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1=head1 => NAME 1=head1 NAME
2 2
3AnyEvent - provide framework for multiple event loops 3AnyEvent - provide framework for multiple event loops
4 4
5EV, Event, Glib, Tk, Perl, Event::Lib, Qt, POE - various supported event loops 5EV, Event, Glib, Tk, Perl, Event::Lib, Qt, POE - various supported event loops
6 6
7=head1 SYNOPSIS 7=head1 SYNOPSIS
8 8
9 use AnyEvent; 9 use AnyEvent;
10 10
11 my $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => $fh, poll => "r|w", cb => sub { 11 my $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => $fh, poll => "r|w", cb => sub { ... });
12 ...
13 });
14 12
15 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, cb => sub { 13 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, cb => sub { ... });
14 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, interval => $seconds, cb => ...
15
16 print AnyEvent->now; # prints current event loop time
17 print AnyEvent->time; # think Time::HiRes::time or simply CORE::time.
18
19 my $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => "TERM", cb => sub { ... });
20
21 my $w = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub {
22 my ($pid, $status) = @_;
16 ... 23 ...
17 }); 24 });
18 25
19 my $w = AnyEvent->condvar; # stores whether a condition was flagged 26 my $w = AnyEvent->condvar; # stores whether a condition was flagged
20 $w->send; # wake up current and all future recv's 27 $w->send; # wake up current and all future recv's
21 $w->recv; # enters "main loop" till $condvar gets ->send 28 $w->recv; # enters "main loop" till $condvar gets ->send
29 # use a condvar in callback mode:
30 $w->cb (sub { $_[0]->recv });
31
32=head1 INTRODUCTION/TUTORIAL
33
34This manpage is mainly a reference manual. If you are interested
35in a tutorial or some gentle introduction, have a look at the
36L<AnyEvent::Intro> manpage.
22 37
23=head1 WHY YOU SHOULD USE THIS MODULE (OR NOT) 38=head1 WHY YOU SHOULD USE THIS MODULE (OR NOT)
24 39
25Glib, POE, IO::Async, Event... CPAN offers event models by the dozen 40Glib, POE, IO::Async, Event... CPAN offers event models by the dozen
26nowadays. So what is different about AnyEvent? 41nowadays. So what is different about AnyEvent?
27 42
28Executive Summary: AnyEvent is I<compatible>, AnyEvent is I<free of 43Executive Summary: AnyEvent is I<compatible>, AnyEvent is I<free of
29policy> and AnyEvent is I<small and efficient>. 44policy> and AnyEvent is I<small and efficient>.
30 45
31First and foremost, I<AnyEvent is not an event model> itself, it only 46First and foremost, I<AnyEvent is not an event model> itself, it only
32interfaces to whatever event model the main program happens to use in a 47interfaces to whatever event model the main program happens to use, in a
33pragmatic way. For event models and certain classes of immortals alike, 48pragmatic way. For event models and certain classes of immortals alike,
34the statement "there can only be one" is a bitter reality: In general, 49the statement "there can only be one" is a bitter reality: In general,
35only one event loop can be active at the same time in a process. AnyEvent 50only one event loop can be active at the same time in a process. AnyEvent
36helps hiding the differences between those event loops. 51cannot change this, but it can hide the differences between those event
52loops.
37 53
38The goal of AnyEvent is to offer module authors the ability to do event 54The goal of AnyEvent is to offer module authors the ability to do event
39programming (waiting for I/O or timer events) without subscribing to a 55programming (waiting for I/O or timer events) without subscribing to a
40religion, a way of living, and most importantly: without forcing your 56religion, a way of living, and most importantly: without forcing your
41module users into the same thing by forcing them to use the same event 57module users into the same thing by forcing them to use the same event
42model you use. 58model you use.
43 59
44For modules like POE or IO::Async (which is a total misnomer as it is 60For modules like POE or IO::Async (which is a total misnomer as it is
45actually doing all I/O I<synchronously>...), using them in your module is 61actually doing all I/O I<synchronously>...), using them in your module is
46like joining a cult: After you joined, you are dependent on them and you 62like joining a cult: After you joined, you are dependent on them and you
47cannot use anything else, as it is simply incompatible to everything that 63cannot use anything else, as they are simply incompatible to everything
48isn't itself. What's worse, all the potential users of your module are 64that isn't them. What's worse, all the potential users of your
49I<also> forced to use the same event loop you use. 65module are I<also> forced to use the same event loop you use.
50 66
51AnyEvent is different: AnyEvent + POE works fine. AnyEvent + Glib works 67AnyEvent is different: AnyEvent + POE works fine. AnyEvent + Glib works
52fine. AnyEvent + Tk works fine etc. etc. but none of these work together 68fine. AnyEvent + Tk works fine etc. etc. but none of these work together
53with the rest: POE + IO::Async? no go. Tk + Event? no go. Again: if 69with the rest: POE + IO::Async? No go. Tk + Event? No go. Again: if
54your module uses one of those, every user of your module has to use it, 70your module uses one of those, every user of your module has to use it,
55too. But if your module uses AnyEvent, it works transparently with all 71too. But if your module uses AnyEvent, it works transparently with all
56event models it supports (including stuff like POE and IO::Async, as long 72event models it supports (including stuff like IO::Async, as long as those
57as those use one of the supported event loops. It is trivial to add new 73use one of the supported event loops. It is trivial to add new event loops
58event loops to AnyEvent, too, so it is future-proof). 74to AnyEvent, too, so it is future-proof).
59 75
60In addition to being free of having to use I<the one and only true event 76In addition to being free of having to use I<the one and only true event
61model>, AnyEvent also is free of bloat and policy: with POE or similar 77model>, AnyEvent also is free of bloat and policy: with POE or similar
62modules, you get an enourmous amount of code and strict rules you have to 78modules, you get an enormous amount of code and strict rules you have to
63follow. AnyEvent, on the other hand, is lean and up to the point, by only 79follow. AnyEvent, on the other hand, is lean and up to the point, by only
64offering the functionality that is necessary, in as thin as a wrapper as 80offering the functionality that is necessary, in as thin as a wrapper as
65technically possible. 81technically possible.
66 82
83Of course, AnyEvent comes with a big (and fully optional!) toolbox
84of useful functionality, such as an asynchronous DNS resolver, 100%
85non-blocking connects (even with TLS/SSL, IPv6 and on broken platforms
86such as Windows) and lots of real-world knowledge and workarounds for
87platform bugs and differences.
88
67Of course, if you want lots of policy (this can arguably be somewhat 89Now, if you I<do want> lots of policy (this can arguably be somewhat
68useful) and you want to force your users to use the one and only event 90useful) and you want to force your users to use the one and only event
69model, you should I<not> use this module. 91model, you should I<not> use this module.
70 92
71=head1 DESCRIPTION 93=head1 DESCRIPTION
72 94
102starts using it, all bets are off. Maybe you should tell their authors to 124starts using it, all bets are off. Maybe you should tell their authors to
103use AnyEvent so their modules work together with others seamlessly... 125use AnyEvent so their modules work together with others seamlessly...
104 126
105The pure-perl implementation of AnyEvent is called 127The pure-perl implementation of AnyEvent is called
106C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>. Like other event modules you can load it 128C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>. Like other event modules you can load it
107explicitly. 129explicitly and enjoy the high availability of that event loop :)
108 130
109=head1 WATCHERS 131=head1 WATCHERS
110 132
111AnyEvent has the central concept of a I<watcher>, which is an object that 133AnyEvent has the central concept of a I<watcher>, which is an object that
112stores relevant data for each kind of event you are waiting for, such as 134stores relevant data for each kind of event you are waiting for, such as
113the callback to call, the filehandle to watch, etc. 135the callback to call, the file handle to watch, etc.
114 136
115These watchers are normal Perl objects with normal Perl lifetime. After 137These watchers are normal Perl objects with normal Perl lifetime. After
116creating a watcher it will immediately "watch" for events and invoke the 138creating a watcher it will immediately "watch" for events and invoke the
117callback when the event occurs (of course, only when the event model 139callback when the event occurs (of course, only when the event model
118is in control). 140is in control).
119 141
142Note that B<callbacks must not permanently change global variables>
143potentially in use by the event loop (such as C<$_> or C<$[>) and that B<<
144callbacks must not C<die> >>. The former is good programming practise in
145Perl and the latter stems from the fact that exception handling differs
146widely between event loops.
147
120To disable the watcher you have to destroy it (e.g. by setting the 148To disable the watcher you have to destroy it (e.g. by setting the
121variable you store it in to C<undef> or otherwise deleting all references 149variable you store it in to C<undef> or otherwise deleting all references
122to it). 150to it).
123 151
124All watchers are created by calling a method on the C<AnyEvent> class. 152All watchers are created by calling a method on the C<AnyEvent> class.
126Many watchers either are used with "recursion" (repeating timers for 154Many watchers either are used with "recursion" (repeating timers for
127example), or need to refer to their watcher object in other ways. 155example), or need to refer to their watcher object in other ways.
128 156
129An any way to achieve that is this pattern: 157An any way to achieve that is this pattern:
130 158
131 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->type (arg => value ..., cb => sub { 159 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->type (arg => value ..., cb => sub {
132 # you can use $w here, for example to undef it 160 # you can use $w here, for example to undef it
133 undef $w; 161 undef $w;
134 }); 162 });
135 163
136Note that C<my $w; $w => combination. This is necessary because in Perl, 164Note that C<my $w; $w => combination. This is necessary because in Perl,
137my variables are only visible after the statement in which they are 165my variables are only visible after the statement in which they are
138declared. 166declared.
139 167
140=head2 I/O WATCHERS 168=head2 I/O WATCHERS
141 169
142You can create an I/O watcher by calling the C<< AnyEvent->io >> method 170You can create an I/O watcher by calling the C<< AnyEvent->io >> method
143with the following mandatory key-value pairs as arguments: 171with the following mandatory key-value pairs as arguments:
144 172
145C<fh> the Perl I<file handle> (I<not> file descriptor) to watch 173C<fh> the Perl I<file handle> (I<not> file descriptor) to watch for events
146for events. C<poll> must be a string that is either C<r> or C<w>, 174(AnyEvent might or might not keep a reference to this file handle). C<poll>
147which creates a watcher waiting for "r"eadable or "w"ritable events, 175must be a string that is either C<r> or C<w>, which creates a watcher
148respectively. C<cb> is the callback to invoke each time the file handle 176waiting for "r"eadable or "w"ritable events, respectively. C<cb> is the
149becomes ready. 177callback to invoke each time the file handle becomes ready.
150 178
151Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 179Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
152presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent 180presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent
153callbacks cannot use arguments passed to I/O watcher callbacks. 181callbacks cannot use arguments passed to I/O watcher callbacks.
154 182
158 186
159Some event loops issue spurious readyness notifications, so you should 187Some event loops issue spurious readyness notifications, so you should
160always use non-blocking calls when reading/writing from/to your file 188always use non-blocking calls when reading/writing from/to your file
161handles. 189handles.
162 190
163Example:
164
165 # wait for readability of STDIN, then read a line and disable the watcher 191Example: wait for readability of STDIN, then read a line and disable the
192watcher.
193
166 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => \*STDIN, poll => 'r', cb => sub { 194 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => \*STDIN, poll => 'r', cb => sub {
167 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>); 195 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>);
168 warn "read: $input\n"; 196 warn "read: $input\n";
169 undef $w; 197 undef $w;
170 }); 198 });
180 208
181Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 209Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
182presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent 210presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent
183callbacks cannot use arguments passed to time watcher callbacks. 211callbacks cannot use arguments passed to time watcher callbacks.
184 212
185The timer callback will be invoked at most once: if you want a repeating 213The callback will normally be invoked once only. If you specify another
186timer you have to create a new watcher (this is a limitation by both Tk 214parameter, C<interval>, as a strictly positive number (> 0), then the
187and Glib). 215callback will be invoked regularly at that interval (in fractional
216seconds) after the first invocation. If C<interval> is specified with a
217false value, then it is treated as if it were missing.
188 218
189Example: 219The callback will be rescheduled before invoking the callback, but no
220attempt is done to avoid timer drift in most backends, so the interval is
221only approximate.
190 222
191 # fire an event after 7.7 seconds 223Example: fire an event after 7.7 seconds.
224
192 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 7.7, cb => sub { 225 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 7.7, cb => sub {
193 warn "timeout\n"; 226 warn "timeout\n";
194 }); 227 });
195 228
196 # to cancel the timer: 229 # to cancel the timer:
197 undef $w; 230 undef $w;
198 231
199Example 2:
200
201 # fire an event after 0.5 seconds, then roughly every second 232Example 2: fire an event after 0.5 seconds, then roughly every second.
202 my $w;
203 233
204 my $cb = sub {
205 # cancel the old timer while creating a new one
206 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 1, cb => $cb); 234 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 0.5, interval => 1, cb => sub {
235 warn "timeout\n";
207 }; 236 };
208
209 # start the "loop" by creating the first watcher
210 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 0.5, cb => $cb);
211 237
212=head3 TIMING ISSUES 238=head3 TIMING ISSUES
213 239
214There are two ways to handle timers: based on real time (relative, "fire 240There are two ways to handle timers: based on real time (relative, "fire
215in 10 seconds") and based on wallclock time (absolute, "fire at 12 241in 10 seconds") and based on wallclock time (absolute, "fire at 12
227timers. 253timers.
228 254
229AnyEvent always prefers relative timers, if available, matching the 255AnyEvent always prefers relative timers, if available, matching the
230AnyEvent API. 256AnyEvent API.
231 257
258AnyEvent has two additional methods that return the "current time":
259
260=over 4
261
262=item AnyEvent->time
263
264This returns the "current wallclock time" as a fractional number of
265seconds since the Epoch (the same thing as C<time> or C<Time::HiRes::time>
266return, and the result is guaranteed to be compatible with those).
267
268It progresses independently of any event loop processing, i.e. each call
269will check the system clock, which usually gets updated frequently.
270
271=item AnyEvent->now
272
273This also returns the "current wallclock time", but unlike C<time>, above,
274this value might change only once per event loop iteration, depending on
275the event loop (most return the same time as C<time>, above). This is the
276time that AnyEvent's timers get scheduled against.
277
278I<In almost all cases (in all cases if you don't care), this is the
279function to call when you want to know the current time.>
280
281This function is also often faster then C<< AnyEvent->time >>, and
282thus the preferred method if you want some timestamp (for example,
283L<AnyEvent::Handle> uses this to update it's activity timeouts).
284
285The rest of this section is only of relevance if you try to be very exact
286with your timing, you can skip it without bad conscience.
287
288For a practical example of when these times differ, consider L<Event::Lib>
289and L<EV> and the following set-up:
290
291The event loop is running and has just invoked one of your callback at
292time=500 (assume no other callbacks delay processing). In your callback,
293you wait a second by executing C<sleep 1> (blocking the process for a
294second) and then (at time=501) you create a relative timer that fires
295after three seconds.
296
297With L<Event::Lib>, C<< AnyEvent->time >> and C<< AnyEvent->now >> will
298both return C<501>, because that is the current time, and the timer will
299be scheduled to fire at time=504 (C<501> + C<3>).
300
301With L<EV>, C<< AnyEvent->time >> returns C<501> (as that is the current
302time), but C<< AnyEvent->now >> returns C<500>, as that is the time the
303last event processing phase started. With L<EV>, your timer gets scheduled
304to run at time=503 (C<500> + C<3>).
305
306In one sense, L<Event::Lib> is more exact, as it uses the current time
307regardless of any delays introduced by event processing. However, most
308callbacks do not expect large delays in processing, so this causes a
309higher drift (and a lot more system calls to get the current time).
310
311In another sense, L<EV> is more exact, as your timer will be scheduled at
312the same time, regardless of how long event processing actually took.
313
314In either case, if you care (and in most cases, you don't), then you
315can get whatever behaviour you want with any event loop, by taking the
316difference between C<< AnyEvent->time >> and C<< AnyEvent->now >> into
317account.
318
319=back
320
232=head2 SIGNAL WATCHERS 321=head2 SIGNAL WATCHERS
233 322
234You can watch for signals using a signal watcher, C<signal> is the signal 323You can watch for signals using a signal watcher, C<signal> is the signal
235I<name> without any C<SIG> prefix, C<cb> is the Perl callback to 324I<name> in uppercase and without any C<SIG> prefix, C<cb> is the Perl
236be invoked whenever a signal occurs. 325callback to be invoked whenever a signal occurs.
237 326
238Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 327Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
239presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent 328presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent
240callbacks cannot use arguments passed to signal watcher callbacks. 329callbacks cannot use arguments passed to signal watcher callbacks.
241 330
242Multiple signal occurances can be clumped together into one callback 331Multiple signal occurrences can be clumped together into one callback
243invocation, and callback invocation will be synchronous. synchronous means 332invocation, and callback invocation will be synchronous. Synchronous means
244that it might take a while until the signal gets handled by the process, 333that it might take a while until the signal gets handled by the process,
245but it is guarenteed not to interrupt any other callbacks. 334but it is guaranteed not to interrupt any other callbacks.
246 335
247The main advantage of using these watchers is that you can share a signal 336The main advantage of using these watchers is that you can share a signal
248between multiple watchers. 337between multiple watchers.
249 338
250This watcher might use C<%SIG>, so programs overwriting those signals 339This watcher might use C<%SIG>, so programs overwriting those signals
257=head2 CHILD PROCESS WATCHERS 346=head2 CHILD PROCESS WATCHERS
258 347
259You can also watch on a child process exit and catch its exit status. 348You can also watch on a child process exit and catch its exit status.
260 349
261The child process is specified by the C<pid> argument (if set to C<0>, it 350The child process is specified by the C<pid> argument (if set to C<0>, it
262watches for any child process exit). The watcher will trigger as often 351watches for any child process exit). The watcher will triggered only when
263as status change for the child are received. This works by installing a 352the child process has finished and an exit status is available, not on
264signal handler for C<SIGCHLD>. The callback will be called with the pid 353any trace events (stopped/continued).
265and exit status (as returned by waitpid), so unlike other watcher types, 354
266you I<can> rely on child watcher callback arguments. 355The callback will be called with the pid and exit status (as returned by
356waitpid), so unlike other watcher types, you I<can> rely on child watcher
357callback arguments.
358
359This watcher type works by installing a signal handler for C<SIGCHLD>,
360and since it cannot be shared, nothing else should use SIGCHLD or reap
361random child processes (waiting for specific child processes, e.g. inside
362C<system>, is just fine).
267 363
268There is a slight catch to child watchers, however: you usually start them 364There is a slight catch to child watchers, however: you usually start them
269I<after> the child process was created, and this means the process could 365I<after> the child process was created, and this means the process could
270have exited already (and no SIGCHLD will be sent anymore). 366have exited already (and no SIGCHLD will be sent anymore).
271 367
277AnyEvent program, you I<have> to create at least one watcher before you 373AnyEvent program, you I<have> to create at least one watcher before you
278C<fork> the child (alternatively, you can call C<AnyEvent::detect>). 374C<fork> the child (alternatively, you can call C<AnyEvent::detect>).
279 375
280Example: fork a process and wait for it 376Example: fork a process and wait for it
281 377
282 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar; 378 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
283 379
284 my $pid = fork or exit 5; 380 my $pid = fork or exit 5;
285 381
286 my $w = AnyEvent->child ( 382 my $w = AnyEvent->child (
287 pid => $pid, 383 pid => $pid,
288 cb => sub { 384 cb => sub {
289 my ($pid, $status) = @_; 385 my ($pid, $status) = @_;
290 warn "pid $pid exited with status $status"; 386 warn "pid $pid exited with status $status";
291 $done->send; 387 $done->send;
292 }, 388 },
293 ); 389 );
294 390
295 # do something else, then wait for process exit 391 # do something else, then wait for process exit
296 $done->recv; 392 $done->recv;
297 393
298=head2 CONDITION VARIABLES 394=head2 CONDITION VARIABLES
299 395
300If you are familiar with some event loops you will know that all of them 396If you are familiar with some event loops you will know that all of them
301require you to run some blocking "loop", "run" or similar function that 397require you to run some blocking "loop", "run" or similar function that
307The instrument to do that is called a "condition variable", so called 403The instrument to do that is called a "condition variable", so called
308because they represent a condition that must become true. 404because they represent a condition that must become true.
309 405
310Condition variables can be created by calling the C<< AnyEvent->condvar 406Condition variables can be created by calling the C<< AnyEvent->condvar
311>> method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is 407>> method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is
408
312C<cb>, which specifies a callback to be called when the condition variable 409C<cb>, which specifies a callback to be called when the condition variable
313becomes true. 410becomes true, with the condition variable as the first argument (but not
411the results).
314 412
315After creation, the conditon variable is "false" until it becomes "true" 413After creation, the condition variable is "false" until it becomes "true"
316by calling the C<send> method. 414by calling the C<send> method (or calling the condition variable as if it
415were a callback, read about the caveats in the description for the C<<
416->send >> method).
317 417
318Condition variables are similar to callbacks, except that you can 418Condition variables are similar to callbacks, except that you can
319optionally wait for them. They can also be called merge points - points 419optionally wait for them. They can also be called merge points - points
320in time where multiple outstandign events have been processed. And yet 420in time where multiple outstanding events have been processed. And yet
321another way to call them is transations - each condition variable can be 421another way to call them is transactions - each condition variable can be
322used to represent a transaction, which finishes at some point and delivers 422used to represent a transaction, which finishes at some point and delivers
323a result. 423a result.
324 424
325Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has finished, 425Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has finished,
326for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http requests, 426for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http requests,
332you can block your main program until an event occurs - for example, you 432you can block your main program until an event occurs - for example, you
333could C<< ->recv >> in your main program until the user clicks the Quit 433could C<< ->recv >> in your main program until the user clicks the Quit
334button of your app, which would C<< ->send >> the "quit" event. 434button of your app, which would C<< ->send >> the "quit" event.
335 435
336Note that condition variables recurse into the event loop - if you have 436Note that condition variables recurse into the event loop - if you have
337two pieces of code that call C<< ->recv >> in a round-robbin fashion, you 437two pieces of code that call C<< ->recv >> in a round-robin fashion, you
338lose. Therefore, condition variables are good to export to your caller, but 438lose. Therefore, condition variables are good to export to your caller, but
339you should avoid making a blocking wait yourself, at least in callbacks, 439you should avoid making a blocking wait yourself, at least in callbacks,
340as this asks for trouble. 440as this asks for trouble.
341 441
342Condition variables are represented by hash refs in perl, and the keys 442Condition variables are represented by hash refs in perl, and the keys
347 447
348There are two "sides" to a condition variable - the "producer side" which 448There are two "sides" to a condition variable - the "producer side" which
349eventually calls C<< -> send >>, and the "consumer side", which waits 449eventually calls C<< -> send >>, and the "consumer side", which waits
350for the send to occur. 450for the send to occur.
351 451
352Example: 452Example: wait for a timer.
353 453
354 # wait till the result is ready 454 # wait till the result is ready
355 my $result_ready = AnyEvent->condvar; 455 my $result_ready = AnyEvent->condvar;
356 456
357 # do something such as adding a timer 457 # do something such as adding a timer
365 465
366 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback 466 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback
367 # calls send 467 # calls send
368 $result_ready->recv; 468 $result_ready->recv;
369 469
470Example: wait for a timer, but take advantage of the fact that
471condition variables are also code references.
472
473 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
474 my $delay = AnyEvent->timer (after => 5, cb => $done);
475 $done->recv;
476
477Example: Imagine an API that returns a condvar and doesn't support
478callbacks. This is how you make a synchronous call, for example from
479the main program:
480
481 use AnyEvent::CouchDB;
482
483 ...
484
485 my @info = $couchdb->info->recv;
486
487And this is how you would just ste a callback to be called whenever the
488results are available:
489
490 $couchdb->info->cb (sub {
491 my @info = $_[0]->recv;
492 });
493
370=head3 METHODS FOR PRODUCERS 494=head3 METHODS FOR PRODUCERS
371 495
372These methods should only be used by the producing side, i.e. the 496These methods should only be used by the producing side, i.e. the
373code/module that eventually sends the signal. Note that it is also 497code/module that eventually sends the signal. Note that it is also
374the producer side which creates the condvar in most cases, but it isn't 498the producer side which creates the condvar in most cases, but it isn't
385If a callback has been set on the condition variable, it is called 509If a callback has been set on the condition variable, it is called
386immediately from within send. 510immediately from within send.
387 511
388Any arguments passed to the C<send> call will be returned by all 512Any arguments passed to the C<send> call will be returned by all
389future C<< ->recv >> calls. 513future C<< ->recv >> calls.
514
515Condition variables are overloaded so one can call them directly
516(as a code reference). Calling them directly is the same as calling
517C<send>. Note, however, that many C-based event loops do not handle
518overloading, so as tempting as it may be, passing a condition variable
519instead of a callback does not work. Both the pure perl and EV loops
520support overloading, however, as well as all functions that use perl to
521invoke a callback (as in L<AnyEvent::Socket> and L<AnyEvent::DNS> for
522example).
390 523
391=item $cv->croak ($error) 524=item $cv->croak ($error)
392 525
393Similar to send, but causes all call's to C<< ->recv >> to invoke 526Similar to send, but causes all call's to C<< ->recv >> to invoke
394C<Carp::croak> with the given error message/object/scalar. 527C<Carp::croak> with the given error message/object/scalar.
443doesn't execute once). 576doesn't execute once).
444 577
445This is the general pattern when you "fan out" into multiple subrequests: 578This is the general pattern when you "fan out" into multiple subrequests:
446use an outer C<begin>/C<end> pair to set the callback and ensure C<end> 579use an outer C<begin>/C<end> pair to set the callback and ensure C<end>
447is called at least once, and then, for each subrequest you start, call 580is called at least once, and then, for each subrequest you start, call
448C<begin> and for eahc subrequest you finish, call C<end>. 581C<begin> and for each subrequest you finish, call C<end>.
449 582
450=back 583=back
451 584
452=head3 METHODS FOR CONSUMERS 585=head3 METHODS FOR CONSUMERS
453 586
475(programs might want to do that to stay interactive), so I<if you are 608(programs might want to do that to stay interactive), so I<if you are
476using this from a module, never require a blocking wait>, but let the 609using this from a module, never require a blocking wait>, but let the
477caller decide whether the call will block or not (for example, by coupling 610caller decide whether the call will block or not (for example, by coupling
478condition variables with some kind of request results and supporting 611condition variables with some kind of request results and supporting
479callbacks so the caller knows that getting the result will not block, 612callbacks so the caller knows that getting the result will not block,
480while still suppporting blocking waits if the caller so desires). 613while still supporting blocking waits if the caller so desires).
481 614
482Another reason I<never> to C<< ->recv >> in a module is that you cannot 615Another reason I<never> to C<< ->recv >> in a module is that you cannot
483sensibly have two C<< ->recv >>'s in parallel, as that would require 616sensibly have two C<< ->recv >>'s in parallel, as that would require
484multiple interpreters or coroutines/threads, none of which C<AnyEvent> 617multiple interpreters or coroutines/threads, none of which C<AnyEvent>
485can supply. 618can supply.
498=item $bool = $cv->ready 631=item $bool = $cv->ready
499 632
500Returns true when the condition is "true", i.e. whether C<send> or 633Returns true when the condition is "true", i.e. whether C<send> or
501C<croak> have been called. 634C<croak> have been called.
502 635
503=item $cb = $cv->cb ([new callback]) 636=item $cb = $cv->cb ($cb->($cv))
504 637
505This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and optionally 638This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and optionally
506replaces it before doing so. 639replaces it before doing so.
507 640
508The callback will be called when the condition becomes "true", i.e. when 641The callback will be called when the condition becomes "true", i.e. when
509C<send> or C<croak> are called. Calling C<recv> inside the callback 642C<send> or C<croak> are called, with the only argument being the condition
510or at any later time is guaranteed not to block. 643variable itself. Calling C<recv> inside the callback or at any later time
644is guaranteed not to block.
511 645
512=back 646=back
513 647
514=head1 GLOBAL VARIABLES AND FUNCTIONS 648=head1 GLOBAL VARIABLES AND FUNCTIONS
515 649
601 735
602If it doesn't care, it can just "use AnyEvent" and use it itself, or not 736If it doesn't care, it can just "use AnyEvent" and use it itself, or not
603do anything special (it does not need to be event-based) and let AnyEvent 737do anything special (it does not need to be event-based) and let AnyEvent
604decide which implementation to chose if some module relies on it. 738decide which implementation to chose if some module relies on it.
605 739
606If the main program relies on a specific event model. For example, in 740If the main program relies on a specific event model - for example, in
607Gtk2 programs you have to rely on the Glib module. You should load the 741Gtk2 programs you have to rely on the Glib module - you should load the
608event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it: generally 742event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it: generally
609speaking, you should load it as early as possible. The reason is that 743speaking, you should load it as early as possible. The reason is that
610modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent will 744modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent will
611decide on the event model to use as soon as it creates watchers, and it 745decide on the event model to use as soon as it creates watchers, and it
612might chose the wrong one unless you load the correct one yourself. 746might chose the wrong one unless you load the correct one yourself.
613 747
614You can chose to use a rather inefficient pure-perl implementation by 748You can chose to use a pure-perl implementation by loading the
615loading the C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl> module, which gives you similar 749C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl> module, which gives you similar behaviour
616behaviour everywhere, but letting AnyEvent chose is generally better. 750everywhere, but letting AnyEvent chose the model is generally better.
751
752=head2 MAINLOOP EMULATION
753
754Sometimes (often for short test scripts, or even standalone programs who
755only want to use AnyEvent), you do not want to run a specific event loop.
756
757In that case, you can use a condition variable like this:
758
759 AnyEvent->condvar->recv;
760
761This has the effect of entering the event loop and looping forever.
762
763Note that usually your program has some exit condition, in which case
764it is better to use the "traditional" approach of storing a condition
765variable somewhere, waiting for it, and sending it when the program should
766exit cleanly.
767
617 768
618=head1 OTHER MODULES 769=head1 OTHER MODULES
619 770
620The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use 771The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use
621AnyEvent and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent modules 772AnyEvent and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent modules
627=item L<AnyEvent::Util> 778=item L<AnyEvent::Util>
628 779
629Contains various utility functions that replace often-used but blocking 780Contains various utility functions that replace often-used but blocking
630functions such as C<inet_aton> by event-/callback-based versions. 781functions such as C<inet_aton> by event-/callback-based versions.
631 782
632=item L<AnyEvent::Handle>
633
634Provide read and write buffers and manages watchers for reads and writes.
635
636=item L<AnyEvent::Socket> 783=item L<AnyEvent::Socket>
637 784
638Provides various utility functions for (internet protocol) sockets, 785Provides various utility functions for (internet protocol) sockets,
639addresses and name resolution. Also functions to create non-blocking tcp 786addresses and name resolution. Also functions to create non-blocking tcp
640connections or tcp servers, with IPv6 and SRV record support and more. 787connections or tcp servers, with IPv6 and SRV record support and more.
641 788
789=item L<AnyEvent::Handle>
790
791Provide read and write buffers, manages watchers for reads and writes,
792supports raw and formatted I/O, I/O queued and fully transparent and
793non-blocking SSL/TLS.
794
795=item L<AnyEvent::DNS>
796
797Provides rich asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities.
798
799=item L<AnyEvent::HTTP>
800
801A simple-to-use HTTP library that is capable of making a lot of concurrent
802HTTP requests.
803
642=item L<AnyEvent::HTTPD> 804=item L<AnyEvent::HTTPD>
643 805
644Provides a simple web application server framework. 806Provides a simple web application server framework.
645 807
646=item L<AnyEvent::DNS>
647
648Provides rich asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities.
649
650=item L<AnyEvent::FastPing> 808=item L<AnyEvent::FastPing>
651 809
652The fastest ping in the west. 810The fastest ping in the west.
653 811
812=item L<AnyEvent::DBI>
813
814Executes L<DBI> requests asynchronously in a proxy process.
815
816=item L<AnyEvent::AIO>
817
818Truly asynchronous I/O, should be in the toolbox of every event
819programmer. AnyEvent::AIO transparently fuses L<IO::AIO> and AnyEvent
820together.
821
822=item L<AnyEvent::BDB>
823
824Truly asynchronous Berkeley DB access. AnyEvent::BDB transparently fuses
825L<BDB> and AnyEvent together.
826
827=item L<AnyEvent::GPSD>
828
829A non-blocking interface to gpsd, a daemon delivering GPS information.
830
831=item L<AnyEvent::IGS>
832
833A non-blocking interface to the Internet Go Server protocol (used by
834L<App::IGS>).
835
654=item L<Net::IRC3> 836=item L<AnyEvent::IRC>
655 837
656AnyEvent based IRC client module family. 838AnyEvent based IRC client module family (replacing the older Net::IRC3).
657 839
658=item L<Net::XMPP2> 840=item L<Net::XMPP2>
659 841
660AnyEvent based XMPP (Jabber protocol) module family. 842AnyEvent based XMPP (Jabber protocol) module family.
661 843
670 852
671=item L<Coro> 853=item L<Coro>
672 854
673Has special support for AnyEvent via L<Coro::AnyEvent>. 855Has special support for AnyEvent via L<Coro::AnyEvent>.
674 856
675=item L<AnyEvent::AIO>, L<IO::AIO>
676
677Truly asynchronous I/O, should be in the toolbox of every event
678programmer. AnyEvent::AIO transparently fuses IO::AIO and AnyEvent
679together.
680
681=item L<AnyEvent::BDB>, L<BDB>
682
683Truly asynchronous Berkeley DB access. AnyEvent::AIO transparently fuses
684IO::AIO and AnyEvent together.
685
686=item L<IO::Lambda> 857=item L<IO::Lambda>
687 858
688The lambda approach to I/O - don't ask, look there. Can use AnyEvent. 859The lambda approach to I/O - don't ask, look there. Can use AnyEvent.
689 860
690=back 861=back
692=cut 863=cut
693 864
694package AnyEvent; 865package AnyEvent;
695 866
696no warnings; 867no warnings;
697use strict; 868use strict qw(vars subs);
698 869
699use Carp; 870use Carp;
700 871
701our $VERSION = '3.6'; 872our $VERSION = 4.341;
702our $MODEL; 873our $MODEL;
703 874
704our $AUTOLOAD; 875our $AUTOLOAD;
705our @ISA; 876our @ISA;
706 877
878our @REGISTRY;
879
880our $WIN32;
881
882BEGIN {
883 my $win32 = ! ! ($^O =~ /mswin32/i);
884 eval "sub WIN32(){ $win32 }";
885}
886
707our $verbose = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}*1; 887our $verbose = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}*1;
708 888
709our @REGISTRY; 889our %PROTOCOL; # (ipv4|ipv6) => (1|2), higher numbers are preferred
710
711our %PROTOCOL; # (ipv4|ipv6) => (1|2)
712 890
713{ 891{
714 my $idx; 892 my $idx;
715 $PROTOCOL{$_} = ++$idx 893 $PROTOCOL{$_} = ++$idx
894 for reverse split /\s*,\s*/,
716 for split /\s*,\s*/, $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS} || "ipv4,ipv6"; 895 $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS} || "ipv4,ipv6";
717} 896}
718 897
719my @models = ( 898my @models = (
720 [EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EV::], 899 [EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EV::],
721 [Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Event::], 900 [Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Event::],
722 [Tk:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Tk::],
723 [Wx:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
724 [Prima:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
725 [AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Perl::], 901 [AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Perl::],
726 # everything below here will not be autoprobed as the pureperl backend should work everywhere 902 # everything below here will not be autoprobed
727 [Glib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Glib::], 903 # as the pureperl backend should work everywhere
904 # and is usually faster
905 [Tk:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Tk::], # crashes with many handles
906 [Glib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Glib::], # becomes extremely slow with many watchers
728 [Event::Lib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib::], # too buggy 907 [Event::Lib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib::], # too buggy
729 [Qt:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Qt::], # requires special main program 908 [Qt:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Qt::], # requires special main program
730 [POE::Kernel:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], # lasciate ogni speranza 909 [POE::Kernel:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], # lasciate ogni speranza
910 [Wx:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
911 [Prima:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
731); 912);
732 913
733our %method = map +($_ => 1), qw(io timer signal child condvar one_event DESTROY); 914our %method = map +($_ => 1), qw(io timer time now signal child condvar one_event DESTROY);
734 915
735our @post_detect; 916our @post_detect;
736 917
737sub post_detect(&) { 918sub post_detect(&) {
738 my ($cb) = @_; 919 my ($cb) = @_;
755} 936}
756 937
757sub detect() { 938sub detect() {
758 unless ($MODEL) { 939 unless ($MODEL) {
759 no strict 'refs'; 940 no strict 'refs';
941 local $SIG{__DIE__};
760 942
761 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} =~ /^([a-zA-Z]+)$/) { 943 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} =~ /^([a-zA-Z]+)$/) {
762 my $model = "AnyEvent::Impl::$1"; 944 my $model = "AnyEvent::Impl::$1";
763 if (eval "require $model") { 945 if (eval "require $model") {
764 $MODEL = $model; 946 $MODEL = $model;
798 $MODEL 980 $MODEL
799 or die "No event module selected for AnyEvent and autodetect failed. Install any one of these modules: EV, Event or Glib."; 981 or die "No event module selected for AnyEvent and autodetect failed. Install any one of these modules: EV, Event or Glib.";
800 } 982 }
801 } 983 }
802 984
985 push @{"$MODEL\::ISA"}, "AnyEvent::Base";
986
803 unshift @ISA, $MODEL; 987 unshift @ISA, $MODEL;
804 push @{"$MODEL\::ISA"}, "AnyEvent::Base"; 988
989 require AnyEvent::Strict if $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT};
805 990
806 (shift @post_detect)->() while @post_detect; 991 (shift @post_detect)->() while @post_detect;
807 } 992 }
808 993
809 $MODEL 994 $MODEL
819 1004
820 my $class = shift; 1005 my $class = shift;
821 $class->$func (@_); 1006 $class->$func (@_);
822} 1007}
823 1008
1009# utility function to dup a filehandle. this is used by many backends
1010# to support binding more than one watcher per filehandle (they usually
1011# allow only one watcher per fd, so we dup it to get a different one).
1012sub _dupfh($$$$) {
1013 my ($poll, $fh, $r, $w) = @_;
1014
1015 # cygwin requires the fh mode to be matching, unix doesn't
1016 my ($rw, $mode) = $poll eq "r" ? ($r, "<")
1017 : $poll eq "w" ? ($w, ">")
1018 : Carp::croak "AnyEvent->io requires poll set to either 'r' or 'w'";
1019
1020 open my $fh2, "$mode&" . fileno $fh
1021 or die "cannot dup() filehandle: $!";
1022
1023 # we assume CLOEXEC is already set by perl in all important cases
1024
1025 ($fh2, $rw)
1026}
1027
824package AnyEvent::Base; 1028package AnyEvent::Base;
1029
1030# default implementation for now and time
1031
1032BEGIN {
1033 if (eval "use Time::HiRes (); time (); 1") {
1034 *_time = \&Time::HiRes::time;
1035 # if (eval "use POSIX (); (POSIX::times())...
1036 } else {
1037 *_time = sub { time }; # epic fail
1038 }
1039}
1040
1041sub time { _time }
1042sub now { _time }
825 1043
826# default implementation for ->condvar 1044# default implementation for ->condvar
827 1045
828sub condvar { 1046sub condvar {
829 bless { @_ == 3 ? (_ae_cb => $_[2]) : () }, AnyEvent::CondVar:: 1047 bless { @_ == 3 ? (_ae_cb => $_[2]) : () }, AnyEvent::CondVar::
830} 1048}
831 1049
832# default implementation for ->signal 1050# default implementation for ->signal
833 1051
834our %SIG_CB; 1052our ($SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W, %SIG_CB, %SIG_EV, $SIG_IO);
1053
1054sub _signal_exec {
1055 while (%SIG_EV) {
1056 sysread $SIGPIPE_R, my $dummy, 4;
1057 for (keys %SIG_EV) {
1058 delete $SIG_EV{$_};
1059 $_->() for values %{ $SIG_CB{$_} || {} };
1060 }
1061 }
1062}
835 1063
836sub signal { 1064sub signal {
837 my (undef, %arg) = @_; 1065 my (undef, %arg) = @_;
838 1066
1067 unless ($SIGPIPE_R) {
1068 if (AnyEvent::WIN32) {
1069 ($SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W) = AnyEvent::Util::portable_pipe ();
1070 AnyEvent::Util::fh_nonblocking ($SIGPIPE_R) if $SIGPIPE_R;
1071 AnyEvent::Util::fh_nonblocking ($SIGPIPE_W) if $SIGPIPE_W; # just in case
1072 } else {
1073 pipe $SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W;
1074 require Fcntl;
1075 fcntl $SIGPIPE_R, &Fcntl::F_SETFL, &Fcntl::O_NONBLOCK if $SIGPIPE_R;
1076 fcntl $SIGPIPE_W, &Fcntl::F_SETFL, &Fcntl::O_NONBLOCK if $SIGPIPE_W; # just in case
1077 }
1078
1079 $SIGPIPE_R
1080 or Carp::croak "AnyEvent: unable to create a signal reporting pipe: $!\n";
1081
1082 $SIG_IO = AnyEvent->io (fh => $SIGPIPE_R, poll => "r", cb => \&_signal_exec);
1083 }
1084
839 my $signal = uc $arg{signal} 1085 my $signal = uc $arg{signal}
840 or Carp::croak "required option 'signal' is missing"; 1086 or Carp::croak "required option 'signal' is missing";
841 1087
842 $SIG_CB{$signal}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb}; 1088 $SIG_CB{$signal}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb};
843 $SIG{$signal} ||= sub { 1089 $SIG{$signal} ||= sub {
844 $_->() for values %{ $SIG_CB{$signal} || {} }; 1090 syswrite $SIGPIPE_W, "\x00", 1 unless %SIG_EV;
1091 undef $SIG_EV{$signal};
845 }; 1092 };
846 1093
847 bless [$signal, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::Signal" 1094 bless [$signal, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::Signal"
848} 1095}
849 1096
850sub AnyEvent::Base::Signal::DESTROY { 1097sub AnyEvent::Base::Signal::DESTROY {
851 my ($signal, $cb) = @{$_[0]}; 1098 my ($signal, $cb) = @{$_[0]};
852 1099
853 delete $SIG_CB{$signal}{$cb}; 1100 delete $SIG_CB{$signal}{$cb};
854 1101
855 $SIG{$signal} = 'DEFAULT' unless keys %{ $SIG_CB{$signal} }; 1102 delete $SIG{$signal} unless keys %{ $SIG_CB{$signal} };
856} 1103}
857 1104
858# default implementation for ->child 1105# default implementation for ->child
859 1106
860our %PID_CB; 1107our %PID_CB;
887 or Carp::croak "required option 'pid' is missing"; 1134 or Carp::croak "required option 'pid' is missing";
888 1135
889 $PID_CB{$pid}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb}; 1136 $PID_CB{$pid}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb};
890 1137
891 unless ($WNOHANG) { 1138 unless ($WNOHANG) {
892 $WNOHANG = eval { require POSIX; &POSIX::WNOHANG } || 1; 1139 $WNOHANG = eval { local $SIG{__DIE__}; require POSIX; &POSIX::WNOHANG } || 1;
893 } 1140 }
894 1141
895 unless ($CHLD_W) { 1142 unless ($CHLD_W) {
896 $CHLD_W = AnyEvent->signal (signal => 'CHLD', cb => \&_sigchld); 1143 $CHLD_W = AnyEvent->signal (signal => 'CHLD', cb => \&_sigchld);
897 # child could be a zombie already, so make at least one round 1144 # child could be a zombie already, so make at least one round
914 1161
915our @ISA = AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::; 1162our @ISA = AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::;
916 1163
917package AnyEvent::CondVar::Base; 1164package AnyEvent::CondVar::Base;
918 1165
1166use overload
1167 '&{}' => sub { my $self = shift; sub { $self->send (@_) } },
1168 fallback => 1;
1169
919sub _send { 1170sub _send {
920 # nop 1171 # nop
921} 1172}
922 1173
923sub send { 1174sub send {
963} 1214}
964 1215
965# undocumented/compatibility with pre-3.4 1216# undocumented/compatibility with pre-3.4
966*broadcast = \&send; 1217*broadcast = \&send;
967*wait = \&_wait; 1218*wait = \&_wait;
1219
1220=head1 ERROR AND EXCEPTION HANDLING
1221
1222In general, AnyEvent does not do any error handling - it relies on the
1223caller to do that if required. The L<AnyEvent::Strict> module (see also
1224the C<PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT> environment variable, below) provides strict
1225checking of all AnyEvent methods, however, which is highly useful during
1226development.
1227
1228As for exception handling (i.e. runtime errors and exceptions thrown while
1229executing a callback), this is not only highly event-loop specific, but
1230also not in any way wrapped by this module, as this is the job of the main
1231program.
1232
1233The pure perl event loop simply re-throws the exception (usually
1234within C<< condvar->recv >>), the L<Event> and L<EV> modules call C<<
1235$Event/EV::DIED->() >>, L<Glib> uses C<< install_exception_handler >> and
1236so on.
1237
1238=head1 ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES
1239
1240The following environment variables are used by this module or its
1241submodules:
1242
1243=over 4
1244
1245=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE>
1246
1247By default, AnyEvent will be completely silent except in fatal
1248conditions. You can set this environment variable to make AnyEvent more
1249talkative.
1250
1251When set to C<1> or higher, causes AnyEvent to warn about unexpected
1252conditions, such as not being able to load the event model specified by
1253C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>.
1254
1255When set to C<2> or higher, cause AnyEvent to report to STDERR which event
1256model it chooses.
1257
1258=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT>
1259
1260AnyEvent does not do much argument checking by default, as thorough
1261argument checking is very costly. Setting this variable to a true value
1262will cause AnyEvent to load C<AnyEvent::Strict> and then to thoroughly
1263check the arguments passed to most method calls. If it finds any problems
1264it will croak.
1265
1266In other words, enables "strict" mode.
1267
1268Unlike C<use strict>, it is definitely recommended ot keep it off in
1269production. Keeping C<PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT=1> in your environment while
1270developing programs can be very useful, however.
1271
1272=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>
1273
1274This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent, before
1275auto detection and -probing kicks in. It must be a string consisting
1276entirely of ASCII letters. The string C<AnyEvent::Impl::> gets prepended
1277and the resulting module name is loaded and if the load was successful,
1278used as event model. If it fails to load AnyEvent will proceed with
1279auto detection and -probing.
1280
1281This functionality might change in future versions.
1282
1283For example, to force the pure perl model (L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) you
1284could start your program like this:
1285
1286 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ...
1287
1288=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS>
1289
1290Used by both L<AnyEvent::DNS> and L<AnyEvent::Socket> to determine preferences
1291for IPv4 or IPv6. The default is unspecified (and might change, or be the result
1292of auto probing).
1293
1294Must be set to a comma-separated list of protocols or address families,
1295current supported: C<ipv4> and C<ipv6>. Only protocols mentioned will be
1296used, and preference will be given to protocols mentioned earlier in the
1297list.
1298
1299This variable can effectively be used for denial-of-service attacks
1300against local programs (e.g. when setuid), although the impact is likely
1301small, as the program has to handle conenction and other failures anyways.
1302
1303Examples: C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4,ipv6> - prefer IPv4 over IPv6,
1304but support both and try to use both. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4>
1305- only support IPv4, never try to resolve or contact IPv6
1306addresses. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv6,ipv4> support either IPv4 or
1307IPv6, but prefer IPv6 over IPv4.
1308
1309=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_EDNS0>
1310
1311Used by L<AnyEvent::DNS> to decide whether to use the EDNS0 extension
1312for DNS. This extension is generally useful to reduce DNS traffic, but
1313some (broken) firewalls drop such DNS packets, which is why it is off by
1314default.
1315
1316Setting this variable to C<1> will cause L<AnyEvent::DNS> to announce
1317EDNS0 in its DNS requests.
1318
1319=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_FORKS>
1320
1321The maximum number of child processes that C<AnyEvent::Util::fork_call>
1322will create in parallel.
1323
1324=back
968 1325
969=head1 SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE 1326=head1 SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE
970 1327
971This is an advanced topic that you do not normally need to use AnyEvent in 1328This is an advanced topic that you do not normally need to use AnyEvent in
972a module. This section is only of use to event loop authors who want to 1329a module. This section is only of use to event loop authors who want to
1006 1363
1007I<rxvt-unicode> also cheats a bit by not providing blocking access to 1364I<rxvt-unicode> also cheats a bit by not providing blocking access to
1008condition variables: code blocking while waiting for a condition will 1365condition variables: code blocking while waiting for a condition will
1009C<die>. This still works with most modules/usages, and blocking calls must 1366C<die>. This still works with most modules/usages, and blocking calls must
1010not be done in an interactive application, so it makes sense. 1367not be done in an interactive application, so it makes sense.
1011
1012=head1 ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES
1013
1014The following environment variables are used by this module:
1015
1016=over 4
1017
1018=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE>
1019
1020By default, AnyEvent will be completely silent except in fatal
1021conditions. You can set this environment variable to make AnyEvent more
1022talkative.
1023
1024When set to C<1> or higher, causes AnyEvent to warn about unexpected
1025conditions, such as not being able to load the event model specified by
1026C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>.
1027
1028When set to C<2> or higher, cause AnyEvent to report to STDERR which event
1029model it chooses.
1030
1031=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>
1032
1033This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent, before
1034autodetection and -probing kicks in. It must be a string consisting
1035entirely of ASCII letters. The string C<AnyEvent::Impl::> gets prepended
1036and the resulting module name is loaded and if the load was successful,
1037used as event model. If it fails to load AnyEvent will proceed with
1038autodetection and -probing.
1039
1040This functionality might change in future versions.
1041
1042For example, to force the pure perl model (L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) you
1043could start your program like this:
1044
1045 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ...
1046
1047=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS>
1048
1049Used by both L<AnyEvent::DNS> and L<AnyEvent::Socket> to determine preferences
1050for IPv4 or IPv6. The default is unspecified (and might change, or be the result
1051of autoprobing).
1052
1053Must be set to a comma-separated list of protocols or address families,
1054current supported: C<ipv4> and C<ipv6>. Only protocols mentioned will be
1055used, and preference will be given to protocols mentioned earlier in the
1056list.
1057
1058Examples: C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4,ipv6> - prefer IPv4 over IPv6,
1059but support both and try to use both. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4>
1060- only support IPv4, never try to resolve or contact IPv6
1061addressses. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv6,ipv4> support either IPv4 or
1062IPv6, but prefer IPv6 over IPv4.
1063
1064=back
1065 1368
1066=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 1369=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
1067 1370
1068The following program uses an I/O watcher to read data from STDIN, a timer 1371The following program uses an I/O watcher to read data from STDIN, a timer
1069to display a message once per second, and a condition variable to quit the 1372to display a message once per second, and a condition variable to quit the
1153 syswrite $txn->{fh}, $txn->{request} 1456 syswrite $txn->{fh}, $txn->{request}
1154 or die "connection or write error"; 1457 or die "connection or write error";
1155 $txn->{w} = AnyEvent->io (fh => $txn->{fh}, poll => 'r', cb => sub { $txn->fh_ready_r }); 1458 $txn->{w} = AnyEvent->io (fh => $txn->{fh}, poll => 'r', cb => sub { $txn->fh_ready_r });
1156 1459
1157Again, C<fh_ready_r> waits till all data has arrived, and then stores the 1460Again, C<fh_ready_r> waits till all data has arrived, and then stores the
1158result and signals any possible waiters that the request ahs finished: 1461result and signals any possible waiters that the request has finished:
1159 1462
1160 sysread $txn->{fh}, $txn->{buf}, length $txn->{$buf}; 1463 sysread $txn->{fh}, $txn->{buf}, length $txn->{$buf};
1161 1464
1162 if (end-of-file or data complete) { 1465 if (end-of-file or data complete) {
1163 $txn->{result} = $txn->{buf}; 1466 $txn->{result} = $txn->{buf};
1171 1474
1172 $txn->{finished}->recv; 1475 $txn->{finished}->recv;
1173 return $txn->{result}; 1476 return $txn->{result};
1174 1477
1175The actual code goes further and collects all errors (C<die>s, exceptions) 1478The actual code goes further and collects all errors (C<die>s, exceptions)
1176that occured during request processing. The C<result> method detects 1479that occurred during request processing. The C<result> method detects
1177whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn object) 1480whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn object)
1178and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and other 1481and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and other
1179problems get reported tot he code that tries to use the result, not in a 1482problems get reported tot he code that tries to use the result, not in a
1180random callback. 1483random callback.
1181 1484
1227of various event loops I prepared some benchmarks. 1530of various event loops I prepared some benchmarks.
1228 1531
1229=head2 BENCHMARKING ANYEVENT OVERHEAD 1532=head2 BENCHMARKING ANYEVENT OVERHEAD
1230 1533
1231Here is a benchmark of various supported event models used natively and 1534Here is a benchmark of various supported event models used natively and
1232through anyevent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero 1535through AnyEvent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero
1233timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable, 1536timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable,
1234which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again. 1537which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again.
1235 1538
1236Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench> in the AnyEvent 1539Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench> in the AnyEvent
1237distribution. 1540distribution.
1263watcher. 1566watcher.
1264 1567
1265=head3 Results 1568=head3 Results
1266 1569
1267 name watchers bytes create invoke destroy comment 1570 name watchers bytes create invoke destroy comment
1268 EV/EV 400000 244 0.56 0.46 0.31 EV native interface 1571 EV/EV 400000 224 0.47 0.35 0.27 EV native interface
1269 EV/Any 100000 244 2.50 0.46 0.29 EV + AnyEvent watchers 1572 EV/Any 100000 224 2.88 0.34 0.27 EV + AnyEvent watchers
1270 CoroEV/Any 100000 244 2.49 0.44 0.29 coroutines + Coro::Signal 1573 CoroEV/Any 100000 224 2.85 0.35 0.28 coroutines + Coro::Signal
1271 Perl/Any 100000 513 4.92 0.87 1.12 pure perl implementation 1574 Perl/Any 100000 452 4.13 0.73 0.95 pure perl implementation
1272 Event/Event 16000 516 31.88 31.30 0.85 Event native interface 1575 Event/Event 16000 517 32.20 31.80 0.81 Event native interface
1273 Event/Any 16000 590 35.75 31.42 1.08 Event + AnyEvent watchers 1576 Event/Any 16000 590 35.85 31.55 1.06 Event + AnyEvent watchers
1274 Glib/Any 16000 1357 98.22 12.41 54.00 quadratic behaviour 1577 Glib/Any 16000 1357 102.33 12.31 51.00 quadratic behaviour
1275 Tk/Any 2000 1860 26.97 67.98 14.00 SEGV with >> 2000 watchers 1578 Tk/Any 2000 1860 27.20 66.31 14.00 SEGV with >> 2000 watchers
1276 POE/Event 2000 6644 108.64 736.02 14.73 via POE::Loop::Event 1579 POE/Event 2000 6328 109.99 751.67 14.02 via POE::Loop::Event
1277 POE/Select 2000 6343 94.13 809.12 565.96 via POE::Loop::Select 1580 POE/Select 2000 6027 94.54 809.13 579.80 via POE::Loop::Select
1278 1581
1279=head3 Discussion 1582=head3 Discussion
1280 1583
1281The benchmark does I<not> measure scalability of the event loop very 1584The benchmark does I<not> measure scalability of the event loop very
1282well. For example, a select-based event loop (such as the pure perl one) 1585well. For example, a select-based event loop (such as the pure perl one)
1360 1663
1361=back 1664=back
1362 1665
1363=head2 BENCHMARKING THE LARGE SERVER CASE 1666=head2 BENCHMARKING THE LARGE SERVER CASE
1364 1667
1365This benchmark atcually benchmarks the event loop itself. It works by 1668This benchmark actually benchmarks the event loop itself. It works by
1366creating a number of "servers": each server consists of a socketpair, a 1669creating a number of "servers": each server consists of a socket pair, a
1367timeout watcher that gets reset on activity (but never fires), and an I/O 1670timeout watcher that gets reset on activity (but never fires), and an I/O
1368watcher waiting for input on one side of the socket. Each time the socket 1671watcher waiting for input on one side of the socket. Each time the socket
1369watcher reads a byte it will write that byte to a random other "server". 1672watcher reads a byte it will write that byte to a random other "server".
1370 1673
1371The effect is that there will be a lot of I/O watchers, only part of which 1674The effect is that there will be a lot of I/O watchers, only part of which
1372are active at any one point (so there is a constant number of active 1675are active at any one point (so there is a constant number of active
1373fds for each loop iterstaion, but which fds these are is random). The 1676fds for each loop iteration, but which fds these are is random). The
1374timeout is reset each time something is read because that reflects how 1677timeout is reset each time something is read because that reflects how
1375most timeouts work (and puts extra pressure on the event loops). 1678most timeouts work (and puts extra pressure on the event loops).
1376 1679
1377In this benchmark, we use 10000 socketpairs (20000 sockets), of which 100 1680In this benchmark, we use 10000 socket pairs (20000 sockets), of which 100
1378(1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with many 1681(1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with many
1379connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time. 1682connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time.
1380 1683
1381Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench2> in the AnyEvent 1684Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench2> in the AnyEvent
1382distribution. 1685distribution.
1384=head3 Explanation of the columns 1687=head3 Explanation of the columns
1385 1688
1386I<sockets> is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" (as 1689I<sockets> is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" (as
1387each server has a read and write socket end). 1690each server has a read and write socket end).
1388 1691
1389I<create> is the time it takes to create a socketpair (which is 1692I<create> is the time it takes to create a socket pair (which is
1390nontrivial) and two watchers: an I/O watcher and a timeout watcher. 1693nontrivial) and two watchers: an I/O watcher and a timeout watcher.
1391 1694
1392I<request>, the most important value, is the time it takes to handle a 1695I<request>, the most important value, is the time it takes to handle a
1393single "request", that is, reading the token from the pipe and forwarding 1696single "request", that is, reading the token from the pipe and forwarding
1394it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout and creating 1697it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout and creating
1467speed most when you have lots of watchers, not when you only have a few of 1770speed most when you have lots of watchers, not when you only have a few of
1468them). 1771them).
1469 1772
1470EV is again fastest. 1773EV is again fastest.
1471 1774
1472Perl again comes second. It is noticably faster than the C-based event 1775Perl again comes second. It is noticeably faster than the C-based event
1473loops Event and Glib, although the difference is too small to really 1776loops Event and Glib, although the difference is too small to really
1474matter. 1777matter.
1475 1778
1476POE also performs much better in this case, but is is still far behind the 1779POE also performs much better in this case, but is is still far behind the
1477others. 1780others.
1482 1785
1483=item * C-based event loops perform very well with small number of 1786=item * C-based event loops perform very well with small number of
1484watchers, as the management overhead dominates. 1787watchers, as the management overhead dominates.
1485 1788
1486=back 1789=back
1790
1791
1792=head1 SIGNALS
1793
1794AnyEvent currently installs handlers for these signals:
1795
1796=over 4
1797
1798=item SIGCHLD
1799
1800A handler for C<SIGCHLD> is installed by AnyEvent's child watcher
1801emulation for event loops that do not support them natively. Also, some
1802event loops install a similar handler.
1803
1804=item SIGPIPE
1805
1806A no-op handler is installed for C<SIGPIPE> when C<$SIG{PIPE}> is C<undef>
1807when AnyEvent gets loaded.
1808
1809The rationale for this is that AnyEvent users usually do not really depend
1810on SIGPIPE delivery (which is purely an optimisation for shell use, or
1811badly-written programs), but C<SIGPIPE> can cause spurious and rare
1812program exits as a lot of people do not expect C<SIGPIPE> when writing to
1813some random socket.
1814
1815The rationale for installing a no-op handler as opposed to ignoring it is
1816that this way, the handler will be restored to defaults on exec.
1817
1818Feel free to install your own handler, or reset it to defaults.
1819
1820=back
1821
1822=cut
1823
1824$SIG{PIPE} = sub { }
1825 unless defined $SIG{PIPE};
1487 1826
1488 1827
1489=head1 FORK 1828=head1 FORK
1490 1829
1491Most event libraries are not fork-safe. The ones who are usually are 1830Most event libraries are not fork-safe. The ones who are usually are
1506specified in the variable. 1845specified in the variable.
1507 1846
1508You can make AnyEvent completely ignore this variable by deleting it 1847You can make AnyEvent completely ignore this variable by deleting it
1509before the first watcher gets created, e.g. with a C<BEGIN> block: 1848before the first watcher gets created, e.g. with a C<BEGIN> block:
1510 1849
1511 BEGIN { delete $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} } 1850 BEGIN { delete $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} }
1512 1851
1513 use AnyEvent; 1852 use AnyEvent;
1514 1853
1515Similar considerations apply to $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}, as that can 1854Similar considerations apply to $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}, as that can
1516be used to probe what backend is used and gain other information (which is 1855be used to probe what backend is used and gain other information (which is
1517probably even less useful to an attacker than PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL). 1856probably even less useful to an attacker than PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL), and
1857$ENV{PERL_ANYEGENT_STRICT}.
1858
1859
1860=head1 BUGS
1861
1862Perl 5.8 has numerous memleaks that sometimes hit this module and are hard
1863to work around. If you suffer from memleaks, first upgrade to Perl 5.10
1864and check wether the leaks still show up. (Perl 5.10.0 has other annoying
1865mamleaks, such as leaking on C<map> and C<grep> but it is usually not as
1866pronounced).
1518 1867
1519 1868
1520=head1 SEE ALSO 1869=head1 SEE ALSO
1521 1870
1522Utility functions: L<AnyEvent::Util>. 1871Utility functions: L<AnyEvent::Util>.
1539Nontrivial usage examples: L<Net::FCP>, L<Net::XMPP2>, L<AnyEvent::DNS>. 1888Nontrivial usage examples: L<Net::FCP>, L<Net::XMPP2>, L<AnyEvent::DNS>.
1540 1889
1541 1890
1542=head1 AUTHOR 1891=head1 AUTHOR
1543 1892
1544 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 1893 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
1545 http://home.schmorp.de/ 1894 http://home.schmorp.de/
1546 1895
1547=cut 1896=cut
1548 1897
15491 18981
1550 1899

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