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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 AnyEvent::on_detect { BLOCK } 648=item $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }
555 649
556Arranges for the code block to be executed as soon as the event model is 650Arranges for the code block to be executed as soon as the event model is
557autodetected (or immediately if this has already happened). 651autodetected (or immediately if this has already happened).
558 652
653If called in scalar or list context, then it creates and returns an object
654that automatically removes the callback again when it is destroyed. See
655L<Coro::BDB> for a case where this is useful.
656
559=item @AnyEvent::on_detect 657=item @AnyEvent::post_detect
560 658
561If there are any code references in this array (you can C<push> to it 659If there are any code references in this array (you can C<push> to it
562before or after loading AnyEvent), then they will called directly after 660before or after loading AnyEvent), then they will called directly after
563the event loop has been chosen. 661the event loop has been chosen.
564 662
565You should check C<$AnyEvent::MODEL> before adding to this array, though: 663You should check C<$AnyEvent::MODEL> before adding to this array, though:
566if 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,
567and the array will be ignored. 665and the array will be ignored.
568 666
569Best use C<AnyEvent::on_detect { BLOCK }> instead. 667Best use C<AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }> instead.
570 668
571=back 669=back
572 670
573=head1 WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE 671=head1 WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE
574 672
578Be careful when you create watchers in the module body - AnyEvent will 676Be careful when you create watchers in the module body - AnyEvent will
579decide 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
580by 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
581to load the event module first. 679to load the event module first.
582 680
583Never 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
584the C<< ->send >> method has been called on it already. This is 682the C<< ->send >> method has been called on it already. This is
585because 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
586events is to stay interactive. 684events is to stay interactive.
587 685
588It 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
589requests 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
590called C<results> that returns the results, it should call C<< ->wait >> 688called C<results> that returns the results, it should call C<< ->recv >>
591freely, 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).
592 690
593=head1 WHAT TO DO IN THE MAIN PROGRAM 691=head1 WHAT TO DO IN THE MAIN PROGRAM
594 692
595There 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
597 695
598If 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
599do 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
600decide which implementation to chose if some module relies on it. 698decide which implementation to chose if some module relies on it.
601 699
602If 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
603Gtk2 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
604event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it: generally 702event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it: generally
605speaking, 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
606modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent will 704modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent will
607decide 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
608might chose the wrong one unless you load the correct one yourself. 706might chose the wrong one unless you load the correct one yourself.
609 707
610You can chose to use a rather inefficient pure-perl implementation by 708You can chose to use a pure-perl implementation by loading the
611loading the C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl> module, which gives you similar 709C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl> module, which gives you similar behaviour
612behaviour 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
613 728
614=head1 OTHER MODULES 729=head1 OTHER MODULES
615 730
616The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use 731The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use
617AnyEvent and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent modules 732AnyEvent and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent modules
629 744
630Provide read and write buffers and manages watchers for reads and writes. 745Provide read and write buffers and manages watchers for reads and writes.
631 746
632=item L<AnyEvent::Socket> 747=item L<AnyEvent::Socket>
633 748
634Provides 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.
635 761
636=item L<AnyEvent::HTTPD> 762=item L<AnyEvent::HTTPD>
637 763
638Provides a simple web application server framework. 764Provides a simple web application server framework.
639 765
640=item L<AnyEvent::DNS>
641
642Provides asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities, beyond what
643L<AnyEvent::Util> offers.
644
645=item L<AnyEvent::FastPing> 766=item L<AnyEvent::FastPing>
646 767
647The fastest ping in the west. 768The fastest ping in the west.
769
770=item L<AnyEvent::DBI>
771
772Executes DBI requests asynchronously in a proxy process.
648 773
649=item L<Net::IRC3> 774=item L<Net::IRC3>
650 775
651AnyEvent based IRC client module family. 776AnyEvent based IRC client module family.
652 777
665 790
666=item L<Coro> 791=item L<Coro>
667 792
668Has special support for AnyEvent via L<Coro::AnyEvent>. 793Has special support for AnyEvent via L<Coro::AnyEvent>.
669 794
795=item L<AnyEvent::AIO>, L<IO::AIO>
796
797Truly asynchronous I/O, should be in the toolbox of every event
798programmer. AnyEvent::AIO transparently fuses IO::AIO and AnyEvent
799together.
800
801=item L<AnyEvent::BDB>, L<BDB>
802
803Truly asynchronous Berkeley DB access. AnyEvent::AIO transparently fuses
804IO::AIO and AnyEvent together.
805
670=item L<IO::Lambda> 806=item L<IO::Lambda>
671 807
672The lambda approach to I/O - don't ask, look there. Can use AnyEvent. 808The lambda approach to I/O - don't ask, look there. Can use AnyEvent.
673
674=item L<IO::AIO>
675
676Truly asynchronous I/O, should be in the toolbox of every event
677programmer. Can be trivially made to use AnyEvent.
678
679=item L<BDB>
680
681Truly asynchronous Berkeley DB access. Can be trivially made to use
682AnyEvent.
683 809
684=back 810=back
685 811
686=cut 812=cut
687 813
690no warnings; 816no warnings;
691use strict; 817use strict;
692 818
693use Carp; 819use Carp;
694 820
695our $VERSION = '3.4'; 821our $VERSION = 4.151;
696our $MODEL; 822our $MODEL;
697 823
698our $AUTOLOAD; 824our $AUTOLOAD;
699our @ISA; 825our @ISA;
700 826
827our @REGISTRY;
828
829our $WIN32;
830
831BEGIN {
832 my $win32 = ! ! ($^O =~ /mswin32/i);
833 eval "sub WIN32(){ $win32 }";
834}
835
701our $verbose = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}*1; 836our $verbose = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}*1;
702 837
703our @REGISTRY; 838our %PROTOCOL; # (ipv4|ipv6) => (1|2), higher numbers are preferred
839
840{
841 my $idx;
842 $PROTOCOL{$_} = ++$idx
843 for reverse split /\s*,\s*/,
844 $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS} || "ipv4,ipv6";
845}
704 846
705my @models = ( 847my @models = (
706 [EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EV::], 848 [EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EV::],
707 [Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Event::], 849 [Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Event::],
708 [Tk:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Tk::],
709 [Wx:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
710 [Prima:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
711 [AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Perl::], 850 [AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Perl::],
712 # everything below here will not be autoprobed as the pureperl backend should work everywhere 851 # everything below here will not be autoprobed
713 [Glib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Glib::], 852 # as the pureperl backend should work everywhere
853 # and is usually faster
854 [Tk:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Tk::], # crashes with many handles
855 [Glib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Glib::], # becomes extremely slow with many watchers
714 [Event::Lib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib::], # too buggy 856 [Event::Lib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib::], # too buggy
715 [Qt:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Qt::], # requires special main program 857 [Qt:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Qt::], # requires special main program
716 [POE::Kernel:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], # lasciate ogni speranza 858 [POE::Kernel:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], # lasciate ogni speranza
859 [Wx:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
860 [Prima:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
717); 861);
718 862
719our %method = map +($_ => 1), qw(io timer signal child condvar one_event DESTROY); 863our %method = map +($_ => 1), qw(io timer time now signal child condvar one_event DESTROY);
720 864
721our @on_detect; 865our @post_detect;
722 866
723sub on_detect(&) { 867sub post_detect(&) {
868 my ($cb) = @_;
869
724 if ($MODEL) { 870 if ($MODEL) {
725 $_[0]->(); 871 $cb->();
872
873 1
726 } else { 874 } else {
727 push @on_detect, $_[0]; 875 push @post_detect, $cb;
876
877 defined wantarray
878 ? bless \$cb, "AnyEvent::Util::PostDetect"
879 : ()
728 } 880 }
881}
882
883sub AnyEvent::Util::PostDetect::DESTROY {
884 @post_detect = grep $_ != ${$_[0]}, @post_detect;
729} 885}
730 886
731sub detect() { 887sub detect() {
732 unless ($MODEL) { 888 unless ($MODEL) {
733 no strict 'refs'; 889 no strict 'refs';
890 local $SIG{__DIE__};
734 891
735 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} =~ /^([a-zA-Z]+)$/) { 892 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} =~ /^([a-zA-Z]+)$/) {
736 my $model = "AnyEvent::Impl::$1"; 893 my $model = "AnyEvent::Impl::$1";
737 if (eval "require $model") { 894 if (eval "require $model") {
738 $MODEL = $model; 895 $MODEL = $model;
775 } 932 }
776 933
777 unshift @ISA, $MODEL; 934 unshift @ISA, $MODEL;
778 push @{"$MODEL\::ISA"}, "AnyEvent::Base"; 935 push @{"$MODEL\::ISA"}, "AnyEvent::Base";
779 936
780 (shift @on_detect)->() while @on_detect; 937 (shift @post_detect)->() while @post_detect;
781 } 938 }
782 939
783 $MODEL 940 $MODEL
784} 941}
785 942
795 $class->$func (@_); 952 $class->$func (@_);
796} 953}
797 954
798package AnyEvent::Base; 955package AnyEvent::Base;
799 956
957# default implementation for now and time
958
959use Time::HiRes ();
960
961sub time { Time::HiRes::time }
962sub now { Time::HiRes::time }
963
800# default implementation for ->condvar, ->wait, ->broadcast 964# default implementation for ->condvar
801 965
802sub condvar { 966sub condvar {
803 bless \my $flag, "AnyEvent::Base::CondVar" 967 bless { @_ == 3 ? (_ae_cb => $_[2]) : () }, AnyEvent::CondVar::
804}
805
806sub AnyEvent::Base::CondVar::broadcast {
807 ${$_[0]}++;
808}
809
810sub AnyEvent::Base::CondVar::wait {
811 AnyEvent->one_event while !${$_[0]};
812} 968}
813 969
814# default implementation for ->signal 970# default implementation for ->signal
815 971
816our %SIG_CB; 972our %SIG_CB;
869 or Carp::croak "required option 'pid' is missing"; 1025 or Carp::croak "required option 'pid' is missing";
870 1026
871 $PID_CB{$pid}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb}; 1027 $PID_CB{$pid}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb};
872 1028
873 unless ($WNOHANG) { 1029 unless ($WNOHANG) {
874 $WNOHANG = eval { require POSIX; &POSIX::WNOHANG } || 1; 1030 $WNOHANG = eval { local $SIG{__DIE__}; require POSIX; &POSIX::WNOHANG } || 1;
875 } 1031 }
876 1032
877 unless ($CHLD_W) { 1033 unless ($CHLD_W) {
878 $CHLD_W = AnyEvent->signal (signal => 'CHLD', cb => \&_sigchld); 1034 $CHLD_W = AnyEvent->signal (signal => 'CHLD', cb => \&_sigchld);
879 # child could be a zombie already, so make at least one round 1035 # child could be a zombie already, so make at least one round
889 delete $PID_CB{$pid}{$cb}; 1045 delete $PID_CB{$pid}{$cb};
890 delete $PID_CB{$pid} unless keys %{ $PID_CB{$pid} }; 1046 delete $PID_CB{$pid} unless keys %{ $PID_CB{$pid} };
891 1047
892 undef $CHLD_W unless keys %PID_CB; 1048 undef $CHLD_W unless keys %PID_CB;
893} 1049}
1050
1051package AnyEvent::CondVar;
1052
1053our @ISA = AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::;
1054
1055package AnyEvent::CondVar::Base;
1056
1057use overload
1058 '&{}' => sub { my $self = shift; sub { $self->send (@_) } },
1059 fallback => 1;
1060
1061sub _send {
1062 # nop
1063}
1064
1065sub send {
1066 my $cv = shift;
1067 $cv->{_ae_sent} = [@_];
1068 (delete $cv->{_ae_cb})->($cv) if $cv->{_ae_cb};
1069 $cv->_send;
1070}
1071
1072sub croak {
1073 $_[0]{_ae_croak} = $_[1];
1074 $_[0]->send;
1075}
1076
1077sub ready {
1078 $_[0]{_ae_sent}
1079}
1080
1081sub _wait {
1082 AnyEvent->one_event while !$_[0]{_ae_sent};
1083}
1084
1085sub recv {
1086 $_[0]->_wait;
1087
1088 Carp::croak $_[0]{_ae_croak} if $_[0]{_ae_croak};
1089 wantarray ? @{ $_[0]{_ae_sent} } : $_[0]{_ae_sent}[0]
1090}
1091
1092sub cb {
1093 $_[0]{_ae_cb} = $_[1] if @_ > 1;
1094 $_[0]{_ae_cb}
1095}
1096
1097sub begin {
1098 ++$_[0]{_ae_counter};
1099 $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} = $_[1] if @_ > 1;
1100}
1101
1102sub end {
1103 return if --$_[0]{_ae_counter};
1104 &{ $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} || sub { $_[0]->send } };
1105}
1106
1107# undocumented/compatibility with pre-3.4
1108*broadcast = \&send;
1109*wait = \&_wait;
894 1110
895=head1 SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE 1111=head1 SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE
896 1112
897This is an advanced topic that you do not normally need to use AnyEvent in 1113This is an advanced topic that you do not normally need to use AnyEvent in
898a module. This section is only of use to event loop authors who want to 1114a module. This section is only of use to event loop authors who want to
955model it chooses. 1171model it chooses.
956 1172
957=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL> 1173=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>
958 1174
959This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent, before 1175This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent, before
960autodetection and -probing kicks in. It must be a string consisting 1176auto detection and -probing kicks in. It must be a string consisting
961entirely of ASCII letters. The string C<AnyEvent::Impl::> gets prepended 1177entirely of ASCII letters. The string C<AnyEvent::Impl::> gets prepended
962and the resulting module name is loaded and if the load was successful, 1178and the resulting module name is loaded and if the load was successful,
963used as event model. If it fails to load AnyEvent will proceed with 1179used as event model. If it fails to load AnyEvent will proceed with
964autodetection and -probing. 1180auto detection and -probing.
965 1181
966This functionality might change in future versions. 1182This functionality might change in future versions.
967 1183
968For example, to force the pure perl model (L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) you 1184For example, to force the pure perl model (L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) you
969could start your program like this: 1185could start your program like this:
970 1186
971 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ... 1187 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ...
1188
1189=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS>
1190
1191Used by both L<AnyEvent::DNS> and L<AnyEvent::Socket> to determine preferences
1192for IPv4 or IPv6. The default is unspecified (and might change, or be the result
1193of auto probing).
1194
1195Must be set to a comma-separated list of protocols or address families,
1196current supported: C<ipv4> and C<ipv6>. Only protocols mentioned will be
1197used, and preference will be given to protocols mentioned earlier in the
1198list.
1199
1200This variable can effectively be used for denial-of-service attacks
1201against local programs (e.g. when setuid), although the impact is likely
1202small, as the program has to handle connection errors already-
1203
1204Examples: C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4,ipv6> - prefer IPv4 over IPv6,
1205but support both and try to use both. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4>
1206- only support IPv4, never try to resolve or contact IPv6
1207addresses. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv6,ipv4> support either IPv4 or
1208IPv6, but prefer IPv6 over IPv4.
1209
1210=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_EDNS0>
1211
1212Used by L<AnyEvent::DNS> to decide whether to use the EDNS0 extension
1213for DNS. This extension is generally useful to reduce DNS traffic, but
1214some (broken) firewalls drop such DNS packets, which is why it is off by
1215default.
1216
1217Setting this variable to C<1> will cause L<AnyEvent::DNS> to announce
1218EDNS0 in its DNS requests.
1219
1220=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_FORKS>
1221
1222The maximum number of child processes that C<AnyEvent::Util::fork_call>
1223will create in parallel.
972 1224
973=back 1225=back
974 1226
975=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 1227=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
976 1228
987 poll => 'r', 1239 poll => 'r',
988 cb => sub { 1240 cb => sub {
989 warn "io event <$_[0]>\n"; # will always output <r> 1241 warn "io event <$_[0]>\n"; # will always output <r>
990 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>); # read a line 1242 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>); # read a line
991 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read 1243 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read
992 $cv->broadcast if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i 1244 $cv->send if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i
993 }, 1245 },
994 ); 1246 );
995 1247
996 my $time_watcher; # can only be used once 1248 my $time_watcher; # can only be used once
997 1249
1002 }); 1254 });
1003 } 1255 }
1004 1256
1005 new_timer; # create first timer 1257 new_timer; # create first timer
1006 1258
1007 $cv->wait; # wait until user enters /^q/i 1259 $cv->recv; # wait until user enters /^q/i
1008 1260
1009=head1 REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE 1261=head1 REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE
1010 1262
1011Consider the L<Net::FCP> module. It features (among others) the following 1263Consider the L<Net::FCP> module. It features (among others) the following
1012API calls, which are to freenet what HTTP GET requests are to http: 1264API calls, which are to freenet what HTTP GET requests are to http:
1062 syswrite $txn->{fh}, $txn->{request} 1314 syswrite $txn->{fh}, $txn->{request}
1063 or die "connection or write error"; 1315 or die "connection or write error";
1064 $txn->{w} = AnyEvent->io (fh => $txn->{fh}, poll => 'r', cb => sub { $txn->fh_ready_r }); 1316 $txn->{w} = AnyEvent->io (fh => $txn->{fh}, poll => 'r', cb => sub { $txn->fh_ready_r });
1065 1317
1066Again, C<fh_ready_r> waits till all data has arrived, and then stores the 1318Again, C<fh_ready_r> waits till all data has arrived, and then stores the
1067result and signals any possible waiters that the request ahs finished: 1319result and signals any possible waiters that the request has finished:
1068 1320
1069 sysread $txn->{fh}, $txn->{buf}, length $txn->{$buf}; 1321 sysread $txn->{fh}, $txn->{buf}, length $txn->{$buf};
1070 1322
1071 if (end-of-file or data complete) { 1323 if (end-of-file or data complete) {
1072 $txn->{result} = $txn->{buf}; 1324 $txn->{result} = $txn->{buf};
1073 $txn->{finished}->broadcast; 1325 $txn->{finished}->send;
1074 $txb->{cb}->($txn) of $txn->{cb}; # also call callback 1326 $txb->{cb}->($txn) of $txn->{cb}; # also call callback
1075 } 1327 }
1076 1328
1077The C<result> method, finally, just waits for the finished signal (if the 1329The C<result> method, finally, just waits for the finished signal (if the
1078request was already finished, it doesn't wait, of course, and returns the 1330request was already finished, it doesn't wait, of course, and returns the
1079data: 1331data:
1080 1332
1081 $txn->{finished}->wait; 1333 $txn->{finished}->recv;
1082 return $txn->{result}; 1334 return $txn->{result};
1083 1335
1084The actual code goes further and collects all errors (C<die>s, exceptions) 1336The actual code goes further and collects all errors (C<die>s, exceptions)
1085that occured during request processing. The C<result> method detects 1337that occurred during request processing. The C<result> method detects
1086whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn object) 1338whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn object)
1087and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and other 1339and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and other
1088problems get reported tot he code that tries to use the result, not in a 1340problems get reported tot he code that tries to use the result, not in a
1089random callback. 1341random callback.
1090 1342
1121 1373
1122 my $quit = AnyEvent->condvar; 1374 my $quit = AnyEvent->condvar;
1123 1375
1124 $fcp->txn_client_get ($url)->cb (sub { 1376 $fcp->txn_client_get ($url)->cb (sub {
1125 ... 1377 ...
1126 $quit->broadcast; 1378 $quit->send;
1127 }); 1379 });
1128 1380
1129 $quit->wait; 1381 $quit->recv;
1130 1382
1131 1383
1132=head1 BENCHMARKS 1384=head1 BENCHMARKS
1133 1385
1134To give you an idea of the performance and overheads that AnyEvent adds 1386To give you an idea of the performance and overheads that AnyEvent adds
1136of various event loops I prepared some benchmarks. 1388of various event loops I prepared some benchmarks.
1137 1389
1138=head2 BENCHMARKING ANYEVENT OVERHEAD 1390=head2 BENCHMARKING ANYEVENT OVERHEAD
1139 1391
1140Here is a benchmark of various supported event models used natively and 1392Here is a benchmark of various supported event models used natively and
1141through anyevent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero 1393through AnyEvent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero
1142timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable, 1394timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable,
1143which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again. 1395which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again.
1144 1396
1145Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench> in the AnyEvent 1397Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench> in the AnyEvent
1146distribution. 1398distribution.
1163all watchers, to avoid adding memory overhead. That means closure creation 1415all watchers, to avoid adding memory overhead. That means closure creation
1164and memory usage is not included in the figures. 1416and memory usage is not included in the figures.
1165 1417
1166I<invoke> is the time, in microseconds, used to invoke a simple 1418I<invoke> is the time, in microseconds, used to invoke a simple
1167callback. The callback simply counts down a Perl variable and after it was 1419callback. The callback simply counts down a Perl variable and after it was
1168invoked "watcher" times, it would C<< ->broadcast >> a condvar once to 1420invoked "watcher" times, it would C<< ->send >> a condvar once to
1169signal the end of this phase. 1421signal the end of this phase.
1170 1422
1171I<destroy> is the time, in microseconds, that it takes to destroy a single 1423I<destroy> is the time, in microseconds, that it takes to destroy a single
1172watcher. 1424watcher.
1173 1425
1269 1521
1270=back 1522=back
1271 1523
1272=head2 BENCHMARKING THE LARGE SERVER CASE 1524=head2 BENCHMARKING THE LARGE SERVER CASE
1273 1525
1274This benchmark atcually benchmarks the event loop itself. It works by 1526This benchmark actually benchmarks the event loop itself. It works by
1275creating a number of "servers": each server consists of a socketpair, a 1527creating a number of "servers": each server consists of a socket pair, a
1276timeout watcher that gets reset on activity (but never fires), and an I/O 1528timeout watcher that gets reset on activity (but never fires), and an I/O
1277watcher waiting for input on one side of the socket. Each time the socket 1529watcher waiting for input on one side of the socket. Each time the socket
1278watcher reads a byte it will write that byte to a random other "server". 1530watcher reads a byte it will write that byte to a random other "server".
1279 1531
1280The effect is that there will be a lot of I/O watchers, only part of which 1532The effect is that there will be a lot of I/O watchers, only part of which
1281are active at any one point (so there is a constant number of active 1533are active at any one point (so there is a constant number of active
1282fds for each loop iterstaion, but which fds these are is random). The 1534fds for each loop iteration, but which fds these are is random). The
1283timeout is reset each time something is read because that reflects how 1535timeout is reset each time something is read because that reflects how
1284most timeouts work (and puts extra pressure on the event loops). 1536most timeouts work (and puts extra pressure on the event loops).
1285 1537
1286In this benchmark, we use 10000 socketpairs (20000 sockets), of which 100 1538In this benchmark, we use 10000 socket pairs (20000 sockets), of which 100
1287(1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with many 1539(1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with many
1288connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time. 1540connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time.
1289 1541
1290Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench2> in the AnyEvent 1542Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench2> in the AnyEvent
1291distribution. 1543distribution.
1293=head3 Explanation of the columns 1545=head3 Explanation of the columns
1294 1546
1295I<sockets> is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" (as 1547I<sockets> is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" (as
1296each server has a read and write socket end). 1548each server has a read and write socket end).
1297 1549
1298I<create> is the time it takes to create a socketpair (which is 1550I<create> is the time it takes to create a socket pair (which is
1299nontrivial) and two watchers: an I/O watcher and a timeout watcher. 1551nontrivial) and two watchers: an I/O watcher and a timeout watcher.
1300 1552
1301I<request>, the most important value, is the time it takes to handle a 1553I<request>, the most important value, is the time it takes to handle a
1302single "request", that is, reading the token from the pipe and forwarding 1554single "request", that is, reading the token from the pipe and forwarding
1303it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout and creating 1555it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout and creating
1376speed most when you have lots of watchers, not when you only have a few of 1628speed most when you have lots of watchers, not when you only have a few of
1377them). 1629them).
1378 1630
1379EV is again fastest. 1631EV is again fastest.
1380 1632
1381Perl again comes second. It is noticably faster than the C-based event 1633Perl again comes second. It is noticeably faster than the C-based event
1382loops Event and Glib, although the difference is too small to really 1634loops Event and Glib, although the difference is too small to really
1383matter. 1635matter.
1384 1636
1385POE also performs much better in this case, but is is still far behind the 1637POE also performs much better in this case, but is is still far behind the
1386others. 1638others.
1415specified in the variable. 1667specified in the variable.
1416 1668
1417You can make AnyEvent completely ignore this variable by deleting it 1669You can make AnyEvent completely ignore this variable by deleting it
1418before the first watcher gets created, e.g. with a C<BEGIN> block: 1670before the first watcher gets created, e.g. with a C<BEGIN> block:
1419 1671
1420 BEGIN { delete $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} } 1672 BEGIN { delete $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} }
1421 1673
1422 use AnyEvent; 1674 use AnyEvent;
1423 1675
1424Similar considerations apply to $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}, as that can 1676Similar considerations apply to $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}, as that can
1425be used to probe what backend is used and gain other information (which is 1677be used to probe what backend is used and gain other information (which is
1426probably even less useful to an attacker than PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL). 1678probably even less useful to an attacker than PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL).
1427 1679
1428 1680
1681=head1 BUGS
1682
1683Perl 5.8 has numerous memleaks that sometimes hit this module and are hard
1684to work around. If you suffer from memleaks, first upgrade to Perl 5.10
1685and check wether the leaks still show up. (Perl 5.10.0 has other annoying
1686mamleaks, such as leaking on C<map> and C<grep> but it is usually not as
1687pronounced).
1688
1689
1429=head1 SEE ALSO 1690=head1 SEE ALSO
1691
1692Utility functions: L<AnyEvent::Util>.
1430 1693
1431Event modules: L<EV>, L<EV::Glib>, L<Glib::EV>, L<Event>, L<Glib::Event>, 1694Event modules: L<EV>, L<EV::Glib>, L<Glib::EV>, L<Event>, L<Glib::Event>,
1432L<Glib>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, L<POE>. 1695L<Glib>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, L<POE>.
1433 1696
1434Implementations: L<AnyEvent::Impl::EV>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Event>, 1697Implementations: L<AnyEvent::Impl::EV>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Event>,
1435L<AnyEvent::Impl::Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Tk>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>, 1698L<AnyEvent::Impl::Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Tk>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>,
1436L<AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Qt>, 1699L<AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Qt>,
1437L<AnyEvent::Impl::POE>. 1700L<AnyEvent::Impl::POE>.
1438 1701
1702Non-blocking file handles, sockets, TCP clients and
1703servers: L<AnyEvent::Handle>, L<AnyEvent::Socket>.
1704
1705Asynchronous DNS: L<AnyEvent::DNS>.
1706
1439Coroutine support: L<Coro>, L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>, 1707Coroutine support: L<Coro>, L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>,
1440 1708
1441Nontrivial usage examples: L<Net::FCP>, L<Net::XMPP2>. 1709Nontrivial usage examples: L<Net::FCP>, L<Net::XMPP2>, L<AnyEvent::DNS>.
1442 1710
1443 1711
1444=head1 AUTHOR 1712=head1 AUTHOR
1445 1713
1446 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 1714 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
1447 http://home.schmorp.de/ 1715 http://home.schmorp.de/
1448 1716
1449=cut 1717=cut
1450 1718
14511 17191
1452 1720

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