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1=head1 NAME 1=head1 NAME
2 2
3AnyEvent - provide framework for multiple event loops 3AnyEvent - provide framework for multiple event loops
4 4
5EV, Event, Glib, Tk, Perl, Event::Lib, Qt, POE - various supported event loops 5EV, Event, Glib, Tk, Perl, Event::Lib, Qt and POE are various supported
6event loops.
6 7
7=head1 SYNOPSIS 8=head1 SYNOPSIS
8 9
9 use AnyEvent; 10 use AnyEvent;
10 11
12 # file descriptor readable
11 my $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => $fh, poll => "r|w", cb => sub { 13 my $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => $fh, poll => "r", cb => sub { ... });
14
15 # one-shot or repeating timers
16 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, cb => sub { ... });
17 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, interval => $seconds, cb => ...
18
19 print AnyEvent->now; # prints current event loop time
20 print AnyEvent->time; # think Time::HiRes::time or simply CORE::time.
21
22 # POSIX signal
23 my $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => "TERM", cb => sub { ... });
24
25 # child process exit
26 my $w = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub {
27 my ($pid, $status) = @_;
12 ... 28 ...
13 }); 29 });
14 30
15 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, cb => sub { 31 # called when event loop idle (if applicable)
16 ... 32 my $w = AnyEvent->idle (cb => sub { ... });
17 });
18 33
19 my $w = AnyEvent->condvar; # stores whether a condition was flagged 34 my $w = AnyEvent->condvar; # stores whether a condition was flagged
35 $w->send; # wake up current and all future recv's
20 $w->wait; # enters "main loop" till $condvar gets ->send 36 $w->recv; # enters "main loop" till $condvar gets ->send
21 $w->send; # wake up current and all future wait's 37 # use a condvar in callback mode:
38 $w->cb (sub { $_[0]->recv });
39
40=head1 INTRODUCTION/TUTORIAL
41
42This manpage is mainly a reference manual. If you are interested
43in a tutorial or some gentle introduction, have a look at the
44L<AnyEvent::Intro> manpage.
22 45
23=head1 WHY YOU SHOULD USE THIS MODULE (OR NOT) 46=head1 WHY YOU SHOULD USE THIS MODULE (OR NOT)
24 47
25Glib, POE, IO::Async, Event... CPAN offers event models by the dozen 48Glib, POE, IO::Async, Event... CPAN offers event models by the dozen
26nowadays. So what is different about AnyEvent? 49nowadays. So what is different about AnyEvent?
27 50
28Executive Summary: AnyEvent is I<compatible>, AnyEvent is I<free of 51Executive Summary: AnyEvent is I<compatible>, AnyEvent is I<free of
29policy> and AnyEvent is I<small and efficient>. 52policy> and AnyEvent is I<small and efficient>.
30 53
31First and foremost, I<AnyEvent is not an event model> itself, it only 54First and foremost, I<AnyEvent is not an event model> itself, it only
32interfaces to whatever event model the main program happens to use in a 55interfaces to whatever event model the main program happens to use, in a
33pragmatic way. For event models and certain classes of immortals alike, 56pragmatic way. For event models and certain classes of immortals alike,
34the statement "there can only be one" is a bitter reality: In general, 57the statement "there can only be one" is a bitter reality: In general,
35only one event loop can be active at the same time in a process. AnyEvent 58only one event loop can be active at the same time in a process. AnyEvent
36helps hiding the differences between those event loops. 59cannot change this, but it can hide the differences between those event
60loops.
37 61
38The goal of AnyEvent is to offer module authors the ability to do event 62The goal of AnyEvent is to offer module authors the ability to do event
39programming (waiting for I/O or timer events) without subscribing to a 63programming (waiting for I/O or timer events) without subscribing to a
40religion, a way of living, and most importantly: without forcing your 64religion, a way of living, and most importantly: without forcing your
41module users into the same thing by forcing them to use the same event 65module users into the same thing by forcing them to use the same event
42model you use. 66model you use.
43 67
44For modules like POE or IO::Async (which is a total misnomer as it is 68For modules like POE or IO::Async (which is a total misnomer as it is
45actually doing all I/O I<synchronously>...), using them in your module is 69actually doing all I/O I<synchronously>...), using them in your module is
46like joining a cult: After you joined, you are dependent on them and you 70like joining a cult: After you joined, you are dependent on them and you
47cannot use anything else, as it is simply incompatible to everything that 71cannot use anything else, as they are simply incompatible to everything
48isn't itself. What's worse, all the potential users of your module are 72that isn't them. What's worse, all the potential users of your
49I<also> forced to use the same event loop you use. 73module are I<also> forced to use the same event loop you use.
50 74
51AnyEvent is different: AnyEvent + POE works fine. AnyEvent + Glib works 75AnyEvent is different: AnyEvent + POE works fine. AnyEvent + Glib works
52fine. AnyEvent + Tk works fine etc. etc. but none of these work together 76fine. AnyEvent + Tk works fine etc. etc. but none of these work together
53with the rest: POE + IO::Async? no go. Tk + Event? no go. Again: if 77with the rest: POE + IO::Async? No go. Tk + Event? No go. Again: if
54your module uses one of those, every user of your module has to use it, 78your module uses one of those, every user of your module has to use it,
55too. But if your module uses AnyEvent, it works transparently with all 79too. But if your module uses AnyEvent, it works transparently with all
56event models it supports (including stuff like POE and IO::Async, as long 80event models it supports (including stuff like IO::Async, as long as those
57as those use one of the supported event loops. It is trivial to add new 81use one of the supported event loops. It is trivial to add new event loops
58event loops to AnyEvent, too, so it is future-proof). 82to AnyEvent, too, so it is future-proof).
59 83
60In addition to being free of having to use I<the one and only true event 84In addition to being free of having to use I<the one and only true event
61model>, AnyEvent also is free of bloat and policy: with POE or similar 85model>, AnyEvent also is free of bloat and policy: with POE or similar
62modules, you get an enourmous amount of code and strict rules you have to 86modules, you get an enormous amount of code and strict rules you have to
63follow. AnyEvent, on the other hand, is lean and up to the point, by only 87follow. AnyEvent, on the other hand, is lean and up to the point, by only
64offering the functionality that is necessary, in as thin as a wrapper as 88offering the functionality that is necessary, in as thin as a wrapper as
65technically possible. 89technically possible.
66 90
91Of course, AnyEvent comes with a big (and fully optional!) toolbox
92of useful functionality, such as an asynchronous DNS resolver, 100%
93non-blocking connects (even with TLS/SSL, IPv6 and on broken platforms
94such as Windows) and lots of real-world knowledge and workarounds for
95platform bugs and differences.
96
67Of course, if you want lots of policy (this can arguably be somewhat 97Now, if you I<do want> lots of policy (this can arguably be somewhat
68useful) and you want to force your users to use the one and only event 98useful) and you want to force your users to use the one and only event
69model, you should I<not> use this module. 99model, you should I<not> use this module.
70 100
71=head1 DESCRIPTION 101=head1 DESCRIPTION
72 102
102starts using it, all bets are off. Maybe you should tell their authors to 132starts using it, all bets are off. Maybe you should tell their authors to
103use AnyEvent so their modules work together with others seamlessly... 133use AnyEvent so their modules work together with others seamlessly...
104 134
105The pure-perl implementation of AnyEvent is called 135The pure-perl implementation of AnyEvent is called
106C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>. Like other event modules you can load it 136C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>. Like other event modules you can load it
107explicitly. 137explicitly and enjoy the high availability of that event loop :)
108 138
109=head1 WATCHERS 139=head1 WATCHERS
110 140
111AnyEvent has the central concept of a I<watcher>, which is an object that 141AnyEvent has the central concept of a I<watcher>, which is an object that
112stores relevant data for each kind of event you are waiting for, such as 142stores relevant data for each kind of event you are waiting for, such as
113the callback to call, the filehandle to watch, etc. 143the callback to call, the file handle to watch, etc.
114 144
115These watchers are normal Perl objects with normal Perl lifetime. After 145These watchers are normal Perl objects with normal Perl lifetime. After
116creating a watcher it will immediately "watch" for events and invoke the 146creating a watcher it will immediately "watch" for events and invoke the
117callback when the event occurs (of course, only when the event model 147callback when the event occurs (of course, only when the event model
118is in control). 148is in control).
119 149
150Note that B<callbacks must not permanently change global variables>
151potentially 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
153Perl and the latter stems from the fact that exception handling differs
154widely between event loops.
155
120To disable the watcher you have to destroy it (e.g. by setting the 156To disable the watcher you have to destroy it (e.g. by setting the
121variable you store it in to C<undef> or otherwise deleting all references 157variable you store it in to C<undef> or otherwise deleting all references
122to it). 158to it).
123 159
124All watchers are created by calling a method on the C<AnyEvent> class. 160All watchers are created by calling a method on the C<AnyEvent> class.
126Many watchers either are used with "recursion" (repeating timers for 162Many watchers either are used with "recursion" (repeating timers for
127example), or need to refer to their watcher object in other ways. 163example), or need to refer to their watcher object in other ways.
128 164
129An any way to achieve that is this pattern: 165An any way to achieve that is this pattern:
130 166
131 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->type (arg => value ..., cb => sub { 167 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->type (arg => value ..., cb => sub {
132 # you can use $w here, for example to undef it 168 # you can use $w here, for example to undef it
133 undef $w; 169 undef $w;
134 }); 170 });
135 171
136Note that C<my $w; $w => combination. This is necessary because in Perl, 172Note that C<my $w; $w => combination. This is necessary because in Perl,
137my variables are only visible after the statement in which they are 173my variables are only visible after the statement in which they are
138declared. 174declared.
139 175
140=head2 I/O WATCHERS 176=head2 I/O WATCHERS
141 177
142You can create an I/O watcher by calling the C<< AnyEvent->io >> method 178You can create an I/O watcher by calling the C<< AnyEvent->io >> method
143with the following mandatory key-value pairs as arguments: 179with the following mandatory key-value pairs as arguments:
144 180
145C<fh> the Perl I<file handle> (I<not> file descriptor) to watch 181C<fh> is the Perl I<file handle> (or a naked file descriptor) to watch
182for events (AnyEvent might or might not keep a reference to this file
183handle). Note that only file handles pointing to things for which
184non-blocking operation makes sense are allowed. This includes sockets,
185most character devices, pipes, fifos and so on, but not for example files
186or block devices.
187
146for events. C<poll> must be a string that is either C<r> or C<w>, 188C<poll> must be a string that is either C<r> or C<w>, which creates a
147which creates a watcher waiting for "r"eadable or "w"ritable events, 189watcher waiting for "r"eadable or "w"ritable events, respectively.
190
148respectively. C<cb> is the callback to invoke each time the file handle 191C<cb> is the callback to invoke each time the file handle becomes ready.
149becomes ready.
150 192
151Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 193Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
152presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent 194presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent
153callbacks cannot use arguments passed to I/O watcher callbacks. 195callbacks cannot use arguments passed to I/O watcher callbacks.
154 196
158 200
159Some event loops issue spurious readyness notifications, so you should 201Some event loops issue spurious readyness notifications, so you should
160always use non-blocking calls when reading/writing from/to your file 202always use non-blocking calls when reading/writing from/to your file
161handles. 203handles.
162 204
163Example:
164
165 # wait for readability of STDIN, then read a line and disable the watcher 205Example: wait for readability of STDIN, then read a line and disable the
206watcher.
207
166 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => \*STDIN, poll => 'r', cb => sub { 208 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => \*STDIN, poll => 'r', cb => sub {
167 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>); 209 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>);
168 warn "read: $input\n"; 210 warn "read: $input\n";
169 undef $w; 211 undef $w;
170 }); 212 });
180 222
181Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 223Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
182presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent 224presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent
183callbacks cannot use arguments passed to time watcher callbacks. 225callbacks cannot use arguments passed to time watcher callbacks.
184 226
185The timer callback will be invoked at most once: if you want a repeating 227The callback will normally be invoked once only. If you specify another
186timer you have to create a new watcher (this is a limitation by both Tk 228parameter, C<interval>, as a strictly positive number (> 0), then the
187and Glib). 229callback will be invoked regularly at that interval (in fractional
230seconds) after the first invocation. If C<interval> is specified with a
231false value, then it is treated as if it were missing.
188 232
189Example: 233The callback will be rescheduled before invoking the callback, but no
234attempt is done to avoid timer drift in most backends, so the interval is
235only approximate.
190 236
191 # fire an event after 7.7 seconds 237Example: fire an event after 7.7 seconds.
238
192 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 7.7, cb => sub { 239 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 7.7, cb => sub {
193 warn "timeout\n"; 240 warn "timeout\n";
194 }); 241 });
195 242
196 # to cancel the timer: 243 # to cancel the timer:
197 undef $w; 244 undef $w;
198 245
199Example 2:
200
201 # fire an event after 0.5 seconds, then roughly every second 246Example 2: fire an event after 0.5 seconds, then roughly every second.
202 my $w;
203 247
204 my $cb = sub {
205 # cancel the old timer while creating a new one
206 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 1, cb => $cb); 248 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 0.5, interval => 1, cb => sub {
249 warn "timeout\n";
207 }; 250 };
208
209 # start the "loop" by creating the first watcher
210 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 0.5, cb => $cb);
211 251
212=head3 TIMING ISSUES 252=head3 TIMING ISSUES
213 253
214There are two ways to handle timers: based on real time (relative, "fire 254There are two ways to handle timers: based on real time (relative, "fire
215in 10 seconds") and based on wallclock time (absolute, "fire at 12 255in 10 seconds") and based on wallclock time (absolute, "fire at 12
227timers. 267timers.
228 268
229AnyEvent always prefers relative timers, if available, matching the 269AnyEvent always prefers relative timers, if available, matching the
230AnyEvent API. 270AnyEvent API.
231 271
272AnyEvent has two additional methods that return the "current time":
273
274=over 4
275
276=item AnyEvent->time
277
278This returns the "current wallclock time" as a fractional number of
279seconds since the Epoch (the same thing as C<time> or C<Time::HiRes::time>
280return, and the result is guaranteed to be compatible with those).
281
282It progresses independently of any event loop processing, i.e. each call
283will check the system clock, which usually gets updated frequently.
284
285=item AnyEvent->now
286
287This also returns the "current wallclock time", but unlike C<time>, above,
288this value might change only once per event loop iteration, depending on
289the event loop (most return the same time as C<time>, above). This is the
290time that AnyEvent's timers get scheduled against.
291
292I<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.>
294
295This function is also often faster then C<< AnyEvent->time >>, and
296thus the preferred method if you want some timestamp (for example,
297L<AnyEvent::Handle> uses this to update it's activity timeouts).
298
299The 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.
301
302For a practical example of when these times differ, consider L<Event::Lib>
303and L<EV> and the following set-up:
304
305The event loop is running and has just invoked one of your callback at
306time=500 (assume no other callbacks delay processing). In your callback,
307you 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
309after three seconds.
310
311With L<Event::Lib>, C<< AnyEvent->time >> and C<< AnyEvent->now >> will
312both return C<501>, because that is the current time, and the timer will
313be scheduled to fire at time=504 (C<501> + C<3>).
314
315With L<EV>, C<< AnyEvent->time >> returns C<501> (as that is the current
316time), but C<< AnyEvent->now >> returns C<500>, as that is the time the
317last event processing phase started. With L<EV>, your timer gets scheduled
318to run at time=503 (C<500> + C<3>).
319
320In one sense, L<Event::Lib> is more exact, as it uses the current time
321regardless of any delays introduced by event processing. However, most
322callbacks do not expect large delays in processing, so this causes a
323higher drift (and a lot more system calls to get the current time).
324
325In another sense, L<EV> is more exact, as your timer will be scheduled at
326the same time, regardless of how long event processing actually took.
327
328In either case, if you care (and in most cases, you don't), then you
329can get whatever behaviour you want with any event loop, by taking the
330difference between C<< AnyEvent->time >> and C<< AnyEvent->now >> into
331account.
332
333=item AnyEvent->now_update
334
335Some event loops (such as L<EV> or L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) cache
336the current time for each loop iteration (see the discussion of L<<
337AnyEvent->now >>, above).
338
339When a callback runs for a long time (or when the process sleeps), then
340this "current" time will differ substantially from the real time, which
341might affect timers and time-outs.
342
343When this is the case, you can call this method, which will update the
344event loop's idea of "current time".
345
346Note that updating the time I<might> cause some events to be handled.
347
348=back
349
232=head2 SIGNAL WATCHERS 350=head2 SIGNAL WATCHERS
233 351
234You can watch for signals using a signal watcher, C<signal> is the signal 352You can watch for signals using a signal watcher, C<signal> is the signal
235I<name> without any C<SIG> prefix, C<cb> is the Perl callback to 353I<name> in uppercase and without any C<SIG> prefix, C<cb> is the Perl
236be invoked whenever a signal occurs. 354callback to be invoked whenever a signal occurs.
237 355
238Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 356Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
239presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent 357presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent
240callbacks cannot use arguments passed to signal watcher callbacks. 358callbacks cannot use arguments passed to signal watcher callbacks.
241 359
242Multiple signal occurances can be clumped together into one callback 360Multiple signal occurrences can be clumped together into one callback
243invocation, and callback invocation will be synchronous. synchronous means 361invocation, and callback invocation will be synchronous. Synchronous means
244that it might take a while until the signal gets handled by the process, 362that it might take a while until the signal gets handled by the process,
245but it is guarenteed not to interrupt any other callbacks. 363but it is guaranteed not to interrupt any other callbacks.
246 364
247The main advantage of using these watchers is that you can share a signal 365The main advantage of using these watchers is that you can share a signal
248between multiple watchers. 366between multiple watchers.
249 367
250This watcher might use C<%SIG>, so programs overwriting those signals 368This watcher might use C<%SIG>, so programs overwriting those signals
257=head2 CHILD PROCESS WATCHERS 375=head2 CHILD PROCESS WATCHERS
258 376
259You can also watch on a child process exit and catch its exit status. 377You can also watch on a child process exit and catch its exit status.
260 378
261The child process is specified by the C<pid> argument (if set to C<0>, it 379The child process is specified by the C<pid> argument (if set to C<0>, it
262watches for any child process exit). The watcher will trigger as often 380watches for any child process exit). The watcher will triggered only when
263as status change for the child are received. This works by installing a 381the child process has finished and an exit status is available, not on
264signal handler for C<SIGCHLD>. The callback will be called with the pid 382any trace events (stopped/continued).
265and exit status (as returned by waitpid), so unlike other watcher types, 383
266you I<can> rely on child watcher callback arguments. 384The 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
386callback arguments.
387
388This watcher type works by installing a signal handler for C<SIGCHLD>,
389and since it cannot be shared, nothing else should use SIGCHLD or reap
390random child processes (waiting for specific child processes, e.g. inside
391C<system>, is just fine).
267 392
268There is a slight catch to child watchers, however: you usually start them 393There is a slight catch to child watchers, however: you usually start them
269I<after> the child process was created, and this means the process could 394I<after> the child process was created, and this means the process could
270have exited already (and no SIGCHLD will be sent anymore). 395have exited already (and no SIGCHLD will be sent anymore).
271 396
272Not all event models handle this correctly (POE doesn't), but even for 397Not all event models handle this correctly (neither POE nor IO::Async do,
398see their AnyEvent::Impl manpages for details), but even for event models
273event models that I<do> handle this correctly, they usually need to be 399that I<do> handle this correctly, they usually need to be loaded before
274loaded before the process exits (i.e. before you fork in the first place). 400the process exits (i.e. before you fork in the first place). AnyEvent's
401pure perl event loop handles all cases correctly regardless of when you
402start the watcher.
275 403
276This means you cannot create a child watcher as the very first thing in an 404This means you cannot create a child watcher as the very first
277AnyEvent program, you I<have> to create at least one watcher before you 405thing in an AnyEvent program, you I<have> to create at least one
278C<fork> the child (alternatively, you can call C<AnyEvent::detect>). 406watcher before you C<fork> the child (alternatively, you can call
407C<AnyEvent::detect>).
279 408
280Example: fork a process and wait for it 409Example: fork a process and wait for it
281 410
282 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar; 411 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
283 412
284 AnyEvent::detect; # force event module to be initialised
285
286 my $pid = fork or exit 5; 413 my $pid = fork or exit 5;
287 414
288 my $w = AnyEvent->child ( 415 my $w = AnyEvent->child (
289 pid => $pid, 416 pid => $pid,
290 cb => sub { 417 cb => sub {
291 my ($pid, $status) = @_; 418 my ($pid, $status) = @_;
292 warn "pid $pid exited with status $status"; 419 warn "pid $pid exited with status $status";
293 $done->send; 420 $done->send;
294 }, 421 },
295 ); 422 );
296 423
297 # do something else, then wait for process exit 424 # do something else, then wait for process exit
298 $done->wait; 425 $done->recv;
426
427=head2 IDLE WATCHERS
428
429Sometimes there is a need to do something, but it is not so important
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
434Idle watchers ideally get invoked when the event loop has nothing
435better to do, just before it would block the process to wait for new
436events. Instead of blocking, the idle watcher is invoked.
437
438Most event loops unfortunately do not really support idle watchers (only
439EV, Event and Glib do it in a usable fashion) - for the rest, AnyEvent
440will simply call the callback "from time to time".
441
442Example: read lines from STDIN, but only process them when the
443program is otherwise idle:
444
445 my @lines; # read data
446 my $idle_w;
447 my $io_w = AnyEvent->io (fh => \*STDIN, poll => 'r', cb => sub {
448 push @lines, scalar <STDIN>;
449
450 # start an idle watcher, if not already done
451 $idle_w ||= AnyEvent->idle (cb => sub {
452 # handle only one line, when there are lines left
453 if (my $line = shift @lines) {
454 print "handled when idle: $line";
455 } else {
456 # otherwise disable the idle watcher again
457 undef $idle_w;
458 }
459 });
460 });
299 461
300=head2 CONDITION VARIABLES 462=head2 CONDITION VARIABLES
301 463
302If you are familiar with some event loops you will know that all of them 464If you are familiar with some event loops you will know that all of them
303require you to run some blocking "loop", "run" or similar function that 465require you to run some blocking "loop", "run" or similar function that
304will actively watch for new events and call your callbacks. 466will actively watch for new events and call your callbacks.
305 467
306AnyEvent is different, it expects somebody else to run the event loop and 468AnyEvent is slightly different: it expects somebody else to run the event
307will only block when necessary (usually when told by the user). 469loop and will only block when necessary (usually when told by the user).
308 470
309The instrument to do that is called a "condition variable", so called 471The instrument to do that is called a "condition variable", so called
310because they represent a condition that must become true. 472because they represent a condition that must become true.
473
474Now is probably a good time to look at the examples further below.
311 475
312Condition variables can be created by calling the C<< AnyEvent->condvar 476Condition variables can be created by calling the C<< AnyEvent->condvar
313>> method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is 477>> method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is
314C<cb>, which specifies a callback to be called when the condition variable 478C<cb>, which specifies a callback to be called when the condition variable
315becomes true. 479becomes true, with the condition variable as the first argument (but not
480the results).
316 481
317After creation, the conditon variable is "false" until it becomes "true" 482After creation, the condition variable is "false" until it becomes "true"
318by calling the C<send> method. 483by 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<<
485->send >> method).
319 486
320Condition variables are similar to callbacks, except that you can 487Condition variables are similar to callbacks, except that you can
321optionally wait for them. They can also be called merge points - points 488optionally wait for them. They can also be called merge points - points
322in time where multiple outstandign events have been processed. And yet 489in time where multiple outstanding events have been processed. And yet
323another way to call them is transations - each condition variable can be 490another way to call them is transactions - each condition variable can be
324used to represent a transaction, which finishes at some point and delivers 491used to represent a transaction, which finishes at some point and delivers
325a result. 492a result.
326 493
327Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has finished, 494Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has finished,
328for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http requests, 495for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http requests,
329then a condition variable would be the ideal candidate to signal the 496then a condition variable would be the ideal candidate to signal the
330availability of results. The user can either act when the callback is 497availability of results. The user can either act when the callback is
331called or can synchronously C<< ->wait >> for the results. 498called or can synchronously C<< ->recv >> for the results.
332 499
333You can also use them to simulate traditional event loops - for example, 500You can also use them to simulate traditional event loops - for example,
334you can block your main program until an event occurs - for example, you 501you can block your main program until an event occurs - for example, you
335could C<< ->wait >> in your main program until the user clicks the Quit 502could C<< ->recv >> in your main program until the user clicks the Quit
336button of your app, which would C<< ->send >> the "quit" event. 503button of your app, which would C<< ->send >> the "quit" event.
337 504
338Note that condition variables recurse into the event loop - if you have 505Note that condition variables recurse into the event loop - if you have
339two pieces of code that call C<< ->wait >> in a round-robbin fashion, you 506two pieces of code that call C<< ->recv >> in a round-robin fashion, you
340lose. Therefore, condition variables are good to export to your caller, but 507lose. Therefore, condition variables are good to export to your caller, but
341you should avoid making a blocking wait yourself, at least in callbacks, 508you should avoid making a blocking wait yourself, at least in callbacks,
342as this asks for trouble. 509as this asks for trouble.
343 510
344Condition variables are represented by hash refs in perl, and the keys 511Condition variables are represented by hash refs in perl, and the keys
349 516
350There are two "sides" to a condition variable - the "producer side" which 517There are two "sides" to a condition variable - the "producer side" which
351eventually calls C<< -> send >>, and the "consumer side", which waits 518eventually calls C<< -> send >>, and the "consumer side", which waits
352for the send to occur. 519for the send to occur.
353 520
354Example: 521Example: wait for a timer.
355 522
356 # wait till the result is ready 523 # wait till the result is ready
357 my $result_ready = AnyEvent->condvar; 524 my $result_ready = AnyEvent->condvar;
358 525
359 # do something such as adding a timer 526 # do something such as adding a timer
364 after => 1, 531 after => 1,
365 cb => sub { $result_ready->send }, 532 cb => sub { $result_ready->send },
366 ); 533 );
367 534
368 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback 535 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback
369 # calls send 536 # calls -<send
370 $result_ready->wait; 537 $result_ready->recv;
538
539Example: wait for a timer, but take advantage of the fact that condition
540variables are also callable directly.
541
542 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
543 my $delay = AnyEvent->timer (after => 5, cb => $done);
544 $done->recv;
545
546Example: Imagine an API that returns a condvar and doesn't support
547callbacks. This is how you make a synchronous call, for example from
548the main program:
549
550 use AnyEvent::CouchDB;
551
552 ...
553
554 my @info = $couchdb->info->recv;
555
556And this is how you would just set a callback to be called whenever the
557results are available:
558
559 $couchdb->info->cb (sub {
560 my @info = $_[0]->recv;
561 });
371 562
372=head3 METHODS FOR PRODUCERS 563=head3 METHODS FOR PRODUCERS
373 564
374These methods should only be used by the producing side, i.e. the 565These methods should only be used by the producing side, i.e. the
375code/module that eventually sends the signal. Note that it is also 566code/module that eventually sends the signal. Note that it is also
378 569
379=over 4 570=over 4
380 571
381=item $cv->send (...) 572=item $cv->send (...)
382 573
383Flag the condition as ready - a running C<< ->wait >> and all further 574Flag the condition as ready - a running C<< ->recv >> and all further
384calls to C<wait> will (eventually) return after this method has been 575calls to C<recv> will (eventually) return after this method has been
385called. If nobody is waiting the send will be remembered. 576called. If nobody is waiting the send will be remembered.
386 577
387If a callback has been set on the condition variable, it is called 578If a callback has been set on the condition variable, it is called
388immediately from within send. 579immediately from within send.
389 580
390Any arguments passed to the C<send> call will be returned by all 581Any arguments passed to the C<send> call will be returned by all
391future C<< ->wait >> calls. 582future C<< ->recv >> calls.
583
584Condition variables are overloaded so one can call them directly (as if
585they were a code reference). Calling them directly is the same as calling
586C<send>.
392 587
393=item $cv->croak ($error) 588=item $cv->croak ($error)
394 589
395Similar to send, but causes all call's wait C<< ->wait >> to invoke 590Similar to send, but causes all call's to C<< ->recv >> to invoke
396C<Carp::croak> with the given error message/object/scalar. 591C<Carp::croak> with the given error message/object/scalar.
397 592
398This can be used to signal any errors to the condition variable 593This can be used to signal any errors to the condition variable
399user/consumer. 594user/consumer. Doing it this way instead of calling C<croak> directly
595delays the error detetcion, but has the overwhelmign advantage that it
596diagnoses the error at the place where the result is expected, and not
597deep in some event clalback without connection to the actual code causing
598the problem.
400 599
401=item $cv->begin ([group callback]) 600=item $cv->begin ([group callback])
402 601
403=item $cv->end 602=item $cv->end
404 603
410C<< ->end >> will decrement it. If the counter reaches C<0> in C<< ->end 609C<< ->end >> will decrement it. If the counter reaches C<0> in C<< ->end
411>>, the (last) callback passed to C<begin> will be executed. That callback 610>>, the (last) callback passed to C<begin> will be executed. That callback
412is I<supposed> to call C<< ->send >>, but that is not required. If no 611is I<supposed> to call C<< ->send >>, but that is not required. If no
413callback was set, C<send> will be called without any arguments. 612callback was set, C<send> will be called without any arguments.
414 613
415Let's clarify this with the ping example: 614You 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
616condition (all C<begin> calls must be C<end>'ed before the condvar sends).
617
618Let's start with a simple example: you have two I/O watchers (for example,
619STDOUT and STDERR for a program), and you want to wait for both streams to
620close before activating a condvar:
621
622 my $cv = AnyEvent->condvar;
623
624 $cv->begin; # first watcher
625 my $w1 = AnyEvent->io (fh => $fh1, cb => sub {
626 defined sysread $fh1, my $buf, 4096
627 or $cv->end;
628 });
629
630 $cv->begin; # second watcher
631 my $w2 = AnyEvent->io (fh => $fh2, cb => sub {
632 defined sysread $fh2, my $buf, 4096
633 or $cv->end;
634 });
635
636 $cv->recv;
637
638This works because for every event source (EOF on file handle), there is
639one call to C<begin>, so the condvar waits for all calls to C<end> before
640sending.
641
642The ping example mentioned above is slightly more complicated, as the
643there are results to be passwd back, and the number of tasks that are
644begung can potentially be zero:
416 645
417 my $cv = AnyEvent->condvar; 646 my $cv = AnyEvent->condvar;
418 647
419 my %result; 648 my %result;
420 $cv->begin (sub { $cv->send (\%result) }); 649 $cv->begin (sub { $cv->send (\%result) });
440loop, which serves two important purposes: first, it sets the callback 669loop, which serves two important purposes: first, it sets the callback
441to be called once the counter reaches C<0>, and second, it ensures that 670to be called once the counter reaches C<0>, and second, it ensures that
442C<send> is called even when C<no> hosts are being pinged (the loop 671C<send> is called even when C<no> hosts are being pinged (the loop
443doesn't execute once). 672doesn't execute once).
444 673
445This is the general pattern when you "fan out" into multiple subrequests: 674This is the general pattern when you "fan out" into multiple (but
446use an outer C<begin>/C<end> pair to set the callback and ensure C<end> 675potentially none) subrequests: use an outer C<begin>/C<end> pair to set
447is called at least once, and then, for each subrequest you start, call 676the callback and ensure C<end> is called at least once, and then, for each
448C<begin> and for eahc subrequest you finish, call C<end>. 677subrequest you start, call C<begin> and for each subrequest you finish,
678call C<end>.
449 679
450=back 680=back
451 681
452=head3 METHODS FOR CONSUMERS 682=head3 METHODS FOR CONSUMERS
453 683
454These methods should only be used by the consuming side, i.e. the 684These methods should only be used by the consuming side, i.e. the
455code awaits the condition. 685code awaits the condition.
456 686
457=over 4 687=over 4
458 688
459=item $cv->wait 689=item $cv->recv
460 690
461Wait (blocking if necessary) until the C<< ->send >> or C<< ->croak 691Wait (blocking if necessary) until the C<< ->send >> or C<< ->croak
462>> methods have been called on c<$cv>, while servicing other watchers 692>> methods have been called on c<$cv>, while servicing other watchers
463normally. 693normally.
464 694
469function will call C<croak>. 699function will call C<croak>.
470 700
471In list context, all parameters passed to C<send> will be returned, 701In list context, all parameters passed to C<send> will be returned,
472in scalar context only the first one will be returned. 702in scalar context only the first one will be returned.
473 703
704Note that doing a blocking wait in a callback is not supported by any
705event loop, that is, recursive invocation of a blocking C<< ->recv
706>> is not allowed, and the C<recv> call will C<croak> if such a
707condition is detected. This condition can be slightly loosened by using
708L<Coro::AnyEvent>, which allows you to do a blocking C<< ->recv >> from
709any thread that doesn't run the event loop itself.
710
474Not all event models support a blocking wait - some die in that case 711Not all event models support a blocking wait - some die in that case
475(programs might want to do that to stay interactive), so I<if you are 712(programs might want to do that to stay interactive), so I<if you are
476using this from a module, never require a blocking wait>, but let the 713using this from a module, never require a blocking wait>. Instead, let the
477caller decide whether the call will block or not (for example, by coupling 714caller decide whether the call will block or not (for example, by coupling
478condition variables with some kind of request results and supporting 715condition variables with some kind of request results and supporting
479callbacks so the caller knows that getting the result will not block, 716callbacks so the caller knows that getting the result will not block,
480while still suppporting blocking waits if the caller so desires). 717while still supporting blocking waits if the caller so desires).
481 718
482Another reason I<never> to C<< ->wait >> in a module is that you cannot
483sensibly have two C<< ->wait >>'s in parallel, as that would require
484multiple interpreters or coroutines/threads, none of which C<AnyEvent>
485can supply.
486
487The L<Coro> module, however, I<can> and I<does> supply coroutines and, in
488fact, L<Coro::AnyEvent> replaces AnyEvent's condvars by coroutine-safe
489versions and also integrates coroutines into AnyEvent, making blocking
490C<< ->wait >> calls perfectly safe as long as they are done from another
491coroutine (one that doesn't run the event loop).
492
493You can ensure that C<< -wait >> never blocks by setting a callback and 719You can ensure that C<< -recv >> never blocks by setting a callback and
494only calling C<< ->wait >> from within that callback (or at a later 720only calling C<< ->recv >> from within that callback (or at a later
495time). This will work even when the event loop does not support blocking 721time). This will work even when the event loop does not support blocking
496waits otherwise. 722waits otherwise.
497 723
498=item $bool = $cv->ready 724=item $bool = $cv->ready
499 725
500Returns true when the condition is "true", i.e. whether C<send> or 726Returns true when the condition is "true", i.e. whether C<send> or
501C<croak> have been called. 727C<croak> have been called.
502 728
503=item $cb = $cv->cb ([new callback]) 729=item $cb = $cv->cb ($cb->($cv))
504 730
505This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and optionally 731This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and optionally
506replaces it before doing so. 732replaces it before doing so.
507 733
508The callback will be called when the condition becomes "true", i.e. when 734The callback will be called when the condition becomes "true", i.e. when
509C<send> or C<croak> are called. Calling C<wait> inside the callback 735C<send> or C<croak> are called, with the only argument being the condition
510or at any later time is guaranteed not to block. 736variable itself. Calling C<recv> inside the callback or at any later time
737is guaranteed not to block.
511 738
512=back 739=back
513 740
741=head1 SUPPORTED EVENT LOOPS/BACKENDS
742
743The available backend classes are (every class has its own manpage):
744
745=over 4
746
747=item Backends that are autoprobed when no other event loop can be found.
748
749EV 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
751that, will fall back to its own pure-perl implementation, which is
752available everywhere as it comes with AnyEvent itself.
753
754 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.
757
758=item Backends that are transparently being picked up when they are used.
759
760These will be used when they are currently loaded when the first watcher
761is created, in which case it is assumed that the application is using
762them. This means that AnyEvent will automatically pick the right backend
763when the main program loads an event module before anything starts to
764create watchers. Nothing special needs to be done by the main program.
765
766 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib based on Glib, slow but very stable.
767 AnyEvent::Impl::Tk based on Tk, very broken.
768 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib based on Event::Lib, leaks memory and worse.
769 AnyEvent::Impl::POE based on POE, very slow, some limitations.
770
771=item Backends with special needs.
772
773Qt requires the Qt::Application to be instantiated first, but will
774otherwise be picked up automatically. As long as the main program
775instantiates the application before any AnyEvent watchers are created,
776everything should just work.
777
778 AnyEvent::Impl::Qt based on Qt.
779
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.
789
790Some event loops can be supported via other modules:
791
792There is no direct support for WxWidgets (L<Wx>) or L<Prima>.
793
794B<WxWidgets> has no support for watching file handles. However, you can
795use WxWidgets through the POE adaptor, as POE has a Wx backend that simply
796polls 20 times per second, which was considered to be too horrible to even
797consider for AnyEvent.
798
799B<Prima> is not supported as nobody seems to be using it, but it has a POE
800backend, so it can be supported through POE.
801
802AnyEvent knows about both L<Prima> and L<Wx>, however, and will try to
803load L<POE> when detecting them, in the hope that POE will pick them up,
804in which case everything will be automatic.
805
806=back
807
514=head1 GLOBAL VARIABLES AND FUNCTIONS 808=head1 GLOBAL VARIABLES AND FUNCTIONS
515 809
810These are not normally required to use AnyEvent, but can be useful to
811write AnyEvent extension modules.
812
516=over 4 813=over 4
517 814
518=item $AnyEvent::MODEL 815=item $AnyEvent::MODEL
519 816
520Contains C<undef> until the first watcher is being created. Then it 817Contains C<undef> until the first watcher is being created, before the
818backend has been autodetected.
819
521contains the event model that is being used, which is the name of the 820Afterwards it contains the event model that is being used, which is the
522Perl class implementing the model. This class is usually one of the 821name of the Perl class implementing the model. This class is usually one
523C<AnyEvent::Impl:xxx> modules, but can be any other class in the case 822of the C<AnyEvent::Impl:xxx> modules, but can be any other class in the
524AnyEvent has been extended at runtime (e.g. in I<rxvt-unicode>). 823case AnyEvent has been extended at runtime (e.g. in I<rxvt-unicode> it
525 824will be C<urxvt::anyevent>).
526The known classes so far are:
527
528 AnyEvent::Impl::EV based on EV (an interface to libev, best choice).
529 AnyEvent::Impl::Event based on Event, second best choice.
530 AnyEvent::Impl::Perl pure-perl implementation, fast and portable.
531 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib based on Glib, third-best choice.
532 AnyEvent::Impl::Tk based on Tk, very bad choice.
533 AnyEvent::Impl::Qt based on Qt, cannot be autoprobed (see its docs).
534 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib based on Event::Lib, leaks memory and worse.
535 AnyEvent::Impl::POE based on POE, not generic enough for full support.
536
537There is no support for WxWidgets, as WxWidgets has no support for
538watching file handles. However, you can use WxWidgets through the
539POE Adaptor, as POE has a Wx backend that simply polls 20 times per
540second, which was considered to be too horrible to even consider for
541AnyEvent. Likewise, other POE backends can be used by AnyEvent by using
542it's adaptor.
543
544AnyEvent knows about L<Prima> and L<Wx> and will try to use L<POE> when
545autodetecting them.
546 825
547=item AnyEvent::detect 826=item AnyEvent::detect
548 827
549Returns C<$AnyEvent::MODEL>, forcing autodetection of the event model 828Returns C<$AnyEvent::MODEL>, forcing autodetection of the event model
550if necessary. You should only call this function right before you would 829if necessary. You should only call this function right before you would
551have created an AnyEvent watcher anyway, that is, as late as possible at 830have created an AnyEvent watcher anyway, that is, as late as possible at
552runtime. 831runtime, and not e.g. while initialising of your module.
832
833If you need to do some initialisation before AnyEvent watchers are
834created, use C<post_detect>.
553 835
554=item $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK } 836=item $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }
555 837
556Arranges for the code block to be executed as soon as the event model is 838Arranges for the code block to be executed as soon as the event model is
557autodetected (or immediately if this has already happened). 839autodetected (or immediately if this has already happened).
558 840
841The block will be executed I<after> the actual backend has been detected
842(C<$AnyEvent::MODEL> is set), but I<before> any watchers have been
843created, so it is possible to e.g. patch C<@AnyEvent::ISA> or do
844other initialisations - see the sources of L<AnyEvent::Strict> or
845L<AnyEvent::AIO> to see how this is used.
846
847The most common usage is to create some global watchers, without forcing
848event 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
850avoid autodetecting the event module at load time.
851
559If called in scalar or list context, then it creates and returns an object 852If called in scalar or list context, then it creates and returns an object
560that automatically removes the callback again when it is destroyed. 853that automatically removes the callback again when it is destroyed. See
854L<Coro::BDB> for a case where this is useful.
561 855
562=item @AnyEvent::post_detect 856=item @AnyEvent::post_detect
563 857
564If there are any code references in this array (you can C<push> to it 858If there are any code references in this array (you can C<push> to it
565before or after loading AnyEvent), then they will called directly after 859before or after loading AnyEvent), then they will called directly after
566the event loop has been chosen. 860the event loop has been chosen.
567 861
568You should check C<$AnyEvent::MODEL> before adding to this array, though: 862You should check C<$AnyEvent::MODEL> before adding to this array, though:
569if it contains a true value then the event loop has already been detected, 863if it is defined then the event loop has already been detected, and the
570and the array will be ignored. 864array will be ignored.
571 865
572Best use C<AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }> instead. 866Best use C<AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }> when your application allows
867it,as it takes care of these details.
868
869This 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
871not need to even load it by default. This array provides the means to hook
872into AnyEvent passively, without loading it.
573 873
574=back 874=back
575 875
576=head1 WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE 876=head1 WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE
577 877
581Be careful when you create watchers in the module body - AnyEvent will 881Be careful when you create watchers in the module body - AnyEvent will
582decide which event module to use as soon as the first method is called, so 882decide which event module to use as soon as the first method is called, so
583by calling AnyEvent in your module body you force the user of your module 883by calling AnyEvent in your module body you force the user of your module
584to load the event module first. 884to load the event module first.
585 885
586Never call C<< ->wait >> on a condition variable unless you I<know> that 886Never call C<< ->recv >> on a condition variable unless you I<know> that
587the C<< ->send >> method has been called on it already. This is 887the C<< ->send >> method has been called on it already. This is
588because it will stall the whole program, and the whole point of using 888because it will stall the whole program, and the whole point of using
589events is to stay interactive. 889events is to stay interactive.
590 890
591It is fine, however, to call C<< ->wait >> when the user of your module 891It is fine, however, to call C<< ->recv >> when the user of your module
592requests it (i.e. if you create a http request object ad have a method 892requests it (i.e. if you create a http request object ad have a method
593called C<results> that returns the results, it should call C<< ->wait >> 893called C<results> that returns the results, it should call C<< ->recv >>
594freely, as the user of your module knows what she is doing. always). 894freely, as the user of your module knows what she is doing. always).
595 895
596=head1 WHAT TO DO IN THE MAIN PROGRAM 896=head1 WHAT TO DO IN THE MAIN PROGRAM
597 897
598There will always be a single main program - the only place that should 898There will always be a single main program - the only place that should
600 900
601If it doesn't care, it can just "use AnyEvent" and use it itself, or not 901If it doesn't care, it can just "use AnyEvent" and use it itself, or not
602do anything special (it does not need to be event-based) and let AnyEvent 902do anything special (it does not need to be event-based) and let AnyEvent
603decide which implementation to chose if some module relies on it. 903decide which implementation to chose if some module relies on it.
604 904
605If the main program relies on a specific event model. For example, in 905If the main program relies on a specific event model - for example, in
606Gtk2 programs you have to rely on the Glib module. You should load the 906Gtk2 programs you have to rely on the Glib module - you should load the
607event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it: generally 907event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it: generally
608speaking, you should load it as early as possible. The reason is that 908speaking, you should load it as early as possible. The reason is that
609modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent will 909modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent will
610decide on the event model to use as soon as it creates watchers, and it 910decide on the event model to use as soon as it creates watchers, and it
611might chose the wrong one unless you load the correct one yourself. 911might chose the wrong one unless you load the correct one yourself.
612 912
613You can chose to use a rather inefficient pure-perl implementation by 913You can chose to use a pure-perl implementation by loading the
614loading the C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl> module, which gives you similar 914C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl> module, which gives you similar behaviour
615behaviour everywhere, but letting AnyEvent chose is generally better. 915everywhere, but letting AnyEvent chose the model is generally better.
916
917=head2 MAINLOOP EMULATION
918
919Sometimes (often for short test scripts, or even standalone programs who
920only want to use AnyEvent), you do not want to run a specific event loop.
921
922In that case, you can use a condition variable like this:
923
924 AnyEvent->condvar->recv;
925
926This has the effect of entering the event loop and looping forever.
927
928Note that usually your program has some exit condition, in which case
929it is better to use the "traditional" approach of storing a condition
930variable somewhere, waiting for it, and sending it when the program should
931exit cleanly.
932
616 933
617=head1 OTHER MODULES 934=head1 OTHER MODULES
618 935
619The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use 936The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use
620AnyEvent and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent modules 937AnyEvent as a client and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent
621in the same program. Some of the modules come with AnyEvent, some are 938modules and other event loops in the same program. Some of the modules
622available via CPAN. 939come with AnyEvent, most are available via CPAN.
623 940
624=over 4 941=over 4
625 942
626=item L<AnyEvent::Util> 943=item L<AnyEvent::Util>
627 944
628Contains various utility functions that replace often-used but blocking 945Contains various utility functions that replace often-used but blocking
629functions such as C<inet_aton> by event-/callback-based versions. 946functions such as C<inet_aton> by event-/callback-based versions.
630 947
948=item L<AnyEvent::Socket>
949
950Provides various utility functions for (internet protocol) sockets,
951addresses and name resolution. Also functions to create non-blocking tcp
952connections or tcp servers, with IPv6 and SRV record support and more.
953
631=item L<AnyEvent::Handle> 954=item L<AnyEvent::Handle>
632 955
633Provide read and write buffers and manages watchers for reads and writes. 956Provide read and write buffers, manages watchers for reads and writes,
957supports raw and formatted I/O, I/O queued and fully transparent and
958non-blocking SSL/TLS (via L<AnyEvent::TLS>.
634 959
635=item L<AnyEvent::Socket> 960=item L<AnyEvent::DNS>
636 961
637Provides a means to do non-blocking connects, accepts etc. 962Provides rich asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities.
963
964=item L<AnyEvent::HTTP>
965
966A simple-to-use HTTP library that is capable of making a lot of concurrent
967HTTP requests.
638 968
639=item L<AnyEvent::HTTPD> 969=item L<AnyEvent::HTTPD>
640 970
641Provides a simple web application server framework. 971Provides a simple web application server framework.
642 972
643=item L<AnyEvent::DNS>
644
645Provides asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities, beyond what
646L<AnyEvent::Util> offers.
647
648=item L<AnyEvent::FastPing> 973=item L<AnyEvent::FastPing>
649 974
650The fastest ping in the west. 975The fastest ping in the west.
651 976
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
652=item L<Net::IRC3> 996=item L<AnyEvent::IRC>
653 997
654AnyEvent based IRC client module family. 998AnyEvent based IRC client module family (replacing the older Net::IRC3).
655 999
656=item L<Net::XMPP2> 1000=item L<AnyEvent::XMPP>
657 1001
658AnyEvent based XMPP (Jabber protocol) module family. 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>).
659 1009
660=item L<Net::FCP> 1010=item L<Net::FCP>
661 1011
662AnyEvent-based implementation of the Freenet Client Protocol, birthplace 1012AnyEvent-based implementation of the Freenet Client Protocol, birthplace
663of AnyEvent. 1013of AnyEvent.
668 1018
669=item L<Coro> 1019=item L<Coro>
670 1020
671Has special support for AnyEvent via L<Coro::AnyEvent>. 1021Has special support for AnyEvent via L<Coro::AnyEvent>.
672 1022
673=item L<IO::Lambda>
674
675The lambda approach to I/O - don't ask, look there. Can use AnyEvent.
676
677=item L<IO::AIO>
678
679Truly asynchronous I/O, should be in the toolbox of every event
680programmer. Can be trivially made to use AnyEvent.
681
682=item L<BDB>
683
684Truly asynchronous Berkeley DB access. Can be trivially made to use
685AnyEvent.
686
687=back 1023=back
688 1024
689=cut 1025=cut
690 1026
691package AnyEvent; 1027package AnyEvent;
692 1028
693no warnings; 1029no warnings;
694use strict; 1030use strict qw(vars subs);
695 1031
696use Carp; 1032use Carp ();
697 1033
698our $VERSION = '3.4'; 1034our $VERSION = 4.83;
699our $MODEL; 1035our $MODEL;
700 1036
701our $AUTOLOAD; 1037our $AUTOLOAD;
702our @ISA; 1038our @ISA;
703 1039
1040our @REGISTRY;
1041
1042our $WIN32;
1043
1044BEGIN {
1045 eval "sub WIN32(){ " . (($^O =~ /mswin32/i)*1) ." }";
1046 eval "sub TAINT(){ " . (${^TAINT}*1) . " }";
1047
1048 delete @ENV{grep /^PERL_ANYEVENT_/, keys %ENV}
1049 if ${^TAINT};
1050}
1051
704our $verbose = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}*1; 1052our $verbose = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}*1;
705 1053
706our @REGISTRY; 1054our %PROTOCOL; # (ipv4|ipv6) => (1|2), higher numbers are preferred
1055
1056{
1057 my $idx;
1058 $PROTOCOL{$_} = ++$idx
1059 for reverse split /\s*,\s*/,
1060 $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS} || "ipv4,ipv6";
1061}
707 1062
708my @models = ( 1063my @models = (
709 [EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EV::], 1064 [EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EV::],
710 [Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Event::], 1065 [Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Event::],
1066 [AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Perl::],
1067 # everything below here will not be autoprobed
1068 # as the pureperl backend should work everywhere
1069 # and is usually faster
1070 [Glib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Glib::], # becomes extremely slow with many watchers
1071 [Event::Lib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib::], # too buggy
711 [Tk:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Tk::], 1072 [Tk:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Tk::], # crashes with many handles
1073 [Qt:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Qt::], # requires special main program
1074 [POE::Kernel:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], # lasciate ogni speranza
712 [Wx:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], 1075 [Wx:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
713 [Prima:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], 1076 [Prima:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
714 [AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Perl::], 1077 # IO::Async is just too broken - we would need workarounds for its
715 # everything below here will not be autoprobed as the pureperl backend should work everywhere 1078 # byzantine signal and broken child handling, among others.
716 [Glib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Glib::], 1079 # IO::Async is rather hard to detect, as it doesn't have any
717 [Event::Lib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib::], # too buggy 1080 # obvious default class.
718 [Qt:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Qt::], # requires special main program 1081# [IO::Async:: => AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync::], # requires special main program
719 [POE::Kernel:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], # lasciate ogni speranza 1082# [IO::Async::Loop:: => AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync::], # requires special main program
1083# [IO::Async::Notifier:: => AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync::], # requires special main program
720); 1084);
721 1085
722our %method = map +($_ => 1), qw(io timer signal child condvar one_event DESTROY); 1086our %method = map +($_ => 1),
1087 qw(io timer time now now_update signal child idle condvar one_event DESTROY);
723 1088
724our @post_detect; 1089our @post_detect;
725 1090
726sub post_detect(&) { 1091sub post_detect(&) {
727 my ($cb) = @_; 1092 my ($cb) = @_;
732 1 1097 1
733 } else { 1098 } else {
734 push @post_detect, $cb; 1099 push @post_detect, $cb;
735 1100
736 defined wantarray 1101 defined wantarray
737 ? bless \$cb, "AnyEvent::Util::Guard" 1102 ? bless \$cb, "AnyEvent::Util::postdetect"
738 : () 1103 : ()
739 } 1104 }
740} 1105}
741 1106
742sub AnyEvent::Util::Guard::DESTROY { 1107sub AnyEvent::Util::postdetect::DESTROY {
743 @post_detect = grep $_ != ${$_[0]}, @post_detect; 1108 @post_detect = grep $_ != ${$_[0]}, @post_detect;
744} 1109}
745 1110
746sub detect() { 1111sub detect() {
747 unless ($MODEL) { 1112 unless ($MODEL) {
748 no strict 'refs'; 1113 no strict 'refs';
1114 local $SIG{__DIE__};
749 1115
750 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} =~ /^([a-zA-Z]+)$/) { 1116 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} =~ /^([a-zA-Z]+)$/) {
751 my $model = "AnyEvent::Impl::$1"; 1117 my $model = "AnyEvent::Impl::$1";
752 if (eval "require $model") { 1118 if (eval "require $model") {
753 $MODEL = $model; 1119 $MODEL = $model;
754 warn "AnyEvent: loaded model '$model' (forced by \$PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL), using it.\n" if $verbose > 1; 1120 warn "AnyEvent: loaded model '$model' (forced by \$ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL}), using it.\n" if $verbose > 1;
755 } else { 1121 } else {
756 warn "AnyEvent: unable to load model '$model' (from \$PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL):\n$@" if $verbose; 1122 warn "AnyEvent: unable to load model '$model' (from \$ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL}):\n$@" if $verbose;
757 } 1123 }
758 } 1124 }
759 1125
760 # check for already loaded models 1126 # check for already loaded models
761 unless ($MODEL) { 1127 unless ($MODEL) {
783 last; 1149 last;
784 } 1150 }
785 } 1151 }
786 1152
787 $MODEL 1153 $MODEL
788 or die "No event module selected for AnyEvent and autodetect failed. Install any one of these modules: EV, Event or Glib."; 1154 or die "No event module selected for AnyEvent and autodetect failed. Install any one of these modules: EV, Event or Glib.\n";
789 } 1155 }
790 } 1156 }
791 1157
1158 push @{"$MODEL\::ISA"}, "AnyEvent::Base";
1159
792 unshift @ISA, $MODEL; 1160 unshift @ISA, $MODEL;
793 push @{"$MODEL\::ISA"}, "AnyEvent::Base"; 1161
1162 require AnyEvent::Strict if $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT};
794 1163
795 (shift @post_detect)->() while @post_detect; 1164 (shift @post_detect)->() while @post_detect;
796 } 1165 }
797 1166
798 $MODEL 1167 $MODEL
800 1169
801sub AUTOLOAD { 1170sub AUTOLOAD {
802 (my $func = $AUTOLOAD) =~ s/.*://; 1171 (my $func = $AUTOLOAD) =~ s/.*://;
803 1172
804 $method{$func} 1173 $method{$func}
805 or croak "$func: not a valid method for AnyEvent objects"; 1174 or Carp::croak "$func: not a valid method for AnyEvent objects";
806 1175
807 detect unless $MODEL; 1176 detect unless $MODEL;
808 1177
809 my $class = shift; 1178 my $class = shift;
810 $class->$func (@_); 1179 $class->$func (@_);
811} 1180}
812 1181
1182# utility function to dup a filehandle. this is used by many backends
1183# 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).
1185sub _dupfh($$;$$) {
1186 my ($poll, $fh, $r, $w) = @_;
1187
1188 # cygwin requires the fh mode to be matching, unix doesn't
1189 my ($rw, $mode) = $poll eq "r" ? ($r, "<&") : ($w, ">&");
1190
1191 open my $fh2, $mode, $fh
1192 or die "AnyEvent->io: cannot dup() filehandle in mode '$poll': $!,";
1193
1194 # we assume CLOEXEC is already set by perl in all important cases
1195
1196 ($fh2, $rw)
1197}
1198
813package AnyEvent::Base; 1199package AnyEvent::Base;
814 1200
1201# default implementations for many methods
1202
1203BEGIN {
1204 if (eval "use Time::HiRes (); Time::HiRes::time (); 1") {
1205 *_time = \&Time::HiRes::time;
1206 # if (eval "use POSIX (); (POSIX::times())...
1207 } else {
1208 *_time = sub { time }; # epic fail
1209 }
1210}
1211
1212sub time { _time }
1213sub now { _time }
1214sub now_update { }
1215
815# default implementation for ->condvar, ->wait, ->broadcast 1216# default implementation for ->condvar
816 1217
817sub condvar { 1218sub condvar {
818 bless \my $flag, "AnyEvent::Base::CondVar" 1219 bless { @_ == 3 ? (_ae_cb => $_[2]) : () }, "AnyEvent::CondVar"
819}
820
821sub AnyEvent::Base::CondVar::broadcast {
822 ${$_[0]}++;
823}
824
825sub AnyEvent::Base::CondVar::wait {
826 AnyEvent->one_event while !${$_[0]};
827} 1220}
828 1221
829# default implementation for ->signal 1222# default implementation for ->signal
830 1223
831our %SIG_CB; 1224our ($SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W, %SIG_CB, %SIG_EV, $SIG_IO);
1225
1226sub _signal_exec {
1227 sysread $SIGPIPE_R, my $dummy, 4;
1228
1229 while (%SIG_EV) {
1230 for (keys %SIG_EV) {
1231 delete $SIG_EV{$_};
1232 $_->() for values %{ $SIG_CB{$_} || {} };
1233 }
1234 }
1235}
832 1236
833sub signal { 1237sub signal {
834 my (undef, %arg) = @_; 1238 my (undef, %arg) = @_;
835 1239
1240 unless ($SIGPIPE_R) {
1241 require Fcntl;
1242
1243 if (AnyEvent::WIN32) {
1244 require AnyEvent::Util;
1245
1246 ($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 {
1250 pipe $SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W;
1251 fcntl $SIGPIPE_R, &Fcntl::F_SETFL, &Fcntl::O_NONBLOCK if $SIGPIPE_R;
1252 fcntl $SIGPIPE_W, &Fcntl::F_SETFL, &Fcntl::O_NONBLOCK if $SIGPIPE_W; # just in case
1253
1254 # not strictly required, as $^F is normally 2, but let's make sure...
1255 fcntl $SIGPIPE_R, &Fcntl::F_SETFD, &Fcntl::FD_CLOEXEC;
1256 fcntl $SIGPIPE_W, &Fcntl::F_SETFD, &Fcntl::FD_CLOEXEC;
1257 }
1258
1259 $SIGPIPE_R
1260 or Carp::croak "AnyEvent: unable to create a signal reporting pipe: $!\n";
1261
1262 $SIG_IO = AnyEvent->io (fh => $SIGPIPE_R, poll => "r", cb => \&_signal_exec);
1263 }
1264
836 my $signal = uc $arg{signal} 1265 my $signal = uc $arg{signal}
837 or Carp::croak "required option 'signal' is missing"; 1266 or Carp::croak "required option 'signal' is missing";
838 1267
839 $SIG_CB{$signal}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb}; 1268 $SIG_CB{$signal}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb};
840 $SIG{$signal} ||= sub { 1269 $SIG{$signal} ||= sub {
841 $_->() for values %{ $SIG_CB{$signal} || {} }; 1270 local $!;
1271 syswrite $SIGPIPE_W, "\x00", 1 unless %SIG_EV;
1272 undef $SIG_EV{$signal};
842 }; 1273 };
843 1274
844 bless [$signal, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::Signal" 1275 bless [$signal, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::signal"
845} 1276}
846 1277
847sub AnyEvent::Base::Signal::DESTROY { 1278sub AnyEvent::Base::signal::DESTROY {
848 my ($signal, $cb) = @{$_[0]}; 1279 my ($signal, $cb) = @{$_[0]};
849 1280
850 delete $SIG_CB{$signal}{$cb}; 1281 delete $SIG_CB{$signal}{$cb};
851 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.
852 $SIG{$signal} = 'DEFAULT' unless keys %{ $SIG_CB{$signal} }; 1286 undef $SIG{$signal} unless keys %{ $SIG_CB{$signal} };
853} 1287}
854 1288
855# default implementation for ->child 1289# default implementation for ->child
856 1290
857our %PID_CB; 1291our %PID_CB;
858our $CHLD_W; 1292our $CHLD_W;
859our $CHLD_DELAY_W; 1293our $CHLD_DELAY_W;
860our $PID_IDLE;
861our $WNOHANG; 1294our $WNOHANG;
862 1295
863sub _child_wait { 1296sub _sigchld {
864 while (0 < (my $pid = waitpid -1, $WNOHANG)) { 1297 while (0 < (my $pid = waitpid -1, $WNOHANG)) {
865 $_->($pid, $?) for (values %{ $PID_CB{$pid} || {} }), 1298 $_->($pid, $?) for (values %{ $PID_CB{$pid} || {} }),
866 (values %{ $PID_CB{0} || {} }); 1299 (values %{ $PID_CB{0} || {} });
867 } 1300 }
868
869 undef $PID_IDLE;
870}
871
872sub _sigchld {
873 # make sure we deliver these changes "synchronous" with the event loop.
874 $CHLD_DELAY_W ||= AnyEvent->timer (after => 0, cb => sub {
875 undef $CHLD_DELAY_W;
876 &_child_wait;
877 });
878} 1301}
879 1302
880sub child { 1303sub child {
881 my (undef, %arg) = @_; 1304 my (undef, %arg) = @_;
882 1305
883 defined (my $pid = $arg{pid} + 0) 1306 defined (my $pid = $arg{pid} + 0)
884 or Carp::croak "required option 'pid' is missing"; 1307 or Carp::croak "required option 'pid' is missing";
885 1308
886 $PID_CB{$pid}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb}; 1309 $PID_CB{$pid}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb};
887 1310
888 unless ($WNOHANG) {
889 $WNOHANG = eval { require POSIX; &POSIX::WNOHANG } || 1; 1311 $WNOHANG ||= eval { local $SIG{__DIE__}; require POSIX; &POSIX::WNOHANG } || 1;
890 }
891 1312
892 unless ($CHLD_W) { 1313 unless ($CHLD_W) {
893 $CHLD_W = AnyEvent->signal (signal => 'CHLD', cb => \&_sigchld); 1314 $CHLD_W = AnyEvent->signal (signal => 'CHLD', cb => \&_sigchld);
894 # child could be a zombie already, so make at least one round 1315 # child could be a zombie already, so make at least one round
895 &_sigchld; 1316 &_sigchld;
896 } 1317 }
897 1318
898 bless [$pid, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::Child" 1319 bless [$pid, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::child"
899} 1320}
900 1321
901sub AnyEvent::Base::Child::DESTROY { 1322sub AnyEvent::Base::child::DESTROY {
902 my ($pid, $cb) = @{$_[0]}; 1323 my ($pid, $cb) = @{$_[0]};
903 1324
904 delete $PID_CB{$pid}{$cb}; 1325 delete $PID_CB{$pid}{$cb};
905 delete $PID_CB{$pid} unless keys %{ $PID_CB{$pid} }; 1326 delete $PID_CB{$pid} unless keys %{ $PID_CB{$pid} };
906 1327
907 undef $CHLD_W unless keys %PID_CB; 1328 undef $CHLD_W unless keys %PID_CB;
908} 1329}
1330
1331# idle emulation is done by simply using a timer, regardless
1332# of whether the process is idle or not, and not letting
1333# the callback use more than 50% of the time.
1334sub idle {
1335 my (undef, %arg) = @_;
1336
1337 my ($cb, $w, $rcb) = $arg{cb};
1338
1339 $rcb = sub {
1340 if ($cb) {
1341 $w = _time;
1342 &$cb;
1343 $w = _time - $w;
1344
1345 # never use more then 50% of the time for the idle watcher,
1346 # within some limits
1347 $w = 0.0001 if $w < 0.0001;
1348 $w = 5 if $w > 5;
1349
1350 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $w, cb => $rcb);
1351 } else {
1352 # clean up...
1353 undef $w;
1354 undef $rcb;
1355 }
1356 };
1357
1358 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 0.05, cb => $rcb);
1359
1360 bless \\$cb, "AnyEvent::Base::idle"
1361}
1362
1363sub AnyEvent::Base::idle::DESTROY {
1364 undef $${$_[0]};
1365}
1366
1367package AnyEvent::CondVar;
1368
1369our @ISA = AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::;
1370
1371package AnyEvent::CondVar::Base;
1372
1373use overload
1374 '&{}' => sub { my $self = shift; sub { $self->send (@_) } },
1375 fallback => 1;
1376
1377our $WAITING;
1378
1379sub _send {
1380 # nop
1381}
1382
1383sub send {
1384 my $cv = shift;
1385 $cv->{_ae_sent} = [@_];
1386 (delete $cv->{_ae_cb})->($cv) if $cv->{_ae_cb};
1387 $cv->_send;
1388}
1389
1390sub croak {
1391 $_[0]{_ae_croak} = $_[1];
1392 $_[0]->send;
1393}
1394
1395sub ready {
1396 $_[0]{_ae_sent}
1397}
1398
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 {
1409 $_[0]->_wait;
1410
1411 Carp::croak $_[0]{_ae_croak} if $_[0]{_ae_croak};
1412 wantarray ? @{ $_[0]{_ae_sent} } : $_[0]{_ae_sent}[0]
1413}
1414
1415sub cb {
1416 $_[0]{_ae_cb} = $_[1] if @_ > 1;
1417 $_[0]{_ae_cb}
1418}
1419
1420sub begin {
1421 ++$_[0]{_ae_counter};
1422 $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} = $_[1] if @_ > 1;
1423}
1424
1425sub end {
1426 return if --$_[0]{_ae_counter};
1427 &{ $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} || sub { $_[0]->send } };
1428}
1429
1430# undocumented/compatibility with pre-3.4
1431*broadcast = \&send;
1432*wait = \&_wait;
1433
1434=head1 ERROR AND EXCEPTION HANDLING
1435
1436In general, AnyEvent does not do any error handling - it relies on the
1437caller to do that if required. The L<AnyEvent::Strict> module (see also
1438the C<PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT> environment variable, below) provides strict
1439checking of all AnyEvent methods, however, which is highly useful during
1440development.
1441
1442As for exception handling (i.e. runtime errors and exceptions thrown while
1443executing a callback), this is not only highly event-loop specific, but
1444also not in any way wrapped by this module, as this is the job of the main
1445program.
1446
1447The pure perl event loop simply re-throws the exception (usually
1448within C<< condvar->recv >>), the L<Event> and L<EV> modules call C<<
1449$Event/EV::DIED->() >>, L<Glib> uses C<< install_exception_handler >> and
1450so on.
1451
1452=head1 ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES
1453
1454The following environment variables are used by this module or its
1455submodules.
1456
1457Note that AnyEvent will remove I<all> environment variables starting with
1458C<PERL_ANYEVENT_> from C<%ENV> when it is loaded while taint mode is
1459enabled.
1460
1461=over 4
1462
1463=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE>
1464
1465By default, AnyEvent will be completely silent except in fatal
1466conditions. You can set this environment variable to make AnyEvent more
1467talkative.
1468
1469When set to C<1> or higher, causes AnyEvent to warn about unexpected
1470conditions, such as not being able to load the event model specified by
1471C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>.
1472
1473When set to C<2> or higher, cause AnyEvent to report to STDERR which event
1474model it chooses.
1475
1476=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT>
1477
1478AnyEvent does not do much argument checking by default, as thorough
1479argument checking is very costly. Setting this variable to a true value
1480will cause AnyEvent to load C<AnyEvent::Strict> and then to thoroughly
1481check the arguments passed to most method calls. If it finds any problems,
1482it will croak.
1483
1484In other words, enables "strict" mode.
1485
1486Unlike C<use strict>, it is definitely recommended to keep it off in
1487production. Keeping C<PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT=1> in your environment while
1488developing programs can be very useful, however.
1489
1490=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>
1491
1492This 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
1494entirely of ASCII letters. The string C<AnyEvent::Impl::> gets prepended
1495and the resulting module name is loaded and if the load was successful,
1496used as event model. If it fails to load AnyEvent will proceed with
1497auto detection and -probing.
1498
1499This functionality might change in future versions.
1500
1501For example, to force the pure perl model (L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) you
1502could start your program like this:
1503
1504 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ...
1505
1506=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS>
1507
1508Used by both L<AnyEvent::DNS> and L<AnyEvent::Socket> to determine preferences
1509for IPv4 or IPv6. The default is unspecified (and might change, or be the result
1510of auto probing).
1511
1512Must be set to a comma-separated list of protocols or address families,
1513current supported: C<ipv4> and C<ipv6>. Only protocols mentioned will be
1514used, and preference will be given to protocols mentioned earlier in the
1515list.
1516
1517This variable can effectively be used for denial-of-service attacks
1518against local programs (e.g. when setuid), although the impact is likely
1519small, as the program has to handle conenction and other failures anyways.
1520
1521Examples: C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4,ipv6> - prefer IPv4 over IPv6,
1522but support both and try to use both. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4>
1523- only support IPv4, never try to resolve or contact IPv6
1524addresses. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv6,ipv4> support either IPv4 or
1525IPv6, but prefer IPv6 over IPv4.
1526
1527=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_EDNS0>
1528
1529Used by L<AnyEvent::DNS> to decide whether to use the EDNS0 extension
1530for DNS. This extension is generally useful to reduce DNS traffic, but
1531some (broken) firewalls drop such DNS packets, which is why it is off by
1532default.
1533
1534Setting this variable to C<1> will cause L<AnyEvent::DNS> to announce
1535EDNS0 in its DNS requests.
1536
1537=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_FORKS>
1538
1539The maximum number of child processes that C<AnyEvent::Util::fork_call>
1540will create in parallel.
1541
1542=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_OUTSTANDING_DNS>
1543
1544The default value for the C<max_outstanding> parameter for the default DNS
1545resolver - this is the maximum number of parallel DNS requests that are
1546sent to the DNS server.
1547
1548=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_RESOLV_CONF>
1549
1550The file to use instead of F</etc/resolv.conf> (or OS-specific
1551configuration) in the default resolver. When set to the empty string, no
1552default config will be used.
1553
1554=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_CA_FILE>, C<PERL_ANYEVENT_CA_PATH>.
1555
1556When neither C<ca_file> nor C<ca_path> was specified during
1557L<AnyEvent::TLS> context creation, and either of these environment
1558variables exist, they will be used to specify CA certificate locations
1559instead of a system-dependent default.
1560
1561=back
909 1562
910=head1 SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE 1563=head1 SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE
911 1564
912This is an advanced topic that you do not normally need to use AnyEvent in 1565This is an advanced topic that you do not normally need to use AnyEvent in
913a module. This section is only of use to event loop authors who want to 1566a module. This section is only of use to event loop authors who want to
947 1600
948I<rxvt-unicode> also cheats a bit by not providing blocking access to 1601I<rxvt-unicode> also cheats a bit by not providing blocking access to
949condition variables: code blocking while waiting for a condition will 1602condition variables: code blocking while waiting for a condition will
950C<die>. This still works with most modules/usages, and blocking calls must 1603C<die>. This still works with most modules/usages, and blocking calls must
951not be done in an interactive application, so it makes sense. 1604not be done in an interactive application, so it makes sense.
952
953=head1 ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES
954
955The following environment variables are used by this module:
956
957=over 4
958
959=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE>
960
961By default, AnyEvent will be completely silent except in fatal
962conditions. You can set this environment variable to make AnyEvent more
963talkative.
964
965When set to C<1> or higher, causes AnyEvent to warn about unexpected
966conditions, such as not being able to load the event model specified by
967C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>.
968
969When set to C<2> or higher, cause AnyEvent to report to STDERR which event
970model it chooses.
971
972=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>
973
974This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent, before
975autodetection and -probing kicks in. It must be a string consisting
976entirely of ASCII letters. The string C<AnyEvent::Impl::> gets prepended
977and the resulting module name is loaded and if the load was successful,
978used as event model. If it fails to load AnyEvent will proceed with
979autodetection and -probing.
980
981This functionality might change in future versions.
982
983For example, to force the pure perl model (L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) you
984could start your program like this:
985
986 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ...
987
988=back
989 1605
990=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 1606=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
991 1607
992The following program uses an I/O watcher to read data from STDIN, a timer 1608The following program uses an I/O watcher to read data from STDIN, a timer
993to display a message once per second, and a condition variable to quit the 1609to display a message once per second, and a condition variable to quit the
1002 poll => 'r', 1618 poll => 'r',
1003 cb => sub { 1619 cb => sub {
1004 warn "io event <$_[0]>\n"; # will always output <r> 1620 warn "io event <$_[0]>\n"; # will always output <r>
1005 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>); # read a line 1621 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>); # read a line
1006 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read 1622 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read
1007 $cv->broadcast if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i 1623 $cv->send if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i
1008 }, 1624 },
1009 ); 1625 );
1010 1626
1011 my $time_watcher; # can only be used once 1627 my $time_watcher; # can only be used once
1012 1628
1017 }); 1633 });
1018 } 1634 }
1019 1635
1020 new_timer; # create first timer 1636 new_timer; # create first timer
1021 1637
1022 $cv->wait; # wait until user enters /^q/i 1638 $cv->recv; # wait until user enters /^q/i
1023 1639
1024=head1 REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE 1640=head1 REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE
1025 1641
1026Consider the L<Net::FCP> module. It features (among others) the following 1642Consider the L<Net::FCP> module. It features (among others) the following
1027API calls, which are to freenet what HTTP GET requests are to http: 1643API calls, which are to freenet what HTTP GET requests are to http:
1077 syswrite $txn->{fh}, $txn->{request} 1693 syswrite $txn->{fh}, $txn->{request}
1078 or die "connection or write error"; 1694 or die "connection or write error";
1079 $txn->{w} = AnyEvent->io (fh => $txn->{fh}, poll => 'r', cb => sub { $txn->fh_ready_r }); 1695 $txn->{w} = AnyEvent->io (fh => $txn->{fh}, poll => 'r', cb => sub { $txn->fh_ready_r });
1080 1696
1081Again, C<fh_ready_r> waits till all data has arrived, and then stores the 1697Again, C<fh_ready_r> waits till all data has arrived, and then stores the
1082result and signals any possible waiters that the request ahs finished: 1698result and signals any possible waiters that the request has finished:
1083 1699
1084 sysread $txn->{fh}, $txn->{buf}, length $txn->{$buf}; 1700 sysread $txn->{fh}, $txn->{buf}, length $txn->{$buf};
1085 1701
1086 if (end-of-file or data complete) { 1702 if (end-of-file or data complete) {
1087 $txn->{result} = $txn->{buf}; 1703 $txn->{result} = $txn->{buf};
1088 $txn->{finished}->broadcast; 1704 $txn->{finished}->send;
1089 $txb->{cb}->($txn) of $txn->{cb}; # also call callback 1705 $txb->{cb}->($txn) of $txn->{cb}; # also call callback
1090 } 1706 }
1091 1707
1092The C<result> method, finally, just waits for the finished signal (if the 1708The C<result> method, finally, just waits for the finished signal (if the
1093request was already finished, it doesn't wait, of course, and returns the 1709request was already finished, it doesn't wait, of course, and returns the
1094data: 1710data:
1095 1711
1096 $txn->{finished}->wait; 1712 $txn->{finished}->recv;
1097 return $txn->{result}; 1713 return $txn->{result};
1098 1714
1099The actual code goes further and collects all errors (C<die>s, exceptions) 1715The actual code goes further and collects all errors (C<die>s, exceptions)
1100that occured during request processing. The C<result> method detects 1716that occurred during request processing. The C<result> method detects
1101whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn object) 1717whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn object)
1102and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and other 1718and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and other
1103problems get reported tot he code that tries to use the result, not in a 1719problems get reported tot he code that tries to use the result, not in a
1104random callback. 1720random callback.
1105 1721
1136 1752
1137 my $quit = AnyEvent->condvar; 1753 my $quit = AnyEvent->condvar;
1138 1754
1139 $fcp->txn_client_get ($url)->cb (sub { 1755 $fcp->txn_client_get ($url)->cb (sub {
1140 ... 1756 ...
1141 $quit->broadcast; 1757 $quit->send;
1142 }); 1758 });
1143 1759
1144 $quit->wait; 1760 $quit->recv;
1145 1761
1146 1762
1147=head1 BENCHMARKS 1763=head1 BENCHMARKS
1148 1764
1149To give you an idea of the performance and overheads that AnyEvent adds 1765To give you an idea of the performance and overheads that AnyEvent adds
1151of various event loops I prepared some benchmarks. 1767of various event loops I prepared some benchmarks.
1152 1768
1153=head2 BENCHMARKING ANYEVENT OVERHEAD 1769=head2 BENCHMARKING ANYEVENT OVERHEAD
1154 1770
1155Here is a benchmark of various supported event models used natively and 1771Here is a benchmark of various supported event models used natively and
1156through anyevent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero 1772through AnyEvent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero
1157timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable, 1773timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable,
1158which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again. 1774which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again.
1159 1775
1160Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench> in the AnyEvent 1776Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench> in the AnyEvent
1161distribution. 1777distribution.
1178all watchers, to avoid adding memory overhead. That means closure creation 1794all watchers, to avoid adding memory overhead. That means closure creation
1179and memory usage is not included in the figures. 1795and memory usage is not included in the figures.
1180 1796
1181I<invoke> is the time, in microseconds, used to invoke a simple 1797I<invoke> is the time, in microseconds, used to invoke a simple
1182callback. The callback simply counts down a Perl variable and after it was 1798callback. The callback simply counts down a Perl variable and after it was
1183invoked "watcher" times, it would C<< ->broadcast >> a condvar once to 1799invoked "watcher" times, it would C<< ->send >> a condvar once to
1184signal the end of this phase. 1800signal the end of this phase.
1185 1801
1186I<destroy> is the time, in microseconds, that it takes to destroy a single 1802I<destroy> is the time, in microseconds, that it takes to destroy a single
1187watcher. 1803watcher.
1188 1804
1189=head3 Results 1805=head3 Results
1190 1806
1191 name watchers bytes create invoke destroy comment 1807 name watchers bytes create invoke destroy comment
1192 EV/EV 400000 244 0.56 0.46 0.31 EV native interface 1808 EV/EV 400000 224 0.47 0.35 0.27 EV native interface
1193 EV/Any 100000 244 2.50 0.46 0.29 EV + AnyEvent watchers 1809 EV/Any 100000 224 2.88 0.34 0.27 EV + AnyEvent watchers
1194 CoroEV/Any 100000 244 2.49 0.44 0.29 coroutines + Coro::Signal 1810 CoroEV/Any 100000 224 2.85 0.35 0.28 coroutines + Coro::Signal
1195 Perl/Any 100000 513 4.92 0.87 1.12 pure perl implementation 1811 Perl/Any 100000 452 4.13 0.73 0.95 pure perl implementation
1196 Event/Event 16000 516 31.88 31.30 0.85 Event native interface 1812 Event/Event 16000 517 32.20 31.80 0.81 Event native interface
1197 Event/Any 16000 590 35.75 31.42 1.08 Event + AnyEvent watchers 1813 Event/Any 16000 590 35.85 31.55 1.06 Event + AnyEvent watchers
1814 IOAsync/Any 16000 989 38.10 32.77 11.13 via IO::Async::Loop::IO_Poll
1815 IOAsync/Any 16000 990 37.59 29.50 10.61 via IO::Async::Loop::Epoll
1198 Glib/Any 16000 1357 98.22 12.41 54.00 quadratic behaviour 1816 Glib/Any 16000 1357 102.33 12.31 51.00 quadratic behaviour
1199 Tk/Any 2000 1860 26.97 67.98 14.00 SEGV with >> 2000 watchers 1817 Tk/Any 2000 1860 27.20 66.31 14.00 SEGV with >> 2000 watchers
1200 POE/Event 2000 6644 108.64 736.02 14.73 via POE::Loop::Event 1818 POE/Event 2000 6328 109.99 751.67 14.02 via POE::Loop::Event
1201 POE/Select 2000 6343 94.13 809.12 565.96 via POE::Loop::Select 1819 POE/Select 2000 6027 94.54 809.13 579.80 via POE::Loop::Select
1202 1820
1203=head3 Discussion 1821=head3 Discussion
1204 1822
1205The benchmark does I<not> measure scalability of the event loop very 1823The benchmark does I<not> measure scalability of the event loop very
1206well. For example, a select-based event loop (such as the pure perl one) 1824well. For example, a select-based event loop (such as the pure perl one)
1231performance becomes really bad with lots of file descriptors (and few of 1849performance becomes really bad with lots of file descriptors (and few of
1232them active), of course, but this was not subject of this benchmark. 1850them active), of course, but this was not subject of this benchmark.
1233 1851
1234The C<Event> module has a relatively high setup and callback invocation 1852The C<Event> module has a relatively high setup and callback invocation
1235cost, but overall scores in on the third place. 1853cost, but overall scores in on the third place.
1854
1855C<IO::Async> performs admirably well, about on par with C<Event>, even
1856when using its pure perl backend.
1236 1857
1237C<Glib>'s memory usage is quite a bit higher, but it features a 1858C<Glib>'s memory usage is quite a bit higher, but it features a
1238faster callback invocation and overall ends up in the same class as 1859faster callback invocation and overall ends up in the same class as
1239C<Event>. However, Glib scales extremely badly, doubling the number of 1860C<Event>. However, Glib scales extremely badly, doubling the number of
1240watchers increases the processing time by more than a factor of four, 1861watchers increases the processing time by more than a factor of four,
1284 1905
1285=back 1906=back
1286 1907
1287=head2 BENCHMARKING THE LARGE SERVER CASE 1908=head2 BENCHMARKING THE LARGE SERVER CASE
1288 1909
1289This benchmark atcually benchmarks the event loop itself. It works by 1910This benchmark actually benchmarks the event loop itself. It works by
1290creating a number of "servers": each server consists of a socketpair, a 1911creating a number of "servers": each server consists of a socket pair, a
1291timeout watcher that gets reset on activity (but never fires), and an I/O 1912timeout watcher that gets reset on activity (but never fires), and an I/O
1292watcher waiting for input on one side of the socket. Each time the socket 1913watcher waiting for input on one side of the socket. Each time the socket
1293watcher reads a byte it will write that byte to a random other "server". 1914watcher reads a byte it will write that byte to a random other "server".
1294 1915
1295The effect is that there will be a lot of I/O watchers, only part of which 1916The effect is that there will be a lot of I/O watchers, only part of which
1296are active at any one point (so there is a constant number of active 1917are active at any one point (so there is a constant number of active
1297fds for each loop iterstaion, but which fds these are is random). The 1918fds for each loop iteration, but which fds these are is random). The
1298timeout is reset each time something is read because that reflects how 1919timeout is reset each time something is read because that reflects how
1299most timeouts work (and puts extra pressure on the event loops). 1920most timeouts work (and puts extra pressure on the event loops).
1300 1921
1301In this benchmark, we use 10000 socketpairs (20000 sockets), of which 100 1922In this benchmark, we use 10000 socket pairs (20000 sockets), of which 100
1302(1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with many 1923(1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with many
1303connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time. 1924connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time.
1304 1925
1305Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench2> in the AnyEvent 1926Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench2> in the AnyEvent
1306distribution. 1927distribution.
1308=head3 Explanation of the columns 1929=head3 Explanation of the columns
1309 1930
1310I<sockets> is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" (as 1931I<sockets> is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" (as
1311each server has a read and write socket end). 1932each server has a read and write socket end).
1312 1933
1313I<create> is the time it takes to create a socketpair (which is 1934I<create> is the time it takes to create a socket pair (which is
1314nontrivial) and two watchers: an I/O watcher and a timeout watcher. 1935nontrivial) and two watchers: an I/O watcher and a timeout watcher.
1315 1936
1316I<request>, the most important value, is the time it takes to handle a 1937I<request>, the most important value, is the time it takes to handle a
1317single "request", that is, reading the token from the pipe and forwarding 1938single "request", that is, reading the token from the pipe and forwarding
1318it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout and creating 1939it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout and creating
1319a new one that moves the timeout into the future. 1940a new one that moves the timeout into the future.
1320 1941
1321=head3 Results 1942=head3 Results
1322 1943
1323 name sockets create request 1944 name sockets create request
1324 EV 20000 69.01 11.16 1945 EV 20000 69.01 11.16
1325 Perl 20000 73.32 35.87 1946 Perl 20000 73.32 35.87
1947 IOAsync 20000 157.00 98.14 epoll
1948 IOAsync 20000 159.31 616.06 poll
1326 Event 20000 212.62 257.32 1949 Event 20000 212.62 257.32
1327 Glib 20000 651.16 1896.30 1950 Glib 20000 651.16 1896.30
1328 POE 20000 349.67 12317.24 uses POE::Loop::Event 1951 POE 20000 349.67 12317.24 uses POE::Loop::Event
1329 1952
1330=head3 Discussion 1953=head3 Discussion
1331 1954
1332This benchmark I<does> measure scalability and overall performance of the 1955This benchmark I<does> measure scalability and overall performance of the
1333particular event loop. 1956particular event loop.
1335EV is again fastest. Since it is using epoll on my system, the setup time 1958EV is again fastest. Since it is using epoll on my system, the setup time
1336is relatively high, though. 1959is relatively high, though.
1337 1960
1338Perl surprisingly comes second. It is much faster than the C-based event 1961Perl surprisingly comes second. It is much faster than the C-based event
1339loops Event and Glib. 1962loops Event and Glib.
1963
1964IO::Async performs very well when using its epoll backend, and still quite
1965good compared to Glib when using its pure perl backend.
1340 1966
1341Event suffers from high setup time as well (look at its code and you will 1967Event suffers from high setup time as well (look at its code and you will
1342understand why). Callback invocation also has a high overhead compared to 1968understand why). Callback invocation also has a high overhead compared to
1343the C<< $_->() for .. >>-style loop that the Perl event loop uses. Event 1969the C<< $_->() for .. >>-style loop that the Perl event loop uses. Event
1344uses select or poll in basically all documented configurations. 1970uses select or poll in basically all documented configurations.
1391speed most when you have lots of watchers, not when you only have a few of 2017speed most when you have lots of watchers, not when you only have a few of
1392them). 2018them).
1393 2019
1394EV is again fastest. 2020EV is again fastest.
1395 2021
1396Perl again comes second. It is noticably faster than the C-based event 2022Perl again comes second. It is noticeably faster than the C-based event
1397loops Event and Glib, although the difference is too small to really 2023loops Event and Glib, although the difference is too small to really
1398matter. 2024matter.
1399 2025
1400POE also performs much better in this case, but is is still far behind the 2026POE also performs much better in this case, but is is still far behind the
1401others. 2027others.
1407=item * C-based event loops perform very well with small number of 2033=item * C-based event loops perform very well with small number of
1408watchers, as the management overhead dominates. 2034watchers, as the management overhead dominates.
1409 2035
1410=back 2036=back
1411 2037
2038=head2 THE IO::Lambda BENCHMARK
2039
2040Recently I was told about the benchmark in the IO::Lambda manpage, which
2041could be misinterpreted to make AnyEvent look bad. In fact, the benchmark
2042simply compares IO::Lambda with POE, and IO::Lambda looks better (which
2043shouldn't come as a surprise to anybody). As such, the benchmark is
2044fine, and mostly shows that the AnyEvent backend from IO::Lambda isn't
2045very optimal. But how would AnyEvent compare when used without the extra
2046baggage? To explore this, I wrote the equivalent benchmark for AnyEvent.
2047
2048The benchmark itself creates an echo-server, and then, for 500 times,
2049connects to the echo server, sends a line, waits for the reply, and then
2050creates the next connection. This is a rather bad benchmark, as it doesn't
2051test the efficiency of the framework or much non-blocking I/O, but it is a
2052benchmark nevertheless.
2053
2054 name runtime
2055 Lambda/select 0.330 sec
2056 + optimized 0.122 sec
2057 Lambda/AnyEvent 0.327 sec
2058 + optimized 0.138 sec
2059 Raw sockets/select 0.077 sec
2060 POE/select, components 0.662 sec
2061 POE/select, raw sockets 0.226 sec
2062 POE/select, optimized 0.404 sec
2063
2064 AnyEvent/select/nb 0.085 sec
2065 AnyEvent/EV/nb 0.068 sec
2066 +state machine 0.134 sec
2067
2068The benchmark is also a bit unfair (my fault): the IO::Lambda/POE
2069benchmarks actually make blocking connects and use 100% blocking I/O,
2070defeating the purpose of an event-based solution. All of the newly
2071written AnyEvent benchmarks use 100% non-blocking connects (using
2072AnyEvent::Socket::tcp_connect and the asynchronous pure perl DNS
2073resolver), so AnyEvent is at a disadvantage here, as non-blocking connects
2074generally require a lot more bookkeeping and event handling than blocking
2075connects (which involve a single syscall only).
2076
2077The last AnyEvent benchmark additionally uses L<AnyEvent::Handle>, which
2078offers similar expressive power as POE and IO::Lambda, using conventional
2079Perl syntax. This means that both the echo server and the client are 100%
2080non-blocking, further placing it at a disadvantage.
2081
2082As you can see, the AnyEvent + EV combination even beats the
2083hand-optimised "raw sockets benchmark", while AnyEvent + its pure perl
2084backend easily beats IO::Lambda and POE.
2085
2086And 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
2088large margin, even though it does all of DNS, tcp-connect and socket I/O
2089in a non-blocking way.
2090
2091The 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
2093part of the IO::lambda distribution and were used without any changes.
2094
2095
2096=head1 SIGNALS
2097
2098AnyEvent currently installs handlers for these signals:
2099
2100=over 4
2101
2102=item SIGCHLD
2103
2104A handler for C<SIGCHLD> is installed by AnyEvent's child watcher
2105emulation for event loops that do not support them natively. Also, some
2106event loops install a similar handler.
2107
2108Additionally, when AnyEvent is loaded and SIGCHLD is set to IGNORE, then
2109AnyEvent will reset it to default, to avoid losing child exit statuses.
2110
2111=item SIGPIPE
2112
2113A no-op handler is installed for C<SIGPIPE> when C<$SIG{PIPE}> is C<undef>
2114when AnyEvent gets loaded.
2115
2116The rationale for this is that AnyEvent users usually do not really depend
2117on SIGPIPE delivery (which is purely an optimisation for shell use, or
2118badly-written programs), but C<SIGPIPE> can cause spurious and rare
2119program exits as a lot of people do not expect C<SIGPIPE> when writing to
2120some random socket.
2121
2122The rationale for installing a no-op handler as opposed to ignoring it is
2123that this way, the handler will be restored to defaults on exec.
2124
2125Feel free to install your own handler, or reset it to defaults.
2126
2127=back
2128
2129=cut
2130
2131undef $SIG{CHLD}
2132 if $SIG{CHLD} eq 'IGNORE';
2133
2134$SIG{PIPE} = sub { }
2135 unless defined $SIG{PIPE};
1412 2136
1413=head1 FORK 2137=head1 FORK
1414 2138
1415Most event libraries are not fork-safe. The ones who are usually are 2139Most event libraries are not fork-safe. The ones who are usually are
1416because they rely on inefficient but fork-safe C<select> or C<poll> 2140because they rely on inefficient but fork-safe C<select> or C<poll>
1430specified in the variable. 2154specified in the variable.
1431 2155
1432You can make AnyEvent completely ignore this variable by deleting it 2156You can make AnyEvent completely ignore this variable by deleting it
1433before the first watcher gets created, e.g. with a C<BEGIN> block: 2157before the first watcher gets created, e.g. with a C<BEGIN> block:
1434 2158
1435 BEGIN { delete $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} } 2159 BEGIN { delete $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} }
1436 2160
1437 use AnyEvent; 2161 use AnyEvent;
1438 2162
1439Similar considerations apply to $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}, as that can 2163Similar considerations apply to $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}, as that can
1440be used to probe what backend is used and gain other information (which is 2164be used to probe what backend is used and gain other information (which is
1441probably even less useful to an attacker than PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL). 2165probably even less useful to an attacker than PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL), and
2166$ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT}.
2167
2168Note that AnyEvent will remove I<all> environment variables starting with
2169C<PERL_ANYEVENT_> from C<%ENV> when it is loaded while taint mode is
2170enabled.
2171
2172
2173=head1 BUGS
2174
2175Perl 5.8 has numerous memleaks that sometimes hit this module and are hard
2176to work around. If you suffer from memleaks, first upgrade to Perl 5.10
2177and check wether the leaks still show up. (Perl 5.10.0 has other annoying
2178memleaks, such as leaking on C<map> and C<grep> but it is usually not as
2179pronounced).
1442 2180
1443 2181
1444=head1 SEE ALSO 2182=head1 SEE ALSO
2183
2184Utility functions: L<AnyEvent::Util>.
1445 2185
1446Event modules: L<EV>, L<EV::Glib>, L<Glib::EV>, L<Event>, L<Glib::Event>, 2186Event modules: L<EV>, L<EV::Glib>, L<Glib::EV>, L<Event>, L<Glib::Event>,
1447L<Glib>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, L<POE>. 2187L<Glib>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, L<POE>.
1448 2188
1449Implementations: L<AnyEvent::Impl::EV>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Event>, 2189Implementations: L<AnyEvent::Impl::EV>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Event>,
1450L<AnyEvent::Impl::Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Tk>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>, 2190L<AnyEvent::Impl::Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Tk>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>,
1451L<AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Qt>, 2191L<AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Qt>,
1452L<AnyEvent::Impl::POE>. 2192L<AnyEvent::Impl::POE>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync>.
1453 2193
2194Non-blocking file handles, sockets, TCP clients and
2195servers: L<AnyEvent::Handle>, L<AnyEvent::Socket>, L<AnyEvent::TLS>.
2196
2197Asynchronous DNS: L<AnyEvent::DNS>.
2198
1454Coroutine support: L<Coro>, L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>, 2199Coroutine support: L<Coro>, L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>,
2200L<Coro::Event>,
1455 2201
1456Nontrivial usage examples: L<Net::FCP>, L<Net::XMPP2>. 2202Nontrivial usage examples: L<AnyEvent::GPSD>, L<AnyEvent::XMPP>,
2203L<AnyEvent::HTTP>.
1457 2204
1458 2205
1459=head1 AUTHOR 2206=head1 AUTHOR
1460 2207
1461 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 2208 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
1462 http://home.schmorp.de/ 2209 http://home.schmorp.de/
1463 2210
1464=cut 2211=cut
1465 2212
14661 22131
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