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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, POE - various supported event 4 EV, Event, Glib, Tk, Perl, Event::Lib, Irssi, rxvt-unicode, IO::Async,
5 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
13 # file handle or descriptor readable
10 my $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => $fh, poll => "r|w", cb => sub { ... }); 14 my $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => $fh, poll => "r", cb => sub { ... });
11 15
16 # one-shot or repeating timers
12 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, cb => sub { ... }); 17 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, cb => sub { ... });
13 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, interval => $seconds, cb => ... 18 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, interval => $seconds, cb => ...);
14 19
15 print AnyEvent->now; # prints current event loop time 20 print AnyEvent->now; # prints current event loop time
16 print AnyEvent->time; # think Time::HiRes::time or simply CORE::time. 21 print AnyEvent->time; # think Time::HiRes::time or simply CORE::time.
17 22
23 # POSIX signal
18 my $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => "TERM", cb => sub { ... }); 24 my $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => "TERM", cb => sub { ... });
19 25
26 # child process exit
20 my $w = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub { 27 my $w = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub {
21 my ($pid, $status) = @_; 28 my ($pid, $status) = @_;
22 ... 29 ...
23 }); 30 });
31
32 # called when event loop idle (if applicable)
33 my $w = AnyEvent->idle (cb => sub { ... });
24 34
25 my $w = AnyEvent->condvar; # stores whether a condition was flagged 35 my $w = AnyEvent->condvar; # stores whether a condition was flagged
26 $w->send; # wake up current and all future recv's 36 $w->send; # wake up current and all future recv's
27 $w->recv; # enters "main loop" till $condvar gets ->send 37 $w->recv; # enters "main loop" till $condvar gets ->send
28 # use a condvar in callback mode: 38 # use a condvar in callback mode:
30 40
31INTRODUCTION/TUTORIAL 41INTRODUCTION/TUTORIAL
32 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
33 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
34 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.
35 54
36WHY YOU SHOULD USE THIS MODULE (OR NOT) 55WHY YOU SHOULD USE THIS MODULE (OR NOT)
37 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
38 nowadays. So what is different about AnyEvent? 57 nowadays. So what is different about AnyEvent?
39 58
54 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
55 model you use. 74 model you use.
56 75
57 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
58 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
59 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
60 cannot use anything else, as they are simply incompatible to everything 79 cannot use anything else, as they are simply incompatible to everything
61 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
62 are *also* forced to use the same event loop you use. 81 are *also* forced to use the same event loop you use.
63 82
64 AnyEvent is different: AnyEvent + POE works fine. AnyEvent + Glib works 83 AnyEvent is different: AnyEvent + POE works fine. AnyEvent + Glib works
65 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
66 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
67 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
68 But if your module uses AnyEvent, it works transparently with all event 87 your module uses AnyEvent, it works transparently with all event models
69 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
70 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
71 to AnyEvent, too, so it is future-proof). 90 AnyEvent, too, so it is future-proof).
72 91
73 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
74 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
75 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
76 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
77 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
78 wrapper as technically possible. 97 technically possible.
79 98
80 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
81 useful functionality, such as an asynchronous DNS resolver, 100% 100 useful functionality, such as an asynchronous DNS resolver, 100%
82 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
83 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
86 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
87 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
88 model, you should *not* use this module. 107 model, you should *not* use this module.
89 108
90DESCRIPTION 109DESCRIPTION
91 AnyEvent provides an identical interface to multiple event loops. This 110 AnyEvent provides a uniform interface to various event loops. This
92 allows module authors to utilise an event loop without forcing module 111 allows module authors to use event loop functionality without forcing
93 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
94 coexist peacefully at any one time). 113 than one event loop cannot coexist peacefully).
95 114
96 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
97 module. 116 module.
98 117
99 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
100 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
101 following modules is already loaded: EV, Event, Glib, 120 following modules is already loaded: EV, AnyEvent::Loop, Event, Glib,
102 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
103 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
104 (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
105 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
106 successfully loaded will be used. If, after this, still none could be 125 tried.
107 found, AnyEvent will fall back to a pure-perl event loop, which is not
108 very efficient, but should work everywhere.
109 126
110 Because AnyEvent first checks for modules that are already loaded, 127 Because AnyEvent first checks for modules that are already loaded,
111 loading an event model explicitly before first using AnyEvent will 128 loading an event model explicitly before first using AnyEvent will
112 likely make that model the default. For example: 129 likely make that model the default. For example:
113 130
115 use AnyEvent; 132 use AnyEvent;
116 133
117 # .. AnyEvent will likely default to Tk 134 # .. AnyEvent will likely default to Tk
118 135
119 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
120 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
121 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.
122 140
123 The pure-perl implementation of AnyEvent is called 141 The pure-perl implementation of AnyEvent is called "AnyEvent::Loop".
124 "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
125 explicitly and enjoy the high availability of that event loop :) 143 availability of that event loop :)
126 144
127WATCHERS 145WATCHERS
128 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
129 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
130 the callback to call, the file handle to watch, etc. 148 the callback to call, the file handle to watch, etc.
134 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
135 in control). 153 in control).
136 154
137 Note that callbacks must not permanently change global variables 155 Note that callbacks must not permanently change global variables
138 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
139 callbacks must not "die". The former is good programming practise in 157 callbacks must not "die". The former is good programming practice in
140 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
141 widely between event loops. 159 widely between event loops.
142 160
143 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
144 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
145 to it). 163 to it).
146 164
147 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.
148 166
149 Many watchers either are used with "recursion" (repeating timers for 167 Many watchers either are used with "recursion" (repeating timers for
150 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.
151 169
152 An any way to achieve that is this pattern: 170 One way to achieve that is this pattern:
153 171
154 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->type (arg => value ..., cb => sub { 172 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->type (arg => value ..., cb => sub {
155 # you can use $w here, for example to undef it 173 # you can use $w here, for example to undef it
156 undef $w; 174 undef $w;
157 }); 175 });
159 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,
160 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
161 declared. 179 declared.
162 180
163 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
164 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
165 the following mandatory key-value pairs as arguments: 189 the following mandatory key-value pairs as arguments:
166 190
167 "fh" is the Perl *file handle* (*not* file descriptor) to watch for 191 "fh" is the Perl *file handle* (or a naked file descriptor) to watch for
168 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
169 handle). Note that only file handles pointing to things for which 193 handle). Note that only file handles pointing to things for which
170 non-blocking operation makes sense are allowed. This includes sockets, 194 non-blocking operation makes sense are allowed. This includes sockets,
171 most character devices, pipes, fifos and so on, but not for example 195 most character devices, pipes, fifos and so on, but not for example
172 files or block devices. 196 files or block devices.
182 206
183 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
184 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
185 the underlying file descriptor. 209 the underlying file descriptor.
186 210
187 Some event loops issue spurious readyness notifications, so you should 211 Some event loops issue spurious readiness notifications, so you should
188 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
189 handles. 213 handles.
190 214
191 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
192 watcher. 216 watcher.
196 warn "read: $input\n"; 220 warn "read: $input\n";
197 undef $w; 221 undef $w;
198 }); 222 });
199 223
200 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
201 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
202 with the following mandatory arguments: 234 with the following mandatory arguments:
203 235
204 "after" specifies after how many seconds (fractional values are 236 "after" specifies after how many seconds (fractional values are
205 supported) the callback should be invoked. "cb" is the callback to 237 supported) the callback should be invoked. "cb" is the callback to
207 239
208 Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 240 Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
209 presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent 241 presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent
210 callbacks cannot use arguments passed to time watcher callbacks. 242 callbacks cannot use arguments passed to time watcher callbacks.
211 243
212 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
213 parameter, "interval", as a strictly positive number (> 0), then the 245 parameter, "interval", as a strictly positive number (> 0), then the
214 callback will be invoked regularly at that interval (in fractional 246 callback will be invoked regularly at that interval (in fractional
215 seconds) after the first invocation. If "interval" is specified with a 247 seconds) after the first invocation. If "interval" is specified with a
216 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.
217 249
218 The callback will be rescheduled before invoking the callback, but no 250 The callback will be rescheduled before invoking the callback, but no
219 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
220 is only approximate. 252 is only approximate.
221 253
222 Example: fire an event after 7.7 seconds. 254 Example: fire an event after 7.7 seconds.
223 255
224 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 7.7, cb => sub { 256 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 7.7, cb => sub {
241 273
242 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,
243 they use absolute time internally. This makes a difference when your 275 they use absolute time internally. This makes a difference when your
244 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
245 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
246 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
247 finally fire. 279 finally fire.
248 280
249 AnyEvent cannot compensate for this. The only event loop that is 281 AnyEvent cannot compensate for this. The only event loop that is
250 conscious about these issues is EV, which offers both relative 282 conscious of these issues is EV, which offers both relative (ev_timer,
251 (ev_timer, based on true relative time) and absolute (ev_periodic, based 283 based on true relative time) and absolute (ev_periodic, based on
252 on wallclock time) timers. 284 wallclock time) timers.
253 285
254 AnyEvent always prefers relative timers, if available, matching the 286 AnyEvent always prefers relative timers, if available, matching the
255 AnyEvent API. 287 AnyEvent API.
256 288
257 AnyEvent has two additional methods that return the "current time": 289 AnyEvent has two additional methods that return the "current time":
276 *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
277 function to call when you want to know the current time.* 309 function to call when you want to know the current time.*
278 310
279 This function is also often faster then "AnyEvent->time", and thus 311 This function is also often faster then "AnyEvent->time", and thus
280 the preferred method if you want some timestamp (for example, 312 the preferred method if you want some timestamp (for example,
281 AnyEvent::Handle uses this to update it's activity timeouts). 313 AnyEvent::Handle uses this to update its activity timeouts).
282 314
283 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
284 exact with your timing, you can skip it without bad conscience. 316 exact with your timing; you can skip it without a bad conscience.
285 317
286 For a practical example of when these times differ, consider 318 For a practical example of when these times differ, consider
287 Event::Lib and EV and the following set-up: 319 Event::Lib and EV and the following set-up:
288 320
289 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
290 at time=500 (assume no other callbacks delay processing). In your 322 at time=500 (assume no other callbacks delay processing). In your
291 callback, you wait a second by executing "sleep 1" (blocking the 323 callback, you wait a second by executing "sleep 1" (blocking the
292 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
293 timer that fires after three seconds. 325 timer that fires after three seconds.
294 326
314 In either case, if you care (and in most cases, you don't), then you 346 In either case, if you care (and in most cases, you don't), then you
315 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
316 the difference between "AnyEvent->time" and "AnyEvent->now" into 348 the difference between "AnyEvent->time" and "AnyEvent->now" into
317 account. 349 account.
318 350
351 AnyEvent->now_update
352 Some event loops (such as EV or AnyEvent::Loop) cache the current
353 time for each loop iteration (see the discussion of AnyEvent->now,
354 above).
355
356 When a callback runs for a long time (or when the process sleeps),
357 then this "current" time will differ substantially from the real
358 time, which might affect timers and time-outs.
359
360 When this is the case, you can call this method, which will update
361 the event loop's idea of "current time".
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
371 Note that updating the time *might* cause some events to be handled.
372
319 SIGNAL WATCHERS 373 SIGNAL WATCHERS
374 $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => <uppercase_signal_name>, cb => <callback>);
375
320 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
321 *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
322 callback to be invoked whenever a signal occurs. 378 callback to be invoked whenever a signal occurs.
323 379
324 Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 380 Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
329 invocation, and callback invocation will be synchronous. Synchronous 385 invocation, and callback invocation will be synchronous. Synchronous
330 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
331 process, but it is guaranteed not to interrupt any other callbacks. 387 process, but it is guaranteed not to interrupt any other callbacks.
332 388
333 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
334 signal between multiple watchers. 390 signal between multiple watchers, and AnyEvent will ensure that signals
391 will not interrupt your program at bad times.
335 392
336 This watcher might use %SIG, so programs overwriting those signals 393 This watcher might use %SIG (depending on the event loop used), so
337 directly will likely not work correctly. 394 programs overwriting those signals directly will likely not work
395 correctly.
338 396
339 Example: exit on SIGINT 397 Example: exit on SIGINT
340 398
341 my $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => "INT", cb => sub { exit 1 }); 399 my $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => "INT", cb => sub { exit 1 });
342 400
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 get delayed indefinitely, the
409 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 specified
422 in $AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY (default: 10 seconds). This variable
423 can be changed only before the first signal watcher is created, and
424 should be left alone otherwise. This variable determines how often
425 AnyEvent polls for signals (in case a wake-up was missed). Higher values
426 will cause fewer spurious wake-ups, which is better for power and CPU
427 saving.
428
429 All these problems can be avoided by installing the optional
430 Async::Interrupt module, which works with most event loops. It will not
431 work with inherently broken event loops such as Event or Event::Lib (and
432 not with POE currently, as POE does its own workaround with one-second
433 latency). For those, you just have to suffer the delays.
434
343 CHILD PROCESS WATCHERS 435 CHILD PROCESS WATCHERS
436 $w = AnyEvent->child (pid => <process id>, cb => <callback>);
437
344 You can also watch on a child process exit and catch its exit status. 438 You can also watch for a child process exit and catch its exit status.
345 439
346 The child process is specified by the "pid" argument (if set to 0, it 440 The child process is specified by the "pid" argument (on some backends,
347 watches for any child process exit). The watcher will triggered only 441 using 0 watches for any child process exit, on others this will croak).
348 when the child process has finished and an exit status is available, not 442 The watcher will be triggered only when the child process has finished
349 on any trace events (stopped/continued). 443 and an exit status is available, not on any trace events
444 (stopped/continued).
350 445
351 The callback will be called with the pid and exit status (as returned by 446 The callback will be called with the pid and exit status (as returned by
352 waitpid), so unlike other watcher types, you *can* rely on child watcher 447 waitpid), so unlike other watcher types, you *can* rely on child watcher
353 callback arguments. 448 callback arguments.
354 449
359 454
360 There is a slight catch to child watchers, however: you usually start 455 There is a slight catch to child watchers, however: you usually start
361 them *after* the child process was created, and this means the process 456 them *after* the child process was created, and this means the process
362 could have exited already (and no SIGCHLD will be sent anymore). 457 could have exited already (and no SIGCHLD will be sent anymore).
363 458
364 Not all event models handle this correctly (POE doesn't), but even for 459 Not all event models handle this correctly (neither POE nor IO::Async
460 do, see their AnyEvent::Impl manpages for details), but even for event
365 event models that *do* handle this correctly, they usually need to be 461 models that *do* handle this correctly, they usually need to be loaded
366 loaded before the process exits (i.e. before you fork in the first 462 before the process exits (i.e. before you fork in the first place).
367 place). 463 AnyEvent's pure perl event loop handles all cases correctly regardless
464 of when you start the watcher.
368 465
369 This means you cannot create a child watcher as the very first thing in 466 This means you cannot create a child watcher as the very first thing in
370 an AnyEvent program, you *have* to create at least one watcher before 467 an AnyEvent program, you *have* to create at least one watcher before
371 you "fork" the child (alternatively, you can call "AnyEvent::detect"). 468 you "fork" the child (alternatively, you can call "AnyEvent::detect").
372 469
470 As most event loops do not support waiting for child events, they will
471 be emulated by AnyEvent in most cases, in which case the latency and
472 race problems mentioned in the description of signal watchers apply.
473
373 Example: fork a process and wait for it 474 Example: fork a process and wait for it
374 475
375 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar; 476 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
376 477
377 my $pid = fork or exit 5; 478 my $pid = fork or exit 5;
378 479
379 my $w = AnyEvent->child ( 480 my $w = AnyEvent->child (
380 pid => $pid, 481 pid => $pid,
381 cb => sub { 482 cb => sub {
382 my ($pid, $status) = @_; 483 my ($pid, $status) = @_;
383 warn "pid $pid exited with status $status"; 484 warn "pid $pid exited with status $status";
384 $done->send; 485 $done->send;
385 }, 486 },
386 ); 487 );
387 488
388 # do something else, then wait for process exit 489 # do something else, then wait for process exit
389 $done->recv; 490 $done->recv;
390 491
492 IDLE WATCHERS
493 $w = AnyEvent->idle (cb => <callback>);
494
495 This will repeatedly invoke the callback after the process becomes idle,
496 until either the watcher is destroyed or new events have been detected.
497
498 Idle watchers are useful when there is a need to do something, but it is
499 not so important (or wise) to do it instantly. The callback will be
500 invoked only when there is "nothing better to do", which is usually
501 defined as "all outstanding events have been handled and no new events
502 have been detected". That means that idle watchers ideally get invoked
503 when the event loop has just polled for new events but none have been
504 detected. Instead of blocking to wait for more events, the idle watchers
505 will be invoked.
506
507 Unfortunately, most event loops do not really support idle watchers
508 (only EV, Event and Glib do it in a usable fashion) - for the rest,
509 AnyEvent will simply call the callback "from time to time".
510
511 Example: read lines from STDIN, but only process them when the program
512 is otherwise idle:
513
514 my @lines; # read data
515 my $idle_w;
516 my $io_w = AnyEvent->io (fh => \*STDIN, poll => 'r', cb => sub {
517 push @lines, scalar <STDIN>;
518
519 # start an idle watcher, if not already done
520 $idle_w ||= AnyEvent->idle (cb => sub {
521 # handle only one line, when there are lines left
522 if (my $line = shift @lines) {
523 print "handled when idle: $line";
524 } else {
525 # otherwise disable the idle watcher again
526 undef $idle_w;
527 }
528 });
529 });
530
391 CONDITION VARIABLES 531 CONDITION VARIABLES
532 $cv = AnyEvent->condvar;
533
534 $cv->send (<list>);
535 my @res = $cv->recv;
536
392 If you are familiar with some event loops you will know that all of them 537 If you are familiar with some event loops you will know that all of them
393 require you to run some blocking "loop", "run" or similar function that 538 require you to run some blocking "loop", "run" or similar function that
394 will actively watch for new events and call your callbacks. 539 will actively watch for new events and call your callbacks.
395 540
396 AnyEvent is different, it expects somebody else to run the event loop 541 AnyEvent is slightly different: it expects somebody else to run the
397 and will only block when necessary (usually when told by the user). 542 event loop and will only block when necessary (usually when told by the
543 user).
398 544
399 The instrument to do that is called a "condition variable", so called 545 The tool to do that is called a "condition variable", so called because
400 because they represent a condition that must become true. 546 they represent a condition that must become true.
547
548 Now is probably a good time to look at the examples further below.
401 549
402 Condition variables can be created by calling the "AnyEvent->condvar" 550 Condition variables can be created by calling the "AnyEvent->condvar"
403 method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is 551 method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is
404
405 "cb", which specifies a callback to be called when the condition 552 "cb", which specifies a callback to be called when the condition
406 variable becomes true, with the condition variable as the first argument 553 variable becomes true, with the condition variable as the first argument
407 (but not the results). 554 (but not the results).
408 555
409 After creation, the condition variable is "false" until it becomes 556 After creation, the condition variable is "false" until it becomes
410 "true" by calling the "send" method (or calling the condition variable 557 "true" by calling the "send" method (or calling the condition variable
411 as if it were a callback, read about the caveats in the description for 558 as if it were a callback, read about the caveats in the description for
412 the "->send" method). 559 the "->send" method).
413 560
414 Condition variables are similar to callbacks, except that you can 561 Since condition variables are the most complex part of the AnyEvent API,
415 optionally wait for them. They can also be called merge points - points 562 here are some different mental models of what they are - pick the ones
416 in time where multiple outstanding events have been processed. And yet 563 you can connect to:
417 another way to call them is transactions - each condition variable can 564
418 be used to represent a transaction, which finishes at some point and 565 * Condition variables are like callbacks - you can call them (and pass
419 delivers a result. 566 them instead of callbacks). Unlike callbacks however, you can also
567 wait for them to be called.
568
569 * Condition variables are signals - one side can emit or send them,
570 the other side can wait for them, or install a handler that is
571 called when the signal fires.
572
573 * Condition variables are like "Merge Points" - points in your program
574 where you merge multiple independent results/control flows into one.
575
576 * Condition variables represent a transaction - functions that start
577 some kind of transaction can return them, leaving the caller the
578 choice between waiting in a blocking fashion, or setting a callback.
579
580 * Condition variables represent future values, or promises to deliver
581 some result, long before the result is available.
420 582
421 Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has 583 Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has
422 finished, for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http 584 finished, for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http
423 requests, then a condition variable would be the ideal candidate to 585 requests, then a condition variable would be the ideal candidate to
424 signal the availability of results. The user can either act when the 586 signal the availability of results. The user can either act when the
437 599
438 Condition variables are represented by hash refs in perl, and the keys 600 Condition variables are represented by hash refs in perl, and the keys
439 used by AnyEvent itself are all named "_ae_XXX" to make subclassing easy 601 used by AnyEvent itself are all named "_ae_XXX" to make subclassing easy
440 (it is often useful to build your own transaction class on top of 602 (it is often useful to build your own transaction class on top of
441 AnyEvent). To subclass, use "AnyEvent::CondVar" as base class and call 603 AnyEvent). To subclass, use "AnyEvent::CondVar" as base class and call
442 it's "new" method in your own "new" method. 604 its "new" method in your own "new" method.
443 605
444 There are two "sides" to a condition variable - the "producer side" 606 There are two "sides" to a condition variable - the "producer side"
445 which eventually calls "-> send", and the "consumer side", which waits 607 which eventually calls "-> send", and the "consumer side", which waits
446 for the send to occur. 608 for the send to occur.
447 609
448 Example: wait for a timer. 610 Example: wait for a timer.
449 611
450 # wait till the result is ready 612 # condition: "wait till the timer is fired"
451 my $result_ready = AnyEvent->condvar; 613 my $timer_fired = AnyEvent->condvar;
452 614
453 # do something such as adding a timer 615 # create the timer - we could wait for, say
454 # or socket watcher the calls $result_ready->send 616 # a handle becomign ready, or even an
455 # when the "result" is ready. 617 # AnyEvent::HTTP request to finish, but
456 # in this case, we simply use a timer: 618 # in this case, we simply use a timer:
457 my $w = AnyEvent->timer ( 619 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (
458 after => 1, 620 after => 1,
459 cb => sub { $result_ready->send }, 621 cb => sub { $timer_fired->send },
460 ); 622 );
461 623
462 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback 624 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback
463 # calls send 625 # calls ->send
464 $result_ready->recv; 626 $timer_fired->recv;
465 627
466 Example: wait for a timer, but take advantage of the fact that condition 628 Example: wait for a timer, but take advantage of the fact that condition
467 variables are also code references. 629 variables are also callable directly.
468 630
469 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar; 631 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
470 my $delay = AnyEvent->timer (after => 5, cb => $done); 632 my $delay = AnyEvent->timer (after => 5, cb => $done);
471 $done->recv; 633 $done->recv;
472 634
478 640
479 ... 641 ...
480 642
481 my @info = $couchdb->info->recv; 643 my @info = $couchdb->info->recv;
482 644
483 And this is how you would just ste a callback to be called whenever the 645 And this is how you would just set a callback to be called whenever the
484 results are available: 646 results are available:
485 647
486 $couchdb->info->cb (sub { 648 $couchdb->info->cb (sub {
487 my @info = $_[0]->recv; 649 my @info = $_[0]->recv;
488 }); 650 });
503 665
504 Any arguments passed to the "send" call will be returned by all 666 Any arguments passed to the "send" call will be returned by all
505 future "->recv" calls. 667 future "->recv" calls.
506 668
507 Condition variables are overloaded so one can call them directly (as 669 Condition variables are overloaded so one can call them directly (as
508 a code reference). Calling them directly is the same as calling 670 if they were a code reference). Calling them directly is the same as
509 "send". Note, however, that many C-based event loops do not handle 671 calling "send".
510 overloading, so as tempting as it may be, passing a condition
511 variable instead of a callback does not work. Both the pure perl and
512 EV loops support overloading, however, as well as all functions that
513 use perl to invoke a callback (as in AnyEvent::Socket and
514 AnyEvent::DNS for example).
515 672
516 $cv->croak ($error) 673 $cv->croak ($error)
517 Similar to send, but causes all call's to "->recv" to invoke 674 Similar to send, but causes all calls to "->recv" to invoke
518 "Carp::croak" with the given error message/object/scalar. 675 "Carp::croak" with the given error message/object/scalar.
519 676
520 This can be used to signal any errors to the condition variable 677 This can be used to signal any errors to the condition variable
521 user/consumer. 678 user/consumer. Doing it this way instead of calling "croak" directly
679 delays the error detection, but has the overwhelming advantage that
680 it diagnoses the error at the place where the result is expected,
681 and not deep in some event callback with no connection to the actual
682 code causing the problem.
522 683
523 $cv->begin ([group callback]) 684 $cv->begin ([group callback])
524 $cv->end 685 $cv->end
525 These two methods are EXPERIMENTAL and MIGHT CHANGE.
526
527 These two methods can be used to combine many transactions/events 686 These two methods can be used to combine many transactions/events
528 into one. For example, a function that pings many hosts in parallel 687 into one. For example, a function that pings many hosts in parallel
529 might want to use a condition variable for the whole process. 688 might want to use a condition variable for the whole process.
530 689
531 Every call to "->begin" will increment a counter, and every call to 690 Every call to "->begin" will increment a counter, and every call to
532 "->end" will decrement it. If the counter reaches 0 in "->end", the 691 "->end" will decrement it. If the counter reaches 0 in "->end", the
533 (last) callback passed to "begin" will be executed. That callback is 692 (last) callback passed to "begin" will be executed, passing the
534 *supposed* to call "->send", but that is not required. If no 693 condvar as first argument. That callback is *supposed* to call
694 "->send", but that is not required. If no group callback was set,
535 callback was set, "send" will be called without any arguments. 695 "send" will be called without any arguments.
536 696
537 Let's clarify this with the ping example: 697 You can think of "$cv->send" giving you an OR condition (one call
698 sends), while "$cv->begin" and "$cv->end" giving you an AND
699 condition (all "begin" calls must be "end"'ed before the condvar
700 sends).
701
702 Let's start with a simple example: you have two I/O watchers (for
703 example, STDOUT and STDERR for a program), and you want to wait for
704 both streams to close before activating a condvar:
538 705
539 my $cv = AnyEvent->condvar; 706 my $cv = AnyEvent->condvar;
540 707
708 $cv->begin; # first watcher
709 my $w1 = AnyEvent->io (fh => $fh1, cb => sub {
710 defined sysread $fh1, my $buf, 4096
711 or $cv->end;
712 });
713
714 $cv->begin; # second watcher
715 my $w2 = AnyEvent->io (fh => $fh2, cb => sub {
716 defined sysread $fh2, my $buf, 4096
717 or $cv->end;
718 });
719
720 $cv->recv;
721
722 This works because for every event source (EOF on file handle),
723 there is one call to "begin", so the condvar waits for all calls to
724 "end" before sending.
725
726 The ping example mentioned above is slightly more complicated, as
727 the there are results to be passwd back, and the number of tasks
728 that are begun can potentially be zero:
729
730 my $cv = AnyEvent->condvar;
731
541 my %result; 732 my %result;
542 $cv->begin (sub { $cv->send (\%result) }); 733 $cv->begin (sub { shift->send (\%result) });
543 734
544 for my $host (@list_of_hosts) { 735 for my $host (@list_of_hosts) {
545 $cv->begin; 736 $cv->begin;
546 ping_host_then_call_callback $host, sub { 737 ping_host_then_call_callback $host, sub {
547 $result{$host} = ...; 738 $result{$host} = ...;
562 the loop, which serves two important purposes: first, it sets the 753 the loop, which serves two important purposes: first, it sets the
563 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
564 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
565 (the loop doesn't execute once). 756 (the loop doesn't execute once).
566 757
567 This is the general pattern when you "fan out" into multiple 758 This is the general pattern when you "fan out" into multiple (but
568 subrequests: use an outer "begin"/"end" pair to set the callback and 759 potentially zero) subrequests: use an outer "begin"/"end" pair to
569 ensure "end" is called at least once, and then, for each subrequest 760 set the callback and ensure "end" is called at least once, and then,
570 you start, call "begin" and for each subrequest you finish, call 761 for each subrequest you start, call "begin" and for each subrequest
571 "end". 762 you finish, call "end".
572 763
573 METHODS FOR CONSUMERS 764 METHODS FOR CONSUMERS
574 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
575 awaits the condition. 766 awaits the condition.
576 767
577 $cv->recv 768 $cv->recv
578 Wait (blocking if necessary) until the "->send" or "->croak" methods 769 Wait (blocking if necessary) until the "->send" or "->croak" methods
579 have been called on c<$cv>, while servicing other watchers normally. 770 have been called on $cv, while servicing other watchers normally.
580 771
581 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
582 but will return immediately. 773 but will return immediately.
583 774
584 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
585 function will call "croak". 776 function will call "croak".
586 777
587 In list context, all parameters passed to "send" will be returned, 778 In list context, all parameters passed to "send" will be returned,
588 in scalar context only the first one will be returned. 779 in scalar context only the first one will be returned.
589 780
781 Note that doing a blocking wait in a callback is not supported by
782 any event loop, that is, recursive invocation of a blocking "->recv"
783 is not allowed, and the "recv" call will "croak" if such a condition
784 is detected. This condition can be slightly loosened by using
785 Coro::AnyEvent, which allows you to do a blocking "->recv" from any
786 thread that doesn't run the event loop itself.
787
590 Not all event models support a blocking wait - some die in that case 788 Not all event models support a blocking wait - some die in that case
591 (programs might want to do that to stay interactive), so *if you are 789 (programs might want to do that to stay interactive), so *if you are
592 using this from a module, never require a blocking wait*, but let 790 using this from a module, never require a blocking wait*. Instead,
593 the caller decide whether the call will block or not (for example, 791 let the caller decide whether the call will block or not (for
594 by coupling condition variables with some kind of request results 792 example, by coupling condition variables with some kind of request
595 and supporting callbacks so the caller knows that getting the result 793 results and supporting callbacks so the caller knows that getting
596 will not block, while still supporting blocking waits if the caller 794 the result will not block, while still supporting blocking waits if
597 so desires). 795 the caller so desires).
598 796
599 Another reason *never* to "->recv" in a module is that you cannot
600 sensibly have two "->recv"'s in parallel, as that would require
601 multiple interpreters or coroutines/threads, none of which
602 "AnyEvent" can supply.
603
604 The Coro module, however, *can* and *does* supply coroutines and, in
605 fact, Coro::AnyEvent replaces AnyEvent's condvars by coroutine-safe
606 versions and also integrates coroutines into AnyEvent, making
607 blocking "->recv" calls perfectly safe as long as they are done from
608 another coroutine (one that doesn't run the event loop).
609
610 You can ensure that "-recv" never blocks by setting a callback and 797 You can ensure that "->recv" never blocks by setting a callback and
611 only calling "->recv" from within that callback (or at a later 798 only calling "->recv" from within that callback (or at a later
612 time). This will work even when the event loop does not support 799 time). This will work even when the event loop does not support
613 blocking waits otherwise. 800 blocking waits otherwise.
614 801
615 $bool = $cv->ready 802 $bool = $cv->ready
620 This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and 807 This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and
621 optionally replaces it before doing so. 808 optionally replaces it before doing so.
622 809
623 The callback will be called when the condition becomes "true", i.e. 810 The callback will be called when the condition becomes "true", i.e.
624 when "send" or "croak" are called, with the only argument being the 811 when "send" or "croak" are called, with the only argument being the
625 condition variable itself. Calling "recv" inside the callback or at 812 condition variable itself. If the condition is already true, the
813 callback is called immediately when it is set. Calling "recv" inside
626 any later time is guaranteed not to block. 814 the callback or at any later time is guaranteed not to block.
815
816SUPPORTED EVENT LOOPS/BACKENDS
817 The available backend classes are (every class has its own manpage):
818
819 Backends that are autoprobed when no other event loop can be found.
820 EV is the preferred backend when no other event loop seems to be in
821 use. If EV is not installed, then AnyEvent will fall back to its own
822 pure-perl implementation, which is available everywhere as it comes
823 with AnyEvent itself.
824
825 AnyEvent::Impl::EV based on EV (interface to libev, best choice).
826 AnyEvent::Impl::Perl pure-perl AnyEvent::Loop, fast and portable.
827
828 Backends that are transparently being picked up when they are used.
829 These will be used if they are already loaded when the first watcher
830 is created, in which case it is assumed that the application is
831 using them. This means that AnyEvent will automatically pick the
832 right backend when the main program loads an event module before
833 anything starts to create watchers. Nothing special needs to be done
834 by the main program.
835
836 AnyEvent::Impl::Event based on Event, very stable, few glitches.
837 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib based on Glib, slow but very stable.
838 AnyEvent::Impl::Tk based on Tk, very broken.
839 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib based on Event::Lib, leaks memory and worse.
840 AnyEvent::Impl::POE based on POE, very slow, some limitations.
841 AnyEvent::Impl::Irssi used when running within irssi.
842 AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync based on IO::Async.
843 AnyEvent::Impl::Cocoa based on Cocoa::EventLoop.
844 AnyEvent::Impl::FLTK2 based on FLTK (fltk 2 binding).
845
846 Backends with special needs.
847 Qt requires the Qt::Application to be instantiated first, but will
848 otherwise be picked up automatically. As long as the main program
849 instantiates the application before any AnyEvent watchers are
850 created, everything should just work.
851
852 AnyEvent::Impl::Qt based on Qt.
853
854 Event loops that are indirectly supported via other backends.
855 Some event loops can be supported via other modules:
856
857 There is no direct support for WxWidgets (Wx) or Prima.
858
859 WxWidgets has no support for watching file handles. However, you can
860 use WxWidgets through the POE adaptor, as POE has a Wx backend that
861 simply polls 20 times per second, which was considered to be too
862 horrible to even consider for AnyEvent.
863
864 Prima is not supported as nobody seems to be using it, but it has a
865 POE backend, so it can be supported through POE.
866
867 AnyEvent knows about both Prima and Wx, however, and will try to
868 load POE when detecting them, in the hope that POE will pick them
869 up, in which case everything will be automatic.
627 870
628GLOBAL VARIABLES AND FUNCTIONS 871GLOBAL VARIABLES AND FUNCTIONS
872 These are not normally required to use AnyEvent, but can be useful to
873 write AnyEvent extension modules.
874
629 $AnyEvent::MODEL 875 $AnyEvent::MODEL
630 Contains "undef" until the first watcher is being created. Then it 876 Contains "undef" until the first watcher is being created, before
877 the backend has been autodetected.
878
631 contains the event model that is being used, which is the name of 879 Afterwards it contains the event model that is being used, which is
632 the Perl class implementing the model. This class is usually one of 880 the name of the Perl class implementing the model. This class is
633 the "AnyEvent::Impl:xxx" modules, but can be any other class in the 881 usually one of the "AnyEvent::Impl::xxx" modules, but can be any
634 case AnyEvent has been extended at runtime (e.g. in *rxvt-unicode*). 882 other class in the case AnyEvent has been extended at runtime (e.g.
635 883 in *rxvt-unicode* it will be "urxvt::anyevent").
636 The known classes so far are:
637
638 AnyEvent::Impl::EV based on EV (an interface to libev, best choice).
639 AnyEvent::Impl::Event based on Event, second best choice.
640 AnyEvent::Impl::Perl pure-perl implementation, fast and portable.
641 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib based on Glib, third-best choice.
642 AnyEvent::Impl::Tk based on Tk, very bad choice.
643 AnyEvent::Impl::Qt based on Qt, cannot be autoprobed (see its docs).
644 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib based on Event::Lib, leaks memory and worse.
645 AnyEvent::Impl::POE based on POE, not generic enough for full support.
646
647 There is no support for WxWidgets, as WxWidgets has no support for
648 watching file handles. However, you can use WxWidgets through the
649 POE Adaptor, as POE has a Wx backend that simply polls 20 times per
650 second, which was considered to be too horrible to even consider for
651 AnyEvent. Likewise, other POE backends can be used by AnyEvent by
652 using it's adaptor.
653
654 AnyEvent knows about Prima and Wx and will try to use POE when
655 autodetecting them.
656 884
657 AnyEvent::detect 885 AnyEvent::detect
658 Returns $AnyEvent::MODEL, forcing autodetection of the event model 886 Returns $AnyEvent::MODEL, forcing autodetection of the event model
659 if necessary. You should only call this function right before you 887 if necessary. You should only call this function right before you
660 would have created an AnyEvent watcher anyway, that is, as late as 888 would have created an AnyEvent watcher anyway, that is, as late as
661 possible at runtime. 889 possible at runtime, and not e.g. during initialisation of your
890 module.
891
892 The effect of calling this function is as if a watcher had been
893 created (specifically, actions that happen "when the first watcher
894 is created" happen when calling detetc as well).
895
896 If you need to do some initialisation before AnyEvent watchers are
897 created, use "post_detect".
662 898
663 $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK } 899 $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }
664 Arranges for the code block to be executed as soon as the event 900 Arranges for the code block to be executed as soon as the event
665 model is autodetected (or immediately if this has already happened). 901 model is autodetected (or immediately if that has already happened).
902
903 The block will be executed *after* the actual backend has been
904 detected ($AnyEvent::MODEL is set), but *before* any watchers have
905 been created, so it is possible to e.g. patch @AnyEvent::ISA or do
906 other initialisations - see the sources of AnyEvent::Strict or
907 AnyEvent::AIO to see how this is used.
908
909 The most common usage is to create some global watchers, without
910 forcing event module detection too early, for example, AnyEvent::AIO
911 creates and installs the global IO::AIO watcher in a "post_detect"
912 block to avoid autodetecting the event module at load time.
666 913
667 If called in scalar or list context, then it creates and returns an 914 If called in scalar or list context, then it creates and returns an
668 object that automatically removes the callback again when it is 915 object that automatically removes the callback again when it is
916 destroyed (or "undef" when the hook was immediately executed). See
669 destroyed. See Coro::BDB for a case where this is useful. 917 AnyEvent::AIO for a case where this is useful.
918
919 Example: Create a watcher for the IO::AIO module and store it in
920 $WATCHER, but do so only do so after the event loop is initialised.
921
922 our WATCHER;
923
924 my $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect {
925 $WATCHER = AnyEvent->io (fh => IO::AIO::poll_fileno, poll => 'r', cb => \&IO::AIO::poll_cb);
926 };
927
928 # the ||= is important in case post_detect immediately runs the block,
929 # as to not clobber the newly-created watcher. assigning both watcher and
930 # post_detect guard to the same variable has the advantage of users being
931 # able to just C<undef $WATCHER> if the watcher causes them grief.
932
933 $WATCHER ||= $guard;
670 934
671 @AnyEvent::post_detect 935 @AnyEvent::post_detect
672 If there are any code references in this array (you can "push" to it 936 If there are any code references in this array (you can "push" to it
673 before or after loading AnyEvent), then they will called directly 937 before or after loading AnyEvent), then they will be called directly
674 after the event loop has been chosen. 938 after the event loop has been chosen.
675 939
676 You should check $AnyEvent::MODEL before adding to this array, 940 You should check $AnyEvent::MODEL before adding to this array,
677 though: if it contains a true value then the event loop has already 941 though: if it is defined then the event loop has already been
678 been detected, and the array will be ignored. 942 detected, and the array will be ignored.
679 943
680 Best use "AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }" instead. 944 Best use "AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }" when your application
945 allows it, as it takes care of these details.
946
947 This variable is mainly useful for modules that can do something
948 useful when AnyEvent is used and thus want to know when it is
949 initialised, but do not need to even load it by default. This array
950 provides the means to hook into AnyEvent passively, without loading
951 it.
952
953 Example: To load Coro::AnyEvent whenever Coro and AnyEvent are used
954 together, you could put this into Coro (this is the actual code used
955 by Coro to accomplish this):
956
957 if (defined $AnyEvent::MODEL) {
958 # AnyEvent already initialised, so load Coro::AnyEvent
959 require Coro::AnyEvent;
960 } else {
961 # AnyEvent not yet initialised, so make sure to load Coro::AnyEvent
962 # as soon as it is
963 push @AnyEvent::post_detect, sub { require Coro::AnyEvent };
964 }
965
966 AnyEvent::postpone { BLOCK }
967 Arranges for the block to be executed as soon as possible, but not
968 before the call itself returns. In practise, the block will be
969 executed just before the event loop polls for new events, or shortly
970 afterwards.
971
972 This function never returns anything (to make the "return postpone {
973 ... }" idiom more useful.
974
975 To understand the usefulness of this function, consider a function
976 that asynchronously does something for you and returns some
977 transaction object or guard to let you cancel the operation. For
978 example, "AnyEvent::Socket::tcp_connect":
979
980 # start a conenction attempt unless one is active
981 $self->{connect_guard} ||= AnyEvent::Socket::tcp_connect "www.example.net", 80, sub {
982 delete $self->{connect_guard};
983 ...
984 };
985
986 Imagine that this function could instantly call the callback, for
987 example, because it detects an obvious error such as a negative port
988 number. Invoking the callback before the function returns causes
989 problems however: the callback will be called and will try to delete
990 the guard object. But since the function hasn't returned yet, there
991 is nothing to delete. When the function eventually returns it will
992 assign the guard object to "$self->{connect_guard}", where it will
993 likely never be deleted, so the program thinks it is still trying to
994 connect.
995
996 This is where "AnyEvent::postpone" should be used. Instead of
997 calling the callback directly on error:
998
999 $cb->(undef), return # signal error to callback, BAD!
1000 if $some_error_condition;
1001
1002 It should use "postpone":
1003
1004 AnyEvent::postpone { $cb->(undef) }, return # signal error to callback, later
1005 if $some_error_condition;
1006
1007 AnyEvent::log $level, $msg[, @args]
1008 Log the given $msg at the given $level.
1009
1010 Loads AnyEvent::Log on first use and calls "AnyEvent::Log::log" -
1011 consequently, look at the AnyEvent::Log documentation for details.
1012
1013 If you want to sprinkle loads of logging calls around your code,
1014 consider creating a logger callback with the "AnyEvent::Log::logger"
1015 function.
681 1016
682WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE 1017WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE
683 As a module author, you should "use AnyEvent" and call AnyEvent methods 1018 As a module author, you should "use AnyEvent" and call AnyEvent methods
684 freely, but you should not load a specific event module or rely on it. 1019 freely, but you should not load a specific event module or rely on it.
685 1020
693 stall the whole program, and the whole point of using events is to stay 1028 stall the whole program, and the whole point of using events is to stay
694 interactive. 1029 interactive.
695 1030
696 It is fine, however, to call "->recv" when the user of your module 1031 It is fine, however, to call "->recv" when the user of your module
697 requests it (i.e. if you create a http request object ad have a method 1032 requests it (i.e. if you create a http request object ad have a method
698 called "results" that returns the results, it should call "->recv" 1033 called "results" that returns the results, it may call "->recv" freely,
699 freely, as the user of your module knows what she is doing. always). 1034 as the user of your module knows what she is doing. Always).
700 1035
701WHAT TO DO IN THE MAIN PROGRAM 1036WHAT TO DO IN THE MAIN PROGRAM
702 There will always be a single main program - the only place that should 1037 There will always be a single main program - the only place that should
703 dictate which event model to use. 1038 dictate which event model to use.
704 1039
705 If it doesn't care, it can just "use AnyEvent" and use it itself, or not 1040 If the program is not event-based, it need not do anything special, even
706 do anything special (it does not need to be event-based) and let 1041 when it depends on a module that uses an AnyEvent. If the program itself
707 AnyEvent decide which implementation to chose if some module relies on 1042 uses AnyEvent, but does not care which event loop is used, all it needs
708 it. 1043 to do is "use AnyEvent". In either case, AnyEvent will choose the best
1044 available loop implementation.
709 1045
710 If the main program relies on a specific event model - for example, in 1046 If the main program relies on a specific event model - for example, in
711 Gtk2 programs you have to rely on the Glib module - you should load the 1047 Gtk2 programs you have to rely on the Glib module - you should load the
712 event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it: 1048 event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it:
713 generally speaking, you should load it as early as possible. The reason 1049 generally speaking, you should load it as early as possible. The reason
714 is that modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent 1050 is that modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent
715 will decide on the event model to use as soon as it creates watchers, 1051 will decide on the event model to use as soon as it creates watchers,
716 and it might chose the wrong one unless you load the correct one 1052 and it might choose the wrong one unless you load the correct one
717 yourself. 1053 yourself.
718 1054
719 You can chose to use a pure-perl implementation by loading the 1055 You can chose to use a pure-perl implementation by loading the
720 "AnyEvent::Impl::Perl" module, which gives you similar behaviour 1056 "AnyEvent::Loop" module, which gives you similar behaviour everywhere,
721 everywhere, but letting AnyEvent chose the model is generally better. 1057 but letting AnyEvent chose the model is generally better.
722 1058
723 MAINLOOP EMULATION 1059 MAINLOOP EMULATION
724 Sometimes (often for short test scripts, or even standalone programs who 1060 Sometimes (often for short test scripts, or even standalone programs who
725 only want to use AnyEvent), you do not want to run a specific event 1061 only want to use AnyEvent), you do not want to run a specific event
726 loop. 1062 loop.
736 variable somewhere, waiting for it, and sending it when the program 1072 variable somewhere, waiting for it, and sending it when the program
737 should exit cleanly. 1073 should exit cleanly.
738 1074
739OTHER MODULES 1075OTHER MODULES
740 The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use 1076 The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use
741 AnyEvent and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent modules 1077 AnyEvent as a client and can therefore be mixed easily with other
742 in the same program. Some of the modules come with AnyEvent, some are 1078 AnyEvent modules and other event loops in the same program. Some of the
743 available via CPAN. 1079 modules come as part of AnyEvent, the others are available via CPAN (see
1080 <http://search.cpan.org/search?m=module&q=anyevent%3A%3A*> for a longer
1081 non-exhaustive list), and the list is heavily biased towards modules of
1082 the AnyEvent author himself :)
744 1083
745 AnyEvent::Util 1084 AnyEvent::Util
746 Contains various utility functions that replace often-used but 1085 Contains various utility functions that replace often-used blocking
747 blocking functions such as "inet_aton" by event-/callback-based 1086 functions such as "inet_aton" with event/callback-based versions.
748 versions.
749 1087
750 AnyEvent::Socket 1088 AnyEvent::Socket
751 Provides various utility functions for (internet protocol) sockets, 1089 Provides various utility functions for (internet protocol) sockets,
752 addresses and name resolution. Also functions to create non-blocking 1090 addresses and name resolution. Also functions to create non-blocking
753 tcp connections or tcp servers, with IPv6 and SRV record support and 1091 tcp connections or tcp servers, with IPv6 and SRV record support and
754 more. 1092 more.
755 1093
756 AnyEvent::Handle 1094 AnyEvent::Handle
757 Provide read and write buffers, manages watchers for reads and 1095 Provide read and write buffers, manages watchers for reads and
758 writes, supports raw and formatted I/O, I/O queued and fully 1096 writes, supports raw and formatted I/O, I/O queued and fully
759 transparent and non-blocking SSL/TLS. 1097 transparent and non-blocking SSL/TLS (via AnyEvent::TLS).
760 1098
761 AnyEvent::DNS 1099 AnyEvent::DNS
762 Provides rich asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities. 1100 Provides rich asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities.
763 1101
1102 AnyEvent::HTTP, AnyEvent::IRC, AnyEvent::XMPP, AnyEvent::GPSD,
1103 AnyEvent::IGS, AnyEvent::FCP
1104 Implement event-based interfaces to the protocols of the same name
1105 (for the curious, IGS is the International Go Server and FCP is the
1106 Freenet Client Protocol).
1107
1108 AnyEvent::Handle::UDP
1109 Here be danger!
1110
1111 As Pauli would put it, "Not only is it not right, it's not even
1112 wrong!" - there are so many things wrong with AnyEvent::Handle::UDP,
1113 most notably its use of a stream-based API with a protocol that
1114 isn't streamable, that the only way to improve it is to delete it.
1115
1116 It features data corruption (but typically only under load) and
1117 general confusion. On top, the author is not only clueless about UDP
1118 but also fact-resistant - some gems of his understanding: "connect
1119 doesn't work with UDP", "UDP packets are not IP packets", "UDP only
1120 has datagrams, not packets", "I don't need to implement proper error
1121 checking as UDP doesn't support error checking" and so on - he
1122 doesn't even understand what's wrong with his module when it is
1123 explained to him.
1124
764 AnyEvent::HTTP 1125 AnyEvent::DBI
765 A simple-to-use HTTP library that is capable of making a lot of 1126 Executes DBI requests asynchronously in a proxy process for you,
766 concurrent HTTP requests. 1127 notifying you in an event-based way when the operation is finished.
1128
1129 AnyEvent::AIO
1130 Truly asynchronous (as opposed to non-blocking) I/O, should be in
1131 the toolbox of every event programmer. AnyEvent::AIO transparently
1132 fuses IO::AIO and AnyEvent together, giving AnyEvent access to
1133 event-based file I/O, and much more.
767 1134
768 AnyEvent::HTTPD 1135 AnyEvent::HTTPD
769 Provides a simple web application server framework. 1136 A simple embedded webserver.
770 1137
771 AnyEvent::FastPing 1138 AnyEvent::FastPing
772 The fastest ping in the west. 1139 The fastest ping in the west.
773 1140
774 AnyEvent::DBI
775 Executes DBI requests asynchronously in a proxy process.
776
777 AnyEvent::AIO
778 Truly asynchronous I/O, should be in the toolbox of every event
779 programmer. AnyEvent::AIO transparently fuses IO::AIO and AnyEvent
780 together.
781
782 AnyEvent::BDB
783 Truly asynchronous Berkeley DB access. AnyEvent::BDB transparently
784 fuses BDB and AnyEvent together.
785
786 AnyEvent::GPSD
787 A non-blocking interface to gpsd, a daemon delivering GPS
788 information.
789
790 AnyEvent::IGS
791 A non-blocking interface to the Internet Go Server protocol (used by
792 App::IGS).
793
794 AnyEvent::IRC
795 AnyEvent based IRC client module family (replacing the older
796 Net::IRC3).
797
798 Net::XMPP2
799 AnyEvent based XMPP (Jabber protocol) module family.
800
801 Net::FCP
802 AnyEvent-based implementation of the Freenet Client Protocol,
803 birthplace of AnyEvent.
804
805 Event::ExecFlow
806 High level API for event-based execution flow control.
807
808 Coro 1141 Coro
809 Has special support for AnyEvent via Coro::AnyEvent. 1142 Has special support for AnyEvent via Coro::AnyEvent.
810 1143
811 IO::Lambda 1144SIMPLIFIED AE API
812 The lambda approach to I/O - don't ask, look there. Can use 1145 Starting with version 5.0, AnyEvent officially supports a second, much
813 AnyEvent. 1146 simpler, API that is designed to reduce the calling, typing and memory
1147 overhead by using function call syntax and a fixed number of parameters.
1148
1149 See the AE manpage for details.
814 1150
815ERROR AND EXCEPTION HANDLING 1151ERROR AND EXCEPTION HANDLING
816 In general, AnyEvent does not do any error handling - it relies on the 1152 In general, AnyEvent does not do any error handling - it relies on the
817 caller to do that if required. The AnyEvent::Strict module (see also the 1153 caller to do that if required. The AnyEvent::Strict module (see also the
818 "PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT" environment variable, below) provides strict 1154 "PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT" environment variable, below) provides strict
828 "condvar->recv"), the Event and EV modules call "$Event/EV::DIED->()", 1164 "condvar->recv"), the Event and EV modules call "$Event/EV::DIED->()",
829 Glib uses "install_exception_handler" and so on. 1165 Glib uses "install_exception_handler" and so on.
830 1166
831ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES 1167ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES
832 The following environment variables are used by this module or its 1168 The following environment variables are used by this module or its
833 submodules: 1169 submodules.
1170
1171 Note that AnyEvent will remove *all* environment variables starting with
1172 "PERL_ANYEVENT_" from %ENV when it is loaded while taint mode is
1173 enabled.
834 1174
835 "PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE" 1175 "PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE"
836 By default, AnyEvent will be completely silent except in fatal 1176 By default, AnyEvent will be completely silent except in fatal
837 conditions. You can set this environment variable to make AnyEvent 1177 conditions. You can set this environment variable to make AnyEvent
838 more talkative. 1178 more talkative.
839 1179
840 When set to 1 or higher, causes AnyEvent to warn about unexpected 1180 When set to 5 or higher, causes AnyEvent to warn about unexpected
841 conditions, such as not being able to load the event model specified 1181 conditions, such as not being able to load the event model specified
842 by "PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL". 1182 by "PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL".
843 1183
844 When set to 2 or higher, cause AnyEvent to report to STDERR which 1184 When set to 7 or higher, cause AnyEvent to report to STDERR which
845 event model it chooses. 1185 event model it chooses.
1186
1187 When set to 8 or higher, then AnyEvent will report extra information
1188 on which optional modules it loads and how it implements certain
1189 features.
846 1190
847 "PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT" 1191 "PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT"
848 AnyEvent does not do much argument checking by default, as thorough 1192 AnyEvent does not do much argument checking by default, as thorough
849 argument checking is very costly. Setting this variable to a true 1193 argument checking is very costly. Setting this variable to a true
850 value will cause AnyEvent to load "AnyEvent::Strict" and then to 1194 value will cause AnyEvent to load "AnyEvent::Strict" and then to
851 thoroughly check the arguments passed to most method calls. If it 1195 thoroughly check the arguments passed to most method calls. If it
852 finds any problems it will croak. 1196 finds any problems, it will croak.
853 1197
854 In other words, enables "strict" mode. 1198 In other words, enables "strict" mode.
855 1199
856 Unlike "use strict", it is definitely recommended ot keep it off in 1200 Unlike "use strict" (or its modern cousin, "use common::sense", it
857 production. Keeping "PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT=1" in your environment 1201 is definitely recommended to keep it off in production. Keeping
1202 "PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT=1" in your environment while developing
858 while developing programs can be very useful, however. 1203 programs can be very useful, however.
1204
1205 "PERL_ANYEVENT_DEBUG_SHELL"
1206 If this env variable is set, then its contents will be interpreted
1207 by "AnyEvent::Socket::parse_hostport" (after replacing every
1208 occurance of $$ by the process pid) and an "AnyEvent::Debug::shell"
1209 is bound on that port. The shell object is saved in
1210 $AnyEvent::Debug::SHELL.
1211
1212 This takes place when the first watcher is created.
1213
1214 For example, to bind a debug shell on a unix domain socket in
1215 /tmp/debug<pid>.sock, you could use this:
1216
1217 PERL_ANYEVENT_DEBUG_SHELL=/tmp/debug\$\$.sock perlprog
1218
1219 Note that creating sockets in /tmp is very unsafe on multiuser
1220 systems.
1221
1222 "PERL_ANYEVENT_DEBUG_WRAP"
1223 Can be set to 0, 1 or 2 and enables wrapping of all watchers for
1224 debugging purposes. See "AnyEvent::Debug::wrap" for details.
859 1225
860 "PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL" 1226 "PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL"
861 This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent, 1227 This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent,
862 before auto detection and -probing kicks in. It must be a string 1228 before auto detection and -probing kicks in.
863 consisting entirely of ASCII letters. The string "AnyEvent::Impl::" 1229
864 gets prepended and the resulting module name is loaded and if the 1230 It normally is a string consisting entirely of ASCII letters (e.g.
865 load was successful, used as event model. If it fails to load 1231 "EV" or "IOAsync"). The string "AnyEvent::Impl::" gets prepended and
1232 the resulting module name is loaded and - if the load was successful
1233 - used as event model backend. If it fails to load then AnyEvent
866 AnyEvent will proceed with auto detection and -probing. 1234 will proceed with auto detection and -probing.
867 1235
868 This functionality might change in future versions. 1236 If the string ends with "::" instead (e.g. "AnyEvent::Impl::EV::")
1237 then nothing gets prepended and the module name is used as-is (hint:
1238 "::" at the end of a string designates a module name and quotes it
1239 appropriately).
869 1240
870 For example, to force the pure perl model (AnyEvent::Impl::Perl) you 1241 For example, to force the pure perl model (AnyEvent::Loop::Perl) you
871 could start your program like this: 1242 could start your program like this:
872 1243
873 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ... 1244 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ...
874 1245
875 "PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS" 1246 "PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS"
904 EDNS0 in its DNS requests. 1275 EDNS0 in its DNS requests.
905 1276
906 "PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_FORKS" 1277 "PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_FORKS"
907 The maximum number of child processes that 1278 The maximum number of child processes that
908 "AnyEvent::Util::fork_call" will create in parallel. 1279 "AnyEvent::Util::fork_call" will create in parallel.
1280
1281 "PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_OUTSTANDING_DNS"
1282 The default value for the "max_outstanding" parameter for the
1283 default DNS resolver - this is the maximum number of parallel DNS
1284 requests that are sent to the DNS server.
1285
1286 "PERL_ANYEVENT_RESOLV_CONF"
1287 The file to use instead of /etc/resolv.conf (or OS-specific
1288 configuration) in the default resolver. When set to the empty
1289 string, no default config will be used.
1290
1291 "PERL_ANYEVENT_CA_FILE", "PERL_ANYEVENT_CA_PATH".
1292 When neither "ca_file" nor "ca_path" was specified during
1293 AnyEvent::TLS context creation, and either of these environment
1294 variables exist, they will be used to specify CA certificate
1295 locations instead of a system-dependent default.
1296
1297 "PERL_ANYEVENT_AVOID_GUARD" and "PERL_ANYEVENT_AVOID_ASYNC_INTERRUPT"
1298 When these are set to 1, then the respective modules are not loaded.
1299 Mostly good for testing AnyEvent itself.
909 1300
910SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE 1301SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE
911 This is an advanced topic that you do not normally need to use AnyEvent 1302 This is an advanced topic that you do not normally need to use AnyEvent
912 in a module. This section is only of use to event loop authors who want 1303 in a module. This section is only of use to event loop authors who want
913 to provide AnyEvent compatibility. 1304 to provide AnyEvent compatibility.
968 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read 1359 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read
969 $cv->send if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i 1360 $cv->send if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i
970 }, 1361 },
971 ); 1362 );
972 1363
973 my $time_watcher; # can only be used once
974
975 sub new_timer {
976 $timer = AnyEvent->timer (after => 1, cb => sub { 1364 my $time_watcher = AnyEvent->timer (after => 1, interval => 1, cb => sub {
977 warn "timeout\n"; # print 'timeout' about every second 1365 warn "timeout\n"; # print 'timeout' at most every second
978 &new_timer; # and restart the time
979 });
980 } 1366 });
981
982 new_timer; # create first timer
983 1367
984 $cv->recv; # wait until user enters /^q/i 1368 $cv->recv; # wait until user enters /^q/i
985 1369
986REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE 1370REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE
987 Consider the Net::FCP module. It features (among others) the following 1371 Consider the Net::FCP module. It features (among others) the following
1059 1443
1060 The actual code goes further and collects all errors ("die"s, 1444 The actual code goes further and collects all errors ("die"s,
1061 exceptions) that occurred during request processing. The "result" method 1445 exceptions) that occurred during request processing. The "result" method
1062 detects whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn 1446 detects whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn
1063 object) and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and 1447 object) and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and
1064 other problems get reported tot he code that tries to use the result, 1448 other problems get reported to the code that tries to use the result,
1065 not in a random callback. 1449 not in a random callback.
1066 1450
1067 All of this enables the following usage styles: 1451 All of this enables the following usage styles:
1068 1452
1069 1. Blocking: 1453 1. Blocking:
1114 through AnyEvent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero 1498 through AnyEvent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero
1115 timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable, 1499 timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable,
1116 which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again. 1500 which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again.
1117 1501
1118 Source code for this benchmark is found as eg/bench in the AnyEvent 1502 Source code for this benchmark is found as eg/bench in the AnyEvent
1119 distribution. 1503 distribution. It uses the AE interface, which makes a real difference
1504 for the EV and Perl backends only.
1120 1505
1121 Explanation of the columns 1506 Explanation of the columns
1122 *watcher* is the number of event watchers created/destroyed. Since 1507 *watcher* is the number of event watchers created/destroyed. Since
1123 different event models feature vastly different performances, each event 1508 different event models feature vastly different performances, each event
1124 loop was given a number of watchers so that overall runtime is 1509 loop was given a number of watchers so that overall runtime is
1143 *destroy* is the time, in microseconds, that it takes to destroy a 1528 *destroy* is the time, in microseconds, that it takes to destroy a
1144 single watcher. 1529 single watcher.
1145 1530
1146 Results 1531 Results
1147 name watchers bytes create invoke destroy comment 1532 name watchers bytes create invoke destroy comment
1148 EV/EV 400000 224 0.47 0.35 0.27 EV native interface 1533 EV/EV 100000 223 0.47 0.43 0.27 EV native interface
1149 EV/Any 100000 224 2.88 0.34 0.27 EV + AnyEvent watchers 1534 EV/Any 100000 223 0.48 0.42 0.26 EV + AnyEvent watchers
1150 CoroEV/Any 100000 224 2.85 0.35 0.28 coroutines + Coro::Signal 1535 Coro::EV/Any 100000 223 0.47 0.42 0.26 coroutines + Coro::Signal
1151 Perl/Any 100000 452 4.13 0.73 0.95 pure perl implementation 1536 Perl/Any 100000 431 2.70 0.74 0.92 pure perl implementation
1152 Event/Event 16000 517 32.20 31.80 0.81 Event native interface 1537 Event/Event 16000 516 31.16 31.84 0.82 Event native interface
1153 Event/Any 16000 590 35.85 31.55 1.06 Event + AnyEvent watchers 1538 Event/Any 16000 1203 42.61 34.79 1.80 Event + AnyEvent watchers
1539 IOAsync/Any 16000 1911 41.92 27.45 16.81 via IO::Async::Loop::IO_Poll
1540 IOAsync/Any 16000 1726 40.69 26.37 15.25 via IO::Async::Loop::Epoll
1154 Glib/Any 16000 1357 102.33 12.31 51.00 quadratic behaviour 1541 Glib/Any 16000 1118 89.00 12.57 51.17 quadratic behaviour
1155 Tk/Any 2000 1860 27.20 66.31 14.00 SEGV with >> 2000 watchers 1542 Tk/Any 2000 1346 20.96 10.75 8.00 SEGV with >> 2000 watchers
1156 POE/Event 2000 6328 109.99 751.67 14.02 via POE::Loop::Event 1543 POE/Any 2000 6951 108.97 795.32 14.24 via POE::Loop::Event
1157 POE/Select 2000 6027 94.54 809.13 579.80 via POE::Loop::Select 1544 POE/Any 2000 6648 94.79 774.40 575.51 via POE::Loop::Select
1158 1545
1159 Discussion 1546 Discussion
1160 The benchmark does *not* measure scalability of the event loop very 1547 The benchmark does *not* measure scalability of the event loop very
1161 well. For example, a select-based event loop (such as the pure perl one) 1548 well. For example, a select-based event loop (such as the pure perl one)
1162 can never compete with an event loop that uses epoll when the number of 1549 can never compete with an event loop that uses epoll when the number of
1173 benchmark machine, handling an event takes roughly 1600 CPU cycles with 1560 benchmark machine, handling an event takes roughly 1600 CPU cycles with
1174 EV, 3100 CPU cycles with AnyEvent's pure perl loop and almost 3000000 1561 EV, 3100 CPU cycles with AnyEvent's pure perl loop and almost 3000000
1175 CPU cycles with POE. 1562 CPU cycles with POE.
1176 1563
1177 "EV" is the sole leader regarding speed and memory use, which are both 1564 "EV" is the sole leader regarding speed and memory use, which are both
1178 maximal/minimal, respectively. Even when going through AnyEvent, it uses 1565 maximal/minimal, respectively. When using the AE API there is zero
1566 overhead (when going through the AnyEvent API create is about 5-6 times
1567 slower, with other times being equal, so still uses far less memory than
1179 far less memory than any other event loop and is still faster than Event 1568 any other event loop and is still faster than Event natively).
1180 natively.
1181 1569
1182 The pure perl implementation is hit in a few sweet spots (both the 1570 The pure perl implementation is hit in a few sweet spots (both the
1183 constant timeout and the use of a single fd hit optimisations in the 1571 constant timeout and the use of a single fd hit optimisations in the
1184 perl interpreter and the backend itself). Nevertheless this shows that 1572 perl interpreter and the backend itself). Nevertheless this shows that
1185 it adds very little overhead in itself. Like any select-based backend 1573 it adds very little overhead in itself. Like any select-based backend
1187 few of them active), of course, but this was not subject of this 1575 few of them active), of course, but this was not subject of this
1188 benchmark. 1576 benchmark.
1189 1577
1190 The "Event" module has a relatively high setup and callback invocation 1578 The "Event" module has a relatively high setup and callback invocation
1191 cost, but overall scores in on the third place. 1579 cost, but overall scores in on the third place.
1580
1581 "IO::Async" performs admirably well, about on par with "Event", even
1582 when using its pure perl backend.
1192 1583
1193 "Glib"'s memory usage is quite a bit higher, but it features a faster 1584 "Glib"'s memory usage is quite a bit higher, but it features a faster
1194 callback invocation and overall ends up in the same class as "Event". 1585 callback invocation and overall ends up in the same class as "Event".
1195 However, Glib scales extremely badly, doubling the number of watchers 1586 However, Glib scales extremely badly, doubling the number of watchers
1196 increases the processing time by more than a factor of four, making it 1587 increases the processing time by more than a factor of four, making it
1228 when used without AnyEvent), but most event loops have acceptable 1619 when used without AnyEvent), but most event loops have acceptable
1229 performance with or without AnyEvent. 1620 performance with or without AnyEvent.
1230 1621
1231 * The overhead AnyEvent adds is usually much smaller than the overhead 1622 * The overhead AnyEvent adds is usually much smaller than the overhead
1232 of the actual event loop, only with extremely fast event loops such 1623 of the actual event loop, only with extremely fast event loops such
1233 as EV adds AnyEvent significant overhead. 1624 as EV does AnyEvent add significant overhead.
1234 1625
1235 * You should avoid POE like the plague if you want performance or 1626 * You should avoid POE like the plague if you want performance or
1236 reasonable memory usage. 1627 reasonable memory usage.
1237 1628
1238 BENCHMARKING THE LARGE SERVER CASE 1629 BENCHMARKING THE LARGE SERVER CASE
1252 In this benchmark, we use 10000 socket pairs (20000 sockets), of which 1643 In this benchmark, we use 10000 socket pairs (20000 sockets), of which
1253 100 (1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with 1644 100 (1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with
1254 many connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time. 1645 many connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time.
1255 1646
1256 Source code for this benchmark is found as eg/bench2 in the AnyEvent 1647 Source code for this benchmark is found as eg/bench2 in the AnyEvent
1257 distribution. 1648 distribution. It uses the AE interface, which makes a real difference
1649 for the EV and Perl backends only.
1258 1650
1259 Explanation of the columns 1651 Explanation of the columns
1260 *sockets* is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" 1652 *sockets* is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers"
1261 (as each server has a read and write socket end). 1653 (as each server has a read and write socket end).
1262 1654
1267 single "request", that is, reading the token from the pipe and 1659 single "request", that is, reading the token from the pipe and
1268 forwarding it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout 1660 forwarding it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout
1269 and creating a new one that moves the timeout into the future. 1661 and creating a new one that moves the timeout into the future.
1270 1662
1271 Results 1663 Results
1272 name sockets create request 1664 name sockets create request
1273 EV 20000 69.01 11.16 1665 EV 20000 62.66 7.99
1274 Perl 20000 73.32 35.87 1666 Perl 20000 68.32 32.64
1275 Event 20000 212.62 257.32 1667 IOAsync 20000 174.06 101.15 epoll
1276 Glib 20000 651.16 1896.30 1668 IOAsync 20000 174.67 610.84 poll
1669 Event 20000 202.69 242.91
1670 Glib 20000 557.01 1689.52
1277 POE 20000 349.67 12317.24 uses POE::Loop::Event 1671 POE 20000 341.54 12086.32 uses POE::Loop::Event
1278 1672
1279 Discussion 1673 Discussion
1280 This benchmark *does* measure scalability and overall performance of the 1674 This benchmark *does* measure scalability and overall performance of the
1281 particular event loop. 1675 particular event loop.
1282 1676
1283 EV is again fastest. Since it is using epoll on my system, the setup 1677 EV is again fastest. Since it is using epoll on my system, the setup
1284 time is relatively high, though. 1678 time is relatively high, though.
1285 1679
1286 Perl surprisingly comes second. It is much faster than the C-based event 1680 Perl surprisingly comes second. It is much faster than the C-based event
1287 loops Event and Glib. 1681 loops Event and Glib.
1682
1683 IO::Async performs very well when using its epoll backend, and still
1684 quite good compared to Glib when using its pure perl backend.
1288 1685
1289 Event suffers from high setup time as well (look at its code and you 1686 Event suffers from high setup time as well (look at its code and you
1290 will understand why). Callback invocation also has a high overhead 1687 will understand why). Callback invocation also has a high overhead
1291 compared to the "$_->() for .."-style loop that the Perl event loop 1688 compared to the "$_->() for .."-style loop that the Perl event loop
1292 uses. Event uses select or poll in basically all documented 1689 uses. Event uses select or poll in basically all documented
1343 1740
1344 Summary 1741 Summary
1345 * C-based event loops perform very well with small number of watchers, 1742 * C-based event loops perform very well with small number of watchers,
1346 as the management overhead dominates. 1743 as the management overhead dominates.
1347 1744
1745 THE IO::Lambda BENCHMARK
1746 Recently I was told about the benchmark in the IO::Lambda manpage, which
1747 could be misinterpreted to make AnyEvent look bad. In fact, the
1748 benchmark simply compares IO::Lambda with POE, and IO::Lambda looks
1749 better (which shouldn't come as a surprise to anybody). As such, the
1750 benchmark is fine, and mostly shows that the AnyEvent backend from
1751 IO::Lambda isn't very optimal. But how would AnyEvent compare when used
1752 without the extra baggage? To explore this, I wrote the equivalent
1753 benchmark for AnyEvent.
1754
1755 The benchmark itself creates an echo-server, and then, for 500 times,
1756 connects to the echo server, sends a line, waits for the reply, and then
1757 creates the next connection. This is a rather bad benchmark, as it
1758 doesn't test the efficiency of the framework or much non-blocking I/O,
1759 but it is a benchmark nevertheless.
1760
1761 name runtime
1762 Lambda/select 0.330 sec
1763 + optimized 0.122 sec
1764 Lambda/AnyEvent 0.327 sec
1765 + optimized 0.138 sec
1766 Raw sockets/select 0.077 sec
1767 POE/select, components 0.662 sec
1768 POE/select, raw sockets 0.226 sec
1769 POE/select, optimized 0.404 sec
1770
1771 AnyEvent/select/nb 0.085 sec
1772 AnyEvent/EV/nb 0.068 sec
1773 +state machine 0.134 sec
1774
1775 The benchmark is also a bit unfair (my fault): the IO::Lambda/POE
1776 benchmarks actually make blocking connects and use 100% blocking I/O,
1777 defeating the purpose of an event-based solution. All of the newly
1778 written AnyEvent benchmarks use 100% non-blocking connects (using
1779 AnyEvent::Socket::tcp_connect and the asynchronous pure perl DNS
1780 resolver), so AnyEvent is at a disadvantage here, as non-blocking
1781 connects generally require a lot more bookkeeping and event handling
1782 than blocking connects (which involve a single syscall only).
1783
1784 The last AnyEvent benchmark additionally uses AnyEvent::Handle, which
1785 offers similar expressive power as POE and IO::Lambda, using
1786 conventional Perl syntax. This means that both the echo server and the
1787 client are 100% non-blocking, further placing it at a disadvantage.
1788
1789 As you can see, the AnyEvent + EV combination even beats the
1790 hand-optimised "raw sockets benchmark", while AnyEvent + its pure perl
1791 backend easily beats IO::Lambda and POE.
1792
1793 And even the 100% non-blocking version written using the high-level (and
1794 slow :) AnyEvent::Handle abstraction beats both POE and IO::Lambda
1795 higher level ("unoptimised") abstractions by a large margin, even though
1796 it does all of DNS, tcp-connect and socket I/O in a non-blocking way.
1797
1798 The two AnyEvent benchmarks programs can be found as eg/ae0.pl and
1799 eg/ae2.pl in the AnyEvent distribution, the remaining benchmarks are
1800 part of the IO::Lambda distribution and were used without any changes.
1801
1348SIGNALS 1802SIGNALS
1349 AnyEvent currently installs handlers for these signals: 1803 AnyEvent currently installs handlers for these signals:
1350 1804
1351 SIGCHLD 1805 SIGCHLD
1352 A handler for "SIGCHLD" is installed by AnyEvent's child watcher 1806 A handler for "SIGCHLD" is installed by AnyEvent's child watcher
1353 emulation for event loops that do not support them natively. Also, 1807 emulation for event loops that do not support them natively. Also,
1354 some event loops install a similar handler. 1808 some event loops install a similar handler.
1809
1810 Additionally, when AnyEvent is loaded and SIGCHLD is set to IGNORE,
1811 then AnyEvent will reset it to default, to avoid losing child exit
1812 statuses.
1355 1813
1356 SIGPIPE 1814 SIGPIPE
1357 A no-op handler is installed for "SIGPIPE" when $SIG{PIPE} is 1815 A no-op handler is installed for "SIGPIPE" when $SIG{PIPE} is
1358 "undef" when AnyEvent gets loaded. 1816 "undef" when AnyEvent gets loaded.
1359 1817
1367 it is that this way, the handler will be restored to defaults on 1825 it is that this way, the handler will be restored to defaults on
1368 exec. 1826 exec.
1369 1827
1370 Feel free to install your own handler, or reset it to defaults. 1828 Feel free to install your own handler, or reset it to defaults.
1371 1829
1830RECOMMENDED/OPTIONAL MODULES
1831 One of AnyEvent's main goals is to be 100% Pure-Perl(tm): only perl (and
1832 its built-in modules) are required to use it.
1833
1834 That does not mean that AnyEvent won't take advantage of some additional
1835 modules if they are installed.
1836
1837 This section explains which additional modules will be used, and how
1838 they affect AnyEvent's operation.
1839
1840 Async::Interrupt
1841 This slightly arcane module is used to implement fast signal
1842 handling: To my knowledge, there is no way to do completely
1843 race-free and quick signal handling in pure perl. To ensure that
1844 signals still get delivered, AnyEvent will start an interval timer
1845 to wake up perl (and catch the signals) with some delay (default is
1846 10 seconds, look for $AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY).
1847
1848 If this module is available, then it will be used to implement
1849 signal catching, which means that signals will not be delayed, and
1850 the event loop will not be interrupted regularly, which is more
1851 efficient (and good for battery life on laptops).
1852
1853 This affects not just the pure-perl event loop, but also other event
1854 loops that have no signal handling on their own (e.g. Glib, Tk, Qt).
1855
1856 Some event loops (POE, Event, Event::Lib) offer signal watchers
1857 natively, and either employ their own workarounds (POE) or use
1858 AnyEvent's workaround (using $AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY).
1859 Installing Async::Interrupt does nothing for those backends.
1860
1861 EV This module isn't really "optional", as it is simply one of the
1862 backend event loops that AnyEvent can use. However, it is simply the
1863 best event loop available in terms of features, speed and stability:
1864 It supports the AnyEvent API optimally, implements all the watcher
1865 types in XS, does automatic timer adjustments even when no monotonic
1866 clock is available, can take avdantage of advanced kernel interfaces
1867 such as "epoll" and "kqueue", and is the fastest backend *by far*.
1868 You can even embed Glib/Gtk2 in it (or vice versa, see EV::Glib and
1869 Glib::EV).
1870
1871 If you only use backends that rely on another event loop (e.g.
1872 "Tk"), then this module will do nothing for you.
1873
1874 Guard
1875 The guard module, when used, will be used to implement
1876 "AnyEvent::Util::guard". This speeds up guards considerably (and
1877 uses a lot less memory), but otherwise doesn't affect guard
1878 operation much. It is purely used for performance.
1879
1880 JSON and JSON::XS
1881 One of these modules is required when you want to read or write JSON
1882 data via AnyEvent::Handle. JSON is also written in pure-perl, but
1883 can take advantage of the ultra-high-speed JSON::XS module when it
1884 is installed.
1885
1886 Net::SSLeay
1887 Implementing TLS/SSL in Perl is certainly interesting, but not very
1888 worthwhile: If this module is installed, then AnyEvent::Handle (with
1889 the help of AnyEvent::TLS), gains the ability to do TLS/SSL.
1890
1891 Time::HiRes
1892 This module is part of perl since release 5.008. It will be used
1893 when the chosen event library does not come with a timing source of
1894 its own. The pure-perl event loop (AnyEvent::Loop) will additionally
1895 load it to try to use a monotonic clock for timing stability.
1896
1372FORK 1897FORK
1373 Most event libraries are not fork-safe. The ones who are usually are 1898 Most event libraries are not fork-safe. The ones who are usually are
1374 because they rely on inefficient but fork-safe "select" or "poll" calls. 1899 because they rely on inefficient but fork-safe "select" or "poll" calls
1375 Only EV is fully fork-aware. 1900 - higher performance APIs such as BSD's kqueue or the dreaded Linux
1901 epoll are usually badly thought-out hacks that are incompatible with
1902 fork in one way or another. Only EV is fully fork-aware and ensures that
1903 you continue event-processing in both parent and child (or both, if you
1904 know what you are doing).
1905
1906 This means that, in general, you cannot fork and do event processing in
1907 the child if the event library was initialised before the fork (which
1908 usually happens when the first AnyEvent watcher is created, or the
1909 library is loaded).
1376 1910
1377 If you have to fork, you must either do so *before* creating your first 1911 If you have to fork, you must either do so *before* creating your first
1378 watcher OR you must not use AnyEvent at all in the child. 1912 watcher OR you must not use AnyEvent at all in the child OR you must do
1913 something completely out of the scope of AnyEvent.
1914
1915 The problem of doing event processing in the parent *and* the child is
1916 much more complicated: even for backends that *are* fork-aware or
1917 fork-safe, their behaviour is not usually what you want: fork clones all
1918 watchers, that means all timers, I/O watchers etc. are active in both
1919 parent and child, which is almost never what you want. USing "exec" to
1920 start worker children from some kind of manage rprocess is usually
1921 preferred, because it is much easier and cleaner, at the expense of
1922 having to have another binary.
1379 1923
1380SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS 1924SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS
1381 AnyEvent can be forced to load any event model via 1925 AnyEvent can be forced to load any event model via
1382 $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL}. While this cannot (to my knowledge) be used 1926 $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL}. While this cannot (to my knowledge) be used
1383 to execute arbitrary code or directly gain access, it can easily be used 1927 to execute arbitrary code or directly gain access, it can easily be used
1387 1931
1388 You can make AnyEvent completely ignore this variable by deleting it 1932 You can make AnyEvent completely ignore this variable by deleting it
1389 before the first watcher gets created, e.g. with a "BEGIN" block: 1933 before the first watcher gets created, e.g. with a "BEGIN" block:
1390 1934
1391 BEGIN { delete $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} } 1935 BEGIN { delete $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} }
1392 1936
1393 use AnyEvent; 1937 use AnyEvent;
1394 1938
1395 Similar considerations apply to $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}, as that can 1939 Similar considerations apply to $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}, as that can
1396 be used to probe what backend is used and gain other information (which 1940 be used to probe what backend is used and gain other information (which
1397 is probably even less useful to an attacker than PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL), 1941 is probably even less useful to an attacker than PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL),
1398 and $ENV{PERL_ANYEGENT_STRICT}. 1942 and $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT}.
1943
1944 Note that AnyEvent will remove *all* environment variables starting with
1945 "PERL_ANYEVENT_" from %ENV when it is loaded while taint mode is
1946 enabled.
1399 1947
1400BUGS 1948BUGS
1401 Perl 5.8 has numerous memleaks that sometimes hit this module and are 1949 Perl 5.8 has numerous memleaks that sometimes hit this module and are
1402 hard to work around. If you suffer from memleaks, first upgrade to Perl 1950 hard to work around. If you suffer from memleaks, first upgrade to Perl
1403 5.10 and check wether the leaks still show up. (Perl 5.10.0 has other 1951 5.10 and check wether the leaks still show up. (Perl 5.10.0 has other
1404 annoying memleaks, such as leaking on "map" and "grep" but it is usually 1952 annoying memleaks, such as leaking on "map" and "grep" but it is usually
1405 not as pronounced). 1953 not as pronounced).
1406 1954
1407SEE ALSO 1955SEE ALSO
1408 Utility functions: AnyEvent::Util. 1956 Tutorial/Introduction: AnyEvent::Intro.
1409 1957
1410 Event modules: EV, EV::Glib, Glib::EV, Event, Glib::Event, Glib, Tk, 1958 FAQ: AnyEvent::FAQ.
1411 Event::Lib, Qt, POE. 1959
1960 Utility functions: AnyEvent::Util (misc. grab-bag), AnyEvent::Log
1961 (simply logging).
1962
1963 Development/Debugging: AnyEvent::Strict (stricter checking),
1964 AnyEvent::Debug (interactive shell, watcher tracing).
1965
1966 Supported event modules: AnyEvent::Loop, EV, EV::Glib, Glib::EV, Event,
1967 Glib::Event, Glib, Tk, Event::Lib, Qt, POE, FLTK.
1412 1968
1413 Implementations: AnyEvent::Impl::EV, AnyEvent::Impl::Event, 1969 Implementations: AnyEvent::Impl::EV, AnyEvent::Impl::Event,
1414 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib, AnyEvent::Impl::Tk, AnyEvent::Impl::Perl, 1970 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib, AnyEvent::Impl::Tk, AnyEvent::Impl::Perl,
1415 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib, AnyEvent::Impl::Qt, AnyEvent::Impl::POE. 1971 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib, AnyEvent::Impl::Qt, AnyEvent::Impl::POE,
1972 AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync, Anyevent::Impl::Irssi, AnyEvent::Impl::FLTK.
1416 1973
1417 Non-blocking file handles, sockets, TCP clients and servers: 1974 Non-blocking handles, pipes, stream sockets, TCP clients and servers:
1418 AnyEvent::Handle, AnyEvent::Socket. 1975 AnyEvent::Handle, AnyEvent::Socket, AnyEvent::TLS.
1419 1976
1420 Asynchronous DNS: AnyEvent::DNS. 1977 Asynchronous DNS: AnyEvent::DNS.
1421 1978
1422 Coroutine support: Coro, Coro::AnyEvent, Coro::EV, Coro::Event, 1979 Thread support: Coro, Coro::AnyEvent, Coro::EV, Coro::Event.
1423 1980
1424 Nontrivial usage examples: Net::FCP, Net::XMPP2, AnyEvent::DNS. 1981 Nontrivial usage examples: AnyEvent::GPSD, AnyEvent::IRC,
1982 AnyEvent::HTTP.
1425 1983
1426AUTHOR 1984AUTHOR
1427 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 1985 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
1428 http://home.schmorp.de/ 1986 http://home.schmorp.de/
1429 1987

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