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6 6
7=head1 SYNOPSIS 7=head1 SYNOPSIS
8 8
9 use AnyEvent; 9 use AnyEvent;
10 10
11 my $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => $fh, poll => "r|w", cb => sub { 11 my $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => $fh, poll => "r|w", cb => sub { ... });
12 ...
13 });
14 12
15 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, cb => sub { 13 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, cb => sub { ... });
14 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, interval => $seconds, cb => ...
15
16 print AnyEvent->now; # prints current event loop time
17 print AnyEvent->time; # think Time::HiRes::time or simply CORE::time.
18
19 my $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => "TERM", cb => sub { ... });
20
21 my $w = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub {
22 my ($pid, $status) = @_;
16 ... 23 ...
17 }); 24 });
18 25
19 my $w = AnyEvent->condvar; # stores whether a condition was flagged 26 my $w = AnyEvent->condvar; # stores whether a condition was flagged
20 $w->send; # wake up current and all future recv's 27 $w->send; # wake up current and all future recv's
21 $w->recv; # enters "main loop" till $condvar gets ->send 28 $w->recv; # enters "main loop" till $condvar gets ->send
29 # use a condvar in callback mode:
30 $w->cb (sub { $_[0]->recv });
31
32=head1 INTRODUCTION/TUTORIAL
33
34This manpage is mainly a reference manual. If you are interested
35in a tutorial or some gentle introduction, have a look at the
36L<AnyEvent::Intro> manpage.
22 37
23=head1 WHY YOU SHOULD USE THIS MODULE (OR NOT) 38=head1 WHY YOU SHOULD USE THIS MODULE (OR NOT)
24 39
25Glib, POE, IO::Async, Event... CPAN offers event models by the dozen 40Glib, POE, IO::Async, Event... CPAN offers event models by the dozen
26nowadays. So what is different about AnyEvent? 41nowadays. So what is different about AnyEvent?
27 42
28Executive Summary: AnyEvent is I<compatible>, AnyEvent is I<free of 43Executive Summary: AnyEvent is I<compatible>, AnyEvent is I<free of
29policy> and AnyEvent is I<small and efficient>. 44policy> and AnyEvent is I<small and efficient>.
30 45
31First and foremost, I<AnyEvent is not an event model> itself, it only 46First and foremost, I<AnyEvent is not an event model> itself, it only
32interfaces to whatever event model the main program happens to use in a 47interfaces to whatever event model the main program happens to use, in a
33pragmatic way. For event models and certain classes of immortals alike, 48pragmatic way. For event models and certain classes of immortals alike,
34the statement "there can only be one" is a bitter reality: In general, 49the statement "there can only be one" is a bitter reality: In general,
35only one event loop can be active at the same time in a process. AnyEvent 50only one event loop can be active at the same time in a process. AnyEvent
36helps hiding the differences between those event loops. 51cannot change this, but it can hide the differences between those event
52loops.
37 53
38The goal of AnyEvent is to offer module authors the ability to do event 54The goal of AnyEvent is to offer module authors the ability to do event
39programming (waiting for I/O or timer events) without subscribing to a 55programming (waiting for I/O or timer events) without subscribing to a
40religion, a way of living, and most importantly: without forcing your 56religion, a way of living, and most importantly: without forcing your
41module users into the same thing by forcing them to use the same event 57module users into the same thing by forcing them to use the same event
42model you use. 58model you use.
43 59
44For modules like POE or IO::Async (which is a total misnomer as it is 60For modules like POE or IO::Async (which is a total misnomer as it is
45actually doing all I/O I<synchronously>...), using them in your module is 61actually doing all I/O I<synchronously>...), using them in your module is
46like joining a cult: After you joined, you are dependent on them and you 62like joining a cult: After you joined, you are dependent on them and you
47cannot use anything else, as it is simply incompatible to everything that 63cannot use anything else, as they are simply incompatible to everything
48isn't itself. What's worse, all the potential users of your module are 64that isn't them. What's worse, all the potential users of your
49I<also> forced to use the same event loop you use. 65module are I<also> forced to use the same event loop you use.
50 66
51AnyEvent is different: AnyEvent + POE works fine. AnyEvent + Glib works 67AnyEvent is different: AnyEvent + POE works fine. AnyEvent + Glib works
52fine. AnyEvent + Tk works fine etc. etc. but none of these work together 68fine. AnyEvent + Tk works fine etc. etc. but none of these work together
53with the rest: POE + IO::Async? no go. Tk + Event? no go. Again: if 69with the rest: POE + IO::Async? No go. Tk + Event? No go. Again: if
54your module uses one of those, every user of your module has to use it, 70your module uses one of those, every user of your module has to use it,
55too. But if your module uses AnyEvent, it works transparently with all 71too. But if your module uses AnyEvent, it works transparently with all
56event models it supports (including stuff like POE and IO::Async, as long 72event models it supports (including stuff like IO::Async, as long as those
57as those use one of the supported event loops. It is trivial to add new 73use one of the supported event loops. It is trivial to add new event loops
58event loops to AnyEvent, too, so it is future-proof). 74to AnyEvent, too, so it is future-proof).
59 75
60In addition to being free of having to use I<the one and only true event 76In addition to being free of having to use I<the one and only true event
61model>, AnyEvent also is free of bloat and policy: with POE or similar 77model>, AnyEvent also is free of bloat and policy: with POE or similar
62modules, you get an enourmous amount of code and strict rules you have to 78modules, you get an enormous amount of code and strict rules you have to
63follow. AnyEvent, on the other hand, is lean and up to the point, by only 79follow. AnyEvent, on the other hand, is lean and up to the point, by only
64offering the functionality that is necessary, in as thin as a wrapper as 80offering the functionality that is necessary, in as thin as a wrapper as
65technically possible. 81technically possible.
66 82
83Of course, AnyEvent comes with a big (and fully optional!) toolbox
84of useful functionality, such as an asynchronous DNS resolver, 100%
85non-blocking connects (even with TLS/SSL, IPv6 and on broken platforms
86such as Windows) and lots of real-world knowledge and workarounds for
87platform bugs and differences.
88
67Of course, if you want lots of policy (this can arguably be somewhat 89Now, if you I<do want> lots of policy (this can arguably be somewhat
68useful) and you want to force your users to use the one and only event 90useful) and you want to force your users to use the one and only event
69model, you should I<not> use this module. 91model, you should I<not> use this module.
70 92
71=head1 DESCRIPTION 93=head1 DESCRIPTION
72 94
102starts using it, all bets are off. Maybe you should tell their authors to 124starts using it, all bets are off. Maybe you should tell their authors to
103use AnyEvent so their modules work together with others seamlessly... 125use AnyEvent so their modules work together with others seamlessly...
104 126
105The pure-perl implementation of AnyEvent is called 127The pure-perl implementation of AnyEvent is called
106C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>. Like other event modules you can load it 128C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>. Like other event modules you can load it
107explicitly. 129explicitly and enjoy the high availability of that event loop :)
108 130
109=head1 WATCHERS 131=head1 WATCHERS
110 132
111AnyEvent has the central concept of a I<watcher>, which is an object that 133AnyEvent has the central concept of a I<watcher>, which is an object that
112stores relevant data for each kind of event you are waiting for, such as 134stores relevant data for each kind of event you are waiting for, such as
113the callback to call, the filehandle to watch, etc. 135the callback to call, the file handle to watch, etc.
114 136
115These watchers are normal Perl objects with normal Perl lifetime. After 137These watchers are normal Perl objects with normal Perl lifetime. After
116creating a watcher it will immediately "watch" for events and invoke the 138creating a watcher it will immediately "watch" for events and invoke the
117callback when the event occurs (of course, only when the event model 139callback when the event occurs (of course, only when the event model
118is in control). 140is in control).
126Many watchers either are used with "recursion" (repeating timers for 148Many watchers either are used with "recursion" (repeating timers for
127example), or need to refer to their watcher object in other ways. 149example), or need to refer to their watcher object in other ways.
128 150
129An any way to achieve that is this pattern: 151An any way to achieve that is this pattern:
130 152
131 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->type (arg => value ..., cb => sub { 153 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->type (arg => value ..., cb => sub {
132 # you can use $w here, for example to undef it 154 # you can use $w here, for example to undef it
133 undef $w; 155 undef $w;
134 }); 156 });
135 157
136Note that C<my $w; $w => combination. This is necessary because in Perl, 158Note that C<my $w; $w => combination. This is necessary because in Perl,
137my variables are only visible after the statement in which they are 159my variables are only visible after the statement in which they are
138declared. 160declared.
139 161
140=head2 I/O WATCHERS 162=head2 I/O WATCHERS
141 163
142You can create an I/O watcher by calling the C<< AnyEvent->io >> method 164You can create an I/O watcher by calling the C<< AnyEvent->io >> method
143with the following mandatory key-value pairs as arguments: 165with the following mandatory key-value pairs as arguments:
144 166
145C<fh> the Perl I<file handle> (I<not> file descriptor) to watch 167C<fh> the Perl I<file handle> (I<not> file descriptor) to watch for events
146for events. C<poll> must be a string that is either C<r> or C<w>, 168(AnyEvent might or might not keep a reference to this file handle). C<poll>
147which creates a watcher waiting for "r"eadable or "w"ritable events, 169must be a string that is either C<r> or C<w>, which creates a watcher
148respectively. C<cb> is the callback to invoke each time the file handle 170waiting for "r"eadable or "w"ritable events, respectively. C<cb> is the
149becomes ready. 171callback to invoke each time the file handle becomes ready.
150 172
151Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 173Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
152presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent 174presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent
153callbacks cannot use arguments passed to I/O watcher callbacks. 175callbacks cannot use arguments passed to I/O watcher callbacks.
154 176
158 180
159Some event loops issue spurious readyness notifications, so you should 181Some event loops issue spurious readyness notifications, so you should
160always use non-blocking calls when reading/writing from/to your file 182always use non-blocking calls when reading/writing from/to your file
161handles. 183handles.
162 184
163Example:
164
165 # wait for readability of STDIN, then read a line and disable the watcher 185Example: wait for readability of STDIN, then read a line and disable the
186watcher.
187
166 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => \*STDIN, poll => 'r', cb => sub { 188 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => \*STDIN, poll => 'r', cb => sub {
167 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>); 189 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>);
168 warn "read: $input\n"; 190 warn "read: $input\n";
169 undef $w; 191 undef $w;
170 }); 192 });
180 202
181Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 203Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
182presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent 204presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent
183callbacks cannot use arguments passed to time watcher callbacks. 205callbacks cannot use arguments passed to time watcher callbacks.
184 206
185The timer callback will be invoked at most once: if you want a repeating 207The callback will normally be invoked once only. If you specify another
186timer you have to create a new watcher (this is a limitation by both Tk 208parameter, C<interval>, as a strictly positive number (> 0), then the
187and Glib). 209callback will be invoked regularly at that interval (in fractional
210seconds) after the first invocation. If C<interval> is specified with a
211false value, then it is treated as if it were missing.
188 212
189Example: 213The callback will be rescheduled before invoking the callback, but no
214attempt is done to avoid timer drift in most backends, so the interval is
215only approximate.
190 216
191 # fire an event after 7.7 seconds 217Example: fire an event after 7.7 seconds.
218
192 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 7.7, cb => sub { 219 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 7.7, cb => sub {
193 warn "timeout\n"; 220 warn "timeout\n";
194 }); 221 });
195 222
196 # to cancel the timer: 223 # to cancel the timer:
197 undef $w; 224 undef $w;
198 225
199Example 2:
200
201 # fire an event after 0.5 seconds, then roughly every second 226Example 2: fire an event after 0.5 seconds, then roughly every second.
202 my $w;
203 227
204 my $cb = sub {
205 # cancel the old timer while creating a new one
206 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 1, cb => $cb); 228 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 0.5, interval => 1, cb => sub {
229 warn "timeout\n";
207 }; 230 };
208
209 # start the "loop" by creating the first watcher
210 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 0.5, cb => $cb);
211 231
212=head3 TIMING ISSUES 232=head3 TIMING ISSUES
213 233
214There are two ways to handle timers: based on real time (relative, "fire 234There are two ways to handle timers: based on real time (relative, "fire
215in 10 seconds") and based on wallclock time (absolute, "fire at 12 235in 10 seconds") and based on wallclock time (absolute, "fire at 12
227timers. 247timers.
228 248
229AnyEvent always prefers relative timers, if available, matching the 249AnyEvent always prefers relative timers, if available, matching the
230AnyEvent API. 250AnyEvent API.
231 251
252AnyEvent has two additional methods that return the "current time":
253
254=over 4
255
256=item AnyEvent->time
257
258This returns the "current wallclock time" as a fractional number of
259seconds since the Epoch (the same thing as C<time> or C<Time::HiRes::time>
260return, and the result is guaranteed to be compatible with those).
261
262It progresses independently of any event loop processing, i.e. each call
263will check the system clock, which usually gets updated frequently.
264
265=item AnyEvent->now
266
267This also returns the "current wallclock time", but unlike C<time>, above,
268this value might change only once per event loop iteration, depending on
269the event loop (most return the same time as C<time>, above). This is the
270time that AnyEvent's timers get scheduled against.
271
272I<In almost all cases (in all cases if you don't care), this is the
273function to call when you want to know the current time.>
274
275This function is also often faster then C<< AnyEvent->time >>, and
276thus the preferred method if you want some timestamp (for example,
277L<AnyEvent::Handle> uses this to update it's activity timeouts).
278
279The rest of this section is only of relevance if you try to be very exact
280with your timing, you can skip it without bad conscience.
281
282For a practical example of when these times differ, consider L<Event::Lib>
283and L<EV> and the following set-up:
284
285The event loop is running and has just invoked one of your callback at
286time=500 (assume no other callbacks delay processing). In your callback,
287you wait a second by executing C<sleep 1> (blocking the process for a
288second) and then (at time=501) you create a relative timer that fires
289after three seconds.
290
291With L<Event::Lib>, C<< AnyEvent->time >> and C<< AnyEvent->now >> will
292both return C<501>, because that is the current time, and the timer will
293be scheduled to fire at time=504 (C<501> + C<3>).
294
295With L<EV>, C<< AnyEvent->time >> returns C<501> (as that is the current
296time), but C<< AnyEvent->now >> returns C<500>, as that is the time the
297last event processing phase started. With L<EV>, your timer gets scheduled
298to run at time=503 (C<500> + C<3>).
299
300In one sense, L<Event::Lib> is more exact, as it uses the current time
301regardless of any delays introduced by event processing. However, most
302callbacks do not expect large delays in processing, so this causes a
303higher drift (and a lot more system calls to get the current time).
304
305In another sense, L<EV> is more exact, as your timer will be scheduled at
306the same time, regardless of how long event processing actually took.
307
308In either case, if you care (and in most cases, you don't), then you
309can get whatever behaviour you want with any event loop, by taking the
310difference between C<< AnyEvent->time >> and C<< AnyEvent->now >> into
311account.
312
313=back
314
232=head2 SIGNAL WATCHERS 315=head2 SIGNAL WATCHERS
233 316
234You can watch for signals using a signal watcher, C<signal> is the signal 317You 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 318I<name> in uppercase and without any C<SIG> prefix, C<cb> is the Perl
236be invoked whenever a signal occurs. 319callback to be invoked whenever a signal occurs.
237 320
238Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 321Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
239presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent 322presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent
240callbacks cannot use arguments passed to signal watcher callbacks. 323callbacks cannot use arguments passed to signal watcher callbacks.
241 324
242Multiple signal occurances can be clumped together into one callback 325Multiple signal occurrences can be clumped together into one callback
243invocation, and callback invocation will be synchronous. synchronous means 326invocation, and callback invocation will be synchronous. Synchronous means
244that it might take a while until the signal gets handled by the process, 327that it might take a while until the signal gets handled by the process,
245but it is guarenteed not to interrupt any other callbacks. 328but it is guaranteed not to interrupt any other callbacks.
246 329
247The main advantage of using these watchers is that you can share a signal 330The main advantage of using these watchers is that you can share a signal
248between multiple watchers. 331between multiple watchers.
249 332
250This watcher might use C<%SIG>, so programs overwriting those signals 333This watcher might use C<%SIG>, so programs overwriting those signals
257=head2 CHILD PROCESS WATCHERS 340=head2 CHILD PROCESS WATCHERS
258 341
259You can also watch on a child process exit and catch its exit status. 342You can also watch on a child process exit and catch its exit status.
260 343
261The child process is specified by the C<pid> argument (if set to C<0>, it 344The child process is specified by the C<pid> argument (if set to C<0>, it
262watches for any child process exit). The watcher will trigger as often 345watches for any child process exit). The watcher will triggered only when
263as status change for the child are received. This works by installing a 346the child process has finished and an exit status is available, not on
264signal handler for C<SIGCHLD>. The callback will be called with the pid 347any trace events (stopped/continued).
265and exit status (as returned by waitpid), so unlike other watcher types, 348
266you I<can> rely on child watcher callback arguments. 349The callback will be called with the pid and exit status (as returned by
350waitpid), so unlike other watcher types, you I<can> rely on child watcher
351callback arguments.
352
353This watcher type works by installing a signal handler for C<SIGCHLD>,
354and since it cannot be shared, nothing else should use SIGCHLD or reap
355random child processes (waiting for specific child processes, e.g. inside
356C<system>, is just fine).
267 357
268There is a slight catch to child watchers, however: you usually start them 358There 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 359I<after> the child process was created, and this means the process could
270have exited already (and no SIGCHLD will be sent anymore). 360have exited already (and no SIGCHLD will be sent anymore).
271 361
277AnyEvent program, you I<have> to create at least one watcher before you 367AnyEvent program, you I<have> to create at least one watcher before you
278C<fork> the child (alternatively, you can call C<AnyEvent::detect>). 368C<fork> the child (alternatively, you can call C<AnyEvent::detect>).
279 369
280Example: fork a process and wait for it 370Example: fork a process and wait for it
281 371
282 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar; 372 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
283 373
284 my $pid = fork or exit 5; 374 my $pid = fork or exit 5;
285 375
286 my $w = AnyEvent->child ( 376 my $w = AnyEvent->child (
287 pid => $pid, 377 pid => $pid,
288 cb => sub { 378 cb => sub {
289 my ($pid, $status) = @_; 379 my ($pid, $status) = @_;
290 warn "pid $pid exited with status $status"; 380 warn "pid $pid exited with status $status";
291 $done->send; 381 $done->send;
292 }, 382 },
293 ); 383 );
294 384
295 # do something else, then wait for process exit 385 # do something else, then wait for process exit
296 $done->recv; 386 $done->recv;
297 387
298=head2 CONDITION VARIABLES 388=head2 CONDITION VARIABLES
299 389
300If you are familiar with some event loops you will know that all of them 390If you are familiar with some event loops you will know that all of them
301require you to run some blocking "loop", "run" or similar function that 391require you to run some blocking "loop", "run" or similar function that
307The instrument to do that is called a "condition variable", so called 397The instrument to do that is called a "condition variable", so called
308because they represent a condition that must become true. 398because they represent a condition that must become true.
309 399
310Condition variables can be created by calling the C<< AnyEvent->condvar 400Condition variables can be created by calling the C<< AnyEvent->condvar
311>> method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is 401>> method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is
402
312C<cb>, which specifies a callback to be called when the condition variable 403C<cb>, which specifies a callback to be called when the condition variable
313becomes true. 404becomes true, with the condition variable as the first argument (but not
405the results).
314 406
315After creation, the conditon variable is "false" until it becomes "true" 407After creation, the condition variable is "false" until it becomes "true"
316by calling the C<send> method. 408by calling the C<send> method (or calling the condition variable as if it
409were a callback, read about the caveats in the description for the C<<
410->send >> method).
317 411
318Condition variables are similar to callbacks, except that you can 412Condition variables are similar to callbacks, except that you can
319optionally wait for them. They can also be called merge points - points 413optionally wait for them. They can also be called merge points - points
320in time where multiple outstandign events have been processed. And yet 414in time where multiple outstanding events have been processed. And yet
321another way to call them is transations - each condition variable can be 415another way to call them is transactions - each condition variable can be
322used to represent a transaction, which finishes at some point and delivers 416used to represent a transaction, which finishes at some point and delivers
323a result. 417a result.
324 418
325Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has finished, 419Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has finished,
326for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http requests, 420for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http requests,
332you can block your main program until an event occurs - for example, you 426you can block your main program until an event occurs - for example, you
333could C<< ->recv >> in your main program until the user clicks the Quit 427could C<< ->recv >> in your main program until the user clicks the Quit
334button of your app, which would C<< ->send >> the "quit" event. 428button of your app, which would C<< ->send >> the "quit" event.
335 429
336Note that condition variables recurse into the event loop - if you have 430Note that condition variables recurse into the event loop - if you have
337two pieces of code that call C<< ->recv >> in a round-robbin fashion, you 431two pieces of code that call C<< ->recv >> in a round-robin fashion, you
338lose. Therefore, condition variables are good to export to your caller, but 432lose. Therefore, condition variables are good to export to your caller, but
339you should avoid making a blocking wait yourself, at least in callbacks, 433you should avoid making a blocking wait yourself, at least in callbacks,
340as this asks for trouble. 434as this asks for trouble.
341 435
342Condition variables are represented by hash refs in perl, and the keys 436Condition variables are represented by hash refs in perl, and the keys
347 441
348There are two "sides" to a condition variable - the "producer side" which 442There are two "sides" to a condition variable - the "producer side" which
349eventually calls C<< -> send >>, and the "consumer side", which waits 443eventually calls C<< -> send >>, and the "consumer side", which waits
350for the send to occur. 444for the send to occur.
351 445
352Example: 446Example: wait for a timer.
353 447
354 # wait till the result is ready 448 # wait till the result is ready
355 my $result_ready = AnyEvent->condvar; 449 my $result_ready = AnyEvent->condvar;
356 450
357 # do something such as adding a timer 451 # do something such as adding a timer
365 459
366 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback 460 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback
367 # calls send 461 # calls send
368 $result_ready->recv; 462 $result_ready->recv;
369 463
464Example: wait for a timer, but take advantage of the fact that
465condition variables are also code references.
466
467 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
468 my $delay = AnyEvent->timer (after => 5, cb => $done);
469 $done->recv;
470
471Example: Imagine an API that returns a condvar and doesn't support
472callbacks. This is how you make a synchronous call, for example from
473the main program:
474
475 use AnyEvent::CouchDB;
476
477 ...
478
479 my @info = $couchdb->info->recv;
480
481And this is how you would just ste a callback to be called whenever the
482results are available:
483
484 $couchdb->info->cb (sub {
485 my @info = $_[0]->recv;
486 });
487
370=head3 METHODS FOR PRODUCERS 488=head3 METHODS FOR PRODUCERS
371 489
372These methods should only be used by the producing side, i.e. the 490These methods should only be used by the producing side, i.e. the
373code/module that eventually sends the signal. Note that it is also 491code/module that eventually sends the signal. Note that it is also
374the producer side which creates the condvar in most cases, but it isn't 492the producer side which creates the condvar in most cases, but it isn't
385If a callback has been set on the condition variable, it is called 503If a callback has been set on the condition variable, it is called
386immediately from within send. 504immediately from within send.
387 505
388Any arguments passed to the C<send> call will be returned by all 506Any arguments passed to the C<send> call will be returned by all
389future C<< ->recv >> calls. 507future C<< ->recv >> calls.
508
509Condition variables are overloaded so one can call them directly
510(as a code reference). Calling them directly is the same as calling
511C<send>. Note, however, that many C-based event loops do not handle
512overloading, so as tempting as it may be, passing a condition variable
513instead of a callback does not work. Both the pure perl and EV loops
514support overloading, however, as well as all functions that use perl to
515invoke a callback (as in L<AnyEvent::Socket> and L<AnyEvent::DNS> for
516example).
390 517
391=item $cv->croak ($error) 518=item $cv->croak ($error)
392 519
393Similar to send, but causes all call's to C<< ->recv >> to invoke 520Similar to send, but causes all call's to C<< ->recv >> to invoke
394C<Carp::croak> with the given error message/object/scalar. 521C<Carp::croak> with the given error message/object/scalar.
443doesn't execute once). 570doesn't execute once).
444 571
445This is the general pattern when you "fan out" into multiple subrequests: 572This is the general pattern when you "fan out" into multiple subrequests:
446use an outer C<begin>/C<end> pair to set the callback and ensure C<end> 573use an outer C<begin>/C<end> pair to set the callback and ensure C<end>
447is called at least once, and then, for each subrequest you start, call 574is called at least once, and then, for each subrequest you start, call
448C<begin> and for eahc subrequest you finish, call C<end>. 575C<begin> and for each subrequest you finish, call C<end>.
449 576
450=back 577=back
451 578
452=head3 METHODS FOR CONSUMERS 579=head3 METHODS FOR CONSUMERS
453 580
475(programs might want to do that to stay interactive), so I<if you are 602(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 603using this from a module, never require a blocking wait>, but let the
477caller decide whether the call will block or not (for example, by coupling 604caller decide whether the call will block or not (for example, by coupling
478condition variables with some kind of request results and supporting 605condition variables with some kind of request results and supporting
479callbacks so the caller knows that getting the result will not block, 606callbacks so the caller knows that getting the result will not block,
480while still suppporting blocking waits if the caller so desires). 607while still supporting blocking waits if the caller so desires).
481 608
482Another reason I<never> to C<< ->recv >> in a module is that you cannot 609Another reason I<never> to C<< ->recv >> in a module is that you cannot
483sensibly have two C<< ->recv >>'s in parallel, as that would require 610sensibly have two C<< ->recv >>'s in parallel, as that would require
484multiple interpreters or coroutines/threads, none of which C<AnyEvent> 611multiple interpreters or coroutines/threads, none of which C<AnyEvent>
485can supply. 612can supply.
498=item $bool = $cv->ready 625=item $bool = $cv->ready
499 626
500Returns true when the condition is "true", i.e. whether C<send> or 627Returns true when the condition is "true", i.e. whether C<send> or
501C<croak> have been called. 628C<croak> have been called.
502 629
503=item $cb = $cv->cb ([new callback]) 630=item $cb = $cv->cb ($cb->($cv))
504 631
505This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and optionally 632This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and optionally
506replaces it before doing so. 633replaces it before doing so.
507 634
508The callback will be called when the condition becomes "true", i.e. when 635The callback will be called when the condition becomes "true", i.e. when
509C<send> or C<croak> are called. Calling C<recv> inside the callback 636C<send> or C<croak> are called, with the only argument being the condition
510or at any later time is guaranteed not to block. 637variable itself. Calling C<recv> inside the callback or at any later time
638is guaranteed not to block.
511 639
512=back 640=back
513 641
514=head1 GLOBAL VARIABLES AND FUNCTIONS 642=head1 GLOBAL VARIABLES AND FUNCTIONS
515 643
601 729
602If it doesn't care, it can just "use AnyEvent" and use it itself, or not 730If it doesn't care, it can just "use AnyEvent" and use it itself, or not
603do anything special (it does not need to be event-based) and let AnyEvent 731do anything special (it does not need to be event-based) and let AnyEvent
604decide which implementation to chose if some module relies on it. 732decide which implementation to chose if some module relies on it.
605 733
606If the main program relies on a specific event model. For example, in 734If the main program relies on a specific event model - for example, in
607Gtk2 programs you have to rely on the Glib module. You should load the 735Gtk2 programs you have to rely on the Glib module - you should load the
608event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it: generally 736event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it: generally
609speaking, you should load it as early as possible. The reason is that 737speaking, you should load it as early as possible. The reason is that
610modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent will 738modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent will
611decide on the event model to use as soon as it creates watchers, and it 739decide on the event model to use as soon as it creates watchers, and it
612might chose the wrong one unless you load the correct one yourself. 740might chose the wrong one unless you load the correct one yourself.
613 741
614You can chose to use a rather inefficient pure-perl implementation by 742You can chose to use a pure-perl implementation by loading the
615loading the C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl> module, which gives you similar 743C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl> module, which gives you similar behaviour
616behaviour everywhere, but letting AnyEvent chose is generally better. 744everywhere, but letting AnyEvent chose the model is generally better.
745
746=head2 MAINLOOP EMULATION
747
748Sometimes (often for short test scripts, or even standalone programs who
749only want to use AnyEvent), you do not want to run a specific event loop.
750
751In that case, you can use a condition variable like this:
752
753 AnyEvent->condvar->recv;
754
755This has the effect of entering the event loop and looping forever.
756
757Note that usually your program has some exit condition, in which case
758it is better to use the "traditional" approach of storing a condition
759variable somewhere, waiting for it, and sending it when the program should
760exit cleanly.
761
617 762
618=head1 OTHER MODULES 763=head1 OTHER MODULES
619 764
620The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use 765The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use
621AnyEvent and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent modules 766AnyEvent and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent modules
627=item L<AnyEvent::Util> 772=item L<AnyEvent::Util>
628 773
629Contains various utility functions that replace often-used but blocking 774Contains various utility functions that replace often-used but blocking
630functions such as C<inet_aton> by event-/callback-based versions. 775functions such as C<inet_aton> by event-/callback-based versions.
631 776
777=item L<AnyEvent::Socket>
778
779Provides various utility functions for (internet protocol) sockets,
780addresses and name resolution. Also functions to create non-blocking tcp
781connections or tcp servers, with IPv6 and SRV record support and more.
782
632=item L<AnyEvent::Handle> 783=item L<AnyEvent::Handle>
633 784
634Provide read and write buffers and manages watchers for reads and writes. 785Provide read and write buffers, manages watchers for reads and writes,
786supports raw and formatted I/O, I/O queued and fully transparent and
787non-blocking SSL/TLS.
788
789=item L<AnyEvent::DNS>
790
791Provides rich asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities.
792
793=item L<AnyEvent::HTTP>
794
795A simple-to-use HTTP library that is capable of making a lot of concurrent
796HTTP requests.
635 797
636=item L<AnyEvent::HTTPD> 798=item L<AnyEvent::HTTPD>
637 799
638Provides a simple web application server framework. 800Provides a simple web application server framework.
639 801
640=item L<AnyEvent::DNS>
641
642Provides asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities, beyond what
643L<AnyEvent::Util> offers.
644
645=item L<AnyEvent::FastPing> 802=item L<AnyEvent::FastPing>
646 803
647The fastest ping in the west. 804The fastest ping in the west.
648 805
806=item L<AnyEvent::DBI>
807
808Executes L<DBI> requests asynchronously in a proxy process.
809
810=item L<AnyEvent::AIO>
811
812Truly asynchronous I/O, should be in the toolbox of every event
813programmer. AnyEvent::AIO transparently fuses L<IO::AIO> and AnyEvent
814together.
815
816=item L<AnyEvent::BDB>
817
818Truly asynchronous Berkeley DB access. AnyEvent::BDB transparently fuses
819L<BDB> and AnyEvent together.
820
821=item L<AnyEvent::GPSD>
822
823A non-blocking interface to gpsd, a daemon delivering GPS information.
824
825=item L<AnyEvent::IGS>
826
827A non-blocking interface to the Internet Go Server protocol (used by
828L<App::IGS>).
829
649=item L<Net::IRC3> 830=item L<AnyEvent::IRC>
650 831
651AnyEvent based IRC client module family. 832AnyEvent based IRC client module family (replacing the older Net::IRC3).
652 833
653=item L<Net::XMPP2> 834=item L<Net::XMPP2>
654 835
655AnyEvent based XMPP (Jabber protocol) module family. 836AnyEvent based XMPP (Jabber protocol) module family.
656 837
665 846
666=item L<Coro> 847=item L<Coro>
667 848
668Has special support for AnyEvent via L<Coro::AnyEvent>. 849Has special support for AnyEvent via L<Coro::AnyEvent>.
669 850
670=item L<AnyEvent::AIO>, L<IO::AIO>
671
672Truly asynchronous I/O, should be in the toolbox of every event
673programmer. AnyEvent::AIO transparently fuses IO::AIO and AnyEvent
674together.
675
676=item L<AnyEvent::BDB>, L<BDB>
677
678Truly asynchronous Berkeley DB access. AnyEvent::AIO transparently fuses
679IO::AIO and AnyEvent together.
680
681=item L<IO::Lambda> 851=item L<IO::Lambda>
682 852
683The lambda approach to I/O - don't ask, look there. Can use AnyEvent. 853The lambda approach to I/O - don't ask, look there. Can use AnyEvent.
684 854
685=back 855=back
687=cut 857=cut
688 858
689package AnyEvent; 859package AnyEvent;
690 860
691no warnings; 861no warnings;
692use strict; 862use strict qw(vars subs);
693 863
694use Carp; 864use Carp;
695 865
696our $VERSION = '3.41'; 866our $VERSION = 4.32;
697our $MODEL; 867our $MODEL;
698 868
699our $AUTOLOAD; 869our $AUTOLOAD;
700our @ISA; 870our @ISA;
701 871
872our @REGISTRY;
873
874our $WIN32;
875
876BEGIN {
877 my $win32 = ! ! ($^O =~ /mswin32/i);
878 eval "sub WIN32(){ $win32 }";
879}
880
702our $verbose = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}*1; 881our $verbose = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}*1;
703 882
704our @REGISTRY; 883our %PROTOCOL; # (ipv4|ipv6) => (1|2), higher numbers are preferred
884
885{
886 my $idx;
887 $PROTOCOL{$_} = ++$idx
888 for reverse split /\s*,\s*/,
889 $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS} || "ipv4,ipv6";
890}
705 891
706my @models = ( 892my @models = (
707 [EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EV::], 893 [EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EV::],
708 [Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Event::], 894 [Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Event::],
709 [Tk:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Tk::],
710 [Wx:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
711 [Prima:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
712 [AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Perl::], 895 [AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Perl::],
713 # everything below here will not be autoprobed as the pureperl backend should work everywhere 896 # everything below here will not be autoprobed
714 [Glib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Glib::], 897 # as the pureperl backend should work everywhere
898 # and is usually faster
899 [Tk:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Tk::], # crashes with many handles
900 [Glib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Glib::], # becomes extremely slow with many watchers
715 [Event::Lib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib::], # too buggy 901 [Event::Lib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib::], # too buggy
716 [Qt:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Qt::], # requires special main program 902 [Qt:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Qt::], # requires special main program
717 [POE::Kernel:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], # lasciate ogni speranza 903 [POE::Kernel:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], # lasciate ogni speranza
904 [Wx:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
905 [Prima:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
718); 906);
719 907
720our %method = map +($_ => 1), qw(io timer signal child condvar one_event DESTROY); 908our %method = map +($_ => 1), qw(io timer time now signal child condvar one_event DESTROY);
721 909
722our @post_detect; 910our @post_detect;
723 911
724sub post_detect(&) { 912sub post_detect(&) {
725 my ($cb) = @_; 913 my ($cb) = @_;
730 1 918 1
731 } else { 919 } else {
732 push @post_detect, $cb; 920 push @post_detect, $cb;
733 921
734 defined wantarray 922 defined wantarray
735 ? bless \$cb, "AnyEvent::Util::Guard" 923 ? bless \$cb, "AnyEvent::Util::PostDetect"
736 : () 924 : ()
737 } 925 }
738} 926}
739 927
740sub AnyEvent::Util::Guard::DESTROY { 928sub AnyEvent::Util::PostDetect::DESTROY {
741 @post_detect = grep $_ != ${$_[0]}, @post_detect; 929 @post_detect = grep $_ != ${$_[0]}, @post_detect;
742} 930}
743 931
744sub detect() { 932sub detect() {
745 unless ($MODEL) { 933 unless ($MODEL) {
746 no strict 'refs'; 934 no strict 'refs';
935 local $SIG{__DIE__};
747 936
748 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} =~ /^([a-zA-Z]+)$/) { 937 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} =~ /^([a-zA-Z]+)$/) {
749 my $model = "AnyEvent::Impl::$1"; 938 my $model = "AnyEvent::Impl::$1";
750 if (eval "require $model") { 939 if (eval "require $model") {
751 $MODEL = $model; 940 $MODEL = $model;
785 $MODEL 974 $MODEL
786 or die "No event module selected for AnyEvent and autodetect failed. Install any one of these modules: EV, Event or Glib."; 975 or die "No event module selected for AnyEvent and autodetect failed. Install any one of these modules: EV, Event or Glib.";
787 } 976 }
788 } 977 }
789 978
979 push @{"$MODEL\::ISA"}, "AnyEvent::Base";
980
790 unshift @ISA, $MODEL; 981 unshift @ISA, $MODEL;
791 push @{"$MODEL\::ISA"}, "AnyEvent::Base"; 982
983 require AnyEvent::Strict if $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT};
792 984
793 (shift @post_detect)->() while @post_detect; 985 (shift @post_detect)->() while @post_detect;
794 } 986 }
795 987
796 $MODEL 988 $MODEL
806 998
807 my $class = shift; 999 my $class = shift;
808 $class->$func (@_); 1000 $class->$func (@_);
809} 1001}
810 1002
1003# utility function to dup a filehandle. this is used by many backends
1004# to support binding more than one watcher per filehandle (they usually
1005# allow only one watcher per fd, so we dup it to get a different one).
1006sub _dupfh($$$$) {
1007 my ($poll, $fh, $r, $w) = @_;
1008
1009 require Fcntl;
1010
1011 # cygwin requires the fh mode to be matching, unix doesn't
1012 my ($rw, $mode) = $poll eq "r" ? ($r, "<")
1013 : $poll eq "w" ? ($w, ">")
1014 : Carp::croak "AnyEvent->io requires poll set to either 'r' or 'w'";
1015
1016 open my $fh2, "$mode&" . fileno $fh
1017 or die "cannot dup() filehandle: $!";
1018
1019 # we assume CLOEXEC is already set by perl in all important cases
1020
1021 ($fh2, $rw)
1022}
1023
811package AnyEvent::Base; 1024package AnyEvent::Base;
812 1025
1026# default implementation for now and time
1027
1028BEGIN {
1029 if (eval "use Time::HiRes (); time (); 1") {
1030 *_time = \&Time::HiRes::time;
1031 # if (eval "use POSIX (); (POSIX::times())...
1032 } else {
1033 *_time = sub { time }; # epic fail
1034 }
1035}
1036
1037sub time { _time }
1038sub now { _time }
1039
813# default implementation for ->condvar 1040# default implementation for ->condvar
814 1041
815sub condvar { 1042sub condvar {
816 bless {}, AnyEvent::CondVar:: 1043 bless { @_ == 3 ? (_ae_cb => $_[2]) : () }, AnyEvent::CondVar::
817} 1044}
818 1045
819# default implementation for ->signal 1046# default implementation for ->signal
820 1047
821our %SIG_CB; 1048our %SIG_CB;
837sub AnyEvent::Base::Signal::DESTROY { 1064sub AnyEvent::Base::Signal::DESTROY {
838 my ($signal, $cb) = @{$_[0]}; 1065 my ($signal, $cb) = @{$_[0]};
839 1066
840 delete $SIG_CB{$signal}{$cb}; 1067 delete $SIG_CB{$signal}{$cb};
841 1068
842 $SIG{$signal} = 'DEFAULT' unless keys %{ $SIG_CB{$signal} }; 1069 delete $SIG{$signal} unless keys %{ $SIG_CB{$signal} };
843} 1070}
844 1071
845# default implementation for ->child 1072# default implementation for ->child
846 1073
847our %PID_CB; 1074our %PID_CB;
874 or Carp::croak "required option 'pid' is missing"; 1101 or Carp::croak "required option 'pid' is missing";
875 1102
876 $PID_CB{$pid}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb}; 1103 $PID_CB{$pid}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb};
877 1104
878 unless ($WNOHANG) { 1105 unless ($WNOHANG) {
879 $WNOHANG = eval { require POSIX; &POSIX::WNOHANG } || 1; 1106 $WNOHANG = eval { local $SIG{__DIE__}; require POSIX; &POSIX::WNOHANG } || 1;
880 } 1107 }
881 1108
882 unless ($CHLD_W) { 1109 unless ($CHLD_W) {
883 $CHLD_W = AnyEvent->signal (signal => 'CHLD', cb => \&_sigchld); 1110 $CHLD_W = AnyEvent->signal (signal => 'CHLD', cb => \&_sigchld);
884 # child could be a zombie already, so make at least one round 1111 # child could be a zombie already, so make at least one round
901 1128
902our @ISA = AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::; 1129our @ISA = AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::;
903 1130
904package AnyEvent::CondVar::Base; 1131package AnyEvent::CondVar::Base;
905 1132
1133use overload
1134 '&{}' => sub { my $self = shift; sub { $self->send (@_) } },
1135 fallback => 1;
1136
906sub _send { 1137sub _send {
907 # nop 1138 # nop
908} 1139}
909 1140
910sub send { 1141sub send {
944 $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} = $_[1] if @_ > 1; 1175 $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} = $_[1] if @_ > 1;
945} 1176}
946 1177
947sub end { 1178sub end {
948 return if --$_[0]{_ae_counter}; 1179 return if --$_[0]{_ae_counter};
949 &{ $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} } if $_[0]{_ae_end_cb}; 1180 &{ $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} || sub { $_[0]->send } };
950} 1181}
951 1182
952# undocumented/compatibility with pre-3.4 1183# undocumented/compatibility with pre-3.4
953*broadcast = \&send; 1184*broadcast = \&send;
954*wait = \&_wait; 1185*wait = \&_wait;
1186
1187=head1 ERROR AND EXCEPTION HANDLING
1188
1189In general, AnyEvent does not do any error handling - it relies on the
1190caller to do that if required. The L<AnyEvent::Strict> module (see also
1191the C<PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT> environment variable, below) provides strict
1192checking of all AnyEvent methods, however, which is highly useful during
1193development.
1194
1195As for exception handling (i.e. runtime errors and exceptions thrown while
1196executing a callback), this is not only highly event-loop specific, but
1197also not in any way wrapped by this module, as this is the job of the main
1198program.
1199
1200The pure perl event loop simply re-throws the exception (usually
1201within C<< condvar->recv >>), the L<Event> and L<EV> modules call C<<
1202$Event/EV::DIED->() >>, L<Glib> uses C<< install_exception_handler >> and
1203so on.
1204
1205=head1 ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES
1206
1207The following environment variables are used by this module or its
1208submodules:
1209
1210=over 4
1211
1212=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE>
1213
1214By default, AnyEvent will be completely silent except in fatal
1215conditions. You can set this environment variable to make AnyEvent more
1216talkative.
1217
1218When set to C<1> or higher, causes AnyEvent to warn about unexpected
1219conditions, such as not being able to load the event model specified by
1220C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>.
1221
1222When set to C<2> or higher, cause AnyEvent to report to STDERR which event
1223model it chooses.
1224
1225=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT>
1226
1227AnyEvent does not do much argument checking by default, as thorough
1228argument checking is very costly. Setting this variable to a true value
1229will cause AnyEvent to load C<AnyEvent::Strict> and then to thoroughly
1230check the arguments passed to most method calls. If it finds any problems
1231it will croak.
1232
1233In other words, enables "strict" mode.
1234
1235Unlike C<use strict>, it is definitely recommended ot keep it off in
1236production. Keeping C<PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT=1> in your environment while
1237developing programs can be very useful, however.
1238
1239=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>
1240
1241This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent, before
1242auto detection and -probing kicks in. It must be a string consisting
1243entirely of ASCII letters. The string C<AnyEvent::Impl::> gets prepended
1244and the resulting module name is loaded and if the load was successful,
1245used as event model. If it fails to load AnyEvent will proceed with
1246auto detection and -probing.
1247
1248This functionality might change in future versions.
1249
1250For example, to force the pure perl model (L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) you
1251could start your program like this:
1252
1253 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ...
1254
1255=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS>
1256
1257Used by both L<AnyEvent::DNS> and L<AnyEvent::Socket> to determine preferences
1258for IPv4 or IPv6. The default is unspecified (and might change, or be the result
1259of auto probing).
1260
1261Must be set to a comma-separated list of protocols or address families,
1262current supported: C<ipv4> and C<ipv6>. Only protocols mentioned will be
1263used, and preference will be given to protocols mentioned earlier in the
1264list.
1265
1266This variable can effectively be used for denial-of-service attacks
1267against local programs (e.g. when setuid), although the impact is likely
1268small, as the program has to handle connection errors already-
1269
1270Examples: C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4,ipv6> - prefer IPv4 over IPv6,
1271but support both and try to use both. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4>
1272- only support IPv4, never try to resolve or contact IPv6
1273addresses. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv6,ipv4> support either IPv4 or
1274IPv6, but prefer IPv6 over IPv4.
1275
1276=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_EDNS0>
1277
1278Used by L<AnyEvent::DNS> to decide whether to use the EDNS0 extension
1279for DNS. This extension is generally useful to reduce DNS traffic, but
1280some (broken) firewalls drop such DNS packets, which is why it is off by
1281default.
1282
1283Setting this variable to C<1> will cause L<AnyEvent::DNS> to announce
1284EDNS0 in its DNS requests.
1285
1286=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_FORKS>
1287
1288The maximum number of child processes that C<AnyEvent::Util::fork_call>
1289will create in parallel.
1290
1291=back
955 1292
956=head1 SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE 1293=head1 SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE
957 1294
958This is an advanced topic that you do not normally need to use AnyEvent in 1295This is an advanced topic that you do not normally need to use AnyEvent in
959a module. This section is only of use to event loop authors who want to 1296a module. This section is only of use to event loop authors who want to
993 1330
994I<rxvt-unicode> also cheats a bit by not providing blocking access to 1331I<rxvt-unicode> also cheats a bit by not providing blocking access to
995condition variables: code blocking while waiting for a condition will 1332condition variables: code blocking while waiting for a condition will
996C<die>. This still works with most modules/usages, and blocking calls must 1333C<die>. This still works with most modules/usages, and blocking calls must
997not be done in an interactive application, so it makes sense. 1334not be done in an interactive application, so it makes sense.
998
999=head1 ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES
1000
1001The following environment variables are used by this module:
1002
1003=over 4
1004
1005=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE>
1006
1007By default, AnyEvent will be completely silent except in fatal
1008conditions. You can set this environment variable to make AnyEvent more
1009talkative.
1010
1011When set to C<1> or higher, causes AnyEvent to warn about unexpected
1012conditions, such as not being able to load the event model specified by
1013C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>.
1014
1015When set to C<2> or higher, cause AnyEvent to report to STDERR which event
1016model it chooses.
1017
1018=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>
1019
1020This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent, before
1021autodetection and -probing kicks in. It must be a string consisting
1022entirely of ASCII letters. The string C<AnyEvent::Impl::> gets prepended
1023and the resulting module name is loaded and if the load was successful,
1024used as event model. If it fails to load AnyEvent will proceed with
1025autodetection and -probing.
1026
1027This functionality might change in future versions.
1028
1029For example, to force the pure perl model (L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) you
1030could start your program like this:
1031
1032 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ...
1033
1034=back
1035 1335
1036=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 1336=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
1037 1337
1038The following program uses an I/O watcher to read data from STDIN, a timer 1338The following program uses an I/O watcher to read data from STDIN, a timer
1039to display a message once per second, and a condition variable to quit the 1339to display a message once per second, and a condition variable to quit the
1048 poll => 'r', 1348 poll => 'r',
1049 cb => sub { 1349 cb => sub {
1050 warn "io event <$_[0]>\n"; # will always output <r> 1350 warn "io event <$_[0]>\n"; # will always output <r>
1051 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>); # read a line 1351 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>); # read a line
1052 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read 1352 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read
1053 $cv->broadcast if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i 1353 $cv->send if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i
1054 }, 1354 },
1055 ); 1355 );
1056 1356
1057 my $time_watcher; # can only be used once 1357 my $time_watcher; # can only be used once
1058 1358
1063 }); 1363 });
1064 } 1364 }
1065 1365
1066 new_timer; # create first timer 1366 new_timer; # create first timer
1067 1367
1068 $cv->wait; # wait until user enters /^q/i 1368 $cv->recv; # wait until user enters /^q/i
1069 1369
1070=head1 REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE 1370=head1 REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE
1071 1371
1072Consider the L<Net::FCP> module. It features (among others) the following 1372Consider the L<Net::FCP> module. It features (among others) the following
1073API calls, which are to freenet what HTTP GET requests are to http: 1373API calls, which are to freenet what HTTP GET requests are to http:
1123 syswrite $txn->{fh}, $txn->{request} 1423 syswrite $txn->{fh}, $txn->{request}
1124 or die "connection or write error"; 1424 or die "connection or write error";
1125 $txn->{w} = AnyEvent->io (fh => $txn->{fh}, poll => 'r', cb => sub { $txn->fh_ready_r }); 1425 $txn->{w} = AnyEvent->io (fh => $txn->{fh}, poll => 'r', cb => sub { $txn->fh_ready_r });
1126 1426
1127Again, C<fh_ready_r> waits till all data has arrived, and then stores the 1427Again, C<fh_ready_r> waits till all data has arrived, and then stores the
1128result and signals any possible waiters that the request ahs finished: 1428result and signals any possible waiters that the request has finished:
1129 1429
1130 sysread $txn->{fh}, $txn->{buf}, length $txn->{$buf}; 1430 sysread $txn->{fh}, $txn->{buf}, length $txn->{$buf};
1131 1431
1132 if (end-of-file or data complete) { 1432 if (end-of-file or data complete) {
1133 $txn->{result} = $txn->{buf}; 1433 $txn->{result} = $txn->{buf};
1134 $txn->{finished}->broadcast; 1434 $txn->{finished}->send;
1135 $txb->{cb}->($txn) of $txn->{cb}; # also call callback 1435 $txb->{cb}->($txn) of $txn->{cb}; # also call callback
1136 } 1436 }
1137 1437
1138The C<result> method, finally, just waits for the finished signal (if the 1438The C<result> method, finally, just waits for the finished signal (if the
1139request was already finished, it doesn't wait, of course, and returns the 1439request was already finished, it doesn't wait, of course, and returns the
1140data: 1440data:
1141 1441
1142 $txn->{finished}->wait; 1442 $txn->{finished}->recv;
1143 return $txn->{result}; 1443 return $txn->{result};
1144 1444
1145The actual code goes further and collects all errors (C<die>s, exceptions) 1445The actual code goes further and collects all errors (C<die>s, exceptions)
1146that occured during request processing. The C<result> method detects 1446that occurred during request processing. The C<result> method detects
1147whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn object) 1447whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn object)
1148and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and other 1448and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and other
1149problems get reported tot he code that tries to use the result, not in a 1449problems get reported tot he code that tries to use the result, not in a
1150random callback. 1450random callback.
1151 1451
1182 1482
1183 my $quit = AnyEvent->condvar; 1483 my $quit = AnyEvent->condvar;
1184 1484
1185 $fcp->txn_client_get ($url)->cb (sub { 1485 $fcp->txn_client_get ($url)->cb (sub {
1186 ... 1486 ...
1187 $quit->broadcast; 1487 $quit->send;
1188 }); 1488 });
1189 1489
1190 $quit->wait; 1490 $quit->recv;
1191 1491
1192 1492
1193=head1 BENCHMARKS 1493=head1 BENCHMARKS
1194 1494
1195To give you an idea of the performance and overheads that AnyEvent adds 1495To give you an idea of the performance and overheads that AnyEvent adds
1197of various event loops I prepared some benchmarks. 1497of various event loops I prepared some benchmarks.
1198 1498
1199=head2 BENCHMARKING ANYEVENT OVERHEAD 1499=head2 BENCHMARKING ANYEVENT OVERHEAD
1200 1500
1201Here is a benchmark of various supported event models used natively and 1501Here is a benchmark of various supported event models used natively and
1202through anyevent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero 1502through AnyEvent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero
1203timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable, 1503timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable,
1204which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again. 1504which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again.
1205 1505
1206Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench> in the AnyEvent 1506Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench> in the AnyEvent
1207distribution. 1507distribution.
1224all watchers, to avoid adding memory overhead. That means closure creation 1524all watchers, to avoid adding memory overhead. That means closure creation
1225and memory usage is not included in the figures. 1525and memory usage is not included in the figures.
1226 1526
1227I<invoke> is the time, in microseconds, used to invoke a simple 1527I<invoke> is the time, in microseconds, used to invoke a simple
1228callback. The callback simply counts down a Perl variable and after it was 1528callback. The callback simply counts down a Perl variable and after it was
1229invoked "watcher" times, it would C<< ->broadcast >> a condvar once to 1529invoked "watcher" times, it would C<< ->send >> a condvar once to
1230signal the end of this phase. 1530signal the end of this phase.
1231 1531
1232I<destroy> is the time, in microseconds, that it takes to destroy a single 1532I<destroy> is the time, in microseconds, that it takes to destroy a single
1233watcher. 1533watcher.
1234 1534
1235=head3 Results 1535=head3 Results
1236 1536
1237 name watchers bytes create invoke destroy comment 1537 name watchers bytes create invoke destroy comment
1238 EV/EV 400000 244 0.56 0.46 0.31 EV native interface 1538 EV/EV 400000 224 0.47 0.35 0.27 EV native interface
1239 EV/Any 100000 244 2.50 0.46 0.29 EV + AnyEvent watchers 1539 EV/Any 100000 224 2.88 0.34 0.27 EV + AnyEvent watchers
1240 CoroEV/Any 100000 244 2.49 0.44 0.29 coroutines + Coro::Signal 1540 CoroEV/Any 100000 224 2.85 0.35 0.28 coroutines + Coro::Signal
1241 Perl/Any 100000 513 4.92 0.87 1.12 pure perl implementation 1541 Perl/Any 100000 452 4.13 0.73 0.95 pure perl implementation
1242 Event/Event 16000 516 31.88 31.30 0.85 Event native interface 1542 Event/Event 16000 517 32.20 31.80 0.81 Event native interface
1243 Event/Any 16000 590 35.75 31.42 1.08 Event + AnyEvent watchers 1543 Event/Any 16000 590 35.85 31.55 1.06 Event + AnyEvent watchers
1244 Glib/Any 16000 1357 98.22 12.41 54.00 quadratic behaviour 1544 Glib/Any 16000 1357 102.33 12.31 51.00 quadratic behaviour
1245 Tk/Any 2000 1860 26.97 67.98 14.00 SEGV with >> 2000 watchers 1545 Tk/Any 2000 1860 27.20 66.31 14.00 SEGV with >> 2000 watchers
1246 POE/Event 2000 6644 108.64 736.02 14.73 via POE::Loop::Event 1546 POE/Event 2000 6328 109.99 751.67 14.02 via POE::Loop::Event
1247 POE/Select 2000 6343 94.13 809.12 565.96 via POE::Loop::Select 1547 POE/Select 2000 6027 94.54 809.13 579.80 via POE::Loop::Select
1248 1548
1249=head3 Discussion 1549=head3 Discussion
1250 1550
1251The benchmark does I<not> measure scalability of the event loop very 1551The benchmark does I<not> measure scalability of the event loop very
1252well. For example, a select-based event loop (such as the pure perl one) 1552well. For example, a select-based event loop (such as the pure perl one)
1330 1630
1331=back 1631=back
1332 1632
1333=head2 BENCHMARKING THE LARGE SERVER CASE 1633=head2 BENCHMARKING THE LARGE SERVER CASE
1334 1634
1335This benchmark atcually benchmarks the event loop itself. It works by 1635This benchmark actually benchmarks the event loop itself. It works by
1336creating a number of "servers": each server consists of a socketpair, a 1636creating a number of "servers": each server consists of a socket pair, a
1337timeout watcher that gets reset on activity (but never fires), and an I/O 1637timeout watcher that gets reset on activity (but never fires), and an I/O
1338watcher waiting for input on one side of the socket. Each time the socket 1638watcher waiting for input on one side of the socket. Each time the socket
1339watcher reads a byte it will write that byte to a random other "server". 1639watcher reads a byte it will write that byte to a random other "server".
1340 1640
1341The effect is that there will be a lot of I/O watchers, only part of which 1641The effect is that there will be a lot of I/O watchers, only part of which
1342are active at any one point (so there is a constant number of active 1642are active at any one point (so there is a constant number of active
1343fds for each loop iterstaion, but which fds these are is random). The 1643fds for each loop iteration, but which fds these are is random). The
1344timeout is reset each time something is read because that reflects how 1644timeout is reset each time something is read because that reflects how
1345most timeouts work (and puts extra pressure on the event loops). 1645most timeouts work (and puts extra pressure on the event loops).
1346 1646
1347In this benchmark, we use 10000 socketpairs (20000 sockets), of which 100 1647In this benchmark, we use 10000 socket pairs (20000 sockets), of which 100
1348(1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with many 1648(1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with many
1349connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time. 1649connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time.
1350 1650
1351Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench2> in the AnyEvent 1651Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench2> in the AnyEvent
1352distribution. 1652distribution.
1354=head3 Explanation of the columns 1654=head3 Explanation of the columns
1355 1655
1356I<sockets> is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" (as 1656I<sockets> is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" (as
1357each server has a read and write socket end). 1657each server has a read and write socket end).
1358 1658
1359I<create> is the time it takes to create a socketpair (which is 1659I<create> is the time it takes to create a socket pair (which is
1360nontrivial) and two watchers: an I/O watcher and a timeout watcher. 1660nontrivial) and two watchers: an I/O watcher and a timeout watcher.
1361 1661
1362I<request>, the most important value, is the time it takes to handle a 1662I<request>, the most important value, is the time it takes to handle a
1363single "request", that is, reading the token from the pipe and forwarding 1663single "request", that is, reading the token from the pipe and forwarding
1364it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout and creating 1664it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout and creating
1437speed most when you have lots of watchers, not when you only have a few of 1737speed most when you have lots of watchers, not when you only have a few of
1438them). 1738them).
1439 1739
1440EV is again fastest. 1740EV is again fastest.
1441 1741
1442Perl again comes second. It is noticably faster than the C-based event 1742Perl again comes second. It is noticeably faster than the C-based event
1443loops Event and Glib, although the difference is too small to really 1743loops Event and Glib, although the difference is too small to really
1444matter. 1744matter.
1445 1745
1446POE also performs much better in this case, but is is still far behind the 1746POE also performs much better in this case, but is is still far behind the
1447others. 1747others.
1452 1752
1453=item * C-based event loops perform very well with small number of 1753=item * C-based event loops perform very well with small number of
1454watchers, as the management overhead dominates. 1754watchers, as the management overhead dominates.
1455 1755
1456=back 1756=back
1757
1758
1759=head1 SIGNALS
1760
1761AnyEvent currently installs handlers for these signals:
1762
1763=over 4
1764
1765=item SIGCHLD
1766
1767A handler for C<SIGCHLD> is installed by AnyEvent's child watcher
1768emulation for event loops that do not support them natively. Also, some
1769event loops install a similar handler.
1770
1771=item SIGPIPE
1772
1773A no-op handler is installed for C<SIGPIPE> when C<$SIG{PIPE}> is C<undef>
1774when AnyEvent gets loaded.
1775
1776The rationale for this is that AnyEvent users usually do not really depend
1777on SIGPIPE delivery (which is purely an optimisation for shell use, or
1778badly-written programs), but C<SIGPIPE> can cause spurious and rare
1779program exits as a lot of people do not expect C<SIGPIPE> when writing to
1780some random socket.
1781
1782The rationale for installing a no-op handler as opposed to ignoring it is
1783that this way, the handler will be restored to defaults on exec.
1784
1785Feel free to install your own handler, or reset it to defaults.
1786
1787=back
1788
1789=cut
1790
1791$SIG{PIPE} = sub { }
1792 unless defined $SIG{PIPE};
1457 1793
1458 1794
1459=head1 FORK 1795=head1 FORK
1460 1796
1461Most event libraries are not fork-safe. The ones who are usually are 1797Most event libraries are not fork-safe. The ones who are usually are
1476specified in the variable. 1812specified in the variable.
1477 1813
1478You can make AnyEvent completely ignore this variable by deleting it 1814You can make AnyEvent completely ignore this variable by deleting it
1479before the first watcher gets created, e.g. with a C<BEGIN> block: 1815before the first watcher gets created, e.g. with a C<BEGIN> block:
1480 1816
1481 BEGIN { delete $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} } 1817 BEGIN { delete $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} }
1482 1818
1483 use AnyEvent; 1819 use AnyEvent;
1484 1820
1485Similar considerations apply to $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}, as that can 1821Similar considerations apply to $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}, as that can
1486be used to probe what backend is used and gain other information (which is 1822be used to probe what backend is used and gain other information (which is
1487probably even less useful to an attacker than PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL). 1823probably even less useful to an attacker than PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL), and
1824$ENV{PERL_ANYEGENT_STRICT}.
1825
1826
1827=head1 BUGS
1828
1829Perl 5.8 has numerous memleaks that sometimes hit this module and are hard
1830to work around. If you suffer from memleaks, first upgrade to Perl 5.10
1831and check wether the leaks still show up. (Perl 5.10.0 has other annoying
1832mamleaks, such as leaking on C<map> and C<grep> but it is usually not as
1833pronounced).
1488 1834
1489 1835
1490=head1 SEE ALSO 1836=head1 SEE ALSO
1837
1838Utility functions: L<AnyEvent::Util>.
1491 1839
1492Event modules: L<EV>, L<EV::Glib>, L<Glib::EV>, L<Event>, L<Glib::Event>, 1840Event modules: L<EV>, L<EV::Glib>, L<Glib::EV>, L<Event>, L<Glib::Event>,
1493L<Glib>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, L<POE>. 1841L<Glib>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, L<POE>.
1494 1842
1495Implementations: L<AnyEvent::Impl::EV>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Event>, 1843Implementations: L<AnyEvent::Impl::EV>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Event>,
1496L<AnyEvent::Impl::Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Tk>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>, 1844L<AnyEvent::Impl::Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Tk>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>,
1497L<AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Qt>, 1845L<AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Qt>,
1498L<AnyEvent::Impl::POE>. 1846L<AnyEvent::Impl::POE>.
1499 1847
1848Non-blocking file handles, sockets, TCP clients and
1849servers: L<AnyEvent::Handle>, L<AnyEvent::Socket>.
1850
1851Asynchronous DNS: L<AnyEvent::DNS>.
1852
1500Coroutine support: L<Coro>, L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>, 1853Coroutine support: L<Coro>, L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>,
1501 1854
1502Nontrivial usage examples: L<Net::FCP>, L<Net::XMPP2>. 1855Nontrivial usage examples: L<Net::FCP>, L<Net::XMPP2>, L<AnyEvent::DNS>.
1503 1856
1504 1857
1505=head1 AUTHOR 1858=head1 AUTHOR
1506 1859
1507 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 1860 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
1508 http://home.schmorp.de/ 1861 http://home.schmorp.de/
1509 1862
1510=cut 1863=cut
1511 1864
15121 18651
1513 1866

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