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Revision 1.138 by root, Mon May 26 05:09:53 2008 UTC

1=head1 NAME 1=head1 => NAME
2 2
3AnyEvent - provide framework for multiple event loops 3AnyEvent - provide framework for multiple event loops
4 4
5EV, Event, Coro::EV, Coro::Event, Glib, Tk, Perl, Event::Lib, Qt, POE - various supported event loops 5EV, Event, Glib, Tk, Perl, Event::Lib, Qt, POE - various supported event loops
6 6
7=head1 SYNOPSIS 7=head1 SYNOPSIS
8 8
9 use AnyEvent; 9 use AnyEvent;
10 10
15 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, cb => sub { 15 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, cb => sub {
16 ... 16 ...
17 }); 17 });
18 18
19 my $w = AnyEvent->condvar; # stores whether a condition was flagged 19 my $w = AnyEvent->condvar; # stores whether a condition was flagged
20 $w->send; # wake up current and all future recv's
20 $w->wait; # enters "main loop" till $condvar gets ->broadcast 21 $w->recv; # enters "main loop" till $condvar gets ->send
21 $w->broadcast; # wake up current and all future wait's
22 22
23=head1 WHY YOU SHOULD USE THIS MODULE (OR NOT) 23=head1 WHY YOU SHOULD USE THIS MODULE (OR NOT)
24 24
25Glib, POE, IO::Async, Event... CPAN offers event models by the dozen 25Glib, POE, IO::Async, Event... CPAN offers event models by the dozen
26nowadays. So what is different about AnyEvent? 26nowadays. So what is different about AnyEvent?
57as those use one of the supported event loops. It is trivial to add new 57as those use one of the supported event loops. It is trivial to add new
58event loops to AnyEvent, too, so it is future-proof). 58event loops to AnyEvent, too, so it is future-proof).
59 59
60In addition to being free of having to use I<the one and only true event 60In addition to being free of having to use I<the one and only true event
61model>, AnyEvent also is free of bloat and policy: with POE or similar 61model>, AnyEvent also is free of bloat and policy: with POE or similar
62modules, you get an enourmous amount of code and strict rules you have to 62modules, you get an enormous amount of code and strict rules you have to
63follow. AnyEvent, on the other hand, is lean and up to the point, by only 63follow. AnyEvent, on the other hand, is lean and up to the point, by only
64offering the functionality that is necessary, in as thin as a wrapper as 64offering the functionality that is necessary, in as thin as a wrapper as
65technically possible. 65technically possible.
66 66
67Of course, if you want lots of policy (this can arguably be somewhat 67Of course, if you want lots of policy (this can arguably be somewhat
78The interface itself is vaguely similar, but not identical to the L<Event> 78The interface itself is vaguely similar, but not identical to the L<Event>
79module. 79module.
80 80
81During the first call of any watcher-creation method, the module tries 81During the first call of any watcher-creation method, the module tries
82to detect the currently loaded event loop by probing whether one of the 82to detect the currently loaded event loop by probing whether one of the
83following modules is already loaded: L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>, L<EV>, 83following modules is already loaded: L<EV>,
84L<Event>, L<Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, 84L<Event>, L<Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>,
85L<POE>. The first one found is used. If none are found, the module tries 85L<POE>. The first one found is used. If none are found, the module tries
86to load these modules (excluding Tk, Event::Lib, Qt and POE as the pure perl 86to load these modules (excluding Tk, Event::Lib, Qt and POE as the pure perl
87adaptor should always succeed) in the order given. The first one that can 87adaptor should always succeed) in the order given. The first one that can
88be successfully loaded will be used. If, after this, still none could be 88be successfully loaded will be used. If, after this, still none could be
108 108
109=head1 WATCHERS 109=head1 WATCHERS
110 110
111AnyEvent has the central concept of a I<watcher>, which is an object that 111AnyEvent has the central concept of a I<watcher>, which is an object that
112stores relevant data for each kind of event you are waiting for, such as 112stores relevant data for each kind of event you are waiting for, such as
113the callback to call, the filehandle to watch, etc. 113the callback to call, the file handle to watch, etc.
114 114
115These watchers are normal Perl objects with normal Perl lifetime. After 115These watchers are normal Perl objects with normal Perl lifetime. After
116creating a watcher it will immediately "watch" for events and invoke the 116creating a watcher it will immediately "watch" for events and invoke the
117callback when the event occurs (of course, only when the event model 117callback when the event occurs (of course, only when the event model
118is in control). 118is in control).
237 237
238Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 238Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
239presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent 239presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent
240callbacks cannot use arguments passed to signal watcher callbacks. 240callbacks cannot use arguments passed to signal watcher callbacks.
241 241
242Multiple signal occurances can be clumped together into one callback 242Multiple signal occurrences can be clumped together into one callback
243invocation, and callback invocation will be synchronous. synchronous means 243invocation, and callback invocation will be synchronous. Synchronous means
244that it might take a while until the signal gets handled by the process, 244that it might take a while until the signal gets handled by the process,
245but it is guarenteed not to interrupt any other callbacks. 245but it is guaranteed not to interrupt any other callbacks.
246 246
247The main advantage of using these watchers is that you can share a signal 247The main advantage of using these watchers is that you can share a signal
248between multiple watchers. 248between multiple watchers.
249 249
250This watcher might use C<%SIG>, so programs overwriting those signals 250This watcher might use C<%SIG>, so programs overwriting those signals
279 279
280Example: fork a process and wait for it 280Example: fork a process and wait for it
281 281
282 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar; 282 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
283 283
284 AnyEvent::detect; # force event module to be initialised
285
286 my $pid = fork or exit 5; 284 my $pid = fork or exit 5;
287 285
288 my $w = AnyEvent->child ( 286 my $w = AnyEvent->child (
289 pid => $pid, 287 pid => $pid,
290 cb => sub { 288 cb => sub {
291 my ($pid, $status) = @_; 289 my ($pid, $status) = @_;
292 warn "pid $pid exited with status $status"; 290 warn "pid $pid exited with status $status";
293 $done->broadcast; 291 $done->send;
294 }, 292 },
295 ); 293 );
296 294
297 # do something else, then wait for process exit 295 # do something else, then wait for process exit
298 $done->wait; 296 $done->recv;
299 297
300=head2 CONDITION VARIABLES 298=head2 CONDITION VARIABLES
301 299
302If you are familiar with some event loops you will know that all of them 300If you are familiar with some event loops you will know that all of them
303require you to run some blocking "loop", "run" or similar function that 301require you to run some blocking "loop", "run" or similar function that
312Condition variables can be created by calling the C<< AnyEvent->condvar 310Condition variables can be created by calling the C<< AnyEvent->condvar
313>> method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is 311>> method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is
314C<cb>, which specifies a callback to be called when the condition variable 312C<cb>, which specifies a callback to be called when the condition variable
315becomes true. 313becomes true.
316 314
317After creation, the conditon variable is "false" until it becomes "true" 315After creation, the condition variable is "false" until it becomes "true"
318by calling the C<broadcast> method. 316by calling the C<send> method (or calling the condition variable as if it
317were a callback, read about the caveats in the description for the C<<
318->send >> method).
319 319
320Condition variables are similar to callbacks, except that you can 320Condition variables are similar to callbacks, except that you can
321optionally wait for them. They can also be called merge points - points 321optionally wait for them. They can also be called merge points - points
322in time where multiple outstandign events have been processed. And yet 322in time where multiple outstanding events have been processed. And yet
323another way to call them is transations - each condition variable can be 323another way to call them is transactions - each condition variable can be
324used to represent a transaction, which finishes at some point and delivers 324used to represent a transaction, which finishes at some point and delivers
325a result. 325a result.
326 326
327Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has finished, 327Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has finished,
328for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http requests, 328for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http requests,
329then a condition variable would be the ideal candidate to signal the 329then a condition variable would be the ideal candidate to signal the
330availability of results. The user can either act when the callback is 330availability of results. The user can either act when the callback is
331called or can synchronously C<< ->wait >> for the results. 331called or can synchronously C<< ->recv >> for the results.
332 332
333You can also use them to simulate traditional event loops - for example, 333You can also use them to simulate traditional event loops - for example,
334you can block your main program until an event occurs - for example, you 334you can block your main program until an event occurs - for example, you
335could C<< ->wait >> in your main program until the user clicks the Quit 335could C<< ->recv >> in your main program until the user clicks the Quit
336button of your app, which would C<< ->broadcast >> the "quit" event. 336button of your app, which would C<< ->send >> the "quit" event.
337 337
338Note that condition variables recurse into the event loop - if you have 338Note that condition variables recurse into the event loop - if you have
339two pieces of code that call C<< ->wait >> in a round-robbin fashion, you 339two pieces of code that call C<< ->recv >> in a round-robin fashion, you
340lose. Therefore, condition variables are good to export to your caller, but 340lose. Therefore, condition variables are good to export to your caller, but
341you should avoid making a blocking wait yourself, at least in callbacks, 341you should avoid making a blocking wait yourself, at least in callbacks,
342as this asks for trouble. 342as this asks for trouble.
343 343
344Condition variables are represented by hash refs in perl, and the keys 344Condition variables are represented by hash refs in perl, and the keys
346easy (it is often useful to build your own transaction class on top of 346easy (it is often useful to build your own transaction class on top of
347AnyEvent). To subclass, use C<AnyEvent::CondVar> as base class and call 347AnyEvent). To subclass, use C<AnyEvent::CondVar> as base class and call
348it's C<new> method in your own C<new> method. 348it's C<new> method in your own C<new> method.
349 349
350There are two "sides" to a condition variable - the "producer side" which 350There are two "sides" to a condition variable - the "producer side" which
351eventually calls C<< -> broadcast >>, and the "consumer side", which waits 351eventually calls C<< -> send >>, and the "consumer side", which waits
352for the broadcast to occur. 352for the send to occur.
353 353
354Example: 354Example: wait for a timer.
355 355
356 # wait till the result is ready 356 # wait till the result is ready
357 my $result_ready = AnyEvent->condvar; 357 my $result_ready = AnyEvent->condvar;
358 358
359 # do something such as adding a timer 359 # do something such as adding a timer
360 # or socket watcher the calls $result_ready->broadcast 360 # or socket watcher the calls $result_ready->send
361 # when the "result" is ready. 361 # when the "result" is ready.
362 # in this case, we simply use a timer: 362 # in this case, we simply use a timer:
363 my $w = AnyEvent->timer ( 363 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (
364 after => 1, 364 after => 1,
365 cb => sub { $result_ready->broadcast }, 365 cb => sub { $result_ready->send },
366 ); 366 );
367 367
368 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback 368 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback
369 # calls broadcast 369 # calls send
370 $result_ready->wait; 370 $result_ready->recv;
371
372Example: wait for a timer, but take advantage of the fact that
373condition variables are also code references.
374
375 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
376 my $delay = AnyEvent->timer (after => 5, cb => $done);
377 $done->recv;
371 378
372=head3 METHODS FOR PRODUCERS 379=head3 METHODS FOR PRODUCERS
373 380
374These methods should only be used by the producing side, i.e. the 381These methods should only be used by the producing side, i.e. the
375code/module that eventually broadcasts the signal. Note that it is also 382code/module that eventually sends the signal. Note that it is also
376the producer side which creates the condvar in most cases, but it isn't 383the producer side which creates the condvar in most cases, but it isn't
377uncommon for the consumer to create it as well. 384uncommon for the consumer to create it as well.
378 385
379=over 4 386=over 4
380 387
381=item $cv->broadcast (...) 388=item $cv->send (...)
382 389
383Flag the condition as ready - a running C<< ->wait >> and all further 390Flag the condition as ready - a running C<< ->recv >> and all further
384calls to C<wait> will (eventually) return after this method has been 391calls to C<recv> will (eventually) return after this method has been
385called. If nobody is waiting the broadcast will be remembered. 392called. If nobody is waiting the send will be remembered.
386 393
387If a callback has been set on the condition variable, it is called 394If a callback has been set on the condition variable, it is called
388immediately from within broadcast. 395immediately from within send.
389 396
390Any arguments passed to the C<broadcast> call will be returned by all 397Any arguments passed to the C<send> call will be returned by all
391future C<< ->wait >> calls. 398future C<< ->recv >> calls.
399
400Condition variables are overloaded so one can call them directly
401(as a code reference). Calling them directly is the same as calling
402C<send>. Note, however, that many C-based event loops do not handle
403overloading, so as tempting as it may be, passing a condition variable
404instead of a callback does not work. Both the pure perl and EV loops
405support overloading, however, as well as all functions that use perl to
406invoke a callback (as in L<AnyEvent::Socket> and L<AnyEvent::DNS> for
407example).
392 408
393=item $cv->croak ($error) 409=item $cv->croak ($error)
394 410
395Similar to broadcast, but causes all call's wait C<< ->wait >> to invoke 411Similar to send, but causes all call's to C<< ->recv >> to invoke
396C<Carp::croak> with the given error message/object/scalar. 412C<Carp::croak> with the given error message/object/scalar.
397 413
398This can be used to signal any errors to the condition variable 414This can be used to signal any errors to the condition variable
399user/consumer. 415user/consumer.
400 416
401=item $cv->begin ([group callback]) 417=item $cv->begin ([group callback])
402 418
403=item $cv->end 419=item $cv->end
420
421These two methods are EXPERIMENTAL and MIGHT CHANGE.
404 422
405These two methods can be used to combine many transactions/events into 423These two methods can be used to combine many transactions/events into
406one. For example, a function that pings many hosts in parallel might want 424one. For example, a function that pings many hosts in parallel might want
407to use a condition variable for the whole process. 425to use a condition variable for the whole process.
408 426
409Every call to C<< ->begin >> will increment a counter, and every call to 427Every call to C<< ->begin >> will increment a counter, and every call to
410C<< ->end >> will decrement it. If the counter reaches C<0> in C<< ->end 428C<< ->end >> will decrement it. If the counter reaches C<0> in C<< ->end
411>>, the (last) callback passed to C<begin> will be executed. That callback 429>>, the (last) callback passed to C<begin> will be executed. That callback
412is I<supposed> to call C<< ->broadcast >>, but that is not required. If no 430is I<supposed> to call C<< ->send >>, but that is not required. If no
413callback was set, C<broadcast> will be called without any arguments. 431callback was set, C<send> will be called without any arguments.
414 432
415Let's clarify this with the ping example: 433Let's clarify this with the ping example:
416 434
417 my $cv = AnyEvent->condvar; 435 my $cv = AnyEvent->condvar;
418 436
419 my %result; 437 my %result;
420 $cv->begin (sub { $cv->broadcast (\%result) }); 438 $cv->begin (sub { $cv->send (\%result) });
421 439
422 for my $host (@list_of_hosts) { 440 for my $host (@list_of_hosts) {
423 $cv->begin; 441 $cv->begin;
424 ping_host_then_call_callback $host, sub { 442 ping_host_then_call_callback $host, sub {
425 $result{$host} = ...; 443 $result{$host} = ...;
428 } 446 }
429 447
430 $cv->end; 448 $cv->end;
431 449
432This code fragment supposedly pings a number of hosts and calls 450This code fragment supposedly pings a number of hosts and calls
433C<broadcast> after results for all then have have been gathered - in any 451C<send> after results for all then have have been gathered - in any
434order. To achieve this, the code issues a call to C<begin> when it starts 452order. To achieve this, the code issues a call to C<begin> when it starts
435each ping request and calls C<end> when it has received some result for 453each ping request and calls C<end> when it has received some result for
436it. Since C<begin> and C<end> only maintain a counter, the order in which 454it. Since C<begin> and C<end> only maintain a counter, the order in which
437results arrive is not relevant. 455results arrive is not relevant.
438 456
439There is an additional bracketing call to C<begin> and C<end> outside the 457There is an additional bracketing call to C<begin> and C<end> outside the
440loop, which serves two important purposes: first, it sets the callback 458loop, which serves two important purposes: first, it sets the callback
441to be called once the counter reaches C<0>, and second, it ensures that 459to be called once the counter reaches C<0>, and second, it ensures that
442broadcast is called even when C<no> hosts are being pinged (the loop 460C<send> is called even when C<no> hosts are being pinged (the loop
443doesn't execute once). 461doesn't execute once).
444 462
445This is the general pattern when you "fan out" into multiple subrequests: 463This is the general pattern when you "fan out" into multiple subrequests:
446use an outer C<begin>/C<end> pair to set the callback and ensure C<end> 464use an outer C<begin>/C<end> pair to set the callback and ensure C<end>
447is called at least once, and then, for each subrequest you start, call 465is called at least once, and then, for each subrequest you start, call
448C<begin> and for eahc subrequest you finish, call C<end>. 466C<begin> and for each subrequest you finish, call C<end>.
449 467
450=back 468=back
451 469
452=head3 METHODS FOR CONSUMERS 470=head3 METHODS FOR CONSUMERS
453 471
454These methods should only be used by the consuming side, i.e. the 472These methods should only be used by the consuming side, i.e. the
455code awaits the condition. 473code awaits the condition.
456 474
457=item $cv->wait 475=over 4
458 476
477=item $cv->recv
478
459Wait (blocking if necessary) until the C<< ->broadcast >> or C<< ->croak 479Wait (blocking if necessary) until the C<< ->send >> or C<< ->croak
460>> methods have been called on c<$cv>, while servicing other watchers 480>> methods have been called on c<$cv>, while servicing other watchers
461normally. 481normally.
462 482
463You can only wait once on a condition - additional calls are valid but 483You can only wait once on a condition - additional calls are valid but
464will return immediately. 484will return immediately.
465 485
466If an error condition has been set by calling C<< ->croak >>, then this 486If an error condition has been set by calling C<< ->croak >>, then this
467function will call C<croak>. 487function will call C<croak>.
468 488
469In list context, all parameters passed to C<broadcast> will be returned, 489In list context, all parameters passed to C<send> will be returned,
470in scalar context only the first one will be returned. 490in scalar context only the first one will be returned.
471 491
472Not all event models support a blocking wait - some die in that case 492Not all event models support a blocking wait - some die in that case
473(programs might want to do that to stay interactive), so I<if you are 493(programs might want to do that to stay interactive), so I<if you are
474using this from a module, never require a blocking wait>, but let the 494using this from a module, never require a blocking wait>, but let the
475caller decide whether the call will block or not (for example, by coupling 495caller decide whether the call will block or not (for example, by coupling
476condition variables with some kind of request results and supporting 496condition variables with some kind of request results and supporting
477callbacks so the caller knows that getting the result will not block, 497callbacks so the caller knows that getting the result will not block,
478while still suppporting blocking waits if the caller so desires). 498while still supporting blocking waits if the caller so desires).
479 499
480Another reason I<never> to C<< ->wait >> in a module is that you cannot 500Another reason I<never> to C<< ->recv >> in a module is that you cannot
481sensibly have two C<< ->wait >>'s in parallel, as that would require 501sensibly have two C<< ->recv >>'s in parallel, as that would require
482multiple interpreters or coroutines/threads, none of which C<AnyEvent> 502multiple interpreters or coroutines/threads, none of which C<AnyEvent>
483can supply (the coroutine-aware backends L<AnyEvent::Impl::CoroEV> and 503can supply.
484L<AnyEvent::Impl::CoroEvent> explicitly support concurrent C<< ->wait >>'s
485from different coroutines, however).
486 504
505The L<Coro> module, however, I<can> and I<does> supply coroutines and, in
506fact, L<Coro::AnyEvent> replaces AnyEvent's condvars by coroutine-safe
507versions and also integrates coroutines into AnyEvent, making blocking
508C<< ->recv >> calls perfectly safe as long as they are done from another
509coroutine (one that doesn't run the event loop).
510
487You can ensure that C<< -wait >> never blocks by setting a callback and 511You can ensure that C<< -recv >> never blocks by setting a callback and
488only calling C<< ->wait >> from within that callback (or at a later 512only calling C<< ->recv >> from within that callback (or at a later
489time). This will work even when the event loop does not support blocking 513time). This will work even when the event loop does not support blocking
490waits otherwise. 514waits otherwise.
515
516=item $bool = $cv->ready
517
518Returns true when the condition is "true", i.e. whether C<send> or
519C<croak> have been called.
520
521=item $cb = $cv->cb ([new callback])
522
523This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and optionally
524replaces it before doing so.
525
526The callback will be called when the condition becomes "true", i.e. when
527C<send> or C<croak> are called. Calling C<recv> inside the callback
528or at any later time is guaranteed not to block.
491 529
492=back 530=back
493 531
494=head1 GLOBAL VARIABLES AND FUNCTIONS 532=head1 GLOBAL VARIABLES AND FUNCTIONS
495 533
503C<AnyEvent::Impl:xxx> modules, but can be any other class in the case 541C<AnyEvent::Impl:xxx> modules, but can be any other class in the case
504AnyEvent has been extended at runtime (e.g. in I<rxvt-unicode>). 542AnyEvent has been extended at runtime (e.g. in I<rxvt-unicode>).
505 543
506The known classes so far are: 544The known classes so far are:
507 545
508 AnyEvent::Impl::CoroEV based on Coro::EV, best choice.
509 AnyEvent::Impl::CoroEvent based on Coro::Event, second best choice.
510 AnyEvent::Impl::EV based on EV (an interface to libev, best choice). 546 AnyEvent::Impl::EV based on EV (an interface to libev, best choice).
511 AnyEvent::Impl::Event based on Event, second best choice. 547 AnyEvent::Impl::Event based on Event, second best choice.
512 AnyEvent::Impl::Perl pure-perl implementation, fast and portable. 548 AnyEvent::Impl::Perl pure-perl implementation, fast and portable.
513 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib based on Glib, third-best choice. 549 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib based on Glib, third-best choice.
514 AnyEvent::Impl::Tk based on Tk, very bad choice. 550 AnyEvent::Impl::Tk based on Tk, very bad choice.
531Returns C<$AnyEvent::MODEL>, forcing autodetection of the event model 567Returns C<$AnyEvent::MODEL>, forcing autodetection of the event model
532if necessary. You should only call this function right before you would 568if necessary. You should only call this function right before you would
533have created an AnyEvent watcher anyway, that is, as late as possible at 569have created an AnyEvent watcher anyway, that is, as late as possible at
534runtime. 570runtime.
535 571
572=item $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }
573
574Arranges for the code block to be executed as soon as the event model is
575autodetected (or immediately if this has already happened).
576
577If called in scalar or list context, then it creates and returns an object
578that automatically removes the callback again when it is destroyed. See
579L<Coro::BDB> for a case where this is useful.
580
581=item @AnyEvent::post_detect
582
583If there are any code references in this array (you can C<push> to it
584before or after loading AnyEvent), then they will called directly after
585the event loop has been chosen.
586
587You should check C<$AnyEvent::MODEL> before adding to this array, though:
588if it contains a true value then the event loop has already been detected,
589and the array will be ignored.
590
591Best use C<AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }> instead.
592
536=back 593=back
537 594
538=head1 WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE 595=head1 WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE
539 596
540As a module author, you should C<use AnyEvent> and call AnyEvent methods 597As a module author, you should C<use AnyEvent> and call AnyEvent methods
543Be careful when you create watchers in the module body - AnyEvent will 600Be careful when you create watchers in the module body - AnyEvent will
544decide which event module to use as soon as the first method is called, so 601decide which event module to use as soon as the first method is called, so
545by calling AnyEvent in your module body you force the user of your module 602by calling AnyEvent in your module body you force the user of your module
546to load the event module first. 603to load the event module first.
547 604
548Never call C<< ->wait >> on a condition variable unless you I<know> that 605Never call C<< ->recv >> on a condition variable unless you I<know> that
549the C<< ->broadcast >> method has been called on it already. This is 606the C<< ->send >> method has been called on it already. This is
550because it will stall the whole program, and the whole point of using 607because it will stall the whole program, and the whole point of using
551events is to stay interactive. 608events is to stay interactive.
552 609
553It is fine, however, to call C<< ->wait >> when the user of your module 610It is fine, however, to call C<< ->recv >> when the user of your module
554requests it (i.e. if you create a http request object ad have a method 611requests it (i.e. if you create a http request object ad have a method
555called C<results> that returns the results, it should call C<< ->wait >> 612called C<results> that returns the results, it should call C<< ->recv >>
556freely, as the user of your module knows what she is doing. always). 613freely, as the user of your module knows what she is doing. always).
557 614
558=head1 WHAT TO DO IN THE MAIN PROGRAM 615=head1 WHAT TO DO IN THE MAIN PROGRAM
559 616
560There will always be a single main program - the only place that should 617There will always be a single main program - the only place that should
562 619
563If it doesn't care, it can just "use AnyEvent" and use it itself, or not 620If it doesn't care, it can just "use AnyEvent" and use it itself, or not
564do anything special (it does not need to be event-based) and let AnyEvent 621do anything special (it does not need to be event-based) and let AnyEvent
565decide which implementation to chose if some module relies on it. 622decide which implementation to chose if some module relies on it.
566 623
567If the main program relies on a specific event model. For example, in 624If the main program relies on a specific event model - for example, in
568Gtk2 programs you have to rely on the Glib module. You should load the 625Gtk2 programs you have to rely on the Glib module - you should load the
569event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it: generally 626event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it: generally
570speaking, you should load it as early as possible. The reason is that 627speaking, you should load it as early as possible. The reason is that
571modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent will 628modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent will
572decide on the event model to use as soon as it creates watchers, and it 629decide on the event model to use as soon as it creates watchers, and it
573might chose the wrong one unless you load the correct one yourself. 630might chose the wrong one unless you load the correct one yourself.
574 631
575You can chose to use a rather inefficient pure-perl implementation by 632You can chose to use a pure-perl implementation by loading the
576loading the C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl> module, which gives you similar 633C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl> module, which gives you similar behaviour
577behaviour everywhere, but letting AnyEvent chose is generally better. 634everywhere, but letting AnyEvent chose the model is generally better.
635
636=head2 MAINLOOP EMULATION
637
638Sometimes (often for short test scripts, or even standalone programs who
639only want to use AnyEvent), you do not want to run a specific event loop.
640
641In that case, you can use a condition variable like this:
642
643 AnyEvent->condvar->recv;
644
645This has the effect of entering the event loop and looping forever.
646
647Note that usually your program has some exit condition, in which case
648it is better to use the "traditional" approach of storing a condition
649variable somewhere, waiting for it, and sending it when the program should
650exit cleanly.
651
578 652
579=head1 OTHER MODULES 653=head1 OTHER MODULES
580 654
581The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use 655The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use
582AnyEvent and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent modules 656AnyEvent and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent modules
594 668
595Provide read and write buffers and manages watchers for reads and writes. 669Provide read and write buffers and manages watchers for reads and writes.
596 670
597=item L<AnyEvent::Socket> 671=item L<AnyEvent::Socket>
598 672
599Provides a means to do non-blocking connects, accepts etc. 673Provides various utility functions for (internet protocol) sockets,
674addresses and name resolution. Also functions to create non-blocking tcp
675connections or tcp servers, with IPv6 and SRV record support and more.
676
677=item L<AnyEvent::DNS>
678
679Provides rich asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities.
600 680
601=item L<AnyEvent::HTTPD> 681=item L<AnyEvent::HTTPD>
602 682
603Provides a simple web application server framework. 683Provides a simple web application server framework.
604
605=item L<AnyEvent::DNS>
606
607Provides asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities, beyond what
608L<AnyEvent::Util> offers.
609 684
610=item L<AnyEvent::FastPing> 685=item L<AnyEvent::FastPing>
611 686
612The fastest ping in the west. 687The fastest ping in the west.
613 688
628 703
629High level API for event-based execution flow control. 704High level API for event-based execution flow control.
630 705
631=item L<Coro> 706=item L<Coro>
632 707
633Has special support for AnyEvent. 708Has special support for AnyEvent via L<Coro::AnyEvent>.
709
710=item L<AnyEvent::AIO>, L<IO::AIO>
711
712Truly asynchronous I/O, should be in the toolbox of every event
713programmer. AnyEvent::AIO transparently fuses IO::AIO and AnyEvent
714together.
715
716=item L<AnyEvent::BDB>, L<BDB>
717
718Truly asynchronous Berkeley DB access. AnyEvent::AIO transparently fuses
719IO::AIO and AnyEvent together.
634 720
635=item L<IO::Lambda> 721=item L<IO::Lambda>
636 722
637The lambda approach to I/O - don't ask, look there. Can use AnyEvent. 723The lambda approach to I/O - don't ask, look there. Can use AnyEvent.
638
639=item L<IO::AIO>
640
641Truly asynchronous I/O, should be in the toolbox of every event
642programmer. Can be trivially made to use AnyEvent.
643
644=item L<BDB>
645
646Truly asynchronous Berkeley DB access. Can be trivially made to use
647AnyEvent.
648 724
649=back 725=back
650 726
651=cut 727=cut
652 728
655no warnings; 731no warnings;
656use strict; 732use strict;
657 733
658use Carp; 734use Carp;
659 735
660our $VERSION = '3.3'; 736our $VERSION = '4.03';
661our $MODEL; 737our $MODEL;
662 738
663our $AUTOLOAD; 739our $AUTOLOAD;
664our @ISA; 740our @ISA;
665 741
742our @REGISTRY;
743
744our $WIN32;
745
746BEGIN {
747 my $win32 = ! ! ($^O =~ /mswin32/i);
748 eval "sub WIN32(){ $win32 }";
749}
750
666our $verbose = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}*1; 751our $verbose = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}*1;
667 752
668our @REGISTRY; 753our %PROTOCOL; # (ipv4|ipv6) => (1|2), higher numbers are preferred
754
755{
756 my $idx;
757 $PROTOCOL{$_} = ++$idx
758 for reverse split /\s*,\s*/,
759 $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS} || "ipv4,ipv6";
760}
761
762sub import {
763 shift;
764 return unless @_;
765
766 my $pkg = caller;
767
768 no strict 'refs';
769
770 for (@_) {
771 *{"$pkg\::WIN32"} = *WIN32 if $_ eq "WIN32";
772 }
773}
669 774
670my @models = ( 775my @models = (
671 [Coro::EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::CoroEV::],
672 [Coro::Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::CoroEvent::],
673 [EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EV::], 776 [EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EV::],
674 [Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Event::], 777 [Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Event::],
675 [Tk:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Tk::],
676 [Wx:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
677 [Prima:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
678 [AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Perl::], 778 [AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Perl::],
679 # everything below here will not be autoprobed as the pureperl backend should work everywhere 779 # everything below here will not be autoprobed
680 [Glib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Glib::], 780 # as the pureperl backend should work everywhere
781 # and is usually faster
782 [Tk:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Tk::], # crashes with many handles
783 [Glib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Glib::], # becomes extremely slow with many watchers
681 [Event::Lib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib::], # too buggy 784 [Event::Lib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib::], # too buggy
682 [Qt:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Qt::], # requires special main program 785 [Qt:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Qt::], # requires special main program
683 [POE::Kernel:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], # lasciate ogni speranza 786 [POE::Kernel:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], # lasciate ogni speranza
787 [Wx:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
788 [Prima:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
684); 789);
685 790
686our %method = map +($_ => 1), qw(io timer signal child condvar broadcast wait one_event DESTROY); 791our %method = map +($_ => 1), qw(io timer signal child condvar one_event DESTROY);
792
793our @post_detect;
794
795sub post_detect(&) {
796 my ($cb) = @_;
797
798 if ($MODEL) {
799 $cb->();
800
801 1
802 } else {
803 push @post_detect, $cb;
804
805 defined wantarray
806 ? bless \$cb, "AnyEvent::Util::PostDetect"
807 : ()
808 }
809}
810
811sub AnyEvent::Util::PostDetect::DESTROY {
812 @post_detect = grep $_ != ${$_[0]}, @post_detect;
813}
687 814
688sub detect() { 815sub detect() {
689 unless ($MODEL) { 816 unless ($MODEL) {
690 no strict 'refs'; 817 no strict 'refs';
818 local $SIG{__DIE__};
691 819
692 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} =~ /^([a-zA-Z]+)$/) { 820 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} =~ /^([a-zA-Z]+)$/) {
693 my $model = "AnyEvent::Impl::$1"; 821 my $model = "AnyEvent::Impl::$1";
694 if (eval "require $model") { 822 if (eval "require $model") {
695 $MODEL = $model; 823 $MODEL = $model;
725 last; 853 last;
726 } 854 }
727 } 855 }
728 856
729 $MODEL 857 $MODEL
730 or die "No event module selected for AnyEvent and autodetect failed. Install any one of these modules: EV (or Coro+EV), Event (or Coro+Event) or Glib."; 858 or die "No event module selected for AnyEvent and autodetect failed. Install any one of these modules: EV, Event or Glib.";
731 } 859 }
732 } 860 }
733 861
734 unshift @ISA, $MODEL; 862 unshift @ISA, $MODEL;
735 push @{"$MODEL\::ISA"}, "AnyEvent::Base"; 863 push @{"$MODEL\::ISA"}, "AnyEvent::Base";
864
865 (shift @post_detect)->() while @post_detect;
736 } 866 }
737 867
738 $MODEL 868 $MODEL
739} 869}
740 870
750 $class->$func (@_); 880 $class->$func (@_);
751} 881}
752 882
753package AnyEvent::Base; 883package AnyEvent::Base;
754 884
755# default implementation for ->condvar, ->wait, ->broadcast 885# default implementation for ->condvar
756 886
757sub condvar { 887sub condvar {
758 bless \my $flag, "AnyEvent::Base::CondVar" 888 bless { @_ == 3 ? (_ae_cb => $_[2]) : () }, AnyEvent::CondVar::
759}
760
761sub AnyEvent::Base::CondVar::broadcast {
762 ${$_[0]}++;
763}
764
765sub AnyEvent::Base::CondVar::wait {
766 AnyEvent->one_event while !${$_[0]};
767} 889}
768 890
769# default implementation for ->signal 891# default implementation for ->signal
770 892
771our %SIG_CB; 893our %SIG_CB;
824 or Carp::croak "required option 'pid' is missing"; 946 or Carp::croak "required option 'pid' is missing";
825 947
826 $PID_CB{$pid}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb}; 948 $PID_CB{$pid}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb};
827 949
828 unless ($WNOHANG) { 950 unless ($WNOHANG) {
829 $WNOHANG = eval { require POSIX; &POSIX::WNOHANG } || 1; 951 $WNOHANG = eval { local $SIG{__DIE__}; require POSIX; &POSIX::WNOHANG } || 1;
830 } 952 }
831 953
832 unless ($CHLD_W) { 954 unless ($CHLD_W) {
833 $CHLD_W = AnyEvent->signal (signal => 'CHLD', cb => \&_sigchld); 955 $CHLD_W = AnyEvent->signal (signal => 'CHLD', cb => \&_sigchld);
834 # child could be a zombie already, so make at least one round 956 # child could be a zombie already, so make at least one round
844 delete $PID_CB{$pid}{$cb}; 966 delete $PID_CB{$pid}{$cb};
845 delete $PID_CB{$pid} unless keys %{ $PID_CB{$pid} }; 967 delete $PID_CB{$pid} unless keys %{ $PID_CB{$pid} };
846 968
847 undef $CHLD_W unless keys %PID_CB; 969 undef $CHLD_W unless keys %PID_CB;
848} 970}
971
972package AnyEvent::CondVar;
973
974our @ISA = AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::;
975
976package AnyEvent::CondVar::Base;
977
978use overload
979 '&{}' => sub { my $self = shift; sub { $self->send (@_) } },
980 fallback => 1;
981
982sub _send {
983 # nop
984}
985
986sub send {
987 my $cv = shift;
988 $cv->{_ae_sent} = [@_];
989 (delete $cv->{_ae_cb})->($cv) if $cv->{_ae_cb};
990 $cv->_send;
991}
992
993sub croak {
994 $_[0]{_ae_croak} = $_[1];
995 $_[0]->send;
996}
997
998sub ready {
999 $_[0]{_ae_sent}
1000}
1001
1002sub _wait {
1003 AnyEvent->one_event while !$_[0]{_ae_sent};
1004}
1005
1006sub recv {
1007 $_[0]->_wait;
1008
1009 Carp::croak $_[0]{_ae_croak} if $_[0]{_ae_croak};
1010 wantarray ? @{ $_[0]{_ae_sent} } : $_[0]{_ae_sent}[0]
1011}
1012
1013sub cb {
1014 $_[0]{_ae_cb} = $_[1] if @_ > 1;
1015 $_[0]{_ae_cb}
1016}
1017
1018sub begin {
1019 ++$_[0]{_ae_counter};
1020 $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} = $_[1] if @_ > 1;
1021}
1022
1023sub end {
1024 return if --$_[0]{_ae_counter};
1025 &{ $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} || sub { $_[0]->send } };
1026}
1027
1028# undocumented/compatibility with pre-3.4
1029*broadcast = \&send;
1030*wait = \&_wait;
849 1031
850=head1 SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE 1032=head1 SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE
851 1033
852This is an advanced topic that you do not normally need to use AnyEvent in 1034This is an advanced topic that you do not normally need to use AnyEvent in
853a module. This section is only of use to event loop authors who want to 1035a module. This section is only of use to event loop authors who want to
910model it chooses. 1092model it chooses.
911 1093
912=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL> 1094=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>
913 1095
914This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent, before 1096This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent, before
915autodetection and -probing kicks in. It must be a string consisting 1097auto detection and -probing kicks in. It must be a string consisting
916entirely of ASCII letters. The string C<AnyEvent::Impl::> gets prepended 1098entirely of ASCII letters. The string C<AnyEvent::Impl::> gets prepended
917and the resulting module name is loaded and if the load was successful, 1099and the resulting module name is loaded and if the load was successful,
918used as event model. If it fails to load AnyEvent will proceed with 1100used as event model. If it fails to load AnyEvent will proceed with
919autodetection and -probing. 1101auto detection and -probing.
920 1102
921This functionality might change in future versions. 1103This functionality might change in future versions.
922 1104
923For example, to force the pure perl model (L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) you 1105For example, to force the pure perl model (L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) you
924could start your program like this: 1106could start your program like this:
925 1107
926 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ... 1108 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ...
1109
1110=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS>
1111
1112Used by both L<AnyEvent::DNS> and L<AnyEvent::Socket> to determine preferences
1113for IPv4 or IPv6. The default is unspecified (and might change, or be the result
1114of auto probing).
1115
1116Must be set to a comma-separated list of protocols or address families,
1117current supported: C<ipv4> and C<ipv6>. Only protocols mentioned will be
1118used, and preference will be given to protocols mentioned earlier in the
1119list.
1120
1121This variable can effectively be used for denial-of-service attacks
1122against local programs (e.g. when setuid), although the impact is likely
1123small, as the program has to handle connection errors already-
1124
1125Examples: C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4,ipv6> - prefer IPv4 over IPv6,
1126but support both and try to use both. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4>
1127- only support IPv4, never try to resolve or contact IPv6
1128addresses. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv6,ipv4> support either IPv4 or
1129IPv6, but prefer IPv6 over IPv4.
1130
1131=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_EDNS0>
1132
1133Used by L<AnyEvent::DNS> to decide whether to use the EDNS0 extension
1134for DNS. This extension is generally useful to reduce DNS traffic, but
1135some (broken) firewalls drop such DNS packets, which is why it is off by
1136default.
1137
1138Setting this variable to C<1> will cause L<AnyEvent::DNS> to announce
1139EDNS0 in its DNS requests.
927 1140
928=back 1141=back
929 1142
930=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 1143=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
931 1144
942 poll => 'r', 1155 poll => 'r',
943 cb => sub { 1156 cb => sub {
944 warn "io event <$_[0]>\n"; # will always output <r> 1157 warn "io event <$_[0]>\n"; # will always output <r>
945 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>); # read a line 1158 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>); # read a line
946 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read 1159 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read
947 $cv->broadcast if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i 1160 $cv->send if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i
948 }, 1161 },
949 ); 1162 );
950 1163
951 my $time_watcher; # can only be used once 1164 my $time_watcher; # can only be used once
952 1165
957 }); 1170 });
958 } 1171 }
959 1172
960 new_timer; # create first timer 1173 new_timer; # create first timer
961 1174
962 $cv->wait; # wait until user enters /^q/i 1175 $cv->recv; # wait until user enters /^q/i
963 1176
964=head1 REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE 1177=head1 REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE
965 1178
966Consider the L<Net::FCP> module. It features (among others) the following 1179Consider the L<Net::FCP> module. It features (among others) the following
967API calls, which are to freenet what HTTP GET requests are to http: 1180API calls, which are to freenet what HTTP GET requests are to http:
1017 syswrite $txn->{fh}, $txn->{request} 1230 syswrite $txn->{fh}, $txn->{request}
1018 or die "connection or write error"; 1231 or die "connection or write error";
1019 $txn->{w} = AnyEvent->io (fh => $txn->{fh}, poll => 'r', cb => sub { $txn->fh_ready_r }); 1232 $txn->{w} = AnyEvent->io (fh => $txn->{fh}, poll => 'r', cb => sub { $txn->fh_ready_r });
1020 1233
1021Again, C<fh_ready_r> waits till all data has arrived, and then stores the 1234Again, C<fh_ready_r> waits till all data has arrived, and then stores the
1022result and signals any possible waiters that the request ahs finished: 1235result and signals any possible waiters that the request has finished:
1023 1236
1024 sysread $txn->{fh}, $txn->{buf}, length $txn->{$buf}; 1237 sysread $txn->{fh}, $txn->{buf}, length $txn->{$buf};
1025 1238
1026 if (end-of-file or data complete) { 1239 if (end-of-file or data complete) {
1027 $txn->{result} = $txn->{buf}; 1240 $txn->{result} = $txn->{buf};
1028 $txn->{finished}->broadcast; 1241 $txn->{finished}->send;
1029 $txb->{cb}->($txn) of $txn->{cb}; # also call callback 1242 $txb->{cb}->($txn) of $txn->{cb}; # also call callback
1030 } 1243 }
1031 1244
1032The C<result> method, finally, just waits for the finished signal (if the 1245The C<result> method, finally, just waits for the finished signal (if the
1033request was already finished, it doesn't wait, of course, and returns the 1246request was already finished, it doesn't wait, of course, and returns the
1034data: 1247data:
1035 1248
1036 $txn->{finished}->wait; 1249 $txn->{finished}->recv;
1037 return $txn->{result}; 1250 return $txn->{result};
1038 1251
1039The actual code goes further and collects all errors (C<die>s, exceptions) 1252The actual code goes further and collects all errors (C<die>s, exceptions)
1040that occured during request processing. The C<result> method detects 1253that occurred during request processing. The C<result> method detects
1041whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn object) 1254whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn object)
1042and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and other 1255and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and other
1043problems get reported tot he code that tries to use the result, not in a 1256problems get reported tot he code that tries to use the result, not in a
1044random callback. 1257random callback.
1045 1258
1076 1289
1077 my $quit = AnyEvent->condvar; 1290 my $quit = AnyEvent->condvar;
1078 1291
1079 $fcp->txn_client_get ($url)->cb (sub { 1292 $fcp->txn_client_get ($url)->cb (sub {
1080 ... 1293 ...
1081 $quit->broadcast; 1294 $quit->send;
1082 }); 1295 });
1083 1296
1084 $quit->wait; 1297 $quit->recv;
1085 1298
1086 1299
1087=head1 BENCHMARKS 1300=head1 BENCHMARKS
1088 1301
1089To give you an idea of the performance and overheads that AnyEvent adds 1302To give you an idea of the performance and overheads that AnyEvent adds
1091of various event loops I prepared some benchmarks. 1304of various event loops I prepared some benchmarks.
1092 1305
1093=head2 BENCHMARKING ANYEVENT OVERHEAD 1306=head2 BENCHMARKING ANYEVENT OVERHEAD
1094 1307
1095Here is a benchmark of various supported event models used natively and 1308Here is a benchmark of various supported event models used natively and
1096through anyevent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero 1309through AnyEvent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero
1097timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable, 1310timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable,
1098which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again. 1311which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again.
1099 1312
1100Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench> in the AnyEvent 1313Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench> in the AnyEvent
1101distribution. 1314distribution.
1118all watchers, to avoid adding memory overhead. That means closure creation 1331all watchers, to avoid adding memory overhead. That means closure creation
1119and memory usage is not included in the figures. 1332and memory usage is not included in the figures.
1120 1333
1121I<invoke> is the time, in microseconds, used to invoke a simple 1334I<invoke> is the time, in microseconds, used to invoke a simple
1122callback. The callback simply counts down a Perl variable and after it was 1335callback. The callback simply counts down a Perl variable and after it was
1123invoked "watcher" times, it would C<< ->broadcast >> a condvar once to 1336invoked "watcher" times, it would C<< ->send >> a condvar once to
1124signal the end of this phase. 1337signal the end of this phase.
1125 1338
1126I<destroy> is the time, in microseconds, that it takes to destroy a single 1339I<destroy> is the time, in microseconds, that it takes to destroy a single
1127watcher. 1340watcher.
1128 1341
1224 1437
1225=back 1438=back
1226 1439
1227=head2 BENCHMARKING THE LARGE SERVER CASE 1440=head2 BENCHMARKING THE LARGE SERVER CASE
1228 1441
1229This benchmark atcually benchmarks the event loop itself. It works by 1442This benchmark actually benchmarks the event loop itself. It works by
1230creating a number of "servers": each server consists of a socketpair, a 1443creating a number of "servers": each server consists of a socket pair, a
1231timeout watcher that gets reset on activity (but never fires), and an I/O 1444timeout watcher that gets reset on activity (but never fires), and an I/O
1232watcher waiting for input on one side of the socket. Each time the socket 1445watcher waiting for input on one side of the socket. Each time the socket
1233watcher reads a byte it will write that byte to a random other "server". 1446watcher reads a byte it will write that byte to a random other "server".
1234 1447
1235The effect is that there will be a lot of I/O watchers, only part of which 1448The effect is that there will be a lot of I/O watchers, only part of which
1236are active at any one point (so there is a constant number of active 1449are active at any one point (so there is a constant number of active
1237fds for each loop iterstaion, but which fds these are is random). The 1450fds for each loop iteration, but which fds these are is random). The
1238timeout is reset each time something is read because that reflects how 1451timeout is reset each time something is read because that reflects how
1239most timeouts work (and puts extra pressure on the event loops). 1452most timeouts work (and puts extra pressure on the event loops).
1240 1453
1241In this benchmark, we use 10000 socketpairs (20000 sockets), of which 100 1454In this benchmark, we use 10000 socket pairs (20000 sockets), of which 100
1242(1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with many 1455(1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with many
1243connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time. 1456connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time.
1244 1457
1245Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench2> in the AnyEvent 1458Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench2> in the AnyEvent
1246distribution. 1459distribution.
1248=head3 Explanation of the columns 1461=head3 Explanation of the columns
1249 1462
1250I<sockets> is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" (as 1463I<sockets> is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" (as
1251each server has a read and write socket end). 1464each server has a read and write socket end).
1252 1465
1253I<create> is the time it takes to create a socketpair (which is 1466I<create> is the time it takes to create a socket pair (which is
1254nontrivial) and two watchers: an I/O watcher and a timeout watcher. 1467nontrivial) and two watchers: an I/O watcher and a timeout watcher.
1255 1468
1256I<request>, the most important value, is the time it takes to handle a 1469I<request>, the most important value, is the time it takes to handle a
1257single "request", that is, reading the token from the pipe and forwarding 1470single "request", that is, reading the token from the pipe and forwarding
1258it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout and creating 1471it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout and creating
1331speed most when you have lots of watchers, not when you only have a few of 1544speed most when you have lots of watchers, not when you only have a few of
1332them). 1545them).
1333 1546
1334EV is again fastest. 1547EV is again fastest.
1335 1548
1336Perl again comes second. It is noticably faster than the C-based event 1549Perl again comes second. It is noticeably faster than the C-based event
1337loops Event and Glib, although the difference is too small to really 1550loops Event and Glib, although the difference is too small to really
1338matter. 1551matter.
1339 1552
1340POE also performs much better in this case, but is is still far behind the 1553POE also performs much better in this case, but is is still far behind the
1341others. 1554others.
1374 1587
1375 BEGIN { delete $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} } 1588 BEGIN { delete $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} }
1376 1589
1377 use AnyEvent; 1590 use AnyEvent;
1378 1591
1592Similar considerations apply to $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}, as that can
1593be used to probe what backend is used and gain other information (which is
1594probably even less useful to an attacker than PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL).
1595
1379 1596
1380=head1 SEE ALSO 1597=head1 SEE ALSO
1381 1598
1382Event modules: L<Coro::EV>, L<EV>, L<EV::Glib>, L<Glib::EV>, 1599Utility functions: L<AnyEvent::Util>.
1383L<Coro::Event>, L<Event>, L<Glib::Event>, L<Glib>, L<Coro>, L<Tk>, 1600
1601Event modules: L<EV>, L<EV::Glib>, L<Glib::EV>, L<Event>, L<Glib::Event>,
1384L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, L<POE>. 1602L<Glib>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, L<POE>.
1385 1603
1386Implementations: L<AnyEvent::Impl::CoroEV>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::EV>, 1604Implementations: L<AnyEvent::Impl::EV>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Event>,
1387L<AnyEvent::Impl::CoroEvent>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Event>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Glib>, 1605L<AnyEvent::Impl::Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Tk>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>,
1388L<AnyEvent::Impl::Tk>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib>, 1606L<AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Qt>,
1389L<AnyEvent::Impl::Qt>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::POE>. 1607L<AnyEvent::Impl::POE>.
1390 1608
1609Non-blocking file handles, sockets, TCP clients and
1610servers: L<AnyEvent::Handle>, L<AnyEvent::Socket>.
1611
1612Asynchronous DNS: L<AnyEvent::DNS>.
1613
1614Coroutine support: L<Coro>, L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>,
1615
1391Nontrivial usage examples: L<Net::FCP>, L<Net::XMPP2>. 1616Nontrivial usage examples: L<Net::FCP>, L<Net::XMPP2>, L<AnyEvent::DNS>.
1392 1617
1393 1618
1394=head1 AUTHOR 1619=head1 AUTHOR
1395 1620
1396 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 1621 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>

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