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1=head1 NAME 1=head1 NAME
2 2
3AnyEvent - provide framework for multiple event loops 3AnyEvent - the DBI of event loop programming
4 4
5EV, Event, Glib, Tk, Perl, Event::Lib, Qt, POE - various supported event loops 5EV, Event, Glib, Tk, Perl, Event::Lib, Irssi, rxvt-unicode, IO::Async, Qt
6and POE are various supported event loops/environments.
6 7
7=head1 SYNOPSIS 8=head1 SYNOPSIS
8 9
9 use AnyEvent; 10 use AnyEvent;
10 11
12 # file descriptor readable
11 my $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => $fh, poll => "r|w", cb => sub { ... }); 13 my $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => $fh, poll => "r", cb => sub { ... });
12 14
15 # one-shot or repeating timers
13 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, cb => sub { ... }); 16 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, cb => sub { ... });
14 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, interval => $seconds, cb => ... 17 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, interval => $seconds, cb => ...
15 18
16 print AnyEvent->now; # prints current event loop time 19 print AnyEvent->now; # prints current event loop time
17 print AnyEvent->time; # think Time::HiRes::time or simply CORE::time. 20 print AnyEvent->time; # think Time::HiRes::time or simply CORE::time.
18 21
22 # POSIX signal
19 my $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => "TERM", cb => sub { ... }); 23 my $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => "TERM", cb => sub { ... });
20 24
25 # child process exit
21 my $w = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub { 26 my $w = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub {
22 my ($pid, $status) = @_; 27 my ($pid, $status) = @_;
23 ... 28 ...
24 }); 29 });
30
31 # called when event loop idle (if applicable)
32 my $w = AnyEvent->idle (cb => sub { ... });
25 33
26 my $w = AnyEvent->condvar; # stores whether a condition was flagged 34 my $w = AnyEvent->condvar; # stores whether a condition was flagged
27 $w->send; # wake up current and all future recv's 35 $w->send; # wake up current and all future recv's
28 $w->recv; # enters "main loop" till $condvar gets ->send 36 $w->recv; # enters "main loop" till $condvar gets ->send
29 # use a condvar in callback mode: 37 # use a condvar in callback mode:
32=head1 INTRODUCTION/TUTORIAL 40=head1 INTRODUCTION/TUTORIAL
33 41
34This manpage is mainly a reference manual. If you are interested 42This manpage is mainly a reference manual. If you are interested
35in a tutorial or some gentle introduction, have a look at the 43in a tutorial or some gentle introduction, have a look at the
36L<AnyEvent::Intro> manpage. 44L<AnyEvent::Intro> manpage.
45
46=head1 SUPPORT
47
48There is a mailinglist for discussing all things AnyEvent, and an IRC
49channel, too.
50
51See the AnyEvent project page at the B<Schmorpforge Ta-Sa Software
52Repository>, at L<http://anyevent.schmorp.de>, for more info.
37 53
38=head1 WHY YOU SHOULD USE THIS MODULE (OR NOT) 54=head1 WHY YOU SHOULD USE THIS MODULE (OR NOT)
39 55
40Glib, POE, IO::Async, Event... CPAN offers event models by the dozen 56Glib, POE, IO::Async, Event... CPAN offers event models by the dozen
41nowadays. So what is different about AnyEvent? 57nowadays. So what is different about AnyEvent?
137These watchers are normal Perl objects with normal Perl lifetime. After 153These watchers are normal Perl objects with normal Perl lifetime. After
138creating a watcher it will immediately "watch" for events and invoke the 154creating a watcher it will immediately "watch" for events and invoke the
139callback when the event occurs (of course, only when the event model 155callback when the event occurs (of course, only when the event model
140is in control). 156is in control).
141 157
158Note that B<callbacks must not permanently change global variables>
159potentially in use by the event loop (such as C<$_> or C<$[>) and that B<<
160callbacks must not C<die> >>. The former is good programming practise in
161Perl and the latter stems from the fact that exception handling differs
162widely between event loops.
163
142To disable the watcher you have to destroy it (e.g. by setting the 164To disable the watcher you have to destroy it (e.g. by setting the
143variable you store it in to C<undef> or otherwise deleting all references 165variable you store it in to C<undef> or otherwise deleting all references
144to it). 166to it).
145 167
146All watchers are created by calling a method on the C<AnyEvent> class. 168All watchers are created by calling a method on the C<AnyEvent> class.
159my variables are only visible after the statement in which they are 181my variables are only visible after the statement in which they are
160declared. 182declared.
161 183
162=head2 I/O WATCHERS 184=head2 I/O WATCHERS
163 185
186 $w = AnyEvent->io (
187 fh => <filehandle_or_fileno>,
188 poll => <"r" or "w">,
189 cb => <callback>,
190 );
191
164You can create an I/O watcher by calling the C<< AnyEvent->io >> method 192You can create an I/O watcher by calling the C<< AnyEvent->io >> method
165with the following mandatory key-value pairs as arguments: 193with the following mandatory key-value pairs as arguments:
166 194
167C<fh> the Perl I<file handle> (I<not> file descriptor) to watch for events 195C<fh> is the Perl I<file handle> (or a naked file descriptor) to watch
168(AnyEvent might or might not keep a reference to this file handle). C<poll> 196for events (AnyEvent might or might not keep a reference to this file
197handle). Note that only file handles pointing to things for which
198non-blocking operation makes sense are allowed. This includes sockets,
199most character devices, pipes, fifos and so on, but not for example files
200or block devices.
201
169must be a string that is either C<r> or C<w>, which creates a watcher 202C<poll> must be a string that is either C<r> or C<w>, which creates a
170waiting for "r"eadable or "w"ritable events, respectively. C<cb> is the 203watcher waiting for "r"eadable or "w"ritable events, respectively.
204
171callback to invoke each time the file handle becomes ready. 205C<cb> is the callback to invoke each time the file handle becomes ready.
172 206
173Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 207Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
174presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent 208presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent
175callbacks cannot use arguments passed to I/O watcher callbacks. 209callbacks cannot use arguments passed to I/O watcher callbacks.
176 210
191 undef $w; 225 undef $w;
192 }); 226 });
193 227
194=head2 TIME WATCHERS 228=head2 TIME WATCHERS
195 229
230 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => <seconds>, cb => <callback>);
231
232 $w = AnyEvent->timer (
233 after => <fractional_seconds>,
234 interval => <fractional_seconds>,
235 cb => <callback>,
236 );
237
196You can create a time watcher by calling the C<< AnyEvent->timer >> 238You can create a time watcher by calling the C<< AnyEvent->timer >>
197method with the following mandatory arguments: 239method with the following mandatory arguments:
198 240
199C<after> specifies after how many seconds (fractional values are 241C<after> specifies after how many seconds (fractional values are
200supported) the callback should be invoked. C<cb> is the callback to invoke 242supported) the callback should be invoked. C<cb> is the callback to invoke
308In either case, if you care (and in most cases, you don't), then you 350In either case, if you care (and in most cases, you don't), then you
309can get whatever behaviour you want with any event loop, by taking the 351can get whatever behaviour you want with any event loop, by taking the
310difference between C<< AnyEvent->time >> and C<< AnyEvent->now >> into 352difference between C<< AnyEvent->time >> and C<< AnyEvent->now >> into
311account. 353account.
312 354
355=item AnyEvent->now_update
356
357Some event loops (such as L<EV> or L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) cache
358the current time for each loop iteration (see the discussion of L<<
359AnyEvent->now >>, above).
360
361When a callback runs for a long time (or when the process sleeps), then
362this "current" time will differ substantially from the real time, which
363might affect timers and time-outs.
364
365When this is the case, you can call this method, which will update the
366event loop's idea of "current time".
367
368A typical example would be a script in a web server (e.g. C<mod_perl>) -
369when mod_perl executes the script, then the event loop will have the wrong
370idea about the "current time" (being potentially far in the past, when the
371script ran the last time). In that case you should arrange a call to C<<
372AnyEvent->now_update >> each time the web server process wakes up again
373(e.g. at the start of your script, or in a handler).
374
375Note that updating the time I<might> cause some events to be handled.
376
313=back 377=back
314 378
315=head2 SIGNAL WATCHERS 379=head2 SIGNAL WATCHERS
380
381 $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => <uppercase_signal_name>, cb => <callback>);
316 382
317You can watch for signals using a signal watcher, C<signal> is the signal 383You can watch for signals using a signal watcher, C<signal> is the signal
318I<name> in uppercase and without any C<SIG> prefix, C<cb> is the Perl 384I<name> in uppercase and without any C<SIG> prefix, C<cb> is the Perl
319callback to be invoked whenever a signal occurs. 385callback to be invoked whenever a signal occurs.
320 386
326invocation, and callback invocation will be synchronous. Synchronous means 392invocation, and callback invocation will be synchronous. Synchronous means
327that it might take a while until the signal gets handled by the process, 393that it might take a while until the signal gets handled by the process,
328but it is guaranteed not to interrupt any other callbacks. 394but it is guaranteed not to interrupt any other callbacks.
329 395
330The main advantage of using these watchers is that you can share a signal 396The main advantage of using these watchers is that you can share a signal
331between multiple watchers. 397between multiple watchers, and AnyEvent will ensure that signals will not
398interrupt your program at bad times.
332 399
333This watcher might use C<%SIG>, so programs overwriting those signals 400This watcher might use C<%SIG> (depending on the event loop used),
334directly will likely not work correctly. 401so programs overwriting those signals directly will likely not work
402correctly.
335 403
336Example: exit on SIGINT 404Example: exit on SIGINT
337 405
338 my $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => "INT", cb => sub { exit 1 }); 406 my $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => "INT", cb => sub { exit 1 });
339 407
408=head3 Restart Behaviour
409
410While restart behaviour is up to the event loop implementation, most will
411not restart syscalls (that includes L<Async::Interrupt> and AnyEvent's
412pure perl implementation).
413
414=head3 Safe/Unsafe Signals
415
416Perl signals can be either "safe" (synchronous to opcode handling) or
417"unsafe" (asynchronous) - the former might get delayed indefinitely, the
418latter might corrupt your memory.
419
420AnyEvent signal handlers are, in addition, synchronous to the event loop,
421i.e. they will not interrupt your running perl program but will only be
422called as part of the normal event handling (just like timer, I/O etc.
423callbacks, too).
424
425=head3 Signal Races, Delays and Workarounds
426
427Many event loops (e.g. Glib, Tk, Qt, IO::Async) do not support attaching
428callbacks to signals in a generic way, which is a pity, as you cannot
429do race-free signal handling in perl, requiring C libraries for
430this. AnyEvent will try to do it's best, which means in some cases,
431signals will be delayed. The maximum time a signal might be delayed is
432specified in C<$AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY> (default: 10 seconds). This
433variable can be changed only before the first signal watcher is created,
434and should be left alone otherwise. This variable determines how often
435AnyEvent polls for signals (in case a wake-up was missed). Higher values
436will cause fewer spurious wake-ups, which is better for power and CPU
437saving.
438
439All these problems can be avoided by installing the optional
440L<Async::Interrupt> module, which works with most event loops. It will not
441work with inherently broken event loops such as L<Event> or L<Event::Lib>
442(and not with L<POE> currently, as POE does it's own workaround with
443one-second latency). For those, you just have to suffer the delays.
444
340=head2 CHILD PROCESS WATCHERS 445=head2 CHILD PROCESS WATCHERS
341 446
447 $w = AnyEvent->child (pid => <process id>, cb => <callback>);
448
342You can also watch on a child process exit and catch its exit status. 449You can also watch on a child process exit and catch its exit status.
343 450
344The child process is specified by the C<pid> argument (if set to C<0>, it 451The child process is specified by the C<pid> argument (one some backends,
345watches for any child process exit). The watcher will trigger as often 452using C<0> watches for any child process exit, on others this will
346as status change for the child are received. This works by installing a 453croak). The watcher will be triggered only when the child process has
347signal handler for C<SIGCHLD>. The callback will be called with the pid 454finished and an exit status is available, not on any trace events
348and exit status (as returned by waitpid), so unlike other watcher types, 455(stopped/continued).
349you I<can> rely on child watcher callback arguments. 456
457The callback will be called with the pid and exit status (as returned by
458waitpid), so unlike other watcher types, you I<can> rely on child watcher
459callback arguments.
460
461This watcher type works by installing a signal handler for C<SIGCHLD>,
462and since it cannot be shared, nothing else should use SIGCHLD or reap
463random child processes (waiting for specific child processes, e.g. inside
464C<system>, is just fine).
350 465
351There is a slight catch to child watchers, however: you usually start them 466There is a slight catch to child watchers, however: you usually start them
352I<after> the child process was created, and this means the process could 467I<after> the child process was created, and this means the process could
353have exited already (and no SIGCHLD will be sent anymore). 468have exited already (and no SIGCHLD will be sent anymore).
354 469
355Not all event models handle this correctly (POE doesn't), but even for 470Not all event models handle this correctly (neither POE nor IO::Async do,
471see their AnyEvent::Impl manpages for details), but even for event models
356event models that I<do> handle this correctly, they usually need to be 472that I<do> handle this correctly, they usually need to be loaded before
357loaded before the process exits (i.e. before you fork in the first place). 473the process exits (i.e. before you fork in the first place). AnyEvent's
474pure perl event loop handles all cases correctly regardless of when you
475start the watcher.
358 476
359This means you cannot create a child watcher as the very first thing in an 477This means you cannot create a child watcher as the very first
360AnyEvent program, you I<have> to create at least one watcher before you 478thing in an AnyEvent program, you I<have> to create at least one
361C<fork> the child (alternatively, you can call C<AnyEvent::detect>). 479watcher before you C<fork> the child (alternatively, you can call
480C<AnyEvent::detect>).
481
482As most event loops do not support waiting for child events, they will be
483emulated by AnyEvent in most cases, in which the latency and race problems
484mentioned in the description of signal watchers apply.
362 485
363Example: fork a process and wait for it 486Example: fork a process and wait for it
364 487
365 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar; 488 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
366 489
376 ); 499 );
377 500
378 # do something else, then wait for process exit 501 # do something else, then wait for process exit
379 $done->recv; 502 $done->recv;
380 503
504=head2 IDLE WATCHERS
505
506 $w = AnyEvent->idle (cb => <callback>);
507
508Repeatedly invoke the callback after the process becomes idle, until
509either the watcher is destroyed or new events have been detected.
510
511Idle watchers are useful when there is a need to do something, but it
512is not so important (or wise) to do it instantly. The callback will be
513invoked only when there is "nothing better to do", which is usually
514defined as "all outstanding events have been handled and no new events
515have been detected". That means that idle watchers ideally get invoked
516when the event loop has just polled for new events but none have been
517detected. Instead of blocking to wait for more events, the idle watchers
518will be invoked.
519
520Unfortunately, most event loops do not really support idle watchers (only
521EV, Event and Glib do it in a usable fashion) - for the rest, AnyEvent
522will simply call the callback "from time to time".
523
524Example: read lines from STDIN, but only process them when the
525program is otherwise idle:
526
527 my @lines; # read data
528 my $idle_w;
529 my $io_w = AnyEvent->io (fh => \*STDIN, poll => 'r', cb => sub {
530 push @lines, scalar <STDIN>;
531
532 # start an idle watcher, if not already done
533 $idle_w ||= AnyEvent->idle (cb => sub {
534 # handle only one line, when there are lines left
535 if (my $line = shift @lines) {
536 print "handled when idle: $line";
537 } else {
538 # otherwise disable the idle watcher again
539 undef $idle_w;
540 }
541 });
542 });
543
381=head2 CONDITION VARIABLES 544=head2 CONDITION VARIABLES
545
546 $cv = AnyEvent->condvar;
547
548 $cv->send (<list>);
549 my @res = $cv->recv;
382 550
383If you are familiar with some event loops you will know that all of them 551If you are familiar with some event loops you will know that all of them
384require you to run some blocking "loop", "run" or similar function that 552require you to run some blocking "loop", "run" or similar function that
385will actively watch for new events and call your callbacks. 553will actively watch for new events and call your callbacks.
386 554
387AnyEvent is different, it expects somebody else to run the event loop and 555AnyEvent is slightly different: it expects somebody else to run the event
388will only block when necessary (usually when told by the user). 556loop and will only block when necessary (usually when told by the user).
389 557
390The instrument to do that is called a "condition variable", so called 558The instrument to do that is called a "condition variable", so called
391because they represent a condition that must become true. 559because they represent a condition that must become true.
392 560
561Now is probably a good time to look at the examples further below.
562
393Condition variables can be created by calling the C<< AnyEvent->condvar 563Condition variables can be created by calling the C<< AnyEvent->condvar
394
395>> method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is 564>> method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is
396
397C<cb>, which specifies a callback to be called when the condition variable 565C<cb>, which specifies a callback to be called when the condition variable
398becomes true, with the condition variable as the first argument (but not 566becomes true, with the condition variable as the first argument (but not
399the results). 567the results).
400 568
401After creation, the condition variable is "false" until it becomes "true" 569After creation, the condition variable is "false" until it becomes "true"
406Condition variables are similar to callbacks, except that you can 574Condition variables are similar to callbacks, except that you can
407optionally wait for them. They can also be called merge points - points 575optionally wait for them. They can also be called merge points - points
408in time where multiple outstanding events have been processed. And yet 576in time where multiple outstanding events have been processed. And yet
409another way to call them is transactions - each condition variable can be 577another way to call them is transactions - each condition variable can be
410used to represent a transaction, which finishes at some point and delivers 578used to represent a transaction, which finishes at some point and delivers
411a result. 579a result. And yet some people know them as "futures" - a promise to
580compute/deliver something that you can wait for.
412 581
413Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has finished, 582Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has finished,
414for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http requests, 583for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http requests,
415then a condition variable would be the ideal candidate to signal the 584then a condition variable would be the ideal candidate to signal the
416availability of results. The user can either act when the callback is 585availability of results. The user can either act when the callback is
450 after => 1, 619 after => 1,
451 cb => sub { $result_ready->send }, 620 cb => sub { $result_ready->send },
452 ); 621 );
453 622
454 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback 623 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback
455 # calls send 624 # calls ->send
456 $result_ready->recv; 625 $result_ready->recv;
457 626
458Example: wait for a timer, but take advantage of the fact that 627Example: wait for a timer, but take advantage of the fact that condition
459condition variables are also code references. 628variables are also callable directly.
460 629
461 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar; 630 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
462 my $delay = AnyEvent->timer (after => 5, cb => $done); 631 my $delay = AnyEvent->timer (after => 5, cb => $done);
463 $done->recv; 632 $done->recv;
464 633
470 639
471 ... 640 ...
472 641
473 my @info = $couchdb->info->recv; 642 my @info = $couchdb->info->recv;
474 643
475And this is how you would just ste a callback to be called whenever the 644And this is how you would just set a callback to be called whenever the
476results are available: 645results are available:
477 646
478 $couchdb->info->cb (sub { 647 $couchdb->info->cb (sub {
479 my @info = $_[0]->recv; 648 my @info = $_[0]->recv;
480 }); 649 });
498immediately from within send. 667immediately from within send.
499 668
500Any arguments passed to the C<send> call will be returned by all 669Any arguments passed to the C<send> call will be returned by all
501future C<< ->recv >> calls. 670future C<< ->recv >> calls.
502 671
503Condition variables are overloaded so one can call them directly 672Condition variables are overloaded so one can call them directly (as if
504(as a code reference). Calling them directly is the same as calling 673they were a code reference). Calling them directly is the same as calling
505C<send>. Note, however, that many C-based event loops do not handle 674C<send>.
506overloading, so as tempting as it may be, passing a condition variable
507instead of a callback does not work. Both the pure perl and EV loops
508support overloading, however, as well as all functions that use perl to
509invoke a callback (as in L<AnyEvent::Socket> and L<AnyEvent::DNS> for
510example).
511 675
512=item $cv->croak ($error) 676=item $cv->croak ($error)
513 677
514Similar to send, but causes all call's to C<< ->recv >> to invoke 678Similar to send, but causes all call's to C<< ->recv >> to invoke
515C<Carp::croak> with the given error message/object/scalar. 679C<Carp::croak> with the given error message/object/scalar.
516 680
517This can be used to signal any errors to the condition variable 681This can be used to signal any errors to the condition variable
518user/consumer. 682user/consumer. Doing it this way instead of calling C<croak> directly
683delays the error detetcion, but has the overwhelmign advantage that it
684diagnoses the error at the place where the result is expected, and not
685deep in some event clalback without connection to the actual code causing
686the problem.
519 687
520=item $cv->begin ([group callback]) 688=item $cv->begin ([group callback])
521 689
522=item $cv->end 690=item $cv->end
523
524These two methods are EXPERIMENTAL and MIGHT CHANGE.
525 691
526These two methods can be used to combine many transactions/events into 692These two methods can be used to combine many transactions/events into
527one. For example, a function that pings many hosts in parallel might want 693one. For example, a function that pings many hosts in parallel might want
528to use a condition variable for the whole process. 694to use a condition variable for the whole process.
529 695
530Every call to C<< ->begin >> will increment a counter, and every call to 696Every call to C<< ->begin >> will increment a counter, and every call to
531C<< ->end >> will decrement it. If the counter reaches C<0> in C<< ->end 697C<< ->end >> will decrement it. If the counter reaches C<0> in C<< ->end
532>>, the (last) callback passed to C<begin> will be executed. That callback 698>>, the (last) callback passed to C<begin> will be executed, passing the
533is I<supposed> to call C<< ->send >>, but that is not required. If no 699condvar as first argument. That callback is I<supposed> to call C<< ->send
534callback was set, C<send> will be called without any arguments. 700>>, but that is not required. If no group callback was set, C<send> will
701be called without any arguments.
535 702
536Let's clarify this with the ping example: 703You can think of C<< $cv->send >> giving you an OR condition (one call
704sends), while C<< $cv->begin >> and C<< $cv->end >> giving you an AND
705condition (all C<begin> calls must be C<end>'ed before the condvar sends).
706
707Let's start with a simple example: you have two I/O watchers (for example,
708STDOUT and STDERR for a program), and you want to wait for both streams to
709close before activating a condvar:
537 710
538 my $cv = AnyEvent->condvar; 711 my $cv = AnyEvent->condvar;
539 712
713 $cv->begin; # first watcher
714 my $w1 = AnyEvent->io (fh => $fh1, cb => sub {
715 defined sysread $fh1, my $buf, 4096
716 or $cv->end;
717 });
718
719 $cv->begin; # second watcher
720 my $w2 = AnyEvent->io (fh => $fh2, cb => sub {
721 defined sysread $fh2, my $buf, 4096
722 or $cv->end;
723 });
724
725 $cv->recv;
726
727This works because for every event source (EOF on file handle), there is
728one call to C<begin>, so the condvar waits for all calls to C<end> before
729sending.
730
731The ping example mentioned above is slightly more complicated, as the
732there are results to be passwd back, and the number of tasks that are
733begung can potentially be zero:
734
735 my $cv = AnyEvent->condvar;
736
540 my %result; 737 my %result;
541 $cv->begin (sub { $cv->send (\%result) }); 738 $cv->begin (sub { shift->send (\%result) });
542 739
543 for my $host (@list_of_hosts) { 740 for my $host (@list_of_hosts) {
544 $cv->begin; 741 $cv->begin;
545 ping_host_then_call_callback $host, sub { 742 ping_host_then_call_callback $host, sub {
546 $result{$host} = ...; 743 $result{$host} = ...;
561loop, which serves two important purposes: first, it sets the callback 758loop, which serves two important purposes: first, it sets the callback
562to be called once the counter reaches C<0>, and second, it ensures that 759to be called once the counter reaches C<0>, and second, it ensures that
563C<send> is called even when C<no> hosts are being pinged (the loop 760C<send> is called even when C<no> hosts are being pinged (the loop
564doesn't execute once). 761doesn't execute once).
565 762
566This is the general pattern when you "fan out" into multiple subrequests: 763This is the general pattern when you "fan out" into multiple (but
567use an outer C<begin>/C<end> pair to set the callback and ensure C<end> 764potentially none) subrequests: use an outer C<begin>/C<end> pair to set
568is called at least once, and then, for each subrequest you start, call 765the callback and ensure C<end> is called at least once, and then, for each
569C<begin> and for each subrequest you finish, call C<end>. 766subrequest you start, call C<begin> and for each subrequest you finish,
767call C<end>.
570 768
571=back 769=back
572 770
573=head3 METHODS FOR CONSUMERS 771=head3 METHODS FOR CONSUMERS
574 772
590function will call C<croak>. 788function will call C<croak>.
591 789
592In list context, all parameters passed to C<send> will be returned, 790In list context, all parameters passed to C<send> will be returned,
593in scalar context only the first one will be returned. 791in scalar context only the first one will be returned.
594 792
793Note that doing a blocking wait in a callback is not supported by any
794event loop, that is, recursive invocation of a blocking C<< ->recv
795>> is not allowed, and the C<recv> call will C<croak> if such a
796condition is detected. This condition can be slightly loosened by using
797L<Coro::AnyEvent>, which allows you to do a blocking C<< ->recv >> from
798any thread that doesn't run the event loop itself.
799
595Not all event models support a blocking wait - some die in that case 800Not all event models support a blocking wait - some die in that case
596(programs might want to do that to stay interactive), so I<if you are 801(programs might want to do that to stay interactive), so I<if you are
597using this from a module, never require a blocking wait>, but let the 802using this from a module, never require a blocking wait>. Instead, let the
598caller decide whether the call will block or not (for example, by coupling 803caller decide whether the call will block or not (for example, by coupling
599condition variables with some kind of request results and supporting 804condition variables with some kind of request results and supporting
600callbacks so the caller knows that getting the result will not block, 805callbacks so the caller knows that getting the result will not block,
601while still supporting blocking waits if the caller so desires). 806while still supporting blocking waits if the caller so desires).
602 807
603Another reason I<never> to C<< ->recv >> in a module is that you cannot
604sensibly have two C<< ->recv >>'s in parallel, as that would require
605multiple interpreters or coroutines/threads, none of which C<AnyEvent>
606can supply.
607
608The L<Coro> module, however, I<can> and I<does> supply coroutines and, in
609fact, L<Coro::AnyEvent> replaces AnyEvent's condvars by coroutine-safe
610versions and also integrates coroutines into AnyEvent, making blocking
611C<< ->recv >> calls perfectly safe as long as they are done from another
612coroutine (one that doesn't run the event loop).
613
614You can ensure that C<< -recv >> never blocks by setting a callback and 808You can ensure that C<< -recv >> never blocks by setting a callback and
615only calling C<< ->recv >> from within that callback (or at a later 809only calling C<< ->recv >> from within that callback (or at a later
616time). This will work even when the event loop does not support blocking 810time). This will work even when the event loop does not support blocking
617waits otherwise. 811waits otherwise.
618 812
624=item $cb = $cv->cb ($cb->($cv)) 818=item $cb = $cv->cb ($cb->($cv))
625 819
626This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and optionally 820This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and optionally
627replaces it before doing so. 821replaces it before doing so.
628 822
629The callback will be called when the condition becomes "true", i.e. when 823The callback will be called when the condition becomes (or already was)
630C<send> or C<croak> are called, with the only argument being the condition 824"true", i.e. when C<send> or C<croak> are called (or were called), with
631variable itself. Calling C<recv> inside the callback or at any later time 825the only argument being the condition variable itself. Calling C<recv>
632is guaranteed not to block. 826inside the callback or at any later time is guaranteed not to block.
633 827
634=back 828=back
635 829
830=head1 SUPPORTED EVENT LOOPS/BACKENDS
831
832The available backend classes are (every class has its own manpage):
833
834=over 4
835
836=item Backends that are autoprobed when no other event loop can be found.
837
838EV is the preferred backend when no other event loop seems to be in
839use. If EV is not installed, then AnyEvent will fall back to its own
840pure-perl implementation, which is available everywhere as it comes with
841AnyEvent itself.
842
843 AnyEvent::Impl::EV based on EV (interface to libev, best choice).
844 AnyEvent::Impl::Perl pure-perl implementation, fast and portable.
845
846=item Backends that are transparently being picked up when they are used.
847
848These will be used when they are currently loaded when the first watcher
849is created, in which case it is assumed that the application is using
850them. This means that AnyEvent will automatically pick the right backend
851when the main program loads an event module before anything starts to
852create watchers. Nothing special needs to be done by the main program.
853
854 AnyEvent::Impl::Event based on Event, very stable, few glitches.
855 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib based on Glib, slow but very stable.
856 AnyEvent::Impl::Tk based on Tk, very broken.
857 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib based on Event::Lib, leaks memory and worse.
858 AnyEvent::Impl::POE based on POE, very slow, some limitations.
859 AnyEvent::Impl::Irssi used when running within irssi.
860
861=item Backends with special needs.
862
863Qt requires the Qt::Application to be instantiated first, but will
864otherwise be picked up automatically. As long as the main program
865instantiates the application before any AnyEvent watchers are created,
866everything should just work.
867
868 AnyEvent::Impl::Qt based on Qt.
869
870Support for IO::Async can only be partial, as it is too broken and
871architecturally limited to even support the AnyEvent API. It also
872is the only event loop that needs the loop to be set explicitly, so
873it can only be used by a main program knowing about AnyEvent. See
874L<AnyEvent::Impl::Async> for the gory details.
875
876 AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync based on IO::Async, cannot be autoprobed.
877
878=item Event loops that are indirectly supported via other backends.
879
880Some event loops can be supported via other modules:
881
882There is no direct support for WxWidgets (L<Wx>) or L<Prima>.
883
884B<WxWidgets> has no support for watching file handles. However, you can
885use WxWidgets through the POE adaptor, as POE has a Wx backend that simply
886polls 20 times per second, which was considered to be too horrible to even
887consider for AnyEvent.
888
889B<Prima> is not supported as nobody seems to be using it, but it has a POE
890backend, so it can be supported through POE.
891
892AnyEvent knows about both L<Prima> and L<Wx>, however, and will try to
893load L<POE> when detecting them, in the hope that POE will pick them up,
894in which case everything will be automatic.
895
896=back
897
636=head1 GLOBAL VARIABLES AND FUNCTIONS 898=head1 GLOBAL VARIABLES AND FUNCTIONS
637 899
900These are not normally required to use AnyEvent, but can be useful to
901write AnyEvent extension modules.
902
638=over 4 903=over 4
639 904
640=item $AnyEvent::MODEL 905=item $AnyEvent::MODEL
641 906
642Contains C<undef> until the first watcher is being created. Then it 907Contains C<undef> until the first watcher is being created, before the
908backend has been autodetected.
909
643contains the event model that is being used, which is the name of the 910Afterwards it contains the event model that is being used, which is the
644Perl class implementing the model. This class is usually one of the 911name of the Perl class implementing the model. This class is usually one
645C<AnyEvent::Impl:xxx> modules, but can be any other class in the case 912of the C<AnyEvent::Impl:xxx> modules, but can be any other class in the
646AnyEvent has been extended at runtime (e.g. in I<rxvt-unicode>). 913case AnyEvent has been extended at runtime (e.g. in I<rxvt-unicode> it
647 914will be C<urxvt::anyevent>).
648The known classes so far are:
649
650 AnyEvent::Impl::EV based on EV (an interface to libev, best choice).
651 AnyEvent::Impl::Event based on Event, second best choice.
652 AnyEvent::Impl::Perl pure-perl implementation, fast and portable.
653 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib based on Glib, third-best choice.
654 AnyEvent::Impl::Tk based on Tk, very bad choice.
655 AnyEvent::Impl::Qt based on Qt, cannot be autoprobed (see its docs).
656 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib based on Event::Lib, leaks memory and worse.
657 AnyEvent::Impl::POE based on POE, not generic enough for full support.
658
659There is no support for WxWidgets, as WxWidgets has no support for
660watching file handles. However, you can use WxWidgets through the
661POE Adaptor, as POE has a Wx backend that simply polls 20 times per
662second, which was considered to be too horrible to even consider for
663AnyEvent. Likewise, other POE backends can be used by AnyEvent by using
664it's adaptor.
665
666AnyEvent knows about L<Prima> and L<Wx> and will try to use L<POE> when
667autodetecting them.
668 915
669=item AnyEvent::detect 916=item AnyEvent::detect
670 917
671Returns C<$AnyEvent::MODEL>, forcing autodetection of the event model 918Returns C<$AnyEvent::MODEL>, forcing autodetection of the event model
672if necessary. You should only call this function right before you would 919if necessary. You should only call this function right before you would
673have created an AnyEvent watcher anyway, that is, as late as possible at 920have created an AnyEvent watcher anyway, that is, as late as possible at
674runtime. 921runtime, and not e.g. while initialising of your module.
922
923If you need to do some initialisation before AnyEvent watchers are
924created, use C<post_detect>.
675 925
676=item $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK } 926=item $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }
677 927
678Arranges for the code block to be executed as soon as the event model is 928Arranges for the code block to be executed as soon as the event model is
679autodetected (or immediately if this has already happened). 929autodetected (or immediately if this has already happened).
680 930
931The block will be executed I<after> the actual backend has been detected
932(C<$AnyEvent::MODEL> is set), but I<before> any watchers have been
933created, so it is possible to e.g. patch C<@AnyEvent::ISA> or do
934other initialisations - see the sources of L<AnyEvent::Strict> or
935L<AnyEvent::AIO> to see how this is used.
936
937The most common usage is to create some global watchers, without forcing
938event module detection too early, for example, L<AnyEvent::AIO> creates
939and installs the global L<IO::AIO> watcher in a C<post_detect> block to
940avoid autodetecting the event module at load time.
941
681If called in scalar or list context, then it creates and returns an object 942If called in scalar or list context, then it creates and returns an object
682that automatically removes the callback again when it is destroyed. See 943that automatically removes the callback again when it is destroyed (or
944C<undef> when the hook was immediately executed). See L<AnyEvent::AIO> for
683L<Coro::BDB> for a case where this is useful. 945a case where this is useful.
946
947Example: Create a watcher for the IO::AIO module and store it in
948C<$WATCHER>. Only do so after the event loop is initialised, though.
949
950 our WATCHER;
951
952 my $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect {
953 $WATCHER = AnyEvent->io (fh => IO::AIO::poll_fileno, poll => 'r', cb => \&IO::AIO::poll_cb);
954 };
955
956 # the ||= is important in case post_detect immediately runs the block,
957 # as to not clobber the newly-created watcher. assigning both watcher and
958 # post_detect guard to the same variable has the advantage of users being
959 # able to just C<undef $WATCHER> if the watcher causes them grief.
960
961 $WATCHER ||= $guard;
684 962
685=item @AnyEvent::post_detect 963=item @AnyEvent::post_detect
686 964
687If there are any code references in this array (you can C<push> to it 965If there are any code references in this array (you can C<push> to it
688before or after loading AnyEvent), then they will called directly after 966before or after loading AnyEvent), then they will called directly after
689the event loop has been chosen. 967the event loop has been chosen.
690 968
691You should check C<$AnyEvent::MODEL> before adding to this array, though: 969You should check C<$AnyEvent::MODEL> before adding to this array, though:
692if it contains a true value then the event loop has already been detected, 970if it is defined then the event loop has already been detected, and the
693and the array will be ignored. 971array will be ignored.
694 972
695Best use C<AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }> instead. 973Best use C<AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }> when your application allows
974it, as it takes care of these details.
975
976This variable is mainly useful for modules that can do something useful
977when AnyEvent is used and thus want to know when it is initialised, but do
978not need to even load it by default. This array provides the means to hook
979into AnyEvent passively, without loading it.
980
981Example: To load Coro::AnyEvent whenever Coro and AnyEvent are used
982together, you could put this into Coro (this is the actual code used by
983Coro to accomplish this):
984
985 if (defined $AnyEvent::MODEL) {
986 # AnyEvent already initialised, so load Coro::AnyEvent
987 require Coro::AnyEvent;
988 } else {
989 # AnyEvent not yet initialised, so make sure to load Coro::AnyEvent
990 # as soon as it is
991 push @AnyEvent::post_detect, sub { require Coro::AnyEvent };
992 }
696 993
697=back 994=back
698 995
699=head1 WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE 996=head1 WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE
700 997
755 1052
756 1053
757=head1 OTHER MODULES 1054=head1 OTHER MODULES
758 1055
759The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use 1056The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use
760AnyEvent and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent modules 1057AnyEvent as a client and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent
761in the same program. Some of the modules come with AnyEvent, some are 1058modules and other event loops in the same program. Some of the modules
762available via CPAN. 1059come with AnyEvent, most are available via CPAN.
763 1060
764=over 4 1061=over 4
765 1062
766=item L<AnyEvent::Util> 1063=item L<AnyEvent::Util>
767 1064
776 1073
777=item L<AnyEvent::Handle> 1074=item L<AnyEvent::Handle>
778 1075
779Provide read and write buffers, manages watchers for reads and writes, 1076Provide read and write buffers, manages watchers for reads and writes,
780supports raw and formatted I/O, I/O queued and fully transparent and 1077supports raw and formatted I/O, I/O queued and fully transparent and
781non-blocking SSL/TLS. 1078non-blocking SSL/TLS (via L<AnyEvent::TLS>.
782 1079
783=item L<AnyEvent::DNS> 1080=item L<AnyEvent::DNS>
784 1081
785Provides rich asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities. 1082Provides rich asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities.
786 1083
814 1111
815=item L<AnyEvent::GPSD> 1112=item L<AnyEvent::GPSD>
816 1113
817A non-blocking interface to gpsd, a daemon delivering GPS information. 1114A non-blocking interface to gpsd, a daemon delivering GPS information.
818 1115
1116=item L<AnyEvent::IRC>
1117
1118AnyEvent based IRC client module family (replacing the older Net::IRC3).
1119
1120=item L<AnyEvent::XMPP>
1121
1122AnyEvent based XMPP (Jabber protocol) module family (replacing the older
1123Net::XMPP2>.
1124
819=item L<AnyEvent::IGS> 1125=item L<AnyEvent::IGS>
820 1126
821A non-blocking interface to the Internet Go Server protocol (used by 1127A non-blocking interface to the Internet Go Server protocol (used by
822L<App::IGS>). 1128L<App::IGS>).
823 1129
824=item L<Net::IRC3>
825
826AnyEvent based IRC client module family.
827
828=item L<Net::XMPP2>
829
830AnyEvent based XMPP (Jabber protocol) module family.
831
832=item L<Net::FCP> 1130=item L<Net::FCP>
833 1131
834AnyEvent-based implementation of the Freenet Client Protocol, birthplace 1132AnyEvent-based implementation of the Freenet Client Protocol, birthplace
835of AnyEvent. 1133of AnyEvent.
836 1134
840 1138
841=item L<Coro> 1139=item L<Coro>
842 1140
843Has special support for AnyEvent via L<Coro::AnyEvent>. 1141Has special support for AnyEvent via L<Coro::AnyEvent>.
844 1142
845=item L<IO::Lambda>
846
847The lambda approach to I/O - don't ask, look there. Can use AnyEvent.
848
849=back 1143=back
850 1144
851=cut 1145=cut
852 1146
853package AnyEvent; 1147package AnyEvent;
854 1148
855no warnings; 1149# basically a tuned-down version of common::sense
856use strict; 1150sub common_sense {
1151 # from common:.sense 1.0
1152 ${^WARNING_BITS} = "\xfc\x3f\x33\x00\x0f\xf3\xcf\xc0\xf3\xfc\x33\x00";
1153 # use strict vars subs - NO UTF-8, as Util.pm doesn't like this atm. (uts46data.pl)
1154 $^H |= 0x00000600;
1155}
857 1156
1157BEGIN { AnyEvent::common_sense }
1158
858use Carp; 1159use Carp ();
859 1160
860our $VERSION = 4.22; 1161our $VERSION = '5.25';
861our $MODEL; 1162our $MODEL;
862 1163
863our $AUTOLOAD; 1164our $AUTOLOAD;
864our @ISA; 1165our @ISA;
865 1166
866our @REGISTRY; 1167our @REGISTRY;
867 1168
868our $WIN32; 1169our $VERBOSE;
869 1170
870BEGIN { 1171BEGIN {
871 my $win32 = ! ! ($^O =~ /mswin32/i); 1172 require "AnyEvent/constants.pl";
872 eval "sub WIN32(){ $win32 }";
873}
874 1173
1174 eval "sub TAINT (){" . (${^TAINT} *1) . "}";
1175
1176 delete @ENV{grep /^PERL_ANYEVENT_/, keys %ENV}
1177 if ${^TAINT};
1178
875our $verbose = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}*1; 1179 $VERBOSE = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}*1;
1180
1181}
1182
1183our $MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY = 10;
876 1184
877our %PROTOCOL; # (ipv4|ipv6) => (1|2), higher numbers are preferred 1185our %PROTOCOL; # (ipv4|ipv6) => (1|2), higher numbers are preferred
878 1186
879{ 1187{
880 my $idx; 1188 my $idx;
882 for reverse split /\s*,\s*/, 1190 for reverse split /\s*,\s*/,
883 $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS} || "ipv4,ipv6"; 1191 $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS} || "ipv4,ipv6";
884} 1192}
885 1193
886my @models = ( 1194my @models = (
887 [EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EV::], 1195 [EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EV:: , 1],
888 [Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Event::],
889 [AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Perl::], 1196 [AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: , 1],
890 # everything below here will not be autoprobed 1197 # everything below here will not (normally) be autoprobed
891 # as the pureperl backend should work everywhere 1198 # as the pureperl backend should work everywhere
892 # and is usually faster 1199 # and is usually faster
1200 [Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Event::, 1],
1201 [Glib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Glib:: , 1], # becomes extremely slow with many watchers
1202 [Event::Lib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib::], # too buggy
1203 [Irssi:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Irssi::], # Irssi has a bogus "Event" package
893 [Tk:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Tk::], # crashes with many handles 1204 [Tk:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Tk::], # crashes with many handles
894 [Glib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Glib::], # becomes extremely slow with many watchers
895 [Event::Lib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib::], # too buggy
896 [Qt:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Qt::], # requires special main program 1205 [Qt:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Qt::], # requires special main program
897 [POE::Kernel:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], # lasciate ogni speranza 1206 [POE::Kernel:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], # lasciate ogni speranza
898 [Wx:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], 1207 [Wx:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
899 [Prima:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], 1208 [Prima:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
1209 # IO::Async is just too broken - we would need workarounds for its
1210 # byzantine signal and broken child handling, among others.
1211 # IO::Async is rather hard to detect, as it doesn't have any
1212 # obvious default class.
1213 [IO::Async:: => AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync::], # requires special main program
1214 [IO::Async::Loop:: => AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync::], # requires special main program
1215 [IO::Async::Notifier:: => AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync::], # requires special main program
1216 [AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync:: => AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync::], # requires special main program
900); 1217);
901 1218
902our %method = map +($_ => 1), qw(io timer time now signal child condvar one_event DESTROY); 1219our %method = map +($_ => 1),
1220 qw(io timer time now now_update signal child idle condvar one_event DESTROY);
903 1221
904our @post_detect; 1222our @post_detect;
905 1223
906sub post_detect(&) { 1224sub post_detect(&) {
907 my ($cb) = @_; 1225 my ($cb) = @_;
908 1226
909 if ($MODEL) { 1227 if ($MODEL) {
910 $cb->(); 1228 $cb->();
911 1229
912 1 1230 undef
913 } else { 1231 } else {
914 push @post_detect, $cb; 1232 push @post_detect, $cb;
915 1233
916 defined wantarray 1234 defined wantarray
917 ? bless \$cb, "AnyEvent::Util::PostDetect" 1235 ? bless \$cb, "AnyEvent::Util::postdetect"
918 : () 1236 : ()
919 } 1237 }
920} 1238}
921 1239
922sub AnyEvent::Util::PostDetect::DESTROY { 1240sub AnyEvent::Util::postdetect::DESTROY {
923 @post_detect = grep $_ != ${$_[0]}, @post_detect; 1241 @post_detect = grep $_ != ${$_[0]}, @post_detect;
924} 1242}
925 1243
926sub detect() { 1244sub detect() {
1245 # free some memory
1246 *detect = sub () { $MODEL };
1247
1248 local $!; # for good measure
1249 local $SIG{__DIE__};
1250
1251 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} =~ /^([a-zA-Z]+)$/) {
1252 my $model = "AnyEvent::Impl::$1";
1253 if (eval "require $model") {
1254 $MODEL = $model;
1255 warn "AnyEvent: loaded model '$model' (forced by \$ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL}), using it.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 2;
1256 } else {
1257 warn "AnyEvent: unable to load model '$model' (from \$ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL}):\n$@" if $VERBOSE;
1258 }
1259 }
1260
1261 # check for already loaded models
927 unless ($MODEL) { 1262 unless ($MODEL) {
928 no strict 'refs'; 1263 for (@REGISTRY, @models) {
929 local $SIG{__DIE__}; 1264 my ($package, $model) = @$_;
930 1265 if (${"$package\::VERSION"} > 0) {
931 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} =~ /^([a-zA-Z]+)$/) {
932 my $model = "AnyEvent::Impl::$1";
933 if (eval "require $model") { 1266 if (eval "require $model") {
934 $MODEL = $model; 1267 $MODEL = $model;
935 warn "AnyEvent: loaded model '$model' (forced by \$PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL), using it.\n" if $verbose > 1; 1268 warn "AnyEvent: autodetected model '$model', using it.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 2;
936 } else { 1269 last;
937 warn "AnyEvent: unable to load model '$model' (from \$PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL):\n$@" if $verbose; 1270 }
938 } 1271 }
939 } 1272 }
940 1273
941 # check for already loaded models
942 unless ($MODEL) { 1274 unless ($MODEL) {
1275 # try to autoload a model
943 for (@REGISTRY, @models) { 1276 for (@REGISTRY, @models) {
944 my ($package, $model) = @$_; 1277 my ($package, $model, $autoload) = @$_;
1278 if (
1279 $autoload
1280 and eval "require $package"
945 if (${"$package\::VERSION"} > 0) { 1281 and ${"$package\::VERSION"} > 0
946 if (eval "require $model") { 1282 and eval "require $model"
1283 ) {
947 $MODEL = $model; 1284 $MODEL = $model;
948 warn "AnyEvent: autodetected model '$model', using it.\n" if $verbose > 1; 1285 warn "AnyEvent: autoloaded model '$model', using it.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 2;
949 last; 1286 last;
950 }
951 } 1287 }
952 } 1288 }
953 1289
954 unless ($MODEL) {
955 # try to load a model
956
957 for (@REGISTRY, @models) {
958 my ($package, $model) = @$_;
959 if (eval "require $package"
960 and ${"$package\::VERSION"} > 0
961 and eval "require $model") {
962 $MODEL = $model;
963 warn "AnyEvent: autoprobed model '$model', using it.\n" if $verbose > 1;
964 last;
965 }
966 }
967
968 $MODEL 1290 $MODEL
969 or die "No event module selected for AnyEvent and autodetect failed. Install any one of these modules: EV, Event or Glib."; 1291 or die "No event module selected for AnyEvent and autodetect failed. Install any one of these modules: EV, Event or Glib.\n";
970 }
971 } 1292 }
972
973 push @{"$MODEL\::ISA"}, "AnyEvent::Base";
974
975 unshift @ISA, $MODEL;
976
977 require AnyEvent::Strict if $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT};
978
979 (shift @post_detect)->() while @post_detect;
980 } 1293 }
1294
1295 @models = (); # free probe data
1296
1297 push @{"$MODEL\::ISA"}, "AnyEvent::Base";
1298 unshift @ISA, $MODEL;
1299
1300 require AnyEvent::Strict if $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT};
1301
1302 (shift @post_detect)->() while @post_detect;
981 1303
982 $MODEL 1304 $MODEL
983} 1305}
984 1306
985sub AUTOLOAD { 1307sub AUTOLOAD {
986 (my $func = $AUTOLOAD) =~ s/.*://; 1308 (my $func = $AUTOLOAD) =~ s/.*://;
987 1309
988 $method{$func} 1310 $method{$func}
989 or croak "$func: not a valid method for AnyEvent objects"; 1311 or Carp::croak "$func: not a valid AnyEvent class method";
990 1312
991 detect unless $MODEL; 1313 detect;
992 1314
993 my $class = shift; 1315 my $class = shift;
994 $class->$func (@_); 1316 $class->$func (@_);
995} 1317}
996 1318
997# utility function to dup a filehandle. this is used by many backends 1319# utility function to dup a filehandle. this is used by many backends
998# to support binding more than one watcher per filehandle (they usually 1320# to support binding more than one watcher per filehandle (they usually
999# allow only one watcher per fd, so we dup it to get a different one). 1321# allow only one watcher per fd, so we dup it to get a different one).
1000sub _dupfh($$$$) { 1322sub _dupfh($$;$$) {
1001 my ($poll, $fh, $r, $w) = @_; 1323 my ($poll, $fh, $r, $w) = @_;
1002 1324
1003 require Fcntl;
1004
1005 # cygwin requires the fh mode to be matching, unix doesn't 1325 # cygwin requires the fh mode to be matching, unix doesn't
1006 my ($rw, $mode) = $poll eq "r" ? ($r, "<") 1326 my ($rw, $mode) = $poll eq "r" ? ($r, "<&") : ($w, ">&");
1007 : $poll eq "w" ? ($w, ">")
1008 : Carp::croak "AnyEvent->io requires poll set to either 'r' or 'w'";
1009 1327
1010 open my $fh2, "$mode&" . fileno $fh 1328 open my $fh2, $mode, $fh
1011 or die "cannot dup() filehandle: $!"; 1329 or die "AnyEvent->io: cannot dup() filehandle in mode '$poll': $!,";
1012 1330
1013 # we assume CLOEXEC is already set by perl in all important cases 1331 # we assume CLOEXEC is already set by perl in all important cases
1014 1332
1015 ($fh2, $rw) 1333 ($fh2, $rw)
1016} 1334}
1017 1335
1336=head1 SIMPLIFIED AE API
1337
1338Starting with version 5.0, AnyEvent officially supports a second, much
1339simpler, API that is designed to reduce the calling, typing and memory
1340overhead.
1341
1342See the L<AE> manpage for details.
1343
1344=cut
1345
1346package AE;
1347
1348our $VERSION = $AnyEvent::VERSION;
1349
1350sub io($$$) {
1351 AnyEvent->io (fh => $_[0], poll => $_[1] ? "w" : "r", cb => $_[2])
1352}
1353
1354sub timer($$$) {
1355 AnyEvent->timer (after => $_[0], interval => $_[1], cb => $_[2])
1356}
1357
1358sub signal($$) {
1359 AnyEvent->signal (signal => $_[0], cb => $_[1])
1360}
1361
1362sub child($$) {
1363 AnyEvent->child (pid => $_[0], cb => $_[1])
1364}
1365
1366sub idle($) {
1367 AnyEvent->idle (cb => $_[0])
1368}
1369
1370sub cv(;&) {
1371 AnyEvent->condvar (@_ ? (cb => $_[0]) : ())
1372}
1373
1374sub now() {
1375 AnyEvent->now
1376}
1377
1378sub now_update() {
1379 AnyEvent->now_update
1380}
1381
1382sub time() {
1383 AnyEvent->time
1384}
1385
1018package AnyEvent::Base; 1386package AnyEvent::Base;
1019 1387
1020# default implementation for now and time 1388# default implementations for many methods
1021 1389
1022use Time::HiRes (); 1390sub _time() {
1391 eval q{ # poor man's autoloading
1392 # probe for availability of Time::HiRes
1393 if (eval "use Time::HiRes (); Time::HiRes::time (); 1") {
1394 warn "AnyEvent: using Time::HiRes for sub-second timing accuracy.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 8;
1395 *_time = \&Time::HiRes::time;
1396 # if (eval "use POSIX (); (POSIX::times())...
1397 } else {
1398 warn "AnyEvent: using built-in time(), WARNING, no sub-second resolution!\n" if $VERBOSE;
1399 *_time = sub (){ time }; # epic fail
1400 }
1401 };
1402 die if $@;
1023 1403
1024sub time { Time::HiRes::time } 1404 &_time
1025sub now { Time::HiRes::time } 1405}
1406
1407sub time { _time }
1408sub now { _time }
1409sub now_update { }
1026 1410
1027# default implementation for ->condvar 1411# default implementation for ->condvar
1028 1412
1029sub condvar { 1413sub condvar {
1030 bless { @_ == 3 ? (_ae_cb => $_[2]) : () }, AnyEvent::CondVar:: 1414 bless { @_ == 3 ? (_ae_cb => $_[2]) : () }, "AnyEvent::CondVar"
1031} 1415}
1032 1416
1033# default implementation for ->signal 1417# default implementation for ->signal
1034 1418
1035our %SIG_CB; 1419our $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT;
1420
1421sub _have_async_interrupt() {
1422 $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT = 1*(!$ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_AVOID_ASYNC_INTERRUPT}
1423 && eval "use Async::Interrupt 1.02 (); 1")
1424 unless defined $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT;
1425
1426 $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT
1427}
1428
1429our ($SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W, %SIG_CB, %SIG_EV, $SIG_IO);
1430our (%SIG_ASY, %SIG_ASY_W);
1431our ($SIG_COUNT, $SIG_TW);
1432
1433# install a dummy wakeup watcher to reduce signal catching latency
1434# used by Impls
1435sub _sig_add() {
1436 unless ($SIG_COUNT++) {
1437 # try to align timer on a full-second boundary, if possible
1438 my $NOW = AE::now;
1439
1440 $SIG_TW = AE::timer
1441 $MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY - ($NOW - int $NOW),
1442 $MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY,
1443 sub { } # just for the PERL_ASYNC_CHECK
1444 ;
1445 }
1446}
1447
1448sub _sig_del {
1449 undef $SIG_TW
1450 unless --$SIG_COUNT;
1451}
1452
1453our $_sig_name_init; $_sig_name_init = sub {
1454 eval q{ # poor man's autoloading
1455 undef $_sig_name_init;
1456
1457 if (_have_async_interrupt) {
1458 *sig2num = \&Async::Interrupt::sig2num;
1459 *sig2name = \&Async::Interrupt::sig2name;
1460 } else {
1461 require Config;
1462
1463 my %signame2num;
1464 @signame2num{ split ' ', $Config::Config{sig_name} }
1465 = split ' ', $Config::Config{sig_num};
1466
1467 my @signum2name;
1468 @signum2name[values %signame2num] = keys %signame2num;
1469
1470 *sig2num = sub($) {
1471 $_[0] > 0 ? shift : $signame2num{+shift}
1472 };
1473 *sig2name = sub ($) {
1474 $_[0] > 0 ? $signum2name[+shift] : shift
1475 };
1476 }
1477 };
1478 die if $@;
1479};
1480
1481sub sig2num ($) { &$_sig_name_init; &sig2num }
1482sub sig2name($) { &$_sig_name_init; &sig2name }
1036 1483
1037sub signal { 1484sub signal {
1485 eval q{ # poor man's autoloading {}
1486 # probe for availability of Async::Interrupt
1487 if (_have_async_interrupt) {
1488 warn "AnyEvent: using Async::Interrupt for race-free signal handling.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 8;
1489
1490 $SIGPIPE_R = new Async::Interrupt::EventPipe;
1491 $SIG_IO = AE::io $SIGPIPE_R->fileno, 0, \&_signal_exec;
1492
1493 } else {
1494 warn "AnyEvent: using emulated perl signal handling with latency timer.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 8;
1495
1496 if (AnyEvent::WIN32) {
1497 require AnyEvent::Util;
1498
1499 ($SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W) = AnyEvent::Util::portable_pipe ();
1500 AnyEvent::Util::fh_nonblocking ($SIGPIPE_R, 1) if $SIGPIPE_R;
1501 AnyEvent::Util::fh_nonblocking ($SIGPIPE_W, 1) if $SIGPIPE_W; # just in case
1502 } else {
1503 pipe $SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W;
1504 fcntl $SIGPIPE_R, AnyEvent::F_SETFL, AnyEvent::O_NONBLOCK if $SIGPIPE_R;
1505 fcntl $SIGPIPE_W, AnyEvent::F_SETFL, AnyEvent::O_NONBLOCK if $SIGPIPE_W; # just in case
1506
1507 # not strictly required, as $^F is normally 2, but let's make sure...
1508 fcntl $SIGPIPE_R, AnyEvent::F_SETFD, AnyEvent::FD_CLOEXEC;
1509 fcntl $SIGPIPE_W, AnyEvent::F_SETFD, AnyEvent::FD_CLOEXEC;
1510 }
1511
1512 $SIGPIPE_R
1513 or Carp::croak "AnyEvent: unable to create a signal reporting pipe: $!\n";
1514
1515 $SIG_IO = AE::io $SIGPIPE_R, 0, \&_signal_exec;
1516 }
1517
1518 *signal = sub {
1038 my (undef, %arg) = @_; 1519 my (undef, %arg) = @_;
1039 1520
1040 my $signal = uc $arg{signal} 1521 my $signal = uc $arg{signal}
1041 or Carp::croak "required option 'signal' is missing"; 1522 or Carp::croak "required option 'signal' is missing";
1042 1523
1524 if ($HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT) {
1525 # async::interrupt
1526
1527 $signal = sig2num $signal;
1043 $SIG_CB{$signal}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb}; 1528 $SIG_CB{$signal}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb};
1529
1530 $SIG_ASY{$signal} ||= new Async::Interrupt
1531 cb => sub { undef $SIG_EV{$signal} },
1532 signal => $signal,
1533 pipe => [$SIGPIPE_R->filenos],
1534 pipe_autodrain => 0,
1535 ;
1536
1537 } else {
1538 # pure perl
1539
1540 # AE::Util has been loaded in signal
1541 $signal = sig2name $signal;
1542 $SIG_CB{$signal}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb};
1543
1044 $SIG{$signal} ||= sub { 1544 $SIG{$signal} ||= sub {
1545 local $!;
1546 syswrite $SIGPIPE_W, "\x00", 1 unless %SIG_EV;
1547 undef $SIG_EV{$signal};
1548 };
1549
1550 # can't do signal processing without introducing races in pure perl,
1551 # so limit the signal latency.
1552 _sig_add;
1553 }
1554
1555 bless [$signal, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::signal"
1556 };
1557
1558 *AnyEvent::Base::signal::DESTROY = sub {
1559 my ($signal, $cb) = @{$_[0]};
1560
1561 _sig_del;
1562
1563 delete $SIG_CB{$signal}{$cb};
1564
1565 $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT
1566 ? delete $SIG_ASY{$signal}
1567 : # delete doesn't work with older perls - they then
1568 # print weird messages, or just unconditionally exit
1569 # instead of getting the default action.
1570 undef $SIG{$signal}
1571 unless keys %{ $SIG_CB{$signal} };
1572 };
1573
1574 *_signal_exec = sub {
1575 $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT
1576 ? $SIGPIPE_R->drain
1577 : sysread $SIGPIPE_R, (my $dummy), 9;
1578
1579 while (%SIG_EV) {
1580 for (keys %SIG_EV) {
1581 delete $SIG_EV{$_};
1045 $_->() for values %{ $SIG_CB{$signal} || {} }; 1582 $_->() for values %{ $SIG_CB{$_} || {} };
1583 }
1584 }
1585 };
1046 }; 1586 };
1587 die if $@;
1047 1588
1048 bless [$signal, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::Signal" 1589 &signal
1049}
1050
1051sub AnyEvent::Base::Signal::DESTROY {
1052 my ($signal, $cb) = @{$_[0]};
1053
1054 delete $SIG_CB{$signal}{$cb};
1055
1056 delete $SIG{$signal} unless keys %{ $SIG_CB{$signal} };
1057} 1590}
1058 1591
1059# default implementation for ->child 1592# default implementation for ->child
1060 1593
1061our %PID_CB; 1594our %PID_CB;
1062our $CHLD_W; 1595our $CHLD_W;
1063our $CHLD_DELAY_W; 1596our $CHLD_DELAY_W;
1064our $PID_IDLE;
1065our $WNOHANG; 1597our $WNOHANG;
1066 1598
1067sub _child_wait { 1599# used by many Impl's
1068 while (0 < (my $pid = waitpid -1, $WNOHANG)) { 1600sub _emit_childstatus($$) {
1601 my (undef, $rpid, $rstatus) = @_;
1602
1603 $_->($rpid, $rstatus)
1069 $_->($pid, $?) for (values %{ $PID_CB{$pid} || {} }), 1604 for values %{ $PID_CB{$rpid} || {} },
1070 (values %{ $PID_CB{0} || {} }); 1605 values %{ $PID_CB{0} || {} };
1071 }
1072
1073 undef $PID_IDLE;
1074}
1075
1076sub _sigchld {
1077 # make sure we deliver these changes "synchronous" with the event loop.
1078 $CHLD_DELAY_W ||= AnyEvent->timer (after => 0, cb => sub {
1079 undef $CHLD_DELAY_W;
1080 &_child_wait;
1081 });
1082} 1606}
1083 1607
1084sub child { 1608sub child {
1609 eval q{ # poor man's autoloading {}
1610 *_sigchld = sub {
1611 my $pid;
1612
1613 AnyEvent->_emit_childstatus ($pid, $?)
1614 while ($pid = waitpid -1, $WNOHANG) > 0;
1615 };
1616
1617 *child = sub {
1085 my (undef, %arg) = @_; 1618 my (undef, %arg) = @_;
1086 1619
1087 defined (my $pid = $arg{pid} + 0) 1620 defined (my $pid = $arg{pid} + 0)
1088 or Carp::croak "required option 'pid' is missing"; 1621 or Carp::croak "required option 'pid' is missing";
1089 1622
1090 $PID_CB{$pid}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb}; 1623 $PID_CB{$pid}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb};
1091 1624
1092 unless ($WNOHANG) { 1625 # WNOHANG is almost cetrainly 1 everywhere
1626 $WNOHANG ||= $^O =~ /^(?:openbsd|netbsd|linux|freebsd|cygwin|MSWin32)$/
1627 ? 1
1093 $WNOHANG = eval { local $SIG{__DIE__}; require POSIX; &POSIX::WNOHANG } || 1; 1628 : eval { local $SIG{__DIE__}; require POSIX; &POSIX::WNOHANG } || 1;
1094 }
1095 1629
1096 unless ($CHLD_W) { 1630 unless ($CHLD_W) {
1097 $CHLD_W = AnyEvent->signal (signal => 'CHLD', cb => \&_sigchld); 1631 $CHLD_W = AE::signal CHLD => \&_sigchld;
1098 # child could be a zombie already, so make at least one round 1632 # child could be a zombie already, so make at least one round
1099 &_sigchld; 1633 &_sigchld;
1100 } 1634 }
1101 1635
1102 bless [$pid, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::Child" 1636 bless [$pid, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::child"
1103} 1637 };
1104 1638
1105sub AnyEvent::Base::Child::DESTROY { 1639 *AnyEvent::Base::child::DESTROY = sub {
1106 my ($pid, $cb) = @{$_[0]}; 1640 my ($pid, $cb) = @{$_[0]};
1107 1641
1108 delete $PID_CB{$pid}{$cb}; 1642 delete $PID_CB{$pid}{$cb};
1109 delete $PID_CB{$pid} unless keys %{ $PID_CB{$pid} }; 1643 delete $PID_CB{$pid} unless keys %{ $PID_CB{$pid} };
1110 1644
1111 undef $CHLD_W unless keys %PID_CB; 1645 undef $CHLD_W unless keys %PID_CB;
1646 };
1647 };
1648 die if $@;
1649
1650 &child
1651}
1652
1653# idle emulation is done by simply using a timer, regardless
1654# of whether the process is idle or not, and not letting
1655# the callback use more than 50% of the time.
1656sub idle {
1657 eval q{ # poor man's autoloading {}
1658 *idle = sub {
1659 my (undef, %arg) = @_;
1660
1661 my ($cb, $w, $rcb) = $arg{cb};
1662
1663 $rcb = sub {
1664 if ($cb) {
1665 $w = _time;
1666 &$cb;
1667 $w = _time - $w;
1668
1669 # never use more then 50% of the time for the idle watcher,
1670 # within some limits
1671 $w = 0.0001 if $w < 0.0001;
1672 $w = 5 if $w > 5;
1673
1674 $w = AE::timer $w, 0, $rcb;
1675 } else {
1676 # clean up...
1677 undef $w;
1678 undef $rcb;
1679 }
1680 };
1681
1682 $w = AE::timer 0.05, 0, $rcb;
1683
1684 bless \\$cb, "AnyEvent::Base::idle"
1685 };
1686
1687 *AnyEvent::Base::idle::DESTROY = sub {
1688 undef $${$_[0]};
1689 };
1690 };
1691 die if $@;
1692
1693 &idle
1112} 1694}
1113 1695
1114package AnyEvent::CondVar; 1696package AnyEvent::CondVar;
1115 1697
1116our @ISA = AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::; 1698our @ISA = AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::;
1117 1699
1118package AnyEvent::CondVar::Base; 1700package AnyEvent::CondVar::Base;
1119 1701
1120use overload 1702#use overload
1121 '&{}' => sub { my $self = shift; sub { $self->send (@_) } }, 1703# '&{}' => sub { my $self = shift; sub { $self->send (@_) } },
1122 fallback => 1; 1704# fallback => 1;
1705
1706# save 300+ kilobytes by dirtily hardcoding overloading
1707${"AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::OVERLOAD"}{dummy}++; # Register with magic by touching.
1708*{'AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::()'} = sub { }; # "Make it findable via fetchmethod."
1709*{'AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::(&{}'} = sub { my $self = shift; sub { $self->send (@_) } }; # &{}
1710${'AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::()'} = 1; # fallback
1711
1712our $WAITING;
1123 1713
1124sub _send { 1714sub _send {
1125 # nop 1715 # nop
1126} 1716}
1127 1717
1140sub ready { 1730sub ready {
1141 $_[0]{_ae_sent} 1731 $_[0]{_ae_sent}
1142} 1732}
1143 1733
1144sub _wait { 1734sub _wait {
1735 $WAITING
1736 and !$_[0]{_ae_sent}
1737 and Carp::croak "AnyEvent::CondVar: recursive blocking wait detected";
1738
1739 local $WAITING = 1;
1145 AnyEvent->one_event while !$_[0]{_ae_sent}; 1740 AnyEvent->one_event while !$_[0]{_ae_sent};
1146} 1741}
1147 1742
1148sub recv { 1743sub recv {
1149 $_[0]->_wait; 1744 $_[0]->_wait;
1151 Carp::croak $_[0]{_ae_croak} if $_[0]{_ae_croak}; 1746 Carp::croak $_[0]{_ae_croak} if $_[0]{_ae_croak};
1152 wantarray ? @{ $_[0]{_ae_sent} } : $_[0]{_ae_sent}[0] 1747 wantarray ? @{ $_[0]{_ae_sent} } : $_[0]{_ae_sent}[0]
1153} 1748}
1154 1749
1155sub cb { 1750sub cb {
1156 $_[0]{_ae_cb} = $_[1] if @_ > 1; 1751 my $cv = shift;
1752
1753 @_
1754 and $cv->{_ae_cb} = shift
1755 and $cv->{_ae_sent}
1756 and (delete $cv->{_ae_cb})->($cv);
1757
1157 $_[0]{_ae_cb} 1758 $cv->{_ae_cb}
1158} 1759}
1159 1760
1160sub begin { 1761sub begin {
1161 ++$_[0]{_ae_counter}; 1762 ++$_[0]{_ae_counter};
1162 $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} = $_[1] if @_ > 1; 1763 $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} = $_[1] if @_ > 1;
1168} 1769}
1169 1770
1170# undocumented/compatibility with pre-3.4 1771# undocumented/compatibility with pre-3.4
1171*broadcast = \&send; 1772*broadcast = \&send;
1172*wait = \&_wait; 1773*wait = \&_wait;
1774
1775=head1 ERROR AND EXCEPTION HANDLING
1776
1777In general, AnyEvent does not do any error handling - it relies on the
1778caller to do that if required. The L<AnyEvent::Strict> module (see also
1779the C<PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT> environment variable, below) provides strict
1780checking of all AnyEvent methods, however, which is highly useful during
1781development.
1782
1783As for exception handling (i.e. runtime errors and exceptions thrown while
1784executing a callback), this is not only highly event-loop specific, but
1785also not in any way wrapped by this module, as this is the job of the main
1786program.
1787
1788The pure perl event loop simply re-throws the exception (usually
1789within C<< condvar->recv >>), the L<Event> and L<EV> modules call C<<
1790$Event/EV::DIED->() >>, L<Glib> uses C<< install_exception_handler >> and
1791so on.
1792
1793=head1 ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES
1794
1795The following environment variables are used by this module or its
1796submodules.
1797
1798Note that AnyEvent will remove I<all> environment variables starting with
1799C<PERL_ANYEVENT_> from C<%ENV> when it is loaded while taint mode is
1800enabled.
1801
1802=over 4
1803
1804=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE>
1805
1806By default, AnyEvent will be completely silent except in fatal
1807conditions. You can set this environment variable to make AnyEvent more
1808talkative.
1809
1810When set to C<1> or higher, causes AnyEvent to warn about unexpected
1811conditions, such as not being able to load the event model specified by
1812C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>.
1813
1814When set to C<2> or higher, cause AnyEvent to report to STDERR which event
1815model it chooses.
1816
1817When set to C<8> or higher, then AnyEvent will report extra information on
1818which optional modules it loads and how it implements certain features.
1819
1820=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT>
1821
1822AnyEvent does not do much argument checking by default, as thorough
1823argument checking is very costly. Setting this variable to a true value
1824will cause AnyEvent to load C<AnyEvent::Strict> and then to thoroughly
1825check the arguments passed to most method calls. If it finds any problems,
1826it will croak.
1827
1828In other words, enables "strict" mode.
1829
1830Unlike C<use strict> (or it's modern cousin, C<< use L<common::sense>
1831>>, it is definitely recommended to keep it off in production. Keeping
1832C<PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT=1> in your environment while developing programs
1833can be very useful, however.
1834
1835=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>
1836
1837This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent, before
1838auto detection and -probing kicks in. It must be a string consisting
1839entirely of ASCII letters. The string C<AnyEvent::Impl::> gets prepended
1840and the resulting module name is loaded and if the load was successful,
1841used as event model. If it fails to load AnyEvent will proceed with
1842auto detection and -probing.
1843
1844This functionality might change in future versions.
1845
1846For example, to force the pure perl model (L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) you
1847could start your program like this:
1848
1849 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ...
1850
1851=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS>
1852
1853Used by both L<AnyEvent::DNS> and L<AnyEvent::Socket> to determine preferences
1854for IPv4 or IPv6. The default is unspecified (and might change, or be the result
1855of auto probing).
1856
1857Must be set to a comma-separated list of protocols or address families,
1858current supported: C<ipv4> and C<ipv6>. Only protocols mentioned will be
1859used, and preference will be given to protocols mentioned earlier in the
1860list.
1861
1862This variable can effectively be used for denial-of-service attacks
1863against local programs (e.g. when setuid), although the impact is likely
1864small, as the program has to handle conenction and other failures anyways.
1865
1866Examples: C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4,ipv6> - prefer IPv4 over IPv6,
1867but support both and try to use both. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4>
1868- only support IPv4, never try to resolve or contact IPv6
1869addresses. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv6,ipv4> support either IPv4 or
1870IPv6, but prefer IPv6 over IPv4.
1871
1872=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_EDNS0>
1873
1874Used by L<AnyEvent::DNS> to decide whether to use the EDNS0 extension
1875for DNS. This extension is generally useful to reduce DNS traffic, but
1876some (broken) firewalls drop such DNS packets, which is why it is off by
1877default.
1878
1879Setting this variable to C<1> will cause L<AnyEvent::DNS> to announce
1880EDNS0 in its DNS requests.
1881
1882=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_FORKS>
1883
1884The maximum number of child processes that C<AnyEvent::Util::fork_call>
1885will create in parallel.
1886
1887=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_OUTSTANDING_DNS>
1888
1889The default value for the C<max_outstanding> parameter for the default DNS
1890resolver - this is the maximum number of parallel DNS requests that are
1891sent to the DNS server.
1892
1893=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_RESOLV_CONF>
1894
1895The file to use instead of F</etc/resolv.conf> (or OS-specific
1896configuration) in the default resolver. When set to the empty string, no
1897default config will be used.
1898
1899=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_CA_FILE>, C<PERL_ANYEVENT_CA_PATH>.
1900
1901When neither C<ca_file> nor C<ca_path> was specified during
1902L<AnyEvent::TLS> context creation, and either of these environment
1903variables exist, they will be used to specify CA certificate locations
1904instead of a system-dependent default.
1905
1906=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_AVOID_GUARD> and C<PERL_ANYEVENT_AVOID_ASYNC_INTERRUPT>
1907
1908When these are set to C<1>, then the respective modules are not
1909loaded. Mostly good for testing AnyEvent itself.
1910
1911=back
1173 1912
1174=head1 SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE 1913=head1 SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE
1175 1914
1176This is an advanced topic that you do not normally need to use AnyEvent in 1915This is an advanced topic that you do not normally need to use AnyEvent in
1177a module. This section is only of use to event loop authors who want to 1916a module. This section is only of use to event loop authors who want to
1211 1950
1212I<rxvt-unicode> also cheats a bit by not providing blocking access to 1951I<rxvt-unicode> also cheats a bit by not providing blocking access to
1213condition variables: code blocking while waiting for a condition will 1952condition variables: code blocking while waiting for a condition will
1214C<die>. This still works with most modules/usages, and blocking calls must 1953C<die>. This still works with most modules/usages, and blocking calls must
1215not be done in an interactive application, so it makes sense. 1954not be done in an interactive application, so it makes sense.
1216
1217=head1 ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES
1218
1219The following environment variables are used by this module:
1220
1221=over 4
1222
1223=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE>
1224
1225By default, AnyEvent will be completely silent except in fatal
1226conditions. You can set this environment variable to make AnyEvent more
1227talkative.
1228
1229When set to C<1> or higher, causes AnyEvent to warn about unexpected
1230conditions, such as not being able to load the event model specified by
1231C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>.
1232
1233When set to C<2> or higher, cause AnyEvent to report to STDERR which event
1234model it chooses.
1235
1236=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT>
1237
1238AnyEvent does not do much argument checking by default, as thorough
1239argument checking is very costly. Setting this variable to a true value
1240will cause AnyEvent to load C<AnyEvent::Strict> and then to thoroughly
1241check the arguments passed to most method calls. If it finds any problems
1242it will croak.
1243
1244In other words, enables "strict" mode.
1245
1246Unlike C<use strict> it is definitely recommended ot keep it off in
1247production.
1248
1249=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>
1250
1251This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent, before
1252auto detection and -probing kicks in. It must be a string consisting
1253entirely of ASCII letters. The string C<AnyEvent::Impl::> gets prepended
1254and the resulting module name is loaded and if the load was successful,
1255used as event model. If it fails to load AnyEvent will proceed with
1256auto detection and -probing.
1257
1258This functionality might change in future versions.
1259
1260For example, to force the pure perl model (L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) you
1261could start your program like this:
1262
1263 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ...
1264
1265=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS>
1266
1267Used by both L<AnyEvent::DNS> and L<AnyEvent::Socket> to determine preferences
1268for IPv4 or IPv6. The default is unspecified (and might change, or be the result
1269of auto probing).
1270
1271Must be set to a comma-separated list of protocols or address families,
1272current supported: C<ipv4> and C<ipv6>. Only protocols mentioned will be
1273used, and preference will be given to protocols mentioned earlier in the
1274list.
1275
1276This variable can effectively be used for denial-of-service attacks
1277against local programs (e.g. when setuid), although the impact is likely
1278small, as the program has to handle connection errors already-
1279
1280Examples: C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4,ipv6> - prefer IPv4 over IPv6,
1281but support both and try to use both. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4>
1282- only support IPv4, never try to resolve or contact IPv6
1283addresses. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv6,ipv4> support either IPv4 or
1284IPv6, but prefer IPv6 over IPv4.
1285
1286=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_EDNS0>
1287
1288Used by L<AnyEvent::DNS> to decide whether to use the EDNS0 extension
1289for DNS. This extension is generally useful to reduce DNS traffic, but
1290some (broken) firewalls drop such DNS packets, which is why it is off by
1291default.
1292
1293Setting this variable to C<1> will cause L<AnyEvent::DNS> to announce
1294EDNS0 in its DNS requests.
1295
1296=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_FORKS>
1297
1298The maximum number of child processes that C<AnyEvent::Util::fork_call>
1299will create in parallel.
1300
1301=back
1302 1955
1303=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 1956=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
1304 1957
1305The following program uses an I/O watcher to read data from STDIN, a timer 1958The following program uses an I/O watcher to read data from STDIN, a timer
1306to display a message once per second, and a condition variable to quit the 1959to display a message once per second, and a condition variable to quit the
1319 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read 1972 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read
1320 $cv->send if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i 1973 $cv->send if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i
1321 }, 1974 },
1322 ); 1975 );
1323 1976
1324 my $time_watcher; # can only be used once
1325
1326 sub new_timer {
1327 $timer = AnyEvent->timer (after => 1, cb => sub { 1977 my $time_watcher = AnyEvent->timer (after => 1, interval => 1, cb => sub {
1328 warn "timeout\n"; # print 'timeout' about every second 1978 warn "timeout\n"; # print 'timeout' at most every second
1329 &new_timer; # and restart the time
1330 }); 1979 });
1331 }
1332
1333 new_timer; # create first timer
1334 1980
1335 $cv->recv; # wait until user enters /^q/i 1981 $cv->recv; # wait until user enters /^q/i
1336 1982
1337=head1 REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE 1983=head1 REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE
1338 1984
1469through AnyEvent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero 2115through AnyEvent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero
1470timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable, 2116timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable,
1471which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again. 2117which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again.
1472 2118
1473Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench> in the AnyEvent 2119Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench> in the AnyEvent
1474distribution. 2120distribution. It uses the L<AE> interface, which makes a real difference
2121for the EV and Perl backends only.
1475 2122
1476=head3 Explanation of the columns 2123=head3 Explanation of the columns
1477 2124
1478I<watcher> is the number of event watchers created/destroyed. Since 2125I<watcher> is the number of event watchers created/destroyed. Since
1479different event models feature vastly different performances, each event 2126different event models feature vastly different performances, each event
1500watcher. 2147watcher.
1501 2148
1502=head3 Results 2149=head3 Results
1503 2150
1504 name watchers bytes create invoke destroy comment 2151 name watchers bytes create invoke destroy comment
1505 EV/EV 400000 244 0.56 0.46 0.31 EV native interface 2152 EV/EV 100000 223 0.47 0.43 0.27 EV native interface
1506 EV/Any 100000 244 2.50 0.46 0.29 EV + AnyEvent watchers 2153 EV/Any 100000 223 0.48 0.42 0.26 EV + AnyEvent watchers
1507 CoroEV/Any 100000 244 2.49 0.44 0.29 coroutines + Coro::Signal 2154 Coro::EV/Any 100000 223 0.47 0.42 0.26 coroutines + Coro::Signal
1508 Perl/Any 100000 513 4.92 0.87 1.12 pure perl implementation 2155 Perl/Any 100000 431 2.70 0.74 0.92 pure perl implementation
1509 Event/Event 16000 516 31.88 31.30 0.85 Event native interface 2156 Event/Event 16000 516 31.16 31.84 0.82 Event native interface
1510 Event/Any 16000 590 35.75 31.42 1.08 Event + AnyEvent watchers 2157 Event/Any 16000 1203 42.61 34.79 1.80 Event + AnyEvent watchers
2158 IOAsync/Any 16000 1911 41.92 27.45 16.81 via IO::Async::Loop::IO_Poll
2159 IOAsync/Any 16000 1726 40.69 26.37 15.25 via IO::Async::Loop::Epoll
1511 Glib/Any 16000 1357 98.22 12.41 54.00 quadratic behaviour 2160 Glib/Any 16000 1118 89.00 12.57 51.17 quadratic behaviour
1512 Tk/Any 2000 1860 26.97 67.98 14.00 SEGV with >> 2000 watchers 2161 Tk/Any 2000 1346 20.96 10.75 8.00 SEGV with >> 2000 watchers
1513 POE/Event 2000 6644 108.64 736.02 14.73 via POE::Loop::Event 2162 POE/Any 2000 6951 108.97 795.32 14.24 via POE::Loop::Event
1514 POE/Select 2000 6343 94.13 809.12 565.96 via POE::Loop::Select 2163 POE/Any 2000 6648 94.79 774.40 575.51 via POE::Loop::Select
1515 2164
1516=head3 Discussion 2165=head3 Discussion
1517 2166
1518The benchmark does I<not> measure scalability of the event loop very 2167The benchmark does I<not> measure scalability of the event loop very
1519well. For example, a select-based event loop (such as the pure perl one) 2168well. For example, a select-based event loop (such as the pure perl one)
1531benchmark machine, handling an event takes roughly 1600 CPU cycles with 2180benchmark machine, handling an event takes roughly 1600 CPU cycles with
1532EV, 3100 CPU cycles with AnyEvent's pure perl loop and almost 3000000 CPU 2181EV, 3100 CPU cycles with AnyEvent's pure perl loop and almost 3000000 CPU
1533cycles with POE. 2182cycles with POE.
1534 2183
1535C<EV> is the sole leader regarding speed and memory use, which are both 2184C<EV> is the sole leader regarding speed and memory use, which are both
1536maximal/minimal, respectively. Even when going through AnyEvent, it uses 2185maximal/minimal, respectively. When using the L<AE> API there is zero
2186overhead (when going through the AnyEvent API create is about 5-6 times
2187slower, with other times being equal, so still uses far less memory than
1537far less memory than any other event loop and is still faster than Event 2188any other event loop and is still faster than Event natively).
1538natively.
1539 2189
1540The pure perl implementation is hit in a few sweet spots (both the 2190The pure perl implementation is hit in a few sweet spots (both the
1541constant timeout and the use of a single fd hit optimisations in the perl 2191constant timeout and the use of a single fd hit optimisations in the perl
1542interpreter and the backend itself). Nevertheless this shows that it 2192interpreter and the backend itself). Nevertheless this shows that it
1543adds very little overhead in itself. Like any select-based backend its 2193adds very little overhead in itself. Like any select-based backend its
1544performance becomes really bad with lots of file descriptors (and few of 2194performance becomes really bad with lots of file descriptors (and few of
1545them active), of course, but this was not subject of this benchmark. 2195them active), of course, but this was not subject of this benchmark.
1546 2196
1547The C<Event> module has a relatively high setup and callback invocation 2197The C<Event> module has a relatively high setup and callback invocation
1548cost, but overall scores in on the third place. 2198cost, but overall scores in on the third place.
2199
2200C<IO::Async> performs admirably well, about on par with C<Event>, even
2201when using its pure perl backend.
1549 2202
1550C<Glib>'s memory usage is quite a bit higher, but it features a 2203C<Glib>'s memory usage is quite a bit higher, but it features a
1551faster callback invocation and overall ends up in the same class as 2204faster callback invocation and overall ends up in the same class as
1552C<Event>. However, Glib scales extremely badly, doubling the number of 2205C<Event>. However, Glib scales extremely badly, doubling the number of
1553watchers increases the processing time by more than a factor of four, 2206watchers increases the processing time by more than a factor of four,
1614In this benchmark, we use 10000 socket pairs (20000 sockets), of which 100 2267In this benchmark, we use 10000 socket pairs (20000 sockets), of which 100
1615(1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with many 2268(1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with many
1616connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time. 2269connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time.
1617 2270
1618Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench2> in the AnyEvent 2271Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench2> in the AnyEvent
1619distribution. 2272distribution. It uses the L<AE> interface, which makes a real difference
2273for the EV and Perl backends only.
1620 2274
1621=head3 Explanation of the columns 2275=head3 Explanation of the columns
1622 2276
1623I<sockets> is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" (as 2277I<sockets> is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" (as
1624each server has a read and write socket end). 2278each server has a read and write socket end).
1631it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout and creating 2285it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout and creating
1632a new one that moves the timeout into the future. 2286a new one that moves the timeout into the future.
1633 2287
1634=head3 Results 2288=head3 Results
1635 2289
1636 name sockets create request 2290 name sockets create request
1637 EV 20000 69.01 11.16 2291 EV 20000 62.66 7.99
1638 Perl 20000 73.32 35.87 2292 Perl 20000 68.32 32.64
1639 Event 20000 212.62 257.32 2293 IOAsync 20000 174.06 101.15 epoll
1640 Glib 20000 651.16 1896.30 2294 IOAsync 20000 174.67 610.84 poll
2295 Event 20000 202.69 242.91
2296 Glib 20000 557.01 1689.52
1641 POE 20000 349.67 12317.24 uses POE::Loop::Event 2297 POE 20000 341.54 12086.32 uses POE::Loop::Event
1642 2298
1643=head3 Discussion 2299=head3 Discussion
1644 2300
1645This benchmark I<does> measure scalability and overall performance of the 2301This benchmark I<does> measure scalability and overall performance of the
1646particular event loop. 2302particular event loop.
1648EV is again fastest. Since it is using epoll on my system, the setup time 2304EV is again fastest. Since it is using epoll on my system, the setup time
1649is relatively high, though. 2305is relatively high, though.
1650 2306
1651Perl surprisingly comes second. It is much faster than the C-based event 2307Perl surprisingly comes second. It is much faster than the C-based event
1652loops Event and Glib. 2308loops Event and Glib.
2309
2310IO::Async performs very well when using its epoll backend, and still quite
2311good compared to Glib when using its pure perl backend.
1653 2312
1654Event suffers from high setup time as well (look at its code and you will 2313Event suffers from high setup time as well (look at its code and you will
1655understand why). Callback invocation also has a high overhead compared to 2314understand why). Callback invocation also has a high overhead compared to
1656the C<< $_->() for .. >>-style loop that the Perl event loop uses. Event 2315the C<< $_->() for .. >>-style loop that the Perl event loop uses. Event
1657uses select or poll in basically all documented configurations. 2316uses select or poll in basically all documented configurations.
1720=item * C-based event loops perform very well with small number of 2379=item * C-based event loops perform very well with small number of
1721watchers, as the management overhead dominates. 2380watchers, as the management overhead dominates.
1722 2381
1723=back 2382=back
1724 2383
2384=head2 THE IO::Lambda BENCHMARK
2385
2386Recently I was told about the benchmark in the IO::Lambda manpage, which
2387could be misinterpreted to make AnyEvent look bad. In fact, the benchmark
2388simply compares IO::Lambda with POE, and IO::Lambda looks better (which
2389shouldn't come as a surprise to anybody). As such, the benchmark is
2390fine, and mostly shows that the AnyEvent backend from IO::Lambda isn't
2391very optimal. But how would AnyEvent compare when used without the extra
2392baggage? To explore this, I wrote the equivalent benchmark for AnyEvent.
2393
2394The benchmark itself creates an echo-server, and then, for 500 times,
2395connects to the echo server, sends a line, waits for the reply, and then
2396creates the next connection. This is a rather bad benchmark, as it doesn't
2397test the efficiency of the framework or much non-blocking I/O, but it is a
2398benchmark nevertheless.
2399
2400 name runtime
2401 Lambda/select 0.330 sec
2402 + optimized 0.122 sec
2403 Lambda/AnyEvent 0.327 sec
2404 + optimized 0.138 sec
2405 Raw sockets/select 0.077 sec
2406 POE/select, components 0.662 sec
2407 POE/select, raw sockets 0.226 sec
2408 POE/select, optimized 0.404 sec
2409
2410 AnyEvent/select/nb 0.085 sec
2411 AnyEvent/EV/nb 0.068 sec
2412 +state machine 0.134 sec
2413
2414The benchmark is also a bit unfair (my fault): the IO::Lambda/POE
2415benchmarks actually make blocking connects and use 100% blocking I/O,
2416defeating the purpose of an event-based solution. All of the newly
2417written AnyEvent benchmarks use 100% non-blocking connects (using
2418AnyEvent::Socket::tcp_connect and the asynchronous pure perl DNS
2419resolver), so AnyEvent is at a disadvantage here, as non-blocking connects
2420generally require a lot more bookkeeping and event handling than blocking
2421connects (which involve a single syscall only).
2422
2423The last AnyEvent benchmark additionally uses L<AnyEvent::Handle>, which
2424offers similar expressive power as POE and IO::Lambda, using conventional
2425Perl syntax. This means that both the echo server and the client are 100%
2426non-blocking, further placing it at a disadvantage.
2427
2428As you can see, the AnyEvent + EV combination even beats the
2429hand-optimised "raw sockets benchmark", while AnyEvent + its pure perl
2430backend easily beats IO::Lambda and POE.
2431
2432And even the 100% non-blocking version written using the high-level (and
2433slow :) L<AnyEvent::Handle> abstraction beats both POE and IO::Lambda
2434higher level ("unoptimised") abstractions by a large margin, even though
2435it does all of DNS, tcp-connect and socket I/O in a non-blocking way.
2436
2437The two AnyEvent benchmarks programs can be found as F<eg/ae0.pl> and
2438F<eg/ae2.pl> in the AnyEvent distribution, the remaining benchmarks are
2439part of the IO::Lambda distribution and were used without any changes.
2440
2441
2442=head1 SIGNALS
2443
2444AnyEvent currently installs handlers for these signals:
2445
2446=over 4
2447
2448=item SIGCHLD
2449
2450A handler for C<SIGCHLD> is installed by AnyEvent's child watcher
2451emulation for event loops that do not support them natively. Also, some
2452event loops install a similar handler.
2453
2454Additionally, when AnyEvent is loaded and SIGCHLD is set to IGNORE, then
2455AnyEvent will reset it to default, to avoid losing child exit statuses.
2456
2457=item SIGPIPE
2458
2459A no-op handler is installed for C<SIGPIPE> when C<$SIG{PIPE}> is C<undef>
2460when AnyEvent gets loaded.
2461
2462The rationale for this is that AnyEvent users usually do not really depend
2463on SIGPIPE delivery (which is purely an optimisation for shell use, or
2464badly-written programs), but C<SIGPIPE> can cause spurious and rare
2465program exits as a lot of people do not expect C<SIGPIPE> when writing to
2466some random socket.
2467
2468The rationale for installing a no-op handler as opposed to ignoring it is
2469that this way, the handler will be restored to defaults on exec.
2470
2471Feel free to install your own handler, or reset it to defaults.
2472
2473=back
2474
2475=cut
2476
2477undef $SIG{CHLD}
2478 if $SIG{CHLD} eq 'IGNORE';
2479
2480$SIG{PIPE} = sub { }
2481 unless defined $SIG{PIPE};
2482
2483=head1 RECOMMENDED/OPTIONAL MODULES
2484
2485One of AnyEvent's main goals is to be 100% Pure-Perl(tm): only perl (and
2486it's built-in modules) are required to use it.
2487
2488That does not mean that AnyEvent won't take advantage of some additional
2489modules if they are installed.
2490
2491This section explains which additional modules will be used, and how they
2492affect AnyEvent's operation.
2493
2494=over 4
2495
2496=item L<Async::Interrupt>
2497
2498This slightly arcane module is used to implement fast signal handling: To
2499my knowledge, there is no way to do completely race-free and quick
2500signal handling in pure perl. To ensure that signals still get
2501delivered, AnyEvent will start an interval timer to wake up perl (and
2502catch the signals) with some delay (default is 10 seconds, look for
2503C<$AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY>).
2504
2505If this module is available, then it will be used to implement signal
2506catching, which means that signals will not be delayed, and the event loop
2507will not be interrupted regularly, which is more efficient (and good for
2508battery life on laptops).
2509
2510This affects not just the pure-perl event loop, but also other event loops
2511that have no signal handling on their own (e.g. Glib, Tk, Qt).
2512
2513Some event loops (POE, Event, Event::Lib) offer signal watchers natively,
2514and either employ their own workarounds (POE) or use AnyEvent's workaround
2515(using C<$AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY>). Installing L<Async::Interrupt>
2516does nothing for those backends.
2517
2518=item L<EV>
2519
2520This module isn't really "optional", as it is simply one of the backend
2521event loops that AnyEvent can use. However, it is simply the best event
2522loop available in terms of features, speed and stability: It supports
2523the AnyEvent API optimally, implements all the watcher types in XS, does
2524automatic timer adjustments even when no monotonic clock is available,
2525can take avdantage of advanced kernel interfaces such as C<epoll> and
2526C<kqueue>, and is the fastest backend I<by far>. You can even embed
2527L<Glib>/L<Gtk2> in it (or vice versa, see L<EV::Glib> and L<Glib::EV>).
2528
2529=item L<Guard>
2530
2531The guard module, when used, will be used to implement
2532C<AnyEvent::Util::guard>. This speeds up guards considerably (and uses a
2533lot less memory), but otherwise doesn't affect guard operation much. It is
2534purely used for performance.
2535
2536=item L<JSON> and L<JSON::XS>
2537
2538One of these modules is required when you want to read or write JSON data
2539via L<AnyEvent::Handle>. It is also written in pure-perl, but can take
2540advantage of the ultra-high-speed L<JSON::XS> module when it is installed.
2541
2542In fact, L<AnyEvent::Handle> will use L<JSON::XS> by default if it is
2543installed.
2544
2545=item L<Net::SSLeay>
2546
2547Implementing TLS/SSL in Perl is certainly interesting, but not very
2548worthwhile: If this module is installed, then L<AnyEvent::Handle> (with
2549the help of L<AnyEvent::TLS>), gains the ability to do TLS/SSL.
2550
2551=item L<Time::HiRes>
2552
2553This module is part of perl since release 5.008. It will be used when the
2554chosen event library does not come with a timing source on it's own. The
2555pure-perl event loop (L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) will additionally use it to
2556try to use a monotonic clock for timing stability.
2557
2558=back
2559
1725 2560
1726=head1 FORK 2561=head1 FORK
1727 2562
1728Most event libraries are not fork-safe. The ones who are usually are 2563Most event libraries are not fork-safe. The ones who are usually are
1729because they rely on inefficient but fork-safe C<select> or C<poll> 2564because they rely on inefficient but fork-safe C<select> or C<poll> calls
1730calls. Only L<EV> is fully fork-aware. 2565- higher performance APIs such as BSD's kqueue or the dreaded Linux epoll
2566are usually badly thought-out hacks that are incompatible with fork in
2567one way or another. Only L<EV> is fully fork-aware and ensures that you
2568continue event-processing in both parent and child (or both, if you know
2569what you are doing).
2570
2571This means that, in general, you cannot fork and do event processing in
2572the child if the event library was initialised before the fork (which
2573usually happens when the first AnyEvent watcher is created, or the library
2574is loaded).
1731 2575
1732If you have to fork, you must either do so I<before> creating your first 2576If you have to fork, you must either do so I<before> creating your first
1733watcher OR you must not use AnyEvent at all in the child. 2577watcher OR you must not use AnyEvent at all in the child OR you must do
2578something completely out of the scope of AnyEvent.
2579
2580The problem of doing event processing in the parent I<and> the child
2581is much more complicated: even for backends that I<are> fork-aware or
2582fork-safe, their behaviour is not usually what you want: fork clones all
2583watchers, that means all timers, I/O watchers etc. are active in both
2584parent and child, which is almost never what you want. USing C<exec>
2585to start worker children from some kind of manage rprocess is usually
2586preferred, because it is much easier and cleaner, at the expense of having
2587to have another binary.
1734 2588
1735 2589
1736=head1 SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS 2590=head1 SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS
1737 2591
1738AnyEvent can be forced to load any event model via 2592AnyEvent can be forced to load any event model via
1750 use AnyEvent; 2604 use AnyEvent;
1751 2605
1752Similar considerations apply to $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}, as that can 2606Similar considerations apply to $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}, as that can
1753be used to probe what backend is used and gain other information (which is 2607be used to probe what backend is used and gain other information (which is
1754probably even less useful to an attacker than PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL), and 2608probably even less useful to an attacker than PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL), and
1755$ENV{PERL_ANYEGENT_STRICT}. 2609$ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT}.
2610
2611Note that AnyEvent will remove I<all> environment variables starting with
2612C<PERL_ANYEVENT_> from C<%ENV> when it is loaded while taint mode is
2613enabled.
1756 2614
1757 2615
1758=head1 BUGS 2616=head1 BUGS
1759 2617
1760Perl 5.8 has numerous memleaks that sometimes hit this module and are hard 2618Perl 5.8 has numerous memleaks that sometimes hit this module and are hard
1761to work around. If you suffer from memleaks, first upgrade to Perl 5.10 2619to work around. If you suffer from memleaks, first upgrade to Perl 5.10
1762and check wether the leaks still show up. (Perl 5.10.0 has other annoying 2620and check wether the leaks still show up. (Perl 5.10.0 has other annoying
1763mamleaks, such as leaking on C<map> and C<grep> but it is usually not as 2621memleaks, such as leaking on C<map> and C<grep> but it is usually not as
1764pronounced). 2622pronounced).
1765 2623
1766 2624
1767=head1 SEE ALSO 2625=head1 SEE ALSO
1768 2626
1772L<Glib>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, L<POE>. 2630L<Glib>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, L<POE>.
1773 2631
1774Implementations: L<AnyEvent::Impl::EV>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Event>, 2632Implementations: L<AnyEvent::Impl::EV>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Event>,
1775L<AnyEvent::Impl::Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Tk>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>, 2633L<AnyEvent::Impl::Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Tk>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>,
1776L<AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Qt>, 2634L<AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Qt>,
1777L<AnyEvent::Impl::POE>. 2635L<AnyEvent::Impl::POE>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync>, L<Anyevent::Impl::Irssi>.
1778 2636
1779Non-blocking file handles, sockets, TCP clients and 2637Non-blocking file handles, sockets, TCP clients and
1780servers: L<AnyEvent::Handle>, L<AnyEvent::Socket>. 2638servers: L<AnyEvent::Handle>, L<AnyEvent::Socket>, L<AnyEvent::TLS>.
1781 2639
1782Asynchronous DNS: L<AnyEvent::DNS>. 2640Asynchronous DNS: L<AnyEvent::DNS>.
1783 2641
1784Coroutine support: L<Coro>, L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>, 2642Coroutine support: L<Coro>, L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>,
2643L<Coro::Event>,
1785 2644
1786Nontrivial usage examples: L<Net::FCP>, L<Net::XMPP2>, L<AnyEvent::DNS>. 2645Nontrivial usage examples: L<AnyEvent::GPSD>, L<AnyEvent::XMPP>,
2646L<AnyEvent::HTTP>.
1787 2647
1788 2648
1789=head1 AUTHOR 2649=head1 AUTHOR
1790 2650
1791 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 2651 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>

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