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1=head1 NAME 1=head1 NAME
2 2
3AnyEvent - provide framework for multiple event loops 3AnyEvent - provide framework for multiple event loops
4 4
5EV, Event, Glib, Tk, Perl, Event::Lib, Qt, POE - various supported event loops 5EV, Event, Glib, Tk, Perl, Event::Lib, Qt and POE are various supported
6event loops.
6 7
7=head1 SYNOPSIS 8=head1 SYNOPSIS
8 9
9 use AnyEvent; 10 use AnyEvent;
10 11
12 # file descriptor readable
11 my $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => $fh, poll => "r|w", cb => sub { 13 my $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => $fh, poll => "r", cb => sub { ... });
14
15 # one-shot or repeating timers
16 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, cb => sub { ... });
17 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, interval => $seconds, cb => ...
18
19 print AnyEvent->now; # prints current event loop time
20 print AnyEvent->time; # think Time::HiRes::time or simply CORE::time.
21
22 # POSIX signal
23 my $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => "TERM", cb => sub { ... });
24
25 # child process exit
26 my $w = AnyEvent->child (pid => $pid, cb => sub {
27 my ($pid, $status) = @_;
12 ... 28 ...
13 }); 29 });
14 30
15 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, cb => sub { 31 # called when event loop idle (if applicable)
16 ... 32 my $w = AnyEvent->idle (cb => sub { ... });
17 });
18 33
19 my $w = AnyEvent->condvar; # stores whether a condition was flagged 34 my $w = AnyEvent->condvar; # stores whether a condition was flagged
20 $w->send; # wake up current and all future recv's 35 $w->send; # wake up current and all future recv's
21 $w->recv; # enters "main loop" till $condvar gets ->send 36 $w->recv; # enters "main loop" till $condvar gets ->send
37 # use a condvar in callback mode:
38 $w->cb (sub { $_[0]->recv });
39
40=head1 INTRODUCTION/TUTORIAL
41
42This manpage is mainly a reference manual. If you are interested
43in a tutorial or some gentle introduction, have a look at the
44L<AnyEvent::Intro> manpage.
22 45
23=head1 WHY YOU SHOULD USE THIS MODULE (OR NOT) 46=head1 WHY YOU SHOULD USE THIS MODULE (OR NOT)
24 47
25Glib, POE, IO::Async, Event... CPAN offers event models by the dozen 48Glib, POE, IO::Async, Event... CPAN offers event models by the dozen
26nowadays. So what is different about AnyEvent? 49nowadays. So what is different about AnyEvent?
27 50
28Executive Summary: AnyEvent is I<compatible>, AnyEvent is I<free of 51Executive Summary: AnyEvent is I<compatible>, AnyEvent is I<free of
29policy> and AnyEvent is I<small and efficient>. 52policy> and AnyEvent is I<small and efficient>.
30 53
31First and foremost, I<AnyEvent is not an event model> itself, it only 54First and foremost, I<AnyEvent is not an event model> itself, it only
32interfaces to whatever event model the main program happens to use in a 55interfaces to whatever event model the main program happens to use, in a
33pragmatic way. For event models and certain classes of immortals alike, 56pragmatic way. For event models and certain classes of immortals alike,
34the statement "there can only be one" is a bitter reality: In general, 57the statement "there can only be one" is a bitter reality: In general,
35only one event loop can be active at the same time in a process. AnyEvent 58only one event loop can be active at the same time in a process. AnyEvent
36helps hiding the differences between those event loops. 59cannot change this, but it can hide the differences between those event
60loops.
37 61
38The goal of AnyEvent is to offer module authors the ability to do event 62The goal of AnyEvent is to offer module authors the ability to do event
39programming (waiting for I/O or timer events) without subscribing to a 63programming (waiting for I/O or timer events) without subscribing to a
40religion, a way of living, and most importantly: without forcing your 64religion, a way of living, and most importantly: without forcing your
41module users into the same thing by forcing them to use the same event 65module users into the same thing by forcing them to use the same event
42model you use. 66model you use.
43 67
44For modules like POE or IO::Async (which is a total misnomer as it is 68For modules like POE or IO::Async (which is a total misnomer as it is
45actually doing all I/O I<synchronously>...), using them in your module is 69actually doing all I/O I<synchronously>...), using them in your module is
46like joining a cult: After you joined, you are dependent on them and you 70like joining a cult: After you joined, you are dependent on them and you
47cannot use anything else, as it is simply incompatible to everything that 71cannot use anything else, as they are simply incompatible to everything
48isn't itself. What's worse, all the potential users of your module are 72that isn't them. What's worse, all the potential users of your
49I<also> forced to use the same event loop you use. 73module are I<also> forced to use the same event loop you use.
50 74
51AnyEvent is different: AnyEvent + POE works fine. AnyEvent + Glib works 75AnyEvent is different: AnyEvent + POE works fine. AnyEvent + Glib works
52fine. AnyEvent + Tk works fine etc. etc. but none of these work together 76fine. AnyEvent + Tk works fine etc. etc. but none of these work together
53with the rest: POE + IO::Async? no go. Tk + Event? no go. Again: if 77with the rest: POE + IO::Async? No go. Tk + Event? No go. Again: if
54your module uses one of those, every user of your module has to use it, 78your module uses one of those, every user of your module has to use it,
55too. But if your module uses AnyEvent, it works transparently with all 79too. But if your module uses AnyEvent, it works transparently with all
56event models it supports (including stuff like POE and IO::Async, as long 80event models it supports (including stuff like IO::Async, as long as those
57as those use one of the supported event loops. It is trivial to add new 81use one of the supported event loops. It is trivial to add new event loops
58event loops to AnyEvent, too, so it is future-proof). 82to AnyEvent, too, so it is future-proof).
59 83
60In addition to being free of having to use I<the one and only true event 84In addition to being free of having to use I<the one and only true event
61model>, AnyEvent also is free of bloat and policy: with POE or similar 85model>, AnyEvent also is free of bloat and policy: with POE or similar
62modules, you get an enourmous amount of code and strict rules you have to 86modules, you get an enormous amount of code and strict rules you have to
63follow. AnyEvent, on the other hand, is lean and up to the point, by only 87follow. AnyEvent, on the other hand, is lean and up to the point, by only
64offering the functionality that is necessary, in as thin as a wrapper as 88offering the functionality that is necessary, in as thin as a wrapper as
65technically possible. 89technically possible.
66 90
91Of course, AnyEvent comes with a big (and fully optional!) toolbox
92of useful functionality, such as an asynchronous DNS resolver, 100%
93non-blocking connects (even with TLS/SSL, IPv6 and on broken platforms
94such as Windows) and lots of real-world knowledge and workarounds for
95platform bugs and differences.
96
67Of course, if you want lots of policy (this can arguably be somewhat 97Now, if you I<do want> lots of policy (this can arguably be somewhat
68useful) and you want to force your users to use the one and only event 98useful) and you want to force your users to use the one and only event
69model, you should I<not> use this module. 99model, you should I<not> use this module.
70 100
71=head1 DESCRIPTION 101=head1 DESCRIPTION
72 102
102starts using it, all bets are off. Maybe you should tell their authors to 132starts using it, all bets are off. Maybe you should tell their authors to
103use AnyEvent so their modules work together with others seamlessly... 133use AnyEvent so their modules work together with others seamlessly...
104 134
105The pure-perl implementation of AnyEvent is called 135The pure-perl implementation of AnyEvent is called
106C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>. Like other event modules you can load it 136C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>. Like other event modules you can load it
107explicitly. 137explicitly and enjoy the high availability of that event loop :)
108 138
109=head1 WATCHERS 139=head1 WATCHERS
110 140
111AnyEvent has the central concept of a I<watcher>, which is an object that 141AnyEvent has the central concept of a I<watcher>, which is an object that
112stores relevant data for each kind of event you are waiting for, such as 142stores relevant data for each kind of event you are waiting for, such as
113the callback to call, the filehandle to watch, etc. 143the callback to call, the file handle to watch, etc.
114 144
115These watchers are normal Perl objects with normal Perl lifetime. After 145These watchers are normal Perl objects with normal Perl lifetime. After
116creating a watcher it will immediately "watch" for events and invoke the 146creating a watcher it will immediately "watch" for events and invoke the
117callback when the event occurs (of course, only when the event model 147callback when the event occurs (of course, only when the event model
118is in control). 148is in control).
119 149
150Note that B<callbacks must not permanently change global variables>
151potentially in use by the event loop (such as C<$_> or C<$[>) and that B<<
152callbacks must not C<die> >>. The former is good programming practise in
153Perl and the latter stems from the fact that exception handling differs
154widely between event loops.
155
120To disable the watcher you have to destroy it (e.g. by setting the 156To disable the watcher you have to destroy it (e.g. by setting the
121variable you store it in to C<undef> or otherwise deleting all references 157variable you store it in to C<undef> or otherwise deleting all references
122to it). 158to it).
123 159
124All watchers are created by calling a method on the C<AnyEvent> class. 160All watchers are created by calling a method on the C<AnyEvent> class.
126Many watchers either are used with "recursion" (repeating timers for 162Many watchers either are used with "recursion" (repeating timers for
127example), or need to refer to their watcher object in other ways. 163example), or need to refer to their watcher object in other ways.
128 164
129An any way to achieve that is this pattern: 165An any way to achieve that is this pattern:
130 166
131 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->type (arg => value ..., cb => sub { 167 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->type (arg => value ..., cb => sub {
132 # you can use $w here, for example to undef it 168 # you can use $w here, for example to undef it
133 undef $w; 169 undef $w;
134 }); 170 });
135 171
136Note that C<my $w; $w => combination. This is necessary because in Perl, 172Note that C<my $w; $w => combination. This is necessary because in Perl,
137my variables are only visible after the statement in which they are 173my variables are only visible after the statement in which they are
138declared. 174declared.
139 175
140=head2 I/O WATCHERS 176=head2 I/O WATCHERS
141 177
142You can create an I/O watcher by calling the C<< AnyEvent->io >> method 178You can create an I/O watcher by calling the C<< AnyEvent->io >> method
143with the following mandatory key-value pairs as arguments: 179with the following mandatory key-value pairs as arguments:
144 180
145C<fh> the Perl I<file handle> (I<not> file descriptor) to watch 181C<fh> is the Perl I<file handle> (I<not> file descriptor) to watch
182for events (AnyEvent might or might not keep a reference to this file
183handle). Note that only file handles pointing to things for which
184non-blocking operation makes sense are allowed. This includes sockets,
185most character devices, pipes, fifos and so on, but not for example files
186or block devices.
187
146for events. C<poll> must be a string that is either C<r> or C<w>, 188C<poll> must be a string that is either C<r> or C<w>, which creates a
147which creates a watcher waiting for "r"eadable or "w"ritable events, 189watcher waiting for "r"eadable or "w"ritable events, respectively.
190
148respectively. C<cb> is the callback to invoke each time the file handle 191C<cb> is the callback to invoke each time the file handle becomes ready.
149becomes ready.
150 192
151Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 193Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
152presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent 194presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent
153callbacks cannot use arguments passed to I/O watcher callbacks. 195callbacks cannot use arguments passed to I/O watcher callbacks.
154 196
158 200
159Some event loops issue spurious readyness notifications, so you should 201Some event loops issue spurious readyness notifications, so you should
160always use non-blocking calls when reading/writing from/to your file 202always use non-blocking calls when reading/writing from/to your file
161handles. 203handles.
162 204
163Example:
164
165 # wait for readability of STDIN, then read a line and disable the watcher 205Example: wait for readability of STDIN, then read a line and disable the
206watcher.
207
166 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => \*STDIN, poll => 'r', cb => sub { 208 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => \*STDIN, poll => 'r', cb => sub {
167 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>); 209 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>);
168 warn "read: $input\n"; 210 warn "read: $input\n";
169 undef $w; 211 undef $w;
170 }); 212 });
180 222
181Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 223Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
182presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent 224presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent
183callbacks cannot use arguments passed to time watcher callbacks. 225callbacks cannot use arguments passed to time watcher callbacks.
184 226
185The timer callback will be invoked at most once: if you want a repeating 227The callback will normally be invoked once only. If you specify another
186timer you have to create a new watcher (this is a limitation by both Tk 228parameter, C<interval>, as a strictly positive number (> 0), then the
187and Glib). 229callback will be invoked regularly at that interval (in fractional
230seconds) after the first invocation. If C<interval> is specified with a
231false value, then it is treated as if it were missing.
188 232
189Example: 233The callback will be rescheduled before invoking the callback, but no
234attempt is done to avoid timer drift in most backends, so the interval is
235only approximate.
190 236
191 # fire an event after 7.7 seconds 237Example: fire an event after 7.7 seconds.
238
192 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 7.7, cb => sub { 239 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 7.7, cb => sub {
193 warn "timeout\n"; 240 warn "timeout\n";
194 }); 241 });
195 242
196 # to cancel the timer: 243 # to cancel the timer:
197 undef $w; 244 undef $w;
198 245
199Example 2:
200
201 # fire an event after 0.5 seconds, then roughly every second 246Example 2: fire an event after 0.5 seconds, then roughly every second.
202 my $w;
203 247
204 my $cb = sub {
205 # cancel the old timer while creating a new one
206 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 1, cb => $cb); 248 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 0.5, interval => 1, cb => sub {
249 warn "timeout\n";
207 }; 250 };
208
209 # start the "loop" by creating the first watcher
210 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 0.5, cb => $cb);
211 251
212=head3 TIMING ISSUES 252=head3 TIMING ISSUES
213 253
214There are two ways to handle timers: based on real time (relative, "fire 254There are two ways to handle timers: based on real time (relative, "fire
215in 10 seconds") and based on wallclock time (absolute, "fire at 12 255in 10 seconds") and based on wallclock time (absolute, "fire at 12
227timers. 267timers.
228 268
229AnyEvent always prefers relative timers, if available, matching the 269AnyEvent always prefers relative timers, if available, matching the
230AnyEvent API. 270AnyEvent API.
231 271
272AnyEvent has two additional methods that return the "current time":
273
274=over 4
275
276=item AnyEvent->time
277
278This returns the "current wallclock time" as a fractional number of
279seconds since the Epoch (the same thing as C<time> or C<Time::HiRes::time>
280return, and the result is guaranteed to be compatible with those).
281
282It progresses independently of any event loop processing, i.e. each call
283will check the system clock, which usually gets updated frequently.
284
285=item AnyEvent->now
286
287This also returns the "current wallclock time", but unlike C<time>, above,
288this value might change only once per event loop iteration, depending on
289the event loop (most return the same time as C<time>, above). This is the
290time that AnyEvent's timers get scheduled against.
291
292I<In almost all cases (in all cases if you don't care), this is the
293function to call when you want to know the current time.>
294
295This function is also often faster then C<< AnyEvent->time >>, and
296thus the preferred method if you want some timestamp (for example,
297L<AnyEvent::Handle> uses this to update it's activity timeouts).
298
299The rest of this section is only of relevance if you try to be very exact
300with your timing, you can skip it without bad conscience.
301
302For a practical example of when these times differ, consider L<Event::Lib>
303and L<EV> and the following set-up:
304
305The event loop is running and has just invoked one of your callback at
306time=500 (assume no other callbacks delay processing). In your callback,
307you wait a second by executing C<sleep 1> (blocking the process for a
308second) and then (at time=501) you create a relative timer that fires
309after three seconds.
310
311With L<Event::Lib>, C<< AnyEvent->time >> and C<< AnyEvent->now >> will
312both return C<501>, because that is the current time, and the timer will
313be scheduled to fire at time=504 (C<501> + C<3>).
314
315With L<EV>, C<< AnyEvent->time >> returns C<501> (as that is the current
316time), but C<< AnyEvent->now >> returns C<500>, as that is the time the
317last event processing phase started. With L<EV>, your timer gets scheduled
318to run at time=503 (C<500> + C<3>).
319
320In one sense, L<Event::Lib> is more exact, as it uses the current time
321regardless of any delays introduced by event processing. However, most
322callbacks do not expect large delays in processing, so this causes a
323higher drift (and a lot more system calls to get the current time).
324
325In another sense, L<EV> is more exact, as your timer will be scheduled at
326the same time, regardless of how long event processing actually took.
327
328In either case, if you care (and in most cases, you don't), then you
329can get whatever behaviour you want with any event loop, by taking the
330difference between C<< AnyEvent->time >> and C<< AnyEvent->now >> into
331account.
332
333=item AnyEvent->now_update
334
335Some event loops (such as L<EV> or L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) cache
336the current time for each loop iteration (see the discussion of L<<
337AnyEvent->now >>, above).
338
339When a callback runs for a long time (or when the process sleeps), then
340this "current" time will differ substantially from the real time, which
341might affect timers and time-outs.
342
343When this is the case, you can call this method, which will update the
344event loop's idea of "current time".
345
346Note that updating the time I<might> cause some events to be handled.
347
348=back
349
232=head2 SIGNAL WATCHERS 350=head2 SIGNAL WATCHERS
233 351
234You can watch for signals using a signal watcher, C<signal> is the signal 352You can watch for signals using a signal watcher, C<signal> is the signal
235I<name> without any C<SIG> prefix, C<cb> is the Perl callback to 353I<name> in uppercase and without any C<SIG> prefix, C<cb> is the Perl
236be invoked whenever a signal occurs. 354callback to be invoked whenever a signal occurs.
237 355
238Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 356Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
239presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent 357presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent
240callbacks cannot use arguments passed to signal watcher callbacks. 358callbacks cannot use arguments passed to signal watcher callbacks.
241 359
242Multiple signal occurances can be clumped together into one callback 360Multiple signal occurrences can be clumped together into one callback
243invocation, and callback invocation will be synchronous. synchronous means 361invocation, and callback invocation will be synchronous. Synchronous means
244that it might take a while until the signal gets handled by the process, 362that it might take a while until the signal gets handled by the process,
245but it is guarenteed not to interrupt any other callbacks. 363but it is guaranteed not to interrupt any other callbacks.
246 364
247The main advantage of using these watchers is that you can share a signal 365The main advantage of using these watchers is that you can share a signal
248between multiple watchers. 366between multiple watchers.
249 367
250This watcher might use C<%SIG>, so programs overwriting those signals 368This watcher might use C<%SIG>, so programs overwriting those signals
257=head2 CHILD PROCESS WATCHERS 375=head2 CHILD PROCESS WATCHERS
258 376
259You can also watch on a child process exit and catch its exit status. 377You can also watch on a child process exit and catch its exit status.
260 378
261The child process is specified by the C<pid> argument (if set to C<0>, it 379The child process is specified by the C<pid> argument (if set to C<0>, it
262watches for any child process exit). The watcher will trigger as often 380watches for any child process exit). The watcher will triggered only when
263as status change for the child are received. This works by installing a 381the child process has finished and an exit status is available, not on
264signal handler for C<SIGCHLD>. The callback will be called with the pid 382any trace events (stopped/continued).
265and exit status (as returned by waitpid), so unlike other watcher types, 383
266you I<can> rely on child watcher callback arguments. 384The callback will be called with the pid and exit status (as returned by
385waitpid), so unlike other watcher types, you I<can> rely on child watcher
386callback arguments.
387
388This watcher type works by installing a signal handler for C<SIGCHLD>,
389and since it cannot be shared, nothing else should use SIGCHLD or reap
390random child processes (waiting for specific child processes, e.g. inside
391C<system>, is just fine).
267 392
268There is a slight catch to child watchers, however: you usually start them 393There is a slight catch to child watchers, however: you usually start them
269I<after> the child process was created, and this means the process could 394I<after> the child process was created, and this means the process could
270have exited already (and no SIGCHLD will be sent anymore). 395have exited already (and no SIGCHLD will be sent anymore).
271 396
272Not all event models handle this correctly (POE doesn't), but even for 397Not all event models handle this correctly (neither POE nor IO::Async do,
398see their AnyEvent::Impl manpages for details), but even for event models
273event models that I<do> handle this correctly, they usually need to be 399that I<do> handle this correctly, they usually need to be loaded before
274loaded before the process exits (i.e. before you fork in the first place). 400the process exits (i.e. before you fork in the first place). AnyEvent's
401pure perl event loop handles all cases correctly regardless of when you
402start the watcher.
275 403
276This means you cannot create a child watcher as the very first thing in an 404This means you cannot create a child watcher as the very first
277AnyEvent program, you I<have> to create at least one watcher before you 405thing in an AnyEvent program, you I<have> to create at least one
278C<fork> the child (alternatively, you can call C<AnyEvent::detect>). 406watcher before you C<fork> the child (alternatively, you can call
407C<AnyEvent::detect>).
279 408
280Example: fork a process and wait for it 409Example: fork a process and wait for it
281 410
282 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar; 411 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
283 412
284 my $pid = fork or exit 5; 413 my $pid = fork or exit 5;
285 414
286 my $w = AnyEvent->child ( 415 my $w = AnyEvent->child (
287 pid => $pid, 416 pid => $pid,
288 cb => sub { 417 cb => sub {
289 my ($pid, $status) = @_; 418 my ($pid, $status) = @_;
290 warn "pid $pid exited with status $status"; 419 warn "pid $pid exited with status $status";
291 $done->send; 420 $done->send;
292 }, 421 },
293 ); 422 );
294 423
295 # do something else, then wait for process exit 424 # do something else, then wait for process exit
296 $done->recv; 425 $done->recv;
426
427=head2 IDLE WATCHERS
428
429Sometimes there is a need to do something, but it is not so important
430to do it instantly, but only when there is nothing better to do. This
431"nothing better to do" is usually defined to be "no other events need
432attention by the event loop".
433
434Idle watchers ideally get invoked when the event loop has nothing
435better to do, just before it would block the process to wait for new
436events. Instead of blocking, the idle watcher is invoked.
437
438Most event loops unfortunately do not really support idle watchers (only
439EV, Event and Glib do it in a usable fashion) - for the rest, AnyEvent
440will simply call the callback "from time to time".
441
442Example: read lines from STDIN, but only process them when the
443program is otherwise idle:
444
445 my @lines; # read data
446 my $idle_w;
447 my $io_w = AnyEvent->io (fh => \*STDIN, poll => 'r', cb => sub {
448 push @lines, scalar <STDIN>;
449
450 # start an idle watcher, if not already done
451 $idle_w ||= AnyEvent->idle (cb => sub {
452 # handle only one line, when there are lines left
453 if (my $line = shift @lines) {
454 print "handled when idle: $line";
455 } else {
456 # otherwise disable the idle watcher again
457 undef $idle_w;
458 }
459 });
460 });
297 461
298=head2 CONDITION VARIABLES 462=head2 CONDITION VARIABLES
299 463
300If you are familiar with some event loops you will know that all of them 464If you are familiar with some event loops you will know that all of them
301require you to run some blocking "loop", "run" or similar function that 465require you to run some blocking "loop", "run" or similar function that
307The instrument to do that is called a "condition variable", so called 471The instrument to do that is called a "condition variable", so called
308because they represent a condition that must become true. 472because they represent a condition that must become true.
309 473
310Condition variables can be created by calling the C<< AnyEvent->condvar 474Condition variables can be created by calling the C<< AnyEvent->condvar
311>> method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is 475>> method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is
476
312C<cb>, which specifies a callback to be called when the condition variable 477C<cb>, which specifies a callback to be called when the condition variable
313becomes true. 478becomes true, with the condition variable as the first argument (but not
479the results).
314 480
315After creation, the conditon variable is "false" until it becomes "true" 481After creation, the condition variable is "false" until it becomes "true"
316by calling the C<send> method. 482by calling the C<send> method (or calling the condition variable as if it
483were a callback, read about the caveats in the description for the C<<
484->send >> method).
317 485
318Condition variables are similar to callbacks, except that you can 486Condition variables are similar to callbacks, except that you can
319optionally wait for them. They can also be called merge points - points 487optionally wait for them. They can also be called merge points - points
320in time where multiple outstandign events have been processed. And yet 488in time where multiple outstanding events have been processed. And yet
321another way to call them is transations - each condition variable can be 489another way to call them is transactions - each condition variable can be
322used to represent a transaction, which finishes at some point and delivers 490used to represent a transaction, which finishes at some point and delivers
323a result. 491a result.
324 492
325Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has finished, 493Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has finished,
326for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http requests, 494for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http requests,
332you can block your main program until an event occurs - for example, you 500you 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 501could C<< ->recv >> in your main program until the user clicks the Quit
334button of your app, which would C<< ->send >> the "quit" event. 502button of your app, which would C<< ->send >> the "quit" event.
335 503
336Note that condition variables recurse into the event loop - if you have 504Note 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 505two 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 506lose. Therefore, condition variables are good to export to your caller, but
339you should avoid making a blocking wait yourself, at least in callbacks, 507you should avoid making a blocking wait yourself, at least in callbacks,
340as this asks for trouble. 508as this asks for trouble.
341 509
342Condition variables are represented by hash refs in perl, and the keys 510Condition variables are represented by hash refs in perl, and the keys
347 515
348There are two "sides" to a condition variable - the "producer side" which 516There are two "sides" to a condition variable - the "producer side" which
349eventually calls C<< -> send >>, and the "consumer side", which waits 517eventually calls C<< -> send >>, and the "consumer side", which waits
350for the send to occur. 518for the send to occur.
351 519
352Example: 520Example: wait for a timer.
353 521
354 # wait till the result is ready 522 # wait till the result is ready
355 my $result_ready = AnyEvent->condvar; 523 my $result_ready = AnyEvent->condvar;
356 524
357 # do something such as adding a timer 525 # do something such as adding a timer
365 533
366 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback 534 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback
367 # calls send 535 # calls send
368 $result_ready->recv; 536 $result_ready->recv;
369 537
538Example: wait for a timer, but take advantage of the fact that
539condition variables are also code references.
540
541 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
542 my $delay = AnyEvent->timer (after => 5, cb => $done);
543 $done->recv;
544
545Example: Imagine an API that returns a condvar and doesn't support
546callbacks. This is how you make a synchronous call, for example from
547the main program:
548
549 use AnyEvent::CouchDB;
550
551 ...
552
553 my @info = $couchdb->info->recv;
554
555And this is how you would just ste a callback to be called whenever the
556results are available:
557
558 $couchdb->info->cb (sub {
559 my @info = $_[0]->recv;
560 });
561
370=head3 METHODS FOR PRODUCERS 562=head3 METHODS FOR PRODUCERS
371 563
372These methods should only be used by the producing side, i.e. the 564These methods should only be used by the producing side, i.e. the
373code/module that eventually sends the signal. Note that it is also 565code/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 566the producer side which creates the condvar in most cases, but it isn't
386immediately from within send. 578immediately from within send.
387 579
388Any arguments passed to the C<send> call will be returned by all 580Any arguments passed to the C<send> call will be returned by all
389future C<< ->recv >> calls. 581future C<< ->recv >> calls.
390 582
583Condition variables are overloaded so one can call them directly
584(as a code reference). Calling them directly is the same as calling
585C<send>. Note, however, that many C-based event loops do not handle
586overloading, so as tempting as it may be, passing a condition variable
587instead of a callback does not work. Both the pure perl and EV loops
588support overloading, however, as well as all functions that use perl to
589invoke a callback (as in L<AnyEvent::Socket> and L<AnyEvent::DNS> for
590example).
591
391=item $cv->croak ($error) 592=item $cv->croak ($error)
392 593
393Similar to send, but causes all call's to C<< ->recv >> to invoke 594Similar to send, but causes all call's to C<< ->recv >> to invoke
394C<Carp::croak> with the given error message/object/scalar. 595C<Carp::croak> with the given error message/object/scalar.
395 596
397user/consumer. 598user/consumer.
398 599
399=item $cv->begin ([group callback]) 600=item $cv->begin ([group callback])
400 601
401=item $cv->end 602=item $cv->end
402
403These two methods are EXPERIMENTAL and MIGHT CHANGE.
404 603
405These two methods can be used to combine many transactions/events into 604These two methods can be used to combine many transactions/events into
406one. For example, a function that pings many hosts in parallel might want 605one. For example, a function that pings many hosts in parallel might want
407to use a condition variable for the whole process. 606to use a condition variable for the whole process.
408 607
410C<< ->end >> will decrement it. If the counter reaches C<0> in C<< ->end 609C<< ->end >> will decrement it. If the counter reaches C<0> in C<< ->end
411>>, the (last) callback passed to C<begin> will be executed. That callback 610>>, the (last) callback passed to C<begin> will be executed. That callback
412is I<supposed> to call C<< ->send >>, but that is not required. If no 611is I<supposed> to call C<< ->send >>, but that is not required. If no
413callback was set, C<send> will be called without any arguments. 612callback was set, C<send> will be called without any arguments.
414 613
415Let's clarify this with the ping example: 614You can think of C<< $cv->send >> giving you an OR condition (one call
615sends), while C<< $cv->begin >> and C<< $cv->end >> giving you an AND
616condition (all C<begin> calls must be C<end>'ed before the condvar sends).
617
618Let's start with a simple example: you have two I/O watchers (for example,
619STDOUT and STDERR for a program), and you want to wait for both streams to
620close before activating a condvar:
621
622 my $cv = AnyEvent->condvar;
623
624 $cv->begin; # first watcher
625 my $w1 = AnyEvent->io (fh => $fh1, cb => sub {
626 defined sysread $fh1, my $buf, 4096
627 or $cv->end;
628 });
629
630 $cv->begin; # second watcher
631 my $w2 = AnyEvent->io (fh => $fh2, cb => sub {
632 defined sysread $fh2, my $buf, 4096
633 or $cv->end;
634 });
635
636 $cv->recv;
637
638This works because for every event source (EOF on file handle), there is
639one call to C<begin>, so the condvar waits for all calls to C<end> before
640sending.
641
642The ping example mentioned above is slightly more complicated, as the
643there are results to be passwd back, and the number of tasks that are
644begung can potentially be zero:
416 645
417 my $cv = AnyEvent->condvar; 646 my $cv = AnyEvent->condvar;
418 647
419 my %result; 648 my %result;
420 $cv->begin (sub { $cv->send (\%result) }); 649 $cv->begin (sub { $cv->send (\%result) });
440loop, which serves two important purposes: first, it sets the callback 669loop, which serves two important purposes: first, it sets the callback
441to be called once the counter reaches C<0>, and second, it ensures that 670to be called once the counter reaches C<0>, and second, it ensures that
442C<send> is called even when C<no> hosts are being pinged (the loop 671C<send> is called even when C<no> hosts are being pinged (the loop
443doesn't execute once). 672doesn't execute once).
444 673
445This is the general pattern when you "fan out" into multiple subrequests: 674This is the general pattern when you "fan out" into multiple (but
446use an outer C<begin>/C<end> pair to set the callback and ensure C<end> 675potentially none) subrequests: use an outer C<begin>/C<end> pair to set
447is called at least once, and then, for each subrequest you start, call 676the callback and ensure C<end> is called at least once, and then, for each
448C<begin> and for eahc subrequest you finish, call C<end>. 677subrequest you start, call C<begin> and for each subrequest you finish,
678call C<end>.
449 679
450=back 680=back
451 681
452=head3 METHODS FOR CONSUMERS 682=head3 METHODS FOR CONSUMERS
453 683
475(programs might want to do that to stay interactive), so I<if you are 705(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 706using 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 707caller decide whether the call will block or not (for example, by coupling
478condition variables with some kind of request results and supporting 708condition variables with some kind of request results and supporting
479callbacks so the caller knows that getting the result will not block, 709callbacks so the caller knows that getting the result will not block,
480while still suppporting blocking waits if the caller so desires). 710while still supporting blocking waits if the caller so desires).
481 711
482Another reason I<never> to C<< ->recv >> in a module is that you cannot 712Another 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 713sensibly have two C<< ->recv >>'s in parallel, as that would require
484multiple interpreters or coroutines/threads, none of which C<AnyEvent> 714multiple interpreters or coroutines/threads, none of which C<AnyEvent>
485can supply. 715can supply.
498=item $bool = $cv->ready 728=item $bool = $cv->ready
499 729
500Returns true when the condition is "true", i.e. whether C<send> or 730Returns true when the condition is "true", i.e. whether C<send> or
501C<croak> have been called. 731C<croak> have been called.
502 732
503=item $cb = $cv->cb ([new callback]) 733=item $cb = $cv->cb ($cb->($cv))
504 734
505This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and optionally 735This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and optionally
506replaces it before doing so. 736replaces it before doing so.
507 737
508The callback will be called when the condition becomes "true", i.e. when 738The 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 739C<send> or C<croak> are called, with the only argument being the condition
510or at any later time is guaranteed not to block. 740variable itself. Calling C<recv> inside the callback or at any later time
741is guaranteed not to block.
511 742
512=back 743=back
513 744
514=head1 GLOBAL VARIABLES AND FUNCTIONS 745=head1 GLOBAL VARIABLES AND FUNCTIONS
515 746
532 AnyEvent::Impl::Tk based on Tk, very bad choice. 763 AnyEvent::Impl::Tk based on Tk, very bad choice.
533 AnyEvent::Impl::Qt based on Qt, cannot be autoprobed (see its docs). 764 AnyEvent::Impl::Qt based on Qt, cannot be autoprobed (see its docs).
534 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib based on Event::Lib, leaks memory and worse. 765 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib based on Event::Lib, leaks memory and worse.
535 AnyEvent::Impl::POE based on POE, not generic enough for full support. 766 AnyEvent::Impl::POE based on POE, not generic enough for full support.
536 767
768 # warning, support for IO::Async is only partial, as it is too broken
769 # and limited toe ven support the AnyEvent API. See AnyEvent::Impl::Async.
770 AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync based on IO::Async, cannot be autoprobed (see its docs).
771
537There is no support for WxWidgets, as WxWidgets has no support for 772There is no support for WxWidgets, as WxWidgets has no support for
538watching file handles. However, you can use WxWidgets through the 773watching file handles. However, you can use WxWidgets through the
539POE Adaptor, as POE has a Wx backend that simply polls 20 times per 774POE 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 775second, which was considered to be too horrible to even consider for
541AnyEvent. Likewise, other POE backends can be used by AnyEvent by using 776AnyEvent. Likewise, other POE backends can be used by AnyEvent by using
601 836
602If it doesn't care, it can just "use AnyEvent" and use it itself, or not 837If 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 838do anything special (it does not need to be event-based) and let AnyEvent
604decide which implementation to chose if some module relies on it. 839decide which implementation to chose if some module relies on it.
605 840
606If the main program relies on a specific event model. For example, in 841If 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 842Gtk2 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 843event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it: generally
609speaking, you should load it as early as possible. The reason is that 844speaking, you should load it as early as possible. The reason is that
610modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent will 845modules 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 846decide 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. 847might chose the wrong one unless you load the correct one yourself.
613 848
614You can chose to use a rather inefficient pure-perl implementation by 849You can chose to use a pure-perl implementation by loading the
615loading the C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl> module, which gives you similar 850C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl> module, which gives you similar behaviour
616behaviour everywhere, but letting AnyEvent chose is generally better. 851everywhere, but letting AnyEvent chose the model is generally better.
852
853=head2 MAINLOOP EMULATION
854
855Sometimes (often for short test scripts, or even standalone programs who
856only want to use AnyEvent), you do not want to run a specific event loop.
857
858In that case, you can use a condition variable like this:
859
860 AnyEvent->condvar->recv;
861
862This has the effect of entering the event loop and looping forever.
863
864Note that usually your program has some exit condition, in which case
865it is better to use the "traditional" approach of storing a condition
866variable somewhere, waiting for it, and sending it when the program should
867exit cleanly.
868
617 869
618=head1 OTHER MODULES 870=head1 OTHER MODULES
619 871
620The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use 872The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use
621AnyEvent and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent modules 873AnyEvent and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent modules
627=item L<AnyEvent::Util> 879=item L<AnyEvent::Util>
628 880
629Contains various utility functions that replace often-used but blocking 881Contains various utility functions that replace often-used but blocking
630functions such as C<inet_aton> by event-/callback-based versions. 882functions such as C<inet_aton> by event-/callback-based versions.
631 883
884=item L<AnyEvent::Socket>
885
886Provides various utility functions for (internet protocol) sockets,
887addresses and name resolution. Also functions to create non-blocking tcp
888connections or tcp servers, with IPv6 and SRV record support and more.
889
632=item L<AnyEvent::Handle> 890=item L<AnyEvent::Handle>
633 891
634Provide read and write buffers and manages watchers for reads and writes. 892Provide read and write buffers, manages watchers for reads and writes,
893supports raw and formatted I/O, I/O queued and fully transparent and
894non-blocking SSL/TLS.
895
896=item L<AnyEvent::DNS>
897
898Provides rich asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities.
899
900=item L<AnyEvent::HTTP>
901
902A simple-to-use HTTP library that is capable of making a lot of concurrent
903HTTP requests.
635 904
636=item L<AnyEvent::HTTPD> 905=item L<AnyEvent::HTTPD>
637 906
638Provides a simple web application server framework. 907Provides a simple web application server framework.
639 908
640=item L<AnyEvent::DNS>
641
642Provides asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities, beyond what
643L<AnyEvent::Util> offers.
644
645=item L<AnyEvent::FastPing> 909=item L<AnyEvent::FastPing>
646 910
647The fastest ping in the west. 911The fastest ping in the west.
648 912
913=item L<AnyEvent::DBI>
914
915Executes L<DBI> requests asynchronously in a proxy process.
916
917=item L<AnyEvent::AIO>
918
919Truly asynchronous I/O, should be in the toolbox of every event
920programmer. AnyEvent::AIO transparently fuses L<IO::AIO> and AnyEvent
921together.
922
923=item L<AnyEvent::BDB>
924
925Truly asynchronous Berkeley DB access. AnyEvent::BDB transparently fuses
926L<BDB> and AnyEvent together.
927
928=item L<AnyEvent::GPSD>
929
930A non-blocking interface to gpsd, a daemon delivering GPS information.
931
932=item L<AnyEvent::IGS>
933
934A non-blocking interface to the Internet Go Server protocol (used by
935L<App::IGS>).
936
649=item L<Net::IRC3> 937=item L<AnyEvent::IRC>
650 938
651AnyEvent based IRC client module family. 939AnyEvent based IRC client module family (replacing the older Net::IRC3).
652 940
653=item L<Net::XMPP2> 941=item L<Net::XMPP2>
654 942
655AnyEvent based XMPP (Jabber protocol) module family. 943AnyEvent based XMPP (Jabber protocol) module family.
656 944
665 953
666=item L<Coro> 954=item L<Coro>
667 955
668Has special support for AnyEvent via L<Coro::AnyEvent>. 956Has special support for AnyEvent via L<Coro::AnyEvent>.
669 957
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> 958=item L<IO::Lambda>
682 959
683The lambda approach to I/O - don't ask, look there. Can use AnyEvent. 960The lambda approach to I/O - don't ask, look there. Can use AnyEvent.
684 961
685=back 962=back
687=cut 964=cut
688 965
689package AnyEvent; 966package AnyEvent;
690 967
691no warnings; 968no warnings;
692use strict; 969use strict qw(vars subs);
693 970
694use Carp; 971use Carp;
695 972
696our $VERSION = '3.41'; 973our $VERSION = 4.8;
697our $MODEL; 974our $MODEL;
698 975
699our $AUTOLOAD; 976our $AUTOLOAD;
700our @ISA; 977our @ISA;
701 978
979our @REGISTRY;
980
981our $WIN32;
982
983BEGIN {
984 eval "sub WIN32(){ " . (($^O =~ /mswin32/i)*1) ." }";
985 eval "sub TAINT(){ " . (${^TAINT}*1) . " }";
986
987 delete @ENV{grep /^PERL_ANYEVENT_/, keys %ENV}
988 if ${^TAINT};
989}
990
702our $verbose = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}*1; 991our $verbose = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}*1;
703 992
704our @REGISTRY; 993our %PROTOCOL; # (ipv4|ipv6) => (1|2), higher numbers are preferred
994
995{
996 my $idx;
997 $PROTOCOL{$_} = ++$idx
998 for reverse split /\s*,\s*/,
999 $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS} || "ipv4,ipv6";
1000}
705 1001
706my @models = ( 1002my @models = (
707 [EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EV::], 1003 [EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EV::],
708 [Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Event::], 1004 [Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Event::],
709 [Tk:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Tk::],
710 [Wx:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
711 [Prima:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
712 [AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Perl::], 1005 [AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Perl::],
713 # everything below here will not be autoprobed as the pureperl backend should work everywhere 1006 # everything below here will not be autoprobed
714 [Glib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Glib::], 1007 # as the pureperl backend should work everywhere
1008 # and is usually faster
1009 [Tk:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Tk::], # crashes with many handles
1010 [Glib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Glib::], # becomes extremely slow with many watchers
715 [Event::Lib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib::], # too buggy 1011 [Event::Lib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib::], # too buggy
716 [Qt:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Qt::], # requires special main program 1012 [Qt:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Qt::], # requires special main program
717 [POE::Kernel:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], # lasciate ogni speranza 1013 [POE::Kernel:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], # lasciate ogni speranza
1014 [Wx:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
1015 [Prima:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
1016 # IO::Async is just too broken - we would need workaorunds for its
1017 # byzantine signal and broken child handling, among others.
1018 # IO::Async is rather hard to detect, as it doesn't have any
1019 # obvious default class.
1020# [IO::Async:: => AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync::], # requires special main program
1021# [IO::Async::Loop:: => AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync::], # requires special main program
1022# [IO::Async::Notifier:: => AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync::], # requires special main program
718); 1023);
719 1024
720our %method = map +($_ => 1), qw(io timer signal child condvar one_event DESTROY); 1025our %method = map +($_ => 1),
1026 qw(io timer time now now_update signal child idle condvar one_event DESTROY);
721 1027
722our @post_detect; 1028our @post_detect;
723 1029
724sub post_detect(&) { 1030sub post_detect(&) {
725 my ($cb) = @_; 1031 my ($cb) = @_;
730 1 1036 1
731 } else { 1037 } else {
732 push @post_detect, $cb; 1038 push @post_detect, $cb;
733 1039
734 defined wantarray 1040 defined wantarray
735 ? bless \$cb, "AnyEvent::Util::Guard" 1041 ? bless \$cb, "AnyEvent::Util::postdetect"
736 : () 1042 : ()
737 } 1043 }
738} 1044}
739 1045
740sub AnyEvent::Util::Guard::DESTROY { 1046sub AnyEvent::Util::postdetect::DESTROY {
741 @post_detect = grep $_ != ${$_[0]}, @post_detect; 1047 @post_detect = grep $_ != ${$_[0]}, @post_detect;
742} 1048}
743 1049
744sub detect() { 1050sub detect() {
745 unless ($MODEL) { 1051 unless ($MODEL) {
746 no strict 'refs'; 1052 no strict 'refs';
1053 local $SIG{__DIE__};
747 1054
748 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} =~ /^([a-zA-Z]+)$/) { 1055 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} =~ /^([a-zA-Z]+)$/) {
749 my $model = "AnyEvent::Impl::$1"; 1056 my $model = "AnyEvent::Impl::$1";
750 if (eval "require $model") { 1057 if (eval "require $model") {
751 $MODEL = $model; 1058 $MODEL = $model;
781 last; 1088 last;
782 } 1089 }
783 } 1090 }
784 1091
785 $MODEL 1092 $MODEL
786 or die "No event module selected for AnyEvent and autodetect failed. Install any one of these modules: EV, Event or Glib."; 1093 or die "No event module selected for AnyEvent and autodetect failed. Install any one of these modules: EV, Event or Glib.\n";
787 } 1094 }
788 } 1095 }
789 1096
1097 push @{"$MODEL\::ISA"}, "AnyEvent::Base";
1098
790 unshift @ISA, $MODEL; 1099 unshift @ISA, $MODEL;
791 push @{"$MODEL\::ISA"}, "AnyEvent::Base"; 1100
1101 require AnyEvent::Strict if $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT};
792 1102
793 (shift @post_detect)->() while @post_detect; 1103 (shift @post_detect)->() while @post_detect;
794 } 1104 }
795 1105
796 $MODEL 1106 $MODEL
806 1116
807 my $class = shift; 1117 my $class = shift;
808 $class->$func (@_); 1118 $class->$func (@_);
809} 1119}
810 1120
1121# utility function to dup a filehandle. this is used by many backends
1122# to support binding more than one watcher per filehandle (they usually
1123# allow only one watcher per fd, so we dup it to get a different one).
1124sub _dupfh($$;$$) {
1125 my ($poll, $fh, $r, $w) = @_;
1126
1127 # cygwin requires the fh mode to be matching, unix doesn't
1128 my ($rw, $mode) = $poll eq "r" ? ($r, "<")
1129 : $poll eq "w" ? ($w, ">")
1130 : Carp::croak "AnyEvent->io requires poll set to either 'r' or 'w'";
1131
1132 open my $fh2, "$mode&" . fileno $fh
1133 or die "cannot dup() filehandle: $!,";
1134
1135 # we assume CLOEXEC is already set by perl in all important cases
1136
1137 ($fh2, $rw)
1138}
1139
811package AnyEvent::Base; 1140package AnyEvent::Base;
812 1141
1142# default implementations for many methods
1143
1144BEGIN {
1145 if (eval "use Time::HiRes (); Time::HiRes::time (); 1") {
1146 *_time = \&Time::HiRes::time;
1147 # if (eval "use POSIX (); (POSIX::times())...
1148 } else {
1149 *_time = sub { time }; # epic fail
1150 }
1151}
1152
1153sub time { _time }
1154sub now { _time }
1155sub now_update { }
1156
813# default implementation for ->condvar 1157# default implementation for ->condvar
814 1158
815sub condvar { 1159sub condvar {
816 bless {}, AnyEvent::CondVar:: 1160 bless { @_ == 3 ? (_ae_cb => $_[2]) : () }, "AnyEvent::CondVar"
817} 1161}
818 1162
819# default implementation for ->signal 1163# default implementation for ->signal
820 1164
821our %SIG_CB; 1165our ($SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W, %SIG_CB, %SIG_EV, $SIG_IO);
1166
1167sub _signal_exec {
1168 sysread $SIGPIPE_R, my $dummy, 4;
1169
1170 while (%SIG_EV) {
1171 for (keys %SIG_EV) {
1172 delete $SIG_EV{$_};
1173 $_->() for values %{ $SIG_CB{$_} || {} };
1174 }
1175 }
1176}
822 1177
823sub signal { 1178sub signal {
824 my (undef, %arg) = @_; 1179 my (undef, %arg) = @_;
825 1180
1181 unless ($SIGPIPE_R) {
1182 require Fcntl;
1183
1184 if (AnyEvent::WIN32) {
1185 require AnyEvent::Util;
1186
1187 ($SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W) = AnyEvent::Util::portable_pipe ();
1188 AnyEvent::Util::fh_nonblocking ($SIGPIPE_R) if $SIGPIPE_R;
1189 AnyEvent::Util::fh_nonblocking ($SIGPIPE_W) if $SIGPIPE_W; # just in case
1190 } else {
1191 pipe $SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W;
1192 fcntl $SIGPIPE_R, &Fcntl::F_SETFL, &Fcntl::O_NONBLOCK if $SIGPIPE_R;
1193 fcntl $SIGPIPE_W, &Fcntl::F_SETFL, &Fcntl::O_NONBLOCK if $SIGPIPE_W; # just in case
1194
1195 # not strictly required, as $^F is normally 2, but let's make sure...
1196 fcntl $SIGPIPE_R, &Fcntl::F_SETFD, &Fcntl::FD_CLOEXEC;
1197 fcntl $SIGPIPE_W, &Fcntl::F_SETFD, &Fcntl::FD_CLOEXEC;
1198 }
1199
1200 $SIGPIPE_R
1201 or Carp::croak "AnyEvent: unable to create a signal reporting pipe: $!\n";
1202
1203 $SIG_IO = AnyEvent->io (fh => $SIGPIPE_R, poll => "r", cb => \&_signal_exec);
1204 }
1205
826 my $signal = uc $arg{signal} 1206 my $signal = uc $arg{signal}
827 or Carp::croak "required option 'signal' is missing"; 1207 or Carp::croak "required option 'signal' is missing";
828 1208
829 $SIG_CB{$signal}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb}; 1209 $SIG_CB{$signal}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb};
830 $SIG{$signal} ||= sub { 1210 $SIG{$signal} ||= sub {
831 $_->() for values %{ $SIG_CB{$signal} || {} }; 1211 local $!;
1212 syswrite $SIGPIPE_W, "\x00", 1 unless %SIG_EV;
1213 undef $SIG_EV{$signal};
832 }; 1214 };
833 1215
834 bless [$signal, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::Signal" 1216 bless [$signal, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::signal"
835} 1217}
836 1218
837sub AnyEvent::Base::Signal::DESTROY { 1219sub AnyEvent::Base::signal::DESTROY {
838 my ($signal, $cb) = @{$_[0]}; 1220 my ($signal, $cb) = @{$_[0]};
839 1221
840 delete $SIG_CB{$signal}{$cb}; 1222 delete $SIG_CB{$signal}{$cb};
841 1223
1224 # delete doesn't work with older perls - they then
1225 # print weird messages, or just unconditionally exit
1226 # instead of getting the default action.
842 $SIG{$signal} = 'DEFAULT' unless keys %{ $SIG_CB{$signal} }; 1227 undef $SIG{$signal} unless keys %{ $SIG_CB{$signal} };
843} 1228}
844 1229
845# default implementation for ->child 1230# default implementation for ->child
846 1231
847our %PID_CB; 1232our %PID_CB;
848our $CHLD_W; 1233our $CHLD_W;
849our $CHLD_DELAY_W; 1234our $CHLD_DELAY_W;
850our $PID_IDLE;
851our $WNOHANG; 1235our $WNOHANG;
852 1236
853sub _child_wait { 1237sub _sigchld {
854 while (0 < (my $pid = waitpid -1, $WNOHANG)) { 1238 while (0 < (my $pid = waitpid -1, $WNOHANG)) {
855 $_->($pid, $?) for (values %{ $PID_CB{$pid} || {} }), 1239 $_->($pid, $?) for (values %{ $PID_CB{$pid} || {} }),
856 (values %{ $PID_CB{0} || {} }); 1240 (values %{ $PID_CB{0} || {} });
857 } 1241 }
858
859 undef $PID_IDLE;
860}
861
862sub _sigchld {
863 # make sure we deliver these changes "synchronous" with the event loop.
864 $CHLD_DELAY_W ||= AnyEvent->timer (after => 0, cb => sub {
865 undef $CHLD_DELAY_W;
866 &_child_wait;
867 });
868} 1242}
869 1243
870sub child { 1244sub child {
871 my (undef, %arg) = @_; 1245 my (undef, %arg) = @_;
872 1246
873 defined (my $pid = $arg{pid} + 0) 1247 defined (my $pid = $arg{pid} + 0)
874 or Carp::croak "required option 'pid' is missing"; 1248 or Carp::croak "required option 'pid' is missing";
875 1249
876 $PID_CB{$pid}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb}; 1250 $PID_CB{$pid}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb};
877 1251
878 unless ($WNOHANG) {
879 $WNOHANG = eval { require POSIX; &POSIX::WNOHANG } || 1; 1252 $WNOHANG ||= eval { local $SIG{__DIE__}; require POSIX; &POSIX::WNOHANG } || 1;
880 }
881 1253
882 unless ($CHLD_W) { 1254 unless ($CHLD_W) {
883 $CHLD_W = AnyEvent->signal (signal => 'CHLD', cb => \&_sigchld); 1255 $CHLD_W = AnyEvent->signal (signal => 'CHLD', cb => \&_sigchld);
884 # child could be a zombie already, so make at least one round 1256 # child could be a zombie already, so make at least one round
885 &_sigchld; 1257 &_sigchld;
886 } 1258 }
887 1259
888 bless [$pid, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::Child" 1260 bless [$pid, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::child"
889} 1261}
890 1262
891sub AnyEvent::Base::Child::DESTROY { 1263sub AnyEvent::Base::child::DESTROY {
892 my ($pid, $cb) = @{$_[0]}; 1264 my ($pid, $cb) = @{$_[0]};
893 1265
894 delete $PID_CB{$pid}{$cb}; 1266 delete $PID_CB{$pid}{$cb};
895 delete $PID_CB{$pid} unless keys %{ $PID_CB{$pid} }; 1267 delete $PID_CB{$pid} unless keys %{ $PID_CB{$pid} };
896 1268
897 undef $CHLD_W unless keys %PID_CB; 1269 undef $CHLD_W unless keys %PID_CB;
898} 1270}
899 1271
1272# idle emulation is done by simply using a timer, regardless
1273# of whether the process is idle or not, and not letting
1274# the callback use more than 50% of the time.
1275sub idle {
1276 my (undef, %arg) = @_;
1277
1278 my ($cb, $w, $rcb) = $arg{cb};
1279
1280 $rcb = sub {
1281 if ($cb) {
1282 $w = _time;
1283 &$cb;
1284 $w = _time - $w;
1285
1286 # never use more then 50% of the time for the idle watcher,
1287 # within some limits
1288 $w = 0.0001 if $w < 0.0001;
1289 $w = 5 if $w > 5;
1290
1291 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $w, cb => $rcb);
1292 } else {
1293 # clean up...
1294 undef $w;
1295 undef $rcb;
1296 }
1297 };
1298
1299 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 0.05, cb => $rcb);
1300
1301 bless \\$cb, "AnyEvent::Base::idle"
1302}
1303
1304sub AnyEvent::Base::idle::DESTROY {
1305 undef $${$_[0]};
1306}
1307
900package AnyEvent::CondVar; 1308package AnyEvent::CondVar;
901 1309
902our @ISA = AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::; 1310our @ISA = AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::;
903 1311
904package AnyEvent::CondVar::Base; 1312package AnyEvent::CondVar::Base;
1313
1314use overload
1315 '&{}' => sub { my $self = shift; sub { $self->send (@_) } },
1316 fallback => 1;
905 1317
906sub _send { 1318sub _send {
907 # nop 1319 # nop
908} 1320}
909 1321
944 $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} = $_[1] if @_ > 1; 1356 $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} = $_[1] if @_ > 1;
945} 1357}
946 1358
947sub end { 1359sub end {
948 return if --$_[0]{_ae_counter}; 1360 return if --$_[0]{_ae_counter};
949 &{ $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} } if $_[0]{_ae_end_cb}; 1361 &{ $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} || sub { $_[0]->send } };
950} 1362}
951 1363
952# undocumented/compatibility with pre-3.4 1364# undocumented/compatibility with pre-3.4
953*broadcast = \&send; 1365*broadcast = \&send;
954*wait = \&_wait; 1366*wait = \&_wait;
1367
1368=head1 ERROR AND EXCEPTION HANDLING
1369
1370In general, AnyEvent does not do any error handling - it relies on the
1371caller to do that if required. The L<AnyEvent::Strict> module (see also
1372the C<PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT> environment variable, below) provides strict
1373checking of all AnyEvent methods, however, which is highly useful during
1374development.
1375
1376As for exception handling (i.e. runtime errors and exceptions thrown while
1377executing a callback), this is not only highly event-loop specific, but
1378also not in any way wrapped by this module, as this is the job of the main
1379program.
1380
1381The pure perl event loop simply re-throws the exception (usually
1382within C<< condvar->recv >>), the L<Event> and L<EV> modules call C<<
1383$Event/EV::DIED->() >>, L<Glib> uses C<< install_exception_handler >> and
1384so on.
1385
1386=head1 ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES
1387
1388The following environment variables are used by this module or its
1389submodules.
1390
1391Note that AnyEvent will remove I<all> environment variables starting with
1392C<PERL_ANYEVENT_> from C<%ENV> when it is loaded while taint mode is
1393enabled.
1394
1395=over 4
1396
1397=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE>
1398
1399By default, AnyEvent will be completely silent except in fatal
1400conditions. You can set this environment variable to make AnyEvent more
1401talkative.
1402
1403When set to C<1> or higher, causes AnyEvent to warn about unexpected
1404conditions, such as not being able to load the event model specified by
1405C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>.
1406
1407When set to C<2> or higher, cause AnyEvent to report to STDERR which event
1408model it chooses.
1409
1410=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT>
1411
1412AnyEvent does not do much argument checking by default, as thorough
1413argument checking is very costly. Setting this variable to a true value
1414will cause AnyEvent to load C<AnyEvent::Strict> and then to thoroughly
1415check the arguments passed to most method calls. If it finds any problems,
1416it will croak.
1417
1418In other words, enables "strict" mode.
1419
1420Unlike C<use strict>, it is definitely recommended to keep it off in
1421production. Keeping C<PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT=1> in your environment while
1422developing programs can be very useful, however.
1423
1424=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>
1425
1426This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent, before
1427auto detection and -probing kicks in. It must be a string consisting
1428entirely of ASCII letters. The string C<AnyEvent::Impl::> gets prepended
1429and the resulting module name is loaded and if the load was successful,
1430used as event model. If it fails to load AnyEvent will proceed with
1431auto detection and -probing.
1432
1433This functionality might change in future versions.
1434
1435For example, to force the pure perl model (L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) you
1436could start your program like this:
1437
1438 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ...
1439
1440=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS>
1441
1442Used by both L<AnyEvent::DNS> and L<AnyEvent::Socket> to determine preferences
1443for IPv4 or IPv6. The default is unspecified (and might change, or be the result
1444of auto probing).
1445
1446Must be set to a comma-separated list of protocols or address families,
1447current supported: C<ipv4> and C<ipv6>. Only protocols mentioned will be
1448used, and preference will be given to protocols mentioned earlier in the
1449list.
1450
1451This variable can effectively be used for denial-of-service attacks
1452against local programs (e.g. when setuid), although the impact is likely
1453small, as the program has to handle conenction and other failures anyways.
1454
1455Examples: C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4,ipv6> - prefer IPv4 over IPv6,
1456but support both and try to use both. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4>
1457- only support IPv4, never try to resolve or contact IPv6
1458addresses. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv6,ipv4> support either IPv4 or
1459IPv6, but prefer IPv6 over IPv4.
1460
1461=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_EDNS0>
1462
1463Used by L<AnyEvent::DNS> to decide whether to use the EDNS0 extension
1464for DNS. This extension is generally useful to reduce DNS traffic, but
1465some (broken) firewalls drop such DNS packets, which is why it is off by
1466default.
1467
1468Setting this variable to C<1> will cause L<AnyEvent::DNS> to announce
1469EDNS0 in its DNS requests.
1470
1471=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_FORKS>
1472
1473The maximum number of child processes that C<AnyEvent::Util::fork_call>
1474will create in parallel.
1475
1476=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_OUTSTANDING_DNS>
1477
1478The default value for the C<max_outstanding> parameter for the default DNS
1479resolver - this is the maximum number of parallel DNS requests that are
1480sent to the DNS server.
1481
1482=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_RESOLV_CONF>
1483
1484The file to use instead of F</etc/resolv.conf> (or OS-specific
1485configuration) in the default resolver. When set to the empty string, no
1486default config will be used.
1487
1488=back
955 1489
956=head1 SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE 1490=head1 SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE
957 1491
958This is an advanced topic that you do not normally need to use AnyEvent in 1492This 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 1493a module. This section is only of use to event loop authors who want to
993 1527
994I<rxvt-unicode> also cheats a bit by not providing blocking access to 1528I<rxvt-unicode> also cheats a bit by not providing blocking access to
995condition variables: code blocking while waiting for a condition will 1529condition variables: code blocking while waiting for a condition will
996C<die>. This still works with most modules/usages, and blocking calls must 1530C<die>. This still works with most modules/usages, and blocking calls must
997not be done in an interactive application, so it makes sense. 1531not 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 1532
1036=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 1533=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
1037 1534
1038The following program uses an I/O watcher to read data from STDIN, a timer 1535The 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 1536to display a message once per second, and a condition variable to quit the
1048 poll => 'r', 1545 poll => 'r',
1049 cb => sub { 1546 cb => sub {
1050 warn "io event <$_[0]>\n"; # will always output <r> 1547 warn "io event <$_[0]>\n"; # will always output <r>
1051 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>); # read a line 1548 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>); # read a line
1052 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read 1549 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read
1053 $cv->broadcast if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i 1550 $cv->send if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i
1054 }, 1551 },
1055 ); 1552 );
1056 1553
1057 my $time_watcher; # can only be used once 1554 my $time_watcher; # can only be used once
1058 1555
1063 }); 1560 });
1064 } 1561 }
1065 1562
1066 new_timer; # create first timer 1563 new_timer; # create first timer
1067 1564
1068 $cv->wait; # wait until user enters /^q/i 1565 $cv->recv; # wait until user enters /^q/i
1069 1566
1070=head1 REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE 1567=head1 REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE
1071 1568
1072Consider the L<Net::FCP> module. It features (among others) the following 1569Consider the L<Net::FCP> module. It features (among others) the following
1073API calls, which are to freenet what HTTP GET requests are to http: 1570API calls, which are to freenet what HTTP GET requests are to http:
1123 syswrite $txn->{fh}, $txn->{request} 1620 syswrite $txn->{fh}, $txn->{request}
1124 or die "connection or write error"; 1621 or die "connection or write error";
1125 $txn->{w} = AnyEvent->io (fh => $txn->{fh}, poll => 'r', cb => sub { $txn->fh_ready_r }); 1622 $txn->{w} = AnyEvent->io (fh => $txn->{fh}, poll => 'r', cb => sub { $txn->fh_ready_r });
1126 1623
1127Again, C<fh_ready_r> waits till all data has arrived, and then stores the 1624Again, 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: 1625result and signals any possible waiters that the request has finished:
1129 1626
1130 sysread $txn->{fh}, $txn->{buf}, length $txn->{$buf}; 1627 sysread $txn->{fh}, $txn->{buf}, length $txn->{$buf};
1131 1628
1132 if (end-of-file or data complete) { 1629 if (end-of-file or data complete) {
1133 $txn->{result} = $txn->{buf}; 1630 $txn->{result} = $txn->{buf};
1134 $txn->{finished}->broadcast; 1631 $txn->{finished}->send;
1135 $txb->{cb}->($txn) of $txn->{cb}; # also call callback 1632 $txb->{cb}->($txn) of $txn->{cb}; # also call callback
1136 } 1633 }
1137 1634
1138The C<result> method, finally, just waits for the finished signal (if the 1635The 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 1636request was already finished, it doesn't wait, of course, and returns the
1140data: 1637data:
1141 1638
1142 $txn->{finished}->wait; 1639 $txn->{finished}->recv;
1143 return $txn->{result}; 1640 return $txn->{result};
1144 1641
1145The actual code goes further and collects all errors (C<die>s, exceptions) 1642The actual code goes further and collects all errors (C<die>s, exceptions)
1146that occured during request processing. The C<result> method detects 1643that occurred during request processing. The C<result> method detects
1147whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn object) 1644whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn object)
1148and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and other 1645and 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 1646problems get reported tot he code that tries to use the result, not in a
1150random callback. 1647random callback.
1151 1648
1182 1679
1183 my $quit = AnyEvent->condvar; 1680 my $quit = AnyEvent->condvar;
1184 1681
1185 $fcp->txn_client_get ($url)->cb (sub { 1682 $fcp->txn_client_get ($url)->cb (sub {
1186 ... 1683 ...
1187 $quit->broadcast; 1684 $quit->send;
1188 }); 1685 });
1189 1686
1190 $quit->wait; 1687 $quit->recv;
1191 1688
1192 1689
1193=head1 BENCHMARKS 1690=head1 BENCHMARKS
1194 1691
1195To give you an idea of the performance and overheads that AnyEvent adds 1692To give you an idea of the performance and overheads that AnyEvent adds
1197of various event loops I prepared some benchmarks. 1694of various event loops I prepared some benchmarks.
1198 1695
1199=head2 BENCHMARKING ANYEVENT OVERHEAD 1696=head2 BENCHMARKING ANYEVENT OVERHEAD
1200 1697
1201Here is a benchmark of various supported event models used natively and 1698Here is a benchmark of various supported event models used natively and
1202through anyevent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero 1699through AnyEvent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero
1203timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable, 1700timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable,
1204which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again. 1701which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again.
1205 1702
1206Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench> in the AnyEvent 1703Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench> in the AnyEvent
1207distribution. 1704distribution.
1224all watchers, to avoid adding memory overhead. That means closure creation 1721all watchers, to avoid adding memory overhead. That means closure creation
1225and memory usage is not included in the figures. 1722and memory usage is not included in the figures.
1226 1723
1227I<invoke> is the time, in microseconds, used to invoke a simple 1724I<invoke> is the time, in microseconds, used to invoke a simple
1228callback. The callback simply counts down a Perl variable and after it was 1725callback. The callback simply counts down a Perl variable and after it was
1229invoked "watcher" times, it would C<< ->broadcast >> a condvar once to 1726invoked "watcher" times, it would C<< ->send >> a condvar once to
1230signal the end of this phase. 1727signal the end of this phase.
1231 1728
1232I<destroy> is the time, in microseconds, that it takes to destroy a single 1729I<destroy> is the time, in microseconds, that it takes to destroy a single
1233watcher. 1730watcher.
1234 1731
1235=head3 Results 1732=head3 Results
1236 1733
1237 name watchers bytes create invoke destroy comment 1734 name watchers bytes create invoke destroy comment
1238 EV/EV 400000 244 0.56 0.46 0.31 EV native interface 1735 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 1736 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 1737 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 1738 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 1739 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 1740 Event/Any 16000 590 35.85 31.55 1.06 Event + AnyEvent watchers
1741 IOAsync/Any 16000 989 38.10 32.77 11.13 via IO::Async::Loop::IO_Poll
1742 IOAsync/Any 16000 990 37.59 29.50 10.61 via IO::Async::Loop::Epoll
1244 Glib/Any 16000 1357 98.22 12.41 54.00 quadratic behaviour 1743 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 1744 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 1745 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 1746 POE/Select 2000 6027 94.54 809.13 579.80 via POE::Loop::Select
1248 1747
1249=head3 Discussion 1748=head3 Discussion
1250 1749
1251The benchmark does I<not> measure scalability of the event loop very 1750The 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) 1751well. For example, a select-based event loop (such as the pure perl one)
1277performance becomes really bad with lots of file descriptors (and few of 1776performance becomes really bad with lots of file descriptors (and few of
1278them active), of course, but this was not subject of this benchmark. 1777them active), of course, but this was not subject of this benchmark.
1279 1778
1280The C<Event> module has a relatively high setup and callback invocation 1779The C<Event> module has a relatively high setup and callback invocation
1281cost, but overall scores in on the third place. 1780cost, but overall scores in on the third place.
1781
1782C<IO::Async> performs admirably well, about on par with C<Event>, even
1783when using its pure perl backend.
1282 1784
1283C<Glib>'s memory usage is quite a bit higher, but it features a 1785C<Glib>'s memory usage is quite a bit higher, but it features a
1284faster callback invocation and overall ends up in the same class as 1786faster callback invocation and overall ends up in the same class as
1285C<Event>. However, Glib scales extremely badly, doubling the number of 1787C<Event>. However, Glib scales extremely badly, doubling the number of
1286watchers increases the processing time by more than a factor of four, 1788watchers increases the processing time by more than a factor of four,
1330 1832
1331=back 1833=back
1332 1834
1333=head2 BENCHMARKING THE LARGE SERVER CASE 1835=head2 BENCHMARKING THE LARGE SERVER CASE
1334 1836
1335This benchmark atcually benchmarks the event loop itself. It works by 1837This benchmark actually benchmarks the event loop itself. It works by
1336creating a number of "servers": each server consists of a socketpair, a 1838creating 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 1839timeout 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 1840watcher 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". 1841watcher reads a byte it will write that byte to a random other "server".
1340 1842
1341The effect is that there will be a lot of I/O watchers, only part of which 1843The 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 1844are 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 1845fds for each loop iteration, but which fds these are is random). The
1344timeout is reset each time something is read because that reflects how 1846timeout is reset each time something is read because that reflects how
1345most timeouts work (and puts extra pressure on the event loops). 1847most timeouts work (and puts extra pressure on the event loops).
1346 1848
1347In this benchmark, we use 10000 socketpairs (20000 sockets), of which 100 1849In 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 1850(1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with many
1349connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time. 1851connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time.
1350 1852
1351Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench2> in the AnyEvent 1853Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench2> in the AnyEvent
1352distribution. 1854distribution.
1354=head3 Explanation of the columns 1856=head3 Explanation of the columns
1355 1857
1356I<sockets> is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" (as 1858I<sockets> is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" (as
1357each server has a read and write socket end). 1859each server has a read and write socket end).
1358 1860
1359I<create> is the time it takes to create a socketpair (which is 1861I<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. 1862nontrivial) and two watchers: an I/O watcher and a timeout watcher.
1361 1863
1362I<request>, the most important value, is the time it takes to handle a 1864I<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 1865single "request", that is, reading the token from the pipe and forwarding
1364it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout and creating 1866it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout and creating
1365a new one that moves the timeout into the future. 1867a new one that moves the timeout into the future.
1366 1868
1367=head3 Results 1869=head3 Results
1368 1870
1369 name sockets create request 1871 name sockets create request
1370 EV 20000 69.01 11.16 1872 EV 20000 69.01 11.16
1371 Perl 20000 73.32 35.87 1873 Perl 20000 73.32 35.87
1874 IOAsync 20000 157.00 98.14 epoll
1875 IOAsync 20000 159.31 616.06 poll
1372 Event 20000 212.62 257.32 1876 Event 20000 212.62 257.32
1373 Glib 20000 651.16 1896.30 1877 Glib 20000 651.16 1896.30
1374 POE 20000 349.67 12317.24 uses POE::Loop::Event 1878 POE 20000 349.67 12317.24 uses POE::Loop::Event
1375 1879
1376=head3 Discussion 1880=head3 Discussion
1377 1881
1378This benchmark I<does> measure scalability and overall performance of the 1882This benchmark I<does> measure scalability and overall performance of the
1379particular event loop. 1883particular event loop.
1381EV is again fastest. Since it is using epoll on my system, the setup time 1885EV is again fastest. Since it is using epoll on my system, the setup time
1382is relatively high, though. 1886is relatively high, though.
1383 1887
1384Perl surprisingly comes second. It is much faster than the C-based event 1888Perl surprisingly comes second. It is much faster than the C-based event
1385loops Event and Glib. 1889loops Event and Glib.
1890
1891IO::Async performs very well when using its epoll backend, and still quite
1892good compared to Glib when using its pure perl backend.
1386 1893
1387Event suffers from high setup time as well (look at its code and you will 1894Event suffers from high setup time as well (look at its code and you will
1388understand why). Callback invocation also has a high overhead compared to 1895understand why). Callback invocation also has a high overhead compared to
1389the C<< $_->() for .. >>-style loop that the Perl event loop uses. Event 1896the C<< $_->() for .. >>-style loop that the Perl event loop uses. Event
1390uses select or poll in basically all documented configurations. 1897uses select or poll in basically all documented configurations.
1437speed most when you have lots of watchers, not when you only have a few of 1944speed most when you have lots of watchers, not when you only have a few of
1438them). 1945them).
1439 1946
1440EV is again fastest. 1947EV is again fastest.
1441 1948
1442Perl again comes second. It is noticably faster than the C-based event 1949Perl again comes second. It is noticeably faster than the C-based event
1443loops Event and Glib, although the difference is too small to really 1950loops Event and Glib, although the difference is too small to really
1444matter. 1951matter.
1445 1952
1446POE also performs much better in this case, but is is still far behind the 1953POE also performs much better in this case, but is is still far behind the
1447others. 1954others.
1453=item * C-based event loops perform very well with small number of 1960=item * C-based event loops perform very well with small number of
1454watchers, as the management overhead dominates. 1961watchers, as the management overhead dominates.
1455 1962
1456=back 1963=back
1457 1964
1965=head2 THE IO::Lambda BENCHMARK
1966
1967Recently I was told about the benchmark in the IO::Lambda manpage, which
1968could be misinterpreted to make AnyEvent look bad. In fact, the benchmark
1969simply compares IO::Lambda with POE, and IO::Lambda looks better (which
1970shouldn't come as a surprise to anybody). As such, the benchmark is
1971fine, and mostly shows that the AnyEvent backend from IO::Lambda isn't
1972very optimal. But how would AnyEvent compare when used without the extra
1973baggage? To explore this, I wrote the equivalent benchmark for AnyEvent.
1974
1975The benchmark itself creates an echo-server, and then, for 500 times,
1976connects to the echo server, sends a line, waits for the reply, and then
1977creates the next connection. This is a rather bad benchmark, as it doesn't
1978test the efficiency of the framework or much non-blocking I/O, but it is a
1979benchmark nevertheless.
1980
1981 name runtime
1982 Lambda/select 0.330 sec
1983 + optimized 0.122 sec
1984 Lambda/AnyEvent 0.327 sec
1985 + optimized 0.138 sec
1986 Raw sockets/select 0.077 sec
1987 POE/select, components 0.662 sec
1988 POE/select, raw sockets 0.226 sec
1989 POE/select, optimized 0.404 sec
1990
1991 AnyEvent/select/nb 0.085 sec
1992 AnyEvent/EV/nb 0.068 sec
1993 +state machine 0.134 sec
1994
1995The benchmark is also a bit unfair (my fault): the IO::Lambda/POE
1996benchmarks actually make blocking connects and use 100% blocking I/O,
1997defeating the purpose of an event-based solution. All of the newly
1998written AnyEvent benchmarks use 100% non-blocking connects (using
1999AnyEvent::Socket::tcp_connect and the asynchronous pure perl DNS
2000resolver), so AnyEvent is at a disadvantage here, as non-blocking connects
2001generally require a lot more bookkeeping and event handling than blocking
2002connects (which involve a single syscall only).
2003
2004The last AnyEvent benchmark additionally uses L<AnyEvent::Handle>, which
2005offers similar expressive power as POE and IO::Lambda, using conventional
2006Perl syntax. This means that both the echo server and the client are 100%
2007non-blocking, further placing it at a disadvantage.
2008
2009As you can see, the AnyEvent + EV combination even beats the
2010hand-optimised "raw sockets benchmark", while AnyEvent + its pure perl
2011backend easily beats IO::Lambda and POE.
2012
2013And even the 100% non-blocking version written using the high-level (and
2014slow :) L<AnyEvent::Handle> abstraction beats both POE and IO::Lambda by a
2015large margin, even though it does all of DNS, tcp-connect and socket I/O
2016in a non-blocking way.
2017
2018The two AnyEvent benchmarks programs can be found as F<eg/ae0.pl> and
2019F<eg/ae2.pl> in the AnyEvent distribution, the remaining benchmarks are
2020part of the IO::lambda distribution and were used without any changes.
2021
2022
2023=head1 SIGNALS
2024
2025AnyEvent currently installs handlers for these signals:
2026
2027=over 4
2028
2029=item SIGCHLD
2030
2031A handler for C<SIGCHLD> is installed by AnyEvent's child watcher
2032emulation for event loops that do not support them natively. Also, some
2033event loops install a similar handler.
2034
2035If, when AnyEvent is loaded, SIGCHLD is set to IGNORE, then AnyEvent will
2036reset it to default, to avoid losing child exit statuses.
2037
2038=item SIGPIPE
2039
2040A no-op handler is installed for C<SIGPIPE> when C<$SIG{PIPE}> is C<undef>
2041when AnyEvent gets loaded.
2042
2043The rationale for this is that AnyEvent users usually do not really depend
2044on SIGPIPE delivery (which is purely an optimisation for shell use, or
2045badly-written programs), but C<SIGPIPE> can cause spurious and rare
2046program exits as a lot of people do not expect C<SIGPIPE> when writing to
2047some random socket.
2048
2049The rationale for installing a no-op handler as opposed to ignoring it is
2050that this way, the handler will be restored to defaults on exec.
2051
2052Feel free to install your own handler, or reset it to defaults.
2053
2054=back
2055
2056=cut
2057
2058undef $SIG{CHLD}
2059 if $SIG{CHLD} eq 'IGNORE';
2060
2061$SIG{PIPE} = sub { }
2062 unless defined $SIG{PIPE};
1458 2063
1459=head1 FORK 2064=head1 FORK
1460 2065
1461Most event libraries are not fork-safe. The ones who are usually are 2066Most event libraries are not fork-safe. The ones who are usually are
1462because they rely on inefficient but fork-safe C<select> or C<poll> 2067because they rely on inefficient but fork-safe C<select> or C<poll>
1476specified in the variable. 2081specified in the variable.
1477 2082
1478You can make AnyEvent completely ignore this variable by deleting it 2083You can make AnyEvent completely ignore this variable by deleting it
1479before the first watcher gets created, e.g. with a C<BEGIN> block: 2084before the first watcher gets created, e.g. with a C<BEGIN> block:
1480 2085
1481 BEGIN { delete $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} } 2086 BEGIN { delete $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} }
1482 2087
1483 use AnyEvent; 2088 use AnyEvent;
1484 2089
1485Similar considerations apply to $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}, as that can 2090Similar considerations apply to $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}, as that can
1486be used to probe what backend is used and gain other information (which is 2091be used to probe what backend is used and gain other information (which is
1487probably even less useful to an attacker than PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL). 2092probably even less useful to an attacker than PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL), and
2093$ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT}.
2094
2095Note that AnyEvent will remove I<all> environment variables starting with
2096C<PERL_ANYEVENT_> from C<%ENV> when it is loaded while taint mode is
2097enabled.
2098
2099
2100=head1 BUGS
2101
2102Perl 5.8 has numerous memleaks that sometimes hit this module and are hard
2103to work around. If you suffer from memleaks, first upgrade to Perl 5.10
2104and check wether the leaks still show up. (Perl 5.10.0 has other annoying
2105memleaks, such as leaking on C<map> and C<grep> but it is usually not as
2106pronounced).
1488 2107
1489 2108
1490=head1 SEE ALSO 2109=head1 SEE ALSO
2110
2111Utility functions: L<AnyEvent::Util>.
1491 2112
1492Event modules: L<EV>, L<EV::Glib>, L<Glib::EV>, L<Event>, L<Glib::Event>, 2113Event 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>. 2114L<Glib>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, L<POE>.
1494 2115
1495Implementations: L<AnyEvent::Impl::EV>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Event>, 2116Implementations: L<AnyEvent::Impl::EV>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Event>,
1496L<AnyEvent::Impl::Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Tk>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>, 2117L<AnyEvent::Impl::Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Tk>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>,
1497L<AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Qt>, 2118L<AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Qt>,
1498L<AnyEvent::Impl::POE>. 2119L<AnyEvent::Impl::POE>.
1499 2120
2121Non-blocking file handles, sockets, TCP clients and
2122servers: L<AnyEvent::Handle>, L<AnyEvent::Socket>.
2123
2124Asynchronous DNS: L<AnyEvent::DNS>.
2125
1500Coroutine support: L<Coro>, L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>, 2126Coroutine support: L<Coro>, L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>,
1501 2127
1502Nontrivial usage examples: L<Net::FCP>, L<Net::XMPP2>. 2128Nontrivial usage examples: L<Net::FCP>, L<Net::XMPP2>, L<AnyEvent::DNS>.
1503 2129
1504 2130
1505=head1 AUTHOR 2131=head1 AUTHOR
1506 2132
1507 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 2133 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
1508 http://home.schmorp.de/ 2134 http://home.schmorp.de/
1509 2135
1510=cut 2136=cut
1511 2137
15121 21381
1513 2139

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