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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
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).
126Many watchers either are used with "recursion" (repeating timers for 138Many watchers either are used with "recursion" (repeating timers for
127example), or need to refer to their watcher object in other ways. 139example), or need to refer to their watcher object in other ways.
128 140
129An any way to achieve that is this pattern: 141An any way to achieve that is this pattern:
130 142
131 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->type (arg => value ..., cb => sub { 143 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->type (arg => value ..., cb => sub {
132 # you can use $w here, for example to undef it 144 # you can use $w here, for example to undef it
133 undef $w; 145 undef $w;
134 }); 146 });
135 147
136Note that C<my $w; $w => combination. This is necessary because in Perl, 148Note that C<my $w; $w => combination. This is necessary because in Perl,
137my variables are only visible after the statement in which they are 149my variables are only visible after the statement in which they are
138declared. 150declared.
139 151
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
277AnyEvent program, you I<have> to create at least one watcher before you 352AnyEvent program, you I<have> to create at least one watcher before you
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;
283 358
284 AnyEvent::detect; # force event module to be initialised
285
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 => $pid,
290 cb => sub { 363 cb => sub {
291 my ($pid, $status) = @_; 364 my ($pid, $status) = @_;
292 warn "pid $pid exited with status $status"; 365 warn "pid $pid exited with status $status";
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. 578can supply.
486 579
487The L<Coro> module, however, I<can> and I<does> supply coroutines and, in 580The L<Coro> module, however, I<can> and I<does> supply coroutines and, in
488fact, L<Coro::AnyEvent> replaces AnyEvent's condvars by coroutine-safe 581fact, L<Coro::AnyEvent> replaces AnyEvent's condvars by coroutine-safe
489versions and also integrates coroutines into AnyEvent, making blocking 582versions and also integrates coroutines into AnyEvent, making blocking
490C<< ->wait >> calls perfectly safe as long as they are done from another 583C<< ->recv >> calls perfectly safe as long as they are done from another
491coroutine (one that doesn't run the event loop). 584coroutine (one that doesn't run the event loop).
492 585
493You 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
494only calling C<< ->wait >> from within that callback (or at a later 587only calling C<< ->recv >> from within that callback (or at a later
495time). 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
496waits otherwise. 589waits otherwise.
497 590
498=item $bool = $cv->ready 591=item $bool = $cv->ready
499 592
504 597
505This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and optionally 598This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and optionally
506replaces it before doing so. 599replaces it before doing so.
507 600
508The callback will be called when the condition becomes "true", i.e. when 601The callback will be called when the condition becomes "true", i.e. when
509C<send> or C<croak> are called. Calling C<wait> inside the callback 602C<send> or C<croak> are called, with the only argument being the condition
510or at any later time is guaranteed not to block. 603variable itself. Calling C<recv> inside the callback or at any later time
604is guaranteed not to block.
511 605
512=back 606=back
513 607
514=head1 GLOBAL VARIABLES AND FUNCTIONS 608=head1 GLOBAL VARIABLES AND FUNCTIONS
515 609
549Returns C<$AnyEvent::MODEL>, forcing autodetection of the event model 643Returns C<$AnyEvent::MODEL>, forcing autodetection of the event model
550if necessary. You should only call this function right before you would 644if necessary. You should only call this function right before you would
551have 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
552runtime. 646runtime.
553 647
554=item $guard = AnyEvent::on_detect { BLOCK } 648=item $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }
555 649
556Arranges for the code block to be executed as soon as the event model is 650Arranges for the code block to be executed as soon as the event model is
557autodetected (or immediately if this has already happened). 651autodetected (or immediately if this has already happened).
558 652
559If called in scalar or list context, then it creates and returns an object 653If called in scalar or list context, then it creates and returns an object
560that automatically removes the callback again when it is destroyed. 654that automatically removes the callback again when it is destroyed. See
655L<Coro::BDB> for a case where this is useful.
561 656
562=item @AnyEvent::on_detect 657=item @AnyEvent::post_detect
563 658
564If there are any code references in this array (you can C<push> to it 659If there are any code references in this array (you can C<push> to it
565before or after loading AnyEvent), then they will called directly after 660before or after loading AnyEvent), then they will called directly after
566the event loop has been chosen. 661the event loop has been chosen.
567 662
568You should check C<$AnyEvent::MODEL> before adding to this array, though: 663You should check C<$AnyEvent::MODEL> before adding to this array, though:
569if it contains a true value then the event loop has already been detected, 664if it contains a true value then the event loop has already been detected,
570and the array will be ignored. 665and the array will be ignored.
571 666
572Best use C<AnyEvent::on_detect { BLOCK }> instead. 667Best use C<AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }> instead.
573 668
574=back 669=back
575 670
576=head1 WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE 671=head1 WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE
577 672
581Be careful when you create watchers in the module body - AnyEvent will 676Be careful when you create watchers in the module body - AnyEvent will
582decide 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
583by 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
584to load the event module first. 679to load the event module first.
585 680
586Never 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
587the C<< ->send >> method has been called on it already. This is 682the C<< ->send >> method has been called on it already. This is
588because 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
589events is to stay interactive. 684events is to stay interactive.
590 685
591It 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
592requests 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
593called C<results> that returns the results, it should call C<< ->wait >> 688called C<results> that returns the results, it should call C<< ->recv >>
594freely, 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).
595 690
596=head1 WHAT TO DO IN THE MAIN PROGRAM 691=head1 WHAT TO DO IN THE MAIN PROGRAM
597 692
598There 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
600 695
601If 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
602do 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
603decide which implementation to chose if some module relies on it. 698decide which implementation to chose if some module relies on it.
604 699
605If 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
606Gtk2 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
607event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it: generally 702event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it: generally
608speaking, 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
609modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent will 704modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent will
610decide 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
611might chose the wrong one unless you load the correct one yourself. 706might chose the wrong one unless you load the correct one yourself.
612 707
613You can chose to use a rather inefficient pure-perl implementation by 708You can chose to use a pure-perl implementation by loading the
614loading the C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl> module, which gives you similar 709C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl> module, which gives you similar behaviour
615behaviour 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
616 728
617=head1 OTHER MODULES 729=head1 OTHER MODULES
618 730
619The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use 731The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use
620AnyEvent and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent modules 732AnyEvent and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent modules
632 744
633Provide read and write buffers and manages watchers for reads and writes. 745Provide read and write buffers and manages watchers for reads and writes.
634 746
635=item L<AnyEvent::Socket> 747=item L<AnyEvent::Socket>
636 748
637Provides 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.
756
757=item L<AnyEvent::HTTP>
758
759A simple-to-use HTTP library that is capable of making a lot of concurrent
760HTTP requests.
638 761
639=item L<AnyEvent::HTTPD> 762=item L<AnyEvent::HTTPD>
640 763
641Provides a simple web application server framework. 764Provides a simple web application server framework.
642
643=item L<AnyEvent::DNS>
644
645Provides asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities, beyond what
646L<AnyEvent::Util> offers.
647 765
648=item L<AnyEvent::FastPing> 766=item L<AnyEvent::FastPing>
649 767
650The fastest ping in the west. 768The fastest ping in the west.
651 769
668 786
669=item L<Coro> 787=item L<Coro>
670 788
671Has special support for AnyEvent via L<Coro::AnyEvent>. 789Has special support for AnyEvent via L<Coro::AnyEvent>.
672 790
791=item L<AnyEvent::AIO>, L<IO::AIO>
792
793Truly asynchronous I/O, should be in the toolbox of every event
794programmer. AnyEvent::AIO transparently fuses IO::AIO and AnyEvent
795together.
796
797=item L<AnyEvent::BDB>, L<BDB>
798
799Truly asynchronous Berkeley DB access. AnyEvent::AIO transparently fuses
800IO::AIO and AnyEvent together.
801
673=item L<IO::Lambda> 802=item L<IO::Lambda>
674 803
675The lambda approach to I/O - don't ask, look there. Can use AnyEvent. 804The lambda approach to I/O - don't ask, look there. Can use AnyEvent.
676
677=item L<IO::AIO>
678
679Truly asynchronous I/O, should be in the toolbox of every event
680programmer. Can be trivially made to use AnyEvent.
681
682=item L<BDB>
683
684Truly asynchronous Berkeley DB access. Can be trivially made to use
685AnyEvent.
686 805
687=back 806=back
688 807
689=cut 808=cut
690 809
693no warnings; 812no warnings;
694use strict; 813use strict;
695 814
696use Carp; 815use Carp;
697 816
698our $VERSION = '3.4'; 817our $VERSION = 4.14;
699our $MODEL; 818our $MODEL;
700 819
701our $AUTOLOAD; 820our $AUTOLOAD;
702our @ISA; 821our @ISA;
703 822
823our @REGISTRY;
824
825our $WIN32;
826
827BEGIN {
828 my $win32 = ! ! ($^O =~ /mswin32/i);
829 eval "sub WIN32(){ $win32 }";
830}
831
704our $verbose = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}*1; 832our $verbose = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}*1;
705 833
706our @REGISTRY; 834our %PROTOCOL; # (ipv4|ipv6) => (1|2), higher numbers are preferred
835
836{
837 my $idx;
838 $PROTOCOL{$_} = ++$idx
839 for reverse split /\s*,\s*/,
840 $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS} || "ipv4,ipv6";
841}
707 842
708my @models = ( 843my @models = (
709 [EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EV::], 844 [EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EV::],
710 [Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Event::], 845 [Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Event::],
711 [Tk:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Tk::],
712 [Wx:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
713 [Prima:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
714 [AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Perl::], 846 [AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Perl::],
715 # everything below here will not be autoprobed as the pureperl backend should work everywhere 847 # everything below here will not be autoprobed
716 [Glib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Glib::], 848 # as the pureperl backend should work everywhere
849 # and is usually faster
850 [Tk:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Tk::], # crashes with many handles
851 [Glib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Glib::], # becomes extremely slow with many watchers
717 [Event::Lib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib::], # too buggy 852 [Event::Lib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib::], # too buggy
718 [Qt:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Qt::], # requires special main program 853 [Qt:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Qt::], # requires special main program
719 [POE::Kernel:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], # lasciate ogni speranza 854 [POE::Kernel:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], # lasciate ogni speranza
855 [Wx:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
856 [Prima:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
720); 857);
721 858
722our %method = map +($_ => 1), qw(io timer signal child condvar one_event DESTROY); 859our %method = map +($_ => 1), qw(io timer time now signal child condvar one_event DESTROY);
723 860
724our @on_detect; 861our @post_detect;
725 862
726sub on_detect(&) { 863sub post_detect(&) {
727 my ($cb) = @_; 864 my ($cb) = @_;
728 865
729 if ($MODEL) { 866 if ($MODEL) {
730 $cb->(); 867 $cb->();
731 868
732 1 869 1
733 } else { 870 } else {
734 push @on_detect, $cb; 871 push @post_detect, $cb;
735 872
736 defined wantarray 873 defined wantarray
737 ? bless \$cb, "AnyEvent::Util::Guard" 874 ? bless \$cb, "AnyEvent::Util::PostDetect"
738 : () 875 : ()
739 } 876 }
740} 877}
741 878
742sub AnyEvent::Util::Guard::DESTROY { 879sub AnyEvent::Util::PostDetect::DESTROY {
743 @on_detect = grep $_ != ${$_[0]}, @on_detect; 880 @post_detect = grep $_ != ${$_[0]}, @post_detect;
744} 881}
745 882
746sub detect() { 883sub detect() {
747 unless ($MODEL) { 884 unless ($MODEL) {
748 no strict 'refs'; 885 no strict 'refs';
886 local $SIG{__DIE__};
749 887
750 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} =~ /^([a-zA-Z]+)$/) { 888 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} =~ /^([a-zA-Z]+)$/) {
751 my $model = "AnyEvent::Impl::$1"; 889 my $model = "AnyEvent::Impl::$1";
752 if (eval "require $model") { 890 if (eval "require $model") {
753 $MODEL = $model; 891 $MODEL = $model;
790 } 928 }
791 929
792 unshift @ISA, $MODEL; 930 unshift @ISA, $MODEL;
793 push @{"$MODEL\::ISA"}, "AnyEvent::Base"; 931 push @{"$MODEL\::ISA"}, "AnyEvent::Base";
794 932
795 (shift @on_detect)->() while @on_detect; 933 (shift @post_detect)->() while @post_detect;
796 } 934 }
797 935
798 $MODEL 936 $MODEL
799} 937}
800 938
810 $class->$func (@_); 948 $class->$func (@_);
811} 949}
812 950
813package AnyEvent::Base; 951package AnyEvent::Base;
814 952
953# default implementation for now and time
954
955use Time::HiRes ();
956
957sub time { Time::HiRes::time }
958sub now { Time::HiRes::time }
959
815# default implementation for ->condvar, ->wait, ->broadcast 960# default implementation for ->condvar
816 961
817sub condvar { 962sub condvar {
818 bless \my $flag, "AnyEvent::Base::CondVar" 963 bless { @_ == 3 ? (_ae_cb => $_[2]) : () }, AnyEvent::CondVar::
819}
820
821sub AnyEvent::Base::CondVar::broadcast {
822 ${$_[0]}++;
823}
824
825sub AnyEvent::Base::CondVar::wait {
826 AnyEvent->one_event while !${$_[0]};
827} 964}
828 965
829# default implementation for ->signal 966# default implementation for ->signal
830 967
831our %SIG_CB; 968our %SIG_CB;
884 or Carp::croak "required option 'pid' is missing"; 1021 or Carp::croak "required option 'pid' is missing";
885 1022
886 $PID_CB{$pid}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb}; 1023 $PID_CB{$pid}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb};
887 1024
888 unless ($WNOHANG) { 1025 unless ($WNOHANG) {
889 $WNOHANG = eval { require POSIX; &POSIX::WNOHANG } || 1; 1026 $WNOHANG = eval { local $SIG{__DIE__}; require POSIX; &POSIX::WNOHANG } || 1;
890 } 1027 }
891 1028
892 unless ($CHLD_W) { 1029 unless ($CHLD_W) {
893 $CHLD_W = AnyEvent->signal (signal => 'CHLD', cb => \&_sigchld); 1030 $CHLD_W = AnyEvent->signal (signal => 'CHLD', cb => \&_sigchld);
894 # child could be a zombie already, so make at least one round 1031 # child could be a zombie already, so make at least one round
904 delete $PID_CB{$pid}{$cb}; 1041 delete $PID_CB{$pid}{$cb};
905 delete $PID_CB{$pid} unless keys %{ $PID_CB{$pid} }; 1042 delete $PID_CB{$pid} unless keys %{ $PID_CB{$pid} };
906 1043
907 undef $CHLD_W unless keys %PID_CB; 1044 undef $CHLD_W unless keys %PID_CB;
908} 1045}
1046
1047package AnyEvent::CondVar;
1048
1049our @ISA = AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::;
1050
1051package AnyEvent::CondVar::Base;
1052
1053use overload
1054 '&{}' => sub { my $self = shift; sub { $self->send (@_) } },
1055 fallback => 1;
1056
1057sub _send {
1058 # nop
1059}
1060
1061sub send {
1062 my $cv = shift;
1063 $cv->{_ae_sent} = [@_];
1064 (delete $cv->{_ae_cb})->($cv) if $cv->{_ae_cb};
1065 $cv->_send;
1066}
1067
1068sub croak {
1069 $_[0]{_ae_croak} = $_[1];
1070 $_[0]->send;
1071}
1072
1073sub ready {
1074 $_[0]{_ae_sent}
1075}
1076
1077sub _wait {
1078 AnyEvent->one_event while !$_[0]{_ae_sent};
1079}
1080
1081sub recv {
1082 $_[0]->_wait;
1083
1084 Carp::croak $_[0]{_ae_croak} if $_[0]{_ae_croak};
1085 wantarray ? @{ $_[0]{_ae_sent} } : $_[0]{_ae_sent}[0]
1086}
1087
1088sub cb {
1089 $_[0]{_ae_cb} = $_[1] if @_ > 1;
1090 $_[0]{_ae_cb}
1091}
1092
1093sub begin {
1094 ++$_[0]{_ae_counter};
1095 $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} = $_[1] if @_ > 1;
1096}
1097
1098sub end {
1099 return if --$_[0]{_ae_counter};
1100 &{ $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} || sub { $_[0]->send } };
1101}
1102
1103# undocumented/compatibility with pre-3.4
1104*broadcast = \&send;
1105*wait = \&_wait;
909 1106
910=head1 SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE 1107=head1 SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE
911 1108
912This is an advanced topic that you do not normally need to use AnyEvent in 1109This is an advanced topic that you do not normally need to use AnyEvent in
913a module. This section is only of use to event loop authors who want to 1110a module. This section is only of use to event loop authors who want to
970model it chooses. 1167model it chooses.
971 1168
972=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL> 1169=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>
973 1170
974This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent, before 1171This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent, before
975autodetection and -probing kicks in. It must be a string consisting 1172auto detection and -probing kicks in. It must be a string consisting
976entirely of ASCII letters. The string C<AnyEvent::Impl::> gets prepended 1173entirely of ASCII letters. The string C<AnyEvent::Impl::> gets prepended
977and the resulting module name is loaded and if the load was successful, 1174and the resulting module name is loaded and if the load was successful,
978used as event model. If it fails to load AnyEvent will proceed with 1175used as event model. If it fails to load AnyEvent will proceed with
979autodetection and -probing. 1176auto detection and -probing.
980 1177
981This functionality might change in future versions. 1178This functionality might change in future versions.
982 1179
983For example, to force the pure perl model (L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) you 1180For example, to force the pure perl model (L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) you
984could start your program like this: 1181could start your program like this:
985 1182
986 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ... 1183 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ...
1184
1185=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS>
1186
1187Used by both L<AnyEvent::DNS> and L<AnyEvent::Socket> to determine preferences
1188for IPv4 or IPv6. The default is unspecified (and might change, or be the result
1189of auto probing).
1190
1191Must be set to a comma-separated list of protocols or address families,
1192current supported: C<ipv4> and C<ipv6>. Only protocols mentioned will be
1193used, and preference will be given to protocols mentioned earlier in the
1194list.
1195
1196This variable can effectively be used for denial-of-service attacks
1197against local programs (e.g. when setuid), although the impact is likely
1198small, as the program has to handle connection errors already-
1199
1200Examples: C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4,ipv6> - prefer IPv4 over IPv6,
1201but support both and try to use both. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4>
1202- only support IPv4, never try to resolve or contact IPv6
1203addresses. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv6,ipv4> support either IPv4 or
1204IPv6, but prefer IPv6 over IPv4.
1205
1206=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_EDNS0>
1207
1208Used by L<AnyEvent::DNS> to decide whether to use the EDNS0 extension
1209for DNS. This extension is generally useful to reduce DNS traffic, but
1210some (broken) firewalls drop such DNS packets, which is why it is off by
1211default.
1212
1213Setting this variable to C<1> will cause L<AnyEvent::DNS> to announce
1214EDNS0 in its DNS requests.
1215
1216=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_FORKS>
1217
1218The maximum number of child processes that C<AnyEvent::Util::fork_call>
1219will create in parallel.
987 1220
988=back 1221=back
989 1222
990=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 1223=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
991 1224
1002 poll => 'r', 1235 poll => 'r',
1003 cb => sub { 1236 cb => sub {
1004 warn "io event <$_[0]>\n"; # will always output <r> 1237 warn "io event <$_[0]>\n"; # will always output <r>
1005 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>); # read a line 1238 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>); # read a line
1006 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read 1239 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read
1007 $cv->broadcast if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i 1240 $cv->send if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i
1008 }, 1241 },
1009 ); 1242 );
1010 1243
1011 my $time_watcher; # can only be used once 1244 my $time_watcher; # can only be used once
1012 1245
1017 }); 1250 });
1018 } 1251 }
1019 1252
1020 new_timer; # create first timer 1253 new_timer; # create first timer
1021 1254
1022 $cv->wait; # wait until user enters /^q/i 1255 $cv->recv; # wait until user enters /^q/i
1023 1256
1024=head1 REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE 1257=head1 REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE
1025 1258
1026Consider the L<Net::FCP> module. It features (among others) the following 1259Consider the L<Net::FCP> module. It features (among others) the following
1027API calls, which are to freenet what HTTP GET requests are to http: 1260API calls, which are to freenet what HTTP GET requests are to http:
1077 syswrite $txn->{fh}, $txn->{request} 1310 syswrite $txn->{fh}, $txn->{request}
1078 or die "connection or write error"; 1311 or die "connection or write error";
1079 $txn->{w} = AnyEvent->io (fh => $txn->{fh}, poll => 'r', cb => sub { $txn->fh_ready_r }); 1312 $txn->{w} = AnyEvent->io (fh => $txn->{fh}, poll => 'r', cb => sub { $txn->fh_ready_r });
1080 1313
1081Again, C<fh_ready_r> waits till all data has arrived, and then stores the 1314Again, C<fh_ready_r> waits till all data has arrived, and then stores the
1082result and signals any possible waiters that the request ahs finished: 1315result and signals any possible waiters that the request has finished:
1083 1316
1084 sysread $txn->{fh}, $txn->{buf}, length $txn->{$buf}; 1317 sysread $txn->{fh}, $txn->{buf}, length $txn->{$buf};
1085 1318
1086 if (end-of-file or data complete) { 1319 if (end-of-file or data complete) {
1087 $txn->{result} = $txn->{buf}; 1320 $txn->{result} = $txn->{buf};
1088 $txn->{finished}->broadcast; 1321 $txn->{finished}->send;
1089 $txb->{cb}->($txn) of $txn->{cb}; # also call callback 1322 $txb->{cb}->($txn) of $txn->{cb}; # also call callback
1090 } 1323 }
1091 1324
1092The C<result> method, finally, just waits for the finished signal (if the 1325The C<result> method, finally, just waits for the finished signal (if the
1093request was already finished, it doesn't wait, of course, and returns the 1326request was already finished, it doesn't wait, of course, and returns the
1094data: 1327data:
1095 1328
1096 $txn->{finished}->wait; 1329 $txn->{finished}->recv;
1097 return $txn->{result}; 1330 return $txn->{result};
1098 1331
1099The actual code goes further and collects all errors (C<die>s, exceptions) 1332The actual code goes further and collects all errors (C<die>s, exceptions)
1100that occured during request processing. The C<result> method detects 1333that occurred during request processing. The C<result> method detects
1101whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn object) 1334whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn object)
1102and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and other 1335and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and other
1103problems get reported tot he code that tries to use the result, not in a 1336problems get reported tot he code that tries to use the result, not in a
1104random callback. 1337random callback.
1105 1338
1136 1369
1137 my $quit = AnyEvent->condvar; 1370 my $quit = AnyEvent->condvar;
1138 1371
1139 $fcp->txn_client_get ($url)->cb (sub { 1372 $fcp->txn_client_get ($url)->cb (sub {
1140 ... 1373 ...
1141 $quit->broadcast; 1374 $quit->send;
1142 }); 1375 });
1143 1376
1144 $quit->wait; 1377 $quit->recv;
1145 1378
1146 1379
1147=head1 BENCHMARKS 1380=head1 BENCHMARKS
1148 1381
1149To give you an idea of the performance and overheads that AnyEvent adds 1382To give you an idea of the performance and overheads that AnyEvent adds
1151of various event loops I prepared some benchmarks. 1384of various event loops I prepared some benchmarks.
1152 1385
1153=head2 BENCHMARKING ANYEVENT OVERHEAD 1386=head2 BENCHMARKING ANYEVENT OVERHEAD
1154 1387
1155Here is a benchmark of various supported event models used natively and 1388Here is a benchmark of various supported event models used natively and
1156through anyevent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero 1389through AnyEvent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero
1157timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable, 1390timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable,
1158which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again. 1391which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again.
1159 1392
1160Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench> in the AnyEvent 1393Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench> in the AnyEvent
1161distribution. 1394distribution.
1178all watchers, to avoid adding memory overhead. That means closure creation 1411all watchers, to avoid adding memory overhead. That means closure creation
1179and memory usage is not included in the figures. 1412and memory usage is not included in the figures.
1180 1413
1181I<invoke> is the time, in microseconds, used to invoke a simple 1414I<invoke> is the time, in microseconds, used to invoke a simple
1182callback. The callback simply counts down a Perl variable and after it was 1415callback. The callback simply counts down a Perl variable and after it was
1183invoked "watcher" times, it would C<< ->broadcast >> a condvar once to 1416invoked "watcher" times, it would C<< ->send >> a condvar once to
1184signal the end of this phase. 1417signal the end of this phase.
1185 1418
1186I<destroy> is the time, in microseconds, that it takes to destroy a single 1419I<destroy> is the time, in microseconds, that it takes to destroy a single
1187watcher. 1420watcher.
1188 1421
1284 1517
1285=back 1518=back
1286 1519
1287=head2 BENCHMARKING THE LARGE SERVER CASE 1520=head2 BENCHMARKING THE LARGE SERVER CASE
1288 1521
1289This benchmark atcually benchmarks the event loop itself. It works by 1522This benchmark actually benchmarks the event loop itself. It works by
1290creating a number of "servers": each server consists of a socketpair, a 1523creating a number of "servers": each server consists of a socket pair, a
1291timeout watcher that gets reset on activity (but never fires), and an I/O 1524timeout watcher that gets reset on activity (but never fires), and an I/O
1292watcher waiting for input on one side of the socket. Each time the socket 1525watcher waiting for input on one side of the socket. Each time the socket
1293watcher reads a byte it will write that byte to a random other "server". 1526watcher reads a byte it will write that byte to a random other "server".
1294 1527
1295The effect is that there will be a lot of I/O watchers, only part of which 1528The effect is that there will be a lot of I/O watchers, only part of which
1296are active at any one point (so there is a constant number of active 1529are active at any one point (so there is a constant number of active
1297fds for each loop iterstaion, but which fds these are is random). The 1530fds for each loop iteration, but which fds these are is random). The
1298timeout is reset each time something is read because that reflects how 1531timeout is reset each time something is read because that reflects how
1299most timeouts work (and puts extra pressure on the event loops). 1532most timeouts work (and puts extra pressure on the event loops).
1300 1533
1301In this benchmark, we use 10000 socketpairs (20000 sockets), of which 100 1534In this benchmark, we use 10000 socket pairs (20000 sockets), of which 100
1302(1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with many 1535(1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with many
1303connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time. 1536connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time.
1304 1537
1305Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench2> in the AnyEvent 1538Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench2> in the AnyEvent
1306distribution. 1539distribution.
1308=head3 Explanation of the columns 1541=head3 Explanation of the columns
1309 1542
1310I<sockets> is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" (as 1543I<sockets> is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" (as
1311each server has a read and write socket end). 1544each server has a read and write socket end).
1312 1545
1313I<create> is the time it takes to create a socketpair (which is 1546I<create> is the time it takes to create a socket pair (which is
1314nontrivial) and two watchers: an I/O watcher and a timeout watcher. 1547nontrivial) and two watchers: an I/O watcher and a timeout watcher.
1315 1548
1316I<request>, the most important value, is the time it takes to handle a 1549I<request>, the most important value, is the time it takes to handle a
1317single "request", that is, reading the token from the pipe and forwarding 1550single "request", that is, reading the token from the pipe and forwarding
1318it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout and creating 1551it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout and creating
1391speed most when you have lots of watchers, not when you only have a few of 1624speed most when you have lots of watchers, not when you only have a few of
1392them). 1625them).
1393 1626
1394EV is again fastest. 1627EV is again fastest.
1395 1628
1396Perl again comes second. It is noticably faster than the C-based event 1629Perl again comes second. It is noticeably faster than the C-based event
1397loops Event and Glib, although the difference is too small to really 1630loops Event and Glib, although the difference is too small to really
1398matter. 1631matter.
1399 1632
1400POE also performs much better in this case, but is is still far behind the 1633POE also performs much better in this case, but is is still far behind the
1401others. 1634others.
1430specified in the variable. 1663specified in the variable.
1431 1664
1432You can make AnyEvent completely ignore this variable by deleting it 1665You can make AnyEvent completely ignore this variable by deleting it
1433before the first watcher gets created, e.g. with a C<BEGIN> block: 1666before the first watcher gets created, e.g. with a C<BEGIN> block:
1434 1667
1435 BEGIN { delete $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} } 1668 BEGIN { delete $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} }
1436 1669
1437 use AnyEvent; 1670 use AnyEvent;
1438 1671
1439Similar considerations apply to $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}, as that can 1672Similar considerations apply to $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}, as that can
1440be used to probe what backend is used and gain other information (which is 1673be used to probe what backend is used and gain other information (which is
1441probably even less useful to an attacker than PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL). 1674probably even less useful to an attacker than PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL).
1442 1675
1443 1676
1444=head1 SEE ALSO 1677=head1 SEE ALSO
1678
1679Utility functions: L<AnyEvent::Util>.
1445 1680
1446Event modules: L<EV>, L<EV::Glib>, L<Glib::EV>, L<Event>, L<Glib::Event>, 1681Event modules: L<EV>, L<EV::Glib>, L<Glib::EV>, L<Event>, L<Glib::Event>,
1447L<Glib>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, L<POE>. 1682L<Glib>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, L<POE>.
1448 1683
1449Implementations: L<AnyEvent::Impl::EV>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Event>, 1684Implementations: L<AnyEvent::Impl::EV>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Event>,
1450L<AnyEvent::Impl::Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Tk>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>, 1685L<AnyEvent::Impl::Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Tk>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>,
1451L<AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Qt>, 1686L<AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Qt>,
1452L<AnyEvent::Impl::POE>. 1687L<AnyEvent::Impl::POE>.
1453 1688
1689Non-blocking file handles, sockets, TCP clients and
1690servers: L<AnyEvent::Handle>, L<AnyEvent::Socket>.
1691
1692Asynchronous DNS: L<AnyEvent::DNS>.
1693
1454Coroutine support: L<Coro>, L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>, 1694Coroutine support: L<Coro>, L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>,
1455 1695
1456Nontrivial usage examples: L<Net::FCP>, L<Net::XMPP2>. 1696Nontrivial usage examples: L<Net::FCP>, L<Net::XMPP2>, L<AnyEvent::DNS>.
1457 1697
1458 1698
1459=head1 AUTHOR 1699=head1 AUTHOR
1460 1700
1461 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 1701 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
1462 http://home.schmorp.de/ 1702 http://home.schmorp.de/
1463 1703
1464=cut 1704=cut
1465 1705
14661 17061
1467 1707

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