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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?
27 33
28Executive Summary: AnyEvent is I<compatible>, AnyEvent is I<free of 34Executive Summary: AnyEvent is I<compatible>, AnyEvent is I<free of
29policy> and AnyEvent is I<small and efficient>. 35policy> and AnyEvent is I<small and efficient>.
30 36
31First and foremost, I<AnyEvent is not an event model> itself, it only 37First and foremost, I<AnyEvent is not an event model> itself, it only
32interfaces to whatever event model the main program happens to use in a 38interfaces to whatever event model the main program happens to use, in a
33pragmatic way. For event models and certain classes of immortals alike, 39pragmatic way. For event models and certain classes of immortals alike,
34the statement "there can only be one" is a bitter reality: In general, 40the statement "there can only be one" is a bitter reality: In general,
35only one event loop can be active at the same time in a process. AnyEvent 41only one event loop can be active at the same time in a process. AnyEvent
36helps hiding the differences between those event loops. 42cannot change this, but it can hide the differences between those event
43loops.
37 44
38The goal of AnyEvent is to offer module authors the ability to do event 45The goal of AnyEvent is to offer module authors the ability to do event
39programming (waiting for I/O or timer events) without subscribing to a 46programming (waiting for I/O or timer events) without subscribing to a
40religion, a way of living, and most importantly: without forcing your 47religion, a way of living, and most importantly: without forcing your
41module users into the same thing by forcing them to use the same event 48module users into the same thing by forcing them to use the same event
42model you use. 49model you use.
43 50
44For modules like POE or IO::Async (which is a total misnomer as it is 51For modules like POE or IO::Async (which is a total misnomer as it is
45actually doing all I/O I<synchronously>...), using them in your module is 52actually doing all I/O I<synchronously>...), using them in your module is
46like joining a cult: After you joined, you are dependent on them and you 53like joining a cult: After you joined, you are dependent on them and you
47cannot use anything else, as it is simply incompatible to everything that 54cannot use anything else, as they are simply incompatible to everything
48isn't itself. What's worse, all the potential users of your module are 55that isn't them. What's worse, all the potential users of your
49I<also> forced to use the same event loop you use. 56module are I<also> forced to use the same event loop you use.
50 57
51AnyEvent is different: AnyEvent + POE works fine. AnyEvent + Glib works 58AnyEvent is different: AnyEvent + POE works fine. AnyEvent + Glib works
52fine. AnyEvent + Tk works fine etc. etc. but none of these work together 59fine. 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 60with 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, 61your 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 62too. But if your module uses AnyEvent, it works transparently with all
56event models it supports (including stuff like POE and IO::Async, as long 63event models it supports (including stuff like IO::Async, as long as those
57as those use one of the supported event loops. It is trivial to add new 64use one of the supported event loops. It is trivial to add new event loops
58event loops to AnyEvent, too, so it is future-proof). 65to AnyEvent, too, so it is future-proof).
59 66
60In addition to being free of having to use I<the one and only true event 67In 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 68model>, 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 69modules, 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 70follow. 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 71offering the functionality that is necessary, in as thin as a wrapper as
65technically possible. 72technically possible.
66 73
74Of course, AnyEvent comes with a big (and fully optional!) toolbox
75of useful functionality, such as an asynchronous DNS resolver, 100%
76non-blocking connects (even with TLS/SSL, IPv6 and on broken platforms
77such as Windows) and lots of real-world knowledge and workarounds for
78platform bugs and differences.
79
67Of course, if you want lots of policy (this can arguably be somewhat 80Now, 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 81useful) and you want to force your users to use the one and only event
69model, you should I<not> use this module. 82model, you should I<not> use this module.
70 83
71=head1 DESCRIPTION 84=head1 DESCRIPTION
72 85
102starts using it, all bets are off. Maybe you should tell their authors to 115starts using it, all bets are off. Maybe you should tell their authors to
103use AnyEvent so their modules work together with others seamlessly... 116use AnyEvent so their modules work together with others seamlessly...
104 117
105The pure-perl implementation of AnyEvent is called 118The pure-perl implementation of AnyEvent is called
106C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>. Like other event modules you can load it 119C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>. Like other event modules you can load it
107explicitly. 120explicitly and enjoy the high availability of that event loop :)
108 121
109=head1 WATCHERS 122=head1 WATCHERS
110 123
111AnyEvent has the central concept of a I<watcher>, which is an object that 124AnyEvent 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 125stores relevant data for each kind of event you are waiting for, such as
113the callback to call, the filehandle to watch, etc. 126the callback to call, the file handle to watch, etc.
114 127
115These watchers are normal Perl objects with normal Perl lifetime. After 128These watchers are normal Perl objects with normal Perl lifetime. After
116creating a watcher it will immediately "watch" for events and invoke the 129creating a watcher it will immediately "watch" for events and invoke the
117callback when the event occurs (of course, only when the event model 130callback when the event occurs (of course, only when the event model
118is in control). 131is in control).
126Many watchers either are used with "recursion" (repeating timers for 139Many watchers either are used with "recursion" (repeating timers for
127example), or need to refer to their watcher object in other ways. 140example), or need to refer to their watcher object in other ways.
128 141
129An any way to achieve that is this pattern: 142An any way to achieve that is this pattern:
130 143
131 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->type (arg => value ..., cb => sub { 144 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->type (arg => value ..., cb => sub {
132 # you can use $w here, for example to undef it 145 # you can use $w here, for example to undef it
133 undef $w; 146 undef $w;
134 }); 147 });
135 148
136Note that C<my $w; $w => combination. This is necessary because in Perl, 149Note that C<my $w; $w => combination. This is necessary because in Perl,
137my variables are only visible after the statement in which they are 150my variables are only visible after the statement in which they are
138declared. 151declared.
139 152
140=head2 I/O WATCHERS 153=head2 I/O WATCHERS
141 154
142You can create an I/O watcher by calling the C<< AnyEvent->io >> method 155You can create an I/O watcher by calling the C<< AnyEvent->io >> method
143with the following mandatory key-value pairs as arguments: 156with the following mandatory key-value pairs as arguments:
144 157
145C<fh> the Perl I<file handle> (I<not> file descriptor) to watch 158C<fh> the Perl I<file handle> (I<not> file descriptor) to watch for events
146for events. C<poll> must be a string that is either C<r> or C<w>, 159(AnyEvent might or might not keep a reference to this file handle). C<poll>
147which creates a watcher waiting for "r"eadable or "w"ritable events, 160must be a string that is either C<r> or C<w>, which creates a watcher
148respectively. C<cb> is the callback to invoke each time the file handle 161waiting for "r"eadable or "w"ritable events, respectively. C<cb> is the
149becomes ready. 162callback to invoke each time the file handle becomes ready.
150 163
151Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 164Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
152presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent 165presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent
153callbacks cannot use arguments passed to I/O watcher callbacks. 166callbacks cannot use arguments passed to I/O watcher callbacks.
154 167
158 171
159Some event loops issue spurious readyness notifications, so you should 172Some event loops issue spurious readyness notifications, so you should
160always use non-blocking calls when reading/writing from/to your file 173always use non-blocking calls when reading/writing from/to your file
161handles. 174handles.
162 175
163Example:
164
165 # wait for readability of STDIN, then read a line and disable the watcher 176Example: wait for readability of STDIN, then read a line and disable the
177watcher.
178
166 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => \*STDIN, poll => 'r', cb => sub { 179 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => \*STDIN, poll => 'r', cb => sub {
167 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>); 180 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>);
168 warn "read: $input\n"; 181 warn "read: $input\n";
169 undef $w; 182 undef $w;
170 }); 183 });
180 193
181Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 194Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
182presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent 195presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent
183callbacks cannot use arguments passed to time watcher callbacks. 196callbacks cannot use arguments passed to time watcher callbacks.
184 197
185The timer callback will be invoked at most once: if you want a repeating 198The callback will normally be invoked once only. If you specify another
186timer you have to create a new watcher (this is a limitation by both Tk 199parameter, C<interval>, as a strictly positive number (> 0), then the
187and Glib). 200callback will be invoked regularly at that interval (in fractional
201seconds) after the first invocation. If C<interval> is specified with a
202false value, then it is treated as if it were missing.
188 203
189Example: 204The callback will be rescheduled before invoking the callback, but no
205attempt is done to avoid timer drift in most backends, so the interval is
206only approximate.
190 207
191 # fire an event after 7.7 seconds 208Example: fire an event after 7.7 seconds.
209
192 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 7.7, cb => sub { 210 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 7.7, cb => sub {
193 warn "timeout\n"; 211 warn "timeout\n";
194 }); 212 });
195 213
196 # to cancel the timer: 214 # to cancel the timer:
197 undef $w; 215 undef $w;
198 216
199Example 2:
200
201 # fire an event after 0.5 seconds, then roughly every second 217Example 2: fire an event after 0.5 seconds, then roughly every second.
202 my $w;
203 218
204 my $cb = sub {
205 # cancel the old timer while creating a new one
206 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 1, cb => $cb); 219 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 0.5, interval => 1, cb => sub {
220 warn "timeout\n";
207 }; 221 };
208
209 # start the "loop" by creating the first watcher
210 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 0.5, cb => $cb);
211 222
212=head3 TIMING ISSUES 223=head3 TIMING ISSUES
213 224
214There are two ways to handle timers: based on real time (relative, "fire 225There are two ways to handle timers: based on real time (relative, "fire
215in 10 seconds") and based on wallclock time (absolute, "fire at 12 226in 10 seconds") and based on wallclock time (absolute, "fire at 12
227timers. 238timers.
228 239
229AnyEvent always prefers relative timers, if available, matching the 240AnyEvent always prefers relative timers, if available, matching the
230AnyEvent API. 241AnyEvent API.
231 242
243AnyEvent has two additional methods that return the "current time":
244
245=over 4
246
247=item AnyEvent->time
248
249This returns the "current wallclock time" as a fractional number of
250seconds since the Epoch (the same thing as C<time> or C<Time::HiRes::time>
251return, and the result is guaranteed to be compatible with those).
252
253It progresses independently of any event loop processing, i.e. each call
254will check the system clock, which usually gets updated frequently.
255
256=item AnyEvent->now
257
258This also returns the "current wallclock time", but unlike C<time>, above,
259this value might change only once per event loop iteration, depending on
260the event loop (most return the same time as C<time>, above). This is the
261time that AnyEvent's timers get scheduled against.
262
263I<In almost all cases (in all cases if you don't care), this is the
264function to call when you want to know the current time.>
265
266This function is also often faster then C<< AnyEvent->time >>, and
267thus the preferred method if you want some timestamp (for example,
268L<AnyEvent::Handle> uses this to update it's activity timeouts).
269
270The rest of this section is only of relevance if you try to be very exact
271with your timing, you can skip it without bad conscience.
272
273For a practical example of when these times differ, consider L<Event::Lib>
274and L<EV> and the following set-up:
275
276The event loop is running and has just invoked one of your callback at
277time=500 (assume no other callbacks delay processing). In your callback,
278you wait a second by executing C<sleep 1> (blocking the process for a
279second) and then (at time=501) you create a relative timer that fires
280after three seconds.
281
282With L<Event::Lib>, C<< AnyEvent->time >> and C<< AnyEvent->now >> will
283both return C<501>, because that is the current time, and the timer will
284be scheduled to fire at time=504 (C<501> + C<3>).
285
286With L<EV>, C<< AnyEvent->time >> returns C<501> (as that is the current
287time), but C<< AnyEvent->now >> returns C<500>, as that is the time the
288last event processing phase started. With L<EV>, your timer gets scheduled
289to run at time=503 (C<500> + C<3>).
290
291In one sense, L<Event::Lib> is more exact, as it uses the current time
292regardless of any delays introduced by event processing. However, most
293callbacks do not expect large delays in processing, so this causes a
294higher drift (and a lot more system calls to get the current time).
295
296In another sense, L<EV> is more exact, as your timer will be scheduled at
297the same time, regardless of how long event processing actually took.
298
299In either case, if you care (and in most cases, you don't), then you
300can get whatever behaviour you want with any event loop, by taking the
301difference between C<< AnyEvent->time >> and C<< AnyEvent->now >> into
302account.
303
304=back
305
232=head2 SIGNAL WATCHERS 306=head2 SIGNAL WATCHERS
233 307
234You can watch for signals using a signal watcher, C<signal> is the signal 308You 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 309I<name> in uppercase and without any C<SIG> prefix, C<cb> is the Perl
236be invoked whenever a signal occurs. 310callback to be invoked whenever a signal occurs.
237 311
238Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 312Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
239presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent 313presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent
240callbacks cannot use arguments passed to signal watcher callbacks. 314callbacks cannot use arguments passed to signal watcher callbacks.
241 315
242Multiple signal occurances can be clumped together into one callback 316Multiple signal occurrences can be clumped together into one callback
243invocation, and callback invocation will be synchronous. synchronous means 317invocation, and callback invocation will be synchronous. Synchronous means
244that it might take a while until the signal gets handled by the process, 318that it might take a while until the signal gets handled by the process,
245but it is guarenteed not to interrupt any other callbacks. 319but it is guaranteed not to interrupt any other callbacks.
246 320
247The main advantage of using these watchers is that you can share a signal 321The main advantage of using these watchers is that you can share a signal
248between multiple watchers. 322between multiple watchers.
249 323
250This watcher might use C<%SIG>, so programs overwriting those signals 324This watcher might use C<%SIG>, so programs overwriting those signals
277AnyEvent program, you I<have> to create at least one watcher before you 351AnyEvent program, you I<have> to create at least one watcher before you
278C<fork> the child (alternatively, you can call C<AnyEvent::detect>). 352C<fork> the child (alternatively, you can call C<AnyEvent::detect>).
279 353
280Example: fork a process and wait for it 354Example: fork a process and wait for it
281 355
282 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar; 356 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
283 357
284 AnyEvent::detect; # force event module to be initialised
285
286 my $pid = fork or exit 5; 358 my $pid = fork or exit 5;
287 359
288 my $w = AnyEvent->child ( 360 my $w = AnyEvent->child (
289 pid => $pid, 361 pid => $pid,
290 cb => sub { 362 cb => sub {
291 my ($pid, $status) = @_; 363 my ($pid, $status) = @_;
292 warn "pid $pid exited with status $status"; 364 warn "pid $pid exited with status $status";
293 $done->send; 365 $done->send;
294 }, 366 },
295 ); 367 );
296 368
297 # do something else, then wait for process exit 369 # do something else, then wait for process exit
298 $done->wait; 370 $done->recv;
299 371
300=head2 CONDITION VARIABLES 372=head2 CONDITION VARIABLES
301 373
302If you are familiar with some event loops you will know that all of them 374If 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 375require you to run some blocking "loop", "run" or similar function that
312Condition variables can be created by calling the C<< AnyEvent->condvar 384Condition variables can be created by calling the C<< AnyEvent->condvar
313>> method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is 385>> method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is
314C<cb>, which specifies a callback to be called when the condition variable 386C<cb>, which specifies a callback to be called when the condition variable
315becomes true. 387becomes true.
316 388
317After creation, the conditon variable is "false" until it becomes "true" 389After creation, the condition variable is "false" until it becomes "true"
318by calling the C<send> method. 390by calling the C<send> method (or calling the condition variable as if it
391were a callback, read about the caveats in the description for the C<<
392->send >> method).
319 393
320Condition variables are similar to callbacks, except that you can 394Condition variables are similar to callbacks, except that you can
321optionally wait for them. They can also be called merge points - points 395optionally wait for them. They can also be called merge points - points
322in time where multiple outstandign events have been processed. And yet 396in time where multiple outstanding events have been processed. And yet
323another way to call them is transations - each condition variable can be 397another way to call them is transactions - each condition variable can be
324used to represent a transaction, which finishes at some point and delivers 398used to represent a transaction, which finishes at some point and delivers
325a result. 399a result.
326 400
327Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has finished, 401Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has finished,
328for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http requests, 402for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http requests,
329then a condition variable would be the ideal candidate to signal the 403then a condition variable would be the ideal candidate to signal the
330availability of results. The user can either act when the callback is 404availability of results. The user can either act when the callback is
331called or can synchronously C<< ->wait >> for the results. 405called or can synchronously C<< ->recv >> for the results.
332 406
333You can also use them to simulate traditional event loops - for example, 407You can also use them to simulate traditional event loops - for example,
334you can block your main program until an event occurs - for example, you 408you 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 409could C<< ->recv >> in your main program until the user clicks the Quit
336button of your app, which would C<< ->send >> the "quit" event. 410button of your app, which would C<< ->send >> the "quit" event.
337 411
338Note that condition variables recurse into the event loop - if you have 412Note 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 413two 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 414lose. Therefore, condition variables are good to export to your caller, but
341you should avoid making a blocking wait yourself, at least in callbacks, 415you should avoid making a blocking wait yourself, at least in callbacks,
342as this asks for trouble. 416as this asks for trouble.
343 417
344Condition variables are represented by hash refs in perl, and the keys 418Condition variables are represented by hash refs in perl, and the keys
349 423
350There are two "sides" to a condition variable - the "producer side" which 424There are two "sides" to a condition variable - the "producer side" which
351eventually calls C<< -> send >>, and the "consumer side", which waits 425eventually calls C<< -> send >>, and the "consumer side", which waits
352for the send to occur. 426for the send to occur.
353 427
354Example: 428Example: wait for a timer.
355 429
356 # wait till the result is ready 430 # wait till the result is ready
357 my $result_ready = AnyEvent->condvar; 431 my $result_ready = AnyEvent->condvar;
358 432
359 # do something such as adding a timer 433 # do something such as adding a timer
365 cb => sub { $result_ready->send }, 439 cb => sub { $result_ready->send },
366 ); 440 );
367 441
368 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback 442 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback
369 # calls send 443 # calls send
370 $result_ready->wait; 444 $result_ready->recv;
445
446Example: wait for a timer, but take advantage of the fact that
447condition variables are also code references.
448
449 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
450 my $delay = AnyEvent->timer (after => 5, cb => $done);
451 $done->recv;
371 452
372=head3 METHODS FOR PRODUCERS 453=head3 METHODS FOR PRODUCERS
373 454
374These methods should only be used by the producing side, i.e. the 455These methods should only be used by the producing side, i.e. the
375code/module that eventually sends the signal. Note that it is also 456code/module that eventually sends the signal. Note that it is also
378 459
379=over 4 460=over 4
380 461
381=item $cv->send (...) 462=item $cv->send (...)
382 463
383Flag the condition as ready - a running C<< ->wait >> and all further 464Flag the condition as ready - a running C<< ->recv >> and all further
384calls to C<wait> will (eventually) return after this method has been 465calls to C<recv> will (eventually) return after this method has been
385called. If nobody is waiting the send will be remembered. 466called. If nobody is waiting the send will be remembered.
386 467
387If a callback has been set on the condition variable, it is called 468If a callback has been set on the condition variable, it is called
388immediately from within send. 469immediately from within send.
389 470
390Any arguments passed to the C<send> call will be returned by all 471Any arguments passed to the C<send> call will be returned by all
391future C<< ->wait >> calls. 472future C<< ->recv >> calls.
473
474Condition variables are overloaded so one can call them directly
475(as a code reference). Calling them directly is the same as calling
476C<send>. Note, however, that many C-based event loops do not handle
477overloading, so as tempting as it may be, passing a condition variable
478instead of a callback does not work. Both the pure perl and EV loops
479support overloading, however, as well as all functions that use perl to
480invoke a callback (as in L<AnyEvent::Socket> and L<AnyEvent::DNS> for
481example).
392 482
393=item $cv->croak ($error) 483=item $cv->croak ($error)
394 484
395Similar to send, but causes all call's wait C<< ->wait >> to invoke 485Similar to send, but causes all call's to C<< ->recv >> to invoke
396C<Carp::croak> with the given error message/object/scalar. 486C<Carp::croak> with the given error message/object/scalar.
397 487
398This can be used to signal any errors to the condition variable 488This can be used to signal any errors to the condition variable
399user/consumer. 489user/consumer.
400 490
401=item $cv->begin ([group callback]) 491=item $cv->begin ([group callback])
402 492
403=item $cv->end 493=item $cv->end
494
495These two methods are EXPERIMENTAL and MIGHT CHANGE.
404 496
405These two methods can be used to combine many transactions/events into 497These two methods can be used to combine many transactions/events into
406one. For example, a function that pings many hosts in parallel might want 498one. For example, a function that pings many hosts in parallel might want
407to use a condition variable for the whole process. 499to use a condition variable for the whole process.
408 500
443doesn't execute once). 535doesn't execute once).
444 536
445This is the general pattern when you "fan out" into multiple subrequests: 537This 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> 538use 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 539is called at least once, and then, for each subrequest you start, call
448C<begin> and for eahc subrequest you finish, call C<end>. 540C<begin> and for each subrequest you finish, call C<end>.
449 541
450=back 542=back
451 543
452=head3 METHODS FOR CONSUMERS 544=head3 METHODS FOR CONSUMERS
453 545
454These methods should only be used by the consuming side, i.e. the 546These methods should only be used by the consuming side, i.e. the
455code awaits the condition. 547code awaits the condition.
456 548
457=over 4 549=over 4
458 550
459=item $cv->wait 551=item $cv->recv
460 552
461Wait (blocking if necessary) until the C<< ->send >> or C<< ->croak 553Wait (blocking if necessary) until the C<< ->send >> or C<< ->croak
462>> methods have been called on c<$cv>, while servicing other watchers 554>> methods have been called on c<$cv>, while servicing other watchers
463normally. 555normally.
464 556
475(programs might want to do that to stay interactive), so I<if you are 567(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 568using 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 569caller decide whether the call will block or not (for example, by coupling
478condition variables with some kind of request results and supporting 570condition variables with some kind of request results and supporting
479callbacks so the caller knows that getting the result will not block, 571callbacks so the caller knows that getting the result will not block,
480while still suppporting blocking waits if the caller so desires). 572while still supporting blocking waits if the caller so desires).
481 573
482Another reason I<never> to C<< ->wait >> in a module is that you cannot 574Another 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 575sensibly have two C<< ->recv >>'s in parallel, as that would require
484multiple interpreters or coroutines/threads, none of which C<AnyEvent> 576multiple interpreters or coroutines/threads, none of which C<AnyEvent>
485can supply. 577can supply.
486 578
487The L<Coro> module, however, I<can> and I<does> supply coroutines and, in 579The L<Coro> module, however, I<can> and I<does> supply coroutines and, in
488fact, L<Coro::AnyEvent> replaces AnyEvent's condvars by coroutine-safe 580fact, L<Coro::AnyEvent> replaces AnyEvent's condvars by coroutine-safe
489versions and also integrates coroutines into AnyEvent, making blocking 581versions and also integrates coroutines into AnyEvent, making blocking
490C<< ->wait >> calls perfectly safe as long as they are done from another 582C<< ->recv >> calls perfectly safe as long as they are done from another
491coroutine (one that doesn't run the event loop). 583coroutine (one that doesn't run the event loop).
492 584
493You can ensure that C<< -wait >> never blocks by setting a callback and 585You can ensure that C<< -recv >> never blocks by setting a callback and
494only calling C<< ->wait >> from within that callback (or at a later 586only calling C<< ->recv >> from within that callback (or at a later
495time). This will work even when the event loop does not support blocking 587time). This will work even when the event loop does not support blocking
496waits otherwise. 588waits otherwise.
497 589
498=item $bool = $cv->ready 590=item $bool = $cv->ready
499 591
504 596
505This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and optionally 597This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and optionally
506replaces it before doing so. 598replaces it before doing so.
507 599
508The callback will be called when the condition becomes "true", i.e. when 600The callback will be called when the condition becomes "true", i.e. when
509C<send> or C<croak> are called. Calling C<wait> inside the callback 601C<send> or C<croak> are called, with the only argument being the condition
510or at any later time is guaranteed not to block. 602variable itself. Calling C<recv> inside the callback or at any later time
603is guaranteed not to block.
511 604
512=back 605=back
513 606
514=head1 GLOBAL VARIABLES AND FUNCTIONS 607=head1 GLOBAL VARIABLES AND FUNCTIONS
515 608
549Returns C<$AnyEvent::MODEL>, forcing autodetection of the event model 642Returns C<$AnyEvent::MODEL>, forcing autodetection of the event model
550if necessary. You should only call this function right before you would 643if necessary. You should only call this function right before you would
551have created an AnyEvent watcher anyway, that is, as late as possible at 644have created an AnyEvent watcher anyway, that is, as late as possible at
552runtime. 645runtime.
553 646
554=item AnyEvent::on_detect { BLOCK } 647=item $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }
555 648
556Arranges for the code block to be executed as soon as the event model is 649Arranges for the code block to be executed as soon as the event model is
557autodetected (or immediately if this has already happened). 650autodetected (or immediately if this has already happened).
558 651
652If called in scalar or list context, then it creates and returns an object
653that automatically removes the callback again when it is destroyed. See
654L<Coro::BDB> for a case where this is useful.
655
559=item @AnyEvent::on_detect 656=item @AnyEvent::post_detect
560 657
561If there are any code references in this array (you can C<push> to it 658If there are any code references in this array (you can C<push> to it
562before or after loading AnyEvent), then they will called directly after 659before or after loading AnyEvent), then they will called directly after
563the event loop has been chosen. 660the event loop has been chosen.
564 661
565You should check C<$AnyEvent::MODEL> before adding to this array, though: 662You 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, 663if it contains a true value then the event loop has already been detected,
567and the array will be ignored. 664and the array will be ignored.
568 665
569Best use C<AnyEvent::on_detect { BLOCK }> instead. 666Best use C<AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }> instead.
570 667
571=back 668=back
572 669
573=head1 WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE 670=head1 WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE
574 671
578Be careful when you create watchers in the module body - AnyEvent will 675Be 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 676decide 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 677by calling AnyEvent in your module body you force the user of your module
581to load the event module first. 678to load the event module first.
582 679
583Never call C<< ->wait >> on a condition variable unless you I<know> that 680Never call C<< ->recv >> on a condition variable unless you I<know> that
584the C<< ->send >> method has been called on it already. This is 681the C<< ->send >> method has been called on it already. This is
585because it will stall the whole program, and the whole point of using 682because it will stall the whole program, and the whole point of using
586events is to stay interactive. 683events is to stay interactive.
587 684
588It is fine, however, to call C<< ->wait >> when the user of your module 685It 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 686requests 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 >> 687called C<results> that returns the results, it should call C<< ->recv >>
591freely, as the user of your module knows what she is doing. always). 688freely, as the user of your module knows what she is doing. always).
592 689
593=head1 WHAT TO DO IN THE MAIN PROGRAM 690=head1 WHAT TO DO IN THE MAIN PROGRAM
594 691
595There will always be a single main program - the only place that should 692There will always be a single main program - the only place that should
597 694
598If it doesn't care, it can just "use AnyEvent" and use it itself, or not 695If 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 696do anything special (it does not need to be event-based) and let AnyEvent
600decide which implementation to chose if some module relies on it. 697decide which implementation to chose if some module relies on it.
601 698
602If the main program relies on a specific event model. For example, in 699If 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 700Gtk2 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 701event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it: generally
605speaking, you should load it as early as possible. The reason is that 702speaking, you should load it as early as possible. The reason is that
606modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent will 703modules 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 704decide 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. 705might chose the wrong one unless you load the correct one yourself.
609 706
610You can chose to use a rather inefficient pure-perl implementation by 707You can chose to use a pure-perl implementation by loading the
611loading the C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl> module, which gives you similar 708C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl> module, which gives you similar behaviour
612behaviour everywhere, but letting AnyEvent chose is generally better. 709everywhere, but letting AnyEvent chose the model is generally better.
710
711=head2 MAINLOOP EMULATION
712
713Sometimes (often for short test scripts, or even standalone programs who
714only want to use AnyEvent), you do not want to run a specific event loop.
715
716In that case, you can use a condition variable like this:
717
718 AnyEvent->condvar->recv;
719
720This has the effect of entering the event loop and looping forever.
721
722Note that usually your program has some exit condition, in which case
723it is better to use the "traditional" approach of storing a condition
724variable somewhere, waiting for it, and sending it when the program should
725exit cleanly.
726
613 727
614=head1 OTHER MODULES 728=head1 OTHER MODULES
615 729
616The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use 730The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use
617AnyEvent and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent modules 731AnyEvent and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent modules
623=item L<AnyEvent::Util> 737=item L<AnyEvent::Util>
624 738
625Contains various utility functions that replace often-used but blocking 739Contains various utility functions that replace often-used but blocking
626functions such as C<inet_aton> by event-/callback-based versions. 740functions such as C<inet_aton> by event-/callback-based versions.
627 741
742=item L<AnyEvent::Socket>
743
744Provides various utility functions for (internet protocol) sockets,
745addresses and name resolution. Also functions to create non-blocking tcp
746connections or tcp servers, with IPv6 and SRV record support and more.
747
628=item L<AnyEvent::Handle> 748=item L<AnyEvent::Handle>
629 749
630Provide read and write buffers and manages watchers for reads and writes. 750Provide read and write buffers, manages watchers for reads and writes,
751supports raw and formatted I/O, I/O queued and fully transparent and
752non-blocking SSL/TLS.
631 753
632=item L<AnyEvent::Socket> 754=item L<AnyEvent::DNS>
633 755
634Provides a means to do non-blocking connects, accepts etc. 756Provides rich asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities.
757
758=item L<AnyEvent::HTTP>
759
760A simple-to-use HTTP library that is capable of making a lot of concurrent
761HTTP requests.
635 762
636=item L<AnyEvent::HTTPD> 763=item L<AnyEvent::HTTPD>
637 764
638Provides a simple web application server framework. 765Provides a simple web application server framework.
639 766
640=item L<AnyEvent::DNS>
641
642Provides asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities, beyond what
643L<AnyEvent::Util> offers.
644
645=item L<AnyEvent::FastPing> 767=item L<AnyEvent::FastPing>
646 768
647The fastest ping in the west. 769The fastest ping in the west.
770
771=item L<AnyEvent::DBI>
772
773Executes L<DBI> requests asynchronously in a proxy process.
774
775=item L<AnyEvent::AIO>
776
777Truly asynchronous I/O, should be in the toolbox of every event
778programmer. AnyEvent::AIO transparently fuses L<IO::AIO> and AnyEvent
779together.
780
781=item L<AnyEvent::BDB>
782
783Truly asynchronous Berkeley DB access. AnyEvent::BDB transparently fuses
784L<BDB> and AnyEvent together.
785
786=item L<AnyEvent::GPSD>
787
788A non-blocking interface to gpsd, a daemon delivering GPS information.
789
790=item L<AnyEvent::IGS>
791
792A non-blocking interface to the Internet Go Server protocol (used by
793L<App::IGS>).
648 794
649=item L<Net::IRC3> 795=item L<Net::IRC3>
650 796
651AnyEvent based IRC client module family. 797AnyEvent based IRC client module family.
652 798
669 815
670=item L<IO::Lambda> 816=item L<IO::Lambda>
671 817
672The lambda approach to I/O - don't ask, look there. Can use AnyEvent. 818The lambda approach to I/O - don't ask, look there. Can use AnyEvent.
673 819
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
684=back 820=back
685 821
686=cut 822=cut
687 823
688package AnyEvent; 824package AnyEvent;
690no warnings; 826no warnings;
691use strict; 827use strict;
692 828
693use Carp; 829use Carp;
694 830
695our $VERSION = '3.4'; 831our $VERSION = 4.2;
696our $MODEL; 832our $MODEL;
697 833
698our $AUTOLOAD; 834our $AUTOLOAD;
699our @ISA; 835our @ISA;
700 836
837our @REGISTRY;
838
839our $WIN32;
840
841BEGIN {
842 my $win32 = ! ! ($^O =~ /mswin32/i);
843 eval "sub WIN32(){ $win32 }";
844}
845
701our $verbose = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}*1; 846our $verbose = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}*1;
702 847
703our @REGISTRY; 848our %PROTOCOL; # (ipv4|ipv6) => (1|2), higher numbers are preferred
849
850{
851 my $idx;
852 $PROTOCOL{$_} = ++$idx
853 for reverse split /\s*,\s*/,
854 $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS} || "ipv4,ipv6";
855}
704 856
705my @models = ( 857my @models = (
706 [EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EV::], 858 [EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EV::],
707 [Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Event::], 859 [Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Event::],
708 [Tk:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Tk::],
709 [Wx:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
710 [Prima:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
711 [AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Perl::], 860 [AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Perl::],
712 # everything below here will not be autoprobed as the pureperl backend should work everywhere 861 # everything below here will not be autoprobed
713 [Glib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Glib::], 862 # as the pureperl backend should work everywhere
863 # and is usually faster
864 [Tk:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Tk::], # crashes with many handles
865 [Glib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Glib::], # becomes extremely slow with many watchers
714 [Event::Lib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib::], # too buggy 866 [Event::Lib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib::], # too buggy
715 [Qt:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Qt::], # requires special main program 867 [Qt:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Qt::], # requires special main program
716 [POE::Kernel:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], # lasciate ogni speranza 868 [POE::Kernel:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], # lasciate ogni speranza
869 [Wx:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
870 [Prima:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
717); 871);
718 872
719our %method = map +($_ => 1), qw(io timer signal child condvar one_event DESTROY); 873our %method = map +($_ => 1), qw(io timer time now signal child condvar one_event DESTROY);
720 874
721our @on_detect; 875our @post_detect;
722 876
723sub on_detect(&) { 877sub post_detect(&) {
878 my ($cb) = @_;
879
724 if ($MODEL) { 880 if ($MODEL) {
725 $_[0]->(); 881 $cb->();
882
883 1
726 } else { 884 } else {
727 push @on_detect, $_[0]; 885 push @post_detect, $cb;
886
887 defined wantarray
888 ? bless \$cb, "AnyEvent::Util::PostDetect"
889 : ()
728 } 890 }
891}
892
893sub AnyEvent::Util::PostDetect::DESTROY {
894 @post_detect = grep $_ != ${$_[0]}, @post_detect;
729} 895}
730 896
731sub detect() { 897sub detect() {
732 unless ($MODEL) { 898 unless ($MODEL) {
733 no strict 'refs'; 899 no strict 'refs';
900 local $SIG{__DIE__};
734 901
735 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} =~ /^([a-zA-Z]+)$/) { 902 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} =~ /^([a-zA-Z]+)$/) {
736 my $model = "AnyEvent::Impl::$1"; 903 my $model = "AnyEvent::Impl::$1";
737 if (eval "require $model") { 904 if (eval "require $model") {
738 $MODEL = $model; 905 $MODEL = $model;
772 $MODEL 939 $MODEL
773 or die "No event module selected for AnyEvent and autodetect failed. Install any one of these modules: EV, Event or Glib."; 940 or die "No event module selected for AnyEvent and autodetect failed. Install any one of these modules: EV, Event or Glib.";
774 } 941 }
775 } 942 }
776 943
944 push @{"$MODEL\::ISA"}, "AnyEvent::Base";
945
777 unshift @ISA, $MODEL; 946 unshift @ISA, $MODEL;
778 push @{"$MODEL\::ISA"}, "AnyEvent::Base";
779 947
948 require AnyEvent::Strict if $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT};
949
780 (shift @on_detect)->() while @on_detect; 950 (shift @post_detect)->() while @post_detect;
781 } 951 }
782 952
783 $MODEL 953 $MODEL
784} 954}
785 955
795 $class->$func (@_); 965 $class->$func (@_);
796} 966}
797 967
798package AnyEvent::Base; 968package AnyEvent::Base;
799 969
970# default implementation for now and time
971
972use Time::HiRes ();
973
974sub time { Time::HiRes::time }
975sub now { Time::HiRes::time }
976
800# default implementation for ->condvar, ->wait, ->broadcast 977# default implementation for ->condvar
801 978
802sub condvar { 979sub condvar {
803 bless \my $flag, "AnyEvent::Base::CondVar" 980 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} 981}
813 982
814# default implementation for ->signal 983# default implementation for ->signal
815 984
816our %SIG_CB; 985our %SIG_CB;
832sub AnyEvent::Base::Signal::DESTROY { 1001sub AnyEvent::Base::Signal::DESTROY {
833 my ($signal, $cb) = @{$_[0]}; 1002 my ($signal, $cb) = @{$_[0]};
834 1003
835 delete $SIG_CB{$signal}{$cb}; 1004 delete $SIG_CB{$signal}{$cb};
836 1005
837 $SIG{$signal} = 'DEFAULT' unless keys %{ $SIG_CB{$signal} }; 1006 delete $SIG{$signal} unless keys %{ $SIG_CB{$signal} };
838} 1007}
839 1008
840# default implementation for ->child 1009# default implementation for ->child
841 1010
842our %PID_CB; 1011our %PID_CB;
869 or Carp::croak "required option 'pid' is missing"; 1038 or Carp::croak "required option 'pid' is missing";
870 1039
871 $PID_CB{$pid}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb}; 1040 $PID_CB{$pid}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb};
872 1041
873 unless ($WNOHANG) { 1042 unless ($WNOHANG) {
874 $WNOHANG = eval { require POSIX; &POSIX::WNOHANG } || 1; 1043 $WNOHANG = eval { local $SIG{__DIE__}; require POSIX; &POSIX::WNOHANG } || 1;
875 } 1044 }
876 1045
877 unless ($CHLD_W) { 1046 unless ($CHLD_W) {
878 $CHLD_W = AnyEvent->signal (signal => 'CHLD', cb => \&_sigchld); 1047 $CHLD_W = AnyEvent->signal (signal => 'CHLD', cb => \&_sigchld);
879 # child could be a zombie already, so make at least one round 1048 # child could be a zombie already, so make at least one round
889 delete $PID_CB{$pid}{$cb}; 1058 delete $PID_CB{$pid}{$cb};
890 delete $PID_CB{$pid} unless keys %{ $PID_CB{$pid} }; 1059 delete $PID_CB{$pid} unless keys %{ $PID_CB{$pid} };
891 1060
892 undef $CHLD_W unless keys %PID_CB; 1061 undef $CHLD_W unless keys %PID_CB;
893} 1062}
1063
1064package AnyEvent::CondVar;
1065
1066our @ISA = AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::;
1067
1068package AnyEvent::CondVar::Base;
1069
1070use overload
1071 '&{}' => sub { my $self = shift; sub { $self->send (@_) } },
1072 fallback => 1;
1073
1074sub _send {
1075 # nop
1076}
1077
1078sub send {
1079 my $cv = shift;
1080 $cv->{_ae_sent} = [@_];
1081 (delete $cv->{_ae_cb})->($cv) if $cv->{_ae_cb};
1082 $cv->_send;
1083}
1084
1085sub croak {
1086 $_[0]{_ae_croak} = $_[1];
1087 $_[0]->send;
1088}
1089
1090sub ready {
1091 $_[0]{_ae_sent}
1092}
1093
1094sub _wait {
1095 AnyEvent->one_event while !$_[0]{_ae_sent};
1096}
1097
1098sub recv {
1099 $_[0]->_wait;
1100
1101 Carp::croak $_[0]{_ae_croak} if $_[0]{_ae_croak};
1102 wantarray ? @{ $_[0]{_ae_sent} } : $_[0]{_ae_sent}[0]
1103}
1104
1105sub cb {
1106 $_[0]{_ae_cb} = $_[1] if @_ > 1;
1107 $_[0]{_ae_cb}
1108}
1109
1110sub begin {
1111 ++$_[0]{_ae_counter};
1112 $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} = $_[1] if @_ > 1;
1113}
1114
1115sub end {
1116 return if --$_[0]{_ae_counter};
1117 &{ $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} || sub { $_[0]->send } };
1118}
1119
1120# undocumented/compatibility with pre-3.4
1121*broadcast = \&send;
1122*wait = \&_wait;
894 1123
895=head1 SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE 1124=head1 SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE
896 1125
897This is an advanced topic that you do not normally need to use AnyEvent in 1126This 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 1127a module. This section is only of use to event loop authors who want to
952C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>. 1181C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>.
953 1182
954When set to C<2> or higher, cause AnyEvent to report to STDERR which event 1183When set to C<2> or higher, cause AnyEvent to report to STDERR which event
955model it chooses. 1184model it chooses.
956 1185
1186=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT>
1187
1188AnyEvent does not do much argument checking by default, as thorough
1189argument checking is very costly. Setting this variable to a true value
1190will cause AnyEvent to thoroughly check the arguments passed to most
1191method calls and croaks if it finds any problems. In other words, enables
1192"strict" mode. Unlike C<use strict> it is definitely recommended ot keep
1193it off in production.
1194
957=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL> 1195=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>
958 1196
959This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent, before 1197This 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 1198auto detection and -probing kicks in. It must be a string consisting
961entirely of ASCII letters. The string C<AnyEvent::Impl::> gets prepended 1199entirely of ASCII letters. The string C<AnyEvent::Impl::> gets prepended
962and the resulting module name is loaded and if the load was successful, 1200and 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 1201used as event model. If it fails to load AnyEvent will proceed with
964autodetection and -probing. 1202auto detection and -probing.
965 1203
966This functionality might change in future versions. 1204This functionality might change in future versions.
967 1205
968For example, to force the pure perl model (L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) you 1206For example, to force the pure perl model (L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) you
969could start your program like this: 1207could start your program like this:
970 1208
971 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ... 1209 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ...
1210
1211=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS>
1212
1213Used by both L<AnyEvent::DNS> and L<AnyEvent::Socket> to determine preferences
1214for IPv4 or IPv6. The default is unspecified (and might change, or be the result
1215of auto probing).
1216
1217Must be set to a comma-separated list of protocols or address families,
1218current supported: C<ipv4> and C<ipv6>. Only protocols mentioned will be
1219used, and preference will be given to protocols mentioned earlier in the
1220list.
1221
1222This variable can effectively be used for denial-of-service attacks
1223against local programs (e.g. when setuid), although the impact is likely
1224small, as the program has to handle connection errors already-
1225
1226Examples: C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4,ipv6> - prefer IPv4 over IPv6,
1227but support both and try to use both. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4>
1228- only support IPv4, never try to resolve or contact IPv6
1229addresses. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv6,ipv4> support either IPv4 or
1230IPv6, but prefer IPv6 over IPv4.
1231
1232=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_EDNS0>
1233
1234Used by L<AnyEvent::DNS> to decide whether to use the EDNS0 extension
1235for DNS. This extension is generally useful to reduce DNS traffic, but
1236some (broken) firewalls drop such DNS packets, which is why it is off by
1237default.
1238
1239Setting this variable to C<1> will cause L<AnyEvent::DNS> to announce
1240EDNS0 in its DNS requests.
1241
1242=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_FORKS>
1243
1244The maximum number of child processes that C<AnyEvent::Util::fork_call>
1245will create in parallel.
972 1246
973=back 1247=back
974 1248
975=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 1249=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
976 1250
987 poll => 'r', 1261 poll => 'r',
988 cb => sub { 1262 cb => sub {
989 warn "io event <$_[0]>\n"; # will always output <r> 1263 warn "io event <$_[0]>\n"; # will always output <r>
990 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>); # read a line 1264 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>); # read a line
991 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read 1265 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read
992 $cv->broadcast if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i 1266 $cv->send if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i
993 }, 1267 },
994 ); 1268 );
995 1269
996 my $time_watcher; # can only be used once 1270 my $time_watcher; # can only be used once
997 1271
1002 }); 1276 });
1003 } 1277 }
1004 1278
1005 new_timer; # create first timer 1279 new_timer; # create first timer
1006 1280
1007 $cv->wait; # wait until user enters /^q/i 1281 $cv->recv; # wait until user enters /^q/i
1008 1282
1009=head1 REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE 1283=head1 REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE
1010 1284
1011Consider the L<Net::FCP> module. It features (among others) the following 1285Consider the L<Net::FCP> module. It features (among others) the following
1012API calls, which are to freenet what HTTP GET requests are to http: 1286API calls, which are to freenet what HTTP GET requests are to http:
1062 syswrite $txn->{fh}, $txn->{request} 1336 syswrite $txn->{fh}, $txn->{request}
1063 or die "connection or write error"; 1337 or die "connection or write error";
1064 $txn->{w} = AnyEvent->io (fh => $txn->{fh}, poll => 'r', cb => sub { $txn->fh_ready_r }); 1338 $txn->{w} = AnyEvent->io (fh => $txn->{fh}, poll => 'r', cb => sub { $txn->fh_ready_r });
1065 1339
1066Again, C<fh_ready_r> waits till all data has arrived, and then stores the 1340Again, 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: 1341result and signals any possible waiters that the request has finished:
1068 1342
1069 sysread $txn->{fh}, $txn->{buf}, length $txn->{$buf}; 1343 sysread $txn->{fh}, $txn->{buf}, length $txn->{$buf};
1070 1344
1071 if (end-of-file or data complete) { 1345 if (end-of-file or data complete) {
1072 $txn->{result} = $txn->{buf}; 1346 $txn->{result} = $txn->{buf};
1073 $txn->{finished}->broadcast; 1347 $txn->{finished}->send;
1074 $txb->{cb}->($txn) of $txn->{cb}; # also call callback 1348 $txb->{cb}->($txn) of $txn->{cb}; # also call callback
1075 } 1349 }
1076 1350
1077The C<result> method, finally, just waits for the finished signal (if the 1351The 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 1352request was already finished, it doesn't wait, of course, and returns the
1079data: 1353data:
1080 1354
1081 $txn->{finished}->wait; 1355 $txn->{finished}->recv;
1082 return $txn->{result}; 1356 return $txn->{result};
1083 1357
1084The actual code goes further and collects all errors (C<die>s, exceptions) 1358The actual code goes further and collects all errors (C<die>s, exceptions)
1085that occured during request processing. The C<result> method detects 1359that occurred during request processing. The C<result> method detects
1086whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn object) 1360whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn object)
1087and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and other 1361and 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 1362problems get reported tot he code that tries to use the result, not in a
1089random callback. 1363random callback.
1090 1364
1121 1395
1122 my $quit = AnyEvent->condvar; 1396 my $quit = AnyEvent->condvar;
1123 1397
1124 $fcp->txn_client_get ($url)->cb (sub { 1398 $fcp->txn_client_get ($url)->cb (sub {
1125 ... 1399 ...
1126 $quit->broadcast; 1400 $quit->send;
1127 }); 1401 });
1128 1402
1129 $quit->wait; 1403 $quit->recv;
1130 1404
1131 1405
1132=head1 BENCHMARKS 1406=head1 BENCHMARKS
1133 1407
1134To give you an idea of the performance and overheads that AnyEvent adds 1408To give you an idea of the performance and overheads that AnyEvent adds
1136of various event loops I prepared some benchmarks. 1410of various event loops I prepared some benchmarks.
1137 1411
1138=head2 BENCHMARKING ANYEVENT OVERHEAD 1412=head2 BENCHMARKING ANYEVENT OVERHEAD
1139 1413
1140Here is a benchmark of various supported event models used natively and 1414Here is a benchmark of various supported event models used natively and
1141through anyevent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero 1415through AnyEvent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero
1142timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable, 1416timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable,
1143which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again. 1417which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again.
1144 1418
1145Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench> in the AnyEvent 1419Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench> in the AnyEvent
1146distribution. 1420distribution.
1163all watchers, to avoid adding memory overhead. That means closure creation 1437all watchers, to avoid adding memory overhead. That means closure creation
1164and memory usage is not included in the figures. 1438and memory usage is not included in the figures.
1165 1439
1166I<invoke> is the time, in microseconds, used to invoke a simple 1440I<invoke> is the time, in microseconds, used to invoke a simple
1167callback. The callback simply counts down a Perl variable and after it was 1441callback. The callback simply counts down a Perl variable and after it was
1168invoked "watcher" times, it would C<< ->broadcast >> a condvar once to 1442invoked "watcher" times, it would C<< ->send >> a condvar once to
1169signal the end of this phase. 1443signal the end of this phase.
1170 1444
1171I<destroy> is the time, in microseconds, that it takes to destroy a single 1445I<destroy> is the time, in microseconds, that it takes to destroy a single
1172watcher. 1446watcher.
1173 1447
1269 1543
1270=back 1544=back
1271 1545
1272=head2 BENCHMARKING THE LARGE SERVER CASE 1546=head2 BENCHMARKING THE LARGE SERVER CASE
1273 1547
1274This benchmark atcually benchmarks the event loop itself. It works by 1548This benchmark actually benchmarks the event loop itself. It works by
1275creating a number of "servers": each server consists of a socketpair, a 1549creating 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 1550timeout 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 1551watcher 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". 1552watcher reads a byte it will write that byte to a random other "server".
1279 1553
1280The effect is that there will be a lot of I/O watchers, only part of which 1554The 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 1555are 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 1556fds for each loop iteration, but which fds these are is random). The
1283timeout is reset each time something is read because that reflects how 1557timeout is reset each time something is read because that reflects how
1284most timeouts work (and puts extra pressure on the event loops). 1558most timeouts work (and puts extra pressure on the event loops).
1285 1559
1286In this benchmark, we use 10000 socketpairs (20000 sockets), of which 100 1560In 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 1561(1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with many
1288connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time. 1562connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time.
1289 1563
1290Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench2> in the AnyEvent 1564Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench2> in the AnyEvent
1291distribution. 1565distribution.
1293=head3 Explanation of the columns 1567=head3 Explanation of the columns
1294 1568
1295I<sockets> is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" (as 1569I<sockets> is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" (as
1296each server has a read and write socket end). 1570each server has a read and write socket end).
1297 1571
1298I<create> is the time it takes to create a socketpair (which is 1572I<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. 1573nontrivial) and two watchers: an I/O watcher and a timeout watcher.
1300 1574
1301I<request>, the most important value, is the time it takes to handle a 1575I<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 1576single "request", that is, reading the token from the pipe and forwarding
1303it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout and creating 1577it 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 1650speed most when you have lots of watchers, not when you only have a few of
1377them). 1651them).
1378 1652
1379EV is again fastest. 1653EV is again fastest.
1380 1654
1381Perl again comes second. It is noticably faster than the C-based event 1655Perl again comes second. It is noticeably faster than the C-based event
1382loops Event and Glib, although the difference is too small to really 1656loops Event and Glib, although the difference is too small to really
1383matter. 1657matter.
1384 1658
1385POE also performs much better in this case, but is is still far behind the 1659POE also performs much better in this case, but is is still far behind the
1386others. 1660others.
1415specified in the variable. 1689specified in the variable.
1416 1690
1417You can make AnyEvent completely ignore this variable by deleting it 1691You can make AnyEvent completely ignore this variable by deleting it
1418before the first watcher gets created, e.g. with a C<BEGIN> block: 1692before the first watcher gets created, e.g. with a C<BEGIN> block:
1419 1693
1420 BEGIN { delete $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} } 1694 BEGIN { delete $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} }
1421 1695
1422 use AnyEvent; 1696 use AnyEvent;
1423 1697
1424Similar considerations apply to $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}, as that can 1698Similar considerations apply to $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}, as that can
1425be used to probe what backend is used and gain other information (which is 1699be used to probe what backend is used and gain other information (which is
1426probably even less useful to an attacker than PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL). 1700probably even less useful to an attacker than PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL), and
1701$ENV{PERL_ANYEGENT_STRICT}.
1702
1703
1704=head1 BUGS
1705
1706Perl 5.8 has numerous memleaks that sometimes hit this module and are hard
1707to work around. If you suffer from memleaks, first upgrade to Perl 5.10
1708and check wether the leaks still show up. (Perl 5.10.0 has other annoying
1709mamleaks, such as leaking on C<map> and C<grep> but it is usually not as
1710pronounced).
1427 1711
1428 1712
1429=head1 SEE ALSO 1713=head1 SEE ALSO
1714
1715Utility functions: L<AnyEvent::Util>.
1430 1716
1431Event modules: L<EV>, L<EV::Glib>, L<Glib::EV>, L<Event>, L<Glib::Event>, 1717Event 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>. 1718L<Glib>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, L<POE>.
1433 1719
1434Implementations: L<AnyEvent::Impl::EV>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Event>, 1720Implementations: L<AnyEvent::Impl::EV>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Event>,
1435L<AnyEvent::Impl::Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Tk>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>, 1721L<AnyEvent::Impl::Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Tk>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>,
1436L<AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Qt>, 1722L<AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Qt>,
1437L<AnyEvent::Impl::POE>. 1723L<AnyEvent::Impl::POE>.
1438 1724
1725Non-blocking file handles, sockets, TCP clients and
1726servers: L<AnyEvent::Handle>, L<AnyEvent::Socket>.
1727
1728Asynchronous DNS: L<AnyEvent::DNS>.
1729
1439Coroutine support: L<Coro>, L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>, 1730Coroutine support: L<Coro>, L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>,
1440 1731
1441Nontrivial usage examples: L<Net::FCP>, L<Net::XMPP2>. 1732Nontrivial usage examples: L<Net::FCP>, L<Net::XMPP2>, L<AnyEvent::DNS>.
1442 1733
1443 1734
1444=head1 AUTHOR 1735=head1 AUTHOR
1445 1736
1446 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 1737 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
1447 http://home.schmorp.de/ 1738 http://home.schmorp.de/
1448 1739
1449=cut 1740=cut
1450 1741
14511 17421
1452 1743

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