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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 ->send 21 $w->recv; # enters "main loop" till $condvar gets ->send
21 $w->send; # wake up current and all future wait's 22
23=head1 INTRODUCTION/TUTORIAL
24
25This manpage is mainly a reference manual. If you are interested
26in a tutorial or some gentle introduction, have a look at the
27L<AnyEvent::Intro> manpage.
22 28
23=head1 WHY YOU SHOULD USE THIS MODULE (OR NOT) 29=head1 WHY YOU SHOULD USE THIS MODULE (OR NOT)
24 30
25Glib, POE, IO::Async, Event... CPAN offers event models by the dozen 31Glib, POE, IO::Async, Event... CPAN offers event models by the dozen
26nowadays. So what is different about AnyEvent? 32nowadays. So what is different about AnyEvent?
48isn't itself. What's worse, all the potential users of your module are 54isn't itself. What's worse, all the potential users of your module are
49I<also> forced to use the same event loop you use. 55I<also> forced to use the same event loop you use.
50 56
51AnyEvent is different: AnyEvent + POE works fine. AnyEvent + Glib works 57AnyEvent is different: AnyEvent + POE works fine. AnyEvent + Glib works
52fine. AnyEvent + Tk works fine etc. etc. but none of these work together 58fine. AnyEvent + Tk works fine etc. etc. but none of these work together
53with the rest: POE + IO::Async? no go. Tk + Event? no go. Again: if 59with the rest: POE + IO::Async? No go. Tk + Event? No go. Again: if
54your module uses one of those, every user of your module has to use it, 60your module uses one of those, every user of your module has to use it,
55too. But if your module uses AnyEvent, it works transparently with all 61too. But if your module uses AnyEvent, it works transparently with all
56event models it supports (including stuff like POE and IO::Async, as long 62event models it supports (including stuff like POE and IO::Async, as long
57as those use one of the supported event loops. It is trivial to add new 63as those use one of the supported event loops. It is trivial to add new
58event loops to AnyEvent, too, so it is future-proof). 64event loops to AnyEvent, too, so it is future-proof).
59 65
60In addition to being free of having to use I<the one and only true event 66In 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 67model>, 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 68modules, 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 69follow. 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 70offering the functionality that is necessary, in as thin as a wrapper as
65technically possible. 71technically possible.
66 72
73Of course, AnyEvent comes with a big (and fully optional!) toolbox
74of useful functionality, such as an asynchronous DNS resolver, 100%
75non-blocking connects (even with TLS/SSL, IPv6 and on broken platforms
76such as Windows) and lots of real-world knowledge and workarounds for
77platform bugs and differences.
78
67Of course, if you want lots of policy (this can arguably be somewhat 79Now, if you I<do want> lots of policy (this can arguably be somewhat
68useful) and you want to force your users to use the one and only event 80useful) and you want to force your users to use the one and only event
69model, you should I<not> use this module. 81model, you should I<not> use this module.
70 82
71=head1 DESCRIPTION 83=head1 DESCRIPTION
72 84
78The interface itself is vaguely similar, but not identical to the L<Event> 90The interface itself is vaguely similar, but not identical to the L<Event>
79module. 91module.
80 92
81During the first call of any watcher-creation method, the module tries 93During the first call of any watcher-creation method, the module tries
82to detect the currently loaded event loop by probing whether one of the 94to 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>, 95following modules is already loaded: L<EV>,
84L<Event>, L<Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, 96L<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 97L<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 98to 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 99adaptor 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 100be successfully loaded will be used. If, after this, still none could be
102starts using it, all bets are off. Maybe you should tell their authors to 114starts using it, all bets are off. Maybe you should tell their authors to
103use AnyEvent so their modules work together with others seamlessly... 115use AnyEvent so their modules work together with others seamlessly...
104 116
105The pure-perl implementation of AnyEvent is called 117The pure-perl implementation of AnyEvent is called
106C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>. Like other event modules you can load it 118C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>. Like other event modules you can load it
107explicitly. 119explicitly and enjoy the high availability of that event loop :)
108 120
109=head1 WATCHERS 121=head1 WATCHERS
110 122
111AnyEvent has the central concept of a I<watcher>, which is an object that 123AnyEvent 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 124stores relevant data for each kind of event you are waiting for, such as
113the callback to call, the filehandle to watch, etc. 125the callback to call, the file handle to watch, etc.
114 126
115These watchers are normal Perl objects with normal Perl lifetime. After 127These watchers are normal Perl objects with normal Perl lifetime. After
116creating a watcher it will immediately "watch" for events and invoke the 128creating a watcher it will immediately "watch" for events and invoke the
117callback when the event occurs (of course, only when the event model 129callback when the event occurs (of course, only when the event model
118is in control). 130is in control).
227timers. 239timers.
228 240
229AnyEvent always prefers relative timers, if available, matching the 241AnyEvent always prefers relative timers, if available, matching the
230AnyEvent API. 242AnyEvent API.
231 243
244AnyEvent has two additional methods that return the "current time":
245
246=over 4
247
248=item AnyEvent->time
249
250This returns the "current wallclock time" as a fractional number of
251seconds since the Epoch (the same thing as C<time> or C<Time::HiRes::time>
252return, and the result is guaranteed to be compatible with those).
253
254It progresses independently of any event loop processing, i.e. each call
255will check the system clock, which usually gets updated frequently.
256
257=item AnyEvent->now
258
259This also returns the "current wallclock time", but unlike C<time>, above,
260this value might change only once per event loop iteration, depending on
261the event loop (most return the same time as C<time>, above). This is the
262time that AnyEvent's timers get scheduled against.
263
264I<In almost all cases (in all cases if you don't care), this is the
265function to call when you want to know the current time.>
266
267This function is also often faster then C<< AnyEvent->time >>, and
268thus the preferred method if you want some timestamp (for example,
269L<AnyEvent::Handle> uses this to update it's activity timeouts).
270
271The rest of this section is only of relevance if you try to be very exact
272with your timing, you can skip it without bad conscience.
273
274For a practical example of when these times differ, consider L<Event::Lib>
275and L<EV> and the following set-up:
276
277The event loop is running and has just invoked one of your callback at
278time=500 (assume no other callbacks delay processing). In your callback,
279you wait a second by executing C<sleep 1> (blocking the process for a
280second) and then (at time=501) you create a relative timer that fires
281after three seconds.
282
283With L<Event::Lib>, C<< AnyEvent->time >> and C<< AnyEvent->now >> will
284both return C<501>, because that is the current time, and the timer will
285be scheduled to fire at time=504 (C<501> + C<3>).
286
287With L<EV>, C<< AnyEvent->time >> returns C<501> (as that is the current
288time), but C<< AnyEvent->now >> returns C<500>, as that is the time the
289last event processing phase started. With L<EV>, your timer gets scheduled
290to run at time=503 (C<500> + C<3>).
291
292In one sense, L<Event::Lib> is more exact, as it uses the current time
293regardless of any delays introduced by event processing. However, most
294callbacks do not expect large delays in processing, so this causes a
295higher drift (and a lot more system calls to get the current time).
296
297In another sense, L<EV> is more exact, as your timer will be scheduled at
298the same time, regardless of how long event processing actually took.
299
300In either case, if you care (and in most cases, you don't), then you
301can get whatever behaviour you want with any event loop, by taking the
302difference between C<< AnyEvent->time >> and C<< AnyEvent->now >> into
303account.
304
305=back
306
232=head2 SIGNAL WATCHERS 307=head2 SIGNAL WATCHERS
233 308
234You can watch for signals using a signal watcher, C<signal> is the signal 309You can watch for signals using a signal watcher, C<signal> is the signal
235I<name> without any C<SIG> prefix, C<cb> is the Perl callback to 310I<name> without any C<SIG> prefix, C<cb> is the Perl callback to
236be invoked whenever a signal occurs. 311be invoked whenever a signal occurs.
237 312
238Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 313Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
239presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent 314presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent
240callbacks cannot use arguments passed to signal watcher callbacks. 315callbacks cannot use arguments passed to signal watcher callbacks.
241 316
242Multiple signal occurances can be clumped together into one callback 317Multiple signal occurrences can be clumped together into one callback
243invocation, and callback invocation will be synchronous. synchronous means 318invocation, and callback invocation will be synchronous. Synchronous means
244that it might take a while until the signal gets handled by the process, 319that it might take a while until the signal gets handled by the process,
245but it is guarenteed not to interrupt any other callbacks. 320but it is guaranteed not to interrupt any other callbacks.
246 321
247The main advantage of using these watchers is that you can share a signal 322The main advantage of using these watchers is that you can share a signal
248between multiple watchers. 323between multiple watchers.
249 324
250This watcher might use C<%SIG>, so programs overwriting those signals 325This watcher might use C<%SIG>, so programs overwriting those signals
278C<fork> the child (alternatively, you can call C<AnyEvent::detect>). 353C<fork> the child (alternatively, you can call C<AnyEvent::detect>).
279 354
280Example: fork a process and wait for it 355Example: fork a process and wait for it
281 356
282 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar; 357 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
283
284 AnyEvent::detect; # force event module to be initialised
285 358
286 my $pid = fork or exit 5; 359 my $pid = fork or exit 5;
287 360
288 my $w = AnyEvent->child ( 361 my $w = AnyEvent->child (
289 pid => $pid, 362 pid => $pid,
293 $done->send; 366 $done->send;
294 }, 367 },
295 ); 368 );
296 369
297 # do something else, then wait for process exit 370 # do something else, then wait for process exit
298 $done->wait; 371 $done->recv;
299 372
300=head2 CONDITION VARIABLES 373=head2 CONDITION VARIABLES
301 374
302If you are familiar with some event loops you will know that all of them 375If 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 376require you to run some blocking "loop", "run" or similar function that
312Condition variables can be created by calling the C<< AnyEvent->condvar 385Condition variables can be created by calling the C<< AnyEvent->condvar
313>> method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is 386>> method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is
314C<cb>, which specifies a callback to be called when the condition variable 387C<cb>, which specifies a callback to be called when the condition variable
315becomes true. 388becomes true.
316 389
317After creation, the conditon variable is "false" until it becomes "true" 390After creation, the condition variable is "false" until it becomes "true"
318by calling the C<send> method. 391by calling the C<send> method (or calling the condition variable as if it
392were a callback, read about the caveats in the description for the C<<
393->send >> method).
319 394
320Condition variables are similar to callbacks, except that you can 395Condition variables are similar to callbacks, except that you can
321optionally wait for them. They can also be called merge points - points 396optionally wait for them. They can also be called merge points - points
322in time where multiple outstandign events have been processed. And yet 397in time where multiple outstanding events have been processed. And yet
323another way to call them is transations - each condition variable can be 398another way to call them is transactions - each condition variable can be
324used to represent a transaction, which finishes at some point and delivers 399used to represent a transaction, which finishes at some point and delivers
325a result. 400a result.
326 401
327Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has finished, 402Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has finished,
328for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http requests, 403for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http requests,
329then a condition variable would be the ideal candidate to signal the 404then a condition variable would be the ideal candidate to signal the
330availability of results. The user can either act when the callback is 405availability of results. The user can either act when the callback is
331called or can synchronously C<< ->wait >> for the results. 406called or can synchronously C<< ->recv >> for the results.
332 407
333You can also use them to simulate traditional event loops - for example, 408You can also use them to simulate traditional event loops - for example,
334you can block your main program until an event occurs - for example, you 409you 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 410could C<< ->recv >> in your main program until the user clicks the Quit
336button of your app, which would C<< ->send >> the "quit" event. 411button of your app, which would C<< ->send >> the "quit" event.
337 412
338Note that condition variables recurse into the event loop - if you have 413Note 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 414two 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 415lose. Therefore, condition variables are good to export to your caller, but
341you should avoid making a blocking wait yourself, at least in callbacks, 416you should avoid making a blocking wait yourself, at least in callbacks,
342as this asks for trouble. 417as this asks for trouble.
343 418
344Condition variables are represented by hash refs in perl, and the keys 419Condition variables are represented by hash refs in perl, and the keys
349 424
350There are two "sides" to a condition variable - the "producer side" which 425There are two "sides" to a condition variable - the "producer side" which
351eventually calls C<< -> send >>, and the "consumer side", which waits 426eventually calls C<< -> send >>, and the "consumer side", which waits
352for the send to occur. 427for the send to occur.
353 428
354Example: 429Example: wait for a timer.
355 430
356 # wait till the result is ready 431 # wait till the result is ready
357 my $result_ready = AnyEvent->condvar; 432 my $result_ready = AnyEvent->condvar;
358 433
359 # do something such as adding a timer 434 # do something such as adding a timer
365 cb => sub { $result_ready->send }, 440 cb => sub { $result_ready->send },
366 ); 441 );
367 442
368 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback 443 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback
369 # calls send 444 # calls send
370 $result_ready->wait; 445 $result_ready->recv;
446
447Example: wait for a timer, but take advantage of the fact that
448condition variables are also code references.
449
450 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
451 my $delay = AnyEvent->timer (after => 5, cb => $done);
452 $done->recv;
371 453
372=head3 METHODS FOR PRODUCERS 454=head3 METHODS FOR PRODUCERS
373 455
374These methods should only be used by the producing side, i.e. the 456These methods should only be used by the producing side, i.e. the
375code/module that eventually sends the signal. Note that it is also 457code/module that eventually sends the signal. Note that it is also
378 460
379=over 4 461=over 4
380 462
381=item $cv->send (...) 463=item $cv->send (...)
382 464
383Flag the condition as ready - a running C<< ->wait >> and all further 465Flag the condition as ready - a running C<< ->recv >> and all further
384calls to C<wait> will (eventually) return after this method has been 466calls to C<recv> will (eventually) return after this method has been
385called. If nobody is waiting the send will be remembered. 467called. If nobody is waiting the send will be remembered.
386 468
387If a callback has been set on the condition variable, it is called 469If a callback has been set on the condition variable, it is called
388immediately from within send. 470immediately from within send.
389 471
390Any arguments passed to the C<send> call will be returned by all 472Any arguments passed to the C<send> call will be returned by all
391future C<< ->wait >> calls. 473future C<< ->recv >> calls.
474
475Condition variables are overloaded so one can call them directly
476(as a code reference). Calling them directly is the same as calling
477C<send>. Note, however, that many C-based event loops do not handle
478overloading, so as tempting as it may be, passing a condition variable
479instead of a callback does not work. Both the pure perl and EV loops
480support overloading, however, as well as all functions that use perl to
481invoke a callback (as in L<AnyEvent::Socket> and L<AnyEvent::DNS> for
482example).
392 483
393=item $cv->croak ($error) 484=item $cv->croak ($error)
394 485
395Similar to send, but causes all call's wait C<< ->wait >> to invoke 486Similar to send, but causes all call's to C<< ->recv >> to invoke
396C<Carp::croak> with the given error message/object/scalar. 487C<Carp::croak> with the given error message/object/scalar.
397 488
398This can be used to signal any errors to the condition variable 489This can be used to signal any errors to the condition variable
399user/consumer. 490user/consumer.
400 491
401=item $cv->begin ([group callback]) 492=item $cv->begin ([group callback])
402 493
403=item $cv->end 494=item $cv->end
495
496These two methods are EXPERIMENTAL and MIGHT CHANGE.
404 497
405These two methods can be used to combine many transactions/events into 498These two methods can be used to combine many transactions/events into
406one. For example, a function that pings many hosts in parallel might want 499one. For example, a function that pings many hosts in parallel might want
407to use a condition variable for the whole process. 500to use a condition variable for the whole process.
408 501
443doesn't execute once). 536doesn't execute once).
444 537
445This is the general pattern when you "fan out" into multiple subrequests: 538This 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> 539use 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 540is called at least once, and then, for each subrequest you start, call
448C<begin> and for eahc subrequest you finish, call C<end>. 541C<begin> and for each subrequest you finish, call C<end>.
449 542
450=back 543=back
451 544
452=head3 METHODS FOR CONSUMERS 545=head3 METHODS FOR CONSUMERS
453 546
454These methods should only be used by the consuming side, i.e. the 547These methods should only be used by the consuming side, i.e. the
455code awaits the condition. 548code awaits the condition.
456 549
457=over 4 550=over 4
458 551
459=item $cv->wait 552=item $cv->recv
460 553
461Wait (blocking if necessary) until the C<< ->send >> or C<< ->croak 554Wait (blocking if necessary) until the C<< ->send >> or C<< ->croak
462>> methods have been called on c<$cv>, while servicing other watchers 555>> methods have been called on c<$cv>, while servicing other watchers
463normally. 556normally.
464 557
475(programs might want to do that to stay interactive), so I<if you are 568(programs might want to do that to stay interactive), so I<if you are
476using this from a module, never require a blocking wait>, but let the 569using this from a module, never require a blocking wait>, but let the
477caller decide whether the call will block or not (for example, by coupling 570caller decide whether the call will block or not (for example, by coupling
478condition variables with some kind of request results and supporting 571condition variables with some kind of request results and supporting
479callbacks so the caller knows that getting the result will not block, 572callbacks so the caller knows that getting the result will not block,
480while still suppporting blocking waits if the caller so desires). 573while still supporting blocking waits if the caller so desires).
481 574
482Another reason I<never> to C<< ->wait >> in a module is that you cannot 575Another reason I<never> to C<< ->recv >> in a module is that you cannot
483sensibly have two C<< ->wait >>'s in parallel, as that would require 576sensibly have two C<< ->recv >>'s in parallel, as that would require
484multiple interpreters or coroutines/threads, none of which C<AnyEvent> 577multiple interpreters or coroutines/threads, none of which C<AnyEvent>
485can supply (the coroutine-aware backends L<AnyEvent::Impl::CoroEV> and 578can supply.
486L<AnyEvent::Impl::CoroEvent> explicitly support concurrent C<< ->wait >>'s
487from different coroutines, however).
488 579
580The L<Coro> module, however, I<can> and I<does> supply coroutines and, in
581fact, L<Coro::AnyEvent> replaces AnyEvent's condvars by coroutine-safe
582versions and also integrates coroutines into AnyEvent, making blocking
583C<< ->recv >> calls perfectly safe as long as they are done from another
584coroutine (one that doesn't run the event loop).
585
489You can ensure that C<< -wait >> never blocks by setting a callback and 586You can ensure that C<< -recv >> never blocks by setting a callback and
490only calling C<< ->wait >> from within that callback (or at a later 587only calling C<< ->recv >> from within that callback (or at a later
491time). This will work even when the event loop does not support blocking 588time). This will work even when the event loop does not support blocking
492waits otherwise. 589waits otherwise.
493 590
494=item $bool = $cv->ready 591=item $bool = $cv->ready
495 592
500 597
501This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and optionally 598This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and optionally
502replaces it before doing so. 599replaces it before doing so.
503 600
504The callback will be called when the condition becomes "true", i.e. when 601The callback will be called when the condition becomes "true", i.e. when
505C<send> or C<croak> are called. Calling C<wait> inside the callback 602C<send> or C<croak> are called, with the only argument being the condition
506or at any later time is guaranteed not to block. 603variable itself. Calling C<recv> inside the callback or at any later time
604is guaranteed not to block.
507 605
508=back 606=back
509 607
510=head1 GLOBAL VARIABLES AND FUNCTIONS 608=head1 GLOBAL VARIABLES AND FUNCTIONS
511 609
519C<AnyEvent::Impl:xxx> modules, but can be any other class in the case 617C<AnyEvent::Impl:xxx> modules, but can be any other class in the case
520AnyEvent has been extended at runtime (e.g. in I<rxvt-unicode>). 618AnyEvent has been extended at runtime (e.g. in I<rxvt-unicode>).
521 619
522The known classes so far are: 620The known classes so far are:
523 621
524 AnyEvent::Impl::CoroEV based on Coro::EV, best choice.
525 AnyEvent::Impl::CoroEvent based on Coro::Event, second best choice.
526 AnyEvent::Impl::EV based on EV (an interface to libev, best choice). 622 AnyEvent::Impl::EV based on EV (an interface to libev, best choice).
527 AnyEvent::Impl::Event based on Event, second best choice. 623 AnyEvent::Impl::Event based on Event, second best choice.
528 AnyEvent::Impl::Perl pure-perl implementation, fast and portable. 624 AnyEvent::Impl::Perl pure-perl implementation, fast and portable.
529 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib based on Glib, third-best choice. 625 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib based on Glib, third-best choice.
530 AnyEvent::Impl::Tk based on Tk, very bad choice. 626 AnyEvent::Impl::Tk based on Tk, very bad choice.
547Returns C<$AnyEvent::MODEL>, forcing autodetection of the event model 643Returns C<$AnyEvent::MODEL>, forcing autodetection of the event model
548if necessary. You should only call this function right before you would 644if necessary. You should only call this function right before you would
549have created an AnyEvent watcher anyway, that is, as late as possible at 645have created an AnyEvent watcher anyway, that is, as late as possible at
550runtime. 646runtime.
551 647
648=item $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }
649
650Arranges for the code block to be executed as soon as the event model is
651autodetected (or immediately if this has already happened).
652
653If called in scalar or list context, then it creates and returns an object
654that automatically removes the callback again when it is destroyed. See
655L<Coro::BDB> for a case where this is useful.
656
657=item @AnyEvent::post_detect
658
659If there are any code references in this array (you can C<push> to it
660before or after loading AnyEvent), then they will called directly after
661the event loop has been chosen.
662
663You should check C<$AnyEvent::MODEL> before adding to this array, though:
664if it contains a true value then the event loop has already been detected,
665and the array will be ignored.
666
667Best use C<AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }> instead.
668
552=back 669=back
553 670
554=head1 WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE 671=head1 WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE
555 672
556As a module author, you should C<use AnyEvent> and call AnyEvent methods 673As a module author, you should C<use AnyEvent> and call AnyEvent methods
559Be careful when you create watchers in the module body - AnyEvent will 676Be careful when you create watchers in the module body - AnyEvent will
560decide which event module to use as soon as the first method is called, so 677decide which event module to use as soon as the first method is called, so
561by calling AnyEvent in your module body you force the user of your module 678by calling AnyEvent in your module body you force the user of your module
562to load the event module first. 679to load the event module first.
563 680
564Never call C<< ->wait >> on a condition variable unless you I<know> that 681Never call C<< ->recv >> on a condition variable unless you I<know> that
565the C<< ->send >> method has been called on it already. This is 682the C<< ->send >> method has been called on it already. This is
566because it will stall the whole program, and the whole point of using 683because it will stall the whole program, and the whole point of using
567events is to stay interactive. 684events is to stay interactive.
568 685
569It is fine, however, to call C<< ->wait >> when the user of your module 686It is fine, however, to call C<< ->recv >> when the user of your module
570requests it (i.e. if you create a http request object ad have a method 687requests it (i.e. if you create a http request object ad have a method
571called C<results> that returns the results, it should call C<< ->wait >> 688called C<results> that returns the results, it should call C<< ->recv >>
572freely, as the user of your module knows what she is doing. always). 689freely, as the user of your module knows what she is doing. always).
573 690
574=head1 WHAT TO DO IN THE MAIN PROGRAM 691=head1 WHAT TO DO IN THE MAIN PROGRAM
575 692
576There will always be a single main program - the only place that should 693There will always be a single main program - the only place that should
578 695
579If it doesn't care, it can just "use AnyEvent" and use it itself, or not 696If it doesn't care, it can just "use AnyEvent" and use it itself, or not
580do anything special (it does not need to be event-based) and let AnyEvent 697do anything special (it does not need to be event-based) and let AnyEvent
581decide which implementation to chose if some module relies on it. 698decide which implementation to chose if some module relies on it.
582 699
583If the main program relies on a specific event model. For example, in 700If the main program relies on a specific event model - for example, in
584Gtk2 programs you have to rely on the Glib module. You should load the 701Gtk2 programs you have to rely on the Glib module - you should load the
585event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it: generally 702event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it: generally
586speaking, you should load it as early as possible. The reason is that 703speaking, you should load it as early as possible. The reason is that
587modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent will 704modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent will
588decide on the event model to use as soon as it creates watchers, and it 705decide on the event model to use as soon as it creates watchers, and it
589might chose the wrong one unless you load the correct one yourself. 706might chose the wrong one unless you load the correct one yourself.
590 707
591You can chose to use a rather inefficient pure-perl implementation by 708You can chose to use a pure-perl implementation by loading the
592loading the C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl> module, which gives you similar 709C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl> module, which gives you similar behaviour
593behaviour everywhere, but letting AnyEvent chose is generally better. 710everywhere, but letting AnyEvent chose the model is generally better.
711
712=head2 MAINLOOP EMULATION
713
714Sometimes (often for short test scripts, or even standalone programs who
715only want to use AnyEvent), you do not want to run a specific event loop.
716
717In that case, you can use a condition variable like this:
718
719 AnyEvent->condvar->recv;
720
721This has the effect of entering the event loop and looping forever.
722
723Note that usually your program has some exit condition, in which case
724it is better to use the "traditional" approach of storing a condition
725variable somewhere, waiting for it, and sending it when the program should
726exit cleanly.
727
594 728
595=head1 OTHER MODULES 729=head1 OTHER MODULES
596 730
597The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use 731The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use
598AnyEvent and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent modules 732AnyEvent and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent modules
610 744
611Provide read and write buffers and manages watchers for reads and writes. 745Provide read and write buffers and manages watchers for reads and writes.
612 746
613=item L<AnyEvent::Socket> 747=item L<AnyEvent::Socket>
614 748
615Provides a means to do non-blocking connects, accepts etc. 749Provides various utility functions for (internet protocol) sockets,
750addresses and name resolution. Also functions to create non-blocking tcp
751connections or tcp servers, with IPv6 and SRV record support and more.
752
753=item L<AnyEvent::DNS>
754
755Provides rich asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities.
616 756
617=item L<AnyEvent::HTTPD> 757=item L<AnyEvent::HTTPD>
618 758
619Provides a simple web application server framework. 759Provides a simple web application server framework.
620
621=item L<AnyEvent::DNS>
622
623Provides asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities, beyond what
624L<AnyEvent::Util> offers.
625 760
626=item L<AnyEvent::FastPing> 761=item L<AnyEvent::FastPing>
627 762
628The fastest ping in the west. 763The fastest ping in the west.
629 764
644 779
645High level API for event-based execution flow control. 780High level API for event-based execution flow control.
646 781
647=item L<Coro> 782=item L<Coro>
648 783
649Has special support for AnyEvent. 784Has special support for AnyEvent via L<Coro::AnyEvent>.
785
786=item L<AnyEvent::AIO>, L<IO::AIO>
787
788Truly asynchronous I/O, should be in the toolbox of every event
789programmer. AnyEvent::AIO transparently fuses IO::AIO and AnyEvent
790together.
791
792=item L<AnyEvent::BDB>, L<BDB>
793
794Truly asynchronous Berkeley DB access. AnyEvent::AIO transparently fuses
795IO::AIO and AnyEvent together.
650 796
651=item L<IO::Lambda> 797=item L<IO::Lambda>
652 798
653The lambda approach to I/O - don't ask, look there. Can use AnyEvent. 799The lambda approach to I/O - don't ask, look there. Can use AnyEvent.
654
655=item L<IO::AIO>
656
657Truly asynchronous I/O, should be in the toolbox of every event
658programmer. Can be trivially made to use AnyEvent.
659
660=item L<BDB>
661
662Truly asynchronous Berkeley DB access. Can be trivially made to use
663AnyEvent.
664 800
665=back 801=back
666 802
667=cut 803=cut
668 804
671no warnings; 807no warnings;
672use strict; 808use strict;
673 809
674use Carp; 810use Carp;
675 811
676our $VERSION = '3.3'; 812our $VERSION = 4.11;
677our $MODEL; 813our $MODEL;
678 814
679our $AUTOLOAD; 815our $AUTOLOAD;
680our @ISA; 816our @ISA;
681 817
818our @REGISTRY;
819
820our $WIN32;
821
822BEGIN {
823 my $win32 = ! ! ($^O =~ /mswin32/i);
824 eval "sub WIN32(){ $win32 }";
825}
826
682our $verbose = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}*1; 827our $verbose = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}*1;
683 828
684our @REGISTRY; 829our %PROTOCOL; # (ipv4|ipv6) => (1|2), higher numbers are preferred
830
831{
832 my $idx;
833 $PROTOCOL{$_} = ++$idx
834 for reverse split /\s*,\s*/,
835 $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS} || "ipv4,ipv6";
836}
685 837
686my @models = ( 838my @models = (
687 [Coro::EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::CoroEV::],
688 [Coro::Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::CoroEvent::],
689 [EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EV::], 839 [EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EV::],
690 [Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Event::], 840 [Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Event::],
691 [Tk:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Tk::],
692 [Wx:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
693 [Prima:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
694 [AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Perl::], 841 [AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Perl::],
695 # everything below here will not be autoprobed as the pureperl backend should work everywhere 842 # everything below here will not be autoprobed
696 [Glib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Glib::], 843 # as the pureperl backend should work everywhere
844 # and is usually faster
845 [Tk:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Tk::], # crashes with many handles
846 [Glib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Glib::], # becomes extremely slow with many watchers
697 [Event::Lib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib::], # too buggy 847 [Event::Lib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib::], # too buggy
698 [Qt:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Qt::], # requires special main program 848 [Qt:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Qt::], # requires special main program
699 [POE::Kernel:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], # lasciate ogni speranza 849 [POE::Kernel:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], # lasciate ogni speranza
850 [Wx:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
851 [Prima:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
700); 852);
701 853
702our %method = map +($_ => 1), qw(io timer signal child condvar one_event DESTROY); 854our %method = map +($_ => 1), qw(io timer time now signal child condvar one_event DESTROY);
855
856our @post_detect;
857
858sub post_detect(&) {
859 my ($cb) = @_;
860
861 if ($MODEL) {
862 $cb->();
863
864 1
865 } else {
866 push @post_detect, $cb;
867
868 defined wantarray
869 ? bless \$cb, "AnyEvent::Util::PostDetect"
870 : ()
871 }
872}
873
874sub AnyEvent::Util::PostDetect::DESTROY {
875 @post_detect = grep $_ != ${$_[0]}, @post_detect;
876}
703 877
704sub detect() { 878sub detect() {
705 unless ($MODEL) { 879 unless ($MODEL) {
706 no strict 'refs'; 880 no strict 'refs';
881 local $SIG{__DIE__};
707 882
708 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} =~ /^([a-zA-Z]+)$/) { 883 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} =~ /^([a-zA-Z]+)$/) {
709 my $model = "AnyEvent::Impl::$1"; 884 my $model = "AnyEvent::Impl::$1";
710 if (eval "require $model") { 885 if (eval "require $model") {
711 $MODEL = $model; 886 $MODEL = $model;
741 last; 916 last;
742 } 917 }
743 } 918 }
744 919
745 $MODEL 920 $MODEL
746 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."; 921 or die "No event module selected for AnyEvent and autodetect failed. Install any one of these modules: EV, Event or Glib.";
747 } 922 }
748 } 923 }
749 924
750 unshift @ISA, $MODEL; 925 unshift @ISA, $MODEL;
751 push @{"$MODEL\::ISA"}, "AnyEvent::Base"; 926 push @{"$MODEL\::ISA"}, "AnyEvent::Base";
927
928 (shift @post_detect)->() while @post_detect;
752 } 929 }
753 930
754 $MODEL 931 $MODEL
755} 932}
756 933
766 $class->$func (@_); 943 $class->$func (@_);
767} 944}
768 945
769package AnyEvent::Base; 946package AnyEvent::Base;
770 947
948# default implementation for now and time
949
950use Time::HiRes ();
951
952sub time { Time::HiRes::time }
953sub now { Time::HiRes::time }
954
771# default implementation for ->condvar, ->wait, ->broadcast 955# default implementation for ->condvar
772 956
773sub condvar { 957sub condvar {
774 bless \my $flag, "AnyEvent::Base::CondVar" 958 bless { @_ == 3 ? (_ae_cb => $_[2]) : () }, AnyEvent::CondVar::
775}
776
777sub AnyEvent::Base::CondVar::broadcast {
778 ${$_[0]}++;
779}
780
781sub AnyEvent::Base::CondVar::wait {
782 AnyEvent->one_event while !${$_[0]};
783} 959}
784 960
785# default implementation for ->signal 961# default implementation for ->signal
786 962
787our %SIG_CB; 963our %SIG_CB;
840 or Carp::croak "required option 'pid' is missing"; 1016 or Carp::croak "required option 'pid' is missing";
841 1017
842 $PID_CB{$pid}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb}; 1018 $PID_CB{$pid}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb};
843 1019
844 unless ($WNOHANG) { 1020 unless ($WNOHANG) {
845 $WNOHANG = eval { require POSIX; &POSIX::WNOHANG } || 1; 1021 $WNOHANG = eval { local $SIG{__DIE__}; require POSIX; &POSIX::WNOHANG } || 1;
846 } 1022 }
847 1023
848 unless ($CHLD_W) { 1024 unless ($CHLD_W) {
849 $CHLD_W = AnyEvent->signal (signal => 'CHLD', cb => \&_sigchld); 1025 $CHLD_W = AnyEvent->signal (signal => 'CHLD', cb => \&_sigchld);
850 # child could be a zombie already, so make at least one round 1026 # child could be a zombie already, so make at least one round
860 delete $PID_CB{$pid}{$cb}; 1036 delete $PID_CB{$pid}{$cb};
861 delete $PID_CB{$pid} unless keys %{ $PID_CB{$pid} }; 1037 delete $PID_CB{$pid} unless keys %{ $PID_CB{$pid} };
862 1038
863 undef $CHLD_W unless keys %PID_CB; 1039 undef $CHLD_W unless keys %PID_CB;
864} 1040}
1041
1042package AnyEvent::CondVar;
1043
1044our @ISA = AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::;
1045
1046package AnyEvent::CondVar::Base;
1047
1048use overload
1049 '&{}' => sub { my $self = shift; sub { $self->send (@_) } },
1050 fallback => 1;
1051
1052sub _send {
1053 # nop
1054}
1055
1056sub send {
1057 my $cv = shift;
1058 $cv->{_ae_sent} = [@_];
1059 (delete $cv->{_ae_cb})->($cv) if $cv->{_ae_cb};
1060 $cv->_send;
1061}
1062
1063sub croak {
1064 $_[0]{_ae_croak} = $_[1];
1065 $_[0]->send;
1066}
1067
1068sub ready {
1069 $_[0]{_ae_sent}
1070}
1071
1072sub _wait {
1073 AnyEvent->one_event while !$_[0]{_ae_sent};
1074}
1075
1076sub recv {
1077 $_[0]->_wait;
1078
1079 Carp::croak $_[0]{_ae_croak} if $_[0]{_ae_croak};
1080 wantarray ? @{ $_[0]{_ae_sent} } : $_[0]{_ae_sent}[0]
1081}
1082
1083sub cb {
1084 $_[0]{_ae_cb} = $_[1] if @_ > 1;
1085 $_[0]{_ae_cb}
1086}
1087
1088sub begin {
1089 ++$_[0]{_ae_counter};
1090 $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} = $_[1] if @_ > 1;
1091}
1092
1093sub end {
1094 return if --$_[0]{_ae_counter};
1095 &{ $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} || sub { $_[0]->send } };
1096}
1097
1098# undocumented/compatibility with pre-3.4
1099*broadcast = \&send;
1100*wait = \&_wait;
865 1101
866=head1 SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE 1102=head1 SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE
867 1103
868This is an advanced topic that you do not normally need to use AnyEvent in 1104This is an advanced topic that you do not normally need to use AnyEvent in
869a module. This section is only of use to event loop authors who want to 1105a module. This section is only of use to event loop authors who want to
926model it chooses. 1162model it chooses.
927 1163
928=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL> 1164=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>
929 1165
930This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent, before 1166This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent, before
931autodetection and -probing kicks in. It must be a string consisting 1167auto detection and -probing kicks in. It must be a string consisting
932entirely of ASCII letters. The string C<AnyEvent::Impl::> gets prepended 1168entirely of ASCII letters. The string C<AnyEvent::Impl::> gets prepended
933and the resulting module name is loaded and if the load was successful, 1169and the resulting module name is loaded and if the load was successful,
934used as event model. If it fails to load AnyEvent will proceed with 1170used as event model. If it fails to load AnyEvent will proceed with
935autodetection and -probing. 1171auto detection and -probing.
936 1172
937This functionality might change in future versions. 1173This functionality might change in future versions.
938 1174
939For example, to force the pure perl model (L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) you 1175For example, to force the pure perl model (L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) you
940could start your program like this: 1176could start your program like this:
941 1177
942 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ... 1178 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ...
1179
1180=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS>
1181
1182Used by both L<AnyEvent::DNS> and L<AnyEvent::Socket> to determine preferences
1183for IPv4 or IPv6. The default is unspecified (and might change, or be the result
1184of auto probing).
1185
1186Must be set to a comma-separated list of protocols or address families,
1187current supported: C<ipv4> and C<ipv6>. Only protocols mentioned will be
1188used, and preference will be given to protocols mentioned earlier in the
1189list.
1190
1191This variable can effectively be used for denial-of-service attacks
1192against local programs (e.g. when setuid), although the impact is likely
1193small, as the program has to handle connection errors already-
1194
1195Examples: C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4,ipv6> - prefer IPv4 over IPv6,
1196but support both and try to use both. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4>
1197- only support IPv4, never try to resolve or contact IPv6
1198addresses. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv6,ipv4> support either IPv4 or
1199IPv6, but prefer IPv6 over IPv4.
1200
1201=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_EDNS0>
1202
1203Used by L<AnyEvent::DNS> to decide whether to use the EDNS0 extension
1204for DNS. This extension is generally useful to reduce DNS traffic, but
1205some (broken) firewalls drop such DNS packets, which is why it is off by
1206default.
1207
1208Setting this variable to C<1> will cause L<AnyEvent::DNS> to announce
1209EDNS0 in its DNS requests.
1210
1211=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_FORKS>
1212
1213The maximum number of child processes that C<AnyEvent::Util::fork_call>
1214will create in parallel.
943 1215
944=back 1216=back
945 1217
946=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 1218=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
947 1219
958 poll => 'r', 1230 poll => 'r',
959 cb => sub { 1231 cb => sub {
960 warn "io event <$_[0]>\n"; # will always output <r> 1232 warn "io event <$_[0]>\n"; # will always output <r>
961 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>); # read a line 1233 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>); # read a line
962 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read 1234 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read
963 $cv->broadcast if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i 1235 $cv->send if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i
964 }, 1236 },
965 ); 1237 );
966 1238
967 my $time_watcher; # can only be used once 1239 my $time_watcher; # can only be used once
968 1240
973 }); 1245 });
974 } 1246 }
975 1247
976 new_timer; # create first timer 1248 new_timer; # create first timer
977 1249
978 $cv->wait; # wait until user enters /^q/i 1250 $cv->recv; # wait until user enters /^q/i
979 1251
980=head1 REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE 1252=head1 REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE
981 1253
982Consider the L<Net::FCP> module. It features (among others) the following 1254Consider the L<Net::FCP> module. It features (among others) the following
983API calls, which are to freenet what HTTP GET requests are to http: 1255API calls, which are to freenet what HTTP GET requests are to http:
1033 syswrite $txn->{fh}, $txn->{request} 1305 syswrite $txn->{fh}, $txn->{request}
1034 or die "connection or write error"; 1306 or die "connection or write error";
1035 $txn->{w} = AnyEvent->io (fh => $txn->{fh}, poll => 'r', cb => sub { $txn->fh_ready_r }); 1307 $txn->{w} = AnyEvent->io (fh => $txn->{fh}, poll => 'r', cb => sub { $txn->fh_ready_r });
1036 1308
1037Again, C<fh_ready_r> waits till all data has arrived, and then stores the 1309Again, C<fh_ready_r> waits till all data has arrived, and then stores the
1038result and signals any possible waiters that the request ahs finished: 1310result and signals any possible waiters that the request has finished:
1039 1311
1040 sysread $txn->{fh}, $txn->{buf}, length $txn->{$buf}; 1312 sysread $txn->{fh}, $txn->{buf}, length $txn->{$buf};
1041 1313
1042 if (end-of-file or data complete) { 1314 if (end-of-file or data complete) {
1043 $txn->{result} = $txn->{buf}; 1315 $txn->{result} = $txn->{buf};
1044 $txn->{finished}->broadcast; 1316 $txn->{finished}->send;
1045 $txb->{cb}->($txn) of $txn->{cb}; # also call callback 1317 $txb->{cb}->($txn) of $txn->{cb}; # also call callback
1046 } 1318 }
1047 1319
1048The C<result> method, finally, just waits for the finished signal (if the 1320The C<result> method, finally, just waits for the finished signal (if the
1049request was already finished, it doesn't wait, of course, and returns the 1321request was already finished, it doesn't wait, of course, and returns the
1050data: 1322data:
1051 1323
1052 $txn->{finished}->wait; 1324 $txn->{finished}->recv;
1053 return $txn->{result}; 1325 return $txn->{result};
1054 1326
1055The actual code goes further and collects all errors (C<die>s, exceptions) 1327The actual code goes further and collects all errors (C<die>s, exceptions)
1056that occured during request processing. The C<result> method detects 1328that occurred during request processing. The C<result> method detects
1057whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn object) 1329whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn object)
1058and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and other 1330and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and other
1059problems get reported tot he code that tries to use the result, not in a 1331problems get reported tot he code that tries to use the result, not in a
1060random callback. 1332random callback.
1061 1333
1092 1364
1093 my $quit = AnyEvent->condvar; 1365 my $quit = AnyEvent->condvar;
1094 1366
1095 $fcp->txn_client_get ($url)->cb (sub { 1367 $fcp->txn_client_get ($url)->cb (sub {
1096 ... 1368 ...
1097 $quit->broadcast; 1369 $quit->send;
1098 }); 1370 });
1099 1371
1100 $quit->wait; 1372 $quit->recv;
1101 1373
1102 1374
1103=head1 BENCHMARKS 1375=head1 BENCHMARKS
1104 1376
1105To give you an idea of the performance and overheads that AnyEvent adds 1377To give you an idea of the performance and overheads that AnyEvent adds
1107of various event loops I prepared some benchmarks. 1379of various event loops I prepared some benchmarks.
1108 1380
1109=head2 BENCHMARKING ANYEVENT OVERHEAD 1381=head2 BENCHMARKING ANYEVENT OVERHEAD
1110 1382
1111Here is a benchmark of various supported event models used natively and 1383Here is a benchmark of various supported event models used natively and
1112through anyevent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero 1384through AnyEvent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero
1113timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable, 1385timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable,
1114which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again. 1386which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again.
1115 1387
1116Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench> in the AnyEvent 1388Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench> in the AnyEvent
1117distribution. 1389distribution.
1134all watchers, to avoid adding memory overhead. That means closure creation 1406all watchers, to avoid adding memory overhead. That means closure creation
1135and memory usage is not included in the figures. 1407and memory usage is not included in the figures.
1136 1408
1137I<invoke> is the time, in microseconds, used to invoke a simple 1409I<invoke> is the time, in microseconds, used to invoke a simple
1138callback. The callback simply counts down a Perl variable and after it was 1410callback. The callback simply counts down a Perl variable and after it was
1139invoked "watcher" times, it would C<< ->broadcast >> a condvar once to 1411invoked "watcher" times, it would C<< ->send >> a condvar once to
1140signal the end of this phase. 1412signal the end of this phase.
1141 1413
1142I<destroy> is the time, in microseconds, that it takes to destroy a single 1414I<destroy> is the time, in microseconds, that it takes to destroy a single
1143watcher. 1415watcher.
1144 1416
1240 1512
1241=back 1513=back
1242 1514
1243=head2 BENCHMARKING THE LARGE SERVER CASE 1515=head2 BENCHMARKING THE LARGE SERVER CASE
1244 1516
1245This benchmark atcually benchmarks the event loop itself. It works by 1517This benchmark actually benchmarks the event loop itself. It works by
1246creating a number of "servers": each server consists of a socketpair, a 1518creating a number of "servers": each server consists of a socket pair, a
1247timeout watcher that gets reset on activity (but never fires), and an I/O 1519timeout watcher that gets reset on activity (but never fires), and an I/O
1248watcher waiting for input on one side of the socket. Each time the socket 1520watcher waiting for input on one side of the socket. Each time the socket
1249watcher reads a byte it will write that byte to a random other "server". 1521watcher reads a byte it will write that byte to a random other "server".
1250 1522
1251The effect is that there will be a lot of I/O watchers, only part of which 1523The effect is that there will be a lot of I/O watchers, only part of which
1252are active at any one point (so there is a constant number of active 1524are active at any one point (so there is a constant number of active
1253fds for each loop iterstaion, but which fds these are is random). The 1525fds for each loop iteration, but which fds these are is random). The
1254timeout is reset each time something is read because that reflects how 1526timeout is reset each time something is read because that reflects how
1255most timeouts work (and puts extra pressure on the event loops). 1527most timeouts work (and puts extra pressure on the event loops).
1256 1528
1257In this benchmark, we use 10000 socketpairs (20000 sockets), of which 100 1529In this benchmark, we use 10000 socket pairs (20000 sockets), of which 100
1258(1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with many 1530(1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with many
1259connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time. 1531connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time.
1260 1532
1261Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench2> in the AnyEvent 1533Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench2> in the AnyEvent
1262distribution. 1534distribution.
1264=head3 Explanation of the columns 1536=head3 Explanation of the columns
1265 1537
1266I<sockets> is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" (as 1538I<sockets> is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" (as
1267each server has a read and write socket end). 1539each server has a read and write socket end).
1268 1540
1269I<create> is the time it takes to create a socketpair (which is 1541I<create> is the time it takes to create a socket pair (which is
1270nontrivial) and two watchers: an I/O watcher and a timeout watcher. 1542nontrivial) and two watchers: an I/O watcher and a timeout watcher.
1271 1543
1272I<request>, the most important value, is the time it takes to handle a 1544I<request>, the most important value, is the time it takes to handle a
1273single "request", that is, reading the token from the pipe and forwarding 1545single "request", that is, reading the token from the pipe and forwarding
1274it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout and creating 1546it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout and creating
1347speed most when you have lots of watchers, not when you only have a few of 1619speed most when you have lots of watchers, not when you only have a few of
1348them). 1620them).
1349 1621
1350EV is again fastest. 1622EV is again fastest.
1351 1623
1352Perl again comes second. It is noticably faster than the C-based event 1624Perl again comes second. It is noticeably faster than the C-based event
1353loops Event and Glib, although the difference is too small to really 1625loops Event and Glib, although the difference is too small to really
1354matter. 1626matter.
1355 1627
1356POE also performs much better in this case, but is is still far behind the 1628POE also performs much better in this case, but is is still far behind the
1357others. 1629others.
1390 1662
1391 BEGIN { delete $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} } 1663 BEGIN { delete $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} }
1392 1664
1393 use AnyEvent; 1665 use AnyEvent;
1394 1666
1667Similar considerations apply to $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}, as that can
1668be used to probe what backend is used and gain other information (which is
1669probably even less useful to an attacker than PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL).
1670
1395 1671
1396=head1 SEE ALSO 1672=head1 SEE ALSO
1397 1673
1398Event modules: L<Coro::EV>, L<EV>, L<EV::Glib>, L<Glib::EV>, 1674Utility functions: L<AnyEvent::Util>.
1399L<Coro::Event>, L<Event>, L<Glib::Event>, L<Glib>, L<Coro>, L<Tk>, 1675
1676Event modules: L<EV>, L<EV::Glib>, L<Glib::EV>, L<Event>, L<Glib::Event>,
1400L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, L<POE>. 1677L<Glib>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, L<POE>.
1401 1678
1402Implementations: L<AnyEvent::Impl::CoroEV>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::EV>, 1679Implementations: L<AnyEvent::Impl::EV>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Event>,
1403L<AnyEvent::Impl::CoroEvent>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Event>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Glib>, 1680L<AnyEvent::Impl::Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Tk>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>,
1404L<AnyEvent::Impl::Tk>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib>, 1681L<AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Qt>,
1405L<AnyEvent::Impl::Qt>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::POE>. 1682L<AnyEvent::Impl::POE>.
1406 1683
1684Non-blocking file handles, sockets, TCP clients and
1685servers: L<AnyEvent::Handle>, L<AnyEvent::Socket>.
1686
1687Asynchronous DNS: L<AnyEvent::DNS>.
1688
1689Coroutine support: L<Coro>, L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>,
1690
1407Nontrivial usage examples: L<Net::FCP>, L<Net::XMPP2>. 1691Nontrivial usage examples: L<Net::FCP>, L<Net::XMPP2>, L<AnyEvent::DNS>.
1408 1692
1409 1693
1410=head1 AUTHOR 1694=head1 AUTHOR
1411 1695
1412 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 1696 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>

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