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Revision 1.343 by root, Wed Dec 29 04:27:53 2010 UTC

1=head1 NAME 1=head1 NAME
2 2
3AnyEvent - provide framework for multiple event loops 3AnyEvent - the DBI of event loop programming
4 4
5EV, Event, Glib, Tk, Perl, Event::Lib, Qt, POE - various supported event loops 5EV, Event, Glib, Tk, Perl, Event::Lib, Irssi, rxvt-unicode, IO::Async, Qt
6and POE are various supported event loops/environments.
6 7
7=head1 SYNOPSIS 8=head1 SYNOPSIS
8 9
9 use AnyEvent; 10 use AnyEvent;
10 11
12 # if you prefer function calls, look at the AE manpage for
13 # an alternative API.
14
15 # file handle or descriptor readable
11 my $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => $fh, poll => "r|w", cb => sub { 16 my $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => $fh, poll => "r", cb => sub { ... });
17
18 # one-shot or repeating timers
19 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, cb => sub { ... });
20 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, interval => $seconds, cb => ...);
21
22 print AnyEvent->now; # prints current event loop time
23 print AnyEvent->time; # think Time::HiRes::time or simply CORE::time.
24
25 # POSIX signal
26 my $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => "TERM", cb => sub { ... });
27
28 # child process exit
29 my $w = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub {
30 my ($pid, $status) = @_;
12 ... 31 ...
13 }); 32 });
14 33
15 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, cb => sub { 34 # called when event loop idle (if applicable)
16 ... 35 my $w = AnyEvent->idle (cb => sub { ... });
17 });
18 36
19 my $w = AnyEvent->condvar; # stores whether a condition was flagged 37 my $w = AnyEvent->condvar; # stores whether a condition was flagged
38 $w->send; # wake up current and all future recv's
20 $w->wait; # enters "main loop" till $condvar gets ->send 39 $w->recv; # enters "main loop" till $condvar gets ->send
21 $w->send; # wake up current and all future wait's 40 # use a condvar in callback mode:
41 $w->cb (sub { $_[0]->recv });
42
43=head1 INTRODUCTION/TUTORIAL
44
45This manpage is mainly a reference manual. If you are interested
46in a tutorial or some gentle introduction, have a look at the
47L<AnyEvent::Intro> manpage.
48
49=head1 SUPPORT
50
51An FAQ document is available as L<AnyEvent::FAQ>.
52
53There also is a mailinglist for discussing all things AnyEvent, and an IRC
54channel, too.
55
56See the AnyEvent project page at the B<Schmorpforge Ta-Sa Software
57Repository>, at L<http://anyevent.schmorp.de>, for more info.
22 58
23=head1 WHY YOU SHOULD USE THIS MODULE (OR NOT) 59=head1 WHY YOU SHOULD USE THIS MODULE (OR NOT)
24 60
25Glib, POE, IO::Async, Event... CPAN offers event models by the dozen 61Glib, POE, IO::Async, Event... CPAN offers event models by the dozen
26nowadays. So what is different about AnyEvent? 62nowadays. So what is different about AnyEvent?
27 63
28Executive Summary: AnyEvent is I<compatible>, AnyEvent is I<free of 64Executive Summary: AnyEvent is I<compatible>, AnyEvent is I<free of
29policy> and AnyEvent is I<small and efficient>. 65policy> and AnyEvent is I<small and efficient>.
30 66
31First and foremost, I<AnyEvent is not an event model> itself, it only 67First 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 68interfaces to whatever event model the main program happens to use, in a
33pragmatic way. For event models and certain classes of immortals alike, 69pragmatic way. For event models and certain classes of immortals alike,
34the statement "there can only be one" is a bitter reality: In general, 70the 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 71only one event loop can be active at the same time in a process. AnyEvent
36helps hiding the differences between those event loops. 72cannot change this, but it can hide the differences between those event
73loops.
37 74
38The goal of AnyEvent is to offer module authors the ability to do event 75The 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 76programming (waiting for I/O or timer events) without subscribing to a
40religion, a way of living, and most importantly: without forcing your 77religion, a way of living, and most importantly: without forcing your
41module users into the same thing by forcing them to use the same event 78module users into the same thing by forcing them to use the same event
42model you use. 79model you use.
43 80
44For modules like POE or IO::Async (which is a total misnomer as it is 81For modules like POE or IO::Async (which is a total misnomer as it is
45actually doing all I/O I<synchronously>...), using them in your module is 82actually doing all I/O I<synchronously>...), using them in your module is
46like joining a cult: After you joined, you are dependent on them and you 83like joining a cult: After you join, you are dependent on them and you
47cannot use anything else, as it is simply incompatible to everything that 84cannot use anything else, as they are simply incompatible to everything
48isn't itself. What's worse, all the potential users of your module are 85that isn't them. What's worse, all the potential users of your
49I<also> forced to use the same event loop you use. 86module are I<also> forced to use the same event loop you use.
50 87
51AnyEvent is different: AnyEvent + POE works fine. AnyEvent + Glib works 88AnyEvent is different: AnyEvent + POE works fine. AnyEvent + Glib works
52fine. AnyEvent + Tk works fine etc. etc. but none of these work together 89fine. AnyEvent + Tk works fine etc. etc. but none of these work together
53with the rest: POE + IO::Async? no go. Tk + Event? no go. Again: if 90with the rest: POE + EV? No go. Tk + Event? No go. Again: if your module
54your module uses one of those, every user of your module has to use it, 91uses one of those, every user of your module has to use it, too. But if
55too. But if your module uses AnyEvent, it works transparently with all 92your module uses AnyEvent, it works transparently with all event models it
56event models it supports (including stuff like POE and IO::Async, as long 93supports (including stuff like IO::Async, as long as those use one of the
57as those use one of the supported event loops. It is trivial to add new 94supported event loops. It is easy to add new event loops to AnyEvent, too,
58event loops to AnyEvent, too, so it is future-proof). 95so it is future-proof).
59 96
60In addition to being free of having to use I<the one and only true event 97In addition to being free of having to use I<the one and only true event
61model>, AnyEvent also is free of bloat and policy: with POE or similar 98model>, AnyEvent also is free of bloat and policy: with POE or similar
62modules, you get an enourmous amount of code and strict rules you have to 99modules, 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 100follow. AnyEvent, on the other hand, is lean and to the point, by only
64offering the functionality that is necessary, in as thin as a wrapper as 101offering the functionality that is necessary, in as thin as a wrapper as
65technically possible. 102technically possible.
66 103
104Of course, AnyEvent comes with a big (and fully optional!) toolbox
105of useful functionality, such as an asynchronous DNS resolver, 100%
106non-blocking connects (even with TLS/SSL, IPv6 and on broken platforms
107such as Windows) and lots of real-world knowledge and workarounds for
108platform bugs and differences.
109
67Of course, if you want lots of policy (this can arguably be somewhat 110Now, 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 111useful) and you want to force your users to use the one and only event
69model, you should I<not> use this module. 112model, you should I<not> use this module.
70 113
71=head1 DESCRIPTION 114=head1 DESCRIPTION
72 115
73L<AnyEvent> provides an identical interface to multiple event loops. This 116L<AnyEvent> provides a uniform interface to various event loops. This
74allows module authors to utilise an event loop without forcing module 117allows module authors to use event loop functionality without forcing
75users to use the same event loop (as only a single event loop can coexist 118module users to use a specific event loop implementation (since more
76peacefully at any one time). 119than one event loop cannot coexist peacefully).
77 120
78The interface itself is vaguely similar, but not identical to the L<Event> 121The interface itself is vaguely similar, but not identical to the L<Event>
79module. 122module.
80 123
81During the first call of any watcher-creation method, the module tries 124During the first call of any watcher-creation method, the module tries
82to detect the currently loaded event loop by probing whether one of the 125to detect the currently loaded event loop by probing whether one of the
83following modules is already loaded: L<EV>, 126following modules is already loaded: L<EV>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>,
84L<Event>, L<Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, 127L<Event>, L<Glib>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, L<POE>. The first one
85L<POE>. The first one found is used. If none are found, the module tries 128found is used. If none are detected, the module tries to load the first
86to load these modules (excluding Tk, Event::Lib, Qt and POE as the pure perl 129four modules in the order given; but note that if L<EV> is not
87adaptor should always succeed) in the order given. The first one that can 130available, the pure-perl L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl> should always work, so
88be successfully loaded will be used. If, after this, still none could be 131the other two are not normally tried.
89found, AnyEvent will fall back to a pure-perl event loop, which is not
90very efficient, but should work everywhere.
91 132
92Because AnyEvent first checks for modules that are already loaded, loading 133Because AnyEvent first checks for modules that are already loaded, loading
93an event model explicitly before first using AnyEvent will likely make 134an event model explicitly before first using AnyEvent will likely make
94that model the default. For example: 135that model the default. For example:
95 136
97 use AnyEvent; 138 use AnyEvent;
98 139
99 # .. AnyEvent will likely default to Tk 140 # .. AnyEvent will likely default to Tk
100 141
101The I<likely> means that, if any module loads another event model and 142The I<likely> means that, if any module loads another event model and
102starts using it, all bets are off. Maybe you should tell their authors to 143starts using it, all bets are off - this case should be very rare though,
103use AnyEvent so their modules work together with others seamlessly... 144as very few modules hardcode event loops without announcing this very
145loudly.
104 146
105The pure-perl implementation of AnyEvent is called 147The pure-perl implementation of AnyEvent is called
106C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>. Like other event modules you can load it 148C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>. Like other event modules you can load it
107explicitly. 149explicitly and enjoy the high availability of that event loop :)
108 150
109=head1 WATCHERS 151=head1 WATCHERS
110 152
111AnyEvent has the central concept of a I<watcher>, which is an object that 153AnyEvent has the central concept of a I<watcher>, which is an object that
112stores relevant data for each kind of event you are waiting for, such as 154stores relevant data for each kind of event you are waiting for, such as
113the callback to call, the filehandle to watch, etc. 155the callback to call, the file handle to watch, etc.
114 156
115These watchers are normal Perl objects with normal Perl lifetime. After 157These watchers are normal Perl objects with normal Perl lifetime. After
116creating a watcher it will immediately "watch" for events and invoke the 158creating a watcher it will immediately "watch" for events and invoke the
117callback when the event occurs (of course, only when the event model 159callback when the event occurs (of course, only when the event model
118is in control). 160is in control).
119 161
162Note that B<callbacks must not permanently change global variables>
163potentially in use by the event loop (such as C<$_> or C<$[>) and that B<<
164callbacks must not C<die> >>. The former is good programming practice in
165Perl and the latter stems from the fact that exception handling differs
166widely between event loops.
167
120To disable the watcher you have to destroy it (e.g. by setting the 168To disable a watcher you have to destroy it (e.g. by setting the
121variable you store it in to C<undef> or otherwise deleting all references 169variable you store it in to C<undef> or otherwise deleting all references
122to it). 170to it).
123 171
124All watchers are created by calling a method on the C<AnyEvent> class. 172All watchers are created by calling a method on the C<AnyEvent> class.
125 173
126Many watchers either are used with "recursion" (repeating timers for 174Many watchers either are used with "recursion" (repeating timers for
127example), or need to refer to their watcher object in other ways. 175example), or need to refer to their watcher object in other ways.
128 176
129An any way to achieve that is this pattern: 177One way to achieve that is this pattern:
130 178
131 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->type (arg => value ..., cb => sub { 179 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->type (arg => value ..., cb => sub {
132 # you can use $w here, for example to undef it 180 # you can use $w here, for example to undef it
133 undef $w; 181 undef $w;
134 }); 182 });
135 183
136Note that C<my $w; $w => combination. This is necessary because in Perl, 184Note that C<my $w; $w => combination. This is necessary because in Perl,
137my variables are only visible after the statement in which they are 185my variables are only visible after the statement in which they are
138declared. 186declared.
139 187
140=head2 I/O WATCHERS 188=head2 I/O WATCHERS
141 189
190 $w = AnyEvent->io (
191 fh => <filehandle_or_fileno>,
192 poll => <"r" or "w">,
193 cb => <callback>,
194 );
195
142You can create an I/O watcher by calling the C<< AnyEvent->io >> method 196You can create an I/O watcher by calling the C<< AnyEvent->io >> method
143with the following mandatory key-value pairs as arguments: 197with the following mandatory key-value pairs as arguments:
144 198
145C<fh> the Perl I<file handle> (I<not> file descriptor) to watch 199C<fh> is the Perl I<file handle> (or a naked file descriptor) to watch
200for events (AnyEvent might or might not keep a reference to this file
201handle). Note that only file handles pointing to things for which
202non-blocking operation makes sense are allowed. This includes sockets,
203most character devices, pipes, fifos and so on, but not for example files
204or block devices.
205
146for events. C<poll> must be a string that is either C<r> or C<w>, 206C<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, 207watcher waiting for "r"eadable or "w"ritable events, respectively.
208
148respectively. C<cb> is the callback to invoke each time the file handle 209C<cb> is the callback to invoke each time the file handle becomes ready.
149becomes ready.
150 210
151Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 211Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
152presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent 212presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent
153callbacks cannot use arguments passed to I/O watcher callbacks. 213callbacks cannot use arguments passed to I/O watcher callbacks.
154 214
155The I/O watcher might use the underlying file descriptor or a copy of it. 215The I/O watcher might use the underlying file descriptor or a copy of it.
156You must not close a file handle as long as any watcher is active on the 216You must not close a file handle as long as any watcher is active on the
157underlying file descriptor. 217underlying file descriptor.
158 218
159Some event loops issue spurious readyness notifications, so you should 219Some event loops issue spurious readiness notifications, so you should
160always use non-blocking calls when reading/writing from/to your file 220always use non-blocking calls when reading/writing from/to your file
161handles. 221handles.
162 222
163Example:
164
165 # wait for readability of STDIN, then read a line and disable the watcher 223Example: wait for readability of STDIN, then read a line and disable the
224watcher.
225
166 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => \*STDIN, poll => 'r', cb => sub { 226 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => \*STDIN, poll => 'r', cb => sub {
167 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>); 227 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>);
168 warn "read: $input\n"; 228 warn "read: $input\n";
169 undef $w; 229 undef $w;
170 }); 230 });
171 231
172=head2 TIME WATCHERS 232=head2 TIME WATCHERS
173 233
234 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => <seconds>, cb => <callback>);
235
236 $w = AnyEvent->timer (
237 after => <fractional_seconds>,
238 interval => <fractional_seconds>,
239 cb => <callback>,
240 );
241
174You can create a time watcher by calling the C<< AnyEvent->timer >> 242You can create a time watcher by calling the C<< AnyEvent->timer >>
175method with the following mandatory arguments: 243method with the following mandatory arguments:
176 244
177C<after> specifies after how many seconds (fractional values are 245C<after> specifies after how many seconds (fractional values are
178supported) the callback should be invoked. C<cb> is the callback to invoke 246supported) the callback should be invoked. C<cb> is the callback to invoke
180 248
181Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 249Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
182presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent 250presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent
183callbacks cannot use arguments passed to time watcher callbacks. 251callbacks cannot use arguments passed to time watcher callbacks.
184 252
185The timer callback will be invoked at most once: if you want a repeating 253The callback will normally be invoked only once. If you specify another
186timer you have to create a new watcher (this is a limitation by both Tk 254parameter, C<interval>, as a strictly positive number (> 0), then the
187and Glib). 255callback will be invoked regularly at that interval (in fractional
256seconds) after the first invocation. If C<interval> is specified with a
257false value, then it is treated as if it were not specified at all.
188 258
189Example: 259The callback will be rescheduled before invoking the callback, but no
260attempt is made to avoid timer drift in most backends, so the interval is
261only approximate.
190 262
191 # fire an event after 7.7 seconds 263Example: fire an event after 7.7 seconds.
264
192 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 7.7, cb => sub { 265 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 7.7, cb => sub {
193 warn "timeout\n"; 266 warn "timeout\n";
194 }); 267 });
195 268
196 # to cancel the timer: 269 # to cancel the timer:
197 undef $w; 270 undef $w;
198 271
199Example 2:
200
201 # fire an event after 0.5 seconds, then roughly every second 272Example 2: fire an event after 0.5 seconds, then roughly every second.
202 my $w;
203 273
204 my $cb = sub {
205 # cancel the old timer while creating a new one
206 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 1, cb => $cb); 274 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 0.5, interval => 1, cb => sub {
275 warn "timeout\n";
207 }; 276 };
208
209 # start the "loop" by creating the first watcher
210 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 0.5, cb => $cb);
211 277
212=head3 TIMING ISSUES 278=head3 TIMING ISSUES
213 279
214There are two ways to handle timers: based on real time (relative, "fire 280There are two ways to handle timers: based on real time (relative, "fire
215in 10 seconds") and based on wallclock time (absolute, "fire at 12 281in 10 seconds") and based on wallclock time (absolute, "fire at 12
217 283
218While most event loops expect timers to specified in a relative way, they 284While most event loops expect timers to specified in a relative way, they
219use absolute time internally. This makes a difference when your clock 285use absolute time internally. This makes a difference when your clock
220"jumps", for example, when ntp decides to set your clock backwards from 286"jumps", for example, when ntp decides to set your clock backwards from
221the wrong date of 2014-01-01 to 2008-01-01, a watcher that is supposed to 287the wrong date of 2014-01-01 to 2008-01-01, a watcher that is supposed to
222fire "after" a second might actually take six years to finally fire. 288fire "after a second" might actually take six years to finally fire.
223 289
224AnyEvent cannot compensate for this. The only event loop that is conscious 290AnyEvent cannot compensate for this. The only event loop that is conscious
225about these issues is L<EV>, which offers both relative (ev_timer, based 291of these issues is L<EV>, which offers both relative (ev_timer, based
226on true relative time) and absolute (ev_periodic, based on wallclock time) 292on true relative time) and absolute (ev_periodic, based on wallclock time)
227timers. 293timers.
228 294
229AnyEvent always prefers relative timers, if available, matching the 295AnyEvent always prefers relative timers, if available, matching the
230AnyEvent API. 296AnyEvent API.
231 297
298AnyEvent has two additional methods that return the "current time":
299
300=over 4
301
302=item AnyEvent->time
303
304This returns the "current wallclock time" as a fractional number of
305seconds since the Epoch (the same thing as C<time> or C<Time::HiRes::time>
306return, and the result is guaranteed to be compatible with those).
307
308It progresses independently of any event loop processing, i.e. each call
309will check the system clock, which usually gets updated frequently.
310
311=item AnyEvent->now
312
313This also returns the "current wallclock time", but unlike C<time>, above,
314this value might change only once per event loop iteration, depending on
315the event loop (most return the same time as C<time>, above). This is the
316time that AnyEvent's timers get scheduled against.
317
318I<In almost all cases (in all cases if you don't care), this is the
319function to call when you want to know the current time.>
320
321This function is also often faster then C<< AnyEvent->time >>, and
322thus the preferred method if you want some timestamp (for example,
323L<AnyEvent::Handle> uses this to update its activity timeouts).
324
325The rest of this section is only of relevance if you try to be very exact
326with your timing; you can skip it without a bad conscience.
327
328For a practical example of when these times differ, consider L<Event::Lib>
329and L<EV> and the following set-up:
330
331The event loop is running and has just invoked one of your callbacks at
332time=500 (assume no other callbacks delay processing). In your callback,
333you wait a second by executing C<sleep 1> (blocking the process for a
334second) and then (at time=501) you create a relative timer that fires
335after three seconds.
336
337With L<Event::Lib>, C<< AnyEvent->time >> and C<< AnyEvent->now >> will
338both return C<501>, because that is the current time, and the timer will
339be scheduled to fire at time=504 (C<501> + C<3>).
340
341With L<EV>, C<< AnyEvent->time >> returns C<501> (as that is the current
342time), but C<< AnyEvent->now >> returns C<500>, as that is the time the
343last event processing phase started. With L<EV>, your timer gets scheduled
344to run at time=503 (C<500> + C<3>).
345
346In one sense, L<Event::Lib> is more exact, as it uses the current time
347regardless of any delays introduced by event processing. However, most
348callbacks do not expect large delays in processing, so this causes a
349higher drift (and a lot more system calls to get the current time).
350
351In another sense, L<EV> is more exact, as your timer will be scheduled at
352the same time, regardless of how long event processing actually took.
353
354In either case, if you care (and in most cases, you don't), then you
355can get whatever behaviour you want with any event loop, by taking the
356difference between C<< AnyEvent->time >> and C<< AnyEvent->now >> into
357account.
358
359=item AnyEvent->now_update
360
361Some event loops (such as L<EV> or L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) cache
362the current time for each loop iteration (see the discussion of L<<
363AnyEvent->now >>, above).
364
365When a callback runs for a long time (or when the process sleeps), then
366this "current" time will differ substantially from the real time, which
367might affect timers and time-outs.
368
369When this is the case, you can call this method, which will update the
370event loop's idea of "current time".
371
372A typical example would be a script in a web server (e.g. C<mod_perl>) -
373when mod_perl executes the script, then the event loop will have the wrong
374idea about the "current time" (being potentially far in the past, when the
375script ran the last time). In that case you should arrange a call to C<<
376AnyEvent->now_update >> each time the web server process wakes up again
377(e.g. at the start of your script, or in a handler).
378
379Note that updating the time I<might> cause some events to be handled.
380
381=back
382
232=head2 SIGNAL WATCHERS 383=head2 SIGNAL WATCHERS
233 384
385 $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => <uppercase_signal_name>, cb => <callback>);
386
234You can watch for signals using a signal watcher, C<signal> is the signal 387You can watch for signals using a signal watcher, C<signal> is the signal
235I<name> without any C<SIG> prefix, C<cb> is the Perl callback to 388I<name> in uppercase and without any C<SIG> prefix, C<cb> is the Perl
236be invoked whenever a signal occurs. 389callback to be invoked whenever a signal occurs.
237 390
238Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 391Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
239presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent 392presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent
240callbacks cannot use arguments passed to signal watcher callbacks. 393callbacks cannot use arguments passed to signal watcher callbacks.
241 394
242Multiple signal occurances can be clumped together into one callback 395Multiple signal occurrences can be clumped together into one callback
243invocation, and callback invocation will be synchronous. synchronous means 396invocation, and callback invocation will be synchronous. Synchronous means
244that it might take a while until the signal gets handled by the process, 397that it might take a while until the signal gets handled by the process,
245but it is guarenteed not to interrupt any other callbacks. 398but it is guaranteed not to interrupt any other callbacks.
246 399
247The main advantage of using these watchers is that you can share a signal 400The main advantage of using these watchers is that you can share a signal
248between multiple watchers. 401between multiple watchers, and AnyEvent will ensure that signals will not
402interrupt your program at bad times.
249 403
250This watcher might use C<%SIG>, so programs overwriting those signals 404This watcher might use C<%SIG> (depending on the event loop used),
251directly will likely not work correctly. 405so programs overwriting those signals directly will likely not work
406correctly.
252 407
253Example: exit on SIGINT 408Example: exit on SIGINT
254 409
255 my $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => "INT", cb => sub { exit 1 }); 410 my $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => "INT", cb => sub { exit 1 });
256 411
412=head3 Restart Behaviour
413
414While restart behaviour is up to the event loop implementation, most will
415not restart syscalls (that includes L<Async::Interrupt> and AnyEvent's
416pure perl implementation).
417
418=head3 Safe/Unsafe Signals
419
420Perl signals can be either "safe" (synchronous to opcode handling) or
421"unsafe" (asynchronous) - the former might get delayed indefinitely, the
422latter might corrupt your memory.
423
424AnyEvent signal handlers are, in addition, synchronous to the event loop,
425i.e. they will not interrupt your running perl program but will only be
426called as part of the normal event handling (just like timer, I/O etc.
427callbacks, too).
428
429=head3 Signal Races, Delays and Workarounds
430
431Many event loops (e.g. Glib, Tk, Qt, IO::Async) do not support attaching
432callbacks to signals in a generic way, which is a pity, as you cannot
433do race-free signal handling in perl, requiring C libraries for
434this. AnyEvent will try to do its best, which means in some cases,
435signals will be delayed. The maximum time a signal might be delayed is
436specified in C<$AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY> (default: 10 seconds). This
437variable can be changed only before the first signal watcher is created,
438and should be left alone otherwise. This variable determines how often
439AnyEvent polls for signals (in case a wake-up was missed). Higher values
440will cause fewer spurious wake-ups, which is better for power and CPU
441saving.
442
443All these problems can be avoided by installing the optional
444L<Async::Interrupt> module, which works with most event loops. It will not
445work with inherently broken event loops such as L<Event> or L<Event::Lib>
446(and not with L<POE> currently, as POE does its own workaround with
447one-second latency). For those, you just have to suffer the delays.
448
257=head2 CHILD PROCESS WATCHERS 449=head2 CHILD PROCESS WATCHERS
258 450
451 $w = AnyEvent->child (pid => <process id>, cb => <callback>);
452
259You can also watch on a child process exit and catch its exit status. 453You can also watch for a child process exit and catch its exit status.
260 454
261The child process is specified by the C<pid> argument (if set to C<0>, it 455The child process is specified by the C<pid> argument (on some backends,
262watches for any child process exit). The watcher will trigger as often 456using C<0> watches for any child process exit, on others this will
263as status change for the child are received. This works by installing a 457croak). The watcher will be triggered only when the child process has
264signal handler for C<SIGCHLD>. The callback will be called with the pid 458finished and an exit status is available, not on any trace events
265and exit status (as returned by waitpid), so unlike other watcher types, 459(stopped/continued).
266you I<can> rely on child watcher callback arguments. 460
461The callback will be called with the pid and exit status (as returned by
462waitpid), so unlike other watcher types, you I<can> rely on child watcher
463callback arguments.
464
465This watcher type works by installing a signal handler for C<SIGCHLD>,
466and since it cannot be shared, nothing else should use SIGCHLD or reap
467random child processes (waiting for specific child processes, e.g. inside
468C<system>, is just fine).
267 469
268There is a slight catch to child watchers, however: you usually start them 470There 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 471I<after> the child process was created, and this means the process could
270have exited already (and no SIGCHLD will be sent anymore). 472have exited already (and no SIGCHLD will be sent anymore).
271 473
272Not all event models handle this correctly (POE doesn't), but even for 474Not all event models handle this correctly (neither POE nor IO::Async do,
475see their AnyEvent::Impl manpages for details), but even for event models
273event models that I<do> handle this correctly, they usually need to be 476that 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). 477the process exits (i.e. before you fork in the first place). AnyEvent's
478pure perl event loop handles all cases correctly regardless of when you
479start the watcher.
275 480
276This means you cannot create a child watcher as the very first thing in an 481This means you cannot create a child watcher as the very first
277AnyEvent program, you I<have> to create at least one watcher before you 482thing in an AnyEvent program, you I<have> to create at least one
278C<fork> the child (alternatively, you can call C<AnyEvent::detect>). 483watcher before you C<fork> the child (alternatively, you can call
484C<AnyEvent::detect>).
485
486As most event loops do not support waiting for child events, they will be
487emulated by AnyEvent in most cases, in which the latency and race problems
488mentioned in the description of signal watchers apply.
279 489
280Example: fork a process and wait for it 490Example: fork a process and wait for it
281 491
282 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar; 492 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
283 493
284 AnyEvent::detect; # force event module to be initialised
285
286 my $pid = fork or exit 5; 494 my $pid = fork or exit 5;
287 495
288 my $w = AnyEvent->child ( 496 my $w = AnyEvent->child (
289 pid => $pid, 497 pid => $pid,
290 cb => sub { 498 cb => sub {
291 my ($pid, $status) = @_; 499 my ($pid, $status) = @_;
292 warn "pid $pid exited with status $status"; 500 warn "pid $pid exited with status $status";
293 $done->send; 501 $done->send;
294 }, 502 },
295 ); 503 );
296 504
297 # do something else, then wait for process exit 505 # do something else, then wait for process exit
298 $done->wait; 506 $done->recv;
507
508=head2 IDLE WATCHERS
509
510 $w = AnyEvent->idle (cb => <callback>);
511
512This will repeatedly invoke the callback after the process becomes idle,
513until either the watcher is destroyed or new events have been detected.
514
515Idle watchers are useful when there is a need to do something, but it
516is not so important (or wise) to do it instantly. The callback will be
517invoked only when there is "nothing better to do", which is usually
518defined as "all outstanding events have been handled and no new events
519have been detected". That means that idle watchers ideally get invoked
520when the event loop has just polled for new events but none have been
521detected. Instead of blocking to wait for more events, the idle watchers
522will be invoked.
523
524Unfortunately, most event loops do not really support idle watchers (only
525EV, Event and Glib do it in a usable fashion) - for the rest, AnyEvent
526will simply call the callback "from time to time".
527
528Example: read lines from STDIN, but only process them when the
529program is otherwise idle:
530
531 my @lines; # read data
532 my $idle_w;
533 my $io_w = AnyEvent->io (fh => \*STDIN, poll => 'r', cb => sub {
534 push @lines, scalar <STDIN>;
535
536 # start an idle watcher, if not already done
537 $idle_w ||= AnyEvent->idle (cb => sub {
538 # handle only one line, when there are lines left
539 if (my $line = shift @lines) {
540 print "handled when idle: $line";
541 } else {
542 # otherwise disable the idle watcher again
543 undef $idle_w;
544 }
545 });
546 });
299 547
300=head2 CONDITION VARIABLES 548=head2 CONDITION VARIABLES
549
550 $cv = AnyEvent->condvar;
551
552 $cv->send (<list>);
553 my @res = $cv->recv;
301 554
302If you are familiar with some event loops you will know that all of them 555If you are familiar with some event loops you will know that all of them
303require you to run some blocking "loop", "run" or similar function that 556require you to run some blocking "loop", "run" or similar function that
304will actively watch for new events and call your callbacks. 557will actively watch for new events and call your callbacks.
305 558
306AnyEvent is different, it expects somebody else to run the event loop and 559AnyEvent is slightly different: it expects somebody else to run the event
307will only block when necessary (usually when told by the user). 560loop and will only block when necessary (usually when told by the user).
308 561
309The instrument to do that is called a "condition variable", so called 562The tool to do that is called a "condition variable", so called because
310because they represent a condition that must become true. 563they represent a condition that must become true.
564
565Now is probably a good time to look at the examples further below.
311 566
312Condition variables can be created by calling the C<< AnyEvent->condvar 567Condition variables can be created by calling the C<< AnyEvent->condvar
313>> method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is 568>> method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is
314C<cb>, which specifies a callback to be called when the condition variable 569C<cb>, which specifies a callback to be called when the condition variable
315becomes true. 570becomes true, with the condition variable as the first argument (but not
571the results).
316 572
317After creation, the conditon variable is "false" until it becomes "true" 573After creation, the condition variable is "false" until it becomes "true"
318by calling the C<send> method. 574by calling the C<send> method (or calling the condition variable as if it
575were a callback, read about the caveats in the description for the C<<
576->send >> method).
319 577
320Condition variables are similar to callbacks, except that you can 578Since condition variables are the most complex part of the AnyEvent API, here are
321optionally wait for them. They can also be called merge points - points 579some different mental models of what they are - pick the ones you can connect to:
322in time where multiple outstandign events have been processed. And yet 580
323another way to call them is transations - each condition variable can be 581=over 4
324used to represent a transaction, which finishes at some point and delivers 582
325a result. 583=item * Condition variables are like callbacks - you can call them (and pass them instead
584of callbacks). Unlike callbacks however, you can also wait for them to be called.
585
586=item * Condition variables are signals - one side can emit or send them,
587the other side can wait for them, or install a handler that is called when
588the signal fires.
589
590=item * Condition variables are like "Merge Points" - points in your program
591where you merge multiple independent results/control flows into one.
592
593=item * Condition variables represent a transaction - functions that start
594some kind of transaction can return them, leaving the caller the choice
595between waiting in a blocking fashion, or setting a callback.
596
597=item * Condition variables represent future values, or promises to deliver
598some result, long before the result is available.
599
600=back
326 601
327Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has finished, 602Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has finished,
328for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http requests, 603for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http requests,
329then a condition variable would be the ideal candidate to signal the 604then a condition variable would be the ideal candidate to signal the
330availability of results. The user can either act when the callback is 605availability of results. The user can either act when the callback is
331called or can synchronously C<< ->wait >> for the results. 606called or can synchronously C<< ->recv >> for the results.
332 607
333You can also use them to simulate traditional event loops - for example, 608You can also use them to simulate traditional event loops - for example,
334you can block your main program until an event occurs - for example, you 609you 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 610could C<< ->recv >> in your main program until the user clicks the Quit
336button of your app, which would C<< ->send >> the "quit" event. 611button of your app, which would C<< ->send >> the "quit" event.
337 612
338Note that condition variables recurse into the event loop - if you have 613Note 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 614two 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 615lose. Therefore, condition variables are good to export to your caller, but
341you should avoid making a blocking wait yourself, at least in callbacks, 616you should avoid making a blocking wait yourself, at least in callbacks,
342as this asks for trouble. 617as this asks for trouble.
343 618
344Condition variables are represented by hash refs in perl, and the keys 619Condition variables are represented by hash refs in perl, and the keys
345used by AnyEvent itself are all named C<_ae_XXX> to make subclassing 620used by AnyEvent itself are all named C<_ae_XXX> to make subclassing
346easy (it is often useful to build your own transaction class on top of 621easy (it is often useful to build your own transaction class on top of
347AnyEvent). To subclass, use C<AnyEvent::CondVar> as base class and call 622AnyEvent). To subclass, use C<AnyEvent::CondVar> as base class and call
348it's C<new> method in your own C<new> method. 623its C<new> method in your own C<new> method.
349 624
350There are two "sides" to a condition variable - the "producer side" which 625There are two "sides" to a condition variable - the "producer side" which
351eventually calls C<< -> send >>, and the "consumer side", which waits 626eventually calls C<< -> send >>, and the "consumer side", which waits
352for the send to occur. 627for the send to occur.
353 628
354Example: 629Example: wait for a timer.
355 630
356 # wait till the result is ready 631 # condition: "wait till the timer is fired"
357 my $result_ready = AnyEvent->condvar; 632 my $timer_fired = AnyEvent->condvar;
358 633
359 # do something such as adding a timer 634 # create the timer - we could wait for, say
360 # or socket watcher the calls $result_ready->send 635 # a handle becomign ready, or even an
361 # when the "result" is ready. 636 # AnyEvent::HTTP request to finish, but
362 # in this case, we simply use a timer: 637 # in this case, we simply use a timer:
363 my $w = AnyEvent->timer ( 638 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (
364 after => 1, 639 after => 1,
365 cb => sub { $result_ready->send }, 640 cb => sub { $timer_fired->send },
366 ); 641 );
367 642
368 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback 643 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback
369 # calls send 644 # calls ->send
370 $result_ready->wait; 645 $timer_fired->recv;
646
647Example: wait for a timer, but take advantage of the fact that condition
648variables are also callable directly.
649
650 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
651 my $delay = AnyEvent->timer (after => 5, cb => $done);
652 $done->recv;
653
654Example: Imagine an API that returns a condvar and doesn't support
655callbacks. This is how you make a synchronous call, for example from
656the main program:
657
658 use AnyEvent::CouchDB;
659
660 ...
661
662 my @info = $couchdb->info->recv;
663
664And this is how you would just set a callback to be called whenever the
665results are available:
666
667 $couchdb->info->cb (sub {
668 my @info = $_[0]->recv;
669 });
371 670
372=head3 METHODS FOR PRODUCERS 671=head3 METHODS FOR PRODUCERS
373 672
374These methods should only be used by the producing side, i.e. the 673These methods should only be used by the producing side, i.e. the
375code/module that eventually sends the signal. Note that it is also 674code/module that eventually sends the signal. Note that it is also
378 677
379=over 4 678=over 4
380 679
381=item $cv->send (...) 680=item $cv->send (...)
382 681
383Flag the condition as ready - a running C<< ->wait >> and all further 682Flag the condition as ready - a running C<< ->recv >> and all further
384calls to C<wait> will (eventually) return after this method has been 683calls to C<recv> will (eventually) return after this method has been
385called. If nobody is waiting the send will be remembered. 684called. If nobody is waiting the send will be remembered.
386 685
387If a callback has been set on the condition variable, it is called 686If a callback has been set on the condition variable, it is called
388immediately from within send. 687immediately from within send.
389 688
390Any arguments passed to the C<send> call will be returned by all 689Any arguments passed to the C<send> call will be returned by all
391future C<< ->wait >> calls. 690future C<< ->recv >> calls.
691
692Condition variables are overloaded so one can call them directly (as if
693they were a code reference). Calling them directly is the same as calling
694C<send>.
392 695
393=item $cv->croak ($error) 696=item $cv->croak ($error)
394 697
395Similar to send, but causes all call's wait C<< ->wait >> to invoke 698Similar to send, but causes all calls to C<< ->recv >> to invoke
396C<Carp::croak> with the given error message/object/scalar. 699C<Carp::croak> with the given error message/object/scalar.
397 700
398This can be used to signal any errors to the condition variable 701This can be used to signal any errors to the condition variable
399user/consumer. 702user/consumer. Doing it this way instead of calling C<croak> directly
703delays the error detection, but has the overwhelming advantage that it
704diagnoses the error at the place where the result is expected, and not
705deep in some event callback with no connection to the actual code causing
706the problem.
400 707
401=item $cv->begin ([group callback]) 708=item $cv->begin ([group callback])
402 709
403=item $cv->end 710=item $cv->end
404 711
406one. For example, a function that pings many hosts in parallel might want 713one. For example, a function that pings many hosts in parallel might want
407to use a condition variable for the whole process. 714to use a condition variable for the whole process.
408 715
409Every call to C<< ->begin >> will increment a counter, and every call to 716Every call to C<< ->begin >> will increment a counter, and every call to
410C<< ->end >> will decrement it. If the counter reaches C<0> in C<< ->end 717C<< ->end >> will decrement it. If the counter reaches C<0> in C<< ->end
411>>, the (last) callback passed to C<begin> will be executed. That callback 718>>, the (last) callback passed to C<begin> will be executed, passing the
412is I<supposed> to call C<< ->send >>, but that is not required. If no 719condvar as first argument. That callback is I<supposed> to call C<< ->send
413callback was set, C<send> will be called without any arguments. 720>>, but that is not required. If no group callback was set, C<send> will
721be called without any arguments.
414 722
415Let's clarify this with the ping example: 723You can think of C<< $cv->send >> giving you an OR condition (one call
724sends), while C<< $cv->begin >> and C<< $cv->end >> giving you an AND
725condition (all C<begin> calls must be C<end>'ed before the condvar sends).
726
727Let's start with a simple example: you have two I/O watchers (for example,
728STDOUT and STDERR for a program), and you want to wait for both streams to
729close before activating a condvar:
416 730
417 my $cv = AnyEvent->condvar; 731 my $cv = AnyEvent->condvar;
418 732
733 $cv->begin; # first watcher
734 my $w1 = AnyEvent->io (fh => $fh1, cb => sub {
735 defined sysread $fh1, my $buf, 4096
736 or $cv->end;
737 });
738
739 $cv->begin; # second watcher
740 my $w2 = AnyEvent->io (fh => $fh2, cb => sub {
741 defined sysread $fh2, my $buf, 4096
742 or $cv->end;
743 });
744
745 $cv->recv;
746
747This works because for every event source (EOF on file handle), there is
748one call to C<begin>, so the condvar waits for all calls to C<end> before
749sending.
750
751The ping example mentioned above is slightly more complicated, as the
752there are results to be passwd back, and the number of tasks that are
753begun can potentially be zero:
754
755 my $cv = AnyEvent->condvar;
756
419 my %result; 757 my %result;
420 $cv->begin (sub { $cv->send (\%result) }); 758 $cv->begin (sub { shift->send (\%result) });
421 759
422 for my $host (@list_of_hosts) { 760 for my $host (@list_of_hosts) {
423 $cv->begin; 761 $cv->begin;
424 ping_host_then_call_callback $host, sub { 762 ping_host_then_call_callback $host, sub {
425 $result{$host} = ...; 763 $result{$host} = ...;
440loop, which serves two important purposes: first, it sets the callback 778loop, which serves two important purposes: first, it sets the callback
441to be called once the counter reaches C<0>, and second, it ensures that 779to be called once the counter reaches C<0>, and second, it ensures that
442C<send> is called even when C<no> hosts are being pinged (the loop 780C<send> is called even when C<no> hosts are being pinged (the loop
443doesn't execute once). 781doesn't execute once).
444 782
445This is the general pattern when you "fan out" into multiple subrequests: 783This 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> 784potentially zero) subrequests: use an outer C<begin>/C<end> pair to set
447is called at least once, and then, for each subrequest you start, call 785the 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>. 786subrequest you start, call C<begin> and for each subrequest you finish,
787call C<end>.
449 788
450=back 789=back
451 790
452=head3 METHODS FOR CONSUMERS 791=head3 METHODS FOR CONSUMERS
453 792
454These methods should only be used by the consuming side, i.e. the 793These methods should only be used by the consuming side, i.e. the
455code awaits the condition. 794code awaits the condition.
456 795
457=over 4 796=over 4
458 797
459=item $cv->wait 798=item $cv->recv
460 799
461Wait (blocking if necessary) until the C<< ->send >> or C<< ->croak 800Wait (blocking if necessary) until the C<< ->send >> or C<< ->croak
462>> methods have been called on c<$cv>, while servicing other watchers 801>> methods have been called on C<$cv>, while servicing other watchers
463normally. 802normally.
464 803
465You can only wait once on a condition - additional calls are valid but 804You can only wait once on a condition - additional calls are valid but
466will return immediately. 805will return immediately.
467 806
469function will call C<croak>. 808function will call C<croak>.
470 809
471In list context, all parameters passed to C<send> will be returned, 810In list context, all parameters passed to C<send> will be returned,
472in scalar context only the first one will be returned. 811in scalar context only the first one will be returned.
473 812
813Note that doing a blocking wait in a callback is not supported by any
814event loop, that is, recursive invocation of a blocking C<< ->recv
815>> is not allowed, and the C<recv> call will C<croak> if such a
816condition is detected. This condition can be slightly loosened by using
817L<Coro::AnyEvent>, which allows you to do a blocking C<< ->recv >> from
818any thread that doesn't run the event loop itself.
819
474Not all event models support a blocking wait - some die in that case 820Not 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 821(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 822using 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 823caller decide whether the call will block or not (for example, by coupling
478condition variables with some kind of request results and supporting 824condition variables with some kind of request results and supporting
479callbacks so the caller knows that getting the result will not block, 825callbacks so the caller knows that getting the result will not block,
480while still suppporting blocking waits if the caller so desires). 826while still supporting blocking waits if the caller so desires).
481 827
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 828You can ensure that C<< ->recv >> never blocks by setting a callback and
494only calling C<< ->wait >> from within that callback (or at a later 829only calling C<< ->recv >> from within that callback (or at a later
495time). This will work even when the event loop does not support blocking 830time). This will work even when the event loop does not support blocking
496waits otherwise. 831waits otherwise.
497 832
498=item $bool = $cv->ready 833=item $bool = $cv->ready
499 834
500Returns true when the condition is "true", i.e. whether C<send> or 835Returns true when the condition is "true", i.e. whether C<send> or
501C<croak> have been called. 836C<croak> have been called.
502 837
503=item $cb = $cv->cb ([new callback]) 838=item $cb = $cv->cb ($cb->($cv))
504 839
505This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and optionally 840This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and optionally
506replaces it before doing so. 841replaces it before doing so.
507 842
508The callback will be called when the condition becomes "true", i.e. when 843The callback will be called when the condition becomes "true", i.e. when
509C<send> or C<croak> are called. Calling C<wait> inside the callback 844C<send> or C<croak> are called, with the only argument being the
845condition variable itself. If the condition is already true, the
846callback is called immediately when it is set. Calling C<recv> inside
510or at any later time is guaranteed not to block. 847the callback or at any later time is guaranteed not to block.
511 848
512=back 849=back
513 850
851=head1 SUPPORTED EVENT LOOPS/BACKENDS
852
853The available backend classes are (every class has its own manpage):
854
855=over 4
856
857=item Backends that are autoprobed when no other event loop can be found.
858
859EV is the preferred backend when no other event loop seems to be in
860use. If EV is not installed, then AnyEvent will fall back to its own
861pure-perl implementation, which is available everywhere as it comes with
862AnyEvent itself.
863
864 AnyEvent::Impl::EV based on EV (interface to libev, best choice).
865 AnyEvent::Impl::Perl pure-perl implementation, fast and portable.
866
867=item Backends that are transparently being picked up when they are used.
868
869These will be used if they are already loaded when the first watcher
870is created, in which case it is assumed that the application is using
871them. This means that AnyEvent will automatically pick the right backend
872when the main program loads an event module before anything starts to
873create watchers. Nothing special needs to be done by the main program.
874
875 AnyEvent::Impl::Event based on Event, very stable, few glitches.
876 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib based on Glib, slow but very stable.
877 AnyEvent::Impl::Tk based on Tk, very broken.
878 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib based on Event::Lib, leaks memory and worse.
879 AnyEvent::Impl::POE based on POE, very slow, some limitations.
880 AnyEvent::Impl::Irssi used when running within irssi.
881 AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync based on IO::Async.
882
883=item Backends with special needs.
884
885Qt requires the Qt::Application to be instantiated first, but will
886otherwise be picked up automatically. As long as the main program
887instantiates the application before any AnyEvent watchers are created,
888everything should just work.
889
890 AnyEvent::Impl::Qt based on Qt.
891
892=item Event loops that are indirectly supported via other backends.
893
894Some event loops can be supported via other modules:
895
896There is no direct support for WxWidgets (L<Wx>) or L<Prima>.
897
898B<WxWidgets> has no support for watching file handles. However, you can
899use WxWidgets through the POE adaptor, as POE has a Wx backend that simply
900polls 20 times per second, which was considered to be too horrible to even
901consider for AnyEvent.
902
903B<Prima> is not supported as nobody seems to be using it, but it has a POE
904backend, so it can be supported through POE.
905
906AnyEvent knows about both L<Prima> and L<Wx>, however, and will try to
907load L<POE> when detecting them, in the hope that POE will pick them up,
908in which case everything will be automatic.
909
910=back
911
514=head1 GLOBAL VARIABLES AND FUNCTIONS 912=head1 GLOBAL VARIABLES AND FUNCTIONS
515 913
914These are not normally required to use AnyEvent, but can be useful to
915write AnyEvent extension modules.
916
516=over 4 917=over 4
517 918
518=item $AnyEvent::MODEL 919=item $AnyEvent::MODEL
519 920
520Contains C<undef> until the first watcher is being created. Then it 921Contains C<undef> until the first watcher is being created, before the
922backend has been autodetected.
923
521contains the event model that is being used, which is the name of the 924Afterwards it contains the event model that is being used, which is the
522Perl class implementing the model. This class is usually one of the 925name of the Perl class implementing the model. This class is usually one
523C<AnyEvent::Impl:xxx> modules, but can be any other class in the case 926of the C<AnyEvent::Impl::xxx> modules, but can be any other class in the
524AnyEvent has been extended at runtime (e.g. in I<rxvt-unicode>). 927case AnyEvent has been extended at runtime (e.g. in I<rxvt-unicode> it
525 928will be C<urxvt::anyevent>).
526The known classes so far are:
527
528 AnyEvent::Impl::EV based on EV (an interface to libev, best choice).
529 AnyEvent::Impl::Event based on Event, second best choice.
530 AnyEvent::Impl::Perl pure-perl implementation, fast and portable.
531 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib based on Glib, third-best choice.
532 AnyEvent::Impl::Tk based on Tk, very bad choice.
533 AnyEvent::Impl::Qt based on Qt, cannot be autoprobed (see its docs).
534 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib based on Event::Lib, leaks memory and worse.
535 AnyEvent::Impl::POE based on POE, not generic enough for full support.
536
537There is no support for WxWidgets, as WxWidgets has no support for
538watching file handles. However, you can use WxWidgets through the
539POE Adaptor, as POE has a Wx backend that simply polls 20 times per
540second, which was considered to be too horrible to even consider for
541AnyEvent. Likewise, other POE backends can be used by AnyEvent by using
542it's adaptor.
543
544AnyEvent knows about L<Prima> and L<Wx> and will try to use L<POE> when
545autodetecting them.
546 929
547=item AnyEvent::detect 930=item AnyEvent::detect
548 931
549Returns C<$AnyEvent::MODEL>, forcing autodetection of the event model 932Returns C<$AnyEvent::MODEL>, forcing autodetection of the event model
550if necessary. You should only call this function right before you would 933if necessary. You should only call this function right before you would
551have created an AnyEvent watcher anyway, that is, as late as possible at 934have created an AnyEvent watcher anyway, that is, as late as possible at
552runtime. 935runtime, and not e.g. during initialisation of your module.
936
937If you need to do some initialisation before AnyEvent watchers are
938created, use C<post_detect>.
553 939
554=item $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK } 940=item $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }
555 941
556Arranges for the code block to be executed as soon as the event model is 942Arranges for the code block to be executed as soon as the event model is
557autodetected (or immediately if this has already happened). 943autodetected (or immediately if that has already happened).
944
945The block will be executed I<after> the actual backend has been detected
946(C<$AnyEvent::MODEL> is set), but I<before> any watchers have been
947created, so it is possible to e.g. patch C<@AnyEvent::ISA> or do
948other initialisations - see the sources of L<AnyEvent::Strict> or
949L<AnyEvent::AIO> to see how this is used.
950
951The most common usage is to create some global watchers, without forcing
952event module detection too early, for example, L<AnyEvent::AIO> creates
953and installs the global L<IO::AIO> watcher in a C<post_detect> block to
954avoid autodetecting the event module at load time.
558 955
559If called in scalar or list context, then it creates and returns an object 956If called in scalar or list context, then it creates and returns an object
560that automatically removes the callback again when it is destroyed. 957that automatically removes the callback again when it is destroyed (or
958C<undef> when the hook was immediately executed). See L<AnyEvent::AIO> for
959a case where this is useful.
960
961Example: Create a watcher for the IO::AIO module and store it in
962C<$WATCHER>, but do so only do so after the event loop is initialised.
963
964 our WATCHER;
965
966 my $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect {
967 $WATCHER = AnyEvent->io (fh => IO::AIO::poll_fileno, poll => 'r', cb => \&IO::AIO::poll_cb);
968 };
969
970 # the ||= is important in case post_detect immediately runs the block,
971 # as to not clobber the newly-created watcher. assigning both watcher and
972 # post_detect guard to the same variable has the advantage of users being
973 # able to just C<undef $WATCHER> if the watcher causes them grief.
974
975 $WATCHER ||= $guard;
561 976
562=item @AnyEvent::post_detect 977=item @AnyEvent::post_detect
563 978
564If there are any code references in this array (you can C<push> to it 979If there are any code references in this array (you can C<push> to it
565before or after loading AnyEvent), then they will called directly after 980before or after loading AnyEvent), then they will be called directly
566the event loop has been chosen. 981after the event loop has been chosen.
567 982
568You should check C<$AnyEvent::MODEL> before adding to this array, though: 983You 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, 984if it is defined then the event loop has already been detected, and the
570and the array will be ignored. 985array will be ignored.
571 986
572Best use C<AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }> instead. 987Best use C<AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }> when your application allows
988it, as it takes care of these details.
989
990This variable is mainly useful for modules that can do something useful
991when AnyEvent is used and thus want to know when it is initialised, but do
992not need to even load it by default. This array provides the means to hook
993into AnyEvent passively, without loading it.
994
995Example: To load Coro::AnyEvent whenever Coro and AnyEvent are used
996together, you could put this into Coro (this is the actual code used by
997Coro to accomplish this):
998
999 if (defined $AnyEvent::MODEL) {
1000 # AnyEvent already initialised, so load Coro::AnyEvent
1001 require Coro::AnyEvent;
1002 } else {
1003 # AnyEvent not yet initialised, so make sure to load Coro::AnyEvent
1004 # as soon as it is
1005 push @AnyEvent::post_detect, sub { require Coro::AnyEvent };
1006 }
573 1007
574=back 1008=back
575 1009
576=head1 WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE 1010=head1 WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE
577 1011
581Be careful when you create watchers in the module body - AnyEvent will 1015Be 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 1016decide 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 1017by calling AnyEvent in your module body you force the user of your module
584to load the event module first. 1018to load the event module first.
585 1019
586Never call C<< ->wait >> on a condition variable unless you I<know> that 1020Never call C<< ->recv >> on a condition variable unless you I<know> that
587the C<< ->send >> method has been called on it already. This is 1021the C<< ->send >> method has been called on it already. This is
588because it will stall the whole program, and the whole point of using 1022because it will stall the whole program, and the whole point of using
589events is to stay interactive. 1023events is to stay interactive.
590 1024
591It is fine, however, to call C<< ->wait >> when the user of your module 1025It 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 1026requests 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 >> 1027called C<results> that returns the results, it may call C<< ->recv >>
594freely, as the user of your module knows what she is doing. always). 1028freely, as the user of your module knows what she is doing. Always).
595 1029
596=head1 WHAT TO DO IN THE MAIN PROGRAM 1030=head1 WHAT TO DO IN THE MAIN PROGRAM
597 1031
598There will always be a single main program - the only place that should 1032There will always be a single main program - the only place that should
599dictate which event model to use. 1033dictate which event model to use.
600 1034
601If it doesn't care, it can just "use AnyEvent" and use it itself, or not 1035If the program is not event-based, it need not do anything special, even
602do anything special (it does not need to be event-based) and let AnyEvent 1036when it depends on a module that uses an AnyEvent. If the program itself
603decide which implementation to chose if some module relies on it. 1037uses AnyEvent, but does not care which event loop is used, all it needs
1038to do is C<use AnyEvent>. In either case, AnyEvent will choose the best
1039available loop implementation.
604 1040
605If the main program relies on a specific event model. For example, in 1041If 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 1042Gtk2 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 1043event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it: generally
608speaking, you should load it as early as possible. The reason is that 1044speaking, you should load it as early as possible. The reason is that
609modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent will 1045modules 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 1046decide 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. 1047might choose the wrong one unless you load the correct one yourself.
612 1048
613You can chose to use a rather inefficient pure-perl implementation by 1049You can chose to use a pure-perl implementation by loading the
614loading the C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl> module, which gives you similar 1050C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl> module, which gives you similar behaviour
615behaviour everywhere, but letting AnyEvent chose is generally better. 1051everywhere, but letting AnyEvent chose the model is generally better.
1052
1053=head2 MAINLOOP EMULATION
1054
1055Sometimes (often for short test scripts, or even standalone programs who
1056only want to use AnyEvent), you do not want to run a specific event loop.
1057
1058In that case, you can use a condition variable like this:
1059
1060 AnyEvent->condvar->recv;
1061
1062This has the effect of entering the event loop and looping forever.
1063
1064Note that usually your program has some exit condition, in which case
1065it is better to use the "traditional" approach of storing a condition
1066variable somewhere, waiting for it, and sending it when the program should
1067exit cleanly.
1068
616 1069
617=head1 OTHER MODULES 1070=head1 OTHER MODULES
618 1071
619The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use 1072The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use
620AnyEvent and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent modules 1073AnyEvent 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 1074modules and other event loops in the same program. Some of the modules
622available via CPAN. 1075come as part of AnyEvent, the others are available via CPAN.
623 1076
624=over 4 1077=over 4
625 1078
626=item L<AnyEvent::Util> 1079=item L<AnyEvent::Util>
627 1080
628Contains various utility functions that replace often-used but blocking 1081Contains various utility functions that replace often-used blocking
629functions such as C<inet_aton> by event-/callback-based versions. 1082functions such as C<inet_aton> with event/callback-based versions.
1083
1084=item L<AnyEvent::Socket>
1085
1086Provides various utility functions for (internet protocol) sockets,
1087addresses and name resolution. Also functions to create non-blocking tcp
1088connections or tcp servers, with IPv6 and SRV record support and more.
630 1089
631=item L<AnyEvent::Handle> 1090=item L<AnyEvent::Handle>
632 1091
633Provide read and write buffers and manages watchers for reads and writes. 1092Provide read and write buffers, manages watchers for reads and writes,
1093supports raw and formatted I/O, I/O queued and fully transparent and
1094non-blocking SSL/TLS (via L<AnyEvent::TLS>).
634 1095
635=item L<AnyEvent::Socket> 1096=item L<AnyEvent::DNS>
636 1097
637Provides a means to do non-blocking connects, accepts etc. 1098Provides rich asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities.
1099
1100=item L<AnyEvent::HTTP>, L<AnyEvent::IRC>, L<AnyEvent::XMPP>, L<AnyEvent::GPSD>, L<AnyEvent::IGS>, L<AnyEvent::FCP>
1101
1102Implement event-based interfaces to the protocols of the same name (for
1103the curious, IGS is the International Go Server and FCP is the Freenet
1104Client Protocol).
1105
1106=item L<AnyEvent::Handle::UDP>
1107
1108Here be danger!
1109
1110As Pauli would put it, "Not only is it not right, it's not even wrong!" -
1111there are so many things wrong with AnyEvent::Handle::UDP, most notably
1112its use of a stream-based API with a protocol that isn't streamable, that
1113the only way to improve it is to delete it.
1114
1115It features data corruption (but typically only under load) and general
1116confusion. On top, the author is not only clueless about UDP but also
1117fact-resistant - some gems of his understanding: "connect doesn't work
1118with UDP", "UDP packets are not IP packets", "UDP only has datagrams, not
1119packets", "I don't need to implement proper error checking as UDP doesn't
1120support error checking" and so on - he doesn't even understand what's
1121wrong with his module when it is explained to him.
1122
1123=item L<AnyEvent::DBI>
1124
1125Executes L<DBI> requests asynchronously in a proxy process for you,
1126notifying you in an event-based way when the operation is finished.
1127
1128=item L<AnyEvent::AIO>
1129
1130Truly asynchronous (as opposed to non-blocking) I/O, should be in the
1131toolbox of every event programmer. AnyEvent::AIO transparently fuses
1132L<IO::AIO> and AnyEvent together, giving AnyEvent access to event-based
1133file I/O, and much more.
638 1134
639=item L<AnyEvent::HTTPD> 1135=item L<AnyEvent::HTTPD>
640 1136
641Provides a simple web application server framework. 1137A simple embedded webserver.
642
643=item L<AnyEvent::DNS>
644
645Provides asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities, beyond what
646L<AnyEvent::Util> offers.
647 1138
648=item L<AnyEvent::FastPing> 1139=item L<AnyEvent::FastPing>
649 1140
650The fastest ping in the west. 1141The fastest ping in the west.
651 1142
652=item L<Net::IRC3>
653
654AnyEvent based IRC client module family.
655
656=item L<Net::XMPP2>
657
658AnyEvent based XMPP (Jabber protocol) module family.
659
660=item L<Net::FCP>
661
662AnyEvent-based implementation of the Freenet Client Protocol, birthplace
663of AnyEvent.
664
665=item L<Event::ExecFlow>
666
667High level API for event-based execution flow control.
668
669=item L<Coro> 1143=item L<Coro>
670 1144
671Has special support for AnyEvent via L<Coro::AnyEvent>. 1145Has special support for AnyEvent via L<Coro::AnyEvent>.
672 1146
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 1147=back
688 1148
689=cut 1149=cut
690 1150
691package AnyEvent; 1151package AnyEvent;
692 1152
693no warnings; 1153# basically a tuned-down version of common::sense
694use strict; 1154sub common_sense {
1155 # from common:.sense 3.3
1156 ${^WARNING_BITS} ^= ${^WARNING_BITS} ^ "\x3c\x3f\x33\x00\x0f\xf3\x0f\xc0\xf0\xfc\x33\x00";
1157 # use strict vars subs - NO UTF-8, as Util.pm doesn't like this atm. (uts46data.pl)
1158 $^H |= 0x00000600;
1159}
695 1160
1161BEGIN { AnyEvent::common_sense }
1162
696use Carp; 1163use Carp ();
697 1164
698our $VERSION = '3.4'; 1165our $VERSION = '5.29';
699our $MODEL; 1166our $MODEL;
700 1167
701our $AUTOLOAD; 1168our $AUTOLOAD;
702our @ISA; 1169our @ISA;
703 1170
704our $verbose = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}*1;
705
706our @REGISTRY; 1171our @REGISTRY;
707 1172
1173our $VERBOSE;
1174
1175BEGIN {
1176 require "AnyEvent/constants.pl";
1177
1178 eval "sub TAINT (){" . (${^TAINT}*1) . "}";
1179
1180 delete @ENV{grep /^PERL_ANYEVENT_/, keys %ENV}
1181 if ${^TAINT};
1182
1183 $VERBOSE = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}*1;
1184
1185}
1186
1187our $MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY = 10;
1188
1189our %PROTOCOL; # (ipv4|ipv6) => (1|2), higher numbers are preferred
1190
1191{
1192 my $idx;
1193 $PROTOCOL{$_} = ++$idx
1194 for reverse split /\s*,\s*/,
1195 $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS} || "ipv4,ipv6";
1196}
1197
708my @models = ( 1198my @models = (
709 [EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EV::], 1199 [EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EV:: , 1],
1200 [AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: , 1],
1201 # everything below here will not (normally) be autoprobed
1202 # as the pureperl backend should work everywhere
1203 # and is usually faster
710 [Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Event::], 1204 [Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Event::, 1],
1205 [Glib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Glib:: , 1], # becomes extremely slow with many watchers
1206 [Event::Lib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib::], # too buggy
1207 [Irssi:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Irssi::], # Irssi has a bogus "Event" package
711 [Tk:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Tk::], 1208 [Tk:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Tk::], # crashes with many handles
1209 [Qt:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Qt::], # requires special main program
1210 [POE::Kernel:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], # lasciate ogni speranza
712 [Wx:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], 1211 [Wx:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
713 [Prima:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], 1212 [Prima:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
714 [AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Perl::], 1213 [IO::Async::Loop:: => AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync::],
715 # everything below here will not be autoprobed as the pureperl backend should work everywhere
716 [Glib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Glib::],
717 [Event::Lib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib::], # too buggy
718 [Qt:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Qt::], # requires special main program
719 [POE::Kernel:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], # lasciate ogni speranza
720); 1214);
721 1215
722our %method = map +($_ => 1), qw(io timer signal child condvar one_event DESTROY); 1216our %method = map +($_ => 1),
1217 qw(io timer time now now_update signal child idle condvar one_event DESTROY);
723 1218
724our @post_detect; 1219our @post_detect;
725 1220
726sub post_detect(&) { 1221sub post_detect(&) {
727 my ($cb) = @_; 1222 my ($cb) = @_;
728 1223
729 if ($MODEL) {
730 $cb->();
731
732 1
733 } else {
734 push @post_detect, $cb; 1224 push @post_detect, $cb;
735 1225
736 defined wantarray 1226 defined wantarray
737 ? bless \$cb, "AnyEvent::Util::Guard" 1227 ? bless \$cb, "AnyEvent::Util::postdetect"
738 : () 1228 : ()
1229}
1230
1231sub AnyEvent::Util::postdetect::DESTROY {
1232 @post_detect = grep $_ != ${$_[0]}, @post_detect;
1233}
1234
1235sub detect() {
1236 # free some memory
1237 *detect = sub () { $MODEL };
1238
1239 local $!; # for good measure
1240 local $SIG{__DIE__};
1241
1242 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} =~ /^([a-zA-Z]+)$/) {
1243 my $model = "AnyEvent::Impl::$1";
1244 if (eval "require $model") {
1245 $MODEL = $model;
1246 warn "AnyEvent: loaded model '$model' (forced by \$ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL}), using it.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 2;
1247 } else {
1248 warn "AnyEvent: unable to load model '$model' (from \$ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL}):\n$@" if $VERBOSE;
1249 }
739 } 1250 }
740}
741 1251
742sub AnyEvent::Util::Guard::DESTROY { 1252 # check for already loaded models
743 @post_detect = grep $_ != ${$_[0]}, @post_detect;
744}
745
746sub detect() {
747 unless ($MODEL) { 1253 unless ($MODEL) {
748 no strict 'refs'; 1254 for (@REGISTRY, @models) {
749 1255 my ($package, $model) = @$_;
750 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} =~ /^([a-zA-Z]+)$/) { 1256 if (${"$package\::VERSION"} > 0) {
751 my $model = "AnyEvent::Impl::$1";
752 if (eval "require $model") { 1257 if (eval "require $model") {
753 $MODEL = $model; 1258 $MODEL = $model;
754 warn "AnyEvent: loaded model '$model' (forced by \$PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL), using it.\n" if $verbose > 1; 1259 warn "AnyEvent: autodetected model '$model', using it.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 2;
755 } else { 1260 last;
756 warn "AnyEvent: unable to load model '$model' (from \$PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL):\n$@" if $verbose; 1261 }
757 } 1262 }
758 } 1263 }
759 1264
760 # check for already loaded models
761 unless ($MODEL) { 1265 unless ($MODEL) {
1266 # try to autoload a model
762 for (@REGISTRY, @models) { 1267 for (@REGISTRY, @models) {
763 my ($package, $model) = @$_; 1268 my ($package, $model, $autoload) = @$_;
1269 if (
1270 $autoload
1271 and eval "require $package"
764 if (${"$package\::VERSION"} > 0) { 1272 and ${"$package\::VERSION"} > 0
765 if (eval "require $model") { 1273 and eval "require $model"
1274 ) {
766 $MODEL = $model; 1275 $MODEL = $model;
767 warn "AnyEvent: autodetected model '$model', using it.\n" if $verbose > 1; 1276 warn "AnyEvent: autoloaded model '$model', using it.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 2;
768 last; 1277 last;
769 }
770 } 1278 }
771 } 1279 }
772 1280
773 unless ($MODEL) {
774 # try to load a model
775
776 for (@REGISTRY, @models) {
777 my ($package, $model) = @$_;
778 if (eval "require $package"
779 and ${"$package\::VERSION"} > 0
780 and eval "require $model") {
781 $MODEL = $model;
782 warn "AnyEvent: autoprobed model '$model', using it.\n" if $verbose > 1;
783 last;
784 }
785 }
786
787 $MODEL 1281 $MODEL
788 or die "No event module selected for AnyEvent and autodetect failed. Install any one of these modules: EV, Event or Glib."; 1282 or die "AnyEvent: backend autodetection failed - did you properly install AnyEvent?\n";
789 }
790 } 1283 }
791
792 unshift @ISA, $MODEL;
793 push @{"$MODEL\::ISA"}, "AnyEvent::Base";
794
795 (shift @post_detect)->() while @post_detect;
796 } 1284 }
1285
1286 @models = (); # free probe data
1287
1288 push @{"$MODEL\::ISA"}, "AnyEvent::Base";
1289 unshift @ISA, $MODEL;
1290
1291 # now nuke some methods that are overridden by the backend.
1292 # SUPER is not allowed.
1293 for (qw(time signal child idle)) {
1294 undef &{"AnyEvent::Base::$_"}
1295 if defined &{"$MODEL\::$_"};
1296 }
1297
1298 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT}) {
1299 eval { require AnyEvent::Strict };
1300 warn "AnyEvent: cannot load AnyEvent::Strict: $@"
1301 if $@ && $VERBOSE;
1302 }
1303
1304 (shift @post_detect)->() while @post_detect;
1305
1306 *post_detect = sub(&) {
1307 shift->();
1308
1309 undef
1310 };
797 1311
798 $MODEL 1312 $MODEL
799} 1313}
800 1314
801sub AUTOLOAD { 1315sub AUTOLOAD {
802 (my $func = $AUTOLOAD) =~ s/.*://; 1316 (my $func = $AUTOLOAD) =~ s/.*://;
803 1317
804 $method{$func} 1318 $method{$func}
805 or croak "$func: not a valid method for AnyEvent objects"; 1319 or Carp::croak "$func: not a valid AnyEvent class method";
806 1320
807 detect unless $MODEL; 1321 detect;
808 1322
809 my $class = shift; 1323 my $class = shift;
810 $class->$func (@_); 1324 $class->$func (@_);
811} 1325}
812 1326
1327# utility function to dup a filehandle. this is used by many backends
1328# to support binding more than one watcher per filehandle (they usually
1329# allow only one watcher per fd, so we dup it to get a different one).
1330sub _dupfh($$;$$) {
1331 my ($poll, $fh, $r, $w) = @_;
1332
1333 # cygwin requires the fh mode to be matching, unix doesn't
1334 my ($rw, $mode) = $poll eq "r" ? ($r, "<&") : ($w, ">&");
1335
1336 open my $fh2, $mode, $fh
1337 or die "AnyEvent->io: cannot dup() filehandle in mode '$poll': $!,";
1338
1339 # we assume CLOEXEC is already set by perl in all important cases
1340
1341 ($fh2, $rw)
1342}
1343
1344=head1 SIMPLIFIED AE API
1345
1346Starting with version 5.0, AnyEvent officially supports a second, much
1347simpler, API that is designed to reduce the calling, typing and memory
1348overhead by using function call syntax and a fixed number of parameters.
1349
1350See the L<AE> manpage for details.
1351
1352=cut
1353
1354package AE;
1355
1356our $VERSION = $AnyEvent::VERSION;
1357
1358# fall back to the main API by default - backends and AnyEvent::Base
1359# implementations can overwrite these.
1360
1361sub io($$$) {
1362 AnyEvent->io (fh => $_[0], poll => $_[1] ? "w" : "r", cb => $_[2])
1363}
1364
1365sub timer($$$) {
1366 AnyEvent->timer (after => $_[0], interval => $_[1], cb => $_[2])
1367}
1368
1369sub signal($$) {
1370 AnyEvent->signal (signal => $_[0], cb => $_[1])
1371}
1372
1373sub child($$) {
1374 AnyEvent->child (pid => $_[0], cb => $_[1])
1375}
1376
1377sub idle($) {
1378 AnyEvent->idle (cb => $_[0])
1379}
1380
1381sub cv(;&) {
1382 AnyEvent->condvar (@_ ? (cb => $_[0]) : ())
1383}
1384
1385sub now() {
1386 AnyEvent->now
1387}
1388
1389sub now_update() {
1390 AnyEvent->now_update
1391}
1392
1393sub time() {
1394 AnyEvent->time
1395}
1396
813package AnyEvent::Base; 1397package AnyEvent::Base;
814 1398
1399# default implementations for many methods
1400
1401sub time {
1402 eval q{ # poor man's autoloading {}
1403 # probe for availability of Time::HiRes
1404 if (eval "use Time::HiRes (); Time::HiRes::time (); 1") {
1405 warn "AnyEvent: using Time::HiRes for sub-second timing accuracy.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 8;
1406 *AE::time = \&Time::HiRes::time;
1407 # if (eval "use POSIX (); (POSIX::times())...
1408 } else {
1409 warn "AnyEvent: using built-in time(), WARNING, no sub-second resolution!\n" if $VERBOSE;
1410 *AE::time = sub (){ time }; # epic fail
1411 }
1412
1413 *time = sub { AE::time }; # different prototypes
1414 };
1415 die if $@;
1416
1417 &time
1418}
1419
1420*now = \&time;
1421
1422sub now_update { }
1423
815# default implementation for ->condvar, ->wait, ->broadcast 1424# default implementation for ->condvar
816 1425
817sub condvar { 1426sub condvar {
818 bless \my $flag, "AnyEvent::Base::CondVar" 1427 eval q{ # poor man's autoloading {}
819} 1428 *condvar = sub {
1429 bless { @_ == 3 ? (_ae_cb => $_[2]) : () }, "AnyEvent::CondVar"
1430 };
820 1431
821sub AnyEvent::Base::CondVar::broadcast { 1432 *AE::cv = sub (;&) {
822 ${$_[0]}++; 1433 bless { @_ ? (_ae_cb => shift) : () }, "AnyEvent::CondVar"
823} 1434 };
1435 };
1436 die if $@;
824 1437
825sub AnyEvent::Base::CondVar::wait { 1438 &condvar
826 AnyEvent->one_event while !${$_[0]};
827} 1439}
828 1440
829# default implementation for ->signal 1441# default implementation for ->signal
830 1442
831our %SIG_CB; 1443our $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT;
1444
1445sub _have_async_interrupt() {
1446 $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT = 1*(!$ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_AVOID_ASYNC_INTERRUPT}
1447 && eval "use Async::Interrupt 1.02 (); 1")
1448 unless defined $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT;
1449
1450 $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT
1451}
1452
1453our ($SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W, %SIG_CB, %SIG_EV, $SIG_IO);
1454our (%SIG_ASY, %SIG_ASY_W);
1455our ($SIG_COUNT, $SIG_TW);
1456
1457# install a dummy wakeup watcher to reduce signal catching latency
1458# used by Impls
1459sub _sig_add() {
1460 unless ($SIG_COUNT++) {
1461 # try to align timer on a full-second boundary, if possible
1462 my $NOW = AE::now;
1463
1464 $SIG_TW = AE::timer
1465 $MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY - ($NOW - int $NOW),
1466 $MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY,
1467 sub { } # just for the PERL_ASYNC_CHECK
1468 ;
1469 }
1470}
1471
1472sub _sig_del {
1473 undef $SIG_TW
1474 unless --$SIG_COUNT;
1475}
1476
1477our $_sig_name_init; $_sig_name_init = sub {
1478 eval q{ # poor man's autoloading {}
1479 undef $_sig_name_init;
1480
1481 if (_have_async_interrupt) {
1482 *sig2num = \&Async::Interrupt::sig2num;
1483 *sig2name = \&Async::Interrupt::sig2name;
1484 } else {
1485 require Config;
1486
1487 my %signame2num;
1488 @signame2num{ split ' ', $Config::Config{sig_name} }
1489 = split ' ', $Config::Config{sig_num};
1490
1491 my @signum2name;
1492 @signum2name[values %signame2num] = keys %signame2num;
1493
1494 *sig2num = sub($) {
1495 $_[0] > 0 ? shift : $signame2num{+shift}
1496 };
1497 *sig2name = sub ($) {
1498 $_[0] > 0 ? $signum2name[+shift] : shift
1499 };
1500 }
1501 };
1502 die if $@;
1503};
1504
1505sub sig2num ($) { &$_sig_name_init; &sig2num }
1506sub sig2name($) { &$_sig_name_init; &sig2name }
832 1507
833sub signal { 1508sub signal {
1509 eval q{ # poor man's autoloading {}
1510 # probe for availability of Async::Interrupt
1511 if (_have_async_interrupt) {
1512 warn "AnyEvent: using Async::Interrupt for race-free signal handling.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 8;
1513
1514 $SIGPIPE_R = new Async::Interrupt::EventPipe;
1515 $SIG_IO = AE::io $SIGPIPE_R->fileno, 0, \&_signal_exec;
1516
1517 } else {
1518 warn "AnyEvent: using emulated perl signal handling with latency timer.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 8;
1519
1520 if (AnyEvent::WIN32) {
1521 require AnyEvent::Util;
1522
1523 ($SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W) = AnyEvent::Util::portable_pipe ();
1524 AnyEvent::Util::fh_nonblocking ($SIGPIPE_R, 1) if $SIGPIPE_R;
1525 AnyEvent::Util::fh_nonblocking ($SIGPIPE_W, 1) if $SIGPIPE_W; # just in case
1526 } else {
1527 pipe $SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W;
1528 fcntl $SIGPIPE_R, AnyEvent::F_SETFL, AnyEvent::O_NONBLOCK if $SIGPIPE_R;
1529 fcntl $SIGPIPE_W, AnyEvent::F_SETFL, AnyEvent::O_NONBLOCK if $SIGPIPE_W; # just in case
1530
1531 # not strictly required, as $^F is normally 2, but let's make sure...
1532 fcntl $SIGPIPE_R, AnyEvent::F_SETFD, AnyEvent::FD_CLOEXEC;
1533 fcntl $SIGPIPE_W, AnyEvent::F_SETFD, AnyEvent::FD_CLOEXEC;
1534 }
1535
1536 $SIGPIPE_R
1537 or Carp::croak "AnyEvent: unable to create a signal reporting pipe: $!\n";
1538
1539 $SIG_IO = AE::io $SIGPIPE_R, 0, \&_signal_exec;
1540 }
1541
1542 *signal = $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT
1543 ? sub {
834 my (undef, %arg) = @_; 1544 my (undef, %arg) = @_;
835 1545
1546 # async::interrupt
836 my $signal = uc $arg{signal} 1547 my $signal = sig2num $arg{signal};
837 or Carp::croak "required option 'signal' is missing";
838
839 $SIG_CB{$signal}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb}; 1548 $SIG_CB{$signal}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb};
1549
1550 $SIG_ASY{$signal} ||= new Async::Interrupt
1551 cb => sub { undef $SIG_EV{$signal} },
1552 signal => $signal,
1553 pipe => [$SIGPIPE_R->filenos],
1554 pipe_autodrain => 0,
1555 ;
1556
1557 bless [$signal, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::signal"
1558 }
1559 : sub {
1560 my (undef, %arg) = @_;
1561
1562 # pure perl
1563 my $signal = sig2name $arg{signal};
1564 $SIG_CB{$signal}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb};
1565
840 $SIG{$signal} ||= sub { 1566 $SIG{$signal} ||= sub {
1567 local $!;
1568 syswrite $SIGPIPE_W, "\x00", 1 unless %SIG_EV;
1569 undef $SIG_EV{$signal};
1570 };
1571
1572 # can't do signal processing without introducing races in pure perl,
1573 # so limit the signal latency.
1574 _sig_add;
1575
1576 bless [$signal, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::signal"
1577 }
1578 ;
1579
1580 *AnyEvent::Base::signal::DESTROY = sub {
1581 my ($signal, $cb) = @{$_[0]};
1582
1583 _sig_del;
1584
1585 delete $SIG_CB{$signal}{$cb};
1586
1587 $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT
1588 ? delete $SIG_ASY{$signal}
1589 : # delete doesn't work with older perls - they then
1590 # print weird messages, or just unconditionally exit
1591 # instead of getting the default action.
1592 undef $SIG{$signal}
1593 unless keys %{ $SIG_CB{$signal} };
1594 };
1595
1596 *_signal_exec = sub {
1597 $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT
1598 ? $SIGPIPE_R->drain
1599 : sysread $SIGPIPE_R, (my $dummy), 9;
1600
1601 while (%SIG_EV) {
1602 for (keys %SIG_EV) {
1603 delete $SIG_EV{$_};
841 $_->() for values %{ $SIG_CB{$signal} || {} }; 1604 $_->() for values %{ $SIG_CB{$_} || {} };
1605 }
1606 }
1607 };
842 }; 1608 };
1609 die if $@;
843 1610
844 bless [$signal, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::Signal" 1611 &signal
845}
846
847sub AnyEvent::Base::Signal::DESTROY {
848 my ($signal, $cb) = @{$_[0]};
849
850 delete $SIG_CB{$signal}{$cb};
851
852 $SIG{$signal} = 'DEFAULT' unless keys %{ $SIG_CB{$signal} };
853} 1612}
854 1613
855# default implementation for ->child 1614# default implementation for ->child
856 1615
857our %PID_CB; 1616our %PID_CB;
858our $CHLD_W; 1617our $CHLD_W;
859our $CHLD_DELAY_W; 1618our $CHLD_DELAY_W;
860our $PID_IDLE;
861our $WNOHANG;
862 1619
863sub _child_wait { 1620# used by many Impl's
864 while (0 < (my $pid = waitpid -1, $WNOHANG)) { 1621sub _emit_childstatus($$) {
1622 my (undef, $rpid, $rstatus) = @_;
1623
1624 $_->($rpid, $rstatus)
865 $_->($pid, $?) for (values %{ $PID_CB{$pid} || {} }), 1625 for values %{ $PID_CB{$rpid} || {} },
866 (values %{ $PID_CB{0} || {} }); 1626 values %{ $PID_CB{0} || {} };
867 }
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} 1627}
879 1628
880sub child { 1629sub child {
1630 eval q{ # poor man's autoloading {}
1631 *_sigchld = sub {
1632 my $pid;
1633
1634 AnyEvent->_emit_childstatus ($pid, $?)
1635 while ($pid = waitpid -1, WNOHANG) > 0;
1636 };
1637
1638 *child = sub {
881 my (undef, %arg) = @_; 1639 my (undef, %arg) = @_;
882 1640
883 defined (my $pid = $arg{pid} + 0) 1641 defined (my $pid = $arg{pid} + 0)
884 or Carp::croak "required option 'pid' is missing"; 1642 or Carp::croak "required option 'pid' is missing";
885 1643
886 $PID_CB{$pid}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb}; 1644 $PID_CB{$pid}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb};
887 1645
888 unless ($WNOHANG) {
889 $WNOHANG = eval { require POSIX; &POSIX::WNOHANG } || 1;
890 }
891
892 unless ($CHLD_W) { 1646 unless ($CHLD_W) {
893 $CHLD_W = AnyEvent->signal (signal => 'CHLD', cb => \&_sigchld); 1647 $CHLD_W = AE::signal CHLD => \&_sigchld;
894 # child could be a zombie already, so make at least one round 1648 # child could be a zombie already, so make at least one round
895 &_sigchld; 1649 &_sigchld;
896 } 1650 }
897 1651
898 bless [$pid, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::Child" 1652 bless [$pid, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::child"
899} 1653 };
900 1654
901sub AnyEvent::Base::Child::DESTROY { 1655 *AnyEvent::Base::child::DESTROY = sub {
902 my ($pid, $cb) = @{$_[0]}; 1656 my ($pid, $cb) = @{$_[0]};
903 1657
904 delete $PID_CB{$pid}{$cb}; 1658 delete $PID_CB{$pid}{$cb};
905 delete $PID_CB{$pid} unless keys %{ $PID_CB{$pid} }; 1659 delete $PID_CB{$pid} unless keys %{ $PID_CB{$pid} };
906 1660
907 undef $CHLD_W unless keys %PID_CB; 1661 undef $CHLD_W unless keys %PID_CB;
1662 };
1663 };
1664 die if $@;
1665
1666 &child
908} 1667}
1668
1669# idle emulation is done by simply using a timer, regardless
1670# of whether the process is idle or not, and not letting
1671# the callback use more than 50% of the time.
1672sub idle {
1673 eval q{ # poor man's autoloading {}
1674 *idle = sub {
1675 my (undef, %arg) = @_;
1676
1677 my ($cb, $w, $rcb) = $arg{cb};
1678
1679 $rcb = sub {
1680 if ($cb) {
1681 $w = _time;
1682 &$cb;
1683 $w = _time - $w;
1684
1685 # never use more then 50% of the time for the idle watcher,
1686 # within some limits
1687 $w = 0.0001 if $w < 0.0001;
1688 $w = 5 if $w > 5;
1689
1690 $w = AE::timer $w, 0, $rcb;
1691 } else {
1692 # clean up...
1693 undef $w;
1694 undef $rcb;
1695 }
1696 };
1697
1698 $w = AE::timer 0.05, 0, $rcb;
1699
1700 bless \\$cb, "AnyEvent::Base::idle"
1701 };
1702
1703 *AnyEvent::Base::idle::DESTROY = sub {
1704 undef $${$_[0]};
1705 };
1706 };
1707 die if $@;
1708
1709 &idle
1710}
1711
1712package AnyEvent::CondVar;
1713
1714our @ISA = AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::;
1715
1716# only to be used for subclassing
1717sub new {
1718 my $class = shift;
1719 bless AnyEvent->condvar (@_), $class
1720}
1721
1722package AnyEvent::CondVar::Base;
1723
1724#use overload
1725# '&{}' => sub { my $self = shift; sub { $self->send (@_) } },
1726# fallback => 1;
1727
1728# save 300+ kilobytes by dirtily hardcoding overloading
1729${"AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::OVERLOAD"}{dummy}++; # Register with magic by touching.
1730*{'AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::()'} = sub { }; # "Make it findable via fetchmethod."
1731*{'AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::(&{}'} = sub { my $self = shift; sub { $self->send (@_) } }; # &{}
1732${'AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::()'} = 1; # fallback
1733
1734our $WAITING;
1735
1736sub _send {
1737 # nop
1738}
1739
1740sub send {
1741 my $cv = shift;
1742 $cv->{_ae_sent} = [@_];
1743 (delete $cv->{_ae_cb})->($cv) if $cv->{_ae_cb};
1744 $cv->_send;
1745}
1746
1747sub croak {
1748 $_[0]{_ae_croak} = $_[1];
1749 $_[0]->send;
1750}
1751
1752sub ready {
1753 $_[0]{_ae_sent}
1754}
1755
1756sub _wait {
1757 $WAITING
1758 and !$_[0]{_ae_sent}
1759 and Carp::croak "AnyEvent::CondVar: recursive blocking wait detected";
1760
1761 local $WAITING = 1;
1762 AnyEvent->one_event while !$_[0]{_ae_sent};
1763}
1764
1765sub recv {
1766 $_[0]->_wait;
1767
1768 Carp::croak $_[0]{_ae_croak} if $_[0]{_ae_croak};
1769 wantarray ? @{ $_[0]{_ae_sent} } : $_[0]{_ae_sent}[0]
1770}
1771
1772sub cb {
1773 my $cv = shift;
1774
1775 @_
1776 and $cv->{_ae_cb} = shift
1777 and $cv->{_ae_sent}
1778 and (delete $cv->{_ae_cb})->($cv);
1779
1780 $cv->{_ae_cb}
1781}
1782
1783sub begin {
1784 ++$_[0]{_ae_counter};
1785 $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} = $_[1] if @_ > 1;
1786}
1787
1788sub end {
1789 return if --$_[0]{_ae_counter};
1790 &{ $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} || sub { $_[0]->send } };
1791}
1792
1793# undocumented/compatibility with pre-3.4
1794*broadcast = \&send;
1795*wait = \&_wait;
1796
1797=head1 ERROR AND EXCEPTION HANDLING
1798
1799In general, AnyEvent does not do any error handling - it relies on the
1800caller to do that if required. The L<AnyEvent::Strict> module (see also
1801the C<PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT> environment variable, below) provides strict
1802checking of all AnyEvent methods, however, which is highly useful during
1803development.
1804
1805As for exception handling (i.e. runtime errors and exceptions thrown while
1806executing a callback), this is not only highly event-loop specific, but
1807also not in any way wrapped by this module, as this is the job of the main
1808program.
1809
1810The pure perl event loop simply re-throws the exception (usually
1811within C<< condvar->recv >>), the L<Event> and L<EV> modules call C<<
1812$Event/EV::DIED->() >>, L<Glib> uses C<< install_exception_handler >> and
1813so on.
1814
1815=head1 ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES
1816
1817The following environment variables are used by this module or its
1818submodules.
1819
1820Note that AnyEvent will remove I<all> environment variables starting with
1821C<PERL_ANYEVENT_> from C<%ENV> when it is loaded while taint mode is
1822enabled.
1823
1824=over 4
1825
1826=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE>
1827
1828By default, AnyEvent will be completely silent except in fatal
1829conditions. You can set this environment variable to make AnyEvent more
1830talkative.
1831
1832When set to C<1> or higher, causes AnyEvent to warn about unexpected
1833conditions, such as not being able to load the event model specified by
1834C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>.
1835
1836When set to C<2> or higher, cause AnyEvent to report to STDERR which event
1837model it chooses.
1838
1839When set to C<8> or higher, then AnyEvent will report extra information on
1840which optional modules it loads and how it implements certain features.
1841
1842=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT>
1843
1844AnyEvent does not do much argument checking by default, as thorough
1845argument checking is very costly. Setting this variable to a true value
1846will cause AnyEvent to load C<AnyEvent::Strict> and then to thoroughly
1847check the arguments passed to most method calls. If it finds any problems,
1848it will croak.
1849
1850In other words, enables "strict" mode.
1851
1852Unlike C<use strict> (or its modern cousin, C<< use L<common::sense>
1853>>, it is definitely recommended to keep it off in production. Keeping
1854C<PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT=1> in your environment while developing programs
1855can be very useful, however.
1856
1857=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>
1858
1859This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent, before
1860auto detection and -probing kicks in. It must be a string consisting
1861entirely of ASCII letters. The string C<AnyEvent::Impl::> gets prepended
1862and the resulting module name is loaded and if the load was successful,
1863used as event model. If it fails to load AnyEvent will proceed with
1864auto detection and -probing.
1865
1866This functionality might change in future versions.
1867
1868For example, to force the pure perl model (L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) you
1869could start your program like this:
1870
1871 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ...
1872
1873=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS>
1874
1875Used by both L<AnyEvent::DNS> and L<AnyEvent::Socket> to determine preferences
1876for IPv4 or IPv6. The default is unspecified (and might change, or be the result
1877of auto probing).
1878
1879Must be set to a comma-separated list of protocols or address families,
1880current supported: C<ipv4> and C<ipv6>. Only protocols mentioned will be
1881used, and preference will be given to protocols mentioned earlier in the
1882list.
1883
1884This variable can effectively be used for denial-of-service attacks
1885against local programs (e.g. when setuid), although the impact is likely
1886small, as the program has to handle conenction and other failures anyways.
1887
1888Examples: C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4,ipv6> - prefer IPv4 over IPv6,
1889but support both and try to use both. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4>
1890- only support IPv4, never try to resolve or contact IPv6
1891addresses. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv6,ipv4> support either IPv4 or
1892IPv6, but prefer IPv6 over IPv4.
1893
1894=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_EDNS0>
1895
1896Used by L<AnyEvent::DNS> to decide whether to use the EDNS0 extension
1897for DNS. This extension is generally useful to reduce DNS traffic, but
1898some (broken) firewalls drop such DNS packets, which is why it is off by
1899default.
1900
1901Setting this variable to C<1> will cause L<AnyEvent::DNS> to announce
1902EDNS0 in its DNS requests.
1903
1904=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_FORKS>
1905
1906The maximum number of child processes that C<AnyEvent::Util::fork_call>
1907will create in parallel.
1908
1909=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_OUTSTANDING_DNS>
1910
1911The default value for the C<max_outstanding> parameter for the default DNS
1912resolver - this is the maximum number of parallel DNS requests that are
1913sent to the DNS server.
1914
1915=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_RESOLV_CONF>
1916
1917The file to use instead of F</etc/resolv.conf> (or OS-specific
1918configuration) in the default resolver. When set to the empty string, no
1919default config will be used.
1920
1921=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_CA_FILE>, C<PERL_ANYEVENT_CA_PATH>.
1922
1923When neither C<ca_file> nor C<ca_path> was specified during
1924L<AnyEvent::TLS> context creation, and either of these environment
1925variables exist, they will be used to specify CA certificate locations
1926instead of a system-dependent default.
1927
1928=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_AVOID_GUARD> and C<PERL_ANYEVENT_AVOID_ASYNC_INTERRUPT>
1929
1930When these are set to C<1>, then the respective modules are not
1931loaded. Mostly good for testing AnyEvent itself.
1932
1933=back
909 1934
910=head1 SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE 1935=head1 SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE
911 1936
912This is an advanced topic that you do not normally need to use AnyEvent in 1937This 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 1938a module. This section is only of use to event loop authors who want to
947 1972
948I<rxvt-unicode> also cheats a bit by not providing blocking access to 1973I<rxvt-unicode> also cheats a bit by not providing blocking access to
949condition variables: code blocking while waiting for a condition will 1974condition variables: code blocking while waiting for a condition will
950C<die>. This still works with most modules/usages, and blocking calls must 1975C<die>. This still works with most modules/usages, and blocking calls must
951not be done in an interactive application, so it makes sense. 1976not 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 1977
990=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 1978=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
991 1979
992The following program uses an I/O watcher to read data from STDIN, a timer 1980The 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 1981to display a message once per second, and a condition variable to quit the
1002 poll => 'r', 1990 poll => 'r',
1003 cb => sub { 1991 cb => sub {
1004 warn "io event <$_[0]>\n"; # will always output <r> 1992 warn "io event <$_[0]>\n"; # will always output <r>
1005 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>); # read a line 1993 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>); # read a line
1006 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read 1994 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read
1007 $cv->broadcast if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i 1995 $cv->send if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i
1008 }, 1996 },
1009 ); 1997 );
1010 1998
1011 my $time_watcher; # can only be used once
1012
1013 sub new_timer {
1014 $timer = AnyEvent->timer (after => 1, cb => sub { 1999 my $time_watcher = AnyEvent->timer (after => 1, interval => 1, cb => sub {
1015 warn "timeout\n"; # print 'timeout' about every second 2000 warn "timeout\n"; # print 'timeout' at most every second
1016 &new_timer; # and restart the time
1017 }); 2001 });
1018 }
1019 2002
1020 new_timer; # create first timer
1021
1022 $cv->wait; # wait until user enters /^q/i 2003 $cv->recv; # wait until user enters /^q/i
1023 2004
1024=head1 REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE 2005=head1 REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE
1025 2006
1026Consider the L<Net::FCP> module. It features (among others) the following 2007Consider the L<Net::FCP> module. It features (among others) the following
1027API calls, which are to freenet what HTTP GET requests are to http: 2008API calls, which are to freenet what HTTP GET requests are to http:
1077 syswrite $txn->{fh}, $txn->{request} 2058 syswrite $txn->{fh}, $txn->{request}
1078 or die "connection or write error"; 2059 or die "connection or write error";
1079 $txn->{w} = AnyEvent->io (fh => $txn->{fh}, poll => 'r', cb => sub { $txn->fh_ready_r }); 2060 $txn->{w} = AnyEvent->io (fh => $txn->{fh}, poll => 'r', cb => sub { $txn->fh_ready_r });
1080 2061
1081Again, C<fh_ready_r> waits till all data has arrived, and then stores the 2062Again, 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: 2063result and signals any possible waiters that the request has finished:
1083 2064
1084 sysread $txn->{fh}, $txn->{buf}, length $txn->{$buf}; 2065 sysread $txn->{fh}, $txn->{buf}, length $txn->{$buf};
1085 2066
1086 if (end-of-file or data complete) { 2067 if (end-of-file or data complete) {
1087 $txn->{result} = $txn->{buf}; 2068 $txn->{result} = $txn->{buf};
1088 $txn->{finished}->broadcast; 2069 $txn->{finished}->send;
1089 $txb->{cb}->($txn) of $txn->{cb}; # also call callback 2070 $txb->{cb}->($txn) of $txn->{cb}; # also call callback
1090 } 2071 }
1091 2072
1092The C<result> method, finally, just waits for the finished signal (if the 2073The 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 2074request was already finished, it doesn't wait, of course, and returns the
1094data: 2075data:
1095 2076
1096 $txn->{finished}->wait; 2077 $txn->{finished}->recv;
1097 return $txn->{result}; 2078 return $txn->{result};
1098 2079
1099The actual code goes further and collects all errors (C<die>s, exceptions) 2080The actual code goes further and collects all errors (C<die>s, exceptions)
1100that occured during request processing. The C<result> method detects 2081that occurred during request processing. The C<result> method detects
1101whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn object) 2082whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn object)
1102and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and other 2083and 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 2084problems get reported to the code that tries to use the result, not in a
1104random callback. 2085random callback.
1105 2086
1106All of this enables the following usage styles: 2087All of this enables the following usage styles:
1107 2088
11081. Blocking: 20891. Blocking:
1136 2117
1137 my $quit = AnyEvent->condvar; 2118 my $quit = AnyEvent->condvar;
1138 2119
1139 $fcp->txn_client_get ($url)->cb (sub { 2120 $fcp->txn_client_get ($url)->cb (sub {
1140 ... 2121 ...
1141 $quit->broadcast; 2122 $quit->send;
1142 }); 2123 });
1143 2124
1144 $quit->wait; 2125 $quit->recv;
1145 2126
1146 2127
1147=head1 BENCHMARKS 2128=head1 BENCHMARKS
1148 2129
1149To give you an idea of the performance and overheads that AnyEvent adds 2130To give you an idea of the performance and overheads that AnyEvent adds
1151of various event loops I prepared some benchmarks. 2132of various event loops I prepared some benchmarks.
1152 2133
1153=head2 BENCHMARKING ANYEVENT OVERHEAD 2134=head2 BENCHMARKING ANYEVENT OVERHEAD
1154 2135
1155Here is a benchmark of various supported event models used natively and 2136Here is a benchmark of various supported event models used natively and
1156through anyevent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero 2137through AnyEvent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero
1157timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable, 2138timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable,
1158which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again. 2139which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again.
1159 2140
1160Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench> in the AnyEvent 2141Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench> in the AnyEvent
1161distribution. 2142distribution. It uses the L<AE> interface, which makes a real difference
2143for the EV and Perl backends only.
1162 2144
1163=head3 Explanation of the columns 2145=head3 Explanation of the columns
1164 2146
1165I<watcher> is the number of event watchers created/destroyed. Since 2147I<watcher> is the number of event watchers created/destroyed. Since
1166different event models feature vastly different performances, each event 2148different event models feature vastly different performances, each event
1178all watchers, to avoid adding memory overhead. That means closure creation 2160all watchers, to avoid adding memory overhead. That means closure creation
1179and memory usage is not included in the figures. 2161and memory usage is not included in the figures.
1180 2162
1181I<invoke> is the time, in microseconds, used to invoke a simple 2163I<invoke> is the time, in microseconds, used to invoke a simple
1182callback. The callback simply counts down a Perl variable and after it was 2164callback. The callback simply counts down a Perl variable and after it was
1183invoked "watcher" times, it would C<< ->broadcast >> a condvar once to 2165invoked "watcher" times, it would C<< ->send >> a condvar once to
1184signal the end of this phase. 2166signal the end of this phase.
1185 2167
1186I<destroy> is the time, in microseconds, that it takes to destroy a single 2168I<destroy> is the time, in microseconds, that it takes to destroy a single
1187watcher. 2169watcher.
1188 2170
1189=head3 Results 2171=head3 Results
1190 2172
1191 name watchers bytes create invoke destroy comment 2173 name watchers bytes create invoke destroy comment
1192 EV/EV 400000 244 0.56 0.46 0.31 EV native interface 2174 EV/EV 100000 223 0.47 0.43 0.27 EV native interface
1193 EV/Any 100000 244 2.50 0.46 0.29 EV + AnyEvent watchers 2175 EV/Any 100000 223 0.48 0.42 0.26 EV + AnyEvent watchers
1194 CoroEV/Any 100000 244 2.49 0.44 0.29 coroutines + Coro::Signal 2176 Coro::EV/Any 100000 223 0.47 0.42 0.26 coroutines + Coro::Signal
1195 Perl/Any 100000 513 4.92 0.87 1.12 pure perl implementation 2177 Perl/Any 100000 431 2.70 0.74 0.92 pure perl implementation
1196 Event/Event 16000 516 31.88 31.30 0.85 Event native interface 2178 Event/Event 16000 516 31.16 31.84 0.82 Event native interface
1197 Event/Any 16000 590 35.75 31.42 1.08 Event + AnyEvent watchers 2179 Event/Any 16000 1203 42.61 34.79 1.80 Event + AnyEvent watchers
2180 IOAsync/Any 16000 1911 41.92 27.45 16.81 via IO::Async::Loop::IO_Poll
2181 IOAsync/Any 16000 1726 40.69 26.37 15.25 via IO::Async::Loop::Epoll
1198 Glib/Any 16000 1357 98.22 12.41 54.00 quadratic behaviour 2182 Glib/Any 16000 1118 89.00 12.57 51.17 quadratic behaviour
1199 Tk/Any 2000 1860 26.97 67.98 14.00 SEGV with >> 2000 watchers 2183 Tk/Any 2000 1346 20.96 10.75 8.00 SEGV with >> 2000 watchers
1200 POE/Event 2000 6644 108.64 736.02 14.73 via POE::Loop::Event 2184 POE/Any 2000 6951 108.97 795.32 14.24 via POE::Loop::Event
1201 POE/Select 2000 6343 94.13 809.12 565.96 via POE::Loop::Select 2185 POE/Any 2000 6648 94.79 774.40 575.51 via POE::Loop::Select
1202 2186
1203=head3 Discussion 2187=head3 Discussion
1204 2188
1205The benchmark does I<not> measure scalability of the event loop very 2189The 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) 2190well. For example, a select-based event loop (such as the pure perl one)
1218benchmark machine, handling an event takes roughly 1600 CPU cycles with 2202benchmark machine, handling an event takes roughly 1600 CPU cycles with
1219EV, 3100 CPU cycles with AnyEvent's pure perl loop and almost 3000000 CPU 2203EV, 3100 CPU cycles with AnyEvent's pure perl loop and almost 3000000 CPU
1220cycles with POE. 2204cycles with POE.
1221 2205
1222C<EV> is the sole leader regarding speed and memory use, which are both 2206C<EV> is the sole leader regarding speed and memory use, which are both
1223maximal/minimal, respectively. Even when going through AnyEvent, it uses 2207maximal/minimal, respectively. When using the L<AE> API there is zero
2208overhead (when going through the AnyEvent API create is about 5-6 times
2209slower, with other times being equal, so still uses far less memory than
1224far less memory than any other event loop and is still faster than Event 2210any other event loop and is still faster than Event natively).
1225natively.
1226 2211
1227The pure perl implementation is hit in a few sweet spots (both the 2212The pure perl implementation is hit in a few sweet spots (both the
1228constant timeout and the use of a single fd hit optimisations in the perl 2213constant timeout and the use of a single fd hit optimisations in the perl
1229interpreter and the backend itself). Nevertheless this shows that it 2214interpreter and the backend itself). Nevertheless this shows that it
1230adds very little overhead in itself. Like any select-based backend its 2215adds very little overhead in itself. Like any select-based backend its
1231performance becomes really bad with lots of file descriptors (and few of 2216performance becomes really bad with lots of file descriptors (and few of
1232them active), of course, but this was not subject of this benchmark. 2217them active), of course, but this was not subject of this benchmark.
1233 2218
1234The C<Event> module has a relatively high setup and callback invocation 2219The C<Event> module has a relatively high setup and callback invocation
1235cost, but overall scores in on the third place. 2220cost, but overall scores in on the third place.
2221
2222C<IO::Async> performs admirably well, about on par with C<Event>, even
2223when using its pure perl backend.
1236 2224
1237C<Glib>'s memory usage is quite a bit higher, but it features a 2225C<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 2226faster callback invocation and overall ends up in the same class as
1239C<Event>. However, Glib scales extremely badly, doubling the number of 2227C<Event>. However, Glib scales extremely badly, doubling the number of
1240watchers increases the processing time by more than a factor of four, 2228watchers increases the processing time by more than a factor of four,
1284 2272
1285=back 2273=back
1286 2274
1287=head2 BENCHMARKING THE LARGE SERVER CASE 2275=head2 BENCHMARKING THE LARGE SERVER CASE
1288 2276
1289This benchmark atcually benchmarks the event loop itself. It works by 2277This benchmark actually benchmarks the event loop itself. It works by
1290creating a number of "servers": each server consists of a socketpair, a 2278creating 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 2279timeout 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 2280watcher 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". 2281watcher reads a byte it will write that byte to a random other "server".
1294 2282
1295The effect is that there will be a lot of I/O watchers, only part of which 2283The 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 2284are 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 2285fds for each loop iteration, but which fds these are is random). The
1298timeout is reset each time something is read because that reflects how 2286timeout is reset each time something is read because that reflects how
1299most timeouts work (and puts extra pressure on the event loops). 2287most timeouts work (and puts extra pressure on the event loops).
1300 2288
1301In this benchmark, we use 10000 socketpairs (20000 sockets), of which 100 2289In 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 2290(1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with many
1303connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time. 2291connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time.
1304 2292
1305Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench2> in the AnyEvent 2293Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench2> in the AnyEvent
1306distribution. 2294distribution. It uses the L<AE> interface, which makes a real difference
2295for the EV and Perl backends only.
1307 2296
1308=head3 Explanation of the columns 2297=head3 Explanation of the columns
1309 2298
1310I<sockets> is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" (as 2299I<sockets> is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" (as
1311each server has a read and write socket end). 2300each server has a read and write socket end).
1312 2301
1313I<create> is the time it takes to create a socketpair (which is 2302I<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. 2303nontrivial) and two watchers: an I/O watcher and a timeout watcher.
1315 2304
1316I<request>, the most important value, is the time it takes to handle a 2305I<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 2306single "request", that is, reading the token from the pipe and forwarding
1318it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout and creating 2307it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout and creating
1319a new one that moves the timeout into the future. 2308a new one that moves the timeout into the future.
1320 2309
1321=head3 Results 2310=head3 Results
1322 2311
1323 name sockets create request 2312 name sockets create request
1324 EV 20000 69.01 11.16 2313 EV 20000 62.66 7.99
1325 Perl 20000 73.32 35.87 2314 Perl 20000 68.32 32.64
1326 Event 20000 212.62 257.32 2315 IOAsync 20000 174.06 101.15 epoll
1327 Glib 20000 651.16 1896.30 2316 IOAsync 20000 174.67 610.84 poll
2317 Event 20000 202.69 242.91
2318 Glib 20000 557.01 1689.52
1328 POE 20000 349.67 12317.24 uses POE::Loop::Event 2319 POE 20000 341.54 12086.32 uses POE::Loop::Event
1329 2320
1330=head3 Discussion 2321=head3 Discussion
1331 2322
1332This benchmark I<does> measure scalability and overall performance of the 2323This benchmark I<does> measure scalability and overall performance of the
1333particular event loop. 2324particular event loop.
1335EV is again fastest. Since it is using epoll on my system, the setup time 2326EV is again fastest. Since it is using epoll on my system, the setup time
1336is relatively high, though. 2327is relatively high, though.
1337 2328
1338Perl surprisingly comes second. It is much faster than the C-based event 2329Perl surprisingly comes second. It is much faster than the C-based event
1339loops Event and Glib. 2330loops Event and Glib.
2331
2332IO::Async performs very well when using its epoll backend, and still quite
2333good compared to Glib when using its pure perl backend.
1340 2334
1341Event suffers from high setup time as well (look at its code and you will 2335Event 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 2336understand why). Callback invocation also has a high overhead compared to
1343the C<< $_->() for .. >>-style loop that the Perl event loop uses. Event 2337the C<< $_->() for .. >>-style loop that the Perl event loop uses. Event
1344uses select or poll in basically all documented configurations. 2338uses select or poll in basically all documented configurations.
1391speed most when you have lots of watchers, not when you only have a few of 2385speed most when you have lots of watchers, not when you only have a few of
1392them). 2386them).
1393 2387
1394EV is again fastest. 2388EV is again fastest.
1395 2389
1396Perl again comes second. It is noticably faster than the C-based event 2390Perl again comes second. It is noticeably faster than the C-based event
1397loops Event and Glib, although the difference is too small to really 2391loops Event and Glib, although the difference is too small to really
1398matter. 2392matter.
1399 2393
1400POE also performs much better in this case, but is is still far behind the 2394POE also performs much better in this case, but is is still far behind the
1401others. 2395others.
1407=item * C-based event loops perform very well with small number of 2401=item * C-based event loops perform very well with small number of
1408watchers, as the management overhead dominates. 2402watchers, as the management overhead dominates.
1409 2403
1410=back 2404=back
1411 2405
2406=head2 THE IO::Lambda BENCHMARK
2407
2408Recently I was told about the benchmark in the IO::Lambda manpage, which
2409could be misinterpreted to make AnyEvent look bad. In fact, the benchmark
2410simply compares IO::Lambda with POE, and IO::Lambda looks better (which
2411shouldn't come as a surprise to anybody). As such, the benchmark is
2412fine, and mostly shows that the AnyEvent backend from IO::Lambda isn't
2413very optimal. But how would AnyEvent compare when used without the extra
2414baggage? To explore this, I wrote the equivalent benchmark for AnyEvent.
2415
2416The benchmark itself creates an echo-server, and then, for 500 times,
2417connects to the echo server, sends a line, waits for the reply, and then
2418creates the next connection. This is a rather bad benchmark, as it doesn't
2419test the efficiency of the framework or much non-blocking I/O, but it is a
2420benchmark nevertheless.
2421
2422 name runtime
2423 Lambda/select 0.330 sec
2424 + optimized 0.122 sec
2425 Lambda/AnyEvent 0.327 sec
2426 + optimized 0.138 sec
2427 Raw sockets/select 0.077 sec
2428 POE/select, components 0.662 sec
2429 POE/select, raw sockets 0.226 sec
2430 POE/select, optimized 0.404 sec
2431
2432 AnyEvent/select/nb 0.085 sec
2433 AnyEvent/EV/nb 0.068 sec
2434 +state machine 0.134 sec
2435
2436The benchmark is also a bit unfair (my fault): the IO::Lambda/POE
2437benchmarks actually make blocking connects and use 100% blocking I/O,
2438defeating the purpose of an event-based solution. All of the newly
2439written AnyEvent benchmarks use 100% non-blocking connects (using
2440AnyEvent::Socket::tcp_connect and the asynchronous pure perl DNS
2441resolver), so AnyEvent is at a disadvantage here, as non-blocking connects
2442generally require a lot more bookkeeping and event handling than blocking
2443connects (which involve a single syscall only).
2444
2445The last AnyEvent benchmark additionally uses L<AnyEvent::Handle>, which
2446offers similar expressive power as POE and IO::Lambda, using conventional
2447Perl syntax. This means that both the echo server and the client are 100%
2448non-blocking, further placing it at a disadvantage.
2449
2450As you can see, the AnyEvent + EV combination even beats the
2451hand-optimised "raw sockets benchmark", while AnyEvent + its pure perl
2452backend easily beats IO::Lambda and POE.
2453
2454And even the 100% non-blocking version written using the high-level (and
2455slow :) L<AnyEvent::Handle> abstraction beats both POE and IO::Lambda
2456higher level ("unoptimised") abstractions by a large margin, even though
2457it does all of DNS, tcp-connect and socket I/O in a non-blocking way.
2458
2459The two AnyEvent benchmarks programs can be found as F<eg/ae0.pl> and
2460F<eg/ae2.pl> in the AnyEvent distribution, the remaining benchmarks are
2461part of the IO::Lambda distribution and were used without any changes.
2462
2463
2464=head1 SIGNALS
2465
2466AnyEvent currently installs handlers for these signals:
2467
2468=over 4
2469
2470=item SIGCHLD
2471
2472A handler for C<SIGCHLD> is installed by AnyEvent's child watcher
2473emulation for event loops that do not support them natively. Also, some
2474event loops install a similar handler.
2475
2476Additionally, when AnyEvent is loaded and SIGCHLD is set to IGNORE, then
2477AnyEvent will reset it to default, to avoid losing child exit statuses.
2478
2479=item SIGPIPE
2480
2481A no-op handler is installed for C<SIGPIPE> when C<$SIG{PIPE}> is C<undef>
2482when AnyEvent gets loaded.
2483
2484The rationale for this is that AnyEvent users usually do not really depend
2485on SIGPIPE delivery (which is purely an optimisation for shell use, or
2486badly-written programs), but C<SIGPIPE> can cause spurious and rare
2487program exits as a lot of people do not expect C<SIGPIPE> when writing to
2488some random socket.
2489
2490The rationale for installing a no-op handler as opposed to ignoring it is
2491that this way, the handler will be restored to defaults on exec.
2492
2493Feel free to install your own handler, or reset it to defaults.
2494
2495=back
2496
2497=cut
2498
2499undef $SIG{CHLD}
2500 if $SIG{CHLD} eq 'IGNORE';
2501
2502$SIG{PIPE} = sub { }
2503 unless defined $SIG{PIPE};
2504
2505=head1 RECOMMENDED/OPTIONAL MODULES
2506
2507One of AnyEvent's main goals is to be 100% Pure-Perl(tm): only perl (and
2508its built-in modules) are required to use it.
2509
2510That does not mean that AnyEvent won't take advantage of some additional
2511modules if they are installed.
2512
2513This section explains which additional modules will be used, and how they
2514affect AnyEvent's operation.
2515
2516=over 4
2517
2518=item L<Async::Interrupt>
2519
2520This slightly arcane module is used to implement fast signal handling: To
2521my knowledge, there is no way to do completely race-free and quick
2522signal handling in pure perl. To ensure that signals still get
2523delivered, AnyEvent will start an interval timer to wake up perl (and
2524catch the signals) with some delay (default is 10 seconds, look for
2525C<$AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY>).
2526
2527If this module is available, then it will be used to implement signal
2528catching, which means that signals will not be delayed, and the event loop
2529will not be interrupted regularly, which is more efficient (and good for
2530battery life on laptops).
2531
2532This affects not just the pure-perl event loop, but also other event loops
2533that have no signal handling on their own (e.g. Glib, Tk, Qt).
2534
2535Some event loops (POE, Event, Event::Lib) offer signal watchers natively,
2536and either employ their own workarounds (POE) or use AnyEvent's workaround
2537(using C<$AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY>). Installing L<Async::Interrupt>
2538does nothing for those backends.
2539
2540=item L<EV>
2541
2542This module isn't really "optional", as it is simply one of the backend
2543event loops that AnyEvent can use. However, it is simply the best event
2544loop available in terms of features, speed and stability: It supports
2545the AnyEvent API optimally, implements all the watcher types in XS, does
2546automatic timer adjustments even when no monotonic clock is available,
2547can take avdantage of advanced kernel interfaces such as C<epoll> and
2548C<kqueue>, and is the fastest backend I<by far>. You can even embed
2549L<Glib>/L<Gtk2> in it (or vice versa, see L<EV::Glib> and L<Glib::EV>).
2550
2551If you only use backends that rely on another event loop (e.g. C<Tk>),
2552then this module will do nothing for you.
2553
2554=item L<Guard>
2555
2556The guard module, when used, will be used to implement
2557C<AnyEvent::Util::guard>. This speeds up guards considerably (and uses a
2558lot less memory), but otherwise doesn't affect guard operation much. It is
2559purely used for performance.
2560
2561=item L<JSON> and L<JSON::XS>
2562
2563One of these modules is required when you want to read or write JSON data
2564via L<AnyEvent::Handle>. L<JSON> is also written in pure-perl, but can take
2565advantage of the ultra-high-speed L<JSON::XS> module when it is installed.
2566
2567=item L<Net::SSLeay>
2568
2569Implementing TLS/SSL in Perl is certainly interesting, but not very
2570worthwhile: If this module is installed, then L<AnyEvent::Handle> (with
2571the help of L<AnyEvent::TLS>), gains the ability to do TLS/SSL.
2572
2573=item L<Time::HiRes>
2574
2575This module is part of perl since release 5.008. It will be used when the
2576chosen event library does not come with a timing source of its own. The
2577pure-perl event loop (L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) will additionally use it to
2578try to use a monotonic clock for timing stability.
2579
2580=back
2581
1412 2582
1413=head1 FORK 2583=head1 FORK
1414 2584
1415Most event libraries are not fork-safe. The ones who are usually are 2585Most 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> 2586because they rely on inefficient but fork-safe C<select> or C<poll> calls
1417calls. Only L<EV> is fully fork-aware. 2587- higher performance APIs such as BSD's kqueue or the dreaded Linux epoll
2588are usually badly thought-out hacks that are incompatible with fork in
2589one way or another. Only L<EV> is fully fork-aware and ensures that you
2590continue event-processing in both parent and child (or both, if you know
2591what you are doing).
2592
2593This means that, in general, you cannot fork and do event processing in
2594the child if the event library was initialised before the fork (which
2595usually happens when the first AnyEvent watcher is created, or the library
2596is loaded).
1418 2597
1419If you have to fork, you must either do so I<before> creating your first 2598If you have to fork, you must either do so I<before> creating your first
1420watcher OR you must not use AnyEvent at all in the child. 2599watcher OR you must not use AnyEvent at all in the child OR you must do
2600something completely out of the scope of AnyEvent.
2601
2602The problem of doing event processing in the parent I<and> the child
2603is much more complicated: even for backends that I<are> fork-aware or
2604fork-safe, their behaviour is not usually what you want: fork clones all
2605watchers, that means all timers, I/O watchers etc. are active in both
2606parent and child, which is almost never what you want. USing C<exec>
2607to start worker children from some kind of manage rprocess is usually
2608preferred, because it is much easier and cleaner, at the expense of having
2609to have another binary.
1421 2610
1422 2611
1423=head1 SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS 2612=head1 SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS
1424 2613
1425AnyEvent can be forced to load any event model via 2614AnyEvent can be forced to load any event model via
1430specified in the variable. 2619specified in the variable.
1431 2620
1432You can make AnyEvent completely ignore this variable by deleting it 2621You can make AnyEvent completely ignore this variable by deleting it
1433before the first watcher gets created, e.g. with a C<BEGIN> block: 2622before the first watcher gets created, e.g. with a C<BEGIN> block:
1434 2623
1435 BEGIN { delete $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} } 2624 BEGIN { delete $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} }
1436 2625
1437 use AnyEvent; 2626 use AnyEvent;
1438 2627
1439Similar considerations apply to $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}, as that can 2628Similar considerations apply to $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}, as that can
1440be used to probe what backend is used and gain other information (which is 2629be used to probe what backend is used and gain other information (which is
1441probably even less useful to an attacker than PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL). 2630probably even less useful to an attacker than PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL), and
2631$ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT}.
2632
2633Note that AnyEvent will remove I<all> environment variables starting with
2634C<PERL_ANYEVENT_> from C<%ENV> when it is loaded while taint mode is
2635enabled.
2636
2637
2638=head1 BUGS
2639
2640Perl 5.8 has numerous memleaks that sometimes hit this module and are hard
2641to work around. If you suffer from memleaks, first upgrade to Perl 5.10
2642and check wether the leaks still show up. (Perl 5.10.0 has other annoying
2643memleaks, such as leaking on C<map> and C<grep> but it is usually not as
2644pronounced).
1442 2645
1443 2646
1444=head1 SEE ALSO 2647=head1 SEE ALSO
2648
2649Tutorial/Introduction: L<AnyEvent::Intro>.
2650
2651FAQ: L<AnyEvent::FAQ>.
2652
2653Utility functions: L<AnyEvent::Util>.
1445 2654
1446Event modules: L<EV>, L<EV::Glib>, L<Glib::EV>, L<Event>, L<Glib::Event>, 2655Event 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>. 2656L<Glib>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, L<POE>.
1448 2657
1449Implementations: L<AnyEvent::Impl::EV>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Event>, 2658Implementations: L<AnyEvent::Impl::EV>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Event>,
1450L<AnyEvent::Impl::Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Tk>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>, 2659L<AnyEvent::Impl::Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Tk>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>,
1451L<AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Qt>, 2660L<AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Qt>,
1452L<AnyEvent::Impl::POE>. 2661L<AnyEvent::Impl::POE>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync>, L<Anyevent::Impl::Irssi>.
1453 2662
2663Non-blocking file handles, sockets, TCP clients and
2664servers: L<AnyEvent::Handle>, L<AnyEvent::Socket>, L<AnyEvent::TLS>.
2665
2666Asynchronous DNS: L<AnyEvent::DNS>.
2667
1454Coroutine support: L<Coro>, L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>, 2668Thread support: L<Coro>, L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>.
1455 2669
1456Nontrivial usage examples: L<Net::FCP>, L<Net::XMPP2>. 2670Nontrivial usage examples: L<AnyEvent::GPSD>, L<AnyEvent::IRC>,
2671L<AnyEvent::HTTP>.
1457 2672
1458 2673
1459=head1 AUTHOR 2674=head1 AUTHOR
1460 2675
1461 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 2676 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
1462 http://home.schmorp.de/ 2677 http://home.schmorp.de/
1463 2678
1464=cut 2679=cut
1465 2680
14661 26811
1467 2682

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