguably be somewhat 105 Now, if you *do want* lots of policy (this can arguably be somewhat
94 useful) and you want to force your users to use the one and only event 106 useful) and you want to force your users to use the one and only event
95 model, you should *not* use this module. 107 model, you should *not* use this module.
96 108
97DESCRIPTION 109DESCRIPTION
98 AnyEvent provides an identical interface to multiple event loops. This 110 AnyEvent provides a uniform interface to various event loops. This
99 allows module authors to utilise an event loop without forcing module 111 allows module authors to use event loop functionality without forcing
100 users to use the same event loop (as only a single event loop can 112 module users to use a specific event loop implementation (since more
101 coexist peacefully at any one time). 113 than one event loop cannot coexist peacefully).
102 114
103 The interface itself is vaguely similar, but not identical to the Event 115 The interface itself is vaguely similar, but not identical to the Event
104 module. 116 module.
105 117
106 During the first call of any watcher-creation method, the module tries 118 During the first call of any watcher-creation method, the module tries
107 to detect the currently loaded event loop by probing whether one of the 119 to detect the currently loaded event loop by probing whether one of the
108 following modules is already loaded: EV, Event, Glib, 120 following modules is already loaded: EV, AnyEvent::Loop, Event, Glib,
109 AnyEvent::Impl::Perl, Tk, Event::Lib, Qt, POE. The first one found is 121 Tk, Event::Lib, Qt, POE. The first one found is used. If none are
110 used. If none are found, the module tries to load these modules 122 detected, the module tries to load the first four modules in the order
111 (excluding Tk, Event::Lib, Qt and POE as the pure perl adaptor should 123 given; but note that if EV is not available, the pure-perl
112 always succeed) in the order given. The first one that can be 124 AnyEvent::Loop should always work, so the other two are not normally
113 successfully loaded will be used. If, after this, still none could be 125 tried.
114 found, AnyEvent will fall back to a pure-perl event loop, which is not
115 very efficient, but should work everywhere.
116 126
117 Because AnyEvent first checks for modules that are already loaded, 127 Because AnyEvent first checks for modules that are already loaded,
118 loading an event model explicitly before first using AnyEvent will 128 loading an event model explicitly before first using AnyEvent will
119 likely make that model the default. For example: 129 likely make that model the default. For example:
120 130
122 use AnyEvent; 132 use AnyEvent;
123 133
124 # .. AnyEvent will likely default to Tk 134 # .. AnyEvent will likely default to Tk
125 135
126 The *likely* means that, if any module loads another event model and 136 The *likely* means that, if any module loads another event model and
127 starts using it, all bets are off. Maybe you should tell their authors 137 starts using it, all bets are off - this case should be very rare
128 to use AnyEvent so their modules work together with others seamlessly... 138 though, as very few modules hardcode event loops without announcing this
139 very loudly.
129 140
130 The pure-perl implementation of AnyEvent is called 141 The pure-perl implementation of AnyEvent is called "AnyEvent::Loop".
131 "AnyEvent::Impl::Perl". Like other event modules you can load it 142 Like other event modules you can load it explicitly and enjoy the high
132 explicitly and enjoy the high availability of that event loop :) 143 availability of that event loop :)
133 144
134WATCHERS 145WATCHERS
135 AnyEvent has the central concept of a *watcher*, which is an object that 146 AnyEvent has the central concept of a *watcher*, which is an object that
136 stores relevant data for each kind of event you are waiting for, such as 147 stores relevant data for each kind of event you are waiting for, such as
137 the callback to call, the file handle to watch, etc. 148 the callback to call, the file handle to watch, etc.
141 callback when the event occurs (of course, only when the event model is 152 callback when the event occurs (of course, only when the event model is
142 in control). 153 in control).
143 154
144 Note that callbacks must not permanently change global variables 155 Note that callbacks must not permanently change global variables
145 potentially in use by the event loop (such as $_ or $[) and that 156 potentially in use by the event loop (such as $_ or $[) and that
146 callbacks must not "die". The former is good programming practise in 157 callbacks must not "die". The former is good programming practice in
147 Perl and the latter stems from the fact that exception handling differs 158 Perl and the latter stems from the fact that exception handling differs
148 widely between event loops. 159 widely between event loops.
149 160
150 To disable the watcher you have to destroy it (e.g. by setting the 161 To disable a watcher you have to destroy it (e.g. by setting the
151 variable you store it in to "undef" or otherwise deleting all references 162 variable you store it in to "undef" or otherwise deleting all references
152 to it). 163 to it).
153 164
154 All watchers are created by calling a method on the "AnyEvent" class. 165 All watchers are created by calling a method on the "AnyEvent" class.
155 166
156 Many watchers either are used with "recursion" (repeating timers for 167 Many watchers either are used with "recursion" (repeating timers for
157 example), or need to refer to their watcher object in other ways. 168 example), or need to refer to their watcher object in other ways.
158 169
159 An any way to achieve that is this pattern: 170 One way to achieve that is this pattern:
160 171
161 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->type (arg => value ..., cb => sub { 172 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->type (arg => value ..., cb => sub {
162 # you can use $w here, for example to undef it 173 # you can use $w here, for example to undef it
163 undef $w; 174 undef $w;
164 }); 175 });
166 Note that "my $w; $w =" combination. This is necessary because in Perl, 177 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 178 my variables are only visible after the statement in which they are
168 declared. 179 declared.
169 180
170 I/O WATCHERS 181 I/O WATCHERS
182 $w = AnyEvent->io (
183 fh => <filehandle_or_fileno>,
184 poll => <"r" or "w">,
185 cb => <callback>,
186 );
187
171 You can create an I/O watcher by calling the "AnyEvent->io" method with 188 You can create an I/O watcher by calling the "AnyEvent->io" method with
172 the following mandatory key-value pairs as arguments: 189 the following mandatory key-value pairs as arguments:
173 190
174 "fh" is the Perl *file handle* (or a naked file descriptor) to watch for 191 "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 192 events (AnyEvent might or might not keep a reference to this file
189 206
190 The I/O watcher might use the underlying file descriptor or a copy of 207 The I/O watcher might use the underlying file descriptor or a copy of
191 it. You must not close a file handle as long as any watcher is active on 208 it. You must not close a file handle as long as any watcher is active on
192 the underlying file descriptor. 209 the underlying file descriptor.
193 210
194 Some event loops issue spurious readyness notifications, so you should 211 Some event loops issue spurious readiness notifications, so you should
195 always use non-blocking calls when reading/writing from/to your file 212 always use non-blocking calls when reading/writing from/to your file
196 handles. 213 handles.
197 214
198 Example: wait for readability of STDIN, then read a line and disable the 215 Example: wait for readability of STDIN, then read a line and disable the
199 watcher. 216 watcher.
203 warn "read: $input\n"; 220 warn "read: $input\n";
204 undef $w; 221 undef $w;
205 }); 222 });
206 223
207 TIME WATCHERS 224 TIME WATCHERS
225 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => <seconds>, cb => <callback>);
226
227 $w = AnyEvent->timer (
228 after => <fractional_seconds>,
229 interval => <fractional_seconds>,
230 cb => <callback>,
231 );
232
208 You can create a time watcher by calling the "AnyEvent->timer" method 233 You can create a time watcher by calling the "AnyEvent->timer" method
209 with the following mandatory arguments: 234 with the following mandatory arguments:
210 235
211 "after" specifies after how many seconds (fractional values are 236 "after" specifies after how many seconds (fractional values are
212 supported) the callback should be invoked. "cb" is the callback to 237 supported) the callback should be invoked. "cb" is the callback to
214 239
215 Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 240 Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
216 presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent 241 presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent
217 callbacks cannot use arguments passed to time watcher callbacks. 242 callbacks cannot use arguments passed to time watcher callbacks.
218 243
219 The callback will normally be invoked once only. If you specify another 244 The callback will normally be invoked only once. If you specify another
220 parameter, "interval", as a strictly positive number (> 0), then the 245 parameter, "interval", as a strictly positive number (> 0), then the
221 callback will be invoked regularly at that interval (in fractional 246 callback will be invoked regularly at that interval (in fractional
222 seconds) after the first invocation. If "interval" is specified with a 247 seconds) after the first invocation. If "interval" is specified with a
223 false value, then it is treated as if it were missing. 248 false value, then it is treated as if it were not specified at all.
224 249
225 The callback will be rescheduled before invoking the callback, but no 250 The callback will be rescheduled before invoking the callback, but no
226 attempt is done to avoid timer drift in most backends, so the interval 251 attempt is made to avoid timer drift in most backends, so the interval
227 is only approximate. 252 is only approximate.
228 253
229 Example: fire an event after 7.7 seconds. 254 Example: fire an event after 7.7 seconds.
230 255
231 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 7.7, cb => sub { 256 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 7.7, cb => sub {
237 262
238 Example 2: fire an event after 0.5 seconds, then roughly every second. 263 Example 2: fire an event after 0.5 seconds, then roughly every second.
239 264
240 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 0.5, interval => 1, cb => sub { 265 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 0.5, interval => 1, cb => sub {
241 warn "timeout\n"; 266 warn "timeout\n";
242 }; 267 });
243 268
244 TIMING ISSUES 269 TIMING ISSUES
245 There are two ways to handle timers: based on real time (relative, "fire 270 There are two ways to handle timers: based on real time (relative, "fire
246 in 10 seconds") and based on wallclock time (absolute, "fire at 12 271 in 10 seconds") and based on wallclock time (absolute, "fire at 12
247 o'clock"). 272 o'clock").
248 273
249 While most event loops expect timers to specified in a relative way, 274 While most event loops expect timers to specified in a relative way,
250 they use absolute time internally. This makes a difference when your 275 they use absolute time internally. This makes a difference when your
251 clock "jumps", for example, when ntp decides to set your clock backwards 276 clock "jumps", for example, when ntp decides to set your clock backwards
252 from the wrong date of 2014-01-01 to 2008-01-01, a watcher that is 277 from the wrong date of 2014-01-01 to 2008-01-01, a watcher that is
253 supposed to fire "after" a second might actually take six years to 278 supposed to fire "after a second" might actually take six years to
254 finally fire. 279 finally fire.
255 280
256 AnyEvent cannot compensate for this. The only event loop that is 281 AnyEvent cannot compensate for this. The only event loop that is
257 conscious about these issues is EV, which offers both relative 282 conscious of these issues is EV, which offers both relative (ev_timer,
258 (ev_timer, based on true relative time) and absolute (ev_periodic, based 283 based on true relative time) and absolute (ev_periodic, based on
259 on wallclock time) timers. 284 wallclock time) timers.
260 285
261 AnyEvent always prefers relative timers, if available, matching the 286 AnyEvent always prefers relative timers, if available, matching the
262 AnyEvent API. 287 AnyEvent API.
263 288
264 AnyEvent has two additional methods that return the "current time": 289 AnyEvent has two additional methods that return the "current time":
283 *In almost all cases (in all cases if you don't care), this is the 308 *In almost all cases (in all cases if you don't care), this is the
284 function to call when you want to know the current time.* 309 function to call when you want to know the current time.*
285 310
286 This function is also often faster then "AnyEvent->time", and thus 311 This function is also often faster then "AnyEvent->time", and thus
287 the preferred method if you want some timestamp (for example, 312 the preferred method if you want some timestamp (for example,
288 AnyEvent::Handle uses this to update it's activity timeouts). 313 AnyEvent::Handle uses this to update its activity timeouts).
289 314
290 The rest of this section is only of relevance if you try to be very 315 The rest of this section is only of relevance if you try to be very
291 exact with your timing, you can skip it without bad conscience. 316 exact with your timing; you can skip it without a bad conscience.
292 317
293 For a practical example of when these times differ, consider 318 For a practical example of when these times differ, consider
294 Event::Lib and EV and the following set-up: 319 Event::Lib and EV and the following set-up:
295 320
296 The event loop is running and has just invoked one of your callback 321 The event loop is running and has just invoked one of your callbacks
297 at time=500 (assume no other callbacks delay processing). In your 322 at time=500 (assume no other callbacks delay processing). In your
298 callback, you wait a second by executing "sleep 1" (blocking the 323 callback, you wait a second by executing "sleep 1" (blocking the
299 process for a second) and then (at time=501) you create a relative 324 process for a second) and then (at time=501) you create a relative
300 timer that fires after three seconds. 325 timer that fires after three seconds.
301 326
322 can get whatever behaviour you want with any event loop, by taking 347 can get whatever behaviour you want with any event loop, by taking
323 the difference between "AnyEvent->time" and "AnyEvent->now" into 348 the difference between "AnyEvent->time" and "AnyEvent->now" into
324 account. 349 account.
325 350
326 AnyEvent->now_update 351 AnyEvent->now_update
327 Some event loops (such as EV or AnyEvent::Impl::Perl) cache the 352 Some event loops (such as EV or AnyEvent::Loop) cache the current
328 current time for each loop iteration (see the discussion of 353 time for each loop iteration (see the discussion of AnyEvent->now,
329 AnyEvent->now, above). 354 above).
330 355
331 When a callback runs for a long time (or when the process sleeps), 356 When a callback runs for a long time (or when the process sleeps),
332 then this "current" time will differ substantially from the real 357 then this "current" time will differ substantially from the real
333 time, which might affect timers and time-outs. 358 time, which might affect timers and time-outs.
334 359
335 When this is the case, you can call this method, which will update 360 When this is the case, you can call this method, which will update
336 the event loop's idea of "current time". 361 the event loop's idea of "current time".
337 362
363 A typical example would be a script in a web server (e.g.
364 "mod_perl") - when mod_perl executes the script, then the event loop
365 will have the wrong idea about the "current time" (being potentially
366 far in the past, when the script ran the last time). In that case
367 you should arrange a call to "AnyEvent->now_update" each time the
368 web server process wakes up again (e.g. at the start of your script,
369 or in a handler).
370
338 Note that updating the time *might* cause some events to be handled. 371 Note that updating the time *might* cause some events to be handled.
339 372
340 SIGNAL WATCHERS 373 SIGNAL WATCHERS
374 $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => <uppercase_signal_name>, cb => <callback>);
375
341 You can watch for signals using a signal watcher, "signal" is the signal 376 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 377 *name* in uppercase and without any "SIG" prefix, "cb" is the Perl
343 callback to be invoked whenever a signal occurs. 378 callback to be invoked whenever a signal occurs.
344 379
345 Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 380 Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
350 invocation, and callback invocation will be synchronous. Synchronous 385 invocation, and callback invocation will be synchronous. Synchronous
351 means that it might take a while until the signal gets handled by the 386 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. 387 process, but it is guaranteed not to interrupt any other callbacks.
353 388
354 The main advantage of using these watchers is that you can share a 389 The main advantage of using these watchers is that you can share a
355 signal between multiple watchers. 390 signal between multiple watchers, and AnyEvent will ensure that signals
391 will not interrupt your program at bad times.
356 392
357 This watcher might use %SIG, so programs overwriting those signals 393 This watcher might use %SIG (depending on the event loop used), so
358 directly will likely not work correctly. 394 programs overwriting those signals directly will likely not work
395 correctly.
359 396
360 Example: exit on SIGINT 397 Example: exit on SIGINT
361 398
362 my $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => "INT", cb => sub { exit 1 }); 399 my $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => "INT", cb => sub { exit 1 });
363 400
401 Restart Behaviour
402 While restart behaviour is up to the event loop implementation, most
403 will not restart syscalls (that includes Async::Interrupt and AnyEvent's
404 pure perl implementation).
405
406 Safe/Unsafe Signals
407 Perl signals can be either "safe" (synchronous to opcode handling) or
408 "unsafe" (asynchronous) - the former might delay signal delivery
409 indefinitely, the latter might corrupt your memory.
410
411 AnyEvent signal handlers are, in addition, synchronous to the event
412 loop, i.e. they will not interrupt your running perl program but will
413 only be called as part of the normal event handling (just like timer,
414 I/O etc. callbacks, too).
415
416 Signal Races, Delays and Workarounds
417 Many event loops (e.g. Glib, Tk, Qt, IO::Async) do not support attaching
418 callbacks to signals in a generic way, which is a pity, as you cannot do
419 race-free signal handling in perl, requiring C libraries for this.
420 AnyEvent will try to do its best, which means in some cases, signals
421 will be delayed. The maximum time a signal might be delayed is 10
422 seconds by default, but can be overriden via
423 $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY} or $AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY
424 - see the "ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES" section for details.
425
426 All these problems can be avoided by installing the optional
427 Async::Interrupt module, which works with most event loops. It will not
428 work with inherently broken event loops such as Event or Event::Lib (and
429 not with POE currently). For those, you just have to suffer the delays.
430
364 CHILD PROCESS WATCHERS 431 CHILD PROCESS WATCHERS
432 $w = AnyEvent->child (pid => <process id>, cb => <callback>);
433
365 You can also watch on a child process exit and catch its exit status. 434 You can also watch for a child process exit and catch its exit status.
366 435
367 The child process is specified by the "pid" argument (if set to 0, it 436 The child process is specified by the "pid" argument (on some backends,
368 watches for any child process exit). The watcher will triggered only 437 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 438 The watcher will be triggered only when the child process has finished
370 on any trace events (stopped/continued). 439 and an exit status is available, not on any trace events
440 (stopped/continued).
371 441
372 The callback will be called with the pid and exit status (as returned by 442 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 443 waitpid), so unlike other watcher types, you *can* rely on child watcher
374 callback arguments. 444 callback arguments.
375 445
390 of when you start the watcher. 460 of when you start the watcher.
391 461
392 This means you cannot create a child watcher as the very first thing in 462 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 463 an AnyEvent program, you *have* to create at least one watcher before
394 you "fork" the child (alternatively, you can call "AnyEvent::detect"). 464 you "fork" the child (alternatively, you can call "AnyEvent::detect").
465
466 As most event loops do not support waiting for child events, they will
467 be emulated by AnyEvent in most cases, in which case the latency and
468 race problems mentioned in the description of signal watchers apply.
395 469
396 Example: fork a process and wait for it 470 Example: fork a process and wait for it
397 471
398 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar; 472 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
399 473
410 484
411 # do something else, then wait for process exit 485 # do something else, then wait for process exit
412 $done->recv; 486 $done->recv;
413 487
414 IDLE WATCHERS 488 IDLE WATCHERS
415 Sometimes there is a need to do something, but it is not so important to 489 $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".
419 490
420 Idle watchers ideally get invoked when the event loop has nothing better 491 This will repeatedly invoke the callback after the process becomes idle,
421 to do, just before it would block the process to wait for new events. 492 until either the watcher is destroyed or new events have been detected.
422 Instead of blocking, the idle watcher is invoked.
423 493
424 Most event loops unfortunately do not really support idle watchers (only 494 Idle watchers are useful when there is a need to do something, but it is
495 not so important (or wise) to do it instantly. The callback will be
496 invoked only when there is "nothing better to do", which is usually
497 defined as "all outstanding events have been handled and no new events
498 have been detected". That means that idle watchers ideally get invoked
499 when the event loop has just polled for new events but none have been
500 detected. Instead of blocking to wait for more events, the idle watchers
501 will be invoked.
502
503 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 504 (only EV, Event and Glib do it in a usable fashion) - for the rest,
426 will simply call the callback "from time to time". 505 AnyEvent will simply call the callback "from time to time".
427 506
428 Example: read lines from STDIN, but only process them when the program 507 Example: read lines from STDIN, but only process them when the program
429 is otherwise idle: 508 is otherwise idle:
430 509
431 my @lines; # read data 510 my @lines; # read data
444 } 523 }
445 }); 524 });
446 }); 525 });
447 526
448 CONDITION VARIABLES 527 CONDITION VARIABLES
528 $cv = AnyEvent->condvar;
529
530 $cv->send (<list>);
531 my @res = $cv->recv;
532
449 If you are familiar with some event loops you will know that all of them 533 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 534 require you to run some blocking "loop", "run" or similar function that
451 will actively watch for new events and call your callbacks. 535 will actively watch for new events and call your callbacks.
452 536
453 AnyEvent is slightly different: it expects somebody else to run the 537 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 538 event loop and will only block when necessary (usually when told by the
455 user). 539 user).
456 540
457 The instrument to do that is called a "condition variable", so called 541 The tool to do that is called a "condition variable", so called because
458 because they represent a condition that must become true. 542 they represent a condition that must become true.
459 543
460 Now is probably a good time to look at the examples further below. 544 Now is probably a good time to look at the examples further below.
461 545
462 Condition variables can be created by calling the "AnyEvent->condvar" 546 Condition variables can be created by calling the "AnyEvent->condvar"
463 method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is 547 method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is
468 After creation, the condition variable is "false" until it becomes 552 After creation, the condition variable is "false" until it becomes
469 "true" by calling the "send" method (or calling the condition variable 553 "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 554 as if it were a callback, read about the caveats in the description for
471 the "->send" method). 555 the "->send" method).
472 556
473 Condition variables are similar to callbacks, except that you can 557 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 558 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 559 you can connect to:
476 another way to call them is transactions - each condition variable can 560
477 be used to represent a transaction, which finishes at some point and 561 * Condition variables are like callbacks - you can call them (and pass
478 delivers a result. 562 them instead of callbacks). Unlike callbacks however, you can also
563 wait for them to be called.
564
565 * Condition variables are signals - one side can emit or send them,
566 the other side can wait for them, or install a handler that is
567 called when the signal fires.
568
569 * Condition variables are like "Merge Points" - points in your program
570 where you merge multiple independent results/control flows into one.
571
572 * Condition variables represent a transaction - functions that start
573 some kind of transaction can return them, leaving the caller the
574 choice between waiting in a blocking fashion, or setting a callback.
575
576 * Condition variables represent future values, or promises to deliver
577 some result, long before the result is available.
479 578
480 Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has 579 Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has
481 finished, for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http 580 finished, for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http
482 requests, then a condition variable would be the ideal candidate to 581 requests, then a condition variable would be the ideal candidate to
483 signal the availability of results. The user can either act when the 582 signal the availability of results. The user can either act when the
496 595
497 Condition variables are represented by hash refs in perl, and the keys 596 Condition variables are represented by hash refs in perl, and the keys
498 used by AnyEvent itself are all named "_ae_XXX" to make subclassing easy 597 used by AnyEvent itself are all named "_ae_XXX" to make subclassing easy
499 (it is often useful to build your own transaction class on top of 598 (it is often useful to build your own transaction class on top of
500 AnyEvent). To subclass, use "AnyEvent::CondVar" as base class and call 599 AnyEvent). To subclass, use "AnyEvent::CondVar" as base class and call
501 it's "new" method in your own "new" method. 600 its "new" method in your own "new" method.
502 601
503 There are two "sides" to a condition variable - the "producer side" 602 There are two "sides" to a condition variable - the "producer side"
504 which eventually calls "-> send", and the "consumer side", which waits 603 which eventually calls "-> send", and the "consumer side", which waits
505 for the send to occur. 604 for the send to occur.
506 605
507 Example: wait for a timer. 606 Example: wait for a timer.
508 607
509 # wait till the result is ready 608 # condition: "wait till the timer is fired"
510 my $result_ready = AnyEvent->condvar; 609 my $timer_fired = AnyEvent->condvar;
511 610
512 # do something such as adding a timer 611 # create the timer - we could wait for, say
513 # or socket watcher the calls $result_ready->send 612 # a handle becomign ready, or even an
514 # when the "result" is ready. 613 # AnyEvent::HTTP request to finish, but
515 # in this case, we simply use a timer: 614 # in this case, we simply use a timer:
516 my $w = AnyEvent->timer ( 615 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (
517 after => 1, 616 after => 1,
518 cb => sub { $result_ready->send }, 617 cb => sub { $timer_fired->send },
519 ); 618 );
520 619
521 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback 620 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback
522 # calls -<send 621 # calls ->send
523 $result_ready->recv; 622 $timer_fired->recv;
524 623
525 Example: wait for a timer, but take advantage of the fact that condition 624 Example: wait for a timer, but take advantage of the fact that condition
526 variables are also callable directly. 625 variables are also callable directly.
527 626
528 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar; 627 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
566 Condition variables are overloaded so one can call them directly (as 665 Condition variables are overloaded so one can call them directly (as
567 if they were a code reference). Calling them directly is the same as 666 if they were a code reference). Calling them directly is the same as
568 calling "send". 667 calling "send".
569 668
570 $cv->croak ($error) 669 $cv->croak ($error)
571 Similar to send, but causes all call's to "->recv" to invoke 670 Similar to send, but causes all calls to "->recv" to invoke
572 "Carp::croak" with the given error message/object/scalar. 671 "Carp::croak" with the given error message/object/scalar.
573 672
574 This can be used to signal any errors to the condition variable 673 This can be used to signal any errors to the condition variable
575 user/consumer. Doing it this way instead of calling "croak" directly 674 user/consumer. Doing it this way instead of calling "croak" directly
576 delays the error detetcion, but has the overwhelmign advantage that 675 delays the error detection, but has the overwhelming advantage that
577 it diagnoses the error at the place where the result is expected, 676 it diagnoses the error at the place where the result is expected,
578 and not deep in some event clalback without connection to the actual 677 and not deep in some event callback with no connection to the actual
579 code causing the problem. 678 code causing the problem.
580 679
581 $cv->begin ([group callback]) 680 $cv->begin ([group callback])
582 $cv->end 681 $cv->end
583 These two methods can be used to combine many transactions/events 682 These two methods can be used to combine many transactions/events
584 into one. For example, a function that pings many hosts in parallel 683 into one. For example, a function that pings many hosts in parallel
585 might want to use a condition variable for the whole process. 684 might want to use a condition variable for the whole process.
586 685
587 Every call to "->begin" will increment a counter, and every call to 686 Every call to "->begin" will increment a counter, and every call to
588 "->end" will decrement it. If the counter reaches 0 in "->end", the 687 "->end" will decrement it. If the counter reaches 0 in "->end", the
589 (last) callback passed to "begin" will be executed. That callback is 688 (last) callback passed to "begin" will be executed, passing the
590 *supposed* to call "->send", but that is not required. If no 689 condvar as first argument. That callback is *supposed* to call
690 "->send", but that is not required. If no group callback was set,
591 callback was set, "send" will be called without any arguments. 691 "send" will be called without any arguments.
592 692
593 You can think of "$cv->send" giving you an OR condition (one call 693 You can think of "$cv->send" giving you an OR condition (one call
594 sends), while "$cv->begin" and "$cv->end" giving you an AND 694 sends), while "$cv->begin" and "$cv->end" giving you an AND
595 condition (all "begin" calls must be "end"'ed before the condvar 695 condition (all "begin" calls must be "end"'ed before the condvar
596 sends). 696 sends).
619 there is one call to "begin", so the condvar waits for all calls to 719 there is one call to "begin", so the condvar waits for all calls to
620 "end" before sending. 720 "end" before sending.
621 721
622 The ping example mentioned above is slightly more complicated, as 722 The ping example mentioned above is slightly more complicated, as
623 the there are results to be passwd back, and the number of tasks 723 the there are results to be passwd back, and the number of tasks
624 that are begung can potentially be zero: 724 that are begun can potentially be zero:
625 725
626 my $cv = AnyEvent->condvar; 726 my $cv = AnyEvent->condvar;
627 727
628 my %result; 728 my %result;
629 $cv->begin (sub { $cv->send (\%result) }); 729 $cv->begin (sub { shift->send (\%result) });
630 730
631 for my $host (@list_of_hosts) { 731 for my $host (@list_of_hosts) {
632 $cv->begin; 732 $cv->begin;
633 ping_host_then_call_callback $host, sub { 733 ping_host_then_call_callback $host, sub {
634 $result{$host} = ...; 734 $result{$host} = ...;
636 }; 736 };
637 } 737 }
638 738
639 $cv->end; 739 $cv->end;
640 740
741 ...
742
743 my $results = $cv->recv;
744
641 This code fragment supposedly pings a number of hosts and calls 745 This code fragment supposedly pings a number of hosts and calls
642 "send" after results for all then have have been gathered - in any 746 "send" after results for all then have have been gathered - in any
643 order. To achieve this, the code issues a call to "begin" when it 747 order. To achieve this, the code issues a call to "begin" when it
644 starts each ping request and calls "end" when it has received some 748 starts each ping request and calls "end" when it has received some
645 result for it. Since "begin" and "end" only maintain a counter, the 749 result for it. Since "begin" and "end" only maintain a counter, the
650 callback to be called once the counter reaches 0, and second, it 754 callback to be called once the counter reaches 0, and second, it
651 ensures that "send" is called even when "no" hosts are being pinged 755 ensures that "send" is called even when "no" hosts are being pinged
652 (the loop doesn't execute once). 756 (the loop doesn't execute once).
653 757
654 This is the general pattern when you "fan out" into multiple (but 758 This is the general pattern when you "fan out" into multiple (but
655 potentially none) subrequests: use an outer "begin"/"end" pair to 759 potentially zero) subrequests: use an outer "begin"/"end" pair to
656 set the callback and ensure "end" is called at least once, and then, 760 set the callback and ensure "end" is called at least once, and then,
657 for each subrequest you start, call "begin" and for each subrequest 761 for each subrequest you start, call "begin" and for each subrequest
658 you finish, call "end". 762 you finish, call "end".
659 763
660 METHODS FOR CONSUMERS 764 METHODS FOR CONSUMERS
661 These methods should only be used by the consuming side, i.e. the code 765 These methods should only be used by the consuming side, i.e. the code
662 awaits the condition. 766 awaits the condition.
663 767
664 $cv->recv 768 $cv->recv
665 Wait (blocking if necessary) until the "->send" or "->croak" methods 769 Wait (blocking if necessary) until the "->send" or "->croak" methods
666 have been called on c<$cv>, while servicing other watchers normally. 770 have been called on $cv, while servicing other watchers normally.
667 771
668 You can only wait once on a condition - additional calls are valid 772 You can only wait once on a condition - additional calls are valid
669 but will return immediately. 773 but will return immediately.
670 774
671 If an error condition has been set by calling "->croak", then this 775 If an error condition has been set by calling "->croak", then this
674 In list context, all parameters passed to "send" will be returned, 778 In list context, all parameters passed to "send" will be returned,
675 in scalar context only the first one will be returned. 779 in scalar context only the first one will be returned.
676 780
677 Note that doing a blocking wait in a callback is not supported by 781 Note that doing a blocking wait in a callback is not supported by
678 any event loop, that is, recursive invocation of a blocking "->recv" 782 any event loop, that is, recursive invocation of a blocking "->recv"
679 is not allowed, and the "recv" call will "croak" if such a condition 783 is not allowed and the "recv" call will "croak" if such a condition
680 is detected. This condition can be slightly loosened by using 784 is detected. This requirement can be dropped by relying on
681 Coro::AnyEvent, which allows you to do a blocking "->recv" from any 785 Coro::AnyEvent , which allows you to do a blocking "->recv" from any
682 thread that doesn't run the event loop itself. 786 thread that doesn't run the event loop itself. Coro::AnyEvent is
787 loaded automatically when Coro is used with AnyEvent, so code does
788 not need to do anything special to take advantage of that: any code
789 that would normally block your program because it calls "recv", be
790 executed in an "async" thread instead without blocking other
791 threads.
683 792
684 Not all event models support a blocking wait - some die in that case 793 Not all event models support a blocking wait - some die in that case
685 (programs might want to do that to stay interactive), so *if you are 794 (programs might want to do that to stay interactive), so *if you are
686 using this from a module, never require a blocking wait*. Instead, 795 using this from a module, never require a blocking wait*. Instead,
687 let the caller decide whether the call will block or not (for 796 let the caller decide whether the call will block or not (for
688 example, by coupling condition variables with some kind of request 797 example, by coupling condition variables with some kind of request
689 results and supporting callbacks so the caller knows that getting 798 results and supporting callbacks so the caller knows that getting
690 the result will not block, while still supporting blocking waits if 799 the result will not block, while still supporting blocking waits if
691 the caller so desires). 800 the caller so desires).
692 801
693 You can ensure that "-recv" never blocks by setting a callback and 802 You can ensure that "->recv" never blocks by setting a callback and
694 only calling "->recv" from within that callback (or at a later 803 only calling "->recv" from within that callback (or at a later
695 time). This will work even when the event loop does not support 804 time). This will work even when the event loop does not support
696 blocking waits otherwise. 805 blocking waits otherwise.
697 806
698 $bool = $cv->ready 807 $bool = $cv->ready
703 This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and 812 This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and
704 optionally replaces it before doing so. 813 optionally replaces it before doing so.
705 814
706 The callback will be called when the condition becomes "true", i.e. 815 The callback will be called when the condition becomes "true", i.e.
707 when "send" or "croak" are called, with the only argument being the 816 when "send" or "croak" are called, with the only argument being the
708 condition variable itself. Calling "recv" inside the callback or at 817 condition variable itself. If the condition is already true, the
818 callback is called immediately when it is set. Calling "recv" inside
709 any later time is guaranteed not to block. 819 the callback or at any later time is guaranteed not to block.
710 820
711SUPPORTED EVENT LOOPS/BACKENDS 821SUPPORTED EVENT LOOPS/BACKENDS
712 The available backend classes are (every class has its own manpage): 822 The available backend classes are (every class has its own manpage):
713 823
714 Backends that are autoprobed when no other event loop can be found. 824 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 825 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, 826 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, 827 pure-perl implementation, which is available everywhere as it comes
718 which is available everywhere as it comes with AnyEvent itself. 828 with AnyEvent itself.
719 829
720 AnyEvent::Impl::EV based on EV (interface to libev, best choice). 830 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. 831 AnyEvent::Impl::Perl pure-perl AnyEvent::Loop, fast and portable.
723 832
724 Backends that are transparently being picked up when they are used. 833 Backends that are transparently being picked up when they are used.
725 These will be used when they are currently loaded when the first 834 These will be used if they are already loaded when the first watcher
726 watcher is created, in which case it is assumed that the application 835 is created, in which case it is assumed that the application is
727 is using them. This means that AnyEvent will automatically pick the 836 using them. This means that AnyEvent will automatically pick the
728 right backend when the main program loads an event module before 837 right backend when the main program loads an event module before
729 anything starts to create watchers. Nothing special needs to be done 838 anything starts to create watchers. Nothing special needs to be done
730 by the main program. 839 by the main program.
731 840
841 AnyEvent::Impl::Event based on Event, very stable, few glitches.
732 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib based on Glib, slow but very stable. 842 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib based on Glib, slow but very stable.
733 AnyEvent::Impl::Tk based on Tk, very broken. 843 AnyEvent::Impl::Tk based on Tk, very broken.
734 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib based on Event::Lib, leaks memory and worse. 844 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib based on Event::Lib, leaks memory and worse.
735 AnyEvent::Impl::POE based on POE, very slow, some limitations. 845 AnyEvent::Impl::POE based on POE, very slow, some limitations.
846 AnyEvent::Impl::Irssi used when running within irssi.
847 AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync based on IO::Async.
848 AnyEvent::Impl::Cocoa based on Cocoa::EventLoop.
849 AnyEvent::Impl::FLTK based on FLTK (fltk 2 binding).
736 850
737 Backends with special needs. 851 Backends with special needs.
738 Qt requires the Qt::Application to be instantiated first, but will 852 Qt requires the Qt::Application to be instantiated first, but will
739 otherwise be picked up automatically. As long as the main program 853 otherwise be picked up automatically. As long as the main program
740 instantiates the application before any AnyEvent watchers are 854 instantiates the application before any AnyEvent watchers are
741 created, everything should just work. 855 created, everything should just work.
742 856
743 AnyEvent::Impl::Qt based on Qt. 857 AnyEvent::Impl::Qt based on Qt.
744 858
745 Support for IO::Async can only be partial, as it is too broken and
746 architecturally limited to even support the AnyEvent API. It also is
747 the only event loop that needs the loop to be set explicitly, so it
748 can only be used by a main program knowing about AnyEvent. See
749 AnyEvent::Impl::Async for the gory details.
750
751 AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync based on IO::Async, cannot be autoprobed.
752
753 Event loops that are indirectly supported via other backends. 859 Event loops that are indirectly supported via other backends.
754 Some event loops can be supported via other modules: 860 Some event loops can be supported via other modules:
755 861
756 There is no direct support for WxWidgets (Wx) or Prima. 862 There is no direct support for WxWidgets (Wx) or Prima.
757 863
775 Contains "undef" until the first watcher is being created, before 881 Contains "undef" until the first watcher is being created, before
776 the backend has been autodetected. 882 the backend has been autodetected.
777 883
778 Afterwards it contains the event model that is being used, which is 884 Afterwards it contains the event model that is being used, which is
779 the name of the Perl class implementing the model. This class is 885 the name of the Perl class implementing the model. This class is
780 usually one of the "AnyEvent::Impl:xxx" modules, but can be any 886 usually one of the "AnyEvent::Impl::xxx" modules, but can be any
781 other class in the case AnyEvent has been extended at runtime (e.g. 887 other class in the case AnyEvent has been extended at runtime (e.g.
782 in *rxvt-unicode* it will be "urxvt::anyevent"). 888 in *rxvt-unicode* it will be "urxvt::anyevent").
783 889
784 AnyEvent::detect 890 AnyEvent::detect
785 Returns $AnyEvent::MODEL, forcing autodetection of the event model 891 Returns $AnyEvent::MODEL, forcing autodetection of the event model
786 if necessary. You should only call this function right before you 892 if necessary. You should only call this function right before you
787 would have created an AnyEvent watcher anyway, that is, as late as 893 would have created an AnyEvent watcher anyway, that is, as late as
788 possible at runtime, and not e.g. while initialising of your module. 894 possible at runtime, and not e.g. during initialisation of your
895 module.
896
897 The effect of calling this function is as if a watcher had been
898 created (specifically, actions that happen "when the first watcher
899 is created" happen when calling detetc as well).
789 900
790 If you need to do some initialisation before AnyEvent watchers are 901 If you need to do some initialisation before AnyEvent watchers are
791 created, use "post_detect". 902 created, use "post_detect".
792 903
793 $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK } 904 $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }
794 Arranges for the code block to be executed as soon as the event 905 Arranges for the code block to be executed as soon as the event
795 model is autodetected (or immediately if this has already happened). 906 model is autodetected (or immediately if that has already happened).
796 907
797 The block will be executed *after* the actual backend has been 908 The block will be executed *after* the actual backend has been
798 detected ($AnyEvent::MODEL is set), but *before* any watchers have 909 detected ($AnyEvent::MODEL is set), but *before* any watchers have
799 been created, so it is possible to e.g. patch @AnyEvent::ISA or do 910 been created, so it is possible to e.g. patch @AnyEvent::ISA or do
800 other initialisations - see the sources of AnyEvent::Strict or 911 other initialisations - see the sources of AnyEvent::Strict or
805 creates and installs the global IO::AIO watcher in a "post_detect" 916 creates and installs the global IO::AIO watcher in a "post_detect"
806 block to avoid autodetecting the event module at load time. 917 block to avoid autodetecting the event module at load time.
807 918
808 If called in scalar or list context, then it creates and returns an 919 If called in scalar or list context, then it creates and returns an
809 object that automatically removes the callback again when it is 920 object that automatically removes the callback again when it is
921 destroyed (or "undef" when the hook was immediately executed). See
810 destroyed. See Coro::BDB for a case where this is useful. 922 AnyEvent::AIO for a case where this is useful.
923
924 Example: Create a watcher for the IO::AIO module and store it in
925 $WATCHER, but do so only do so after the event loop is initialised.
926
927 our WATCHER;
928
929 my $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect {
930 $WATCHER = AnyEvent->io (fh => IO::AIO::poll_fileno, poll => 'r', cb => \&IO::AIO::poll_cb);
931 };
932
933 # the ||= is important in case post_detect immediately runs the block,
934 # as to not clobber the newly-created watcher. assigning both watcher and
935 # post_detect guard to the same variable has the advantage of users being
936 # able to just C<undef $WATCHER> if the watcher causes them grief.
937
938 $WATCHER ||= $guard;
811 939
812 @AnyEvent::post_detect 940 @AnyEvent::post_detect
813 If there are any code references in this array (you can "push" to it 941 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 942 before or after loading AnyEvent), then they will be called directly
815 after the event loop has been chosen. 943 after the event loop has been chosen.
816 944
817 You should check $AnyEvent::MODEL before adding to this array, 945 You should check $AnyEvent::MODEL before adding to this array,
818 though: if it is defined then the event loop has already been 946 though: if it is defined then the event loop has already been
819 detected, and the array will be ignored. 947 detected, and the array will be ignored.
820 948
821 Best use "AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }" when your application 949 Best use "AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }" when your application
822 allows it,as it takes care of these details. 950 allows it, as it takes care of these details.
823 951
824 This variable is mainly useful for modules that can do something 952 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 953 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 954 initialised, but do not need to even load it by default. This array
827 provides the means to hook into AnyEvent passively, without loading 955 provides the means to hook into AnyEvent passively, without loading
828 it. 956 it.
829 957
958 Example: To load Coro::AnyEvent whenever Coro and AnyEvent are used
959 together, you could put this into Coro (this is the actual code used
960 by Coro to accomplish this):
961
962 if (defined $AnyEvent::MODEL) {
963 # AnyEvent already initialised, so load Coro::AnyEvent
964 require Coro::AnyEvent;
965 } else {
966 # AnyEvent not yet initialised, so make sure to load Coro::AnyEvent
967 # as soon as it is
968 push @AnyEvent::post_detect, sub { require Coro::AnyEvent };
969 }
970
971 AnyEvent::postpone { BLOCK }
972 Arranges for the block to be executed as soon as possible, but not
973 before the call itself returns. In practise, the block will be
974 executed just before the event loop polls for new events, or shortly
975 afterwards.
976
977 This function never returns anything (to make the "return postpone {
978 ... }" idiom more useful.
979
980 To understand the usefulness of this function, consider a function
981 that asynchronously does something for you and returns some
982 transaction object or guard to let you cancel the operation. For
983 example, "AnyEvent::Socket::tcp_connect":
984
985 # start a conenction attempt unless one is active
986 $self->{connect_guard} ||= AnyEvent::Socket::tcp_connect "www.example.net", 80, sub {
987 delete $self->{connect_guard};
988 ...
989 };
990
991 Imagine that this function could instantly call the callback, for
992 example, because it detects an obvious error such as a negative port
993 number. Invoking the callback before the function returns causes
994 problems however: the callback will be called and will try to delete
995 the guard object. But since the function hasn't returned yet, there
996 is nothing to delete. When the function eventually returns it will
997 assign the guard object to "$self->{connect_guard}", where it will
998 likely never be deleted, so the program thinks it is still trying to
999 connect.
1000
1001 This is where "AnyEvent::postpone" should be used. Instead of
1002 calling the callback directly on error:
1003
1004 $cb->(undef), return # signal error to callback, BAD!
1005 if $some_error_condition;
1006
1007 It should use "postpone":
1008
1009 AnyEvent::postpone { $cb->(undef) }, return # signal error to callback, later
1010 if $some_error_condition;
1011
1012 AnyEvent::log $level, $msg[, @args]
1013 Log the given $msg at the given $level.
1014
1015 If AnyEvent::Log is not loaded then this function makes a simple
1016 test to see whether the message will be logged. If the test succeeds
1017 it will load AnyEvent::Log and call "AnyEvent::Log::log" -
1018 consequently, look at the AnyEvent::Log documentation for details.
1019
1020 If the test fails it will simply return. Right now this happens when
1021 a numerical loglevel is used and it is larger than the level
1022 specified via $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}.
1023
1024 If you want to sprinkle loads of logging calls around your code,
1025 consider creating a logger callback with the "AnyEvent::Log::logger"
1026 function, which can reduce typing, codesize and can reduce the
1027 logging overhead enourmously.
1028
830WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE 1029WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE
831 As a module author, you should "use AnyEvent" and call AnyEvent methods 1030 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. 1031 freely, but you should not load a specific event module or rely on it.
833 1032
834 Be careful when you create watchers in the module body - AnyEvent will 1033 Be careful when you create watchers in the module body - AnyEvent will
841 stall the whole program, and the whole point of using events is to stay 1040 stall the whole program, and the whole point of using events is to stay
842 interactive. 1041 interactive.
843 1042
844 It is fine, however, to call "->recv" when the user of your module 1043 It is fine, however, to call "->recv" when the user of your module
845 requests it (i.e. if you create a http request object ad have a method 1044 requests it (i.e. if you create a http request object ad have a method
846 called "results" that returns the results, it should call "->recv" 1045 called "results" that returns the results, it may call "->recv" freely,
847 freely, as the user of your module knows what she is doing. always). 1046 as the user of your module knows what she is doing. Always).
848 1047
849WHAT TO DO IN THE MAIN PROGRAM 1048WHAT TO DO IN THE MAIN PROGRAM
850 There will always be a single main program - the only place that should 1049 There will always be a single main program - the only place that should
851 dictate which event model to use. 1050 dictate which event model to use.
852 1051
853 If it doesn't care, it can just "use AnyEvent" and use it itself, or not 1052 If the program is not event-based, it need not do anything special, even
854 do anything special (it does not need to be event-based) and let 1053 when it depends on a module that uses an AnyEvent. If the program itself
855 AnyEvent decide which implementation to chose if some module relies on 1054 uses AnyEvent, but does not care which event loop is used, all it needs
856 it. 1055 to do is "use AnyEvent". In either case, AnyEvent will choose the best
1056 available loop implementation.
857 1057
858 If the main program relies on a specific event model - for example, in 1058 If the main program relies on a specific event model - for example, in
859 Gtk2 programs you have to rely on the Glib module - you should load the 1059 Gtk2 programs you have to rely on the Glib module - you should load the
860 event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it: 1060 event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it:
861 generally speaking, you should load it as early as possible. The reason 1061 generally speaking, you should load it as early as possible. The reason
862 is that modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent 1062 is that modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent
863 will decide on the event model to use as soon as it creates watchers, 1063 will decide on the event model to use as soon as it creates watchers,
864 and it might chose the wrong one unless you load the correct one 1064 and it might choose the wrong one unless you load the correct one
865 yourself. 1065 yourself.
866 1066
867 You can chose to use a pure-perl implementation by loading the 1067 You can chose to use a pure-perl implementation by loading the
868 "AnyEvent::Impl::Perl" module, which gives you similar behaviour 1068 "AnyEvent::Loop" module, which gives you similar behaviour everywhere,
869 everywhere, but letting AnyEvent chose the model is generally better. 1069 but letting AnyEvent chose the model is generally better.
870 1070
871 MAINLOOP EMULATION 1071 MAINLOOP EMULATION
872 Sometimes (often for short test scripts, or even standalone programs who 1072 Sometimes (often for short test scripts, or even standalone programs who
873 only want to use AnyEvent), you do not want to run a specific event 1073 only want to use AnyEvent), you do not want to run a specific event
874 loop. 1074 loop.
886 1086
887OTHER MODULES 1087OTHER MODULES
888 The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use 1088 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 1089 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 1090 AnyEvent modules and other event loops in the same program. Some of the
891 modules come with AnyEvent, most are available via CPAN. 1091 modules come as part of AnyEvent, the others are available via CPAN (see
1092 <http://search.cpan.org/search?m=module&q=anyevent%3A%3A*> for a longer
1093 non-exhaustive list), and the list is heavily biased towards modules of
1094 the AnyEvent author himself :)
892 1095
893 AnyEvent::Util 1096 AnyEvent::Util (part of the AnyEvent distribution)
894 Contains various utility functions that replace often-used but 1097 Contains various utility functions that replace often-used blocking
895 blocking functions such as "inet_aton" by event-/callback-based 1098 functions such as "inet_aton" with event/callback-based versions.
896 versions.
897 1099
898 AnyEvent::Socket 1100 AnyEvent::Socket (part of the AnyEvent distribution)
899 Provides various utility functions for (internet protocol) sockets, 1101 Provides various utility functions for (internet protocol) sockets,
900 addresses and name resolution. Also functions to create non-blocking 1102 addresses and name resolution. Also functions to create non-blocking
901 tcp connections or tcp servers, with IPv6 and SRV record support and 1103 tcp connections or tcp servers, with IPv6 and SRV record support and
902 more. 1104 more.
903 1105
904 AnyEvent::Handle 1106 AnyEvent::Handle (part of the AnyEvent distribution)
905 Provide read and write buffers, manages watchers for reads and 1107 Provide read and write buffers, manages watchers for reads and
906 writes, supports raw and formatted I/O, I/O queued and fully 1108 writes, supports raw and formatted I/O, I/O queued and fully
907 transparent and non-blocking SSL/TLS (via AnyEvent::TLS. 1109 transparent and non-blocking SSL/TLS (via AnyEvent::TLS).
908 1110
909 AnyEvent::DNS 1111 AnyEvent::DNS (part of the AnyEvent distribution)
910 Provides rich asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities. 1112 Provides rich asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities.
911 1113
1114 AnyEvent::HTTP, AnyEvent::IRC, AnyEvent::XMPP, AnyEvent::GPSD,
1115 AnyEvent::IGS, AnyEvent::FCP
1116 Implement event-based interfaces to the protocols of the same name
1117 (for the curious, IGS is the International Go Server and FCP is the
1118 Freenet Client Protocol).
1119
1120 AnyEvent::AIO (part of the AnyEvent distribution)
1121 Truly asynchronous (as opposed to non-blocking) I/O, should be in
1122 the toolbox of every event programmer. AnyEvent::AIO transparently
1123 fuses IO::AIO and AnyEvent together, giving AnyEvent access to
1124 event-based file I/O, and much more.
1125
1126 AnyEvent::Filesys::Notify
1127 AnyEvent is good for non-blocking stuff, but it can't detect file or
1128 path changes (e.g. "watch this directory for new files", "watch this
1129 file for changes"). The AnyEvent::Filesys::Notify module promises to
1130 do just that in a portbale fashion, supporting inotify on GNU/Linux
1131 and some weird, without doubt broken, stuff on OS X to monitor
1132 files. It can fall back to blocking scans at regular intervals
1133 transparently on other platforms, so it's about as portable as it
1134 gets.
1135
1136 (I haven't used it myself, but I haven't heard anybody complaining
1137 about it yet).
1138
912 AnyEvent::HTTP 1139 AnyEvent::DBI
913 A simple-to-use HTTP library that is capable of making a lot of 1140 Executes DBI requests asynchronously in a proxy process for you,
914 concurrent HTTP requests. 1141 notifying you in an event-based way when the operation is finished.
915 1142
916 AnyEvent::HTTPD 1143 AnyEvent::HTTPD
917 Provides a simple web application server framework. 1144 A simple embedded webserver.
918 1145
919 AnyEvent::FastPing 1146 AnyEvent::FastPing
920 The fastest ping in the west. 1147 The fastest ping in the west.
921 1148
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 1149 Coro
958 Has special support for AnyEvent via Coro::AnyEvent. 1150 Has special support for AnyEvent via Coro::AnyEvent, which allows
1151 you to simply invert the flow control - don't call us, we will call
1152 you:
1153
1154 async {
1155 Coro::AnyEvent::sleep 5; # creates a 5s timer and waits for it
1156 print "5 seconds later!\n";
1157
1158 Coro::AnyEvent::readable *STDIN; # uses an I/O watcher
1159 my $line = <STDIN>; # works for ttys
1160
1161 AnyEvent::HTTP::http_get "url", Coro::rouse_cb;
1162 my ($body, $hdr) = Coro::rouse_wait;
1163 };
1164
1165SIMPLIFIED AE API
1166 Starting with version 5.0, AnyEvent officially supports a second, much
1167 simpler, API that is designed to reduce the calling, typing and memory
1168 overhead by using function call syntax and a fixed number of parameters.
1169
1170 See the AE manpage for details.
959 1171
960ERROR AND EXCEPTION HANDLING 1172ERROR AND EXCEPTION HANDLING
961 In general, AnyEvent does not do any error handling - it relies on the 1173 In general, AnyEvent does not do any error handling - it relies on the
962 caller to do that if required. The AnyEvent::Strict module (see also the 1174 caller to do that if required. The AnyEvent::Strict module (see also the
963 "PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT" environment variable, below) provides strict 1175 "PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT" environment variable, below) provides strict
972 The pure perl event loop simply re-throws the exception (usually within 1184 The pure perl event loop simply re-throws the exception (usually within
973 "condvar->recv"), the Event and EV modules call "$Event/EV::DIED->()", 1185 "condvar->recv"), the Event and EV modules call "$Event/EV::DIED->()",
974 Glib uses "install_exception_handler" and so on. 1186 Glib uses "install_exception_handler" and so on.
975 1187
976ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES 1188ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES
977 The following environment variables are used by this module or its 1189 AnyEvent supports a number of environment variables that tune the
978 submodules. 1190 runtime behaviour. They are usually evaluated when AnyEvent is loaded,
1191 initialised, or a submodule that uses them is loaded. Many of them also
1192 cause AnyEvent to load additional modules - for example,
1193 "PERL_ANYEVENT_DEBUG_WRAP" causes the AnyEvent::Debug module to be
1194 loaded.
979 1195
980 Note that AnyEvent will remove *all* environment variables starting with 1196 All the environment variables documented here start with
981 "PERL_ANYEVENT_" from %ENV when it is loaded while taint mode is 1197 "PERL_ANYEVENT_", which is what AnyEvent considers its own namespace.
982 enabled. 1198 Other modules are encouraged (but by no means required) to use
1199 "PERL_ANYEVENT_SUBMODULE" if they have registered the
1200 AnyEvent::Submodule namespace on CPAN, for any submodule. For example,
1201 AnyEvent::HTTP could be expected to use "PERL_ANYEVENT_HTTP_PROXY" (it
1202 should not access env variables starting with "AE_", see below).
1203
1204 All variables can also be set via the "AE_" prefix, that is, instead of
1205 setting "PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE" you can also set "AE_VERBOSE". In case
1206 there is a clash btween anyevent and another program that uses
1207 "AE_something" you can set the corresponding "PERL_ANYEVENT_something"
1208 variable to the empty string, as those variables take precedence.
1209
1210 When AnyEvent is first loaded, it copies all "AE_xxx" env variables to
1211 their "PERL_ANYEVENT_xxx" counterpart unless that variable already
1212 exists. If taint mode is on, then AnyEvent will remove *all* environment
1213 variables starting with "PERL_ANYEVENT_" from %ENV (or replace them with
1214 "undef" or the empty string, if the corresaponding "AE_" variable is
1215 set).
1216
1217 The exact algorithm is currently:
1218
1219 1. if taint mode enabled, delete all PERL_ANYEVENT_xyz variables from %ENV
1220 2. copy over AE_xyz to PERL_ANYEVENT_xyz unless the latter alraedy exists
1221 3. if taint mode enabled, set all PERL_ANYEVENT_xyz variables to undef.
1222
1223 This ensures that child processes will not see the "AE_" variables.
1224
1225 The following environment variables are currently known to AnyEvent:
983 1226
984 "PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE" 1227 "PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE"
985 By default, AnyEvent will be completely silent except in fatal 1228 By default, AnyEvent will log messages with loglevel 4 ("error") or
986 conditions. You can set this environment variable to make AnyEvent 1229 higher (see AnyEvent::Log). You can set this environment variable to
987 more talkative. 1230 a numerical loglevel to make AnyEvent more (or less) talkative.
988 1231
1232 If you want to do more than just set the global logging level you
1233 should have a look at "PERL_ANYEVENT_LOG", which allows much more
1234 complex specifications.
1235
1236 When set to 0 ("off"), then no messages whatsoever will be logged
1237 with everything else at defaults.
1238
989 When set to 1 or higher, causes AnyEvent to warn about unexpected 1239 When set to 5 or higher ("warn"), AnyEvent warns about unexpected
990 conditions, such as not being able to load the event model specified 1240 conditions, such as not being able to load the event model specified
991 by "PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL". 1241 by "PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL", or a guard callback throwing an exception
1242 - this is the minimum recommended level for use during development.
992 1243
993 When set to 2 or higher, cause AnyEvent to report to STDERR which 1244 When set to 7 or higher (info), AnyEvent reports which event model
994 event model it chooses. 1245 it chooses.
1246
1247 When set to 8 or higher (debug), then AnyEvent will report extra
1248 information on which optional modules it loads and how it implements
1249 certain features.
1250
1251 "PERL_ANYEVENT_LOG"
1252 Accepts rather complex logging specifications. For example, you
1253 could log all "debug" messages of some module to stderr, warnings
1254 and above to stderr, and errors and above to syslog, with:
1255
1256 PERL_ANYEVENT_LOG=Some::Module=debug,+log:filter=warn,+%syslog:%syslog=error,syslog
1257
1258 For the rather extensive details, see AnyEvent::Log.
1259
1260 This variable is evaluated when AnyEvent (or AnyEvent::Log) is
1261 loaded, so will take effect even before AnyEvent has initialised
1262 itself.
1263
1264 Note that specifying this environment variable causes the
1265 AnyEvent::Log module to be loaded, while "PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE"
1266 does not, so only using the latter saves a few hundred kB of memory
1267 unless a module explicitly needs the extra features of
1268 AnyEvent::Log.
995 1269
996 "PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT" 1270 "PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT"
997 AnyEvent does not do much argument checking by default, as thorough 1271 AnyEvent does not do much argument checking by default, as thorough
998 argument checking is very costly. Setting this variable to a true 1272 argument checking is very costly. Setting this variable to a true
999 value will cause AnyEvent to load "AnyEvent::Strict" and then to 1273 value will cause AnyEvent to load "AnyEvent::Strict" and then to
1000 thoroughly check the arguments passed to most method calls. If it 1274 thoroughly check the arguments passed to most method calls. If it
1001 finds any problems, it will croak. 1275 finds any problems, it will croak.
1002 1276
1003 In other words, enables "strict" mode. 1277 In other words, enables "strict" mode.
1004 1278
1005 Unlike "use strict", it is definitely recommended to keep it off in 1279 Unlike "use strict" (or its modern cousin, "use common::sense", it
1006 production. Keeping "PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT=1" in your environment 1280 is definitely recommended to keep it off in production. Keeping
1281 "PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT=1" in your environment while developing
1007 while developing programs can be very useful, however. 1282 programs can be very useful, however.
1283
1284 "PERL_ANYEVENT_DEBUG_SHELL"
1285 If this env variable is nonempty, then its contents will be
1286 interpreted by "AnyEvent::Socket::parse_hostport" and
1287 "AnyEvent::Debug::shell" (after replacing every occurance of $$ by
1288 the process pid). The shell object is saved in
1289 $AnyEvent::Debug::SHELL.
1290
1291 This happens when the first watcher is created.
1292
1293 For example, to bind a debug shell on a unix domain socket in
1294 /tmp/debug<pid>.sock, you could use this:
1295
1296 PERL_ANYEVENT_DEBUG_SHELL=/tmp/debug\$\$.sock perlprog
1297 # connect with e.g.: socat readline /tmp/debug123.sock
1298
1299 Or to bind to tcp port 4545 on localhost:
1300
1301 PERL_ANYEVENT_DEBUG_SHELL=127.0.0.1:4545 perlprog
1302 # connect with e.g.: telnet localhost 4545
1303
1304 Note that creating sockets in /tmp or on localhost is very unsafe on
1305 multiuser systems.
1306
1307 "PERL_ANYEVENT_DEBUG_WRAP"
1308 Can be set to 0, 1 or 2 and enables wrapping of all watchers for
1309 debugging purposes. See "AnyEvent::Debug::wrap" for details.
1008 1310
1009 "PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL" 1311 "PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL"
1010 This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent, 1312 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 1313 before auto detection and -probing kicks in.
1012 consisting entirely of ASCII letters. The string "AnyEvent::Impl::" 1314
1013 gets prepended and the resulting module name is loaded and if the 1315 It normally is a string consisting entirely of ASCII letters (e.g.
1014 load was successful, used as event model. If it fails to load 1316 "EV" or "IOAsync"). The string "AnyEvent::Impl::" gets prepended and
1317 the resulting module name is loaded and - if the load was successful
1318 - used as event model backend. If it fails to load then AnyEvent
1015 AnyEvent will proceed with auto detection and -probing. 1319 will proceed with auto detection and -probing.
1016 1320
1017 This functionality might change in future versions. 1321 If the string ends with "::" instead (e.g. "AnyEvent::Impl::EV::")
1322 then nothing gets prepended and the module name is used as-is (hint:
1323 "::" at the end of a string designates a module name and quotes it
1324 appropriately).
1018 1325
1019 For example, to force the pure perl model (AnyEvent::Impl::Perl) you 1326 For example, to force the pure perl model (AnyEvent::Loop::Perl) you
1020 could start your program like this: 1327 could start your program like this:
1021 1328
1022 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ... 1329 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ...
1330
1331 "PERL_ANYEVENT_IO_MODEL"
1332 The current file I/O model - see AnyEvent::IO for more info.
1333
1334 At the moment, only "Perl" (small, pure-perl, synchronous) and
1335 "IOAIO" (truly asynchronous) are supported. The default is "IOAIO"
1336 if AnyEvent::AIO can be loaded, otherwise it is "Perl".
1023 1337
1024 "PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS" 1338 "PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS"
1025 Used by both AnyEvent::DNS and AnyEvent::Socket to determine 1339 Used by both AnyEvent::DNS and AnyEvent::Socket to determine
1026 preferences for IPv4 or IPv6. The default is unspecified (and might 1340 preferences for IPv4 or IPv6. The default is unspecified (and might
1027 change, or be the result of auto probing). 1341 change, or be the result of auto probing).
1041 "PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4" - only support IPv4, never try to 1355 "PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4" - only support IPv4, never try to
1042 resolve or contact IPv6 addresses. 1356 resolve or contact IPv6 addresses.
1043 "PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv6,ipv4" support either IPv4 or IPv6, but 1357 "PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv6,ipv4" support either IPv4 or IPv6, but
1044 prefer IPv6 over IPv4. 1358 prefer IPv6 over IPv4.
1045 1359
1360 "PERL_ANYEVENT_HOSTS"
1361 This variable, if specified, overrides the /etc/hosts file used by
1362 AnyEvent::Socket"::resolve_sockaddr", i.e. hosts aliases will be
1363 read from that file instead.
1364
1046 "PERL_ANYEVENT_EDNS0" 1365 "PERL_ANYEVENT_EDNS0"
1047 Used by AnyEvent::DNS to decide whether to use the EDNS0 extension 1366 Used by AnyEvent::DNS to decide whether to use the EDNS0 extension
1048 for DNS. This extension is generally useful to reduce DNS traffic, 1367 for DNS. This extension is generally useful to reduce DNS traffic,
1049 but some (broken) firewalls drop such DNS packets, which is why it 1368 especially when DNSSEC is involved, but some (broken) firewalls drop
1050 is off by default. 1369 such DNS packets, which is why it is off by default.
1051 1370
1052 Setting this variable to 1 will cause AnyEvent::DNS to announce 1371 Setting this variable to 1 will cause AnyEvent::DNS to announce
1053 EDNS0 in its DNS requests. 1372 EDNS0 in its DNS requests.
1054 1373
1055 "PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_FORKS" 1374 "PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_FORKS"
1059 "PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_OUTSTANDING_DNS" 1378 "PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_OUTSTANDING_DNS"
1060 The default value for the "max_outstanding" parameter for the 1379 The default value for the "max_outstanding" parameter for the
1061 default DNS resolver - this is the maximum number of parallel DNS 1380 default DNS resolver - this is the maximum number of parallel DNS
1062 requests that are sent to the DNS server. 1381 requests that are sent to the DNS server.
1063 1382
1383 "PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY"
1384 Perl has inherently racy signal handling (you can basically choose
1385 between losing signals and memory corruption) - pure perl event
1386 loops (including "AnyEvent::Loop", when "Async::Interrupt" isn't
1387 available) therefore have to poll regularly to avoid losing signals.
1388
1389 Some event loops are racy, but don't poll regularly, and some event
1390 loops are written in C but are still racy. For those event loops,
1391 AnyEvent installs a timer that regularly wakes up the event loop.
1392
1393 By default, the interval for this timer is 10 seconds, but you can
1394 override this delay with this environment variable (or by setting
1395 the $AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY variable before creating signal
1396 watchers).
1397
1398 Lower values increase CPU (and energy) usage, higher values can
1399 introduce long delays when reaping children or waiting for signals.
1400
1401 The AnyEvent::Async module, if available, will be used to avoid this
1402 polling (with most event loops).
1403
1064 "PERL_ANYEVENT_RESOLV_CONF" 1404 "PERL_ANYEVENT_RESOLV_CONF"
1065 The file to use instead of /etc/resolv.conf (or OS-specific 1405 The absolute path to a resolv.conf-style file to use instead of
1066 configuration) in the default resolver. When set to the empty 1406 /etc/resolv.conf (or the OS-specific configuration) in the default
1067 string, no default config will be used. 1407 resolver, or the empty string to select the default configuration.
1068 1408
1069 "PERL_ANYEVENT_CA_FILE", "PERL_ANYEVENT_CA_PATH". 1409 "PERL_ANYEVENT_CA_FILE", "PERL_ANYEVENT_CA_PATH".
1070 When neither "ca_file" nor "ca_path" was specified during 1410 When neither "ca_file" nor "ca_path" was specified during
1071 AnyEvent::TLS context creation, and either of these environment 1411 AnyEvent::TLS context creation, and either of these environment
1072 variables exist, they will be used to specify CA certificate 1412 variables are nonempty, they will be used to specify CA certificate
1073 locations instead of a system-dependent default. 1413 locations instead of a system-dependent default.
1414
1415 "PERL_ANYEVENT_AVOID_GUARD" and "PERL_ANYEVENT_AVOID_ASYNC_INTERRUPT"
1416 When these are set to 1, then the respective modules are not loaded.
1417 Mostly good for testing AnyEvent itself.
1074 1418
1075SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE 1419SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE
1076 This is an advanced topic that you do not normally need to use AnyEvent 1420 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 1421 in a module. This section is only of use to event loop authors who want
1078 to provide AnyEvent compatibility. 1422 to provide AnyEvent compatibility.
1133 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read 1477 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read
1134 $cv->send if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i 1478 $cv->send if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i
1135 }, 1479 },
1136 ); 1480 );
1137 1481
1138 my $time_watcher; # can only be used once
1139
1140 sub new_timer {
1141 $timer = AnyEvent->timer (after => 1, cb => sub { 1482 my $time_watcher = AnyEvent->timer (after => 1, interval => 1, cb => sub {
1142 warn "timeout\n"; # print 'timeout' about every second 1483 warn "timeout\n"; # print 'timeout' at most every second
1143 &new_timer; # and restart the time
1144 });
1145 } 1484 });
1146
1147 new_timer; # create first timer
1148 1485
1149 $cv->recv; # wait until user enters /^q/i 1486 $cv->recv; # wait until user enters /^q/i
1150 1487
1151REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE 1488REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE
1152 Consider the Net::FCP module. It features (among others) the following 1489 Consider the Net::FCP module. It features (among others) the following
1224 1561
1225 The actual code goes further and collects all errors ("die"s, 1562 The actual code goes further and collects all errors ("die"s,
1226 exceptions) that occurred during request processing. The "result" method 1563 exceptions) that occurred during request processing. The "result" method
1227 detects whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn 1564 detects whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn
1228 object) and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and 1565 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, 1566 other problems get reported to the code that tries to use the result,
1230 not in a random callback. 1567 not in a random callback.
1231 1568
1232 All of this enables the following usage styles: 1569 All of this enables the following usage styles:
1233 1570
1234 1. Blocking: 1571 1. Blocking:
1279 through AnyEvent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero 1616 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, 1617 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. 1618 which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again.
1282 1619
1283 Source code for this benchmark is found as eg/bench in the AnyEvent 1620 Source code for this benchmark is found as eg/bench in the AnyEvent
1284 distribution. 1621 distribution. It uses the AE interface, which makes a real difference
1622 for the EV and Perl backends only.
1285 1623
1286 Explanation of the columns 1624 Explanation of the columns
1287 *watcher* is the number of event watchers created/destroyed. Since 1625 *watcher* is the number of event watchers created/destroyed. Since
1288 different event models feature vastly different performances, each event 1626 different event models feature vastly different performances, each event
1289 loop was given a number of watchers so that overall runtime is 1627 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 1646 *destroy* is the time, in microseconds, that it takes to destroy a
1309 single watcher. 1647 single watcher.
1310 1648
1311 Results 1649 Results
1312 name watchers bytes create invoke destroy comment 1650 name watchers bytes create invoke destroy comment
1313 EV/EV 400000 224 0.47 0.35 0.27 EV native interface 1651 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 1652 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 1653 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 1654 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 1655 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 1656 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 1657 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 1658 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 1659 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 1660 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 1661 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 1662 POE/Any 2000 6648 94.79 774.40 575.51 via POE::Loop::Select
1325 1663
1326 Discussion 1664 Discussion
1327 The benchmark does *not* measure scalability of the event loop very 1665 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) 1666 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 1667 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 1678 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 1679 EV, 3100 CPU cycles with AnyEvent's pure perl loop and almost 3000000
1342 CPU cycles with POE. 1680 CPU cycles with POE.
1343 1681
1344 "EV" is the sole leader regarding speed and memory use, which are both 1682 "EV" is the sole leader regarding speed and memory use, which are both
1345 maximal/minimal, respectively. Even when going through AnyEvent, it uses 1683 maximal/minimal, respectively. When using the AE API there is zero
1684 overhead (when going through the AnyEvent API create is about 5-6 times
1685 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 1686 any other event loop and is still faster than Event natively).
1347 natively.
1348 1687
1349 The pure perl implementation is hit in a few sweet spots (both the 1688 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 1689 constant timeout and the use of a single fd hit optimisations in the
1351 perl interpreter and the backend itself). Nevertheless this shows that 1690 perl interpreter and the backend itself). Nevertheless this shows that
1352 it adds very little overhead in itself. Like any select-based backend 1691 it adds very little overhead in itself. Like any select-based backend
1398 when used without AnyEvent), but most event loops have acceptable 1737 when used without AnyEvent), but most event loops have acceptable
1399 performance with or without AnyEvent. 1738 performance with or without AnyEvent.
1400 1739
1401 * The overhead AnyEvent adds is usually much smaller than the overhead 1740 * The overhead AnyEvent adds is usually much smaller than the overhead
1402 of the actual event loop, only with extremely fast event loops such 1741 of the actual event loop, only with extremely fast event loops such
1403 as EV adds AnyEvent significant overhead. 1742 as EV does AnyEvent add significant overhead.
1404 1743
1405 * You should avoid POE like the plague if you want performance or 1744 * You should avoid POE like the plague if you want performance or
1406 reasonable memory usage. 1745 reasonable memory usage.
1407 1746
1408 BENCHMARKING THE LARGE SERVER CASE 1747 BENCHMARKING THE LARGE SERVER CASE
1422 In this benchmark, we use 10000 socket pairs (20000 sockets), of which 1761 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 1762 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. 1763 many connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time.
1425 1764
1426 Source code for this benchmark is found as eg/bench2 in the AnyEvent 1765 Source code for this benchmark is found as eg/bench2 in the AnyEvent
1427 distribution. 1766 distribution. It uses the AE interface, which makes a real difference
1767 for the EV and Perl backends only.
1428 1768
1429 Explanation of the columns 1769 Explanation of the columns
1430 *sockets* is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" 1770 *sockets* is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers"
1431 (as each server has a read and write socket end). 1771 (as each server has a read and write socket end).
1432 1772
1438 forwarding it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout 1778 forwarding it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout
1439 and creating a new one that moves the timeout into the future. 1779 and creating a new one that moves the timeout into the future.
1440 1780
1441 Results 1781 Results
1442 name sockets create request 1782 name sockets create request
1443 EV 20000 69.01 11.16 1783 EV 20000 62.66 7.99
1444 Perl 20000 73.32 35.87 1784 Perl 20000 68.32 32.64
1445 IOAsync 20000 157.00 98.14 epoll 1785 IOAsync 20000 174.06 101.15 epoll
1446 IOAsync 20000 159.31 616.06 poll 1786 IOAsync 20000 174.67 610.84 poll
1447 Event 20000 212.62 257.32 1787 Event 20000 202.69 242.91
1448 Glib 20000 651.16 1896.30 1788 Glib 20000 557.01 1689.52
1449 POE 20000 349.67 12317.24 uses POE::Loop::Event 1789 POE 20000 341.54 12086.32 uses POE::Loop::Event
1450 1790
1451 Discussion 1791 Discussion
1452 This benchmark *does* measure scalability and overall performance of the 1792 This benchmark *does* measure scalability and overall performance of the
1453 particular event loop. 1793 particular event loop.
1454 1794
1567 As you can see, the AnyEvent + EV combination even beats the 1907 As you can see, the AnyEvent + EV combination even beats the
1568 hand-optimised "raw sockets benchmark", while AnyEvent + its pure perl 1908 hand-optimised "raw sockets benchmark", while AnyEvent + its pure perl
1569 backend easily beats IO::Lambda and POE. 1909 backend easily beats IO::Lambda and POE.
1570 1910
1571 And even the 100% non-blocking version written using the high-level (and 1911 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 1912 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 1913 higher level ("unoptimised") abstractions by a large margin, even though
1574 in a non-blocking way. 1914 it does all of DNS, tcp-connect and socket I/O in a non-blocking way.
1575 1915
1576 The two AnyEvent benchmarks programs can be found as eg/ae0.pl and 1916 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 1917 eg/ae2.pl in the AnyEvent distribution, the remaining benchmarks are
1578 part of the IO::lambda distribution and were used without any changes. 1918 part of the IO::Lambda distribution and were used without any changes.
1579 1919
1580SIGNALS 1920SIGNALS
1581 AnyEvent currently installs handlers for these signals: 1921 AnyEvent currently installs handlers for these signals:
1582 1922
1583 SIGCHLD 1923 SIGCHLD
1603 it is that this way, the handler will be restored to defaults on 1943 it is that this way, the handler will be restored to defaults on
1604 exec. 1944 exec.
1605 1945
1606 Feel free to install your own handler, or reset it to defaults. 1946 Feel free to install your own handler, or reset it to defaults.
1607 1947
1948RECOMMENDED/OPTIONAL MODULES
1949 One of AnyEvent's main goals is to be 100% Pure-Perl(tm): only perl (and
1950 its built-in modules) are required to use it.
1951
1952 That does not mean that AnyEvent won't take advantage of some additional
1953 modules if they are installed.
1954
1955 This section explains which additional modules will be used, and how
1956 they affect AnyEvent's operation.
1957
1958 Async::Interrupt
1959 This slightly arcane module is used to implement fast signal
1960 handling: To my knowledge, there is no way to do completely
1961 race-free and quick signal handling in pure perl. To ensure that
1962 signals still get delivered, AnyEvent will start an interval timer
1963 to wake up perl (and catch the signals) with some delay (default is
1964 10 seconds, look for $AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY).
1965
1966 If this module is available, then it will be used to implement
1967 signal catching, which means that signals will not be delayed, and
1968 the event loop will not be interrupted regularly, which is more
1969 efficient (and good for battery life on laptops).
1970
1971 This affects not just the pure-perl event loop, but also other event
1972 loops that have no signal handling on their own (e.g. Glib, Tk, Qt).
1973
1974 Some event loops (POE, Event, Event::Lib) offer signal watchers
1975 natively, and either employ their own workarounds (POE) or use
1976 AnyEvent's workaround (using $AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY).
1977 Installing Async::Interrupt does nothing for those backends.
1978
1979 EV This module isn't really "optional", as it is simply one of the
1980 backend event loops that AnyEvent can use. However, it is simply the
1981 best event loop available in terms of features, speed and stability:
1982 It supports the AnyEvent API optimally, implements all the watcher
1983 types in XS, does automatic timer adjustments even when no monotonic
1984 clock is available, can take avdantage of advanced kernel interfaces
1985 such as "epoll" and "kqueue", and is the fastest backend *by far*.
1986 You can even embed Glib/Gtk2 in it (or vice versa, see EV::Glib and
1987 Glib::EV).
1988
1989 If you only use backends that rely on another event loop (e.g.
1990 "Tk"), then this module will do nothing for you.
1991
1992 Guard
1993 The guard module, when used, will be used to implement
1994 "AnyEvent::Util::guard". This speeds up guards considerably (and
1995 uses a lot less memory), but otherwise doesn't affect guard
1996 operation much. It is purely used for performance.
1997
1998 JSON and JSON::XS
1999 One of these modules is required when you want to read or write JSON
2000 data via AnyEvent::Handle. JSON is also written in pure-perl, but
2001 can take advantage of the ultra-high-speed JSON::XS module when it
2002 is installed.
2003
2004 Net::SSLeay
2005 Implementing TLS/SSL in Perl is certainly interesting, but not very
2006 worthwhile: If this module is installed, then AnyEvent::Handle (with
2007 the help of AnyEvent::TLS), gains the ability to do TLS/SSL.
2008
2009 Time::HiRes
2010 This module is part of perl since release 5.008. It will be used
2011 when the chosen event library does not come with a timing source of
2012 its own. The pure-perl event loop (AnyEvent::Loop) will additionally
2013 load it to try to use a monotonic clock for timing stability.
2014
2015 AnyEvent::AIO (and IO::AIO)
2016 The default implementation of AnyEvent::IO is to do I/O
2017 synchronously, stopping programs while they access the disk, which
2018 is fine for a lot of programs.
2019
2020 Installing AnyEvent::AIO (and its IO::AIO dependency) makes it
2021 switch to a true asynchronous implementation, so event processing
2022 can continue even while waiting for disk I/O.
2023
1608FORK 2024FORK
1609 Most event libraries are not fork-safe. The ones who are usually are 2025 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. 2026 because they rely on inefficient but fork-safe "select" or "poll" calls
1611 Only EV is fully fork-aware. 2027 - higher performance APIs such as BSD's kqueue or the dreaded Linux
2028 epoll are usually badly thought-out hacks that are incompatible with
2029 fork in one way or another. Only EV is fully fork-aware and ensures that
2030 you continue event-processing in both parent and child (or both, if you
2031 know what you are doing).
2032
2033 This means that, in general, you cannot fork and do event processing in
2034 the child if the event library was initialised before the fork (which
2035 usually happens when the first AnyEvent watcher is created, or the
2036 library is loaded).
1612 2037
1613 If you have to fork, you must either do so *before* creating your first 2038 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. 2039 watcher OR you must not use AnyEvent at all in the child OR you must do
2040 something completely out of the scope of AnyEvent.
2041
2042 The problem of doing event processing in the parent *and* the child is
2043 much more complicated: even for backends that *are* fork-aware or
2044 fork-safe, their behaviour is not usually what you want: fork clones all
2045 watchers, that means all timers, I/O watchers etc. are active in both
2046 parent and child, which is almost never what you want. USing "exec" to
2047 start worker children from some kind of manage rprocess is usually
2048 preferred, because it is much easier and cleaner, at the expense of
2049 having to have another binary.
1615 2050
1616SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS 2051SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS
1617 AnyEvent can be forced to load any event model via 2052 AnyEvent can be forced to load any event model via
1618 $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL}. While this cannot (to my knowledge) be used 2053 $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 2054 to execute arbitrary code or directly gain access, it can easily be used
1643 5.10 and check wether the leaks still show up. (Perl 5.10.0 has other 2078 5.10 and check wether the leaks still show up. (Perl 5.10.0 has other
1644 annoying memleaks, such as leaking on "map" and "grep" but it is usually 2079 annoying memleaks, such as leaking on "map" and "grep" but it is usually
1645 not as pronounced). 2080 not as pronounced).
1646 2081
1647SEE ALSO 2082SEE ALSO
1648 Utility functions: AnyEvent::Util. 2083 Tutorial/Introduction: AnyEvent::Intro.
1649 2084
1650 Event modules: EV, EV::Glib, Glib::EV, Event, Glib::Event, Glib, Tk, 2085 FAQ: AnyEvent::FAQ.
1651 Event::Lib, Qt, POE. 2086
2087 Utility functions: AnyEvent::Util (misc. grab-bag), AnyEvent::Log
2088 (simply logging).
2089
2090 Development/Debugging: AnyEvent::Strict (stricter checking),
2091 AnyEvent::Debug (interactive shell, watcher tracing).
2092
2093 Supported event modules: AnyEvent::Loop, EV, EV::Glib, Glib::EV, Event,
2094 Glib::Event, Glib, Tk, Event::Lib, Qt, POE, FLTK.
1652 2095
1653 Implementations: AnyEvent::Impl::EV, AnyEvent::Impl::Event, 2096 Implementations: AnyEvent::Impl::EV, AnyEvent::Impl::Event,
1654 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib, AnyEvent::Impl::Tk, AnyEvent::Impl::Perl, 2097 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib, AnyEvent::Impl::Tk, AnyEvent::Impl::Perl,
1655 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib, AnyEvent::Impl::Qt, AnyEvent::Impl::POE, 2098 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib, AnyEvent::Impl::Qt, AnyEvent::Impl::POE,
1656 AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync. 2099 AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync, Anyevent::Impl::Irssi, AnyEvent::Impl::FLTK.
1657 2100
1658 Non-blocking file handles, sockets, TCP clients and servers: 2101 Non-blocking handles, pipes, stream sockets, TCP clients and servers:
1659 AnyEvent::Handle, AnyEvent::Socket, AnyEvent::TLS. 2102 AnyEvent::Handle, AnyEvent::Socket, AnyEvent::TLS.
1660 2103
2104 Asynchronous File I/O: AnyEvent::IO.
2105
1661 Asynchronous DNS: AnyEvent::DNS. 2106 Asynchronous DNS: AnyEvent::DNS.
1662 2107
1663 Coroutine support: Coro, Coro::AnyEvent, Coro::EV, Coro::Event, 2108 Thread support: Coro, Coro::AnyEvent, Coro::EV, Coro::Event.
1664 2109
1665 Nontrivial usage examples: AnyEvent::GPSD, AnyEvent::XMPP, 2110 Nontrivial usage examples: AnyEvent::GPSD, AnyEvent::IRC,
1666 AnyEvent::HTTP. 2111 AnyEvent::HTTP.
1667 2112
1668AUTHOR 2113AUTHOR
1669 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 2114 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
1670 http://home.schmorp.de/ 2115 http://anyevent.schmorp.de
1671 2116

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