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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 and POE are various supported 5EV, Event, Glib, Tk, Perl, Event::Lib, Irssi, rxvt-unicode, IO::Async, Qt,
6event loops. 6FLTK and POE are various supported event loops/environments.
7 7
8=head1 SYNOPSIS 8=head1 SYNOPSIS
9 9
10 use AnyEvent; 10 use AnyEvent;
11 11
12 # if you prefer function calls, look at the AE manpage for
13 # an alternative API.
14
12 # file descriptor readable 15 # file handle or descriptor readable
13 my $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => $fh, poll => "r", cb => sub { ... }); 16 my $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => $fh, poll => "r", cb => sub { ... });
14 17
15 # one-shot or repeating timers 18 # one-shot or repeating timers
16 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, cb => sub { ... }); 19 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, cb => sub { ... });
17 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, interval => $seconds, cb => ... 20 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, interval => $seconds, cb => ...);
18 21
19 print AnyEvent->now; # prints current event loop time 22 print AnyEvent->now; # prints current event loop time
20 print AnyEvent->time; # think Time::HiRes::time or simply CORE::time. 23 print AnyEvent->time; # think Time::HiRes::time or simply CORE::time.
21 24
22 # POSIX signal 25 # POSIX signal
40=head1 INTRODUCTION/TUTORIAL 43=head1 INTRODUCTION/TUTORIAL
41 44
42This manpage is mainly a reference manual. If you are interested 45This manpage is mainly a reference manual. If you are interested
43in a tutorial or some gentle introduction, have a look at the 46in a tutorial or some gentle introduction, have a look at the
44L<AnyEvent::Intro> manpage. 47L<AnyEvent::Intro> manpage.
48
49=head1 SUPPORT
50
51An FAQ document is available as L<AnyEvent::FAQ>.
52
53There also is a mailinglist for discussing all things AnyEvent, and an IRC
54channel, too.
55
56See the AnyEvent project page at the B<Schmorpforge Ta-Sa Software
57Repository>, at L<http://anyevent.schmorp.de>, for more info.
45 58
46=head1 WHY YOU SHOULD USE THIS MODULE (OR NOT) 59=head1 WHY YOU SHOULD USE THIS MODULE (OR NOT)
47 60
48Glib, POE, IO::Async, Event... CPAN offers event models by the dozen 61Glib, POE, IO::Async, Event... CPAN offers event models by the dozen
49nowadays. So what is different about AnyEvent? 62nowadays. So what is different about AnyEvent?
65module users into the same thing by forcing them to use the same event 78module users into the same thing by forcing them to use the same event
66model you use. 79model you use.
67 80
68For modules like POE or IO::Async (which is a total misnomer as it is 81For modules like POE or IO::Async (which is a total misnomer as it is
69actually doing all I/O I<synchronously>...), using them in your module is 82actually doing all I/O I<synchronously>...), using them in your module is
70like joining a cult: After you joined, you are dependent on them and you 83like joining a cult: After you join, you are dependent on them and you
71cannot use anything else, as they are simply incompatible to everything 84cannot use anything else, as they are simply incompatible to everything
72that isn't them. What's worse, all the potential users of your 85that isn't them. What's worse, all the potential users of your
73module are I<also> forced to use the same event loop you use. 86module are I<also> forced to use the same event loop you use.
74 87
75AnyEvent is different: AnyEvent + POE works fine. AnyEvent + Glib works 88AnyEvent is different: AnyEvent + POE works fine. AnyEvent + Glib works
76fine. AnyEvent + Tk works fine etc. etc. but none of these work together 89fine. AnyEvent + Tk works fine etc. etc. but none of these work together
77with the rest: POE + IO::Async? No go. Tk + Event? No go. Again: if 90with the rest: POE + EV? No go. Tk + Event? No go. Again: if your module
78your module uses one of those, every user of your module has to use it, 91uses one of those, every user of your module has to use it, too. But if
79too. But if your module uses AnyEvent, it works transparently with all 92your module uses AnyEvent, it works transparently with all event models it
80event models it supports (including stuff like IO::Async, as long as those 93supports (including stuff like IO::Async, as long as those use one of the
81use one of the supported event loops. It is trivial to add new event loops 94supported event loops. It is easy to add new event loops to AnyEvent, too,
82to AnyEvent, too, so it is future-proof). 95so it is future-proof).
83 96
84In addition to being free of having to use I<the one and only true event 97In addition to being free of having to use I<the one and only true event
85model>, AnyEvent also is free of bloat and policy: with POE or similar 98model>, AnyEvent also is free of bloat and policy: with POE or similar
86modules, you get an enormous amount of code and strict rules you have to 99modules, you get an enormous amount of code and strict rules you have to
87follow. AnyEvent, on the other hand, is lean and up to the point, by only 100follow. AnyEvent, on the other hand, is lean and to the point, by only
88offering the functionality that is necessary, in as thin as a wrapper as 101offering the functionality that is necessary, in as thin as a wrapper as
89technically possible. 102technically possible.
90 103
91Of course, AnyEvent comes with a big (and fully optional!) toolbox 104Of course, AnyEvent comes with a big (and fully optional!) toolbox
92of useful functionality, such as an asynchronous DNS resolver, 100% 105of useful functionality, such as an asynchronous DNS resolver, 100%
98useful) and you want to force your users to use the one and only event 111useful) and you want to force your users to use the one and only event
99model, you should I<not> use this module. 112model, you should I<not> use this module.
100 113
101=head1 DESCRIPTION 114=head1 DESCRIPTION
102 115
103L<AnyEvent> provides an identical interface to multiple event loops. This 116L<AnyEvent> provides a uniform interface to various event loops. This
104allows module authors to utilise an event loop without forcing module 117allows module authors to use event loop functionality without forcing
105users to use the same event loop (as only a single event loop can coexist 118module users to use a specific event loop implementation (since more
106peacefully at any one time). 119than one event loop cannot coexist peacefully).
107 120
108The interface itself is vaguely similar, but not identical to the L<Event> 121The interface itself is vaguely similar, but not identical to the L<Event>
109module. 122module.
110 123
111During the first call of any watcher-creation method, the module tries 124During the first call of any watcher-creation method, the module tries
112to detect the currently loaded event loop by probing whether one of the 125to detect the currently loaded event loop by probing whether one of the
113following modules is already loaded: L<EV>, 126following modules is already loaded: L<EV>, L<AnyEvent::Loop>,
114L<Event>, L<Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, 127L<Event>, L<Glib>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, L<POE>. The first one
115L<POE>. The first one found is used. If none are found, the module tries 128found is used. If none are detected, the module tries to load the first
116to load these modules (excluding Tk, Event::Lib, Qt and POE as the pure perl 129four modules in the order given; but note that if L<EV> is not
117adaptor should always succeed) in the order given. The first one that can 130available, the pure-perl L<AnyEvent::Loop> should always work, so
118be successfully loaded will be used. If, after this, still none could be 131the other two are not normally tried.
119found, AnyEvent will fall back to a pure-perl event loop, which is not
120very efficient, but should work everywhere.
121 132
122Because AnyEvent first checks for modules that are already loaded, loading 133Because AnyEvent first checks for modules that are already loaded, loading
123an event model explicitly before first using AnyEvent will likely make 134an event model explicitly before first using AnyEvent will likely make
124that model the default. For example: 135that model the default. For example:
125 136
127 use AnyEvent; 138 use AnyEvent;
128 139
129 # .. AnyEvent will likely default to Tk 140 # .. AnyEvent will likely default to Tk
130 141
131The I<likely> means that, if any module loads another event model and 142The I<likely> means that, if any module loads another event model and
132starts using it, all bets are off. Maybe you should tell their authors to 143starts using it, all bets are off - this case should be very rare though,
133use AnyEvent so their modules work together with others seamlessly... 144as very few modules hardcode event loops without announcing this very
145loudly.
134 146
135The pure-perl implementation of AnyEvent is called 147The pure-perl implementation of AnyEvent is called C<AnyEvent::Loop>. Like
136C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>. Like other event modules you can load it 148other event modules you can load it explicitly and enjoy the high
137explicitly and enjoy the high availability of that event loop :) 149availability of that event loop :)
138 150
139=head1 WATCHERS 151=head1 WATCHERS
140 152
141AnyEvent has the central concept of a I<watcher>, which is an object that 153AnyEvent has the central concept of a I<watcher>, which is an object that
142stores relevant data for each kind of event you are waiting for, such as 154stores relevant data for each kind of event you are waiting for, such as
147callback when the event occurs (of course, only when the event model 159callback when the event occurs (of course, only when the event model
148is in control). 160is in control).
149 161
150Note that B<callbacks must not permanently change global variables> 162Note that B<callbacks must not permanently change global variables>
151potentially in use by the event loop (such as C<$_> or C<$[>) and that B<< 163potentially in use by the event loop (such as C<$_> or C<$[>) and that B<<
152callbacks must not C<die> >>. The former is good programming practise in 164callbacks must not C<die> >>. The former is good programming practice in
153Perl and the latter stems from the fact that exception handling differs 165Perl and the latter stems from the fact that exception handling differs
154widely between event loops. 166widely between event loops.
155 167
156To disable the watcher you have to destroy it (e.g. by setting the 168To disable a watcher you have to destroy it (e.g. by setting the
157variable you store it in to C<undef> or otherwise deleting all references 169variable you store it in to C<undef> or otherwise deleting all references
158to it). 170to it).
159 171
160All watchers are created by calling a method on the C<AnyEvent> class. 172All watchers are created by calling a method on the C<AnyEvent> class.
161 173
162Many watchers either are used with "recursion" (repeating timers for 174Many watchers either are used with "recursion" (repeating timers for
163example), or need to refer to their watcher object in other ways. 175example), or need to refer to their watcher object in other ways.
164 176
165An any way to achieve that is this pattern: 177One way to achieve that is this pattern:
166 178
167 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->type (arg => value ..., cb => sub { 179 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->type (arg => value ..., cb => sub {
168 # you can use $w here, for example to undef it 180 # you can use $w here, for example to undef it
169 undef $w; 181 undef $w;
170 }); 182 });
172Note that C<my $w; $w => combination. This is necessary because in Perl, 184Note that C<my $w; $w => combination. This is necessary because in Perl,
173my variables are only visible after the statement in which they are 185my variables are only visible after the statement in which they are
174declared. 186declared.
175 187
176=head2 I/O WATCHERS 188=head2 I/O WATCHERS
189
190 $w = AnyEvent->io (
191 fh => <filehandle_or_fileno>,
192 poll => <"r" or "w">,
193 cb => <callback>,
194 );
177 195
178You can create an I/O watcher by calling the C<< AnyEvent->io >> method 196You can create an I/O watcher by calling the C<< AnyEvent->io >> method
179with the following mandatory key-value pairs as arguments: 197with the following mandatory key-value pairs as arguments:
180 198
181C<fh> is the Perl I<file handle> (or a naked file descriptor) to watch 199C<fh> is the Perl I<file handle> (or a naked file descriptor) to watch
196 214
197The I/O watcher might use the underlying file descriptor or a copy of it. 215The I/O watcher might use the underlying file descriptor or a copy of it.
198You must not close a file handle as long as any watcher is active on the 216You must not close a file handle as long as any watcher is active on the
199underlying file descriptor. 217underlying file descriptor.
200 218
201Some event loops issue spurious readyness notifications, so you should 219Some event loops issue spurious readiness notifications, so you should
202always use non-blocking calls when reading/writing from/to your file 220always use non-blocking calls when reading/writing from/to your file
203handles. 221handles.
204 222
205Example: wait for readability of STDIN, then read a line and disable the 223Example: wait for readability of STDIN, then read a line and disable the
206watcher. 224watcher.
211 undef $w; 229 undef $w;
212 }); 230 });
213 231
214=head2 TIME WATCHERS 232=head2 TIME WATCHERS
215 233
234 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => <seconds>, cb => <callback>);
235
236 $w = AnyEvent->timer (
237 after => <fractional_seconds>,
238 interval => <fractional_seconds>,
239 cb => <callback>,
240 );
241
216You can create a time watcher by calling the C<< AnyEvent->timer >> 242You can create a time watcher by calling the C<< AnyEvent->timer >>
217method with the following mandatory arguments: 243method with the following mandatory arguments:
218 244
219C<after> specifies after how many seconds (fractional values are 245C<after> specifies after how many seconds (fractional values are
220supported) the callback should be invoked. C<cb> is the callback to invoke 246supported) the callback should be invoked. C<cb> is the callback to invoke
222 248
223Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 249Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
224presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent 250presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent
225callbacks cannot use arguments passed to time watcher callbacks. 251callbacks cannot use arguments passed to time watcher callbacks.
226 252
227The callback will normally be invoked once only. If you specify another 253The callback will normally be invoked only once. If you specify another
228parameter, C<interval>, as a strictly positive number (> 0), then the 254parameter, C<interval>, as a strictly positive number (> 0), then the
229callback will be invoked regularly at that interval (in fractional 255callback will be invoked regularly at that interval (in fractional
230seconds) after the first invocation. If C<interval> is specified with a 256seconds) after the first invocation. If C<interval> is specified with a
231false value, then it is treated as if it were missing. 257false value, then it is treated as if it were not specified at all.
232 258
233The callback will be rescheduled before invoking the callback, but no 259The callback will be rescheduled before invoking the callback, but no
234attempt is done to avoid timer drift in most backends, so the interval is 260attempt is made to avoid timer drift in most backends, so the interval is
235only approximate. 261only approximate.
236 262
237Example: fire an event after 7.7 seconds. 263Example: fire an event after 7.7 seconds.
238 264
239 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 7.7, cb => sub { 265 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 7.7, cb => sub {
257 283
258While most event loops expect timers to specified in a relative way, they 284While most event loops expect timers to specified in a relative way, they
259use absolute time internally. This makes a difference when your clock 285use absolute time internally. This makes a difference when your clock
260"jumps", for example, when ntp decides to set your clock backwards from 286"jumps", for example, when ntp decides to set your clock backwards from
261the wrong date of 2014-01-01 to 2008-01-01, a watcher that is supposed to 287the wrong date of 2014-01-01 to 2008-01-01, a watcher that is supposed to
262fire "after" a second might actually take six years to finally fire. 288fire "after a second" might actually take six years to finally fire.
263 289
264AnyEvent cannot compensate for this. The only event loop that is conscious 290AnyEvent cannot compensate for this. The only event loop that is conscious
265about these issues is L<EV>, which offers both relative (ev_timer, based 291of these issues is L<EV>, which offers both relative (ev_timer, based
266on true relative time) and absolute (ev_periodic, based on wallclock time) 292on true relative time) and absolute (ev_periodic, based on wallclock time)
267timers. 293timers.
268 294
269AnyEvent always prefers relative timers, if available, matching the 295AnyEvent always prefers relative timers, if available, matching the
270AnyEvent API. 296AnyEvent API.
292I<In almost all cases (in all cases if you don't care), this is the 318I<In almost all cases (in all cases if you don't care), this is the
293function to call when you want to know the current time.> 319function to call when you want to know the current time.>
294 320
295This function is also often faster then C<< AnyEvent->time >>, and 321This function is also often faster then C<< AnyEvent->time >>, and
296thus the preferred method if you want some timestamp (for example, 322thus the preferred method if you want some timestamp (for example,
297L<AnyEvent::Handle> uses this to update it's activity timeouts). 323L<AnyEvent::Handle> uses this to update its activity timeouts).
298 324
299The rest of this section is only of relevance if you try to be very exact 325The rest of this section is only of relevance if you try to be very exact
300with your timing, you can skip it without bad conscience. 326with your timing; you can skip it without a bad conscience.
301 327
302For a practical example of when these times differ, consider L<Event::Lib> 328For a practical example of when these times differ, consider L<Event::Lib>
303and L<EV> and the following set-up: 329and L<EV> and the following set-up:
304 330
305The event loop is running and has just invoked one of your callback at 331The event loop is running and has just invoked one of your callbacks at
306time=500 (assume no other callbacks delay processing). In your callback, 332time=500 (assume no other callbacks delay processing). In your callback,
307you wait a second by executing C<sleep 1> (blocking the process for a 333you wait a second by executing C<sleep 1> (blocking the process for a
308second) and then (at time=501) you create a relative timer that fires 334second) and then (at time=501) you create a relative timer that fires
309after three seconds. 335after three seconds.
310 336
330difference between C<< AnyEvent->time >> and C<< AnyEvent->now >> into 356difference between C<< AnyEvent->time >> and C<< AnyEvent->now >> into
331account. 357account.
332 358
333=item AnyEvent->now_update 359=item AnyEvent->now_update
334 360
335Some event loops (such as L<EV> or L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) cache 361Some event loops (such as L<EV> or L<AnyEvent::Loop>) cache the current
336the current time for each loop iteration (see the discussion of L<< 362time for each loop iteration (see the discussion of L<< AnyEvent->now >>,
337AnyEvent->now >>, above). 363above).
338 364
339When a callback runs for a long time (or when the process sleeps), then 365When a callback runs for a long time (or when the process sleeps), then
340this "current" time will differ substantially from the real time, which 366this "current" time will differ substantially from the real time, which
341might affect timers and time-outs. 367might affect timers and time-outs.
342 368
343When this is the case, you can call this method, which will update the 369When this is the case, you can call this method, which will update the
344event loop's idea of "current time". 370event loop's idea of "current time".
345 371
372A typical example would be a script in a web server (e.g. C<mod_perl>) -
373when mod_perl executes the script, then the event loop will have the wrong
374idea about the "current time" (being potentially far in the past, when the
375script ran the last time). In that case you should arrange a call to C<<
376AnyEvent->now_update >> each time the web server process wakes up again
377(e.g. at the start of your script, or in a handler).
378
346Note that updating the time I<might> cause some events to be handled. 379Note that updating the time I<might> cause some events to be handled.
347 380
348=back 381=back
349 382
350=head2 SIGNAL WATCHERS 383=head2 SIGNAL WATCHERS
384
385 $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => <uppercase_signal_name>, cb => <callback>);
351 386
352You can watch for signals using a signal watcher, C<signal> is the signal 387You can watch for signals using a signal watcher, C<signal> is the signal
353I<name> in uppercase and without any C<SIG> prefix, C<cb> is the Perl 388I<name> in uppercase and without any C<SIG> prefix, C<cb> is the Perl
354callback to be invoked whenever a signal occurs. 389callback to be invoked whenever a signal occurs.
355 390
361invocation, and callback invocation will be synchronous. Synchronous means 396invocation, and callback invocation will be synchronous. Synchronous means
362that it might take a while until the signal gets handled by the process, 397that it might take a while until the signal gets handled by the process,
363but it is guaranteed not to interrupt any other callbacks. 398but it is guaranteed not to interrupt any other callbacks.
364 399
365The main advantage of using these watchers is that you can share a signal 400The main advantage of using these watchers is that you can share a signal
366between multiple watchers. 401between multiple watchers, and AnyEvent will ensure that signals will not
402interrupt your program at bad times.
367 403
368This watcher might use C<%SIG>, so programs overwriting those signals 404This watcher might use C<%SIG> (depending on the event loop used),
369directly will likely not work correctly. 405so programs overwriting those signals directly will likely not work
406correctly.
370 407
371Example: exit on SIGINT 408Example: exit on SIGINT
372 409
373 my $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => "INT", cb => sub { exit 1 }); 410 my $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => "INT", cb => sub { exit 1 });
374 411
412=head3 Restart Behaviour
413
414While restart behaviour is up to the event loop implementation, most will
415not restart syscalls (that includes L<Async::Interrupt> and AnyEvent's
416pure perl implementation).
417
418=head3 Safe/Unsafe Signals
419
420Perl signals can be either "safe" (synchronous to opcode handling) or
421"unsafe" (asynchronous) - the former might get delayed indefinitely, the
422latter might corrupt your memory.
423
424AnyEvent signal handlers are, in addition, synchronous to the event loop,
425i.e. they will not interrupt your running perl program but will only be
426called as part of the normal event handling (just like timer, I/O etc.
427callbacks, too).
428
429=head3 Signal Races, Delays and Workarounds
430
431Many event loops (e.g. Glib, Tk, Qt, IO::Async) do not support attaching
432callbacks to signals in a generic way, which is a pity, as you cannot
433do race-free signal handling in perl, requiring C libraries for
434this. AnyEvent will try to do its best, which means in some cases,
435signals will be delayed. The maximum time a signal might be delayed is
436specified in C<$AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY> (default: 10 seconds). This
437variable can be changed only before the first signal watcher is created,
438and should be left alone otherwise. This variable determines how often
439AnyEvent polls for signals (in case a wake-up was missed). Higher values
440will cause fewer spurious wake-ups, which is better for power and CPU
441saving.
442
443All these problems can be avoided by installing the optional
444L<Async::Interrupt> module, which works with most event loops. It will not
445work with inherently broken event loops such as L<Event> or L<Event::Lib>
446(and not with L<POE> currently, as POE does its own workaround with
447one-second latency). For those, you just have to suffer the delays.
448
375=head2 CHILD PROCESS WATCHERS 449=head2 CHILD PROCESS WATCHERS
376 450
451 $w = AnyEvent->child (pid => <process id>, cb => <callback>);
452
377You can also watch on a child process exit and catch its exit status. 453You can also watch for a child process exit and catch its exit status.
378 454
379The child process is specified by the C<pid> argument (if set to C<0>, it 455The child process is specified by the C<pid> argument (on some backends,
380watches for any child process exit). The watcher will triggered only when 456using C<0> watches for any child process exit, on others this will
381the child process has finished and an exit status is available, not on 457croak). The watcher will be triggered only when the child process has
382any trace events (stopped/continued). 458finished and an exit status is available, not on any trace events
459(stopped/continued).
383 460
384The callback will be called with the pid and exit status (as returned by 461The callback will be called with the pid and exit status (as returned by
385waitpid), so unlike other watcher types, you I<can> rely on child watcher 462waitpid), so unlike other watcher types, you I<can> rely on child watcher
386callback arguments. 463callback arguments.
387 464
403 480
404This means you cannot create a child watcher as the very first 481This means you cannot create a child watcher as the very first
405thing in an AnyEvent program, you I<have> to create at least one 482thing in an AnyEvent program, you I<have> to create at least one
406watcher before you C<fork> the child (alternatively, you can call 483watcher before you C<fork> the child (alternatively, you can call
407C<AnyEvent::detect>). 484C<AnyEvent::detect>).
485
486As most event loops do not support waiting for child events, they will be
487emulated by AnyEvent in most cases, in which case the latency and race
488problems mentioned in the description of signal watchers apply.
408 489
409Example: fork a process and wait for it 490Example: fork a process and wait for it
410 491
411 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar; 492 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
412 493
424 # do something else, then wait for process exit 505 # do something else, then wait for process exit
425 $done->recv; 506 $done->recv;
426 507
427=head2 IDLE WATCHERS 508=head2 IDLE WATCHERS
428 509
429Sometimes there is a need to do something, but it is not so important 510 $w = AnyEvent->idle (cb => <callback>);
430to do it instantly, but only when there is nothing better to do. This
431"nothing better to do" is usually defined to be "no other events need
432attention by the event loop".
433 511
434Idle watchers ideally get invoked when the event loop has nothing 512This will repeatedly invoke the callback after the process becomes idle,
435better to do, just before it would block the process to wait for new 513until either the watcher is destroyed or new events have been detected.
436events. Instead of blocking, the idle watcher is invoked.
437 514
438Most event loops unfortunately do not really support idle watchers (only 515Idle watchers are useful when there is a need to do something, but it
516is not so important (or wise) to do it instantly. The callback will be
517invoked only when there is "nothing better to do", which is usually
518defined as "all outstanding events have been handled and no new events
519have been detected". That means that idle watchers ideally get invoked
520when the event loop has just polled for new events but none have been
521detected. Instead of blocking to wait for more events, the idle watchers
522will be invoked.
523
524Unfortunately, most event loops do not really support idle watchers (only
439EV, Event and Glib do it in a usable fashion) - for the rest, AnyEvent 525EV, Event and Glib do it in a usable fashion) - for the rest, AnyEvent
440will simply call the callback "from time to time". 526will simply call the callback "from time to time".
441 527
442Example: read lines from STDIN, but only process them when the 528Example: read lines from STDIN, but only process them when the
443program is otherwise idle: 529program is otherwise idle:
459 }); 545 });
460 }); 546 });
461 547
462=head2 CONDITION VARIABLES 548=head2 CONDITION VARIABLES
463 549
550 $cv = AnyEvent->condvar;
551
552 $cv->send (<list>);
553 my @res = $cv->recv;
554
464If you are familiar with some event loops you will know that all of them 555If you are familiar with some event loops you will know that all of them
465require you to run some blocking "loop", "run" or similar function that 556require you to run some blocking "loop", "run" or similar function that
466will actively watch for new events and call your callbacks. 557will actively watch for new events and call your callbacks.
467 558
468AnyEvent is slightly different: it expects somebody else to run the event 559AnyEvent is slightly different: it expects somebody else to run the event
469loop and will only block when necessary (usually when told by the user). 560loop and will only block when necessary (usually when told by the user).
470 561
471The instrument to do that is called a "condition variable", so called 562The tool to do that is called a "condition variable", so called because
472because they represent a condition that must become true. 563they represent a condition that must become true.
473 564
474Now is probably a good time to look at the examples further below. 565Now is probably a good time to look at the examples further below.
475 566
476Condition variables can be created by calling the C<< AnyEvent->condvar 567Condition variables can be created by calling the C<< AnyEvent->condvar
477>> method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is 568>> method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is
482After creation, the condition variable is "false" until it becomes "true" 573After creation, the condition variable is "false" until it becomes "true"
483by calling the C<send> method (or calling the condition variable as if it 574by calling the C<send> method (or calling the condition variable as if it
484were a callback, read about the caveats in the description for the C<< 575were a callback, read about the caveats in the description for the C<<
485->send >> method). 576->send >> method).
486 577
487Condition variables are similar to callbacks, except that you can 578Since condition variables are the most complex part of the AnyEvent API, here are
488optionally wait for them. They can also be called merge points - points 579some different mental models of what they are - pick the ones you can connect to:
489in time where multiple outstanding events have been processed. And yet 580
490another way to call them is transactions - each condition variable can be 581=over 4
491used to represent a transaction, which finishes at some point and delivers 582
492a result. 583=item * Condition variables are like callbacks - you can call them (and pass them instead
584of callbacks). Unlike callbacks however, you can also wait for them to be called.
585
586=item * Condition variables are signals - one side can emit or send them,
587the other side can wait for them, or install a handler that is called when
588the signal fires.
589
590=item * Condition variables are like "Merge Points" - points in your program
591where you merge multiple independent results/control flows into one.
592
593=item * Condition variables represent a transaction - functions that start
594some kind of transaction can return them, leaving the caller the choice
595between waiting in a blocking fashion, or setting a callback.
596
597=item * Condition variables represent future values, or promises to deliver
598some result, long before the result is available.
599
600=back
493 601
494Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has finished, 602Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has finished,
495for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http requests, 603for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http requests,
496then a condition variable would be the ideal candidate to signal the 604then a condition variable would be the ideal candidate to signal the
497availability of results. The user can either act when the callback is 605availability of results. The user can either act when the callback is
510 618
511Condition variables are represented by hash refs in perl, and the keys 619Condition variables are represented by hash refs in perl, and the keys
512used by AnyEvent itself are all named C<_ae_XXX> to make subclassing 620used by AnyEvent itself are all named C<_ae_XXX> to make subclassing
513easy (it is often useful to build your own transaction class on top of 621easy (it is often useful to build your own transaction class on top of
514AnyEvent). To subclass, use C<AnyEvent::CondVar> as base class and call 622AnyEvent). To subclass, use C<AnyEvent::CondVar> as base class and call
515it's C<new> method in your own C<new> method. 623its C<new> method in your own C<new> method.
516 624
517There are two "sides" to a condition variable - the "producer side" which 625There are two "sides" to a condition variable - the "producer side" which
518eventually calls C<< -> send >>, and the "consumer side", which waits 626eventually calls C<< -> send >>, and the "consumer side", which waits
519for the send to occur. 627for the send to occur.
520 628
521Example: wait for a timer. 629Example: wait for a timer.
522 630
523 # wait till the result is ready 631 # condition: "wait till the timer is fired"
524 my $result_ready = AnyEvent->condvar; 632 my $timer_fired = AnyEvent->condvar;
525 633
526 # do something such as adding a timer 634 # create the timer - we could wait for, say
527 # or socket watcher the calls $result_ready->send 635 # a handle becomign ready, or even an
528 # when the "result" is ready. 636 # AnyEvent::HTTP request to finish, but
529 # in this case, we simply use a timer: 637 # in this case, we simply use a timer:
530 my $w = AnyEvent->timer ( 638 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (
531 after => 1, 639 after => 1,
532 cb => sub { $result_ready->send }, 640 cb => sub { $timer_fired->send },
533 ); 641 );
534 642
535 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback 643 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback
536 # calls -<send 644 # calls ->send
537 $result_ready->recv; 645 $timer_fired->recv;
538 646
539Example: wait for a timer, but take advantage of the fact that condition 647Example: wait for a timer, but take advantage of the fact that condition
540variables are also callable directly. 648variables are also callable directly.
541 649
542 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar; 650 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
585they were a code reference). Calling them directly is the same as calling 693they were a code reference). Calling them directly is the same as calling
586C<send>. 694C<send>.
587 695
588=item $cv->croak ($error) 696=item $cv->croak ($error)
589 697
590Similar to send, but causes all call's to C<< ->recv >> to invoke 698Similar to send, but causes all calls to C<< ->recv >> to invoke
591C<Carp::croak> with the given error message/object/scalar. 699C<Carp::croak> with the given error message/object/scalar.
592 700
593This can be used to signal any errors to the condition variable 701This can be used to signal any errors to the condition variable
594user/consumer. Doing it this way instead of calling C<croak> directly 702user/consumer. Doing it this way instead of calling C<croak> directly
595delays the error detetcion, but has the overwhelmign advantage that it 703delays the error detection, but has the overwhelming advantage that it
596diagnoses the error at the place where the result is expected, and not 704diagnoses the error at the place where the result is expected, and not
597deep in some event clalback without connection to the actual code causing 705deep in some event callback with no connection to the actual code causing
598the problem. 706the problem.
599 707
600=item $cv->begin ([group callback]) 708=item $cv->begin ([group callback])
601 709
602=item $cv->end 710=item $cv->end
605one. For example, a function that pings many hosts in parallel might want 713one. For example, a function that pings many hosts in parallel might want
606to use a condition variable for the whole process. 714to use a condition variable for the whole process.
607 715
608Every call to C<< ->begin >> will increment a counter, and every call to 716Every call to C<< ->begin >> will increment a counter, and every call to
609C<< ->end >> will decrement it. If the counter reaches C<0> in C<< ->end 717C<< ->end >> will decrement it. If the counter reaches C<0> in C<< ->end
610>>, the (last) callback passed to C<begin> will be executed. That callback 718>>, the (last) callback passed to C<begin> will be executed, passing the
611is I<supposed> to call C<< ->send >>, but that is not required. If no 719condvar as first argument. That callback is I<supposed> to call C<< ->send
612callback was set, C<send> will be called without any arguments. 720>>, but that is not required. If no group callback was set, C<send> will
721be called without any arguments.
613 722
614You can think of C<< $cv->send >> giving you an OR condition (one call 723You can think of C<< $cv->send >> giving you an OR condition (one call
615sends), while C<< $cv->begin >> and C<< $cv->end >> giving you an AND 724sends), while C<< $cv->begin >> and C<< $cv->end >> giving you an AND
616condition (all C<begin> calls must be C<end>'ed before the condvar sends). 725condition (all C<begin> calls must be C<end>'ed before the condvar sends).
617 726
639one call to C<begin>, so the condvar waits for all calls to C<end> before 748one call to C<begin>, so the condvar waits for all calls to C<end> before
640sending. 749sending.
641 750
642The ping example mentioned above is slightly more complicated, as the 751The ping example mentioned above is slightly more complicated, as the
643there are results to be passwd back, and the number of tasks that are 752there are results to be passwd back, and the number of tasks that are
644begung can potentially be zero: 753begun can potentially be zero:
645 754
646 my $cv = AnyEvent->condvar; 755 my $cv = AnyEvent->condvar;
647 756
648 my %result; 757 my %result;
649 $cv->begin (sub { $cv->send (\%result) }); 758 $cv->begin (sub { shift->send (\%result) });
650 759
651 for my $host (@list_of_hosts) { 760 for my $host (@list_of_hosts) {
652 $cv->begin; 761 $cv->begin;
653 ping_host_then_call_callback $host, sub { 762 ping_host_then_call_callback $host, sub {
654 $result{$host} = ...; 763 $result{$host} = ...;
670to be called once the counter reaches C<0>, and second, it ensures that 779to be called once the counter reaches C<0>, and second, it ensures that
671C<send> is called even when C<no> hosts are being pinged (the loop 780C<send> is called even when C<no> hosts are being pinged (the loop
672doesn't execute once). 781doesn't execute once).
673 782
674This is the general pattern when you "fan out" into multiple (but 783This is the general pattern when you "fan out" into multiple (but
675potentially none) subrequests: use an outer C<begin>/C<end> pair to set 784potentially zero) subrequests: use an outer C<begin>/C<end> pair to set
676the callback and ensure C<end> is called at least once, and then, for each 785the callback and ensure C<end> is called at least once, and then, for each
677subrequest you start, call C<begin> and for each subrequest you finish, 786subrequest you start, call C<begin> and for each subrequest you finish,
678call C<end>. 787call C<end>.
679 788
680=back 789=back
687=over 4 796=over 4
688 797
689=item $cv->recv 798=item $cv->recv
690 799
691Wait (blocking if necessary) until the C<< ->send >> or C<< ->croak 800Wait (blocking if necessary) until the C<< ->send >> or C<< ->croak
692>> methods have been called on c<$cv>, while servicing other watchers 801>> methods have been called on C<$cv>, while servicing other watchers
693normally. 802normally.
694 803
695You can only wait once on a condition - additional calls are valid but 804You can only wait once on a condition - additional calls are valid but
696will return immediately. 805will return immediately.
697 806
714caller decide whether the call will block or not (for example, by coupling 823caller decide whether the call will block or not (for example, by coupling
715condition variables with some kind of request results and supporting 824condition variables with some kind of request results and supporting
716callbacks so the caller knows that getting the result will not block, 825callbacks so the caller knows that getting the result will not block,
717while still supporting blocking waits if the caller so desires). 826while still supporting blocking waits if the caller so desires).
718 827
719You can ensure that C<< -recv >> never blocks by setting a callback and 828You can ensure that C<< ->recv >> never blocks by setting a callback and
720only calling C<< ->recv >> from within that callback (or at a later 829only calling C<< ->recv >> from within that callback (or at a later
721time). This will work even when the event loop does not support blocking 830time). This will work even when the event loop does not support blocking
722waits otherwise. 831waits otherwise.
723 832
724=item $bool = $cv->ready 833=item $bool = $cv->ready
730 839
731This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and optionally 840This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and optionally
732replaces it before doing so. 841replaces it before doing so.
733 842
734The callback will be called when the condition becomes "true", i.e. when 843The callback will be called when the condition becomes "true", i.e. when
735C<send> or C<croak> are called, with the only argument being the condition 844C<send> or C<croak> are called, with the only argument being the
736variable itself. Calling C<recv> inside the callback or at any later time 845condition variable itself. If the condition is already true, the
737is guaranteed not to block. 846callback is called immediately when it is set. Calling C<recv> inside
847the callback or at any later time is guaranteed not to block.
738 848
739=back 849=back
740 850
741=head1 SUPPORTED EVENT LOOPS/BACKENDS 851=head1 SUPPORTED EVENT LOOPS/BACKENDS
742 852
745=over 4 855=over 4
746 856
747=item Backends that are autoprobed when no other event loop can be found. 857=item Backends that are autoprobed when no other event loop can be found.
748 858
749EV is the preferred backend when no other event loop seems to be in 859EV is the preferred backend when no other event loop seems to be in
750use. If EV is not installed, then AnyEvent will try Event, and, failing 860use. If EV is not installed, then AnyEvent will fall back to its own
751that, will fall back to its own pure-perl implementation, which is 861pure-perl implementation, which is available everywhere as it comes with
752available everywhere as it comes with AnyEvent itself. 862AnyEvent itself.
753 863
754 AnyEvent::Impl::EV based on EV (interface to libev, best choice). 864 AnyEvent::Impl::EV based on EV (interface to libev, best choice).
755 AnyEvent::Impl::Event based on Event, very stable, few glitches.
756 AnyEvent::Impl::Perl pure-perl implementation, fast and portable. 865 AnyEvent::Impl::Perl pure-perl AnyEvent::Loop, fast and portable.
757 866
758=item Backends that are transparently being picked up when they are used. 867=item Backends that are transparently being picked up when they are used.
759 868
760These will be used when they are currently loaded when the first watcher 869These will be used if they are already loaded when the first watcher
761is created, in which case it is assumed that the application is using 870is created, in which case it is assumed that the application is using
762them. This means that AnyEvent will automatically pick the right backend 871them. This means that AnyEvent will automatically pick the right backend
763when the main program loads an event module before anything starts to 872when the main program loads an event module before anything starts to
764create watchers. Nothing special needs to be done by the main program. 873create watchers. Nothing special needs to be done by the main program.
765 874
875 AnyEvent::Impl::Event based on Event, very stable, few glitches.
766 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib based on Glib, slow but very stable. 876 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib based on Glib, slow but very stable.
767 AnyEvent::Impl::Tk based on Tk, very broken. 877 AnyEvent::Impl::Tk based on Tk, very broken.
768 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib based on Event::Lib, leaks memory and worse. 878 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib based on Event::Lib, leaks memory and worse.
769 AnyEvent::Impl::POE based on POE, very slow, some limitations. 879 AnyEvent::Impl::POE based on POE, very slow, some limitations.
880 AnyEvent::Impl::Irssi used when running within irssi.
881 AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync based on IO::Async.
882 AnyEvent::Impl::Cocoa based on Cocoa::EventLoop.
883 AnyEvent::Impl::FLTK2 based on FLTK (fltk 2 binding).
770 884
771=item Backends with special needs. 885=item Backends with special needs.
772 886
773Qt requires the Qt::Application to be instantiated first, but will 887Qt requires the Qt::Application to be instantiated first, but will
774otherwise be picked up automatically. As long as the main program 888otherwise be picked up automatically. As long as the main program
775instantiates the application before any AnyEvent watchers are created, 889instantiates the application before any AnyEvent watchers are created,
776everything should just work. 890everything should just work.
777 891
778 AnyEvent::Impl::Qt based on Qt. 892 AnyEvent::Impl::Qt based on Qt.
779 893
780Support for IO::Async can only be partial, as it is too broken and
781architecturally limited to even support the AnyEvent API. It also
782is the only event loop that needs the loop to be set explicitly, so
783it can only be used by a main program knowing about AnyEvent. See
784L<AnyEvent::Impl::Async> for the gory details.
785
786 AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync based on IO::Async, cannot be autoprobed.
787
788=item Event loops that are indirectly supported via other backends. 894=item Event loops that are indirectly supported via other backends.
789 895
790Some event loops can be supported via other modules: 896Some event loops can be supported via other modules:
791 897
792There is no direct support for WxWidgets (L<Wx>) or L<Prima>. 898There is no direct support for WxWidgets (L<Wx>) or L<Prima>.
817Contains C<undef> until the first watcher is being created, before the 923Contains C<undef> until the first watcher is being created, before the
818backend has been autodetected. 924backend has been autodetected.
819 925
820Afterwards it contains the event model that is being used, which is the 926Afterwards it contains the event model that is being used, which is the
821name of the Perl class implementing the model. This class is usually one 927name of the Perl class implementing the model. This class is usually one
822of the C<AnyEvent::Impl:xxx> modules, but can be any other class in the 928of the C<AnyEvent::Impl::xxx> modules, but can be any other class in the
823case AnyEvent has been extended at runtime (e.g. in I<rxvt-unicode> it 929case AnyEvent has been extended at runtime (e.g. in I<rxvt-unicode> it
824will be C<urxvt::anyevent>). 930will be C<urxvt::anyevent>).
825 931
826=item AnyEvent::detect 932=item AnyEvent::detect
827 933
828Returns C<$AnyEvent::MODEL>, forcing autodetection of the event model 934Returns C<$AnyEvent::MODEL>, forcing autodetection of the event model
829if necessary. You should only call this function right before you would 935if necessary. You should only call this function right before you would
830have created an AnyEvent watcher anyway, that is, as late as possible at 936have created an AnyEvent watcher anyway, that is, as late as possible at
831runtime, and not e.g. while initialising of your module. 937runtime, and not e.g. during initialisation of your module.
938
939The effect of calling this function is as if a watcher had been created
940(specifically, actions that happen "when the first watcher is created"
941happen when calling detetc as well).
832 942
833If you need to do some initialisation before AnyEvent watchers are 943If you need to do some initialisation before AnyEvent watchers are
834created, use C<post_detect>. 944created, use C<post_detect>.
835 945
836=item $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK } 946=item $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }
837 947
838Arranges for the code block to be executed as soon as the event model is 948Arranges for the code block to be executed as soon as the event model is
839autodetected (or immediately if this has already happened). 949autodetected (or immediately if that has already happened).
840 950
841The block will be executed I<after> the actual backend has been detected 951The block will be executed I<after> the actual backend has been detected
842(C<$AnyEvent::MODEL> is set), but I<before> any watchers have been 952(C<$AnyEvent::MODEL> is set), but I<before> any watchers have been
843created, so it is possible to e.g. patch C<@AnyEvent::ISA> or do 953created, so it is possible to e.g. patch C<@AnyEvent::ISA> or do
844other initialisations - see the sources of L<AnyEvent::Strict> or 954other initialisations - see the sources of L<AnyEvent::Strict> or
848event module detection too early, for example, L<AnyEvent::AIO> creates 958event module detection too early, for example, L<AnyEvent::AIO> creates
849and installs the global L<IO::AIO> watcher in a C<post_detect> block to 959and installs the global L<IO::AIO> watcher in a C<post_detect> block to
850avoid autodetecting the event module at load time. 960avoid autodetecting the event module at load time.
851 961
852If called in scalar or list context, then it creates and returns an object 962If called in scalar or list context, then it creates and returns an object
853that automatically removes the callback again when it is destroyed. See 963that automatically removes the callback again when it is destroyed (or
964C<undef> when the hook was immediately executed). See L<AnyEvent::AIO> for
854L<Coro::BDB> for a case where this is useful. 965a case where this is useful.
966
967Example: Create a watcher for the IO::AIO module and store it in
968C<$WATCHER>, but do so only do so after the event loop is initialised.
969
970 our WATCHER;
971
972 my $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect {
973 $WATCHER = AnyEvent->io (fh => IO::AIO::poll_fileno, poll => 'r', cb => \&IO::AIO::poll_cb);
974 };
975
976 # the ||= is important in case post_detect immediately runs the block,
977 # as to not clobber the newly-created watcher. assigning both watcher and
978 # post_detect guard to the same variable has the advantage of users being
979 # able to just C<undef $WATCHER> if the watcher causes them grief.
980
981 $WATCHER ||= $guard;
855 982
856=item @AnyEvent::post_detect 983=item @AnyEvent::post_detect
857 984
858If there are any code references in this array (you can C<push> to it 985If there are any code references in this array (you can C<push> to it
859before or after loading AnyEvent), then they will called directly after 986before or after loading AnyEvent), then they will be called directly
860the event loop has been chosen. 987after the event loop has been chosen.
861 988
862You should check C<$AnyEvent::MODEL> before adding to this array, though: 989You should check C<$AnyEvent::MODEL> before adding to this array, though:
863if it is defined then the event loop has already been detected, and the 990if it is defined then the event loop has already been detected, and the
864array will be ignored. 991array will be ignored.
865 992
866Best use C<AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }> when your application allows 993Best use C<AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }> when your application allows
867it,as it takes care of these details. 994it, as it takes care of these details.
868 995
869This variable is mainly useful for modules that can do something useful 996This variable is mainly useful for modules that can do something useful
870when AnyEvent is used and thus want to know when it is initialised, but do 997when AnyEvent is used and thus want to know when it is initialised, but do
871not need to even load it by default. This array provides the means to hook 998not need to even load it by default. This array provides the means to hook
872into AnyEvent passively, without loading it. 999into AnyEvent passively, without loading it.
873 1000
1001Example: To load Coro::AnyEvent whenever Coro and AnyEvent are used
1002together, you could put this into Coro (this is the actual code used by
1003Coro to accomplish this):
1004
1005 if (defined $AnyEvent::MODEL) {
1006 # AnyEvent already initialised, so load Coro::AnyEvent
1007 require Coro::AnyEvent;
1008 } else {
1009 # AnyEvent not yet initialised, so make sure to load Coro::AnyEvent
1010 # as soon as it is
1011 push @AnyEvent::post_detect, sub { require Coro::AnyEvent };
1012 }
1013
1014=item AnyEvent::postpone { BLOCK }
1015
1016Arranges for the block to be executed as soon as possible, but not before
1017the call itself returns. In practise, the block will be executed just
1018before the event loop polls for new events, or shortly afterwards.
1019
1020This function never returns anything (to make the C<return postpone { ...
1021}> idiom more useful.
1022
1023To understand the usefulness of this function, consider a function that
1024asynchronously does something for you and returns some transaction
1025object or guard to let you cancel the operation. For example,
1026C<AnyEvent::Socket::tcp_connect>:
1027
1028 # start a conenction attempt unless one is active
1029 $self->{connect_guard} ||= AnyEvent::Socket::tcp_connect "www.example.net", 80, sub {
1030 delete $self->{connect_guard};
1031 ...
1032 };
1033
1034Imagine that this function could instantly call the callback, for
1035example, because it detects an obvious error such as a negative port
1036number. Invoking the callback before the function returns causes problems
1037however: the callback will be called and will try to delete the guard
1038object. But since the function hasn't returned yet, there is nothing to
1039delete. When the function eventually returns it will assign the guard
1040object to C<< $self->{connect_guard} >>, where it will likely never be
1041deleted, so the program thinks it is still trying to connect.
1042
1043This is where C<AnyEvent::postpone> should be used. Instead of calling the
1044callback directly on error:
1045
1046 $cb->(undef), return # signal error to callback, BAD!
1047 if $some_error_condition;
1048
1049It should use C<postpone>:
1050
1051 AnyEvent::postpone { $cb->(undef) }, return # signal error to callback, later
1052 if $some_error_condition;
1053
1054=item AnyEvent::log $level, $msg[, @args]
1055
1056Log the given C<$msg> at the given C<$level>.
1057
1058Loads AnyEvent::Log on first use and calls C<AnyEvent::Log::log> -
1059consequently, look at the L<AnyEvent::Log> documentation for details.
1060
1061If you want to sprinkle loads of logging calls around your code, consider
1062creating a logger callback with the C<AnyEvent::Log::logger> function.
1063
874=back 1064=back
875 1065
876=head1 WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE 1066=head1 WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE
877 1067
878As a module author, you should C<use AnyEvent> and call AnyEvent methods 1068As a module author, you should C<use AnyEvent> and call AnyEvent methods
888because it will stall the whole program, and the whole point of using 1078because it will stall the whole program, and the whole point of using
889events is to stay interactive. 1079events is to stay interactive.
890 1080
891It is fine, however, to call C<< ->recv >> when the user of your module 1081It is fine, however, to call C<< ->recv >> when the user of your module
892requests it (i.e. if you create a http request object ad have a method 1082requests it (i.e. if you create a http request object ad have a method
893called C<results> that returns the results, it should call C<< ->recv >> 1083called C<results> that returns the results, it may call C<< ->recv >>
894freely, as the user of your module knows what she is doing. always). 1084freely, as the user of your module knows what she is doing. Always).
895 1085
896=head1 WHAT TO DO IN THE MAIN PROGRAM 1086=head1 WHAT TO DO IN THE MAIN PROGRAM
897 1087
898There will always be a single main program - the only place that should 1088There will always be a single main program - the only place that should
899dictate which event model to use. 1089dictate which event model to use.
900 1090
901If it doesn't care, it can just "use AnyEvent" and use it itself, or not 1091If the program is not event-based, it need not do anything special, even
902do anything special (it does not need to be event-based) and let AnyEvent 1092when it depends on a module that uses an AnyEvent. If the program itself
903decide which implementation to chose if some module relies on it. 1093uses AnyEvent, but does not care which event loop is used, all it needs
1094to do is C<use AnyEvent>. In either case, AnyEvent will choose the best
1095available loop implementation.
904 1096
905If the main program relies on a specific event model - for example, in 1097If the main program relies on a specific event model - for example, in
906Gtk2 programs you have to rely on the Glib module - you should load the 1098Gtk2 programs you have to rely on the Glib module - you should load the
907event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it: generally 1099event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it: generally
908speaking, you should load it as early as possible. The reason is that 1100speaking, you should load it as early as possible. The reason is that
909modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent will 1101modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent will
910decide on the event model to use as soon as it creates watchers, and it 1102decide on the event model to use as soon as it creates watchers, and it
911might chose the wrong one unless you load the correct one yourself. 1103might choose the wrong one unless you load the correct one yourself.
912 1104
913You can chose to use a pure-perl implementation by loading the 1105You can chose to use a pure-perl implementation by loading the
914C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl> module, which gives you similar behaviour 1106C<AnyEvent::Loop> module, which gives you similar behaviour
915everywhere, but letting AnyEvent chose the model is generally better. 1107everywhere, but letting AnyEvent chose the model is generally better.
916 1108
917=head2 MAINLOOP EMULATION 1109=head2 MAINLOOP EMULATION
918 1110
919Sometimes (often for short test scripts, or even standalone programs who 1111Sometimes (often for short test scripts, or even standalone programs who
932 1124
933 1125
934=head1 OTHER MODULES 1126=head1 OTHER MODULES
935 1127
936The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use 1128The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use
937AnyEvent as a client and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent 1129AnyEvent as a client and can therefore be mixed easily with other
938modules and other event loops in the same program. Some of the modules 1130AnyEvent modules and other event loops in the same program. Some of the
939come with AnyEvent, most are available via CPAN. 1131modules come as part of AnyEvent, the others are available via CPAN (see
1132L<http://search.cpan.org/search?m=module&q=anyevent%3A%3A*> for
1133a longer non-exhaustive list), and the list is heavily biased towards
1134modules of the AnyEvent author himself :)
940 1135
941=over 4 1136=over 4
942 1137
943=item L<AnyEvent::Util> 1138=item L<AnyEvent::Util>
944 1139
945Contains various utility functions that replace often-used but blocking 1140Contains various utility functions that replace often-used blocking
946functions such as C<inet_aton> by event-/callback-based versions. 1141functions such as C<inet_aton> with event/callback-based versions.
947 1142
948=item L<AnyEvent::Socket> 1143=item L<AnyEvent::Socket>
949 1144
950Provides various utility functions for (internet protocol) sockets, 1145Provides various utility functions for (internet protocol) sockets,
951addresses and name resolution. Also functions to create non-blocking tcp 1146addresses and name resolution. Also functions to create non-blocking tcp
953 1148
954=item L<AnyEvent::Handle> 1149=item L<AnyEvent::Handle>
955 1150
956Provide read and write buffers, manages watchers for reads and writes, 1151Provide read and write buffers, manages watchers for reads and writes,
957supports raw and formatted I/O, I/O queued and fully transparent and 1152supports raw and formatted I/O, I/O queued and fully transparent and
958non-blocking SSL/TLS (via L<AnyEvent::TLS>. 1153non-blocking SSL/TLS (via L<AnyEvent::TLS>).
959 1154
960=item L<AnyEvent::DNS> 1155=item L<AnyEvent::DNS>
961 1156
962Provides rich asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities. 1157Provides rich asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities.
963 1158
1159=item L<AnyEvent::HTTP>, L<AnyEvent::IRC>, L<AnyEvent::XMPP>, L<AnyEvent::GPSD>, L<AnyEvent::IGS>, L<AnyEvent::FCP>
1160
1161Implement event-based interfaces to the protocols of the same name (for
1162the curious, IGS is the International Go Server and FCP is the Freenet
1163Client Protocol).
1164
1165=item L<AnyEvent::Handle::UDP>
1166
1167Here be danger!
1168
1169As Pauli would put it, "Not only is it not right, it's not even wrong!" -
1170there are so many things wrong with AnyEvent::Handle::UDP, most notably
1171its use of a stream-based API with a protocol that isn't streamable, that
1172the only way to improve it is to delete it.
1173
1174It features data corruption (but typically only under load) and general
1175confusion. On top, the author is not only clueless about UDP but also
1176fact-resistant - some gems of his understanding: "connect doesn't work
1177with UDP", "UDP packets are not IP packets", "UDP only has datagrams, not
1178packets", "I don't need to implement proper error checking as UDP doesn't
1179support error checking" and so on - he doesn't even understand what's
1180wrong with his module when it is explained to him.
1181
964=item L<AnyEvent::HTTP> 1182=item L<AnyEvent::DBI>
965 1183
966A simple-to-use HTTP library that is capable of making a lot of concurrent 1184Executes L<DBI> requests asynchronously in a proxy process for you,
967HTTP requests. 1185notifying you in an event-based way when the operation is finished.
1186
1187=item L<AnyEvent::AIO>
1188
1189Truly asynchronous (as opposed to non-blocking) I/O, should be in the
1190toolbox of every event programmer. AnyEvent::AIO transparently fuses
1191L<IO::AIO> and AnyEvent together, giving AnyEvent access to event-based
1192file I/O, and much more.
968 1193
969=item L<AnyEvent::HTTPD> 1194=item L<AnyEvent::HTTPD>
970 1195
971Provides a simple web application server framework. 1196A simple embedded webserver.
972 1197
973=item L<AnyEvent::FastPing> 1198=item L<AnyEvent::FastPing>
974 1199
975The fastest ping in the west. 1200The fastest ping in the west.
976 1201
977=item L<AnyEvent::DBI>
978
979Executes L<DBI> requests asynchronously in a proxy process.
980
981=item L<AnyEvent::AIO>
982
983Truly asynchronous I/O, should be in the toolbox of every event
984programmer. AnyEvent::AIO transparently fuses L<IO::AIO> and AnyEvent
985together.
986
987=item L<AnyEvent::BDB>
988
989Truly asynchronous Berkeley DB access. AnyEvent::BDB transparently fuses
990L<BDB> and AnyEvent together.
991
992=item L<AnyEvent::GPSD>
993
994A non-blocking interface to gpsd, a daemon delivering GPS information.
995
996=item L<AnyEvent::IRC>
997
998AnyEvent based IRC client module family (replacing the older Net::IRC3).
999
1000=item L<AnyEvent::XMPP>
1001
1002AnyEvent based XMPP (Jabber protocol) module family (replacing the older
1003Net::XMPP2>.
1004
1005=item L<AnyEvent::IGS>
1006
1007A non-blocking interface to the Internet Go Server protocol (used by
1008L<App::IGS>).
1009
1010=item L<Net::FCP>
1011
1012AnyEvent-based implementation of the Freenet Client Protocol, birthplace
1013of AnyEvent.
1014
1015=item L<Event::ExecFlow>
1016
1017High level API for event-based execution flow control.
1018
1019=item L<Coro> 1202=item L<Coro>
1020 1203
1021Has special support for AnyEvent via L<Coro::AnyEvent>. 1204Has special support for AnyEvent via L<Coro::AnyEvent>.
1022 1205
1023=back 1206=back
1024 1207
1025=cut 1208=cut
1026 1209
1027package AnyEvent; 1210package AnyEvent;
1028 1211
1029no warnings; 1212# basically a tuned-down version of common::sense
1030use strict qw(vars subs); 1213sub common_sense {
1214 # from common:.sense 3.4
1215 ${^WARNING_BITS} ^= ${^WARNING_BITS} ^ "\x3c\x3f\x33\x00\x0f\xf0\x0f\xc0\xf0\xfc\x33\x00";
1216 # use strict vars subs - NO UTF-8, as Util.pm doesn't like this atm. (uts46data.pl)
1217 $^H |= 0x00000600;
1218}
1219
1220BEGIN { AnyEvent::common_sense }
1031 1221
1032use Carp (); 1222use Carp ();
1033 1223
1034our $VERSION = 4.83; 1224our $VERSION = '6.01';
1035our $MODEL; 1225our $MODEL;
1036 1226
1037our $AUTOLOAD;
1038our @ISA; 1227our @ISA;
1039 1228
1040our @REGISTRY; 1229our @REGISTRY;
1041 1230
1042our $WIN32; 1231our $VERBOSE;
1043 1232
1044BEGIN { 1233BEGIN {
1045 eval "sub WIN32(){ " . (($^O =~ /mswin32/i)*1) ." }"; 1234 require "AnyEvent/constants.pl";
1235
1046 eval "sub TAINT(){ " . (${^TAINT}*1) . " }"; 1236 eval "sub TAINT (){" . (${^TAINT}*1) . "}";
1047 1237
1048 delete @ENV{grep /^PERL_ANYEVENT_/, keys %ENV} 1238 delete @ENV{grep /^PERL_ANYEVENT_/, keys %ENV}
1049 if ${^TAINT}; 1239 if ${^TAINT};
1050}
1051 1240
1241 $ENV{"PERL_ANYEVENT_$_"} = $ENV{"AE_$_"}
1242 for grep s/^AE_// && !exists $ENV{"PERL_ANYEVENT_$_"}, keys %ENV;
1243
1244 @ENV{grep /^PERL_ANYEVENT_/, keys %ENV} = ()
1245 if ${^TAINT};
1246
1052our $verbose = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}*1; 1247 $VERBOSE = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}*1;
1248}
1249
1250our $MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY = 10;
1053 1251
1054our %PROTOCOL; # (ipv4|ipv6) => (1|2), higher numbers are preferred 1252our %PROTOCOL; # (ipv4|ipv6) => (1|2), higher numbers are preferred
1055 1253
1056{ 1254{
1057 my $idx; 1255 my $idx;
1058 $PROTOCOL{$_} = ++$idx 1256 $PROTOCOL{$_} = ++$idx
1059 for reverse split /\s*,\s*/, 1257 for reverse split /\s*,\s*/,
1060 $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS} || "ipv4,ipv6"; 1258 $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS} || "ipv4,ipv6";
1061} 1259}
1062 1260
1261our @post_detect;
1262
1263sub post_detect(&) {
1264 my ($cb) = @_;
1265
1266 push @post_detect, $cb;
1267
1268 defined wantarray
1269 ? bless \$cb, "AnyEvent::Util::postdetect"
1270 : ()
1271}
1272
1273sub AnyEvent::Util::postdetect::DESTROY {
1274 @post_detect = grep $_ != ${$_[0]}, @post_detect;
1275}
1276
1277our $POSTPONE_W;
1278our @POSTPONE;
1279
1280sub _postpone_exec {
1281 undef $POSTPONE_W;
1282
1283 &{ shift @POSTPONE }
1284 while @POSTPONE;
1285}
1286
1287sub postpone(&) {
1288 push @POSTPONE, shift;
1289
1290 $POSTPONE_W ||= AE::timer (0, 0, \&_postpone_exec);
1291
1292 ()
1293}
1294
1295sub log($$;@) {
1296 # only load the bug bloated module when we actually are about to log something
1297 if ($_[0] <= $VERBOSE) {
1298 require AnyEvent::Log;
1299 # AnyEvent::Log overwrites this function
1300 goto &log;
1301 }
1302}
1303
1304if (length $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_LOG}) {
1305 require AnyEvent::Log; # AnyEvent::Log does the thing for us
1306}
1307
1063my @models = ( 1308our @models = (
1064 [EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EV::], 1309 [EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EV:: , 1],
1065 [Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Event::], 1310 [AnyEvent::Loop:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: , 1],
1066 [AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Perl::],
1067 # everything below here will not be autoprobed 1311 # everything below here will not (normally) be autoprobed
1068 # as the pureperl backend should work everywhere 1312 # as the pure perl backend should work everywhere
1069 # and is usually faster 1313 # and is usually faster
1314 [Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Event::, 1],
1070 [Glib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Glib::], # becomes extremely slow with many watchers 1315 [Glib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Glib:: , 1], # becomes extremely slow with many watchers
1071 [Event::Lib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib::], # too buggy 1316 [Event::Lib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib::], # too buggy
1317 [Irssi:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Irssi::], # Irssi has a bogus "Event" package
1072 [Tk:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Tk::], # crashes with many handles 1318 [Tk:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Tk::], # crashes with many handles
1073 [Qt:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Qt::], # requires special main program 1319 [Qt:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Qt::], # requires special main program
1074 [POE::Kernel:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], # lasciate ogni speranza 1320 [POE::Kernel:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], # lasciate ogni speranza
1075 [Wx:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], 1321 [Wx:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
1076 [Prima:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], 1322 [Prima:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
1077 # IO::Async is just too broken - we would need workarounds for its 1323 [IO::Async::Loop:: => AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync::], # a bitch to autodetect
1078 # byzantine signal and broken child handling, among others. 1324 [Cocoa::EventLoop:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Cocoa::],
1079 # IO::Async is rather hard to detect, as it doesn't have any 1325 [FLTK:: => AnyEvent::Impl::FLTK2::],
1080 # obvious default class.
1081# [IO::Async:: => AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync::], # requires special main program
1082# [IO::Async::Loop:: => AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync::], # requires special main program
1083# [IO::Async::Notifier:: => AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync::], # requires special main program
1084); 1326);
1085 1327
1086our %method = map +($_ => 1), 1328our @isa_hook;
1329
1330sub _isa_set {
1331 my @pkg = ("AnyEvent", (map $_->[0], grep defined, @isa_hook), $MODEL);
1332
1333 @{"$pkg[$_-1]::ISA"} = $pkg[$_]
1334 for 1 .. $#pkg;
1335
1336 grep $_ && $_->[1], @isa_hook
1337 and AE::_reset ();
1338}
1339
1340# used for hooking AnyEvent::Strict and AnyEvent::Debug::Wrap into the class hierarchy
1341sub _isa_hook($$;$) {
1342 my ($i, $pkg, $reset_ae) = @_;
1343
1344 $isa_hook[$i] = $pkg ? [$pkg, $reset_ae] : undef;
1345
1346 _isa_set;
1347}
1348
1349# all autoloaded methods reserve the complete glob, not just the method slot.
1350# due to bugs in perls method cache implementation.
1087 qw(io timer time now now_update signal child idle condvar one_event DESTROY); 1351our @methods = qw(io timer time now now_update signal child idle condvar);
1088 1352
1089our @post_detect;
1090
1091sub post_detect(&) { 1353sub detect() {
1092 my ($cb) = @_; 1354 return $MODEL if $MODEL; # some programs keep references to detect
1093 1355
1094 if ($MODEL) { 1356 local $!; # for good measure
1095 $cb->(); 1357 local $SIG{__DIE__}; # we use eval
1096 1358
1097 1 1359 # free some memory
1360 *detect = sub () { $MODEL };
1361 # undef &func doesn't correctly update the method cache. grmbl.
1362 # so we delete the whole glob. grmbl.
1363 # otoh, perl doesn't let me undef an active usb, but it lets me free
1364 # a glob with an active sub. hrm. i hope it works, but perl is
1365 # usually buggy in this department. sigh.
1366 delete @{"AnyEvent::"}{@methods};
1367 undef @methods;
1368
1369 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} =~ /^([a-zA-Z0-9:]+)$/) {
1370 my $model = $1;
1371 $model = "AnyEvent::Impl::$model" unless $model =~ s/::$//;
1372 if (eval "require $model") {
1373 AnyEvent::log 7 => "loaded model '$model' (forced by \$ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL}), using it.";
1374 $MODEL = $model;
1098 } else { 1375 } else {
1099 push @post_detect, $cb; 1376 AnyEvent::log warn => "unable to load model '$model' (from \$ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL}):\n$@";
1100 1377 }
1101 defined wantarray
1102 ? bless \$cb, "AnyEvent::Util::postdetect"
1103 : ()
1104 } 1378 }
1105}
1106 1379
1107sub AnyEvent::Util::postdetect::DESTROY { 1380 # check for already loaded models
1108 @post_detect = grep $_ != ${$_[0]}, @post_detect;
1109}
1110
1111sub detect() {
1112 unless ($MODEL) { 1381 unless ($MODEL) {
1113 no strict 'refs'; 1382 for (@REGISTRY, @models) {
1114 local $SIG{__DIE__}; 1383 my ($package, $model) = @$_;
1115 1384 if (${"$package\::VERSION"} > 0) {
1116 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} =~ /^([a-zA-Z]+)$/) {
1117 my $model = "AnyEvent::Impl::$1";
1118 if (eval "require $model") { 1385 if (eval "require $model") {
1386 AnyEvent::log 7 => "autodetected model '$model', using it.";
1119 $MODEL = $model; 1387 $MODEL = $model;
1120 warn "AnyEvent: loaded model '$model' (forced by \$ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL}), using it.\n" if $verbose > 1; 1388 last;
1121 } else { 1389 }
1122 warn "AnyEvent: unable to load model '$model' (from \$ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL}):\n$@" if $verbose;
1123 } 1390 }
1124 } 1391 }
1125 1392
1126 # check for already loaded models
1127 unless ($MODEL) { 1393 unless ($MODEL) {
1394 # try to autoload a model
1128 for (@REGISTRY, @models) { 1395 for (@REGISTRY, @models) {
1129 my ($package, $model) = @$_; 1396 my ($package, $model, $autoload) = @$_;
1397 if (
1398 $autoload
1399 and eval "require $package"
1130 if (${"$package\::VERSION"} > 0) { 1400 and ${"$package\::VERSION"} > 0
1131 if (eval "require $model") { 1401 and eval "require $model"
1402 ) {
1403 AnyEvent::log 7 => "autoloaded model '$model', using it.";
1132 $MODEL = $model; 1404 $MODEL = $model;
1133 warn "AnyEvent: autodetected model '$model', using it.\n" if $verbose > 1;
1134 last; 1405 last;
1135 }
1136 } 1406 }
1137 } 1407 }
1138 1408
1139 unless ($MODEL) {
1140 # try to load a model
1141
1142 for (@REGISTRY, @models) {
1143 my ($package, $model) = @$_;
1144 if (eval "require $package"
1145 and ${"$package\::VERSION"} > 0
1146 and eval "require $model") {
1147 $MODEL = $model;
1148 warn "AnyEvent: autoprobed model '$model', using it.\n" if $verbose > 1;
1149 last;
1150 }
1151 }
1152
1153 $MODEL 1409 $MODEL
1154 or die "No event module selected for AnyEvent and autodetect failed. Install any one of these modules: EV, Event or Glib.\n"; 1410 or die "AnyEvent: backend autodetection failed - did you properly install AnyEvent?";
1155 }
1156 } 1411 }
1157
1158 push @{"$MODEL\::ISA"}, "AnyEvent::Base";
1159
1160 unshift @ISA, $MODEL;
1161
1162 require AnyEvent::Strict if $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT};
1163
1164 (shift @post_detect)->() while @post_detect;
1165 } 1412 }
1166 1413
1414 # free memory only needed for probing
1415 undef @models;
1416 undef @REGISTRY;
1417
1418 push @{"$MODEL\::ISA"}, "AnyEvent::Base";
1419
1420 # now nuke some methods that are overridden by the backend.
1421 # SUPER usage is not allowed in these.
1422 for (qw(time signal child idle)) {
1423 undef &{"AnyEvent::Base::$_"}
1424 if defined &{"$MODEL\::$_"};
1425 }
1426
1427 _isa_set;
1428
1429 # we're officially open!
1430
1431 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT}) {
1432 require AnyEvent::Strict;
1433 }
1434
1435 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_DEBUG_WRAP}) {
1436 require AnyEvent::Debug;
1437 AnyEvent::Debug::wrap ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_DEBUG_WRAP});
1438 }
1439
1440 if (length $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_DEBUG_SHELL}) {
1441 require AnyEvent::Socket;
1442 require AnyEvent::Debug;
1443
1444 my $shell = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_DEBUG_SHELL};
1445 $shell =~ s/\$\$/$$/g;
1446
1447 my ($host, $service) = AnyEvent::Socket::parse_hostport ($shell);
1448 $AnyEvent::Debug::SHELL = AnyEvent::Debug::shell ($host, $service);
1449 }
1450
1451 # now the anyevent environment is set up as the user told us to, so
1452 # call the actual user code - post detects
1453
1454 (shift @post_detect)->() while @post_detect;
1455 undef @post_detect;
1456
1457 *post_detect = sub(&) {
1458 shift->();
1459
1460 undef
1461 };
1462
1167 $MODEL 1463 $MODEL
1168} 1464}
1169 1465
1170sub AUTOLOAD { 1466for my $name (@methods) {
1171 (my $func = $AUTOLOAD) =~ s/.*://; 1467 *$name = sub {
1172 1468 detect;
1173 $method{$func} 1469 # we use goto because
1174 or Carp::croak "$func: not a valid method for AnyEvent objects"; 1470 # a) it makes the thunk more transparent
1175 1471 # b) it allows us to delete the thunk later
1176 detect unless $MODEL; 1472 goto &{ UNIVERSAL::can AnyEvent => "SUPER::$name" }
1177 1473 };
1178 my $class = shift;
1179 $class->$func (@_);
1180} 1474}
1181 1475
1182# utility function to dup a filehandle. this is used by many backends 1476# utility function to dup a filehandle. this is used by many backends
1183# to support binding more than one watcher per filehandle (they usually 1477# to support binding more than one watcher per filehandle (they usually
1184# allow only one watcher per fd, so we dup it to get a different one). 1478# allow only one watcher per fd, so we dup it to get a different one).
1185sub _dupfh($$;$$) { 1479sub _dupfh($$;$$) {
1186 my ($poll, $fh, $r, $w) = @_; 1480 my ($poll, $fh, $r, $w) = @_;
1187 1481
1188 # cygwin requires the fh mode to be matching, unix doesn't 1482 # cygwin requires the fh mode to be matching, unix doesn't
1189 my ($rw, $mode) = $poll eq "r" ? ($r, "<") : ($w, ">"); 1483 my ($rw, $mode) = $poll eq "r" ? ($r, "<&") : ($w, ">&");
1190 1484
1191 open my $fh2, "$mode&", $fh 1485 open my $fh2, $mode, $fh
1192 or die "AnyEvent->io: cannot dup() filehandle in mode '$poll': $!,"; 1486 or die "AnyEvent->io: cannot dup() filehandle in mode '$poll': $!,";
1193 1487
1194 # we assume CLOEXEC is already set by perl in all important cases 1488 # we assume CLOEXEC is already set by perl in all important cases
1195 1489
1196 ($fh2, $rw) 1490 ($fh2, $rw)
1197} 1491}
1198 1492
1493=head1 SIMPLIFIED AE API
1494
1495Starting with version 5.0, AnyEvent officially supports a second, much
1496simpler, API that is designed to reduce the calling, typing and memory
1497overhead by using function call syntax and a fixed number of parameters.
1498
1499See the L<AE> manpage for details.
1500
1501=cut
1502
1503package AE;
1504
1505our $VERSION = $AnyEvent::VERSION;
1506
1507sub _reset() {
1508 eval q{
1509 # fall back to the main API by default - backends and AnyEvent::Base
1510 # implementations can overwrite these.
1511
1512 sub io($$$) {
1513 AnyEvent->io (fh => $_[0], poll => $_[1] ? "w" : "r", cb => $_[2])
1514 }
1515
1516 sub timer($$$) {
1517 AnyEvent->timer (after => $_[0], interval => $_[1], cb => $_[2])
1518 }
1519
1520 sub signal($$) {
1521 AnyEvent->signal (signal => $_[0], cb => $_[1])
1522 }
1523
1524 sub child($$) {
1525 AnyEvent->child (pid => $_[0], cb => $_[1])
1526 }
1527
1528 sub idle($) {
1529 AnyEvent->idle (cb => $_[0]);
1530 }
1531
1532 sub cv(;&) {
1533 AnyEvent->condvar (@_ ? (cb => $_[0]) : ())
1534 }
1535
1536 sub now() {
1537 AnyEvent->now
1538 }
1539
1540 sub now_update() {
1541 AnyEvent->now_update
1542 }
1543
1544 sub time() {
1545 AnyEvent->time
1546 }
1547
1548 *postpone = \&AnyEvent::postpone;
1549 *log = \&AnyEvent::log;
1550 };
1551 die if $@;
1552}
1553
1554BEGIN { _reset }
1555
1199package AnyEvent::Base; 1556package AnyEvent::Base;
1200 1557
1201# default implementations for many methods 1558# default implementations for many methods
1202 1559
1203BEGIN { 1560sub time {
1561 eval q{ # poor man's autoloading {}
1562 # probe for availability of Time::HiRes
1204 if (eval "use Time::HiRes (); Time::HiRes::time (); 1") { 1563 if (eval "use Time::HiRes (); Time::HiRes::time (); 1") {
1564 AnyEvent::log 8 => "AnyEvent: using Time::HiRes for sub-second timing accuracy."
1565 if $AnyEvent::VERBOSE >= 8;
1566 *time = sub { Time::HiRes::time () };
1205 *_time = \&Time::HiRes::time; 1567 *AE::time = \& Time::HiRes::time ;
1206 # if (eval "use POSIX (); (POSIX::times())... 1568 # if (eval "use POSIX (); (POSIX::times())...
1207 } else { 1569 } else {
1208 *_time = sub { time }; # epic fail 1570 AnyEvent::log critical => "using built-in time(), WARNING, no sub-second resolution!";
1571 *time = sub { CORE::time };
1572 *AE::time = sub (){ CORE::time };
1573 }
1574
1575 *now = \&time;
1576 };
1577 die if $@;
1578
1579 &time
1580}
1581
1582*now = \&time;
1583sub now_update { }
1584
1585sub _poll {
1586 Carp::croak "$AnyEvent::MODEL does not support blocking waits. Caught";
1587}
1588
1589# default implementation for ->condvar
1590# in fact, the default should not be overwritten
1591
1592sub condvar {
1593 eval q{ # poor man's autoloading {}
1594 *condvar = sub {
1595 bless { @_ == 3 ? (_ae_cb => $_[2]) : () }, "AnyEvent::CondVar"
1596 };
1597
1598 *AE::cv = sub (;&) {
1599 bless { @_ ? (_ae_cb => shift) : () }, "AnyEvent::CondVar"
1600 };
1601 };
1602 die if $@;
1603
1604 &condvar
1605}
1606
1607# default implementation for ->signal
1608
1609our $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT;
1610
1611sub _have_async_interrupt() {
1612 $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT = 1*(!$ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_AVOID_ASYNC_INTERRUPT}
1613 && eval "use Async::Interrupt 1.02 (); 1")
1614 unless defined $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT;
1615
1616 $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT
1617}
1618
1619our ($SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W, %SIG_CB, %SIG_EV, $SIG_IO);
1620our (%SIG_ASY, %SIG_ASY_W);
1621our ($SIG_COUNT, $SIG_TW);
1622
1623# install a dummy wakeup watcher to reduce signal catching latency
1624# used by Impls
1625sub _sig_add() {
1626 unless ($SIG_COUNT++) {
1627 # try to align timer on a full-second boundary, if possible
1628 my $NOW = AE::now;
1629
1630 $SIG_TW = AE::timer
1631 $MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY - ($NOW - int $NOW),
1632 $MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY,
1633 sub { } # just for the PERL_ASYNC_CHECK
1634 ;
1209 } 1635 }
1210} 1636}
1211 1637
1212sub time { _time } 1638sub _sig_del {
1213sub now { _time } 1639 undef $SIG_TW
1214sub now_update { } 1640 unless --$SIG_COUNT;
1215
1216# default implementation for ->condvar
1217
1218sub condvar {
1219 bless { @_ == 3 ? (_ae_cb => $_[2]) : () }, "AnyEvent::CondVar"
1220} 1641}
1221 1642
1222# default implementation for ->signal 1643our $_sig_name_init; $_sig_name_init = sub {
1644 eval q{ # poor man's autoloading {}
1645 undef $_sig_name_init;
1223 1646
1224our ($SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W, %SIG_CB, %SIG_EV, $SIG_IO); 1647 if (_have_async_interrupt) {
1648 *sig2num = \&Async::Interrupt::sig2num;
1649 *sig2name = \&Async::Interrupt::sig2name;
1650 } else {
1651 require Config;
1225 1652
1226sub _signal_exec { 1653 my %signame2num;
1227 sysread $SIGPIPE_R, my $dummy, 4; 1654 @signame2num{ split ' ', $Config::Config{sig_name} }
1655 = split ' ', $Config::Config{sig_num};
1228 1656
1229 while (%SIG_EV) { 1657 my @signum2name;
1230 for (keys %SIG_EV) { 1658 @signum2name[values %signame2num] = keys %signame2num;
1231 delete $SIG_EV{$_}; 1659
1232 $_->() for values %{ $SIG_CB{$_} || {} }; 1660 *sig2num = sub($) {
1661 $_[0] > 0 ? shift : $signame2num{+shift}
1662 };
1663 *sig2name = sub ($) {
1664 $_[0] > 0 ? $signum2name[+shift] : shift
1665 };
1233 } 1666 }
1234 } 1667 };
1235} 1668 die if $@;
1669};
1670
1671sub sig2num ($) { &$_sig_name_init; &sig2num }
1672sub sig2name($) { &$_sig_name_init; &sig2name }
1236 1673
1237sub signal { 1674sub signal {
1238 my (undef, %arg) = @_; 1675 eval q{ # poor man's autoloading {}
1676 # probe for availability of Async::Interrupt
1677 if (_have_async_interrupt) {
1678 AnyEvent::log 8 => "using Async::Interrupt for race-free signal handling."
1679 if $AnyEvent::VERBOSE >= 8;
1239 1680
1240 unless ($SIGPIPE_R) { 1681 $SIGPIPE_R = new Async::Interrupt::EventPipe;
1241 require Fcntl; 1682 $SIG_IO = AE::io $SIGPIPE_R->fileno, 0, \&_signal_exec;
1242 1683
1243 if (AnyEvent::WIN32) {
1244 require AnyEvent::Util;
1245
1246 ($SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W) = AnyEvent::Util::portable_pipe ();
1247 AnyEvent::Util::fh_nonblocking ($SIGPIPE_R) if $SIGPIPE_R;
1248 AnyEvent::Util::fh_nonblocking ($SIGPIPE_W) if $SIGPIPE_W; # just in case
1249 } else { 1684 } else {
1685 AnyEvent::log 8 => "using emulated perl signal handling with latency timer."
1686 if $AnyEvent::VERBOSE >= 8;
1687
1688 if (AnyEvent::WIN32) {
1689 require AnyEvent::Util;
1690
1691 ($SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W) = AnyEvent::Util::portable_pipe ();
1692 AnyEvent::Util::fh_nonblocking ($SIGPIPE_R, 1) if $SIGPIPE_R;
1693 AnyEvent::Util::fh_nonblocking ($SIGPIPE_W, 1) if $SIGPIPE_W; # just in case
1694 } else {
1250 pipe $SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W; 1695 pipe $SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W;
1251 fcntl $SIGPIPE_R, &Fcntl::F_SETFL, &Fcntl::O_NONBLOCK if $SIGPIPE_R; 1696 fcntl $SIGPIPE_R, AnyEvent::F_SETFL, AnyEvent::O_NONBLOCK if $SIGPIPE_R;
1252 fcntl $SIGPIPE_W, &Fcntl::F_SETFL, &Fcntl::O_NONBLOCK if $SIGPIPE_W; # just in case 1697 fcntl $SIGPIPE_W, AnyEvent::F_SETFL, AnyEvent::O_NONBLOCK if $SIGPIPE_W; # just in case
1253 1698
1254 # not strictly required, as $^F is normally 2, but let's make sure... 1699 # not strictly required, as $^F is normally 2, but let's make sure...
1255 fcntl $SIGPIPE_R, &Fcntl::F_SETFD, &Fcntl::FD_CLOEXEC; 1700 fcntl $SIGPIPE_R, AnyEvent::F_SETFD, AnyEvent::FD_CLOEXEC;
1256 fcntl $SIGPIPE_W, &Fcntl::F_SETFD, &Fcntl::FD_CLOEXEC; 1701 fcntl $SIGPIPE_W, AnyEvent::F_SETFD, AnyEvent::FD_CLOEXEC;
1702 }
1703
1704 $SIGPIPE_R
1705 or Carp::croak "AnyEvent: unable to create a signal reporting pipe: $!\n";
1706
1707 $SIG_IO = AE::io $SIGPIPE_R, 0, \&_signal_exec;
1257 } 1708 }
1258 1709
1259 $SIGPIPE_R 1710 *signal = $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT
1260 or Carp::croak "AnyEvent: unable to create a signal reporting pipe: $!\n"; 1711 ? sub {
1712 my (undef, %arg) = @_;
1261 1713
1262 $SIG_IO = AnyEvent->io (fh => $SIGPIPE_R, poll => "r", cb => \&_signal_exec); 1714 # async::interrupt
1263 }
1264
1265 my $signal = uc $arg{signal} 1715 my $signal = sig2num $arg{signal};
1266 or Carp::croak "required option 'signal' is missing";
1267
1268 $SIG_CB{$signal}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb}; 1716 $SIG_CB{$signal}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb};
1717
1718 $SIG_ASY{$signal} ||= new Async::Interrupt
1719 cb => sub { undef $SIG_EV{$signal} },
1720 signal => $signal,
1721 pipe => [$SIGPIPE_R->filenos],
1722 pipe_autodrain => 0,
1723 ;
1724
1725 bless [$signal, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::signal"
1726 }
1727 : sub {
1728 my (undef, %arg) = @_;
1729
1730 # pure perl
1731 my $signal = sig2name $arg{signal};
1732 $SIG_CB{$signal}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb};
1733
1269 $SIG{$signal} ||= sub { 1734 $SIG{$signal} ||= sub {
1270 local $!; 1735 local $!;
1271 syswrite $SIGPIPE_W, "\x00", 1 unless %SIG_EV; 1736 syswrite $SIGPIPE_W, "\x00", 1 unless %SIG_EV;
1272 undef $SIG_EV{$signal}; 1737 undef $SIG_EV{$signal};
1738 };
1739
1740 # can't do signal processing without introducing races in pure perl,
1741 # so limit the signal latency.
1742 _sig_add;
1743
1744 bless [$signal, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::signal"
1745 }
1746 ;
1747
1748 *AnyEvent::Base::signal::DESTROY = sub {
1749 my ($signal, $cb) = @{$_[0]};
1750
1751 _sig_del;
1752
1753 delete $SIG_CB{$signal}{$cb};
1754
1755 $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT
1756 ? delete $SIG_ASY{$signal}
1757 : # delete doesn't work with older perls - they then
1758 # print weird messages, or just unconditionally exit
1759 # instead of getting the default action.
1760 undef $SIG{$signal}
1761 unless keys %{ $SIG_CB{$signal} };
1762 };
1763
1764 *_signal_exec = sub {
1765 $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT
1766 ? $SIGPIPE_R->drain
1767 : sysread $SIGPIPE_R, (my $dummy), 9;
1768
1769 while (%SIG_EV) {
1770 for (keys %SIG_EV) {
1771 delete $SIG_EV{$_};
1772 &$_ for values %{ $SIG_CB{$_} || {} };
1773 }
1774 }
1775 };
1273 }; 1776 };
1777 die if $@;
1274 1778
1275 bless [$signal, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::signal" 1779 &signal
1276}
1277
1278sub AnyEvent::Base::signal::DESTROY {
1279 my ($signal, $cb) = @{$_[0]};
1280
1281 delete $SIG_CB{$signal}{$cb};
1282
1283 # delete doesn't work with older perls - they then
1284 # print weird messages, or just unconditionally exit
1285 # instead of getting the default action.
1286 undef $SIG{$signal} unless keys %{ $SIG_CB{$signal} };
1287} 1780}
1288 1781
1289# default implementation for ->child 1782# default implementation for ->child
1290 1783
1291our %PID_CB; 1784our %PID_CB;
1292our $CHLD_W; 1785our $CHLD_W;
1293our $CHLD_DELAY_W; 1786our $CHLD_DELAY_W;
1294our $WNOHANG;
1295 1787
1296sub _sigchld { 1788# used by many Impl's
1297 while (0 < (my $pid = waitpid -1, $WNOHANG)) { 1789sub _emit_childstatus($$) {
1790 my (undef, $rpid, $rstatus) = @_;
1791
1792 $_->($rpid, $rstatus)
1298 $_->($pid, $?) for (values %{ $PID_CB{$pid} || {} }), 1793 for values %{ $PID_CB{$rpid} || {} },
1299 (values %{ $PID_CB{0} || {} }); 1794 values %{ $PID_CB{0} || {} };
1300 }
1301} 1795}
1302 1796
1303sub child { 1797sub child {
1798 eval q{ # poor man's autoloading {}
1799 *_sigchld = sub {
1800 my $pid;
1801
1802 AnyEvent->_emit_childstatus ($pid, $?)
1803 while ($pid = waitpid -1, WNOHANG) > 0;
1804 };
1805
1806 *child = sub {
1304 my (undef, %arg) = @_; 1807 my (undef, %arg) = @_;
1305 1808
1306 defined (my $pid = $arg{pid} + 0) 1809 my $pid = $arg{pid};
1307 or Carp::croak "required option 'pid' is missing"; 1810 my $cb = $arg{cb};
1308 1811
1309 $PID_CB{$pid}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb}; 1812 $PID_CB{$pid}{$cb+0} = $cb;
1310 1813
1311 $WNOHANG ||= eval { local $SIG{__DIE__}; require POSIX; &POSIX::WNOHANG } || 1;
1312
1313 unless ($CHLD_W) { 1814 unless ($CHLD_W) {
1314 $CHLD_W = AnyEvent->signal (signal => 'CHLD', cb => \&_sigchld); 1815 $CHLD_W = AE::signal CHLD => \&_sigchld;
1315 # child could be a zombie already, so make at least one round 1816 # child could be a zombie already, so make at least one round
1316 &_sigchld; 1817 &_sigchld;
1317 } 1818 }
1318 1819
1319 bless [$pid, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::child" 1820 bless [$pid, $cb+0], "AnyEvent::Base::child"
1320} 1821 };
1321 1822
1322sub AnyEvent::Base::child::DESTROY { 1823 *AnyEvent::Base::child::DESTROY = sub {
1323 my ($pid, $cb) = @{$_[0]}; 1824 my ($pid, $icb) = @{$_[0]};
1324 1825
1325 delete $PID_CB{$pid}{$cb}; 1826 delete $PID_CB{$pid}{$icb};
1326 delete $PID_CB{$pid} unless keys %{ $PID_CB{$pid} }; 1827 delete $PID_CB{$pid} unless keys %{ $PID_CB{$pid} };
1327 1828
1328 undef $CHLD_W unless keys %PID_CB; 1829 undef $CHLD_W unless keys %PID_CB;
1830 };
1831 };
1832 die if $@;
1833
1834 &child
1329} 1835}
1330 1836
1331# idle emulation is done by simply using a timer, regardless 1837# idle emulation is done by simply using a timer, regardless
1332# of whether the process is idle or not, and not letting 1838# of whether the process is idle or not, and not letting
1333# the callback use more than 50% of the time. 1839# the callback use more than 50% of the time.
1334sub idle { 1840sub idle {
1841 eval q{ # poor man's autoloading {}
1842 *idle = sub {
1335 my (undef, %arg) = @_; 1843 my (undef, %arg) = @_;
1336 1844
1337 my ($cb, $w, $rcb) = $arg{cb}; 1845 my ($cb, $w, $rcb) = $arg{cb};
1338 1846
1339 $rcb = sub { 1847 $rcb = sub {
1340 if ($cb) { 1848 if ($cb) {
1341 $w = _time; 1849 $w = AE::time;
1342 &$cb; 1850 &$cb;
1343 $w = _time - $w; 1851 $w = AE::time - $w;
1344 1852
1345 # never use more then 50% of the time for the idle watcher, 1853 # never use more then 50% of the time for the idle watcher,
1346 # within some limits 1854 # within some limits
1347 $w = 0.0001 if $w < 0.0001; 1855 $w = 0.0001 if $w < 0.0001;
1348 $w = 5 if $w > 5; 1856 $w = 5 if $w > 5;
1349 1857
1350 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $w, cb => $rcb); 1858 $w = AE::timer $w, 0, $rcb;
1351 } else { 1859 } else {
1352 # clean up... 1860 # clean up...
1353 undef $w; 1861 undef $w;
1354 undef $rcb; 1862 undef $rcb;
1863 }
1864 };
1865
1866 $w = AE::timer 0.05, 0, $rcb;
1867
1868 bless \\$cb, "AnyEvent::Base::idle"
1355 } 1869 };
1870
1871 *AnyEvent::Base::idle::DESTROY = sub {
1872 undef $${$_[0]};
1873 };
1356 }; 1874 };
1875 die if $@;
1357 1876
1358 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 0.05, cb => $rcb); 1877 &idle
1359
1360 bless \\$cb, "AnyEvent::Base::idle"
1361}
1362
1363sub AnyEvent::Base::idle::DESTROY {
1364 undef $${$_[0]};
1365} 1878}
1366 1879
1367package AnyEvent::CondVar; 1880package AnyEvent::CondVar;
1368 1881
1369our @ISA = AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::; 1882our @ISA = AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::;
1370 1883
1884# only to be used for subclassing
1885sub new {
1886 my $class = shift;
1887 bless AnyEvent->condvar (@_), $class
1888}
1889
1371package AnyEvent::CondVar::Base; 1890package AnyEvent::CondVar::Base;
1372 1891
1373use overload 1892#use overload
1374 '&{}' => sub { my $self = shift; sub { $self->send (@_) } }, 1893# '&{}' => sub { my $self = shift; sub { $self->send (@_) } },
1375 fallback => 1; 1894# fallback => 1;
1895
1896# save 300+ kilobytes by dirtily hardcoding overloading
1897${"AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::OVERLOAD"}{dummy}++; # Register with magic by touching.
1898*{'AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::()'} = sub { }; # "Make it findable via fetchmethod."
1899*{'AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::(&{}'} = sub { my $self = shift; sub { $self->send (@_) } }; # &{}
1900${'AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::()'} = 1; # fallback
1376 1901
1377our $WAITING; 1902our $WAITING;
1378 1903
1379sub _send { 1904sub _send {
1380 # nop 1905 # nop
1906}
1907
1908sub _wait {
1909 AnyEvent->_poll until $_[0]{_ae_sent};
1381} 1910}
1382 1911
1383sub send { 1912sub send {
1384 my $cv = shift; 1913 my $cv = shift;
1385 $cv->{_ae_sent} = [@_]; 1914 $cv->{_ae_sent} = [@_];
1394 1923
1395sub ready { 1924sub ready {
1396 $_[0]{_ae_sent} 1925 $_[0]{_ae_sent}
1397} 1926}
1398 1927
1399sub _wait {
1400 $WAITING
1401 and !$_[0]{_ae_sent}
1402 and Carp::croak "AnyEvent::CondVar: recursive blocking wait detected";
1403
1404 local $WAITING = 1;
1405 AnyEvent->one_event while !$_[0]{_ae_sent};
1406}
1407
1408sub recv { 1928sub recv {
1929 unless ($_[0]{_ae_sent}) {
1930 $WAITING
1931 and Carp::croak "AnyEvent::CondVar: recursive blocking wait attempted";
1932
1933 local $WAITING = 1;
1409 $_[0]->_wait; 1934 $_[0]->_wait;
1935 }
1410 1936
1411 Carp::croak $_[0]{_ae_croak} if $_[0]{_ae_croak}; 1937 $_[0]{_ae_croak}
1412 wantarray ? @{ $_[0]{_ae_sent} } : $_[0]{_ae_sent}[0] 1938 and Carp::croak $_[0]{_ae_croak};
1939
1940 wantarray
1941 ? @{ $_[0]{_ae_sent} }
1942 : $_[0]{_ae_sent}[0]
1413} 1943}
1414 1944
1415sub cb { 1945sub cb {
1416 $_[0]{_ae_cb} = $_[1] if @_ > 1; 1946 my $cv = shift;
1947
1948 @_
1949 and $cv->{_ae_cb} = shift
1950 and $cv->{_ae_sent}
1951 and (delete $cv->{_ae_cb})->($cv);
1952
1417 $_[0]{_ae_cb} 1953 $cv->{_ae_cb}
1418} 1954}
1419 1955
1420sub begin { 1956sub begin {
1421 ++$_[0]{_ae_counter}; 1957 ++$_[0]{_ae_counter};
1422 $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} = $_[1] if @_ > 1; 1958 $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} = $_[1] if @_ > 1;
1427 &{ $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} || sub { $_[0]->send } }; 1963 &{ $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} || sub { $_[0]->send } };
1428} 1964}
1429 1965
1430# undocumented/compatibility with pre-3.4 1966# undocumented/compatibility with pre-3.4
1431*broadcast = \&send; 1967*broadcast = \&send;
1432*wait = \&_wait; 1968*wait = \&recv;
1433 1969
1434=head1 ERROR AND EXCEPTION HANDLING 1970=head1 ERROR AND EXCEPTION HANDLING
1435 1971
1436In general, AnyEvent does not do any error handling - it relies on the 1972In general, AnyEvent does not do any error handling - it relies on the
1437caller to do that if required. The L<AnyEvent::Strict> module (see also 1973caller to do that if required. The L<AnyEvent::Strict> module (see also
1449$Event/EV::DIED->() >>, L<Glib> uses C<< install_exception_handler >> and 1985$Event/EV::DIED->() >>, L<Glib> uses C<< install_exception_handler >> and
1450so on. 1986so on.
1451 1987
1452=head1 ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES 1988=head1 ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES
1453 1989
1454The following environment variables are used by this module or its 1990AnyEvent supports a number of environment variables that tune the
1455submodules. 1991runtime behaviour. They are usually evaluated when AnyEvent is
1992loaded, initialised, or a submodule that uses them is loaded. Many of
1993them also cause AnyEvent to load additional modules - for example,
1994C<PERL_ANYEVENT_DEBUG_WRAP> causes the L<AnyEvent::Debug> module to be
1995loaded.
1456 1996
1457Note that AnyEvent will remove I<all> environment variables starting with 1997All the environment variables documented here start with
1458C<PERL_ANYEVENT_> from C<%ENV> when it is loaded while taint mode is 1998C<PERL_ANYEVENT_>, which is what AnyEvent considers its own
1459enabled. 1999namespace. Other modules are encouraged (but by no means required) to use
2000C<PERL_ANYEVENT_SUBMODULE> if they have registered the AnyEvent::Submodule
2001namespace on CPAN, for any submodule. For example, L<AnyEvent::HTTP> could
2002be expected to use C<PERL_ANYEVENT_HTTP_PROXY> (it should not access env
2003variables starting with C<AE_>, see below).
2004
2005All variables can also be set via the C<AE_> prefix, that is, instead
2006of setting C<PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE> you can also set C<AE_VERBOSE>. In
2007case there is a clash btween anyevent and another program that uses
2008C<AE_something> you can set the corresponding C<PERL_ANYEVENT_something>
2009variable to the empty string, as those variables take precedence.
2010
2011When AnyEvent is first loaded, it copies all C<AE_xxx> env variables
2012to their C<PERL_ANYEVENT_xxx> counterpart unless that variable already
2013exists. If taint mode is on, then AnyEvent will remove I<all> environment
2014variables starting with C<PERL_ANYEVENT_> from C<%ENV> (or replace them
2015with C<undef> or the empty string, if the corresaponding C<AE_> variable
2016is set).
2017
2018The exact algorithm is currently:
2019
2020 1. if taint mode enabled, delete all PERL_ANYEVENT_xyz variables from %ENV
2021 2. copy over AE_xyz to PERL_ANYEVENT_xyz unless the latter alraedy exists
2022 3. if taint mode enabled, set all PERL_ANYEVENT_xyz variables to undef.
2023
2024This ensures that child processes will not see the C<AE_> variables.
2025
2026The following environment variables are currently known to AnyEvent:
1460 2027
1461=over 4 2028=over 4
1462 2029
1463=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE> 2030=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE>
1464 2031
1465By default, AnyEvent will be completely silent except in fatal 2032By default, AnyEvent will be completely silent except in fatal
1466conditions. You can set this environment variable to make AnyEvent more 2033conditions. You can set this environment variable to make AnyEvent more
1467talkative. 2034talkative. If you want to do more than just set the global logging level
2035you should have a look at C<PERL_ANYEVENT_LOG>, which allows much more
2036complex specifications.
1468 2037
1469When set to C<1> or higher, causes AnyEvent to warn about unexpected 2038When set to C<5> or higher, causes AnyEvent to warn about unexpected
1470conditions, such as not being able to load the event model specified by 2039conditions, such as not being able to load the event model specified by
1471C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>. 2040C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>.
1472 2041
1473When set to C<2> or higher, cause AnyEvent to report to STDERR which event 2042When set to C<7> or higher, cause AnyEvent to report to STDERR which event
1474model it chooses. 2043model it chooses.
2044
2045When set to C<8> or higher, then AnyEvent will report extra information on
2046which optional modules it loads and how it implements certain features.
2047
2048=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_LOG>
2049
2050Accepts rather complex logging specifications. For example, you could log
2051all C<debug> messages of some module to stderr, warnings and above to
2052stderr, and errors and above to syslog, with:
2053
2054 PERL_ANYEVENT_LOG=Some::Module=debug,+log:filter=warn,+%syslog:%syslog=error,syslog
2055
2056For the rather extensive details, see L<AnyEvent::Log>.
2057
2058Note that specifying this environment variable causes the L<AnyEvent::Log>
2059module to be loaded, while C<PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE> does not, so only
2060using the latter saves a few hundred kB of memory until the first message
2061is being logged.
1475 2062
1476=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT> 2063=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT>
1477 2064
1478AnyEvent does not do much argument checking by default, as thorough 2065AnyEvent does not do much argument checking by default, as thorough
1479argument checking is very costly. Setting this variable to a true value 2066argument checking is very costly. Setting this variable to a true value
1481check the arguments passed to most method calls. If it finds any problems, 2068check the arguments passed to most method calls. If it finds any problems,
1482it will croak. 2069it will croak.
1483 2070
1484In other words, enables "strict" mode. 2071In other words, enables "strict" mode.
1485 2072
1486Unlike C<use strict>, it is definitely recommended to keep it off in 2073Unlike C<use strict> (or its modern cousin, C<< use L<common::sense>
1487production. Keeping C<PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT=1> in your environment while 2074>>, it is definitely recommended to keep it off in production. Keeping
1488developing programs can be very useful, however. 2075C<PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT=1> in your environment while developing programs
2076can be very useful, however.
2077
2078=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_DEBUG_SHELL>
2079
2080If this env variable is set, then its contents will be interpreted by
2081C<AnyEvent::Socket::parse_hostport> (after replacing every occurance of
2082C<$$> by the process pid) and an C<AnyEvent::Debug::shell> is bound on
2083that port. The shell object is saved in C<$AnyEvent::Debug::SHELL>.
2084
2085This takes place when the first watcher is created.
2086
2087For example, to bind a debug shell on a unix domain socket in
2088F<< /tmp/debug<pid>.sock >>, you could use this:
2089
2090 PERL_ANYEVENT_DEBUG_SHELL=/tmp/debug\$\$.sock perlprog
2091
2092Note that creating sockets in F</tmp> is very unsafe on multiuser
2093systems.
2094
2095=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_DEBUG_WRAP>
2096
2097Can be set to C<0>, C<1> or C<2> and enables wrapping of all watchers for
2098debugging purposes. See C<AnyEvent::Debug::wrap> for details.
1489 2099
1490=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL> 2100=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>
1491 2101
1492This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent, before 2102This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent, before
1493auto detection and -probing kicks in. It must be a string consisting 2103auto detection and -probing kicks in.
1494entirely of ASCII letters. The string C<AnyEvent::Impl::> gets prepended 2104
2105It normally is a string consisting entirely of ASCII letters (e.g. C<EV>
2106or C<IOAsync>). The string C<AnyEvent::Impl::> gets prepended and the
1495and the resulting module name is loaded and if the load was successful, 2107resulting module name is loaded and - if the load was successful - used as
1496used as event model. If it fails to load AnyEvent will proceed with 2108event model backend. If it fails to load then AnyEvent will proceed with
1497auto detection and -probing. 2109auto detection and -probing.
1498 2110
1499This functionality might change in future versions. 2111If the string ends with C<::> instead (e.g. C<AnyEvent::Impl::EV::>) then
2112nothing gets prepended and the module name is used as-is (hint: C<::> at
2113the end of a string designates a module name and quotes it appropriately).
1500 2114
1501For example, to force the pure perl model (L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) you 2115For example, to force the pure perl model (L<AnyEvent::Loop::Perl>) you
1502could start your program like this: 2116could start your program like this:
1503 2117
1504 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ... 2118 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ...
1505 2119
1506=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS> 2120=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS>
1522but support both and try to use both. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4> 2136but support both and try to use both. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4>
1523- only support IPv4, never try to resolve or contact IPv6 2137- only support IPv4, never try to resolve or contact IPv6
1524addresses. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv6,ipv4> support either IPv4 or 2138addresses. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv6,ipv4> support either IPv4 or
1525IPv6, but prefer IPv6 over IPv4. 2139IPv6, but prefer IPv6 over IPv4.
1526 2140
2141=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_HOSTS>
2142
2143This variable, if specified, overrides the F</etc/hosts> file used by
2144L<AnyEvent::Socket>C<::resolve_sockaddr>, i.e. hosts aliases will be read
2145from that file instead.
2146
1527=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_EDNS0> 2147=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_EDNS0>
1528 2148
1529Used by L<AnyEvent::DNS> to decide whether to use the EDNS0 extension 2149Used by L<AnyEvent::DNS> to decide whether to use the EDNS0 extension for
1530for DNS. This extension is generally useful to reduce DNS traffic, but 2150DNS. This extension is generally useful to reduce DNS traffic, especially
1531some (broken) firewalls drop such DNS packets, which is why it is off by 2151when DNSSEC is involved, but some (broken) firewalls drop such DNS
1532default. 2152packets, which is why it is off by default.
1533 2153
1534Setting this variable to C<1> will cause L<AnyEvent::DNS> to announce 2154Setting this variable to C<1> will cause L<AnyEvent::DNS> to announce
1535EDNS0 in its DNS requests. 2155EDNS0 in its DNS requests.
1536 2156
1537=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_FORKS> 2157=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_FORKS>
1545resolver - this is the maximum number of parallel DNS requests that are 2165resolver - this is the maximum number of parallel DNS requests that are
1546sent to the DNS server. 2166sent to the DNS server.
1547 2167
1548=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_RESOLV_CONF> 2168=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_RESOLV_CONF>
1549 2169
1550The file to use instead of F</etc/resolv.conf> (or OS-specific 2170The absolute path to a F<resolv.conf>-style file to use instead of
1551configuration) in the default resolver. When set to the empty string, no 2171F</etc/resolv.conf> (or the OS-specific configuration) in the default
1552default config will be used. 2172resolver, or the empty string to select the default configuration.
1553 2173
1554=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_CA_FILE>, C<PERL_ANYEVENT_CA_PATH>. 2174=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_CA_FILE>, C<PERL_ANYEVENT_CA_PATH>.
1555 2175
1556When neither C<ca_file> nor C<ca_path> was specified during 2176When neither C<ca_file> nor C<ca_path> was specified during
1557L<AnyEvent::TLS> context creation, and either of these environment 2177L<AnyEvent::TLS> context creation, and either of these environment
1558variables exist, they will be used to specify CA certificate locations 2178variables are nonempty, they will be used to specify CA certificate
1559instead of a system-dependent default. 2179locations instead of a system-dependent default.
2180
2181=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_AVOID_GUARD> and C<PERL_ANYEVENT_AVOID_ASYNC_INTERRUPT>
2182
2183When these are set to C<1>, then the respective modules are not
2184loaded. Mostly good for testing AnyEvent itself.
1560 2185
1561=back 2186=back
1562 2187
1563=head1 SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE 2188=head1 SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE
1564 2189
1622 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read 2247 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read
1623 $cv->send if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i 2248 $cv->send if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i
1624 }, 2249 },
1625 ); 2250 );
1626 2251
1627 my $time_watcher; # can only be used once
1628
1629 sub new_timer {
1630 $timer = AnyEvent->timer (after => 1, cb => sub { 2252 my $time_watcher = AnyEvent->timer (after => 1, interval => 1, cb => sub {
1631 warn "timeout\n"; # print 'timeout' about every second 2253 warn "timeout\n"; # print 'timeout' at most every second
1632 &new_timer; # and restart the time
1633 }); 2254 });
1634 }
1635
1636 new_timer; # create first timer
1637 2255
1638 $cv->recv; # wait until user enters /^q/i 2256 $cv->recv; # wait until user enters /^q/i
1639 2257
1640=head1 REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE 2258=head1 REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE
1641 2259
1714 2332
1715The actual code goes further and collects all errors (C<die>s, exceptions) 2333The actual code goes further and collects all errors (C<die>s, exceptions)
1716that occurred during request processing. The C<result> method detects 2334that occurred during request processing. The C<result> method detects
1717whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn object) 2335whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn object)
1718and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and other 2336and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and other
1719problems get reported tot he code that tries to use the result, not in a 2337problems get reported to the code that tries to use the result, not in a
1720random callback. 2338random callback.
1721 2339
1722All of this enables the following usage styles: 2340All of this enables the following usage styles:
1723 2341
17241. Blocking: 23421. Blocking:
1772through AnyEvent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero 2390through AnyEvent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero
1773timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable, 2391timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable,
1774which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again. 2392which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again.
1775 2393
1776Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench> in the AnyEvent 2394Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench> in the AnyEvent
1777distribution. 2395distribution. It uses the L<AE> interface, which makes a real difference
2396for the EV and Perl backends only.
1778 2397
1779=head3 Explanation of the columns 2398=head3 Explanation of the columns
1780 2399
1781I<watcher> is the number of event watchers created/destroyed. Since 2400I<watcher> is the number of event watchers created/destroyed. Since
1782different event models feature vastly different performances, each event 2401different event models feature vastly different performances, each event
1803watcher. 2422watcher.
1804 2423
1805=head3 Results 2424=head3 Results
1806 2425
1807 name watchers bytes create invoke destroy comment 2426 name watchers bytes create invoke destroy comment
1808 EV/EV 400000 224 0.47 0.35 0.27 EV native interface 2427 EV/EV 100000 223 0.47 0.43 0.27 EV native interface
1809 EV/Any 100000 224 2.88 0.34 0.27 EV + AnyEvent watchers 2428 EV/Any 100000 223 0.48 0.42 0.26 EV + AnyEvent watchers
1810 CoroEV/Any 100000 224 2.85 0.35 0.28 coroutines + Coro::Signal 2429 Coro::EV/Any 100000 223 0.47 0.42 0.26 coroutines + Coro::Signal
1811 Perl/Any 100000 452 4.13 0.73 0.95 pure perl implementation 2430 Perl/Any 100000 431 2.70 0.74 0.92 pure perl implementation
1812 Event/Event 16000 517 32.20 31.80 0.81 Event native interface 2431 Event/Event 16000 516 31.16 31.84 0.82 Event native interface
1813 Event/Any 16000 590 35.85 31.55 1.06 Event + AnyEvent watchers 2432 Event/Any 16000 1203 42.61 34.79 1.80 Event + AnyEvent watchers
1814 IOAsync/Any 16000 989 38.10 32.77 11.13 via IO::Async::Loop::IO_Poll 2433 IOAsync/Any 16000 1911 41.92 27.45 16.81 via IO::Async::Loop::IO_Poll
1815 IOAsync/Any 16000 990 37.59 29.50 10.61 via IO::Async::Loop::Epoll 2434 IOAsync/Any 16000 1726 40.69 26.37 15.25 via IO::Async::Loop::Epoll
1816 Glib/Any 16000 1357 102.33 12.31 51.00 quadratic behaviour 2435 Glib/Any 16000 1118 89.00 12.57 51.17 quadratic behaviour
1817 Tk/Any 2000 1860 27.20 66.31 14.00 SEGV with >> 2000 watchers 2436 Tk/Any 2000 1346 20.96 10.75 8.00 SEGV with >> 2000 watchers
1818 POE/Event 2000 6328 109.99 751.67 14.02 via POE::Loop::Event 2437 POE/Any 2000 6951 108.97 795.32 14.24 via POE::Loop::Event
1819 POE/Select 2000 6027 94.54 809.13 579.80 via POE::Loop::Select 2438 POE/Any 2000 6648 94.79 774.40 575.51 via POE::Loop::Select
1820 2439
1821=head3 Discussion 2440=head3 Discussion
1822 2441
1823The benchmark does I<not> measure scalability of the event loop very 2442The benchmark does I<not> measure scalability of the event loop very
1824well. For example, a select-based event loop (such as the pure perl one) 2443well. For example, a select-based event loop (such as the pure perl one)
1836benchmark machine, handling an event takes roughly 1600 CPU cycles with 2455benchmark machine, handling an event takes roughly 1600 CPU cycles with
1837EV, 3100 CPU cycles with AnyEvent's pure perl loop and almost 3000000 CPU 2456EV, 3100 CPU cycles with AnyEvent's pure perl loop and almost 3000000 CPU
1838cycles with POE. 2457cycles with POE.
1839 2458
1840C<EV> is the sole leader regarding speed and memory use, which are both 2459C<EV> is the sole leader regarding speed and memory use, which are both
1841maximal/minimal, respectively. Even when going through AnyEvent, it uses 2460maximal/minimal, respectively. When using the L<AE> API there is zero
2461overhead (when going through the AnyEvent API create is about 5-6 times
2462slower, with other times being equal, so still uses far less memory than
1842far less memory than any other event loop and is still faster than Event 2463any other event loop and is still faster than Event natively).
1843natively.
1844 2464
1845The pure perl implementation is hit in a few sweet spots (both the 2465The pure perl implementation is hit in a few sweet spots (both the
1846constant timeout and the use of a single fd hit optimisations in the perl 2466constant timeout and the use of a single fd hit optimisations in the perl
1847interpreter and the backend itself). Nevertheless this shows that it 2467interpreter and the backend itself). Nevertheless this shows that it
1848adds very little overhead in itself. Like any select-based backend its 2468adds very little overhead in itself. Like any select-based backend its
1896(even when used without AnyEvent), but most event loops have acceptable 2516(even when used without AnyEvent), but most event loops have acceptable
1897performance with or without AnyEvent. 2517performance with or without AnyEvent.
1898 2518
1899=item * The overhead AnyEvent adds is usually much smaller than the overhead of 2519=item * The overhead AnyEvent adds is usually much smaller than the overhead of
1900the actual event loop, only with extremely fast event loops such as EV 2520the actual event loop, only with extremely fast event loops such as EV
1901adds AnyEvent significant overhead. 2521does AnyEvent add significant overhead.
1902 2522
1903=item * You should avoid POE like the plague if you want performance or 2523=item * You should avoid POE like the plague if you want performance or
1904reasonable memory usage. 2524reasonable memory usage.
1905 2525
1906=back 2526=back
1922In this benchmark, we use 10000 socket pairs (20000 sockets), of which 100 2542In this benchmark, we use 10000 socket pairs (20000 sockets), of which 100
1923(1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with many 2543(1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with many
1924connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time. 2544connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time.
1925 2545
1926Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench2> in the AnyEvent 2546Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench2> in the AnyEvent
1927distribution. 2547distribution. It uses the L<AE> interface, which makes a real difference
2548for the EV and Perl backends only.
1928 2549
1929=head3 Explanation of the columns 2550=head3 Explanation of the columns
1930 2551
1931I<sockets> is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" (as 2552I<sockets> is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" (as
1932each server has a read and write socket end). 2553each server has a read and write socket end).
1940a new one that moves the timeout into the future. 2561a new one that moves the timeout into the future.
1941 2562
1942=head3 Results 2563=head3 Results
1943 2564
1944 name sockets create request 2565 name sockets create request
1945 EV 20000 69.01 11.16 2566 EV 20000 62.66 7.99
1946 Perl 20000 73.32 35.87 2567 Perl 20000 68.32 32.64
1947 IOAsync 20000 157.00 98.14 epoll 2568 IOAsync 20000 174.06 101.15 epoll
1948 IOAsync 20000 159.31 616.06 poll 2569 IOAsync 20000 174.67 610.84 poll
1949 Event 20000 212.62 257.32 2570 Event 20000 202.69 242.91
1950 Glib 20000 651.16 1896.30 2571 Glib 20000 557.01 1689.52
1951 POE 20000 349.67 12317.24 uses POE::Loop::Event 2572 POE 20000 341.54 12086.32 uses POE::Loop::Event
1952 2573
1953=head3 Discussion 2574=head3 Discussion
1954 2575
1955This benchmark I<does> measure scalability and overall performance of the 2576This benchmark I<does> measure scalability and overall performance of the
1956particular event loop. 2577particular event loop.
2082As you can see, the AnyEvent + EV combination even beats the 2703As you can see, the AnyEvent + EV combination even beats the
2083hand-optimised "raw sockets benchmark", while AnyEvent + its pure perl 2704hand-optimised "raw sockets benchmark", while AnyEvent + its pure perl
2084backend easily beats IO::Lambda and POE. 2705backend easily beats IO::Lambda and POE.
2085 2706
2086And even the 100% non-blocking version written using the high-level (and 2707And even the 100% non-blocking version written using the high-level (and
2087slow :) L<AnyEvent::Handle> abstraction beats both POE and IO::Lambda by a 2708slow :) L<AnyEvent::Handle> abstraction beats both POE and IO::Lambda
2088large margin, even though it does all of DNS, tcp-connect and socket I/O 2709higher level ("unoptimised") abstractions by a large margin, even though
2089in a non-blocking way. 2710it does all of DNS, tcp-connect and socket I/O in a non-blocking way.
2090 2711
2091The two AnyEvent benchmarks programs can be found as F<eg/ae0.pl> and 2712The two AnyEvent benchmarks programs can be found as F<eg/ae0.pl> and
2092F<eg/ae2.pl> in the AnyEvent distribution, the remaining benchmarks are 2713F<eg/ae2.pl> in the AnyEvent distribution, the remaining benchmarks are
2093part of the IO::lambda distribution and were used without any changes. 2714part of the IO::Lambda distribution and were used without any changes.
2094 2715
2095 2716
2096=head1 SIGNALS 2717=head1 SIGNALS
2097 2718
2098AnyEvent currently installs handlers for these signals: 2719AnyEvent currently installs handlers for these signals:
2132 if $SIG{CHLD} eq 'IGNORE'; 2753 if $SIG{CHLD} eq 'IGNORE';
2133 2754
2134$SIG{PIPE} = sub { } 2755$SIG{PIPE} = sub { }
2135 unless defined $SIG{PIPE}; 2756 unless defined $SIG{PIPE};
2136 2757
2758=head1 RECOMMENDED/OPTIONAL MODULES
2759
2760One of AnyEvent's main goals is to be 100% Pure-Perl(tm): only perl (and
2761its built-in modules) are required to use it.
2762
2763That does not mean that AnyEvent won't take advantage of some additional
2764modules if they are installed.
2765
2766This section explains which additional modules will be used, and how they
2767affect AnyEvent's operation.
2768
2769=over 4
2770
2771=item L<Async::Interrupt>
2772
2773This slightly arcane module is used to implement fast signal handling: To
2774my knowledge, there is no way to do completely race-free and quick
2775signal handling in pure perl. To ensure that signals still get
2776delivered, AnyEvent will start an interval timer to wake up perl (and
2777catch the signals) with some delay (default is 10 seconds, look for
2778C<$AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY>).
2779
2780If this module is available, then it will be used to implement signal
2781catching, which means that signals will not be delayed, and the event loop
2782will not be interrupted regularly, which is more efficient (and good for
2783battery life on laptops).
2784
2785This affects not just the pure-perl event loop, but also other event loops
2786that have no signal handling on their own (e.g. Glib, Tk, Qt).
2787
2788Some event loops (POE, Event, Event::Lib) offer signal watchers natively,
2789and either employ their own workarounds (POE) or use AnyEvent's workaround
2790(using C<$AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY>). Installing L<Async::Interrupt>
2791does nothing for those backends.
2792
2793=item L<EV>
2794
2795This module isn't really "optional", as it is simply one of the backend
2796event loops that AnyEvent can use. However, it is simply the best event
2797loop available in terms of features, speed and stability: It supports
2798the AnyEvent API optimally, implements all the watcher types in XS, does
2799automatic timer adjustments even when no monotonic clock is available,
2800can take avdantage of advanced kernel interfaces such as C<epoll> and
2801C<kqueue>, and is the fastest backend I<by far>. You can even embed
2802L<Glib>/L<Gtk2> in it (or vice versa, see L<EV::Glib> and L<Glib::EV>).
2803
2804If you only use backends that rely on another event loop (e.g. C<Tk>),
2805then this module will do nothing for you.
2806
2807=item L<Guard>
2808
2809The guard module, when used, will be used to implement
2810C<AnyEvent::Util::guard>. This speeds up guards considerably (and uses a
2811lot less memory), but otherwise doesn't affect guard operation much. It is
2812purely used for performance.
2813
2814=item L<JSON> and L<JSON::XS>
2815
2816One of these modules is required when you want to read or write JSON data
2817via L<AnyEvent::Handle>. L<JSON> is also written in pure-perl, but can take
2818advantage of the ultra-high-speed L<JSON::XS> module when it is installed.
2819
2820=item L<Net::SSLeay>
2821
2822Implementing TLS/SSL in Perl is certainly interesting, but not very
2823worthwhile: If this module is installed, then L<AnyEvent::Handle> (with
2824the help of L<AnyEvent::TLS>), gains the ability to do TLS/SSL.
2825
2826=item L<Time::HiRes>
2827
2828This module is part of perl since release 5.008. It will be used when the
2829chosen event library does not come with a timing source of its own. The
2830pure-perl event loop (L<AnyEvent::Loop>) will additionally load it to
2831try to use a monotonic clock for timing stability.
2832
2833=back
2834
2835
2137=head1 FORK 2836=head1 FORK
2138 2837
2139Most event libraries are not fork-safe. The ones who are usually are 2838Most event libraries are not fork-safe. The ones who are usually are
2140because they rely on inefficient but fork-safe C<select> or C<poll> 2839because they rely on inefficient but fork-safe C<select> or C<poll> calls
2141calls. Only L<EV> is fully fork-aware. 2840- higher performance APIs such as BSD's kqueue or the dreaded Linux epoll
2841are usually badly thought-out hacks that are incompatible with fork in
2842one way or another. Only L<EV> is fully fork-aware and ensures that you
2843continue event-processing in both parent and child (or both, if you know
2844what you are doing).
2845
2846This means that, in general, you cannot fork and do event processing in
2847the child if the event library was initialised before the fork (which
2848usually happens when the first AnyEvent watcher is created, or the library
2849is loaded).
2142 2850
2143If you have to fork, you must either do so I<before> creating your first 2851If you have to fork, you must either do so I<before> creating your first
2144watcher OR you must not use AnyEvent at all in the child. 2852watcher OR you must not use AnyEvent at all in the child OR you must do
2853something completely out of the scope of AnyEvent.
2854
2855The problem of doing event processing in the parent I<and> the child
2856is much more complicated: even for backends that I<are> fork-aware or
2857fork-safe, their behaviour is not usually what you want: fork clones all
2858watchers, that means all timers, I/O watchers etc. are active in both
2859parent and child, which is almost never what you want. USing C<exec>
2860to start worker children from some kind of manage rprocess is usually
2861preferred, because it is much easier and cleaner, at the expense of having
2862to have another binary.
2145 2863
2146 2864
2147=head1 SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS 2865=head1 SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS
2148 2866
2149AnyEvent can be forced to load any event model via 2867AnyEvent can be forced to load any event model via
2179pronounced). 2897pronounced).
2180 2898
2181 2899
2182=head1 SEE ALSO 2900=head1 SEE ALSO
2183 2901
2184Utility functions: L<AnyEvent::Util>. 2902Tutorial/Introduction: L<AnyEvent::Intro>.
2185 2903
2186Event modules: L<EV>, L<EV::Glib>, L<Glib::EV>, L<Event>, L<Glib::Event>, 2904FAQ: L<AnyEvent::FAQ>.
2187L<Glib>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, L<POE>. 2905
2906Utility functions: L<AnyEvent::Util> (misc. grab-bag), L<AnyEvent::Log>
2907(simply logging).
2908
2909Development/Debugging: L<AnyEvent::Strict> (stricter checking),
2910L<AnyEvent::Debug> (interactive shell, watcher tracing).
2911
2912Supported event modules: L<AnyEvent::Loop>, L<EV>, L<EV::Glib>,
2913L<Glib::EV>, L<Event>, L<Glib::Event>, L<Glib>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>,
2914L<Qt>, L<POE>, L<FLTK>.
2188 2915
2189Implementations: L<AnyEvent::Impl::EV>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Event>, 2916Implementations: L<AnyEvent::Impl::EV>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Event>,
2190L<AnyEvent::Impl::Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Tk>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>, 2917L<AnyEvent::Impl::Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Tk>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>,
2191L<AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Qt>, 2918L<AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Qt>,
2192L<AnyEvent::Impl::POE>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync>. 2919L<AnyEvent::Impl::POE>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync>, L<Anyevent::Impl::Irssi>,
2920L<AnyEvent::Impl::FLTK>.
2193 2921
2194Non-blocking file handles, sockets, TCP clients and 2922Non-blocking handles, pipes, stream sockets, TCP clients and
2195servers: L<AnyEvent::Handle>, L<AnyEvent::Socket>, L<AnyEvent::TLS>. 2923servers: L<AnyEvent::Handle>, L<AnyEvent::Socket>, L<AnyEvent::TLS>.
2196 2924
2197Asynchronous DNS: L<AnyEvent::DNS>. 2925Asynchronous DNS: L<AnyEvent::DNS>.
2198 2926
2199Coroutine support: L<Coro>, L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, 2927Thread support: L<Coro>, L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>.
2200L<Coro::Event>,
2201 2928
2202Nontrivial usage examples: L<AnyEvent::GPSD>, L<AnyEvent::XMPP>, 2929Nontrivial usage examples: L<AnyEvent::GPSD>, L<AnyEvent::IRC>,
2203L<AnyEvent::HTTP>. 2930L<AnyEvent::HTTP>.
2204 2931
2205 2932
2206=head1 AUTHOR 2933=head1 AUTHOR
2207 2934

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