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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
300If you are familiar with some event loops you will know that all of them
301require you to run some blocking "loop", "run" or similar function that
302will actively watch for new events and call your callbacks.
303
304AnyEvent is different, it expects somebody else to run the event loop and
305will only block when necessary (usually when told by the user).
306
307The instrument to do that is called a "condition variable", so called
308because they represent a condition that must become true.
309
302Condition variables can be created by calling the C<< AnyEvent->condvar >> 310Condition variables can be created by calling the C<< AnyEvent->condvar
303method without any arguments. 311>> method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is
312C<cb>, which specifies a callback to be called when the condition variable
313becomes true.
304 314
305A condition variable waits for a condition - precisely that the C<< 315After creation, the condition variable is "false" until it becomes "true"
306->broadcast >> method has been called. 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).
307 319
308They are very useful to signal that a condition has been fulfilled, for 320Condition variables are similar to callbacks, except that you can
321optionally wait for them. They can also be called merge points - points
322in time where multiple outstanding events have been processed. And yet
323another way to call them is transactions - each condition variable can be
324used to represent a transaction, which finishes at some point and delivers
325a result.
326
327Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has finished,
309example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http requests, 328for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http requests,
310then a condition variable would be the ideal candidate to signal the 329then a condition variable would be the ideal candidate to signal the
311availability of results. 330availability of results. The user can either act when the callback is
331called or can synchronously C<< ->recv >> for the results.
312 332
313You can also use condition variables to block your main program until 333You can also use them to simulate traditional event loops - for example,
314an event occurs - for example, you could C<< ->wait >> in your main 334you can block your main program until an event occurs - for example, you
315program until the user clicks the Quit button in your app, which would C<< 335could C<< ->recv >> in your main program until the user clicks the Quit
316->broadcast >> the "quit" event. 336button of your app, which would C<< ->send >> the "quit" event.
317 337
318Note that condition variables recurse into the event loop - if you have 338Note that condition variables recurse into the event loop - if you have
319two pirces 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
320lose. Therefore, condition variables are good to export to your caller, but 340lose. Therefore, condition variables are good to export to your caller, but
321you should avoid making a blocking wait yourself, at least in callbacks, 341you should avoid making a blocking wait yourself, at least in callbacks,
322as this asks for trouble. 342as this asks for trouble.
323 343
324This object has two methods: 344Condition variables are represented by hash refs in perl, and the keys
345used by AnyEvent itself are all named C<_ae_XXX> to make subclassing
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
348it's C<new> method in your own C<new> method.
349
350There are two "sides" to a condition variable - the "producer side" which
351eventually calls C<< -> send >>, and the "consumer side", which waits
352for the send to occur.
353
354Example: wait for a timer.
355
356 # wait till the result is ready
357 my $result_ready = AnyEvent->condvar;
358
359 # do something such as adding a timer
360 # or socket watcher the calls $result_ready->send
361 # when the "result" is ready.
362 # in this case, we simply use a timer:
363 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (
364 after => 1,
365 cb => sub { $result_ready->send },
366 );
367
368 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback
369 # calls send
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;
378
379=head3 METHODS FOR PRODUCERS
380
381These methods should only be used by the producing side, i.e. the
382code/module that eventually sends the signal. Note that it is also
383the producer side which creates the condvar in most cases, but it isn't
384uncommon for the consumer to create it as well.
325 385
326=over 4 386=over 4
327 387
388=item $cv->send (...)
389
390Flag the condition as ready - a running C<< ->recv >> and all further
391calls to C<recv> will (eventually) return after this method has been
392called. If nobody is waiting the send will be remembered.
393
394If a callback has been set on the condition variable, it is called
395immediately from within send.
396
397Any arguments passed to the C<send> call will be returned by all
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).
408
409=item $cv->croak ($error)
410
411Similar to send, but causes all call's to C<< ->recv >> to invoke
412C<Carp::croak> with the given error message/object/scalar.
413
414This can be used to signal any errors to the condition variable
415user/consumer.
416
417=item $cv->begin ([group callback])
418
328=item $cv->wait 419=item $cv->end
329 420
330Wait (blocking if necessary) until the C<< ->broadcast >> method has been 421These two methods are EXPERIMENTAL and MIGHT CHANGE.
422
423These two methods can be used to combine many transactions/events into
424one. For example, a function that pings many hosts in parallel might want
425to use a condition variable for the whole process.
426
427Every call to C<< ->begin >> will increment a counter, and every call to
428C<< ->end >> will decrement it. If the counter reaches C<0> in C<< ->end
429>>, the (last) callback passed to C<begin> will be executed. That callback
430is I<supposed> to call C<< ->send >>, but that is not required. If no
431callback was set, C<send> will be called without any arguments.
432
433Let's clarify this with the ping example:
434
435 my $cv = AnyEvent->condvar;
436
437 my %result;
438 $cv->begin (sub { $cv->send (\%result) });
439
440 for my $host (@list_of_hosts) {
441 $cv->begin;
442 ping_host_then_call_callback $host, sub {
443 $result{$host} = ...;
444 $cv->end;
445 };
446 }
447
448 $cv->end;
449
450This code fragment supposedly pings a number of hosts and calls
451C<send> after results for all then have have been gathered - in any
452order. To achieve this, the code issues a call to C<begin> when it starts
453each ping request and calls C<end> when it has received some result for
454it. Since C<begin> and C<end> only maintain a counter, the order in which
455results arrive is not relevant.
456
457There is an additional bracketing call to C<begin> and C<end> outside the
458loop, which serves two important purposes: first, it sets the callback
459to be called once the counter reaches C<0>, and second, it ensures that
460C<send> is called even when C<no> hosts are being pinged (the loop
461doesn't execute once).
462
463This is the general pattern when you "fan out" into multiple subrequests:
464use an outer C<begin>/C<end> pair to set the callback and ensure C<end>
465is called at least once, and then, for each subrequest you start, call
466C<begin> and for each subrequest you finish, call C<end>.
467
468=back
469
470=head3 METHODS FOR CONSUMERS
471
472These methods should only be used by the consuming side, i.e. the
473code awaits the condition.
474
475=over 4
476
477=item $cv->recv
478
479Wait (blocking if necessary) until the C<< ->send >> or C<< ->croak
331called on c<$cv>, while servicing other watchers normally. 480>> methods have been called on c<$cv>, while servicing other watchers
481normally.
332 482
333You can only wait once on a condition - additional calls will return 483You can only wait once on a condition - additional calls are valid but
334immediately. 484will return immediately.
485
486If an error condition has been set by calling C<< ->croak >>, then this
487function will call C<croak>.
488
489In list context, all parameters passed to C<send> will be returned,
490in scalar context only the first one will be returned.
335 491
336Not 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
337(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
338using 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
339caller 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
340condition variables with some kind of request results and supporting 496condition variables with some kind of request results and supporting
341callbacks so the caller knows that getting the result will not block, 497callbacks so the caller knows that getting the result will not block,
342while still suppporting blocking waits if the caller so desires). 498while still supporting blocking waits if the caller so desires).
343 499
344Another 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
345sensibly have two C<< ->wait >>'s in parallel, as that would require 501sensibly have two C<< ->recv >>'s in parallel, as that would require
346multiple interpreters or coroutines/threads, none of which C<AnyEvent> 502multiple interpreters or coroutines/threads, none of which C<AnyEvent>
347can supply (the coroutine-aware backends L<AnyEvent::Impl::CoroEV> and 503can supply.
348L<AnyEvent::Impl::CoroEvent> explicitly support concurrent C<< ->wait >>'s
349from different coroutines, however).
350 504
351=item $cv->broadcast 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).
352 510
353Flag the condition as ready - a running C<< ->wait >> and all further 511You can ensure that C<< -recv >> never blocks by setting a callback and
354calls to C<wait> will (eventually) return after this method has been 512only calling C<< ->recv >> from within that callback (or at a later
355called. If nobody is waiting the broadcast will be remembered.. 513time). This will work even when the event loop does not support blocking
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.
356 529
357=back 530=back
358
359Example:
360
361 # wait till the result is ready
362 my $result_ready = AnyEvent->condvar;
363
364 # do something such as adding a timer
365 # or socket watcher the calls $result_ready->broadcast
366 # when the "result" is ready.
367 # in this case, we simply use a timer:
368 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (
369 after => 1,
370 cb => sub { $result_ready->broadcast },
371 );
372
373 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the watcher
374 # calls broadcast
375 $result_ready->wait;
376 531
377=head1 GLOBAL VARIABLES AND FUNCTIONS 532=head1 GLOBAL VARIABLES AND FUNCTIONS
378 533
379=over 4 534=over 4
380 535
386C<AnyEvent::Impl:xxx> modules, but can be any other class in the case 541C<AnyEvent::Impl:xxx> modules, but can be any other class in the case
387AnyEvent has been extended at runtime (e.g. in I<rxvt-unicode>). 542AnyEvent has been extended at runtime (e.g. in I<rxvt-unicode>).
388 543
389The known classes so far are: 544The known classes so far are:
390 545
391 AnyEvent::Impl::CoroEV based on Coro::EV, best choice.
392 AnyEvent::Impl::CoroEvent based on Coro::Event, second best choice.
393 AnyEvent::Impl::EV based on EV (an interface to libev, best choice). 546 AnyEvent::Impl::EV based on EV (an interface to libev, best choice).
394 AnyEvent::Impl::Event based on Event, second best choice. 547 AnyEvent::Impl::Event based on Event, second best choice.
548 AnyEvent::Impl::Perl pure-perl implementation, fast and portable.
395 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib based on Glib, third-best choice. 549 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib based on Glib, third-best choice.
396 AnyEvent::Impl::Perl pure-perl implementation, inefficient but portable.
397 AnyEvent::Impl::Tk based on Tk, very bad choice. 550 AnyEvent::Impl::Tk based on Tk, very bad choice.
398 AnyEvent::Impl::Qt based on Qt, cannot be autoprobed (see its docs). 551 AnyEvent::Impl::Qt based on Qt, cannot be autoprobed (see its docs).
399 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib based on Event::Lib, leaks memory and worse. 552 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib based on Event::Lib, leaks memory and worse.
400 AnyEvent::Impl::POE based on POE, not generic enough for full support. 553 AnyEvent::Impl::POE based on POE, not generic enough for full support.
401 554
414Returns C<$AnyEvent::MODEL>, forcing autodetection of the event model 567Returns C<$AnyEvent::MODEL>, forcing autodetection of the event model
415if necessary. You should only call this function right before you would 568if necessary. You should only call this function right before you would
416have 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
417runtime. 570runtime.
418 571
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
419=back 593=back
420 594
421=head1 WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE 595=head1 WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE
422 596
423As 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
426Be careful when you create watchers in the module body - AnyEvent will 600Be careful when you create watchers in the module body - AnyEvent will
427decide 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
428by 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
429to load the event module first. 603to load the event module first.
430 604
431Never 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
432the C<< ->broadcast >> method has been called on it already. This is 606the C<< ->send >> method has been called on it already. This is
433because 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
434events is to stay interactive. 608events is to stay interactive.
435 609
436It 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
437requests 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
438called C<results> that returns the results, it should call C<< ->wait >> 612called C<results> that returns the results, it should call C<< ->recv >>
439freely, 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).
440 614
441=head1 WHAT TO DO IN THE MAIN PROGRAM 615=head1 WHAT TO DO IN THE MAIN PROGRAM
442 616
443There 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
445 619
446If 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
447do 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
448decide which implementation to chose if some module relies on it. 622decide which implementation to chose if some module relies on it.
449 623
450If 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
451Gtk2 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
452event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it: generally 626event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it: generally
453speaking, 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
454modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent will 628modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent will
455decide 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
456might chose the wrong one unless you load the correct one yourself. 630might chose the wrong one unless you load the correct one yourself.
457 631
458You can chose to use a rather inefficient pure-perl implementation by 632You can chose to use a pure-perl implementation by loading the
459loading the C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl> module, which gives you similar 633C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl> module, which gives you similar behaviour
460behaviour 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
461 652
462=head1 OTHER MODULES 653=head1 OTHER MODULES
463 654
464The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use 655The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use
465AnyEvent and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent modules 656AnyEvent and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent modules
477 668
478Provide read and write buffers and manages watchers for reads and writes. 669Provide read and write buffers and manages watchers for reads and writes.
479 670
480=item L<AnyEvent::Socket> 671=item L<AnyEvent::Socket>
481 672
482Provides 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.
483 680
484=item L<AnyEvent::HTTPD> 681=item L<AnyEvent::HTTPD>
485 682
486Provides a simple web application server framework. 683Provides a simple web application server framework.
487
488=item L<AnyEvent::DNS>
489
490Provides asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities, beyond what
491L<AnyEvent::Util> offers.
492 684
493=item L<AnyEvent::FastPing> 685=item L<AnyEvent::FastPing>
494 686
495The fastest ping in the west. 687The fastest ping in the west.
496 688
511 703
512High level API for event-based execution flow control. 704High level API for event-based execution flow control.
513 705
514=item L<Coro> 706=item L<Coro>
515 707
516Has 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.
517 720
518=item L<IO::Lambda> 721=item L<IO::Lambda>
519 722
520The 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.
521
522=item L<IO::AIO>
523
524Truly asynchronous I/O, should be in the toolbox of every event
525programmer. Can be trivially made to use AnyEvent.
526
527=item L<BDB>
528
529Truly asynchronous Berkeley DB access. Can be trivially made to use
530AnyEvent.
531 724
532=back 725=back
533 726
534=cut 727=cut
535 728
538no warnings; 731no warnings;
539use strict; 732use strict;
540 733
541use Carp; 734use Carp;
542 735
543our $VERSION = '3.3'; 736our $VERSION = '4.03';
544our $MODEL; 737our $MODEL;
545 738
546our $AUTOLOAD; 739our $AUTOLOAD;
547our @ISA; 740our @ISA;
548 741
742our @REGISTRY;
743
549our $verbose = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}*1; 744our $verbose = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}*1;
550 745
551our @REGISTRY; 746our %PROTOCOL; # (ipv4|ipv6) => (1|2)
747
748{
749 my $idx;
750 $PROTOCOL{$_} = ++$idx
751 for split /\s*,\s*/, $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS} || "ipv4,ipv6";
752}
552 753
553my @models = ( 754my @models = (
554 [Coro::EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::CoroEV::],
555 [Coro::Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::CoroEvent::],
556 [EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EV::], 755 [EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EV::],
557 [Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Event::], 756 [Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Event::],
558 [Glib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Glib::],
559 [Tk:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Tk::],
560 [Wx:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
561 [Prima:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
562 [AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Perl::], 757 [AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Perl::],
563 # everything below here will not be autoprobed as the pureperl backend should work everywhere 758 # everything below here will not be autoprobed
759 # as the pureperl backend should work everywhere
760 # and is usually faster
761 [Tk:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Tk::], # crashes with many handles
762 [Glib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Glib::], # becomes extremely slow with many watchers
564 [Event::Lib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib::], # too buggy 763 [Event::Lib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib::], # too buggy
565 [Qt:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Qt::], # requires special main program 764 [Qt:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Qt::], # requires special main program
566 [POE::Kernel:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], # lasciate ogni speranza 765 [POE::Kernel:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], # lasciate ogni speranza
766 [Wx:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
767 [Prima:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
567); 768);
568 769
569our %method = map +($_ => 1), qw(io timer signal child condvar broadcast wait one_event DESTROY); 770our %method = map +($_ => 1), qw(io timer signal child condvar one_event DESTROY);
771
772our @post_detect;
773
774sub post_detect(&) {
775 my ($cb) = @_;
776
777 if ($MODEL) {
778 $cb->();
779
780 1
781 } else {
782 push @post_detect, $cb;
783
784 defined wantarray
785 ? bless \$cb, "AnyEvent::Util::PostDetect"
786 : ()
787 }
788}
789
790sub AnyEvent::Util::PostDetect::DESTROY {
791 @post_detect = grep $_ != ${$_[0]}, @post_detect;
792}
570 793
571sub detect() { 794sub detect() {
572 unless ($MODEL) { 795 unless ($MODEL) {
573 no strict 'refs'; 796 no strict 'refs';
574 797
608 last; 831 last;
609 } 832 }
610 } 833 }
611 834
612 $MODEL 835 $MODEL
613 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."; 836 or die "No event module selected for AnyEvent and autodetect failed. Install any one of these modules: EV, Event or Glib.";
614 } 837 }
615 } 838 }
616 839
617 unshift @ISA, $MODEL; 840 unshift @ISA, $MODEL;
618 push @{"$MODEL\::ISA"}, "AnyEvent::Base"; 841 push @{"$MODEL\::ISA"}, "AnyEvent::Base";
842
843 (shift @post_detect)->() while @post_detect;
619 } 844 }
620 845
621 $MODEL 846 $MODEL
622} 847}
623 848
633 $class->$func (@_); 858 $class->$func (@_);
634} 859}
635 860
636package AnyEvent::Base; 861package AnyEvent::Base;
637 862
638# default implementation for ->condvar, ->wait, ->broadcast 863# default implementation for ->condvar
639 864
640sub condvar { 865sub condvar {
641 bless \my $flag, "AnyEvent::Base::CondVar" 866 bless { @_ == 3 ? (_ae_cb => $_[2]) : () }, AnyEvent::CondVar::
642}
643
644sub AnyEvent::Base::CondVar::broadcast {
645 ${$_[0]}++;
646}
647
648sub AnyEvent::Base::CondVar::wait {
649 AnyEvent->one_event while !${$_[0]};
650} 867}
651 868
652# default implementation for ->signal 869# default implementation for ->signal
653 870
654our %SIG_CB; 871our %SIG_CB;
728 delete $PID_CB{$pid} unless keys %{ $PID_CB{$pid} }; 945 delete $PID_CB{$pid} unless keys %{ $PID_CB{$pid} };
729 946
730 undef $CHLD_W unless keys %PID_CB; 947 undef $CHLD_W unless keys %PID_CB;
731} 948}
732 949
950package AnyEvent::CondVar;
951
952our @ISA = AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::;
953
954package AnyEvent::CondVar::Base;
955
956use overload
957 '&{}' => sub { my $self = shift; sub { $self->send (@_) } },
958 fallback => 1;
959
960sub _send {
961 # nop
962}
963
964sub send {
965 my $cv = shift;
966 $cv->{_ae_sent} = [@_];
967 (delete $cv->{_ae_cb})->($cv) if $cv->{_ae_cb};
968 $cv->_send;
969}
970
971sub croak {
972 $_[0]{_ae_croak} = $_[1];
973 $_[0]->send;
974}
975
976sub ready {
977 $_[0]{_ae_sent}
978}
979
980sub _wait {
981 AnyEvent->one_event while !$_[0]{_ae_sent};
982}
983
984sub recv {
985 $_[0]->_wait;
986
987 Carp::croak $_[0]{_ae_croak} if $_[0]{_ae_croak};
988 wantarray ? @{ $_[0]{_ae_sent} } : $_[0]{_ae_sent}[0]
989}
990
991sub cb {
992 $_[0]{_ae_cb} = $_[1] if @_ > 1;
993 $_[0]{_ae_cb}
994}
995
996sub begin {
997 ++$_[0]{_ae_counter};
998 $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} = $_[1] if @_ > 1;
999}
1000
1001sub end {
1002 return if --$_[0]{_ae_counter};
1003 &{ $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} || sub { $_[0]->send } };
1004}
1005
1006# undocumented/compatibility with pre-3.4
1007*broadcast = \&send;
1008*wait = \&_wait;
1009
733=head1 SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE 1010=head1 SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE
734 1011
735This is an advanced topic that you do not normally need to use AnyEvent in 1012This is an advanced topic that you do not normally need to use AnyEvent in
736a module. This section is only of use to event loop authors who want to 1013a module. This section is only of use to event loop authors who want to
737provide AnyEvent compatibility. 1014provide AnyEvent compatibility.
793model it chooses. 1070model it chooses.
794 1071
795=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL> 1072=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>
796 1073
797This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent, before 1074This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent, before
798autodetection and -probing kicks in. It must be a string consisting 1075auto detection and -probing kicks in. It must be a string consisting
799entirely of ASCII letters. The string C<AnyEvent::Impl::> gets prepended 1076entirely of ASCII letters. The string C<AnyEvent::Impl::> gets prepended
800and the resulting module name is loaded and if the load was successful, 1077and the resulting module name is loaded and if the load was successful,
801used as event model. If it fails to load AnyEvent will proceed with 1078used as event model. If it fails to load AnyEvent will proceed with
802autodetection and -probing. 1079auto detection and -probing.
803 1080
804This functionality might change in future versions. 1081This functionality might change in future versions.
805 1082
806For example, to force the pure perl model (L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) you 1083For example, to force the pure perl model (L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) you
807could start your program like this: 1084could start your program like this:
808 1085
809 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ... 1086 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ...
1087
1088=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS>
1089
1090Used by both L<AnyEvent::DNS> and L<AnyEvent::Socket> to determine preferences
1091for IPv4 or IPv6. The default is unspecified (and might change, or be the result
1092of auto probing).
1093
1094Must be set to a comma-separated list of protocols or address families,
1095current supported: C<ipv4> and C<ipv6>. Only protocols mentioned will be
1096used, and preference will be given to protocols mentioned earlier in the
1097list.
1098
1099This variable can effectively be used for denial-of-service attacks
1100against local programs (e.g. when setuid), although the impact is likely
1101small, as the program has to handle connection errors already-
1102
1103Examples: C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4,ipv6> - prefer IPv4 over IPv6,
1104but support both and try to use both. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4>
1105- only support IPv4, never try to resolve or contact IPv6
1106addresses. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv6,ipv4> support either IPv4 or
1107IPv6, but prefer IPv6 over IPv4.
1108
1109=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_EDNS0>
1110
1111Used by L<AnyEvent::DNS> to decide whether to use the EDNS0 extension
1112for DNS. This extension is generally useful to reduce DNS traffic, but
1113some (broken) firewalls drop such DNS packets, which is why it is off by
1114default.
1115
1116Setting this variable to C<1> will cause L<AnyEvent::DNS> to announce
1117EDNS0 in its DNS requests.
810 1118
811=back 1119=back
812 1120
813=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 1121=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
814 1122
825 poll => 'r', 1133 poll => 'r',
826 cb => sub { 1134 cb => sub {
827 warn "io event <$_[0]>\n"; # will always output <r> 1135 warn "io event <$_[0]>\n"; # will always output <r>
828 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>); # read a line 1136 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>); # read a line
829 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read 1137 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read
830 $cv->broadcast if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i 1138 $cv->send if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i
831 }, 1139 },
832 ); 1140 );
833 1141
834 my $time_watcher; # can only be used once 1142 my $time_watcher; # can only be used once
835 1143
840 }); 1148 });
841 } 1149 }
842 1150
843 new_timer; # create first timer 1151 new_timer; # create first timer
844 1152
845 $cv->wait; # wait until user enters /^q/i 1153 $cv->recv; # wait until user enters /^q/i
846 1154
847=head1 REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE 1155=head1 REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE
848 1156
849Consider the L<Net::FCP> module. It features (among others) the following 1157Consider the L<Net::FCP> module. It features (among others) the following
850API calls, which are to freenet what HTTP GET requests are to http: 1158API calls, which are to freenet what HTTP GET requests are to http:
900 syswrite $txn->{fh}, $txn->{request} 1208 syswrite $txn->{fh}, $txn->{request}
901 or die "connection or write error"; 1209 or die "connection or write error";
902 $txn->{w} = AnyEvent->io (fh => $txn->{fh}, poll => 'r', cb => sub { $txn->fh_ready_r }); 1210 $txn->{w} = AnyEvent->io (fh => $txn->{fh}, poll => 'r', cb => sub { $txn->fh_ready_r });
903 1211
904Again, C<fh_ready_r> waits till all data has arrived, and then stores the 1212Again, C<fh_ready_r> waits till all data has arrived, and then stores the
905result and signals any possible waiters that the request ahs finished: 1213result and signals any possible waiters that the request has finished:
906 1214
907 sysread $txn->{fh}, $txn->{buf}, length $txn->{$buf}; 1215 sysread $txn->{fh}, $txn->{buf}, length $txn->{$buf};
908 1216
909 if (end-of-file or data complete) { 1217 if (end-of-file or data complete) {
910 $txn->{result} = $txn->{buf}; 1218 $txn->{result} = $txn->{buf};
911 $txn->{finished}->broadcast; 1219 $txn->{finished}->send;
912 $txb->{cb}->($txn) of $txn->{cb}; # also call callback 1220 $txb->{cb}->($txn) of $txn->{cb}; # also call callback
913 } 1221 }
914 1222
915The C<result> method, finally, just waits for the finished signal (if the 1223The C<result> method, finally, just waits for the finished signal (if the
916request was already finished, it doesn't wait, of course, and returns the 1224request was already finished, it doesn't wait, of course, and returns the
917data: 1225data:
918 1226
919 $txn->{finished}->wait; 1227 $txn->{finished}->recv;
920 return $txn->{result}; 1228 return $txn->{result};
921 1229
922The actual code goes further and collects all errors (C<die>s, exceptions) 1230The actual code goes further and collects all errors (C<die>s, exceptions)
923that occured during request processing. The C<result> method detects 1231that occurred during request processing. The C<result> method detects
924whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn object) 1232whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn object)
925and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and other 1233and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and other
926problems get reported tot he code that tries to use the result, not in a 1234problems get reported tot he code that tries to use the result, not in a
927random callback. 1235random callback.
928 1236
959 1267
960 my $quit = AnyEvent->condvar; 1268 my $quit = AnyEvent->condvar;
961 1269
962 $fcp->txn_client_get ($url)->cb (sub { 1270 $fcp->txn_client_get ($url)->cb (sub {
963 ... 1271 ...
964 $quit->broadcast; 1272 $quit->send;
965 }); 1273 });
966 1274
967 $quit->wait; 1275 $quit->recv;
968 1276
969 1277
970=head1 BENCHMARKS 1278=head1 BENCHMARKS
971 1279
972To give you an idea of the performance and overheads that AnyEvent adds 1280To give you an idea of the performance and overheads that AnyEvent adds
974of various event loops I prepared some benchmarks. 1282of various event loops I prepared some benchmarks.
975 1283
976=head2 BENCHMARKING ANYEVENT OVERHEAD 1284=head2 BENCHMARKING ANYEVENT OVERHEAD
977 1285
978Here is a benchmark of various supported event models used natively and 1286Here is a benchmark of various supported event models used natively and
979through anyevent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero 1287through AnyEvent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero
980timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable, 1288timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable,
981which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again. 1289which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again.
982 1290
983Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench> in the AnyEvent 1291Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench> in the AnyEvent
984distribution. 1292distribution.
1001all watchers, to avoid adding memory overhead. That means closure creation 1309all watchers, to avoid adding memory overhead. That means closure creation
1002and memory usage is not included in the figures. 1310and memory usage is not included in the figures.
1003 1311
1004I<invoke> is the time, in microseconds, used to invoke a simple 1312I<invoke> is the time, in microseconds, used to invoke a simple
1005callback. The callback simply counts down a Perl variable and after it was 1313callback. The callback simply counts down a Perl variable and after it was
1006invoked "watcher" times, it would C<< ->broadcast >> a condvar once to 1314invoked "watcher" times, it would C<< ->send >> a condvar once to
1007signal the end of this phase. 1315signal the end of this phase.
1008 1316
1009I<destroy> is the time, in microseconds, that it takes to destroy a single 1317I<destroy> is the time, in microseconds, that it takes to destroy a single
1010watcher. 1318watcher.
1011 1319
1071file descriptor is dup()ed for each watcher. This shows that the dup() 1379file descriptor is dup()ed for each watcher. This shows that the dup()
1072employed by some adaptors is not a big performance issue (it does incur a 1380employed by some adaptors is not a big performance issue (it does incur a
1073hidden memory cost inside the kernel which is not reflected in the figures 1381hidden memory cost inside the kernel which is not reflected in the figures
1074above). 1382above).
1075 1383
1076C<POE>, regardless of underlying event loop (whether using its pure 1384C<POE>, regardless of underlying event loop (whether using its pure perl
1077perl select-based backend or the Event module, the POE-EV backend 1385select-based backend or the Event module, the POE-EV backend couldn't
1078couldn't be tested because it wasn't working) shows abysmal performance 1386be tested because it wasn't working) shows abysmal performance and
1079and memory usage: Watchers use almost 30 times as much memory as 1387memory usage with AnyEvent: Watchers use almost 30 times as much memory
1080EV watchers, and 10 times as much memory as Event (the high memory 1388as EV watchers, and 10 times as much memory as Event (the high memory
1081requirements are caused by requiring a session for each watcher). Watcher 1389requirements are caused by requiring a session for each watcher). Watcher
1082invocation speed is almost 900 times slower than with AnyEvent's pure perl 1390invocation speed is almost 900 times slower than with AnyEvent's pure perl
1391implementation.
1392
1083implementation. The design of the POE adaptor class in AnyEvent can not 1393The design of the POE adaptor class in AnyEvent can not really account
1084really account for this, as session creation overhead is small compared 1394for the performance issues, though, as session creation overhead is
1085to execution of the state machine, which is coded pretty optimally within 1395small compared to execution of the state machine, which is coded pretty
1086L<AnyEvent::Impl::POE>. POE simply seems to be abysmally slow. 1396optimally within L<AnyEvent::Impl::POE> (and while everybody agrees that
1397using multiple sessions is not a good approach, especially regarding
1398memory usage, even the author of POE could not come up with a faster
1399design).
1087 1400
1088=head3 Summary 1401=head3 Summary
1089 1402
1090=over 4 1403=over 4
1091 1404
1102 1415
1103=back 1416=back
1104 1417
1105=head2 BENCHMARKING THE LARGE SERVER CASE 1418=head2 BENCHMARKING THE LARGE SERVER CASE
1106 1419
1107This benchmark atcually benchmarks the event loop itself. It works by 1420This benchmark actually benchmarks the event loop itself. It works by
1108creating a number of "servers": each server consists of a socketpair, a 1421creating a number of "servers": each server consists of a socket pair, a
1109timeout watcher that gets reset on activity (but never fires), and an I/O 1422timeout watcher that gets reset on activity (but never fires), and an I/O
1110watcher waiting for input on one side of the socket. Each time the socket 1423watcher waiting for input on one side of the socket. Each time the socket
1111watcher reads a byte it will write that byte to a random other "server". 1424watcher reads a byte it will write that byte to a random other "server".
1112 1425
1113The effect is that there will be a lot of I/O watchers, only part of which 1426The effect is that there will be a lot of I/O watchers, only part of which
1114are active at any one point (so there is a constant number of active 1427are active at any one point (so there is a constant number of active
1115fds for each loop iterstaion, but which fds these are is random). The 1428fds for each loop iteration, but which fds these are is random). The
1116timeout is reset each time something is read because that reflects how 1429timeout is reset each time something is read because that reflects how
1117most timeouts work (and puts extra pressure on the event loops). 1430most timeouts work (and puts extra pressure on the event loops).
1118 1431
1119In this benchmark, we use 10000 socketpairs (20000 sockets), of which 100 1432In this benchmark, we use 10000 socket pairs (20000 sockets), of which 100
1120(1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with many 1433(1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with many
1121connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time. 1434connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time.
1122 1435
1123Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench2> in the AnyEvent 1436Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench2> in the AnyEvent
1124distribution. 1437distribution.
1126=head3 Explanation of the columns 1439=head3 Explanation of the columns
1127 1440
1128I<sockets> is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" (as 1441I<sockets> is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" (as
1129each server has a read and write socket end). 1442each server has a read and write socket end).
1130 1443
1131I<create> is the time it takes to create a socketpair (which is 1444I<create> is the time it takes to create a socket pair (which is
1132nontrivial) and two watchers: an I/O watcher and a timeout watcher. 1445nontrivial) and two watchers: an I/O watcher and a timeout watcher.
1133 1446
1134I<request>, the most important value, is the time it takes to handle a 1447I<request>, the most important value, is the time it takes to handle a
1135single "request", that is, reading the token from the pipe and forwarding 1448single "request", that is, reading the token from the pipe and forwarding
1136it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout and creating 1449it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout and creating
1170 1483
1171=head3 Summary 1484=head3 Summary
1172 1485
1173=over 4 1486=over 4
1174 1487
1175=item * The pure perl implementation performs extremely well, considering 1488=item * The pure perl implementation performs extremely well.
1176that it uses select.
1177 1489
1178=item * Avoid Glib or POE in large projects where performance matters. 1490=item * Avoid Glib or POE in large projects where performance matters.
1179 1491
1180=back 1492=back
1181 1493
1210speed most when you have lots of watchers, not when you only have a few of 1522speed most when you have lots of watchers, not when you only have a few of
1211them). 1523them).
1212 1524
1213EV is again fastest. 1525EV is again fastest.
1214 1526
1215Perl again comes second. It is noticably faster than the C-based event 1527Perl again comes second. It is noticeably faster than the C-based event
1216loops Event and Glib, although the difference is too small to really 1528loops Event and Glib, although the difference is too small to really
1217matter. 1529matter.
1218 1530
1219POE also performs much better in this case, but is is still far behind the 1531POE also performs much better in this case, but is is still far behind the
1220others. 1532others.
1230 1542
1231 1543
1232=head1 FORK 1544=head1 FORK
1233 1545
1234Most event libraries are not fork-safe. The ones who are usually are 1546Most event libraries are not fork-safe. The ones who are usually are
1235because they are so inefficient. Only L<EV> is fully fork-aware. 1547because they rely on inefficient but fork-safe C<select> or C<poll>
1548calls. Only L<EV> is fully fork-aware.
1236 1549
1237If you have to fork, you must either do so I<before> creating your first 1550If you have to fork, you must either do so I<before> creating your first
1238watcher OR you must not use AnyEvent at all in the child. 1551watcher OR you must not use AnyEvent at all in the child.
1239 1552
1240 1553
1252 1565
1253 BEGIN { delete $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} } 1566 BEGIN { delete $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} }
1254 1567
1255 use AnyEvent; 1568 use AnyEvent;
1256 1569
1570Similar considerations apply to $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}, as that can
1571be used to probe what backend is used and gain other information (which is
1572probably even less useful to an attacker than PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL).
1573
1257 1574
1258=head1 SEE ALSO 1575=head1 SEE ALSO
1259 1576
1260Event modules: L<Coro::EV>, L<EV>, L<EV::Glib>, L<Glib::EV>, 1577Utility functions: L<AnyEvent::Util>.
1261L<Coro::Event>, L<Event>, L<Glib::Event>, L<Glib>, L<Coro>, L<Tk>, 1578
1579Event modules: L<EV>, L<EV::Glib>, L<Glib::EV>, L<Event>, L<Glib::Event>,
1262L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, L<POE>. 1580L<Glib>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, L<POE>.
1263 1581
1264Implementations: L<AnyEvent::Impl::CoroEV>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::EV>, 1582Implementations: L<AnyEvent::Impl::EV>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Event>,
1265L<AnyEvent::Impl::CoroEvent>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Event>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Glib>, 1583L<AnyEvent::Impl::Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Tk>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>,
1266L<AnyEvent::Impl::Tk>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib>, 1584L<AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Qt>,
1267L<AnyEvent::Impl::Qt>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::POE>. 1585L<AnyEvent::Impl::POE>.
1268 1586
1587Non-blocking file handles, sockets, TCP clients and
1588servers: L<AnyEvent::Handle>, L<AnyEvent::Socket>.
1589
1590Asynchronous DNS: L<AnyEvent::DNS>.
1591
1592Coroutine support: L<Coro>, L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>,
1593
1269Nontrivial usage examples: L<Net::FCP>, L<Net::XMPP2>. 1594Nontrivial usage examples: L<Net::FCP>, L<Net::XMPP2>, L<AnyEvent::DNS>.
1270 1595
1271 1596
1272=head1 AUTHOR 1597=head1 AUTHOR
1273 1598
1274 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 1599 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>

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