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1NAME 1NAME
2 AnyEvent - the DBI of event loop programming 2 AnyEvent - the DBI of event loop programming
3 3
4 EV, Event, Glib, Tk, Perl, Event::Lib, Irssi, rxvt-unicode, IO::Async, 4 EV, Event, Glib, Tk, Perl, Event::Lib, Irssi, rxvt-unicode, IO::Async,
5 Qt and POE are various supported event loops/environments. 5 Qt, FLTK and POE are various supported event loops/environments.
6 6
7SYNOPSIS 7SYNOPSIS
8 use AnyEvent; 8 use AnyEvent;
9 9
10 # if you prefer function calls, look at the AE manpage for
11 # an alternative API.
12
10 # file descriptor readable 13 # file handle or descriptor readable
11 my $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => $fh, poll => "r", cb => sub { ... }); 14 my $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => $fh, poll => "r", cb => sub { ... });
12 15
13 # one-shot or repeating timers 16 # one-shot or repeating timers
14 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, cb => sub { ... }); 17 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, cb => sub { ... });
15 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, interval => $seconds, cb => ... 18 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, interval => $seconds, cb => ...);
16 19
17 print AnyEvent->now; # prints current event loop time 20 print AnyEvent->now; # prints current event loop time
18 print AnyEvent->time; # think Time::HiRes::time or simply CORE::time. 21 print AnyEvent->time; # think Time::HiRes::time or simply CORE::time.
19 22
20 # POSIX signal 23 # POSIX signal
39 This manpage is mainly a reference manual. If you are interested in a 42 This manpage is mainly a reference manual. If you are interested in a
40 tutorial or some gentle introduction, have a look at the AnyEvent::Intro 43 tutorial or some gentle introduction, have a look at the AnyEvent::Intro
41 manpage. 44 manpage.
42 45
43SUPPORT 46SUPPORT
47 An FAQ document is available as AnyEvent::FAQ.
48
44 There is a mailinglist for discussing all things AnyEvent, and an IRC 49 There also is a mailinglist for discussing all things AnyEvent, and an
45 channel, too. 50 IRC channel, too.
46 51
47 See the AnyEvent project page at the Schmorpforge Ta-Sa Software 52 See the AnyEvent project page at the Schmorpforge Ta-Sa Software
48 Repository, at <http://anyevent.schmorp.de>, for more info. 53 Repository, at <http://anyevent.schmorp.de>, for more info.
49 54
50WHY YOU SHOULD USE THIS MODULE (OR NOT) 55WHY YOU SHOULD USE THIS MODULE (OR NOT)
68 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
69 model you use. 74 model you use.
70 75
71 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
72 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
73 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
74 cannot use anything else, as they are simply incompatible to everything 79 cannot use anything else, as they are simply incompatible to everything
75 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
76 are *also* forced to use the same event loop you use. 81 are *also* forced to use the same event loop you use.
77 82
78 AnyEvent is different: AnyEvent + POE works fine. AnyEvent + Glib works 83 AnyEvent is different: AnyEvent + POE works fine. AnyEvent + Glib works
79 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
80 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
81 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
82 But if your module uses AnyEvent, it works transparently with all event 87 your module uses AnyEvent, it works transparently with all event models
83 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
84 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
85 to AnyEvent, too, so it is future-proof). 90 AnyEvent, too, so it is future-proof).
86 91
87 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
88 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
89 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
90 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
91 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
92 wrapper as technically possible. 97 technically possible.
93 98
94 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
95 useful functionality, such as an asynchronous DNS resolver, 100% 100 useful functionality, such as an asynchronous DNS resolver, 100%
96 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
97 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
100 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
101 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
102 model, you should *not* use this module. 107 model, you should *not* use this module.
103 108
104DESCRIPTION 109DESCRIPTION
105 AnyEvent provides an identical interface to multiple event loops. This 110 AnyEvent provides a uniform interface to various event loops. This
106 allows module authors to utilise an event loop without forcing module 111 allows module authors to use event loop functionality without forcing
107 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
108 coexist peacefully at any one time). 113 than one event loop cannot coexist peacefully).
109 114
110 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
111 module. 116 module.
112 117
113 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
114 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
115 following modules is already loaded: EV, Event, Glib, 120 following modules is already loaded: EV, AnyEvent::Loop, Event, Glib,
116 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
117 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
118 (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
119 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
120 successfully loaded will be used. If, after this, still none could be 125 tried.
121 found, AnyEvent will fall back to a pure-perl event loop, which is not
122 very efficient, but should work everywhere.
123 126
124 Because AnyEvent first checks for modules that are already loaded, 127 Because AnyEvent first checks for modules that are already loaded,
125 loading an event model explicitly before first using AnyEvent will 128 loading an event model explicitly before first using AnyEvent will
126 likely make that model the default. For example: 129 likely make that model the default. For example:
127 130
129 use AnyEvent; 132 use AnyEvent;
130 133
131 # .. AnyEvent will likely default to Tk 134 # .. AnyEvent will likely default to Tk
132 135
133 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
134 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
135 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.
136 140
137 The pure-perl implementation of AnyEvent is called 141 The pure-perl implementation of AnyEvent is called "AnyEvent::Loop".
138 "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
139 explicitly and enjoy the high availability of that event loop :) 143 availability of that event loop :)
140 144
141WATCHERS 145WATCHERS
142 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
143 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
144 the callback to call, the file handle to watch, etc. 148 the callback to call, the file handle to watch, etc.
148 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
149 in control). 153 in control).
150 154
151 Note that callbacks must not permanently change global variables 155 Note that callbacks must not permanently change global variables
152 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
153 callbacks must not "die". The former is good programming practise in 157 callbacks must not "die". The former is good programming practice in
154 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
155 widely between event loops. 159 widely between event loops.
156 160
157 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
158 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
159 to it). 163 to it).
160 164
161 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.
162 166
163 Many watchers either are used with "recursion" (repeating timers for 167 Many watchers either are used with "recursion" (repeating timers for
164 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.
165 169
166 An any way to achieve that is this pattern: 170 One way to achieve that is this pattern:
167 171
168 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->type (arg => value ..., cb => sub { 172 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->type (arg => value ..., cb => sub {
169 # you can use $w here, for example to undef it 173 # you can use $w here, for example to undef it
170 undef $w; 174 undef $w;
171 }); 175 });
202 206
203 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
204 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
205 the underlying file descriptor. 209 the underlying file descriptor.
206 210
207 Some event loops issue spurious readyness notifications, so you should 211 Some event loops issue spurious readiness notifications, so you should
208 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
209 handles. 213 handles.
210 214
211 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
212 watcher. 216 watcher.
235 239
236 Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 240 Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
237 presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent 241 presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent
238 callbacks cannot use arguments passed to time watcher callbacks. 242 callbacks cannot use arguments passed to time watcher callbacks.
239 243
240 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
241 parameter, "interval", as a strictly positive number (> 0), then the 245 parameter, "interval", as a strictly positive number (> 0), then the
242 callback will be invoked regularly at that interval (in fractional 246 callback will be invoked regularly at that interval (in fractional
243 seconds) after the first invocation. If "interval" is specified with a 247 seconds) after the first invocation. If "interval" is specified with a
244 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.
245 249
246 The callback will be rescheduled before invoking the callback, but no 250 The callback will be rescheduled before invoking the callback, but no
247 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
248 is only approximate. 252 is only approximate.
249 253
250 Example: fire an event after 7.7 seconds. 254 Example: fire an event after 7.7 seconds.
251 255
252 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 7.7, cb => sub { 256 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 7.7, cb => sub {
258 262
259 Example 2: fire an event after 0.5 seconds, then roughly every second. 263 Example 2: fire an event after 0.5 seconds, then roughly every second.
260 264
261 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 0.5, interval => 1, cb => sub { 265 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 0.5, interval => 1, cb => sub {
262 warn "timeout\n"; 266 warn "timeout\n";
263 }; 267 });
264 268
265 TIMING ISSUES 269 TIMING ISSUES
266 There are two ways to handle timers: based on real time (relative, "fire 270 There are two ways to handle timers: based on real time (relative, "fire
267 in 10 seconds") and based on wallclock time (absolute, "fire at 12 271 in 10 seconds") and based on wallclock time (absolute, "fire at 12
268 o'clock"). 272 o'clock").
269 273
270 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,
271 they use absolute time internally. This makes a difference when your 275 they use absolute time internally. This makes a difference when your
272 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
273 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
274 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
275 finally fire. 279 finally fire.
276 280
277 AnyEvent cannot compensate for this. The only event loop that is 281 AnyEvent cannot compensate for this. The only event loop that is
278 conscious about these issues is EV, which offers both relative 282 conscious of these issues is EV, which offers both relative (ev_timer,
279 (ev_timer, based on true relative time) and absolute (ev_periodic, based 283 based on true relative time) and absolute (ev_periodic, based on
280 on wallclock time) timers. 284 wallclock time) timers.
281 285
282 AnyEvent always prefers relative timers, if available, matching the 286 AnyEvent always prefers relative timers, if available, matching the
283 AnyEvent API. 287 AnyEvent API.
284 288
285 AnyEvent has two additional methods that return the "current time": 289 AnyEvent has two additional methods that return the "current time":
304 *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
305 function to call when you want to know the current time.* 309 function to call when you want to know the current time.*
306 310
307 This function is also often faster then "AnyEvent->time", and thus 311 This function is also often faster then "AnyEvent->time", and thus
308 the preferred method if you want some timestamp (for example, 312 the preferred method if you want some timestamp (for example,
309 AnyEvent::Handle uses this to update it's activity timeouts). 313 AnyEvent::Handle uses this to update its activity timeouts).
310 314
311 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
312 exact with your timing, you can skip it without bad conscience. 316 exact with your timing; you can skip it without a bad conscience.
313 317
314 For a practical example of when these times differ, consider 318 For a practical example of when these times differ, consider
315 Event::Lib and EV and the following set-up: 319 Event::Lib and EV and the following set-up:
316 320
317 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
318 at time=500 (assume no other callbacks delay processing). In your 322 at time=500 (assume no other callbacks delay processing). In your
319 callback, you wait a second by executing "sleep 1" (blocking the 323 callback, you wait a second by executing "sleep 1" (blocking the
320 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
321 timer that fires after three seconds. 325 timer that fires after three seconds.
322 326
343 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
344 the difference between "AnyEvent->time" and "AnyEvent->now" into 348 the difference between "AnyEvent->time" and "AnyEvent->now" into
345 account. 349 account.
346 350
347 AnyEvent->now_update 351 AnyEvent->now_update
348 Some event loops (such as EV or AnyEvent::Impl::Perl) cache the 352 Some event loops (such as EV or AnyEvent::Loop) cache the current
349 current time for each loop iteration (see the discussion of 353 time for each loop iteration (see the discussion of AnyEvent->now,
350 AnyEvent->now, above). 354 above).
351 355
352 When a callback runs for a long time (or when the process sleeps), 356 When a callback runs for a long time (or when the process sleeps),
353 then this "current" time will differ substantially from the real 357 then this "current" time will differ substantially from the real
354 time, which might affect timers and time-outs. 358 time, which might affect timers and time-outs.
355 359
356 When this is the case, you can call this method, which will update 360 When this is the case, you can call this method, which will update
357 the event loop's idea of "current time". 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).
358 370
359 Note that updating the time *might* cause some events to be handled. 371 Note that updating the time *might* cause some events to be handled.
360 372
361 SIGNAL WATCHERS 373 SIGNAL WATCHERS
362 $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => <uppercase_signal_name>, cb => <callback>); 374 $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => <uppercase_signal_name>, cb => <callback>);
384 396
385 Example: exit on SIGINT 397 Example: exit on SIGINT
386 398
387 my $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => "INT", cb => sub { exit 1 }); 399 my $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => "INT", cb => sub { exit 1 });
388 400
401 Restart Behaviour
402 While restart behaviour is up to the event loop implementation, most
403 will not restart syscalls (that includes Async::Interrupt and AnyEvent's
404 pure perl implementation).
405
406 Safe/Unsafe Signals
407 Perl signals can be either "safe" (synchronous to opcode handling) or
408 "unsafe" (asynchronous) - the former might delay signal delivery
409 indefinitely, the latter might corrupt your memory.
410
411 AnyEvent signal handlers are, in addition, synchronous to the event
412 loop, i.e. they will not interrupt your running perl program but will
413 only be called as part of the normal event handling (just like timer,
414 I/O etc. callbacks, too).
415
389 Signal Races, Delays and Workarounds 416 Signal Races, Delays and Workarounds
390 Many event loops (e.g. Glib, Tk, Qt, IO::Async) do not support attaching 417 Many event loops (e.g. Glib, Tk, Qt, IO::Async) do not support attaching
391 callbacks to signals in a generic way, which is a pity, as you cannot do 418 callbacks to signals in a generic way, which is a pity, as you cannot do
392 race-free signal handling in perl, requiring C libraries for this. 419 race-free signal handling in perl, requiring C libraries for this.
393 AnyEvent will try to do it's best, which means in some cases, signals 420 AnyEvent will try to do its best, which means in some cases, signals
394 will be delayed. The maximum time a signal might be delayed is specified 421 will be delayed. The maximum time a signal might be delayed is 10
395 in $AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY (default: 10 seconds). This variable 422 seconds by default, but can be overriden via
396 can be changed only before the first signal watcher is created, and 423 $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY} or $AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY
397 should be left alone otherwise. This variable determines how often 424 - see the "ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES" section for details.
398 AnyEvent polls for signals (in case a wake-up was missed). Higher values
399 will cause fewer spurious wake-ups, which is better for power and CPU
400 saving.
401 425
402 All these problems can be avoided by installing the optional 426 All these problems can be avoided by installing the optional
403 Async::Interrupt module, which works with most event loops. It will not 427 Async::Interrupt module, which works with most event loops. It will not
404 work with inherently broken event loops such as Event or Event::Lib (and 428 work with inherently broken event loops such as Event or Event::Lib (and
405 not with POE currently, as POE does it's own workaround with one-second
406 latency). For those, you just have to suffer the delays. 429 not with POE currently). For those, you just have to suffer the delays.
407 430
408 CHILD PROCESS WATCHERS 431 CHILD PROCESS WATCHERS
409 $w = AnyEvent->child (pid => <process id>, cb => <callback>); 432 $w = AnyEvent->child (pid => <process id>, cb => <callback>);
410 433
411 You can also watch on a child process exit and catch its exit status. 434 You can also watch for a child process exit and catch its exit status.
412 435
413 The child process is specified by the "pid" argument (one some backends, 436 The child process is specified by the "pid" argument (on some backends,
414 using 0 watches for any child process exit, on others this will croak). 437 using 0 watches for any child process exit, on others this will croak).
415 The watcher will be triggered only when the child process has finished 438 The watcher will be triggered only when the child process has finished
416 and an exit status is available, not on any trace events 439 and an exit status is available, not on any trace events
417 (stopped/continued). 440 (stopped/continued).
418 441
439 This means you cannot create a child watcher as the very first thing in 462 This means you cannot create a child watcher as the very first thing in
440 an AnyEvent program, you *have* to create at least one watcher before 463 an AnyEvent program, you *have* to create at least one watcher before
441 you "fork" the child (alternatively, you can call "AnyEvent::detect"). 464 you "fork" the child (alternatively, you can call "AnyEvent::detect").
442 465
443 As most event loops do not support waiting for child events, they will 466 As most event loops do not support waiting for child events, they will
444 be emulated by AnyEvent in most cases, in which the latency and race 467 be emulated by AnyEvent in most cases, in which case the latency and
445 problems mentioned in the description of signal watchers apply. 468 race problems mentioned in the description of signal watchers apply.
446 469
447 Example: fork a process and wait for it 470 Example: fork a process and wait for it
448 471
449 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar; 472 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
450 473
474 # this forks and immediately calls exit in the child. this
475 # normally has all sorts of bad consequences for your parent,
476 # so take this as an example only. always fork and exec,
477 # or call POSIX::_exit, in real code.
451 my $pid = fork or exit 5; 478 my $pid = fork or exit 5;
452 479
453 my $w = AnyEvent->child ( 480 my $w = AnyEvent->child (
454 pid => $pid, 481 pid => $pid,
455 cb => sub { 482 cb => sub {
463 $done->recv; 490 $done->recv;
464 491
465 IDLE WATCHERS 492 IDLE WATCHERS
466 $w = AnyEvent->idle (cb => <callback>); 493 $w = AnyEvent->idle (cb => <callback>);
467 494
468 Sometimes there is a need to do something, but it is not so important to 495 This will repeatedly invoke the callback after the process becomes idle,
469 do it instantly, but only when there is nothing better to do. This 496 until either the watcher is destroyed or new events have been detected.
470 "nothing better to do" is usually defined to be "no other events need
471 attention by the event loop".
472 497
473 Idle watchers ideally get invoked when the event loop has nothing better 498 Idle watchers are useful when there is a need to do something, but it is
474 to do, just before it would block the process to wait for new events. 499 not so important (or wise) to do it instantly. The callback will be
475 Instead of blocking, the idle watcher is invoked. 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.
476 506
477 Most event loops unfortunately do not really support idle watchers (only 507 Unfortunately, most event loops do not really support idle watchers
478 EV, Event and Glib do it in a usable fashion) - for the rest, AnyEvent 508 (only EV, Event and Glib do it in a usable fashion) - for the rest,
479 will simply call the callback "from time to time". 509 AnyEvent will simply call the callback "from time to time".
480 510
481 Example: read lines from STDIN, but only process them when the program 511 Example: read lines from STDIN, but only process them when the program
482 is otherwise idle: 512 is otherwise idle:
483 513
484 my @lines; # read data 514 my @lines; # read data
510 540
511 AnyEvent is slightly different: it expects somebody else to run the 541 AnyEvent is slightly different: it expects somebody else to run the
512 event loop and will only block when necessary (usually when told by the 542 event loop and will only block when necessary (usually when told by the
513 user). 543 user).
514 544
515 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
516 because they represent a condition that must become true. 546 they represent a condition that must become true.
517 547
518 Now is probably a good time to look at the examples further below. 548 Now is probably a good time to look at the examples further below.
519 549
520 Condition variables can be created by calling the "AnyEvent->condvar" 550 Condition variables can be created by calling the "AnyEvent->condvar"
521 method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is 551 method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is
526 After creation, the condition variable is "false" until it becomes 556 After creation, the condition variable is "false" until it becomes
527 "true" by calling the "send" method (or calling the condition variable 557 "true" by calling the "send" method (or calling the condition variable
528 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
529 the "->send" method). 559 the "->send" method).
530 560
531 Condition variables are similar to callbacks, except that you can 561 Since condition variables are the most complex part of the AnyEvent API,
532 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
533 in time where multiple outstanding events have been processed. And yet 563 you can connect to:
534 another way to call them is transactions - each condition variable can 564
535 be used to represent a transaction, which finishes at some point and 565 * Condition variables are like callbacks - you can call them (and pass
536 delivers a result. And yet some people know them as "futures" - a 566 them instead of callbacks). Unlike callbacks however, you can also
537 promise to compute/deliver something that you can wait for. 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.
538 582
539 Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has 583 Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has
540 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
541 requests, then a condition variable would be the ideal candidate to 585 requests, then a condition variable would be the ideal candidate to
542 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
555 599
556 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
557 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
558 (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
559 AnyEvent). To subclass, use "AnyEvent::CondVar" as base class and call 603 AnyEvent). To subclass, use "AnyEvent::CondVar" as base class and call
560 it's "new" method in your own "new" method. 604 its "new" method in your own "new" method.
561 605
562 There are two "sides" to a condition variable - the "producer side" 606 There are two "sides" to a condition variable - the "producer side"
563 which eventually calls "-> send", and the "consumer side", which waits 607 which eventually calls "-> send", and the "consumer side", which waits
564 for the send to occur. 608 for the send to occur.
565 609
566 Example: wait for a timer. 610 Example: wait for a timer.
567 611
568 # wait till the result is ready 612 # condition: "wait till the timer is fired"
569 my $result_ready = AnyEvent->condvar; 613 my $timer_fired = AnyEvent->condvar;
570 614
571 # do something such as adding a timer 615 # create the timer - we could wait for, say
572 # or socket watcher the calls $result_ready->send 616 # a handle becomign ready, or even an
573 # when the "result" is ready. 617 # AnyEvent::HTTP request to finish, but
574 # in this case, we simply use a timer: 618 # in this case, we simply use a timer:
575 my $w = AnyEvent->timer ( 619 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (
576 after => 1, 620 after => 1,
577 cb => sub { $result_ready->send }, 621 cb => sub { $timer_fired->send },
578 ); 622 );
579 623
580 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback 624 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback
581 # calls -<send 625 # calls ->send
582 $result_ready->recv; 626 $timer_fired->recv;
583 627
584 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
585 variables are also callable directly. 629 variables are also callable directly.
586 630
587 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar; 631 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
625 Condition variables are overloaded so one can call them directly (as 669 Condition variables are overloaded so one can call them directly (as
626 if they were a code reference). Calling them directly is the same as 670 if they were a code reference). Calling them directly is the same as
627 calling "send". 671 calling "send".
628 672
629 $cv->croak ($error) 673 $cv->croak ($error)
630 Similar to send, but causes all call's to "->recv" to invoke 674 Similar to send, but causes all calls to "->recv" to invoke
631 "Carp::croak" with the given error message/object/scalar. 675 "Carp::croak" with the given error message/object/scalar.
632 676
633 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
634 user/consumer. Doing it this way instead of calling "croak" directly 678 user/consumer. Doing it this way instead of calling "croak" directly
635 delays the error detetcion, but has the overwhelmign advantage that 679 delays the error detection, but has the overwhelming advantage that
636 it diagnoses the error at the place where the result is expected, 680 it diagnoses the error at the place where the result is expected,
637 and not deep in some event clalback without connection to the actual 681 and not deep in some event callback with no connection to the actual
638 code causing the problem. 682 code causing the problem.
639 683
640 $cv->begin ([group callback]) 684 $cv->begin ([group callback])
641 $cv->end 685 $cv->end
642 These two methods can be used to combine many transactions/events 686 These two methods can be used to combine many transactions/events
643 into one. For example, a function that pings many hosts in parallel 687 into one. For example, a function that pings many hosts in parallel
644 might want to use a condition variable for the whole process. 688 might want to use a condition variable for the whole process.
645 689
646 Every call to "->begin" will increment a counter, and every call to 690 Every call to "->begin" will increment a counter, and every call to
647 "->end" will decrement it. If the counter reaches 0 in "->end", the 691 "->end" will decrement it. If the counter reaches 0 in "->end", the
648 (last) callback passed to "begin" will be executed. That callback is 692 (last) callback passed to "begin" will be executed, passing the
649 *supposed* to call "->send", but that is not required. If no 693 condvar as first argument. That callback is *supposed* to call
694 "->send", but that is not required. If no group callback was set,
650 callback was set, "send" will be called without any arguments. 695 "send" will be called without any arguments.
651 696
652 You can think of "$cv->send" giving you an OR condition (one call 697 You can think of "$cv->send" giving you an OR condition (one call
653 sends), while "$cv->begin" and "$cv->end" giving you an AND 698 sends), while "$cv->begin" and "$cv->end" giving you an AND
654 condition (all "begin" calls must be "end"'ed before the condvar 699 condition (all "begin" calls must be "end"'ed before the condvar
655 sends). 700 sends).
677 This works because for every event source (EOF on file handle), 722 This works because for every event source (EOF on file handle),
678 there is one call to "begin", so the condvar waits for all calls to 723 there is one call to "begin", so the condvar waits for all calls to
679 "end" before sending. 724 "end" before sending.
680 725
681 The ping example mentioned above is slightly more complicated, as 726 The ping example mentioned above is slightly more complicated, as
682 the there are results to be passwd back, and the number of tasks 727 the there are results to be passed back, and the number of tasks
683 that are begung can potentially be zero: 728 that are begun can potentially be zero:
684 729
685 my $cv = AnyEvent->condvar; 730 my $cv = AnyEvent->condvar;
686 731
687 my %result; 732 my %result;
688 $cv->begin (sub { $cv->send (\%result) }); 733 $cv->begin (sub { shift->send (\%result) });
689 734
690 for my $host (@list_of_hosts) { 735 for my $host (@list_of_hosts) {
691 $cv->begin; 736 $cv->begin;
692 ping_host_then_call_callback $host, sub { 737 ping_host_then_call_callback $host, sub {
693 $result{$host} = ...; 738 $result{$host} = ...;
695 }; 740 };
696 } 741 }
697 742
698 $cv->end; 743 $cv->end;
699 744
745 ...
746
747 my $results = $cv->recv;
748
700 This code fragment supposedly pings a number of hosts and calls 749 This code fragment supposedly pings a number of hosts and calls
701 "send" after results for all then have have been gathered - in any 750 "send" after results for all then have have been gathered - in any
702 order. To achieve this, the code issues a call to "begin" when it 751 order. To achieve this, the code issues a call to "begin" when it
703 starts each ping request and calls "end" when it has received some 752 starts each ping request and calls "end" when it has received some
704 result for it. Since "begin" and "end" only maintain a counter, the 753 result for it. Since "begin" and "end" only maintain a counter, the
709 callback to be called once the counter reaches 0, and second, it 758 callback to be called once the counter reaches 0, and second, it
710 ensures that "send" is called even when "no" hosts are being pinged 759 ensures that "send" is called even when "no" hosts are being pinged
711 (the loop doesn't execute once). 760 (the loop doesn't execute once).
712 761
713 This is the general pattern when you "fan out" into multiple (but 762 This is the general pattern when you "fan out" into multiple (but
714 potentially none) subrequests: use an outer "begin"/"end" pair to 763 potentially zero) subrequests: use an outer "begin"/"end" pair to
715 set the callback and ensure "end" is called at least once, and then, 764 set the callback and ensure "end" is called at least once, and then,
716 for each subrequest you start, call "begin" and for each subrequest 765 for each subrequest you start, call "begin" and for each subrequest
717 you finish, call "end". 766 you finish, call "end".
718 767
719 METHODS FOR CONSUMERS 768 METHODS FOR CONSUMERS
720 These methods should only be used by the consuming side, i.e. the code 769 These methods should only be used by the consuming side, i.e. the code
721 awaits the condition. 770 awaits the condition.
722 771
723 $cv->recv 772 $cv->recv
724 Wait (blocking if necessary) until the "->send" or "->croak" methods 773 Wait (blocking if necessary) until the "->send" or "->croak" methods
725 have been called on c<$cv>, while servicing other watchers normally. 774 have been called on $cv, while servicing other watchers normally.
726 775
727 You can only wait once on a condition - additional calls are valid 776 You can only wait once on a condition - additional calls are valid
728 but will return immediately. 777 but will return immediately.
729 778
730 If an error condition has been set by calling "->croak", then this 779 If an error condition has been set by calling "->croak", then this
733 In list context, all parameters passed to "send" will be returned, 782 In list context, all parameters passed to "send" will be returned,
734 in scalar context only the first one will be returned. 783 in scalar context only the first one will be returned.
735 784
736 Note that doing a blocking wait in a callback is not supported by 785 Note that doing a blocking wait in a callback is not supported by
737 any event loop, that is, recursive invocation of a blocking "->recv" 786 any event loop, that is, recursive invocation of a blocking "->recv"
738 is not allowed, and the "recv" call will "croak" if such a condition 787 is not allowed and the "recv" call will "croak" if such a condition
739 is detected. This condition can be slightly loosened by using 788 is detected. This requirement can be dropped by relying on
740 Coro::AnyEvent, which allows you to do a blocking "->recv" from any 789 Coro::AnyEvent , which allows you to do a blocking "->recv" from any
741 thread that doesn't run the event loop itself. 790 thread that doesn't run the event loop itself. Coro::AnyEvent is
791 loaded automatically when Coro is used with AnyEvent, so code does
792 not need to do anything special to take advantage of that: any code
793 that would normally block your program because it calls "recv", be
794 executed in an "async" thread instead without blocking other
795 threads.
742 796
743 Not all event models support a blocking wait - some die in that case 797 Not all event models support a blocking wait - some die in that case
744 (programs might want to do that to stay interactive), so *if you are 798 (programs might want to do that to stay interactive), so *if you are
745 using this from a module, never require a blocking wait*. Instead, 799 using this from a module, never require a blocking wait*. Instead,
746 let the caller decide whether the call will block or not (for 800 let the caller decide whether the call will block or not (for
747 example, by coupling condition variables with some kind of request 801 example, by coupling condition variables with some kind of request
748 results and supporting callbacks so the caller knows that getting 802 results and supporting callbacks so the caller knows that getting
749 the result will not block, while still supporting blocking waits if 803 the result will not block, while still supporting blocking waits if
750 the caller so desires). 804 the caller so desires).
751 805
752 You can ensure that "-recv" never blocks by setting a callback and 806 You can ensure that "->recv" never blocks by setting a callback and
753 only calling "->recv" from within that callback (or at a later 807 only calling "->recv" from within that callback (or at a later
754 time). This will work even when the event loop does not support 808 time). This will work even when the event loop does not support
755 blocking waits otherwise. 809 blocking waits otherwise.
756 810
757 $bool = $cv->ready 811 $bool = $cv->ready
760 814
761 $cb = $cv->cb ($cb->($cv)) 815 $cb = $cv->cb ($cb->($cv))
762 This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and 816 This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and
763 optionally replaces it before doing so. 817 optionally replaces it before doing so.
764 818
765 The callback will be called when the condition becomes (or already 819 The callback will be called when the condition becomes "true", i.e.
766 was) "true", i.e. when "send" or "croak" are called (or were 820 when "send" or "croak" are called, with the only argument being the
767 called), with the only argument being the condition variable itself. 821 condition variable itself. If the condition is already true, the
768 Calling "recv" inside the callback or at any later time is 822 callback is called immediately when it is set. Calling "recv" inside
769 guaranteed not to block. 823 the callback or at any later time is guaranteed not to block.
770 824
771SUPPORTED EVENT LOOPS/BACKENDS 825SUPPORTED EVENT LOOPS/BACKENDS
772 The available backend classes are (every class has its own manpage): 826 The available backend classes are (every class has its own manpage):
773 827
774 Backends that are autoprobed when no other event loop can be found. 828 Backends that are autoprobed when no other event loop can be found.
775 EV is the preferred backend when no other event loop seems to be in 829 EV is the preferred backend when no other event loop seems to be in
776 use. If EV is not installed, then AnyEvent will try Event, and, 830 use. If EV is not installed, then AnyEvent will fall back to its own
777 failing that, will fall back to its own pure-perl implementation, 831 pure-perl implementation, which is available everywhere as it comes
778 which is available everywhere as it comes with AnyEvent itself. 832 with AnyEvent itself.
779 833
780 AnyEvent::Impl::EV based on EV (interface to libev, best choice). 834 AnyEvent::Impl::EV based on EV (interface to libev, best choice).
781 AnyEvent::Impl::Event based on Event, very stable, few glitches.
782 AnyEvent::Impl::Perl pure-perl implementation, fast and portable. 835 AnyEvent::Impl::Perl pure-perl AnyEvent::Loop, fast and portable.
783 836
784 Backends that are transparently being picked up when they are used. 837 Backends that are transparently being picked up when they are used.
785 These will be used when they are currently loaded when the first 838 These will be used if they are already loaded when the first watcher
786 watcher is created, in which case it is assumed that the application 839 is created, in which case it is assumed that the application is
787 is using them. This means that AnyEvent will automatically pick the 840 using them. This means that AnyEvent will automatically pick the
788 right backend when the main program loads an event module before 841 right backend when the main program loads an event module before
789 anything starts to create watchers. Nothing special needs to be done 842 anything starts to create watchers. Nothing special needs to be done
790 by the main program. 843 by the main program.
791 844
845 AnyEvent::Impl::Event based on Event, very stable, few glitches.
792 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib based on Glib, slow but very stable. 846 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib based on Glib, slow but very stable.
793 AnyEvent::Impl::Tk based on Tk, very broken. 847 AnyEvent::Impl::Tk based on Tk, very broken.
794 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib based on Event::Lib, leaks memory and worse. 848 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib based on Event::Lib, leaks memory and worse.
795 AnyEvent::Impl::POE based on POE, very slow, some limitations. 849 AnyEvent::Impl::POE based on POE, very slow, some limitations.
796 AnyEvent::Impl::Irssi used when running within irssi. 850 AnyEvent::Impl::Irssi used when running within irssi.
851 AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync based on IO::Async.
852 AnyEvent::Impl::Cocoa based on Cocoa::EventLoop.
853 AnyEvent::Impl::FLTK based on FLTK (fltk 2 binding).
797 854
798 Backends with special needs. 855 Backends with special needs.
799 Qt requires the Qt::Application to be instantiated first, but will 856 Qt requires the Qt::Application to be instantiated first, but will
800 otherwise be picked up automatically. As long as the main program 857 otherwise be picked up automatically. As long as the main program
801 instantiates the application before any AnyEvent watchers are 858 instantiates the application before any AnyEvent watchers are
802 created, everything should just work. 859 created, everything should just work.
803 860
804 AnyEvent::Impl::Qt based on Qt. 861 AnyEvent::Impl::Qt based on Qt.
805 862
806 Support for IO::Async can only be partial, as it is too broken and
807 architecturally limited to even support the AnyEvent API. It also is
808 the only event loop that needs the loop to be set explicitly, so it
809 can only be used by a main program knowing about AnyEvent. See
810 AnyEvent::Impl::Async for the gory details.
811
812 AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync based on IO::Async, cannot be autoprobed.
813
814 Event loops that are indirectly supported via other backends. 863 Event loops that are indirectly supported via other backends.
815 Some event loops can be supported via other modules: 864 Some event loops can be supported via other modules:
816 865
817 There is no direct support for WxWidgets (Wx) or Prima. 866 There is no direct support for WxWidgets (Wx) or Prima.
818 867
836 Contains "undef" until the first watcher is being created, before 885 Contains "undef" until the first watcher is being created, before
837 the backend has been autodetected. 886 the backend has been autodetected.
838 887
839 Afterwards it contains the event model that is being used, which is 888 Afterwards it contains the event model that is being used, which is
840 the name of the Perl class implementing the model. This class is 889 the name of the Perl class implementing the model. This class is
841 usually one of the "AnyEvent::Impl:xxx" modules, but can be any 890 usually one of the "AnyEvent::Impl::xxx" modules, but can be any
842 other class in the case AnyEvent has been extended at runtime (e.g. 891 other class in the case AnyEvent has been extended at runtime (e.g.
843 in *rxvt-unicode* it will be "urxvt::anyevent"). 892 in *rxvt-unicode* it will be "urxvt::anyevent").
844 893
845 AnyEvent::detect 894 AnyEvent::detect
846 Returns $AnyEvent::MODEL, forcing autodetection of the event model 895 Returns $AnyEvent::MODEL, forcing autodetection of the event model
847 if necessary. You should only call this function right before you 896 if necessary. You should only call this function right before you
848 would have created an AnyEvent watcher anyway, that is, as late as 897 would have created an AnyEvent watcher anyway, that is, as late as
849 possible at runtime, and not e.g. while initialising of your module. 898 possible at runtime, and not e.g. during initialisation of your
899 module.
900
901 The effect of calling this function is as if a watcher had been
902 created (specifically, actions that happen "when the first watcher
903 is created" happen when calling detetc as well).
850 904
851 If you need to do some initialisation before AnyEvent watchers are 905 If you need to do some initialisation before AnyEvent watchers are
852 created, use "post_detect". 906 created, use "post_detect".
853 907
854 $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK } 908 $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }
855 Arranges for the code block to be executed as soon as the event 909 Arranges for the code block to be executed as soon as the event
856 model is autodetected (or immediately if this has already happened). 910 model is autodetected (or immediately if that has already happened).
857 911
858 The block will be executed *after* the actual backend has been 912 The block will be executed *after* the actual backend has been
859 detected ($AnyEvent::MODEL is set), but *before* any watchers have 913 detected ($AnyEvent::MODEL is set), but *before* any watchers have
860 been created, so it is possible to e.g. patch @AnyEvent::ISA or do 914 been created, so it is possible to e.g. patch @AnyEvent::ISA or do
861 other initialisations - see the sources of AnyEvent::Strict or 915 other initialisations - see the sources of AnyEvent::Strict or
870 object that automatically removes the callback again when it is 924 object that automatically removes the callback again when it is
871 destroyed (or "undef" when the hook was immediately executed). See 925 destroyed (or "undef" when the hook was immediately executed). See
872 AnyEvent::AIO for a case where this is useful. 926 AnyEvent::AIO for a case where this is useful.
873 927
874 Example: Create a watcher for the IO::AIO module and store it in 928 Example: Create a watcher for the IO::AIO module and store it in
875 $WATCHER. Only do so after the event loop is initialised, though. 929 $WATCHER, but do so only do so after the event loop is initialised.
876 930
877 our WATCHER; 931 our WATCHER;
878 932
879 my $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect { 933 my $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect {
880 $WATCHER = AnyEvent->io (fh => IO::AIO::poll_fileno, poll => 'r', cb => \&IO::AIO::poll_cb); 934 $WATCHER = AnyEvent->io (fh => IO::AIO::poll_fileno, poll => 'r', cb => \&IO::AIO::poll_cb);
887 941
888 $WATCHER ||= $guard; 942 $WATCHER ||= $guard;
889 943
890 @AnyEvent::post_detect 944 @AnyEvent::post_detect
891 If there are any code references in this array (you can "push" to it 945 If there are any code references in this array (you can "push" to it
892 before or after loading AnyEvent), then they will called directly 946 before or after loading AnyEvent), then they will be called directly
893 after the event loop has been chosen. 947 after the event loop has been chosen.
894 948
895 You should check $AnyEvent::MODEL before adding to this array, 949 You should check $AnyEvent::MODEL before adding to this array,
896 though: if it is defined then the event loop has already been 950 though: if it is defined then the event loop has already been
897 detected, and the array will be ignored. 951 detected, and the array will be ignored.
898 952
899 Best use "AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }" when your application 953 Best use "AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }" when your application
900 allows it,as it takes care of these details. 954 allows it, as it takes care of these details.
901 955
902 This variable is mainly useful for modules that can do something 956 This variable is mainly useful for modules that can do something
903 useful when AnyEvent is used and thus want to know when it is 957 useful when AnyEvent is used and thus want to know when it is
904 initialised, but do not need to even load it by default. This array 958 initialised, but do not need to even load it by default. This array
905 provides the means to hook into AnyEvent passively, without loading 959 provides the means to hook into AnyEvent passively, without loading
906 it. 960 it.
907 961
962 Example: To load Coro::AnyEvent whenever Coro and AnyEvent are used
963 together, you could put this into Coro (this is the actual code used
964 by Coro to accomplish this):
965
966 if (defined $AnyEvent::MODEL) {
967 # AnyEvent already initialised, so load Coro::AnyEvent
968 require Coro::AnyEvent;
969 } else {
970 # AnyEvent not yet initialised, so make sure to load Coro::AnyEvent
971 # as soon as it is
972 push @AnyEvent::post_detect, sub { require Coro::AnyEvent };
973 }
974
975 AnyEvent::postpone { BLOCK }
976 Arranges for the block to be executed as soon as possible, but not
977 before the call itself returns. In practise, the block will be
978 executed just before the event loop polls for new events, or shortly
979 afterwards.
980
981 This function never returns anything (to make the "return postpone {
982 ... }" idiom more useful.
983
984 To understand the usefulness of this function, consider a function
985 that asynchronously does something for you and returns some
986 transaction object or guard to let you cancel the operation. For
987 example, "AnyEvent::Socket::tcp_connect":
988
989 # start a conenction attempt unless one is active
990 $self->{connect_guard} ||= AnyEvent::Socket::tcp_connect "www.example.net", 80, sub {
991 delete $self->{connect_guard};
992 ...
993 };
994
995 Imagine that this function could instantly call the callback, for
996 example, because it detects an obvious error such as a negative port
997 number. Invoking the callback before the function returns causes
998 problems however: the callback will be called and will try to delete
999 the guard object. But since the function hasn't returned yet, there
1000 is nothing to delete. When the function eventually returns it will
1001 assign the guard object to "$self->{connect_guard}", where it will
1002 likely never be deleted, so the program thinks it is still trying to
1003 connect.
1004
1005 This is where "AnyEvent::postpone" should be used. Instead of
1006 calling the callback directly on error:
1007
1008 $cb->(undef), return # signal error to callback, BAD!
1009 if $some_error_condition;
1010
1011 It should use "postpone":
1012
1013 AnyEvent::postpone { $cb->(undef) }, return # signal error to callback, later
1014 if $some_error_condition;
1015
1016 AnyEvent::log $level, $msg[, @args]
1017 Log the given $msg at the given $level.
1018
1019 If AnyEvent::Log is not loaded then this function makes a simple
1020 test to see whether the message will be logged. If the test succeeds
1021 it will load AnyEvent::Log and call "AnyEvent::Log::log" -
1022 consequently, look at the AnyEvent::Log documentation for details.
1023
1024 If the test fails it will simply return. Right now this happens when
1025 a numerical loglevel is used and it is larger than the level
1026 specified via $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}.
1027
1028 If you want to sprinkle loads of logging calls around your code,
1029 consider creating a logger callback with the "AnyEvent::Log::logger"
1030 function, which can reduce typing, codesize and can reduce the
1031 logging overhead enourmously.
1032
908WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE 1033WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE
909 As a module author, you should "use AnyEvent" and call AnyEvent methods 1034 As a module author, you should "use AnyEvent" and call AnyEvent methods
910 freely, but you should not load a specific event module or rely on it. 1035 freely, but you should not load a specific event module or rely on it.
911 1036
912 Be careful when you create watchers in the module body - AnyEvent will 1037 Be careful when you create watchers in the module body - AnyEvent will
919 stall the whole program, and the whole point of using events is to stay 1044 stall the whole program, and the whole point of using events is to stay
920 interactive. 1045 interactive.
921 1046
922 It is fine, however, to call "->recv" when the user of your module 1047 It is fine, however, to call "->recv" when the user of your module
923 requests it (i.e. if you create a http request object ad have a method 1048 requests it (i.e. if you create a http request object ad have a method
924 called "results" that returns the results, it should call "->recv" 1049 called "results" that returns the results, it may call "->recv" freely,
925 freely, as the user of your module knows what she is doing. always). 1050 as the user of your module knows what she is doing. Always).
926 1051
927WHAT TO DO IN THE MAIN PROGRAM 1052WHAT TO DO IN THE MAIN PROGRAM
928 There will always be a single main program - the only place that should 1053 There will always be a single main program - the only place that should
929 dictate which event model to use. 1054 dictate which event model to use.
930 1055
931 If it doesn't care, it can just "use AnyEvent" and use it itself, or not 1056 If the program is not event-based, it need not do anything special, even
932 do anything special (it does not need to be event-based) and let 1057 when it depends on a module that uses an AnyEvent. If the program itself
933 AnyEvent decide which implementation to chose if some module relies on 1058 uses AnyEvent, but does not care which event loop is used, all it needs
934 it. 1059 to do is "use AnyEvent". In either case, AnyEvent will choose the best
1060 available loop implementation.
935 1061
936 If the main program relies on a specific event model - for example, in 1062 If the main program relies on a specific event model - for example, in
937 Gtk2 programs you have to rely on the Glib module - you should load the 1063 Gtk2 programs you have to rely on the Glib module - you should load the
938 event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it: 1064 event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it:
939 generally speaking, you should load it as early as possible. The reason 1065 generally speaking, you should load it as early as possible. The reason
940 is that modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent 1066 is that modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent
941 will decide on the event model to use as soon as it creates watchers, 1067 will decide on the event model to use as soon as it creates watchers,
942 and it might chose the wrong one unless you load the correct one 1068 and it might choose the wrong one unless you load the correct one
943 yourself. 1069 yourself.
944 1070
945 You can chose to use a pure-perl implementation by loading the 1071 You can chose to use a pure-perl implementation by loading the
946 "AnyEvent::Impl::Perl" module, which gives you similar behaviour 1072 "AnyEvent::Loop" module, which gives you similar behaviour everywhere,
947 everywhere, but letting AnyEvent chose the model is generally better. 1073 but letting AnyEvent chose the model is generally better.
948 1074
949 MAINLOOP EMULATION 1075 MAINLOOP EMULATION
950 Sometimes (often for short test scripts, or even standalone programs who 1076 Sometimes (often for short test scripts, or even standalone programs who
951 only want to use AnyEvent), you do not want to run a specific event 1077 only want to use AnyEvent), you do not want to run a specific event
952 loop. 1078 loop.
964 1090
965OTHER MODULES 1091OTHER MODULES
966 The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use 1092 The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use
967 AnyEvent as a client and can therefore be mixed easily with other 1093 AnyEvent as a client and can therefore be mixed easily with other
968 AnyEvent modules and other event loops in the same program. Some of the 1094 AnyEvent modules and other event loops in the same program. Some of the
969 modules come with AnyEvent, most are available via CPAN. 1095 modules come as part of AnyEvent, the others are available via CPAN (see
1096 <http://search.cpan.org/search?m=module&q=anyevent%3A%3A*> for a longer
1097 non-exhaustive list), and the list is heavily biased towards modules of
1098 the AnyEvent author himself :)
970 1099
971 AnyEvent::Util 1100 AnyEvent::Util (part of the AnyEvent distribution)
972 Contains various utility functions that replace often-used but 1101 Contains various utility functions that replace often-used blocking
973 blocking functions such as "inet_aton" by event-/callback-based 1102 functions such as "inet_aton" with event/callback-based versions.
974 versions.
975 1103
976 AnyEvent::Socket 1104 AnyEvent::Socket (part of the AnyEvent distribution)
977 Provides various utility functions for (internet protocol) sockets, 1105 Provides various utility functions for (internet protocol) sockets,
978 addresses and name resolution. Also functions to create non-blocking 1106 addresses and name resolution. Also functions to create non-blocking
979 tcp connections or tcp servers, with IPv6 and SRV record support and 1107 tcp connections or tcp servers, with IPv6 and SRV record support and
980 more. 1108 more.
981 1109
982 AnyEvent::Handle 1110 AnyEvent::Handle (part of the AnyEvent distribution)
983 Provide read and write buffers, manages watchers for reads and 1111 Provide read and write buffers, manages watchers for reads and
984 writes, supports raw and formatted I/O, I/O queued and fully 1112 writes, supports raw and formatted I/O, I/O queued and fully
985 transparent and non-blocking SSL/TLS (via AnyEvent::TLS. 1113 transparent and non-blocking SSL/TLS (via AnyEvent::TLS).
986 1114
987 AnyEvent::DNS 1115 AnyEvent::DNS (part of the AnyEvent distribution)
988 Provides rich asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities. 1116 Provides rich asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities.
989 1117
990 AnyEvent::HTTP 1118 AnyEvent::HTTP, AnyEvent::IRC, AnyEvent::XMPP, AnyEvent::GPSD,
991 A simple-to-use HTTP library that is capable of making a lot of 1119 AnyEvent::IGS, AnyEvent::FCP
992 concurrent HTTP requests. 1120 Implement event-based interfaces to the protocols of the same name
1121 (for the curious, IGS is the International Go Server and FCP is the
1122 Freenet Client Protocol).
993 1123
1124 AnyEvent::AIO (part of the AnyEvent distribution)
1125 Truly asynchronous (as opposed to non-blocking) I/O, should be in
1126 the toolbox of every event programmer. AnyEvent::AIO transparently
1127 fuses IO::AIO and AnyEvent together, giving AnyEvent access to
1128 event-based file I/O, and much more.
1129
1130 AnyEvent::Fork, AnyEvent::Fork::RPC, AnyEvent::Fork::Pool,
1131 AnyEvent::Fork::Remote
1132 These let you safely fork new subprocesses, either locally or
1133 remotely (e.g.v ia ssh), using some RPC protocol or not, without the
1134 limitations normally imposed by fork (AnyEvent works fine for
1135 example). Dynamically-resized worker pools are obviously included as
1136 well.
1137
1138 And they are quite tiny and fast as well - "abusing" AnyEvent::Fork
1139 just to exec external programs can easily beat using "fork" and
1140 "exec" (or even "system") in most programs.
1141
1142 AnyEvent::Filesys::Notify
1143 AnyEvent is good for non-blocking stuff, but it can't detect file or
1144 path changes (e.g. "watch this directory for new files", "watch this
1145 file for changes"). The AnyEvent::Filesys::Notify module promises to
1146 do just that in a portbale fashion, supporting inotify on GNU/Linux
1147 and some weird, without doubt broken, stuff on OS X to monitor
1148 files. It can fall back to blocking scans at regular intervals
1149 transparently on other platforms, so it's about as portable as it
1150 gets.
1151
1152 (I haven't used it myself, but it seems the biggest problem with it
1153 is it quite bad performance).
1154
994 AnyEvent::HTTPD 1155 AnyEvent::DBI
995 Provides a simple web application server framework. 1156 Executes DBI requests asynchronously in a proxy process for you,
1157 notifying you in an event-based way when the operation is finished.
996 1158
997 AnyEvent::FastPing 1159 AnyEvent::FastPing
998 The fastest ping in the west. 1160 The fastest ping in the west.
999 1161
1000 AnyEvent::DBI
1001 Executes DBI requests asynchronously in a proxy process.
1002
1003 AnyEvent::AIO
1004 Truly asynchronous I/O, should be in the toolbox of every event
1005 programmer. AnyEvent::AIO transparently fuses IO::AIO and AnyEvent
1006 together.
1007
1008 AnyEvent::BDB
1009 Truly asynchronous Berkeley DB access. AnyEvent::BDB transparently
1010 fuses BDB and AnyEvent together.
1011
1012 AnyEvent::GPSD
1013 A non-blocking interface to gpsd, a daemon delivering GPS
1014 information.
1015
1016 AnyEvent::IRC
1017 AnyEvent based IRC client module family (replacing the older
1018 Net::IRC3).
1019
1020 AnyEvent::XMPP
1021 AnyEvent based XMPP (Jabber protocol) module family (replacing the
1022 older Net::XMPP2>.
1023
1024 AnyEvent::IGS
1025 A non-blocking interface to the Internet Go Server protocol (used by
1026 App::IGS).
1027
1028 Net::FCP
1029 AnyEvent-based implementation of the Freenet Client Protocol,
1030 birthplace of AnyEvent.
1031
1032 Event::ExecFlow
1033 High level API for event-based execution flow control.
1034
1035 Coro 1162 Coro
1036 Has special support for AnyEvent via Coro::AnyEvent. 1163 Has special support for AnyEvent via Coro::AnyEvent, which allows
1164 you to simply invert the flow control - don't call us, we will call
1165 you:
1166
1167 async {
1168 Coro::AnyEvent::sleep 5; # creates a 5s timer and waits for it
1169 print "5 seconds later!\n";
1170
1171 Coro::AnyEvent::readable *STDIN; # uses an I/O watcher
1172 my $line = <STDIN>; # works for ttys
1173
1174 AnyEvent::HTTP::http_get "url", Coro::rouse_cb;
1175 my ($body, $hdr) = Coro::rouse_wait;
1176 };
1177
1178SIMPLIFIED AE API
1179 Starting with version 5.0, AnyEvent officially supports a second, much
1180 simpler, API that is designed to reduce the calling, typing and memory
1181 overhead by using function call syntax and a fixed number of parameters.
1182
1183 See the AE manpage for details.
1037 1184
1038ERROR AND EXCEPTION HANDLING 1185ERROR AND EXCEPTION HANDLING
1039 In general, AnyEvent does not do any error handling - it relies on the 1186 In general, AnyEvent does not do any error handling - it relies on the
1040 caller to do that if required. The AnyEvent::Strict module (see also the 1187 caller to do that if required. The AnyEvent::Strict module (see also the
1041 "PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT" environment variable, below) provides strict 1188 "PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT" environment variable, below) provides strict
1050 The pure perl event loop simply re-throws the exception (usually within 1197 The pure perl event loop simply re-throws the exception (usually within
1051 "condvar->recv"), the Event and EV modules call "$Event/EV::DIED->()", 1198 "condvar->recv"), the Event and EV modules call "$Event/EV::DIED->()",
1052 Glib uses "install_exception_handler" and so on. 1199 Glib uses "install_exception_handler" and so on.
1053 1200
1054ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES 1201ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES
1055 The following environment variables are used by this module or its 1202 AnyEvent supports a number of environment variables that tune the
1056 submodules. 1203 runtime behaviour. They are usually evaluated when AnyEvent is loaded,
1204 initialised, or a submodule that uses them is loaded. Many of them also
1205 cause AnyEvent to load additional modules - for example,
1206 "PERL_ANYEVENT_DEBUG_WRAP" causes the AnyEvent::Debug module to be
1207 loaded.
1057 1208
1058 Note that AnyEvent will remove *all* environment variables starting with 1209 All the environment variables documented here start with
1059 "PERL_ANYEVENT_" from %ENV when it is loaded while taint mode is 1210 "PERL_ANYEVENT_", which is what AnyEvent considers its own namespace.
1060 enabled. 1211 Other modules are encouraged (but by no means required) to use
1212 "PERL_ANYEVENT_SUBMODULE" if they have registered the
1213 AnyEvent::Submodule namespace on CPAN, for any submodule. For example,
1214 AnyEvent::HTTP could be expected to use "PERL_ANYEVENT_HTTP_PROXY" (it
1215 should not access env variables starting with "AE_", see below).
1216
1217 All variables can also be set via the "AE_" prefix, that is, instead of
1218 setting "PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE" you can also set "AE_VERBOSE". In case
1219 there is a clash btween anyevent and another program that uses
1220 "AE_something" you can set the corresponding "PERL_ANYEVENT_something"
1221 variable to the empty string, as those variables take precedence.
1222
1223 When AnyEvent is first loaded, it copies all "AE_xxx" env variables to
1224 their "PERL_ANYEVENT_xxx" counterpart unless that variable already
1225 exists. If taint mode is on, then AnyEvent will remove *all* environment
1226 variables starting with "PERL_ANYEVENT_" from %ENV (or replace them with
1227 "undef" or the empty string, if the corresaponding "AE_" variable is
1228 set).
1229
1230 The exact algorithm is currently:
1231
1232 1. if taint mode enabled, delete all PERL_ANYEVENT_xyz variables from %ENV
1233 2. copy over AE_xyz to PERL_ANYEVENT_xyz unless the latter alraedy exists
1234 3. if taint mode enabled, set all PERL_ANYEVENT_xyz variables to undef.
1235
1236 This ensures that child processes will not see the "AE_" variables.
1237
1238 The following environment variables are currently known to AnyEvent:
1061 1239
1062 "PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE" 1240 "PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE"
1063 By default, AnyEvent will be completely silent except in fatal 1241 By default, AnyEvent will log messages with loglevel 4 ("error") or
1064 conditions. You can set this environment variable to make AnyEvent 1242 higher (see AnyEvent::Log). You can set this environment variable to
1065 more talkative. 1243 a numerical loglevel to make AnyEvent more (or less) talkative.
1066 1244
1245 If you want to do more than just set the global logging level you
1246 should have a look at "PERL_ANYEVENT_LOG", which allows much more
1247 complex specifications.
1248
1249 When set to 0 ("off"), then no messages whatsoever will be logged
1250 with everything else at defaults.
1251
1067 When set to 1 or higher, causes AnyEvent to warn about unexpected 1252 When set to 5 or higher ("warn"), AnyEvent warns about unexpected
1068 conditions, such as not being able to load the event model specified 1253 conditions, such as not being able to load the event model specified
1069 by "PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL". 1254 by "PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL", or a guard callback throwing an exception
1255 - this is the minimum recommended level for use during development.
1070 1256
1071 When set to 2 or higher, cause AnyEvent to report to STDERR which 1257 When set to 7 or higher (info), AnyEvent reports which event model
1072 event model it chooses. 1258 it chooses.
1073 1259
1074 When set to 8 or higher, then AnyEvent will report extra information 1260 When set to 8 or higher (debug), then AnyEvent will report extra
1075 on which optional modules it loads and how it implements certain 1261 information on which optional modules it loads and how it implements
1076 features. 1262 certain features.
1263
1264 "PERL_ANYEVENT_LOG"
1265 Accepts rather complex logging specifications. For example, you
1266 could log all "debug" messages of some module to stderr, warnings
1267 and above to stderr, and errors and above to syslog, with:
1268
1269 PERL_ANYEVENT_LOG=Some::Module=debug,+log:filter=warn,+%syslog:%syslog=error,syslog
1270
1271 For the rather extensive details, see AnyEvent::Log.
1272
1273 This variable is evaluated when AnyEvent (or AnyEvent::Log) is
1274 loaded, so will take effect even before AnyEvent has initialised
1275 itself.
1276
1277 Note that specifying this environment variable causes the
1278 AnyEvent::Log module to be loaded, while "PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE"
1279 does not, so only using the latter saves a few hundred kB of memory
1280 unless a module explicitly needs the extra features of
1281 AnyEvent::Log.
1077 1282
1078 "PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT" 1283 "PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT"
1079 AnyEvent does not do much argument checking by default, as thorough 1284 AnyEvent does not do much argument checking by default, as thorough
1080 argument checking is very costly. Setting this variable to a true 1285 argument checking is very costly. Setting this variable to a true
1081 value will cause AnyEvent to load "AnyEvent::Strict" and then to 1286 value will cause AnyEvent to load "AnyEvent::Strict" and then to
1082 thoroughly check the arguments passed to most method calls. If it 1287 thoroughly check the arguments passed to most method calls. If it
1083 finds any problems, it will croak. 1288 finds any problems, it will croak.
1084 1289
1085 In other words, enables "strict" mode. 1290 In other words, enables "strict" mode.
1086 1291
1087 Unlike "use strict" (or it's modern cousin, "use common::sense", it 1292 Unlike "use strict" (or its modern cousin, "use common::sense", it
1088 is definitely recommended to keep it off in production. Keeping 1293 is definitely recommended to keep it off in production. Keeping
1089 "PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT=1" in your environment while developing 1294 "PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT=1" in your environment while developing
1090 programs can be very useful, however. 1295 programs can be very useful, however.
1091 1296
1297 "PERL_ANYEVENT_DEBUG_SHELL"
1298 If this env variable is nonempty, then its contents will be
1299 interpreted by "AnyEvent::Socket::parse_hostport" and
1300 "AnyEvent::Debug::shell" (after replacing every occurance of $$ by
1301 the process pid). The shell object is saved in
1302 $AnyEvent::Debug::SHELL.
1303
1304 This happens when the first watcher is created.
1305
1306 For example, to bind a debug shell on a unix domain socket in
1307 /tmp/debug<pid>.sock, you could use this:
1308
1309 PERL_ANYEVENT_DEBUG_SHELL=/tmp/debug\$\$.sock perlprog
1310 # connect with e.g.: socat readline /tmp/debug123.sock
1311
1312 Or to bind to tcp port 4545 on localhost:
1313
1314 PERL_ANYEVENT_DEBUG_SHELL=127.0.0.1:4545 perlprog
1315 # connect with e.g.: telnet localhost 4545
1316
1317 Note that creating sockets in /tmp or on localhost is very unsafe on
1318 multiuser systems.
1319
1320 "PERL_ANYEVENT_DEBUG_WRAP"
1321 Can be set to 0, 1 or 2 and enables wrapping of all watchers for
1322 debugging purposes. See "AnyEvent::Debug::wrap" for details.
1323
1092 "PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL" 1324 "PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL"
1093 This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent, 1325 This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent,
1094 before auto detection and -probing kicks in. It must be a string 1326 before auto detection and -probing kicks in.
1095 consisting entirely of ASCII letters. The string "AnyEvent::Impl::" 1327
1096 gets prepended and the resulting module name is loaded and if the 1328 It normally is a string consisting entirely of ASCII letters (e.g.
1097 load was successful, used as event model. If it fails to load 1329 "EV" or "IOAsync"). The string "AnyEvent::Impl::" gets prepended and
1330 the resulting module name is loaded and - if the load was successful
1331 - used as event model backend. If it fails to load then AnyEvent
1098 AnyEvent will proceed with auto detection and -probing. 1332 will proceed with auto detection and -probing.
1099 1333
1100 This functionality might change in future versions. 1334 If the string ends with "::" instead (e.g. "AnyEvent::Impl::EV::")
1335 then nothing gets prepended and the module name is used as-is (hint:
1336 "::" at the end of a string designates a module name and quotes it
1337 appropriately).
1101 1338
1102 For example, to force the pure perl model (AnyEvent::Impl::Perl) you 1339 For example, to force the pure perl model (AnyEvent::Loop::Perl) you
1103 could start your program like this: 1340 could start your program like this:
1104 1341
1105 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ... 1342 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ...
1343
1344 "PERL_ANYEVENT_IO_MODEL"
1345 The current file I/O model - see AnyEvent::IO for more info.
1346
1347 At the moment, only "Perl" (small, pure-perl, synchronous) and
1348 "IOAIO" (truly asynchronous) are supported. The default is "IOAIO"
1349 if AnyEvent::AIO can be loaded, otherwise it is "Perl".
1106 1350
1107 "PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS" 1351 "PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS"
1108 Used by both AnyEvent::DNS and AnyEvent::Socket to determine 1352 Used by both AnyEvent::DNS and AnyEvent::Socket to determine
1109 preferences for IPv4 or IPv6. The default is unspecified (and might 1353 preferences for IPv4 or IPv6. The default is unspecified (and might
1110 change, or be the result of auto probing). 1354 change, or be the result of auto probing).
1124 "PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4" - only support IPv4, never try to 1368 "PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4" - only support IPv4, never try to
1125 resolve or contact IPv6 addresses. 1369 resolve or contact IPv6 addresses.
1126 "PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv6,ipv4" support either IPv4 or IPv6, but 1370 "PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv6,ipv4" support either IPv4 or IPv6, but
1127 prefer IPv6 over IPv4. 1371 prefer IPv6 over IPv4.
1128 1372
1373 "PERL_ANYEVENT_HOSTS"
1374 This variable, if specified, overrides the /etc/hosts file used by
1375 AnyEvent::Socket"::resolve_sockaddr", i.e. hosts aliases will be
1376 read from that file instead.
1377
1129 "PERL_ANYEVENT_EDNS0" 1378 "PERL_ANYEVENT_EDNS0"
1130 Used by AnyEvent::DNS to decide whether to use the EDNS0 extension 1379 Used by AnyEvent::DNS to decide whether to use the EDNS0 extension
1131 for DNS. This extension is generally useful to reduce DNS traffic, 1380 for DNS. This extension is generally useful to reduce DNS traffic,
1132 but some (broken) firewalls drop such DNS packets, which is why it 1381 especially when DNSSEC is involved, but some (broken) firewalls drop
1133 is off by default. 1382 such DNS packets, which is why it is off by default.
1134 1383
1135 Setting this variable to 1 will cause AnyEvent::DNS to announce 1384 Setting this variable to 1 will cause AnyEvent::DNS to announce
1136 EDNS0 in its DNS requests. 1385 EDNS0 in its DNS requests.
1137 1386
1138 "PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_FORKS" 1387 "PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_FORKS"
1142 "PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_OUTSTANDING_DNS" 1391 "PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_OUTSTANDING_DNS"
1143 The default value for the "max_outstanding" parameter for the 1392 The default value for the "max_outstanding" parameter for the
1144 default DNS resolver - this is the maximum number of parallel DNS 1393 default DNS resolver - this is the maximum number of parallel DNS
1145 requests that are sent to the DNS server. 1394 requests that are sent to the DNS server.
1146 1395
1396 "PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY"
1397 Perl has inherently racy signal handling (you can basically choose
1398 between losing signals and memory corruption) - pure perl event
1399 loops (including "AnyEvent::Loop", when "Async::Interrupt" isn't
1400 available) therefore have to poll regularly to avoid losing signals.
1401
1402 Some event loops are racy, but don't poll regularly, and some event
1403 loops are written in C but are still racy. For those event loops,
1404 AnyEvent installs a timer that regularly wakes up the event loop.
1405
1406 By default, the interval for this timer is 10 seconds, but you can
1407 override this delay with this environment variable (or by setting
1408 the $AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY variable before creating signal
1409 watchers).
1410
1411 Lower values increase CPU (and energy) usage, higher values can
1412 introduce long delays when reaping children or waiting for signals.
1413
1414 The AnyEvent::Async module, if available, will be used to avoid this
1415 polling (with most event loops).
1416
1147 "PERL_ANYEVENT_RESOLV_CONF" 1417 "PERL_ANYEVENT_RESOLV_CONF"
1148 The file to use instead of /etc/resolv.conf (or OS-specific 1418 The absolute path to a resolv.conf-style file to use instead of
1149 configuration) in the default resolver. When set to the empty 1419 /etc/resolv.conf (or the OS-specific configuration) in the default
1150 string, no default config will be used. 1420 resolver, or the empty string to select the default configuration.
1151 1421
1152 "PERL_ANYEVENT_CA_FILE", "PERL_ANYEVENT_CA_PATH". 1422 "PERL_ANYEVENT_CA_FILE", "PERL_ANYEVENT_CA_PATH".
1153 When neither "ca_file" nor "ca_path" was specified during 1423 When neither "ca_file" nor "ca_path" was specified during
1154 AnyEvent::TLS context creation, and either of these environment 1424 AnyEvent::TLS context creation, and either of these environment
1155 variables exist, they will be used to specify CA certificate 1425 variables are nonempty, they will be used to specify CA certificate
1156 locations instead of a system-dependent default. 1426 locations instead of a system-dependent default.
1157 1427
1158 "PERL_ANYEVENT_AVOID_GUARD" and "PERL_ANYEVENT_AVOID_ASYNC_INTERRUPT" 1428 "PERL_ANYEVENT_AVOID_GUARD" and "PERL_ANYEVENT_AVOID_ASYNC_INTERRUPT"
1159 When these are set to 1, then the respective modules are not loaded. 1429 When these are set to 1, then the respective modules are not loaded.
1160 Mostly good for testing AnyEvent itself. 1430 Mostly good for testing AnyEvent itself.
1220 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read 1490 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read
1221 $cv->send if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i 1491 $cv->send if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i
1222 }, 1492 },
1223 ); 1493 );
1224 1494
1225 my $time_watcher; # can only be used once
1226
1227 sub new_timer {
1228 $timer = AnyEvent->timer (after => 1, cb => sub { 1495 my $time_watcher = AnyEvent->timer (after => 1, interval => 1, cb => sub {
1229 warn "timeout\n"; # print 'timeout' about every second 1496 warn "timeout\n"; # print 'timeout' at most every second
1230 &new_timer; # and restart the time
1231 });
1232 } 1497 });
1233
1234 new_timer; # create first timer
1235 1498
1236 $cv->recv; # wait until user enters /^q/i 1499 $cv->recv; # wait until user enters /^q/i
1237 1500
1238REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE 1501REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE
1239 Consider the Net::FCP module. It features (among others) the following 1502 Consider the Net::FCP module. It features (among others) the following
1311 1574
1312 The actual code goes further and collects all errors ("die"s, 1575 The actual code goes further and collects all errors ("die"s,
1313 exceptions) that occurred during request processing. The "result" method 1576 exceptions) that occurred during request processing. The "result" method
1314 detects whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn 1577 detects whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn
1315 object) and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and 1578 object) and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and
1316 other problems get reported tot he code that tries to use the result, 1579 other problems get reported to the code that tries to use the result,
1317 not in a random callback. 1580 not in a random callback.
1318 1581
1319 All of this enables the following usage styles: 1582 All of this enables the following usage styles:
1320 1583
1321 1. Blocking: 1584 1. Blocking:
1366 through AnyEvent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero 1629 through AnyEvent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero
1367 timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable, 1630 timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable,
1368 which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again. 1631 which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again.
1369 1632
1370 Source code for this benchmark is found as eg/bench in the AnyEvent 1633 Source code for this benchmark is found as eg/bench in the AnyEvent
1371 distribution. 1634 distribution. It uses the AE interface, which makes a real difference
1635 for the EV and Perl backends only.
1372 1636
1373 Explanation of the columns 1637 Explanation of the columns
1374 *watcher* is the number of event watchers created/destroyed. Since 1638 *watcher* is the number of event watchers created/destroyed. Since
1375 different event models feature vastly different performances, each event 1639 different event models feature vastly different performances, each event
1376 loop was given a number of watchers so that overall runtime is 1640 loop was given a number of watchers so that overall runtime is
1395 *destroy* is the time, in microseconds, that it takes to destroy a 1659 *destroy* is the time, in microseconds, that it takes to destroy a
1396 single watcher. 1660 single watcher.
1397 1661
1398 Results 1662 Results
1399 name watchers bytes create invoke destroy comment 1663 name watchers bytes create invoke destroy comment
1400 EV/EV 400000 224 0.47 0.35 0.27 EV native interface 1664 EV/EV 100000 223 0.47 0.43 0.27 EV native interface
1401 EV/Any 100000 224 2.88 0.34 0.27 EV + AnyEvent watchers 1665 EV/Any 100000 223 0.48 0.42 0.26 EV + AnyEvent watchers
1402 CoroEV/Any 100000 224 2.85 0.35 0.28 coroutines + Coro::Signal 1666 Coro::EV/Any 100000 223 0.47 0.42 0.26 coroutines + Coro::Signal
1403 Perl/Any 100000 452 4.13 0.73 0.95 pure perl implementation 1667 Perl/Any 100000 431 2.70 0.74 0.92 pure perl implementation
1404 Event/Event 16000 517 32.20 31.80 0.81 Event native interface 1668 Event/Event 16000 516 31.16 31.84 0.82 Event native interface
1405 Event/Any 16000 590 35.85 31.55 1.06 Event + AnyEvent watchers 1669 Event/Any 16000 1203 42.61 34.79 1.80 Event + AnyEvent watchers
1406 IOAsync/Any 16000 989 38.10 32.77 11.13 via IO::Async::Loop::IO_Poll 1670 IOAsync/Any 16000 1911 41.92 27.45 16.81 via IO::Async::Loop::IO_Poll
1407 IOAsync/Any 16000 990 37.59 29.50 10.61 via IO::Async::Loop::Epoll 1671 IOAsync/Any 16000 1726 40.69 26.37 15.25 via IO::Async::Loop::Epoll
1408 Glib/Any 16000 1357 102.33 12.31 51.00 quadratic behaviour 1672 Glib/Any 16000 1118 89.00 12.57 51.17 quadratic behaviour
1409 Tk/Any 2000 1860 27.20 66.31 14.00 SEGV with >> 2000 watchers 1673 Tk/Any 2000 1346 20.96 10.75 8.00 SEGV with >> 2000 watchers
1410 POE/Event 2000 6328 109.99 751.67 14.02 via POE::Loop::Event 1674 POE/Any 2000 6951 108.97 795.32 14.24 via POE::Loop::Event
1411 POE/Select 2000 6027 94.54 809.13 579.80 via POE::Loop::Select 1675 POE/Any 2000 6648 94.79 774.40 575.51 via POE::Loop::Select
1412 1676
1413 Discussion 1677 Discussion
1414 The benchmark does *not* measure scalability of the event loop very 1678 The benchmark does *not* measure scalability of the event loop very
1415 well. For example, a select-based event loop (such as the pure perl one) 1679 well. For example, a select-based event loop (such as the pure perl one)
1416 can never compete with an event loop that uses epoll when the number of 1680 can never compete with an event loop that uses epoll when the number of
1427 benchmark machine, handling an event takes roughly 1600 CPU cycles with 1691 benchmark machine, handling an event takes roughly 1600 CPU cycles with
1428 EV, 3100 CPU cycles with AnyEvent's pure perl loop and almost 3000000 1692 EV, 3100 CPU cycles with AnyEvent's pure perl loop and almost 3000000
1429 CPU cycles with POE. 1693 CPU cycles with POE.
1430 1694
1431 "EV" is the sole leader regarding speed and memory use, which are both 1695 "EV" is the sole leader regarding speed and memory use, which are both
1432 maximal/minimal, respectively. Even when going through AnyEvent, it uses 1696 maximal/minimal, respectively. When using the AE API there is zero
1697 overhead (when going through the AnyEvent API create is about 5-6 times
1698 slower, with other times being equal, so still uses far less memory than
1433 far less memory than any other event loop and is still faster than Event 1699 any other event loop and is still faster than Event natively).
1434 natively.
1435 1700
1436 The pure perl implementation is hit in a few sweet spots (both the 1701 The pure perl implementation is hit in a few sweet spots (both the
1437 constant timeout and the use of a single fd hit optimisations in the 1702 constant timeout and the use of a single fd hit optimisations in the
1438 perl interpreter and the backend itself). Nevertheless this shows that 1703 perl interpreter and the backend itself). Nevertheless this shows that
1439 it adds very little overhead in itself. Like any select-based backend 1704 it adds very little overhead in itself. Like any select-based backend
1485 when used without AnyEvent), but most event loops have acceptable 1750 when used without AnyEvent), but most event loops have acceptable
1486 performance with or without AnyEvent. 1751 performance with or without AnyEvent.
1487 1752
1488 * The overhead AnyEvent adds is usually much smaller than the overhead 1753 * The overhead AnyEvent adds is usually much smaller than the overhead
1489 of the actual event loop, only with extremely fast event loops such 1754 of the actual event loop, only with extremely fast event loops such
1490 as EV adds AnyEvent significant overhead. 1755 as EV does AnyEvent add significant overhead.
1491 1756
1492 * You should avoid POE like the plague if you want performance or 1757 * You should avoid POE like the plague if you want performance or
1493 reasonable memory usage. 1758 reasonable memory usage.
1494 1759
1495 BENCHMARKING THE LARGE SERVER CASE 1760 BENCHMARKING THE LARGE SERVER CASE
1509 In this benchmark, we use 10000 socket pairs (20000 sockets), of which 1774 In this benchmark, we use 10000 socket pairs (20000 sockets), of which
1510 100 (1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with 1775 100 (1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with
1511 many connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time. 1776 many connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time.
1512 1777
1513 Source code for this benchmark is found as eg/bench2 in the AnyEvent 1778 Source code for this benchmark is found as eg/bench2 in the AnyEvent
1514 distribution. 1779 distribution. It uses the AE interface, which makes a real difference
1780 for the EV and Perl backends only.
1515 1781
1516 Explanation of the columns 1782 Explanation of the columns
1517 *sockets* is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" 1783 *sockets* is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers"
1518 (as each server has a read and write socket end). 1784 (as each server has a read and write socket end).
1519 1785
1525 forwarding it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout 1791 forwarding it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout
1526 and creating a new one that moves the timeout into the future. 1792 and creating a new one that moves the timeout into the future.
1527 1793
1528 Results 1794 Results
1529 name sockets create request 1795 name sockets create request
1530 EV 20000 69.01 11.16 1796 EV 20000 62.66 7.99
1531 Perl 20000 73.32 35.87 1797 Perl 20000 68.32 32.64
1532 IOAsync 20000 157.00 98.14 epoll 1798 IOAsync 20000 174.06 101.15 epoll
1533 IOAsync 20000 159.31 616.06 poll 1799 IOAsync 20000 174.67 610.84 poll
1534 Event 20000 212.62 257.32 1800 Event 20000 202.69 242.91
1535 Glib 20000 651.16 1896.30 1801 Glib 20000 557.01 1689.52
1536 POE 20000 349.67 12317.24 uses POE::Loop::Event 1802 POE 20000 341.54 12086.32 uses POE::Loop::Event
1537 1803
1538 Discussion 1804 Discussion
1539 This benchmark *does* measure scalability and overall performance of the 1805 This benchmark *does* measure scalability and overall performance of the
1540 particular event loop. 1806 particular event loop.
1541 1807
1654 As you can see, the AnyEvent + EV combination even beats the 1920 As you can see, the AnyEvent + EV combination even beats the
1655 hand-optimised "raw sockets benchmark", while AnyEvent + its pure perl 1921 hand-optimised "raw sockets benchmark", while AnyEvent + its pure perl
1656 backend easily beats IO::Lambda and POE. 1922 backend easily beats IO::Lambda and POE.
1657 1923
1658 And even the 100% non-blocking version written using the high-level (and 1924 And even the 100% non-blocking version written using the high-level (and
1659 slow :) AnyEvent::Handle abstraction beats both POE and IO::Lambda by a 1925 slow :) AnyEvent::Handle abstraction beats both POE and IO::Lambda
1660 large margin, even though it does all of DNS, tcp-connect and socket I/O 1926 higher level ("unoptimised") abstractions by a large margin, even though
1661 in a non-blocking way. 1927 it does all of DNS, tcp-connect and socket I/O in a non-blocking way.
1662 1928
1663 The two AnyEvent benchmarks programs can be found as eg/ae0.pl and 1929 The two AnyEvent benchmarks programs can be found as eg/ae0.pl and
1664 eg/ae2.pl in the AnyEvent distribution, the remaining benchmarks are 1930 eg/ae2.pl in the AnyEvent distribution, the remaining benchmarks are
1665 part of the IO::lambda distribution and were used without any changes. 1931 part of the IO::Lambda distribution and were used without any changes.
1666 1932
1667SIGNALS 1933SIGNALS
1668 AnyEvent currently installs handlers for these signals: 1934 AnyEvent currently installs handlers for these signals:
1669 1935
1670 SIGCHLD 1936 SIGCHLD
1692 1958
1693 Feel free to install your own handler, or reset it to defaults. 1959 Feel free to install your own handler, or reset it to defaults.
1694 1960
1695RECOMMENDED/OPTIONAL MODULES 1961RECOMMENDED/OPTIONAL MODULES
1696 One of AnyEvent's main goals is to be 100% Pure-Perl(tm): only perl (and 1962 One of AnyEvent's main goals is to be 100% Pure-Perl(tm): only perl (and
1697 it's built-in modules) are required to use it. 1963 its built-in modules) are required to use it.
1698 1964
1699 That does not mean that AnyEvent won't take advantage of some additional 1965 That does not mean that AnyEvent won't take advantage of some additional
1700 modules if they are installed. 1966 modules if they are installed.
1701 1967
1702 This section epxlains which additional modules will be used, and how 1968 This section explains which additional modules will be used, and how
1703 they affect AnyEvent's operetion. 1969 they affect AnyEvent's operation.
1704 1970
1705 Async::Interrupt 1971 Async::Interrupt
1706 This slightly arcane module is used to implement fast signal 1972 This slightly arcane module is used to implement fast signal
1707 handling: To my knowledge, there is no way to do completely 1973 handling: To my knowledge, there is no way to do completely
1708 race-free and quick signal handling in pure perl. To ensure that 1974 race-free and quick signal handling in pure perl. To ensure that
1711 10 seconds, look for $AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY). 1977 10 seconds, look for $AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY).
1712 1978
1713 If this module is available, then it will be used to implement 1979 If this module is available, then it will be used to implement
1714 signal catching, which means that signals will not be delayed, and 1980 signal catching, which means that signals will not be delayed, and
1715 the event loop will not be interrupted regularly, which is more 1981 the event loop will not be interrupted regularly, which is more
1716 efficient (And good for battery life on laptops). 1982 efficient (and good for battery life on laptops).
1717 1983
1718 This affects not just the pure-perl event loop, but also other event 1984 This affects not just the pure-perl event loop, but also other event
1719 loops that have no signal handling on their own (e.g. Glib, Tk, Qt). 1985 loops that have no signal handling on their own (e.g. Glib, Tk, Qt).
1720 1986
1721 Some event loops (POE, Event, Event::Lib) offer signal watchers 1987 Some event loops (POE, Event, Event::Lib) offer signal watchers
1731 clock is available, can take avdantage of advanced kernel interfaces 1997 clock is available, can take avdantage of advanced kernel interfaces
1732 such as "epoll" and "kqueue", and is the fastest backend *by far*. 1998 such as "epoll" and "kqueue", and is the fastest backend *by far*.
1733 You can even embed Glib/Gtk2 in it (or vice versa, see EV::Glib and 1999 You can even embed Glib/Gtk2 in it (or vice versa, see EV::Glib and
1734 Glib::EV). 2000 Glib::EV).
1735 2001
2002 If you only use backends that rely on another event loop (e.g.
2003 "Tk"), then this module will do nothing for you.
2004
1736 Guard 2005 Guard
1737 The guard module, when used, will be used to implement 2006 The guard module, when used, will be used to implement
1738 "AnyEvent::Util::guard". This speeds up guards considerably (and 2007 "AnyEvent::Util::guard". This speeds up guards considerably (and
1739 uses a lot less memory), but otherwise doesn't affect guard 2008 uses a lot less memory), but otherwise doesn't affect guard
1740 operation much. It is purely used for performance. 2009 operation much. It is purely used for performance.
1741 2010
1742 JSON and JSON::XS 2011 JSON and JSON::XS
1743 This module is required when you want to read or write JSON data via 2012 One of these modules is required when you want to read or write JSON
1744 AnyEvent::Handle. It is also written in pure-perl, but can take 2013 data via AnyEvent::Handle. JSON is also written in pure-perl, but
1745 advantage of the ultra-high-speed JSON::XS module when it is 2014 can take advantage of the ultra-high-speed JSON::XS module when it
1746 installed. 2015 is installed.
1747
1748 In fact, AnyEvent::Handle will use JSON::XS by default if it is
1749 installed.
1750 2016
1751 Net::SSLeay 2017 Net::SSLeay
1752 Implementing TLS/SSL in Perl is certainly interesting, but not very 2018 Implementing TLS/SSL in Perl is certainly interesting, but not very
1753 worthwhile: If this module is installed, then AnyEvent::Handle (with 2019 worthwhile: If this module is installed, then AnyEvent::Handle (with
1754 the help of AnyEvent::TLS), gains the ability to do TLS/SSL. 2020 the help of AnyEvent::TLS), gains the ability to do TLS/SSL.
1755 2021
1756 Time::HiRes 2022 Time::HiRes
1757 This module is part of perl since release 5.008. It will be used 2023 This module is part of perl since release 5.008. It will be used
1758 when the chosen event library does not come with a timing source on 2024 when the chosen event library does not come with a timing source of
1759 it's own. The pure-perl event loop (AnyEvent::Impl::Perl) will 2025 its own. The pure-perl event loop (AnyEvent::Loop) will additionally
1760 additionally use it to try to use a monotonic clock for timing 2026 load it to try to use a monotonic clock for timing stability.
1761 stability. 2027
2028 AnyEvent::AIO (and IO::AIO)
2029 The default implementation of AnyEvent::IO is to do I/O
2030 synchronously, stopping programs while they access the disk, which
2031 is fine for a lot of programs.
2032
2033 Installing AnyEvent::AIO (and its IO::AIO dependency) makes it
2034 switch to a true asynchronous implementation, so event processing
2035 can continue even while waiting for disk I/O.
1762 2036
1763FORK 2037FORK
1764 Most event libraries are not fork-safe. The ones who are usually are 2038 Most event libraries are not fork-safe. The ones who are usually are
1765 because they rely on inefficient but fork-safe "select" or "poll" calls. 2039 because they rely on inefficient but fork-safe "select" or "poll" calls
1766 Only EV is fully fork-aware. 2040 - higher performance APIs such as BSD's kqueue or the dreaded Linux
2041 epoll are usually badly thought-out hacks that are incompatible with
2042 fork in one way or another. Only EV is fully fork-aware and ensures that
2043 you continue event-processing in both parent and child (or both, if you
2044 know what you are doing).
2045
2046 This means that, in general, you cannot fork and do event processing in
2047 the child if the event library was initialised before the fork (which
2048 usually happens when the first AnyEvent watcher is created, or the
2049 library is loaded).
1767 2050
1768 If you have to fork, you must either do so *before* creating your first 2051 If you have to fork, you must either do so *before* creating your first
1769 watcher OR you must not use AnyEvent at all in the child OR you must do 2052 watcher OR you must not use AnyEvent at all in the child OR you must do
1770 something completely out of the scope of AnyEvent. 2053 something completely out of the scope of AnyEvent (see below).
2054
2055 The problem of doing event processing in the parent *and* the child is
2056 much more complicated: even for backends that *are* fork-aware or
2057 fork-safe, their behaviour is not usually what you want: fork clones all
2058 watchers, that means all timers, I/O watchers etc. are active in both
2059 parent and child, which is almost never what you want. Using "exec" to
2060 start worker children from some kind of manage prrocess is usually
2061 preferred, because it is much easier and cleaner, at the expense of
2062 having to have another binary.
2063
2064 In addition to logical problems with fork, there are also implementation
2065 problems. For example, on POSIX systems, you cannot fork at all in Perl
2066 code if a thread (I am talking of pthreads here) was ever created in the
2067 process, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. In general, using fork
2068 from Perl is difficult, and attempting to use fork without an exec to
2069 implement some kind of parallel processing is almost certainly doomed.
2070
2071 To safely fork and exec, you should use a module such as Proc::FastSpawn
2072 that let's you safely fork and exec new processes.
2073
2074 If you want to do multiprocessing using processes, you can look at the
2075 AnyEvent::Fork module (and some related modules such as
2076 AnyEvent::Fork::RPC, AnyEvent::Fork::Pool and AnyEvent::Fork::Remote).
2077 This module allows you to safely create subprocesses without any
2078 limitations - you can use X11 toolkits or AnyEvent in the children
2079 created by AnyEvent::Fork safely and without any special precautions.
1771 2080
1772SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS 2081SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS
1773 AnyEvent can be forced to load any event model via 2082 AnyEvent can be forced to load any event model via
1774 $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL}. While this cannot (to my knowledge) be used 2083 $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL}. While this cannot (to my knowledge) be used
1775 to execute arbitrary code or directly gain access, it can easily be used 2084 to execute arbitrary code or directly gain access, it can easily be used
1799 5.10 and check wether the leaks still show up. (Perl 5.10.0 has other 2108 5.10 and check wether the leaks still show up. (Perl 5.10.0 has other
1800 annoying memleaks, such as leaking on "map" and "grep" but it is usually 2109 annoying memleaks, such as leaking on "map" and "grep" but it is usually
1801 not as pronounced). 2110 not as pronounced).
1802 2111
1803SEE ALSO 2112SEE ALSO
1804 Utility functions: AnyEvent::Util. 2113 Tutorial/Introduction: AnyEvent::Intro.
1805 2114
1806 Event modules: EV, EV::Glib, Glib::EV, Event, Glib::Event, Glib, Tk, 2115 FAQ: AnyEvent::FAQ.
1807 Event::Lib, Qt, POE. 2116
2117 Utility functions: AnyEvent::Util (misc. grab-bag), AnyEvent::Log
2118 (simply logging).
2119
2120 Development/Debugging: AnyEvent::Strict (stricter checking),
2121 AnyEvent::Debug (interactive shell, watcher tracing).
2122
2123 Supported event modules: AnyEvent::Loop, EV, EV::Glib, Glib::EV, Event,
2124 Glib::Event, Glib, Tk, Event::Lib, Qt, POE, FLTK.
1808 2125
1809 Implementations: AnyEvent::Impl::EV, AnyEvent::Impl::Event, 2126 Implementations: AnyEvent::Impl::EV, AnyEvent::Impl::Event,
1810 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib, AnyEvent::Impl::Tk, AnyEvent::Impl::Perl, 2127 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib, AnyEvent::Impl::Tk, AnyEvent::Impl::Perl,
1811 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib, AnyEvent::Impl::Qt, AnyEvent::Impl::POE, 2128 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib, AnyEvent::Impl::Qt, AnyEvent::Impl::POE,
1812 AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync, Anyevent::Impl::Irssi. 2129 AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync, Anyevent::Impl::Irssi, AnyEvent::Impl::FLTK.
1813 2130
1814 Non-blocking file handles, sockets, TCP clients and servers: 2131 Non-blocking handles, pipes, stream sockets, TCP clients and servers:
1815 AnyEvent::Handle, AnyEvent::Socket, AnyEvent::TLS. 2132 AnyEvent::Handle, AnyEvent::Socket, AnyEvent::TLS.
1816 2133
2134 Asynchronous File I/O: AnyEvent::IO.
2135
1817 Asynchronous DNS: AnyEvent::DNS. 2136 Asynchronous DNS: AnyEvent::DNS.
1818 2137
1819 Coroutine support: Coro, Coro::AnyEvent, Coro::EV, Coro::Event, 2138 Thread support: Coro, Coro::AnyEvent, Coro::EV, Coro::Event.
1820 2139
1821 Nontrivial usage examples: AnyEvent::GPSD, AnyEvent::XMPP, 2140 Nontrivial usage examples: AnyEvent::GPSD, AnyEvent::IRC,
1822 AnyEvent::HTTP. 2141 AnyEvent::HTTP.
1823 2142
1824AUTHOR 2143AUTHOR
1825 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 2144 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
1826 http://home.schmorp.de/ 2145 http://anyevent.schmorp.de
1827 2146

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