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1=head1 => NAME 1=head1 NAME
2 2
3AnyEvent - provide framework for multiple event loops 3AnyEvent - the DBI of event loop programming
4 4
5EV, Event, Glib, Tk, Perl, Event::Lib, Qt, POE - various supported event loops 5EV, Event, Glib, Tk, Perl, Event::Lib, Irssi, rxvt-unicode, IO::Async, Qt
6and POE are various supported event loops/environments.
6 7
7=head1 SYNOPSIS 8=head1 SYNOPSIS
8 9
9 use AnyEvent; 10 use AnyEvent;
10 11
12 # 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.
45
46=head1 SUPPORT
47
48There is a mailinglist for discussing all things AnyEvent, and an IRC
49channel, too.
50
51See the AnyEvent project page at the B<Schmorpforge Ta-Sa Software
52Repository>, at L<http://anyevent.schmorp.de>, for more info.
22 53
23=head1 WHY YOU SHOULD USE THIS MODULE (OR NOT) 54=head1 WHY YOU SHOULD USE THIS MODULE (OR NOT)
24 55
25Glib, POE, IO::Async, Event... CPAN offers event models by the dozen 56Glib, POE, IO::Async, Event... CPAN offers event models by the dozen
26nowadays. So what is different about AnyEvent? 57nowadays. So what is different about AnyEvent?
27 58
28Executive Summary: AnyEvent is I<compatible>, AnyEvent is I<free of 59Executive Summary: AnyEvent is I<compatible>, AnyEvent is I<free of
29policy> and AnyEvent is I<small and efficient>. 60policy> and AnyEvent is I<small and efficient>.
30 61
31First and foremost, I<AnyEvent is not an event model> itself, it only 62First 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 63interfaces to whatever event model the main program happens to use, in a
33pragmatic way. For event models and certain classes of immortals alike, 64pragmatic way. For event models and certain classes of immortals alike,
34the statement "there can only be one" is a bitter reality: In general, 65the 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 66only one event loop can be active at the same time in a process. AnyEvent
36helps hiding the differences between those event loops. 67cannot change this, but it can hide the differences between those event
68loops.
37 69
38The goal of AnyEvent is to offer module authors the ability to do event 70The 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 71programming (waiting for I/O or timer events) without subscribing to a
40religion, a way of living, and most importantly: without forcing your 72religion, a way of living, and most importantly: without forcing your
41module users into the same thing by forcing them to use the same event 73module users into the same thing by forcing them to use the same event
42model you use. 74model you use.
43 75
44For modules like POE or IO::Async (which is a total misnomer as it is 76For 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 77actually 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 78like 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 79cannot use anything else, as they are simply incompatible to everything
48isn't itself. What's worse, all the potential users of your module are 80that isn't them. What's worse, all the potential users of your
49I<also> forced to use the same event loop you use. 81module are I<also> forced to use the same event loop you use.
50 82
51AnyEvent is different: AnyEvent + POE works fine. AnyEvent + Glib works 83AnyEvent is different: AnyEvent + POE works fine. AnyEvent + Glib works
52fine. AnyEvent + Tk works fine etc. etc. but none of these work together 84fine. 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 85with 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, 86your 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 87too. But if your module uses AnyEvent, it works transparently with all
56event models it supports (including stuff like POE and IO::Async, as long 88event 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 89use one of the supported event loops. It is trivial to add new event loops
58event loops to AnyEvent, too, so it is future-proof). 90to AnyEvent, too, so it is future-proof).
59 91
60In addition to being free of having to use I<the one and only true event 92In 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 93model>, AnyEvent also is free of bloat and policy: with POE or similar
62modules, you get an enormous amount of code and strict rules you have to 94modules, 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 95follow. AnyEvent, on the other hand, is lean and up to the point, by only
121These watchers are normal Perl objects with normal Perl lifetime. After 153These watchers are normal Perl objects with normal Perl lifetime. After
122creating a watcher it will immediately "watch" for events and invoke the 154creating a watcher it will immediately "watch" for events and invoke the
123callback when the event occurs (of course, only when the event model 155callback when the event occurs (of course, only when the event model
124is in control). 156is in control).
125 157
158Note that B<callbacks must not permanently change global variables>
159potentially in use by the event loop (such as C<$_> or C<$[>) and that B<<
160callbacks must not C<die> >>. The former is good programming practise in
161Perl and the latter stems from the fact that exception handling differs
162widely between event loops.
163
126To disable the watcher you have to destroy it (e.g. by setting the 164To disable the watcher you have to destroy it (e.g. by setting the
127variable you store it in to C<undef> or otherwise deleting all references 165variable you store it in to C<undef> or otherwise deleting all references
128to it). 166to it).
129 167
130All watchers are created by calling a method on the C<AnyEvent> class. 168All watchers are created by calling a method on the C<AnyEvent> class.
132Many watchers either are used with "recursion" (repeating timers for 170Many watchers either are used with "recursion" (repeating timers for
133example), or need to refer to their watcher object in other ways. 171example), or need to refer to their watcher object in other ways.
134 172
135An any way to achieve that is this pattern: 173An any way to achieve that is this pattern:
136 174
137 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->type (arg => value ..., cb => sub { 175 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->type (arg => value ..., cb => sub {
138 # you can use $w here, for example to undef it 176 # you can use $w here, for example to undef it
139 undef $w; 177 undef $w;
140 }); 178 });
141 179
142Note that C<my $w; $w => combination. This is necessary because in Perl, 180Note that C<my $w; $w => combination. This is necessary because in Perl,
143my variables are only visible after the statement in which they are 181my variables are only visible after the statement in which they are
144declared. 182declared.
145 183
146=head2 I/O WATCHERS 184=head2 I/O WATCHERS
147 185
148You can create an I/O watcher by calling the C<< AnyEvent->io >> method 186You can create an I/O watcher by calling the C<< AnyEvent->io >> method
149with the following mandatory key-value pairs as arguments: 187with the following mandatory key-value pairs as arguments:
150 188
151C<fh> the Perl I<file handle> (I<not> file descriptor) to watch 189C<fh> is the Perl I<file handle> (or a naked file descriptor) to watch
190for events (AnyEvent might or might not keep a reference to this file
191handle). Note that only file handles pointing to things for which
192non-blocking operation makes sense are allowed. This includes sockets,
193most character devices, pipes, fifos and so on, but not for example files
194or block devices.
195
152for events. C<poll> must be a string that is either C<r> or C<w>, 196C<poll> must be a string that is either C<r> or C<w>, which creates a
153which creates a watcher waiting for "r"eadable or "w"ritable events, 197watcher waiting for "r"eadable or "w"ritable events, respectively.
198
154respectively. C<cb> is the callback to invoke each time the file handle 199C<cb> is the callback to invoke each time the file handle becomes ready.
155becomes ready.
156 200
157Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 201Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
158presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent 202presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent
159callbacks cannot use arguments passed to I/O watcher callbacks. 203callbacks cannot use arguments passed to I/O watcher callbacks.
160 204
164 208
165Some event loops issue spurious readyness notifications, so you should 209Some event loops issue spurious readyness notifications, so you should
166always use non-blocking calls when reading/writing from/to your file 210always use non-blocking calls when reading/writing from/to your file
167handles. 211handles.
168 212
169Example:
170
171 # wait for readability of STDIN, then read a line and disable the watcher 213Example: wait for readability of STDIN, then read a line and disable the
214watcher.
215
172 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => \*STDIN, poll => 'r', cb => sub { 216 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => \*STDIN, poll => 'r', cb => sub {
173 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>); 217 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>);
174 warn "read: $input\n"; 218 warn "read: $input\n";
175 undef $w; 219 undef $w;
176 }); 220 });
186 230
187Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 231Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
188presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent 232presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent
189callbacks cannot use arguments passed to time watcher callbacks. 233callbacks cannot use arguments passed to time watcher callbacks.
190 234
191The timer callback will be invoked at most once: if you want a repeating 235The callback will normally be invoked once only. If you specify another
192timer you have to create a new watcher (this is a limitation by both Tk 236parameter, C<interval>, as a strictly positive number (> 0), then the
193and Glib). 237callback will be invoked regularly at that interval (in fractional
238seconds) after the first invocation. If C<interval> is specified with a
239false value, then it is treated as if it were missing.
194 240
195Example: 241The callback will be rescheduled before invoking the callback, but no
242attempt is done to avoid timer drift in most backends, so the interval is
243only approximate.
196 244
197 # fire an event after 7.7 seconds 245Example: fire an event after 7.7 seconds.
246
198 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 7.7, cb => sub { 247 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 7.7, cb => sub {
199 warn "timeout\n"; 248 warn "timeout\n";
200 }); 249 });
201 250
202 # to cancel the timer: 251 # to cancel the timer:
203 undef $w; 252 undef $w;
204 253
205Example 2:
206
207 # fire an event after 0.5 seconds, then roughly every second 254Example 2: fire an event after 0.5 seconds, then roughly every second.
208 my $w;
209 255
210 my $cb = sub {
211 # cancel the old timer while creating a new one
212 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 1, cb => $cb); 256 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 0.5, interval => 1, cb => sub {
257 warn "timeout\n";
213 }; 258 };
214
215 # start the "loop" by creating the first watcher
216 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 0.5, cb => $cb);
217 259
218=head3 TIMING ISSUES 260=head3 TIMING ISSUES
219 261
220There are two ways to handle timers: based on real time (relative, "fire 262There are two ways to handle timers: based on real time (relative, "fire
221in 10 seconds") and based on wallclock time (absolute, "fire at 12 263in 10 seconds") and based on wallclock time (absolute, "fire at 12
243 285
244This returns the "current wallclock time" as a fractional number of 286This returns the "current wallclock time" as a fractional number of
245seconds since the Epoch (the same thing as C<time> or C<Time::HiRes::time> 287seconds since the Epoch (the same thing as C<time> or C<Time::HiRes::time>
246return, and the result is guaranteed to be compatible with those). 288return, and the result is guaranteed to be compatible with those).
247 289
248It progresses independently of any event loop processing. 290It progresses independently of any event loop processing, i.e. each call
249 291will check the system clock, which usually gets updated frequently.
250In almost all cases (in all cases if you don't care), this is the function
251to call when you want to know the current time.
252 292
253=item AnyEvent->now 293=item AnyEvent->now
254 294
255This also returns the "current wallclock time", but unlike C<time>, above, 295This also returns the "current wallclock time", but unlike C<time>, above,
256this value might change only once per event loop iteration, depending on 296this value might change only once per event loop iteration, depending on
257the event loop (most return the same time as C<time>, above). This is the 297the event loop (most return the same time as C<time>, above). This is the
258time that AnyEvent timers get scheduled against. 298time that AnyEvent's timers get scheduled against.
299
300I<In almost all cases (in all cases if you don't care), this is the
301function to call when you want to know the current time.>
302
303This function is also often faster then C<< AnyEvent->time >>, and
304thus the preferred method if you want some timestamp (for example,
305L<AnyEvent::Handle> uses this to update it's activity timeouts).
306
307The rest of this section is only of relevance if you try to be very exact
308with your timing, you can skip it without bad conscience.
259 309
260For a practical example of when these times differ, consider L<Event::Lib> 310For a practical example of when these times differ, consider L<Event::Lib>
261and L<EV> and the following set-up: 311and L<EV> and the following set-up:
262 312
263The event loop is running and has just invoked one of your callback at 313The event loop is running and has just invoked one of your callback at
268 318
269With L<Event::Lib>, C<< AnyEvent->time >> and C<< AnyEvent->now >> will 319With L<Event::Lib>, C<< AnyEvent->time >> and C<< AnyEvent->now >> will
270both return C<501>, because that is the current time, and the timer will 320both return C<501>, because that is the current time, and the timer will
271be scheduled to fire at time=504 (C<501> + C<3>). 321be scheduled to fire at time=504 (C<501> + C<3>).
272 322
273With L<EV>m C<< AnyEvent->time >> returns C<501> (as that is the current 323With L<EV>, C<< AnyEvent->time >> returns C<501> (as that is the current
274time), but C<< AnyEvent->now >> returns C<500>, as that is the time the 324time), but C<< AnyEvent->now >> returns C<500>, as that is the time the
275last event processing phase started. With L<EV>, your timer gets scheduled 325last event processing phase started. With L<EV>, your timer gets scheduled
276to run at time=503 (C<500> + C<3>). 326to run at time=503 (C<500> + C<3>).
277 327
278In one sense, L<Event::Lib> is more exact, as it uses the current time 328In one sense, L<Event::Lib> is more exact, as it uses the current time
279regardless of any delays introduced by event processing. However, most 329regardless of any delays introduced by event processing. However, most
280callbacks do not expect large delays in processing, so this causes a 330callbacks do not expect large delays in processing, so this causes a
281higher drift (and a lot more syscalls to get the current time). 331higher drift (and a lot more system calls to get the current time).
282 332
283In another sense, L<EV> is more exact, as your timer will be scheduled at 333In another sense, L<EV> is more exact, as your timer will be scheduled at
284the same time, regardless of how long event processing actually took. 334the same time, regardless of how long event processing actually took.
285 335
286In either case, if you care (and in most cases, you don't), then you 336In either case, if you care (and in most cases, you don't), then you
287can get whatever behaviour you want with any event loop, by taking the 337can get whatever behaviour you want with any event loop, by taking the
288difference between C<< AnyEvent->time >> and C<< AnyEvent->now >> into 338difference between C<< AnyEvent->time >> and C<< AnyEvent->now >> into
289account. 339account.
290 340
341=item AnyEvent->now_update
342
343Some event loops (such as L<EV> or L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) cache
344the current time for each loop iteration (see the discussion of L<<
345AnyEvent->now >>, above).
346
347When a callback runs for a long time (or when the process sleeps), then
348this "current" time will differ substantially from the real time, which
349might affect timers and time-outs.
350
351When this is the case, you can call this method, which will update the
352event loop's idea of "current time".
353
354Note that updating the time I<might> cause some events to be handled.
355
291=back 356=back
292 357
293=head2 SIGNAL WATCHERS 358=head2 SIGNAL WATCHERS
294 359
295You can watch for signals using a signal watcher, C<signal> is the signal 360You can watch for signals using a signal watcher, C<signal> is the signal
296I<name> without any C<SIG> prefix, C<cb> is the Perl callback to 361I<name> in uppercase and without any C<SIG> prefix, C<cb> is the Perl
297be invoked whenever a signal occurs. 362callback to be invoked whenever a signal occurs.
298 363
299Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 364Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
300presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent 365presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent
301callbacks cannot use arguments passed to signal watcher callbacks. 366callbacks cannot use arguments passed to signal watcher callbacks.
302 367
304invocation, and callback invocation will be synchronous. Synchronous means 369invocation, and callback invocation will be synchronous. Synchronous means
305that it might take a while until the signal gets handled by the process, 370that it might take a while until the signal gets handled by the process,
306but it is guaranteed not to interrupt any other callbacks. 371but it is guaranteed not to interrupt any other callbacks.
307 372
308The main advantage of using these watchers is that you can share a signal 373The main advantage of using these watchers is that you can share a signal
309between multiple watchers. 374between multiple watchers, and AnyEvent will ensure that signals will not
375interrupt your program at bad times.
310 376
311This watcher might use C<%SIG>, so programs overwriting those signals 377This watcher might use C<%SIG> (depending on the event loop used),
312directly will likely not work correctly. 378so programs overwriting those signals directly will likely not work
379correctly.
313 380
314Example: exit on SIGINT 381Example: exit on SIGINT
315 382
316 my $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => "INT", cb => sub { exit 1 }); 383 my $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => "INT", cb => sub { exit 1 });
317 384
385=head3 Signal Races, Delays and Workarounds
386
387Many event loops (e.g. Glib, Tk, Qt, IO::Async) do not support attaching
388callbacks to signals in a generic way, which is a pity, as you cannot do
389race-free signal handling in perl. AnyEvent will try to do it's best, but
390in some cases, signals will be delayed. The maximum time a signal might
391be delayed is specified in C<$AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY> (default: 10
392seconds). This variable can be changed only before the first signal
393watcher is created, and should be left alone otherwise. Higher values
394will cause fewer spurious wake-ups, which is better for power and CPU
395saving. All these problems can be avoided by installing the optional
396L<Async::Interrupt> module. This will not work with inherently broken
397event loops such as L<Event> or L<Event::Lib> (and not with L<POE>
398currently, as POE does it's own workaround with one-second latency). With
399those, you just have to suffer the delays.
400
318=head2 CHILD PROCESS WATCHERS 401=head2 CHILD PROCESS WATCHERS
319 402
320You can also watch on a child process exit and catch its exit status. 403You can also watch on a child process exit and catch its exit status.
321 404
322The child process is specified by the C<pid> argument (if set to C<0>, it 405The child process is specified by the C<pid> argument (one some backends,
323watches for any child process exit). The watcher will trigger as often 406using C<0> watches for any child process exit, on others this will
324as status change for the child are received. This works by installing a 407croak). The watcher will be triggered only when the child process has
325signal handler for C<SIGCHLD>. The callback will be called with the pid 408finished and an exit status is available, not on any trace events
326and exit status (as returned by waitpid), so unlike other watcher types, 409(stopped/continued).
327you I<can> rely on child watcher callback arguments. 410
411The callback will be called with the pid and exit status (as returned by
412waitpid), so unlike other watcher types, you I<can> rely on child watcher
413callback arguments.
414
415This watcher type works by installing a signal handler for C<SIGCHLD>,
416and since it cannot be shared, nothing else should use SIGCHLD or reap
417random child processes (waiting for specific child processes, e.g. inside
418C<system>, is just fine).
328 419
329There is a slight catch to child watchers, however: you usually start them 420There is a slight catch to child watchers, however: you usually start them
330I<after> the child process was created, and this means the process could 421I<after> the child process was created, and this means the process could
331have exited already (and no SIGCHLD will be sent anymore). 422have exited already (and no SIGCHLD will be sent anymore).
332 423
333Not all event models handle this correctly (POE doesn't), but even for 424Not all event models handle this correctly (neither POE nor IO::Async do,
425see their AnyEvent::Impl manpages for details), but even for event models
334event models that I<do> handle this correctly, they usually need to be 426that I<do> handle this correctly, they usually need to be loaded before
335loaded before the process exits (i.e. before you fork in the first place). 427the process exits (i.e. before you fork in the first place). AnyEvent's
428pure perl event loop handles all cases correctly regardless of when you
429start the watcher.
336 430
337This means you cannot create a child watcher as the very first thing in an 431This means you cannot create a child watcher as the very first
338AnyEvent program, you I<have> to create at least one watcher before you 432thing in an AnyEvent program, you I<have> to create at least one
339C<fork> the child (alternatively, you can call C<AnyEvent::detect>). 433watcher before you C<fork> the child (alternatively, you can call
434C<AnyEvent::detect>).
435
436As most event loops do not support waiting for child events, they will be
437emulated by AnyEvent in most cases, in which the latency and race problems
438mentioned in the description of signal watchers apply.
340 439
341Example: fork a process and wait for it 440Example: fork a process and wait for it
342 441
343 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar; 442 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
344 443
345 my $pid = fork or exit 5; 444 my $pid = fork or exit 5;
346 445
347 my $w = AnyEvent->child ( 446 my $w = AnyEvent->child (
348 pid => $pid, 447 pid => $pid,
349 cb => sub { 448 cb => sub {
350 my ($pid, $status) = @_; 449 my ($pid, $status) = @_;
351 warn "pid $pid exited with status $status"; 450 warn "pid $pid exited with status $status";
352 $done->send; 451 $done->send;
353 }, 452 },
354 ); 453 );
355 454
356 # do something else, then wait for process exit 455 # do something else, then wait for process exit
357 $done->recv; 456 $done->recv;
457
458=head2 IDLE WATCHERS
459
460Sometimes there is a need to do something, but it is not so important
461to do it instantly, but only when there is nothing better to do. This
462"nothing better to do" is usually defined to be "no other events need
463attention by the event loop".
464
465Idle watchers ideally get invoked when the event loop has nothing
466better to do, just before it would block the process to wait for new
467events. Instead of blocking, the idle watcher is invoked.
468
469Most event loops unfortunately do not really support idle watchers (only
470EV, Event and Glib do it in a usable fashion) - for the rest, AnyEvent
471will simply call the callback "from time to time".
472
473Example: read lines from STDIN, but only process them when the
474program is otherwise idle:
475
476 my @lines; # read data
477 my $idle_w;
478 my $io_w = AnyEvent->io (fh => \*STDIN, poll => 'r', cb => sub {
479 push @lines, scalar <STDIN>;
480
481 # start an idle watcher, if not already done
482 $idle_w ||= AnyEvent->idle (cb => sub {
483 # handle only one line, when there are lines left
484 if (my $line = shift @lines) {
485 print "handled when idle: $line";
486 } else {
487 # otherwise disable the idle watcher again
488 undef $idle_w;
489 }
490 });
491 });
358 492
359=head2 CONDITION VARIABLES 493=head2 CONDITION VARIABLES
360 494
361If you are familiar with some event loops you will know that all of them 495If you are familiar with some event loops you will know that all of them
362require you to run some blocking "loop", "run" or similar function that 496require you to run some blocking "loop", "run" or similar function that
363will actively watch for new events and call your callbacks. 497will actively watch for new events and call your callbacks.
364 498
365AnyEvent is different, it expects somebody else to run the event loop and 499AnyEvent is slightly different: it expects somebody else to run the event
366will only block when necessary (usually when told by the user). 500loop and will only block when necessary (usually when told by the user).
367 501
368The instrument to do that is called a "condition variable", so called 502The instrument to do that is called a "condition variable", so called
369because they represent a condition that must become true. 503because they represent a condition that must become true.
504
505Now is probably a good time to look at the examples further below.
370 506
371Condition variables can be created by calling the C<< AnyEvent->condvar 507Condition variables can be created by calling the C<< AnyEvent->condvar
372>> method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is 508>> method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is
373C<cb>, which specifies a callback to be called when the condition variable 509C<cb>, which specifies a callback to be called when the condition variable
374becomes true. 510becomes true, with the condition variable as the first argument (but not
511the results).
375 512
376After creation, the condition variable is "false" until it becomes "true" 513After creation, the condition variable is "false" until it becomes "true"
377by calling the C<send> method (or calling the condition variable as if it 514by calling the C<send> method (or calling the condition variable as if it
378were a callback, read about the caveats in the description for the C<< 515were a callback, read about the caveats in the description for the C<<
379->send >> method). 516->send >> method).
381Condition variables are similar to callbacks, except that you can 518Condition variables are similar to callbacks, except that you can
382optionally wait for them. They can also be called merge points - points 519optionally wait for them. They can also be called merge points - points
383in time where multiple outstanding events have been processed. And yet 520in time where multiple outstanding events have been processed. And yet
384another way to call them is transactions - each condition variable can be 521another way to call them is transactions - each condition variable can be
385used to represent a transaction, which finishes at some point and delivers 522used to represent a transaction, which finishes at some point and delivers
386a result. 523a result. And yet some people know them as "futures" - a promise to
524compute/deliver something that you can wait for.
387 525
388Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has finished, 526Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has finished,
389for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http requests, 527for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http requests,
390then a condition variable would be the ideal candidate to signal the 528then a condition variable would be the ideal candidate to signal the
391availability of results. The user can either act when the callback is 529availability of results. The user can either act when the callback is
425 after => 1, 563 after => 1,
426 cb => sub { $result_ready->send }, 564 cb => sub { $result_ready->send },
427 ); 565 );
428 566
429 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback 567 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback
430 # calls send 568 # calls -<send
431 $result_ready->recv; 569 $result_ready->recv;
432 570
433Example: wait for a timer, but take advantage of the fact that 571Example: wait for a timer, but take advantage of the fact that condition
434condition variables are also code references. 572variables are also callable directly.
435 573
436 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar; 574 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
437 my $delay = AnyEvent->timer (after => 5, cb => $done); 575 my $delay = AnyEvent->timer (after => 5, cb => $done);
438 $done->recv; 576 $done->recv;
577
578Example: Imagine an API that returns a condvar and doesn't support
579callbacks. This is how you make a synchronous call, for example from
580the main program:
581
582 use AnyEvent::CouchDB;
583
584 ...
585
586 my @info = $couchdb->info->recv;
587
588And this is how you would just set a callback to be called whenever the
589results are available:
590
591 $couchdb->info->cb (sub {
592 my @info = $_[0]->recv;
593 });
439 594
440=head3 METHODS FOR PRODUCERS 595=head3 METHODS FOR PRODUCERS
441 596
442These methods should only be used by the producing side, i.e. the 597These methods should only be used by the producing side, i.e. the
443code/module that eventually sends the signal. Note that it is also 598code/module that eventually sends the signal. Note that it is also
456immediately from within send. 611immediately from within send.
457 612
458Any arguments passed to the C<send> call will be returned by all 613Any arguments passed to the C<send> call will be returned by all
459future C<< ->recv >> calls. 614future C<< ->recv >> calls.
460 615
461Condition variables are overloaded so one can call them directly 616Condition variables are overloaded so one can call them directly (as if
462(as a code reference). Calling them directly is the same as calling 617they were a code reference). Calling them directly is the same as calling
463C<send>. Note, however, that many C-based event loops do not handle 618C<send>.
464overloading, so as tempting as it may be, passing a condition variable
465instead of a callback does not work. Both the pure perl and EV loops
466support overloading, however, as well as all functions that use perl to
467invoke a callback (as in L<AnyEvent::Socket> and L<AnyEvent::DNS> for
468example).
469 619
470=item $cv->croak ($error) 620=item $cv->croak ($error)
471 621
472Similar to send, but causes all call's to C<< ->recv >> to invoke 622Similar to send, but causes all call's to C<< ->recv >> to invoke
473C<Carp::croak> with the given error message/object/scalar. 623C<Carp::croak> with the given error message/object/scalar.
474 624
475This can be used to signal any errors to the condition variable 625This can be used to signal any errors to the condition variable
476user/consumer. 626user/consumer. Doing it this way instead of calling C<croak> directly
627delays the error detetcion, but has the overwhelmign advantage that it
628diagnoses the error at the place where the result is expected, and not
629deep in some event clalback without connection to the actual code causing
630the problem.
477 631
478=item $cv->begin ([group callback]) 632=item $cv->begin ([group callback])
479 633
480=item $cv->end 634=item $cv->end
481
482These two methods are EXPERIMENTAL and MIGHT CHANGE.
483 635
484These two methods can be used to combine many transactions/events into 636These two methods can be used to combine many transactions/events into
485one. For example, a function that pings many hosts in parallel might want 637one. For example, a function that pings many hosts in parallel might want
486to use a condition variable for the whole process. 638to use a condition variable for the whole process.
487 639
489C<< ->end >> will decrement it. If the counter reaches C<0> in C<< ->end 641C<< ->end >> will decrement it. If the counter reaches C<0> in C<< ->end
490>>, the (last) callback passed to C<begin> will be executed. That callback 642>>, the (last) callback passed to C<begin> will be executed. That callback
491is I<supposed> to call C<< ->send >>, but that is not required. If no 643is I<supposed> to call C<< ->send >>, but that is not required. If no
492callback was set, C<send> will be called without any arguments. 644callback was set, C<send> will be called without any arguments.
493 645
494Let's clarify this with the ping example: 646You can think of C<< $cv->send >> giving you an OR condition (one call
647sends), while C<< $cv->begin >> and C<< $cv->end >> giving you an AND
648condition (all C<begin> calls must be C<end>'ed before the condvar sends).
649
650Let's start with a simple example: you have two I/O watchers (for example,
651STDOUT and STDERR for a program), and you want to wait for both streams to
652close before activating a condvar:
653
654 my $cv = AnyEvent->condvar;
655
656 $cv->begin; # first watcher
657 my $w1 = AnyEvent->io (fh => $fh1, cb => sub {
658 defined sysread $fh1, my $buf, 4096
659 or $cv->end;
660 });
661
662 $cv->begin; # second watcher
663 my $w2 = AnyEvent->io (fh => $fh2, cb => sub {
664 defined sysread $fh2, my $buf, 4096
665 or $cv->end;
666 });
667
668 $cv->recv;
669
670This works because for every event source (EOF on file handle), there is
671one call to C<begin>, so the condvar waits for all calls to C<end> before
672sending.
673
674The ping example mentioned above is slightly more complicated, as the
675there are results to be passwd back, and the number of tasks that are
676begung can potentially be zero:
495 677
496 my $cv = AnyEvent->condvar; 678 my $cv = AnyEvent->condvar;
497 679
498 my %result; 680 my %result;
499 $cv->begin (sub { $cv->send (\%result) }); 681 $cv->begin (sub { $cv->send (\%result) });
519loop, which serves two important purposes: first, it sets the callback 701loop, which serves two important purposes: first, it sets the callback
520to be called once the counter reaches C<0>, and second, it ensures that 702to be called once the counter reaches C<0>, and second, it ensures that
521C<send> is called even when C<no> hosts are being pinged (the loop 703C<send> is called even when C<no> hosts are being pinged (the loop
522doesn't execute once). 704doesn't execute once).
523 705
524This is the general pattern when you "fan out" into multiple subrequests: 706This is the general pattern when you "fan out" into multiple (but
525use an outer C<begin>/C<end> pair to set the callback and ensure C<end> 707potentially none) subrequests: use an outer C<begin>/C<end> pair to set
526is called at least once, and then, for each subrequest you start, call 708the callback and ensure C<end> is called at least once, and then, for each
527C<begin> and for each subrequest you finish, call C<end>. 709subrequest you start, call C<begin> and for each subrequest you finish,
710call C<end>.
528 711
529=back 712=back
530 713
531=head3 METHODS FOR CONSUMERS 714=head3 METHODS FOR CONSUMERS
532 715
548function will call C<croak>. 731function will call C<croak>.
549 732
550In list context, all parameters passed to C<send> will be returned, 733In list context, all parameters passed to C<send> will be returned,
551in scalar context only the first one will be returned. 734in scalar context only the first one will be returned.
552 735
736Note that doing a blocking wait in a callback is not supported by any
737event loop, that is, recursive invocation of a blocking C<< ->recv
738>> is not allowed, and the C<recv> call will C<croak> if such a
739condition is detected. This condition can be slightly loosened by using
740L<Coro::AnyEvent>, which allows you to do a blocking C<< ->recv >> from
741any thread that doesn't run the event loop itself.
742
553Not all event models support a blocking wait - some die in that case 743Not all event models support a blocking wait - some die in that case
554(programs might want to do that to stay interactive), so I<if you are 744(programs might want to do that to stay interactive), so I<if you are
555using this from a module, never require a blocking wait>, but let the 745using this from a module, never require a blocking wait>. Instead, let the
556caller decide whether the call will block or not (for example, by coupling 746caller decide whether the call will block or not (for example, by coupling
557condition variables with some kind of request results and supporting 747condition variables with some kind of request results and supporting
558callbacks so the caller knows that getting the result will not block, 748callbacks so the caller knows that getting the result will not block,
559while still supporting blocking waits if the caller so desires). 749while still supporting blocking waits if the caller so desires).
560 750
561Another reason I<never> to C<< ->recv >> in a module is that you cannot
562sensibly have two C<< ->recv >>'s in parallel, as that would require
563multiple interpreters or coroutines/threads, none of which C<AnyEvent>
564can supply.
565
566The L<Coro> module, however, I<can> and I<does> supply coroutines and, in
567fact, L<Coro::AnyEvent> replaces AnyEvent's condvars by coroutine-safe
568versions and also integrates coroutines into AnyEvent, making blocking
569C<< ->recv >> calls perfectly safe as long as they are done from another
570coroutine (one that doesn't run the event loop).
571
572You can ensure that C<< -recv >> never blocks by setting a callback and 751You can ensure that C<< -recv >> never blocks by setting a callback and
573only calling C<< ->recv >> from within that callback (or at a later 752only calling C<< ->recv >> from within that callback (or at a later
574time). This will work even when the event loop does not support blocking 753time). This will work even when the event loop does not support blocking
575waits otherwise. 754waits otherwise.
576 755
577=item $bool = $cv->ready 756=item $bool = $cv->ready
578 757
579Returns true when the condition is "true", i.e. whether C<send> or 758Returns true when the condition is "true", i.e. whether C<send> or
580C<croak> have been called. 759C<croak> have been called.
581 760
582=item $cb = $cv->cb ([new callback]) 761=item $cb = $cv->cb ($cb->($cv))
583 762
584This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and optionally 763This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and optionally
585replaces it before doing so. 764replaces it before doing so.
586 765
587The callback will be called when the condition becomes "true", i.e. when 766The callback will be called when the condition becomes "true", i.e. when
588C<send> or C<croak> are called. Calling C<recv> inside the callback 767C<send> or C<croak> are called, with the only argument being the condition
589or at any later time is guaranteed not to block. 768variable itself. Calling C<recv> inside the callback or at any later time
769is guaranteed not to block.
590 770
591=back 771=back
592 772
773=head1 SUPPORTED EVENT LOOPS/BACKENDS
774
775The available backend classes are (every class has its own manpage):
776
777=over 4
778
779=item Backends that are autoprobed when no other event loop can be found.
780
781EV is the preferred backend when no other event loop seems to be in
782use. If EV is not installed, then AnyEvent will try Event, and, failing
783that, will fall back to its own pure-perl implementation, which is
784available everywhere as it comes with AnyEvent itself.
785
786 AnyEvent::Impl::EV based on EV (interface to libev, best choice).
787 AnyEvent::Impl::Event based on Event, very stable, few glitches.
788 AnyEvent::Impl::Perl pure-perl implementation, fast and portable.
789
790=item Backends that are transparently being picked up when they are used.
791
792These will be used when they are currently loaded when the first watcher
793is created, in which case it is assumed that the application is using
794them. This means that AnyEvent will automatically pick the right backend
795when the main program loads an event module before anything starts to
796create watchers. Nothing special needs to be done by the main program.
797
798 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib based on Glib, slow but very stable.
799 AnyEvent::Impl::Tk based on Tk, very broken.
800 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib based on Event::Lib, leaks memory and worse.
801 AnyEvent::Impl::POE based on POE, very slow, some limitations.
802 AnyEvent::Impl::Irssi used when running within irssi.
803
804=item Backends with special needs.
805
806Qt requires the Qt::Application to be instantiated first, but will
807otherwise be picked up automatically. As long as the main program
808instantiates the application before any AnyEvent watchers are created,
809everything should just work.
810
811 AnyEvent::Impl::Qt based on Qt.
812
813Support for IO::Async can only be partial, as it is too broken and
814architecturally limited to even support the AnyEvent API. It also
815is the only event loop that needs the loop to be set explicitly, so
816it can only be used by a main program knowing about AnyEvent. See
817L<AnyEvent::Impl::Async> for the gory details.
818
819 AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync based on IO::Async, cannot be autoprobed.
820
821=item Event loops that are indirectly supported via other backends.
822
823Some event loops can be supported via other modules:
824
825There is no direct support for WxWidgets (L<Wx>) or L<Prima>.
826
827B<WxWidgets> has no support for watching file handles. However, you can
828use WxWidgets through the POE adaptor, as POE has a Wx backend that simply
829polls 20 times per second, which was considered to be too horrible to even
830consider for AnyEvent.
831
832B<Prima> is not supported as nobody seems to be using it, but it has a POE
833backend, so it can be supported through POE.
834
835AnyEvent knows about both L<Prima> and L<Wx>, however, and will try to
836load L<POE> when detecting them, in the hope that POE will pick them up,
837in which case everything will be automatic.
838
839=back
840
593=head1 GLOBAL VARIABLES AND FUNCTIONS 841=head1 GLOBAL VARIABLES AND FUNCTIONS
594 842
843These are not normally required to use AnyEvent, but can be useful to
844write AnyEvent extension modules.
845
595=over 4 846=over 4
596 847
597=item $AnyEvent::MODEL 848=item $AnyEvent::MODEL
598 849
599Contains C<undef> until the first watcher is being created. Then it 850Contains C<undef> until the first watcher is being created, before the
851backend has been autodetected.
852
600contains the event model that is being used, which is the name of the 853Afterwards it contains the event model that is being used, which is the
601Perl class implementing the model. This class is usually one of the 854name of the Perl class implementing the model. This class is usually one
602C<AnyEvent::Impl:xxx> modules, but can be any other class in the case 855of the C<AnyEvent::Impl:xxx> modules, but can be any other class in the
603AnyEvent has been extended at runtime (e.g. in I<rxvt-unicode>). 856case AnyEvent has been extended at runtime (e.g. in I<rxvt-unicode> it
604 857will be C<urxvt::anyevent>).
605The known classes so far are:
606
607 AnyEvent::Impl::EV based on EV (an interface to libev, best choice).
608 AnyEvent::Impl::Event based on Event, second best choice.
609 AnyEvent::Impl::Perl pure-perl implementation, fast and portable.
610 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib based on Glib, third-best choice.
611 AnyEvent::Impl::Tk based on Tk, very bad choice.
612 AnyEvent::Impl::Qt based on Qt, cannot be autoprobed (see its docs).
613 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib based on Event::Lib, leaks memory and worse.
614 AnyEvent::Impl::POE based on POE, not generic enough for full support.
615
616There is no support for WxWidgets, as WxWidgets has no support for
617watching file handles. However, you can use WxWidgets through the
618POE Adaptor, as POE has a Wx backend that simply polls 20 times per
619second, which was considered to be too horrible to even consider for
620AnyEvent. Likewise, other POE backends can be used by AnyEvent by using
621it's adaptor.
622
623AnyEvent knows about L<Prima> and L<Wx> and will try to use L<POE> when
624autodetecting them.
625 858
626=item AnyEvent::detect 859=item AnyEvent::detect
627 860
628Returns C<$AnyEvent::MODEL>, forcing autodetection of the event model 861Returns C<$AnyEvent::MODEL>, forcing autodetection of the event model
629if necessary. You should only call this function right before you would 862if necessary. You should only call this function right before you would
630have created an AnyEvent watcher anyway, that is, as late as possible at 863have created an AnyEvent watcher anyway, that is, as late as possible at
631runtime. 864runtime, and not e.g. while initialising of your module.
865
866If you need to do some initialisation before AnyEvent watchers are
867created, use C<post_detect>.
632 868
633=item $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK } 869=item $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }
634 870
635Arranges for the code block to be executed as soon as the event model is 871Arranges for the code block to be executed as soon as the event model is
636autodetected (or immediately if this has already happened). 872autodetected (or immediately if this has already happened).
637 873
874The block will be executed I<after> the actual backend has been detected
875(C<$AnyEvent::MODEL> is set), but I<before> any watchers have been
876created, so it is possible to e.g. patch C<@AnyEvent::ISA> or do
877other initialisations - see the sources of L<AnyEvent::Strict> or
878L<AnyEvent::AIO> to see how this is used.
879
880The most common usage is to create some global watchers, without forcing
881event module detection too early, for example, L<AnyEvent::AIO> creates
882and installs the global L<IO::AIO> watcher in a C<post_detect> block to
883avoid autodetecting the event module at load time.
884
638If called in scalar or list context, then it creates and returns an object 885If called in scalar or list context, then it creates and returns an object
639that automatically removes the callback again when it is destroyed. See 886that automatically removes the callback again when it is destroyed (or
887C<undef> when the hook was immediately executed). See L<AnyEvent::AIO> for
640L<Coro::BDB> for a case where this is useful. 888a case where this is useful.
889
890Example: Create a watcher for the IO::AIO module and store it in
891C<$WATCHER>. Only do so after the event loop is initialised, though.
892
893 our WATCHER;
894
895 my $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect {
896 $WATCHER = AnyEvent->io (fh => IO::AIO::poll_fileno, poll => 'r', cb => \&IO::AIO::poll_cb);
897 };
898
899 # the ||= is important in case post_detect immediately runs the block,
900 # as to not clobber the newly-created watcher. assigning both watcher and
901 # post_detect guard to the same variable has the advantage of users being
902 # able to just C<undef $WATCHER> if the watcher causes them grief.
903
904 $WATCHER ||= $guard;
641 905
642=item @AnyEvent::post_detect 906=item @AnyEvent::post_detect
643 907
644If there are any code references in this array (you can C<push> to it 908If there are any code references in this array (you can C<push> to it
645before or after loading AnyEvent), then they will called directly after 909before or after loading AnyEvent), then they will called directly after
646the event loop has been chosen. 910the event loop has been chosen.
647 911
648You should check C<$AnyEvent::MODEL> before adding to this array, though: 912You should check C<$AnyEvent::MODEL> before adding to this array, though:
649if it contains a true value then the event loop has already been detected, 913if it is defined then the event loop has already been detected, and the
650and the array will be ignored. 914array will be ignored.
651 915
652Best use C<AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }> instead. 916Best use C<AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }> when your application allows
917it,as it takes care of these details.
918
919This variable is mainly useful for modules that can do something useful
920when AnyEvent is used and thus want to know when it is initialised, but do
921not need to even load it by default. This array provides the means to hook
922into AnyEvent passively, without loading it.
653 923
654=back 924=back
655 925
656=head1 WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE 926=head1 WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE
657 927
712 982
713 983
714=head1 OTHER MODULES 984=head1 OTHER MODULES
715 985
716The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use 986The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use
717AnyEvent and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent modules 987AnyEvent as a client and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent
718in the same program. Some of the modules come with AnyEvent, some are 988modules and other event loops in the same program. Some of the modules
719available via CPAN. 989come with AnyEvent, most are available via CPAN.
720 990
721=over 4 991=over 4
722 992
723=item L<AnyEvent::Util> 993=item L<AnyEvent::Util>
724 994
725Contains various utility functions that replace often-used but blocking 995Contains various utility functions that replace often-used but blocking
726functions such as C<inet_aton> by event-/callback-based versions. 996functions such as C<inet_aton> by event-/callback-based versions.
727
728=item L<AnyEvent::Handle>
729
730Provide read and write buffers and manages watchers for reads and writes.
731 997
732=item L<AnyEvent::Socket> 998=item L<AnyEvent::Socket>
733 999
734Provides various utility functions for (internet protocol) sockets, 1000Provides various utility functions for (internet protocol) sockets,
735addresses and name resolution. Also functions to create non-blocking tcp 1001addresses and name resolution. Also functions to create non-blocking tcp
736connections or tcp servers, with IPv6 and SRV record support and more. 1002connections or tcp servers, with IPv6 and SRV record support and more.
737 1003
1004=item L<AnyEvent::Handle>
1005
1006Provide read and write buffers, manages watchers for reads and writes,
1007supports raw and formatted I/O, I/O queued and fully transparent and
1008non-blocking SSL/TLS (via L<AnyEvent::TLS>.
1009
738=item L<AnyEvent::DNS> 1010=item L<AnyEvent::DNS>
739 1011
740Provides rich asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities. 1012Provides rich asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities.
741 1013
1014=item L<AnyEvent::HTTP>
1015
1016A simple-to-use HTTP library that is capable of making a lot of concurrent
1017HTTP requests.
1018
742=item L<AnyEvent::HTTPD> 1019=item L<AnyEvent::HTTPD>
743 1020
744Provides a simple web application server framework. 1021Provides a simple web application server framework.
745 1022
746=item L<AnyEvent::FastPing> 1023=item L<AnyEvent::FastPing>
747 1024
748The fastest ping in the west. 1025The fastest ping in the west.
749 1026
1027=item L<AnyEvent::DBI>
1028
1029Executes L<DBI> requests asynchronously in a proxy process.
1030
1031=item L<AnyEvent::AIO>
1032
1033Truly asynchronous I/O, should be in the toolbox of every event
1034programmer. AnyEvent::AIO transparently fuses L<IO::AIO> and AnyEvent
1035together.
1036
1037=item L<AnyEvent::BDB>
1038
1039Truly asynchronous Berkeley DB access. AnyEvent::BDB transparently fuses
1040L<BDB> and AnyEvent together.
1041
1042=item L<AnyEvent::GPSD>
1043
1044A non-blocking interface to gpsd, a daemon delivering GPS information.
1045
750=item L<Net::IRC3> 1046=item L<AnyEvent::IRC>
751 1047
752AnyEvent based IRC client module family. 1048AnyEvent based IRC client module family (replacing the older Net::IRC3).
753 1049
754=item L<Net::XMPP2> 1050=item L<AnyEvent::XMPP>
755 1051
756AnyEvent based XMPP (Jabber protocol) module family. 1052AnyEvent based XMPP (Jabber protocol) module family (replacing the older
1053Net::XMPP2>.
1054
1055=item L<AnyEvent::IGS>
1056
1057A non-blocking interface to the Internet Go Server protocol (used by
1058L<App::IGS>).
757 1059
758=item L<Net::FCP> 1060=item L<Net::FCP>
759 1061
760AnyEvent-based implementation of the Freenet Client Protocol, birthplace 1062AnyEvent-based implementation of the Freenet Client Protocol, birthplace
761of AnyEvent. 1063of AnyEvent.
766 1068
767=item L<Coro> 1069=item L<Coro>
768 1070
769Has special support for AnyEvent via L<Coro::AnyEvent>. 1071Has special support for AnyEvent via L<Coro::AnyEvent>.
770 1072
771=item L<AnyEvent::AIO>, L<IO::AIO>
772
773Truly asynchronous I/O, should be in the toolbox of every event
774programmer. AnyEvent::AIO transparently fuses IO::AIO and AnyEvent
775together.
776
777=item L<AnyEvent::BDB>, L<BDB>
778
779Truly asynchronous Berkeley DB access. AnyEvent::AIO transparently fuses
780IO::AIO and AnyEvent together.
781
782=item L<IO::Lambda>
783
784The lambda approach to I/O - don't ask, look there. Can use AnyEvent.
785
786=back 1073=back
787 1074
788=cut 1075=cut
789 1076
790package AnyEvent; 1077package AnyEvent;
791 1078
1079# basically a tuned-down version of common::sense
1080sub common_sense {
792no warnings; 1081 # no warnings
793use strict; 1082 ${^WARNING_BITS} ^= ${^WARNING_BITS};
1083 # use strict vars subs
1084 $^H |= 0x00000600;
1085}
794 1086
1087BEGIN { AnyEvent::common_sense }
1088
795use Carp; 1089use Carp ();
796 1090
797our $VERSION = '4.05'; 1091our $VERSION = 4.881;
798our $MODEL; 1092our $MODEL;
799 1093
800our $AUTOLOAD; 1094our $AUTOLOAD;
801our @ISA; 1095our @ISA;
802 1096
803our @REGISTRY; 1097our @REGISTRY;
804 1098
805our $WIN32; 1099our $WIN32;
806 1100
1101our $VERBOSE;
1102
807BEGIN { 1103BEGIN {
808 my $win32 = ! ! ($^O =~ /mswin32/i); 1104 eval "sub WIN32(){ " . (($^O =~ /mswin32/i)*1) ." }";
809 eval "sub WIN32(){ $win32 }"; 1105 eval "sub TAINT(){ " . (${^TAINT}*1) . " }";
810}
811 1106
1107 delete @ENV{grep /^PERL_ANYEVENT_/, keys %ENV}
1108 if ${^TAINT};
1109
812our $verbose = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}*1; 1110 $VERBOSE = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}*1;
1111
1112}
1113
1114our $MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY = 10;
813 1115
814our %PROTOCOL; # (ipv4|ipv6) => (1|2), higher numbers are preferred 1116our %PROTOCOL; # (ipv4|ipv6) => (1|2), higher numbers are preferred
815 1117
816{ 1118{
817 my $idx; 1119 my $idx;
819 for reverse split /\s*,\s*/, 1121 for reverse split /\s*,\s*/,
820 $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS} || "ipv4,ipv6"; 1122 $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS} || "ipv4,ipv6";
821} 1123}
822 1124
823my @models = ( 1125my @models = (
824 [EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EV::], 1126 [EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EV:: , 1],
825 [Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Event::], 1127 [Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Event::, 1],
826 [AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Perl::], 1128 [AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: , 1],
827 # everything below here will not be autoprobed 1129 # everything below here will not (normally) be autoprobed
828 # as the pureperl backend should work everywhere 1130 # as the pureperl backend should work everywhere
829 # and is usually faster 1131 # and is usually faster
1132 [Glib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Glib:: , 1], # becomes extremely slow with many watchers
1133 [Event::Lib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib::], # too buggy
1134 [Irssi:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Irssi::], # Irssi has a bogus "Event" package
830 [Tk:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Tk::], # crashes with many handles 1135 [Tk:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Tk::], # crashes with many handles
831 [Glib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Glib::], # becomes extremely slow with many watchers
832 [Event::Lib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib::], # too buggy
833 [Qt:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Qt::], # requires special main program 1136 [Qt:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Qt::], # requires special main program
834 [POE::Kernel:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], # lasciate ogni speranza 1137 [POE::Kernel:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], # lasciate ogni speranza
835 [Wx:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], 1138 [Wx:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
836 [Prima:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], 1139 [Prima:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
1140 # IO::Async is just too broken - we would need workarounds for its
1141 # byzantine signal and broken child handling, among others.
1142 # IO::Async is rather hard to detect, as it doesn't have any
1143 # obvious default class.
1144# [0, IO::Async:: => AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync::], # requires special main program
1145# [0, IO::Async::Loop:: => AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync::], # requires special main program
1146# [0, IO::Async::Notifier:: => AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync::], # requires special main program
837); 1147);
838 1148
839our %method = map +($_ => 1), qw(io timer time now signal child condvar one_event DESTROY); 1149our %method = map +($_ => 1),
1150 qw(io timer time now now_update signal child idle condvar one_event DESTROY);
840 1151
841our @post_detect; 1152our @post_detect;
842 1153
843sub post_detect(&) { 1154sub post_detect(&) {
844 my ($cb) = @_; 1155 my ($cb) = @_;
845 1156
846 if ($MODEL) { 1157 if ($MODEL) {
847 $cb->(); 1158 $cb->();
848 1159
849 1 1160 undef
850 } else { 1161 } else {
851 push @post_detect, $cb; 1162 push @post_detect, $cb;
852 1163
853 defined wantarray 1164 defined wantarray
854 ? bless \$cb, "AnyEvent::Util::PostDetect" 1165 ? bless \$cb, "AnyEvent::Util::postdetect"
855 : () 1166 : ()
856 } 1167 }
857} 1168}
858 1169
859sub AnyEvent::Util::PostDetect::DESTROY { 1170sub AnyEvent::Util::postdetect::DESTROY {
860 @post_detect = grep $_ != ${$_[0]}, @post_detect; 1171 @post_detect = grep $_ != ${$_[0]}, @post_detect;
861} 1172}
862 1173
863sub detect() { 1174sub detect() {
864 unless ($MODEL) { 1175 unless ($MODEL) {
865 no strict 'refs';
866 local $SIG{__DIE__}; 1176 local $SIG{__DIE__};
867 1177
868 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} =~ /^([a-zA-Z]+)$/) { 1178 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} =~ /^([a-zA-Z]+)$/) {
869 my $model = "AnyEvent::Impl::$1"; 1179 my $model = "AnyEvent::Impl::$1";
870 if (eval "require $model") { 1180 if (eval "require $model") {
871 $MODEL = $model; 1181 $MODEL = $model;
872 warn "AnyEvent: loaded model '$model' (forced by \$PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL), using it.\n" if $verbose > 1; 1182 warn "AnyEvent: loaded model '$model' (forced by \$ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL}), using it.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 2;
873 } else { 1183 } else {
874 warn "AnyEvent: unable to load model '$model' (from \$PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL):\n$@" if $verbose; 1184 warn "AnyEvent: unable to load model '$model' (from \$ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL}):\n$@" if $VERBOSE;
875 } 1185 }
876 } 1186 }
877 1187
878 # check for already loaded models 1188 # check for already loaded models
879 unless ($MODEL) { 1189 unless ($MODEL) {
880 for (@REGISTRY, @models) { 1190 for (@REGISTRY, @models) {
881 my ($package, $model) = @$_; 1191 my ($package, $model) = @$_;
882 if (${"$package\::VERSION"} > 0) { 1192 if (${"$package\::VERSION"} > 0) {
883 if (eval "require $model") { 1193 if (eval "require $model") {
884 $MODEL = $model; 1194 $MODEL = $model;
885 warn "AnyEvent: autodetected model '$model', using it.\n" if $verbose > 1; 1195 warn "AnyEvent: autodetected model '$model', using it.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 2;
886 last; 1196 last;
887 } 1197 }
888 } 1198 }
889 } 1199 }
890 1200
891 unless ($MODEL) { 1201 unless ($MODEL) {
892 # try to load a model 1202 # try to autoload a model
893
894 for (@REGISTRY, @models) { 1203 for (@REGISTRY, @models) {
895 my ($package, $model) = @$_; 1204 my ($package, $model, $autoload) = @$_;
1205 if (
1206 $autoload
896 if (eval "require $package" 1207 and eval "require $package"
897 and ${"$package\::VERSION"} > 0 1208 and ${"$package\::VERSION"} > 0
898 and eval "require $model") { 1209 and eval "require $model"
1210 ) {
899 $MODEL = $model; 1211 $MODEL = $model;
900 warn "AnyEvent: autoprobed model '$model', using it.\n" if $verbose > 1; 1212 warn "AnyEvent: autoloaded model '$model', using it.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 2;
901 last; 1213 last;
902 } 1214 }
903 } 1215 }
904 1216
905 $MODEL 1217 $MODEL
906 or die "No event module selected for AnyEvent and autodetect failed. Install any one of these modules: EV, Event or Glib."; 1218 or die "No event module selected for AnyEvent and autodetect failed. Install any one of these modules: EV, Event or Glib.\n";
907 } 1219 }
908 } 1220 }
909 1221
1222 push @{"$MODEL\::ISA"}, "AnyEvent::Base";
1223
910 unshift @ISA, $MODEL; 1224 unshift @ISA, $MODEL;
911 push @{"$MODEL\::ISA"}, "AnyEvent::Base"; 1225
1226 require AnyEvent::Strict if $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT};
912 1227
913 (shift @post_detect)->() while @post_detect; 1228 (shift @post_detect)->() while @post_detect;
914 } 1229 }
915 1230
916 $MODEL 1231 $MODEL
918 1233
919sub AUTOLOAD { 1234sub AUTOLOAD {
920 (my $func = $AUTOLOAD) =~ s/.*://; 1235 (my $func = $AUTOLOAD) =~ s/.*://;
921 1236
922 $method{$func} 1237 $method{$func}
923 or croak "$func: not a valid method for AnyEvent objects"; 1238 or Carp::croak "$func: not a valid method for AnyEvent objects";
924 1239
925 detect unless $MODEL; 1240 detect unless $MODEL;
926 1241
927 my $class = shift; 1242 my $class = shift;
928 $class->$func (@_); 1243 $class->$func (@_);
929} 1244}
930 1245
1246# utility function to dup a filehandle. this is used by many backends
1247# to support binding more than one watcher per filehandle (they usually
1248# allow only one watcher per fd, so we dup it to get a different one).
1249sub _dupfh($$;$$) {
1250 my ($poll, $fh, $r, $w) = @_;
1251
1252 # cygwin requires the fh mode to be matching, unix doesn't
1253 my ($rw, $mode) = $poll eq "r" ? ($r, "<&") : ($w, ">&");
1254
1255 open my $fh2, $mode, $fh
1256 or die "AnyEvent->io: cannot dup() filehandle in mode '$poll': $!,";
1257
1258 # we assume CLOEXEC is already set by perl in all important cases
1259
1260 ($fh2, $rw)
1261}
1262
931package AnyEvent::Base; 1263package AnyEvent::Base;
932 1264
933# default implementation for now and time 1265# default implementations for many methods
934 1266
935use Time::HiRes (); 1267sub _time {
1268 # probe for availability of Time::HiRes
1269 if (eval "use Time::HiRes (); Time::HiRes::time (); 1") {
1270 warn "AnyEvent: using Time::HiRes for sub-second timing accuracy.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 8;
1271 *_time = \&Time::HiRes::time;
1272 # if (eval "use POSIX (); (POSIX::times())...
1273 } else {
1274 warn "AnyEvent: using built-in time(), WARNING, no sub-second resolution!\n" if $VERBOSE;
1275 *_time = sub { time }; # epic fail
1276 }
936 1277
937sub time { Time::HiRes::time } 1278 &_time
938sub now { Time::HiRes::time } 1279}
1280
1281sub time { _time }
1282sub now { _time }
1283sub now_update { }
939 1284
940# default implementation for ->condvar 1285# default implementation for ->condvar
941 1286
942sub condvar { 1287sub condvar {
943 bless { @_ == 3 ? (_ae_cb => $_[2]) : () }, AnyEvent::CondVar:: 1288 bless { @_ == 3 ? (_ae_cb => $_[2]) : () }, "AnyEvent::CondVar"
944} 1289}
945 1290
946# default implementation for ->signal 1291# default implementation for ->signal
947 1292
948our %SIG_CB; 1293our $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT;
949 1294
1295sub _have_async_interrupt() {
1296 $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT = 1*(!$ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_AVOID_ASYNC_INTERRUPT}
1297 && eval "use Async::Interrupt 1.0 (); 1")
1298 unless defined $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT;
1299
1300 $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT
1301}
1302
1303our ($SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W, %SIG_CB, %SIG_EV, $SIG_IO);
1304our (%SIG_ASY, %SIG_ASY_W);
1305our ($SIG_COUNT, $SIG_TW);
1306
1307sub _signal_exec {
1308 $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT
1309 ? $SIGPIPE_R->drain
1310 : sysread $SIGPIPE_R, my $dummy, 9;
1311
1312 while (%SIG_EV) {
1313 for (keys %SIG_EV) {
1314 delete $SIG_EV{$_};
1315 $_->() for values %{ $SIG_CB{$_} || {} };
1316 }
1317 }
1318}
1319
1320# install a dummy wakeup watcher to reduce signal catching latency
1321sub _sig_add() {
1322 unless ($SIG_COUNT++) {
1323 # try to align timer on a full-second boundary, if possible
1324 my $NOW = AnyEvent->now;
1325
1326 $SIG_TW = AnyEvent->timer (
1327 after => $MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY - ($NOW - int $NOW),
1328 interval => $MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY,
1329 cb => sub { }, # just for the PERL_ASYNC_CHECK
1330 );
1331 }
1332}
1333
1334sub _sig_del {
1335 undef $SIG_TW
1336 unless --$SIG_COUNT;
1337}
1338
1339our %SIGNAME2NUM;
1340our @SIGNUM2NAME;
1341our $_sig_name_init; $_sig_name_init = sub {
1342 undef $_sig_name_init;
1343
1344 if (_have_async_interrupt) {
1345 *sig2num = \&Async::Interrupt::sig2num;
1346 *sig2name = \&Async::Interrupt::sig2name;
1347 } else {
1348 require Config;
1349
1350 @SIGNAME2NUM{ split ' ', $Config::Config{sig_name} }
1351 = split ' ', $Config::Config{sig_num};
1352 @SIGNUM2NAME[values %SIGNAME2NUM] = keys %SIGNAME2NUM;
1353
1354 *sig2num = sub($) {
1355 $_[0] > 0 ? shift : $SIGNAME2NUM{+shift}
1356 };
1357 *sig2name = sub ($) {
1358 $_[0] > 0 ? $SIGNUM2NAME[+shift] : shift
1359 };
1360 }
1361};
1362
1363sub sig2num ($) { &$_sig_name_init; &sig2num }
1364sub sig2name($) { &$_sig_name_init; &sig2name }
1365
950sub signal { 1366sub _signal {
951 my (undef, %arg) = @_; 1367 my (undef, %arg) = @_;
952 1368
953 my $signal = uc $arg{signal} 1369 my $signal = uc $arg{signal}
954 or Carp::croak "required option 'signal' is missing"; 1370 or Carp::croak "required option 'signal' is missing";
955 1371
1372 if ($HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT) {
1373 # async::interrupt
1374
1375 $signal = sig2num $signal;
956 $SIG_CB{$signal}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb}; 1376 $SIG_CB{$signal}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb};
1377
1378 $SIG_ASY{$signal} ||= new Async::Interrupt
1379 cb => sub { undef $SIG_EV{$signal} },
1380 signal => $signal,
1381 pipe => [$SIGPIPE_R->filenos],
1382 pipe_autodrain => 0,
1383 ;
1384
1385 } else {
1386 # pure perl
1387
1388 # AE::Util has been loaded in signal
1389 $signal = sig2name $signal;
1390 $SIG_CB{$signal}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb};
1391
957 $SIG{$signal} ||= sub { 1392 $SIG{$signal} ||= sub {
958 $_->() for values %{ $SIG_CB{$signal} || {} }; 1393 local $!;
1394 syswrite $SIGPIPE_W, "\x00", 1 unless %SIG_EV;
1395 undef $SIG_EV{$signal};
1396 };
1397
1398 # can't do signal processing without introducing races in pure perl,
1399 # so limit the signal latency.
1400 _sig_add;
959 }; 1401 }
960 1402
961 bless [$signal, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::Signal" 1403 bless [$signal, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::signal"
962} 1404}
963 1405
1406sub signal {
1407 # probe for availability of Async::Interrupt
1408 if (_have_async_interrupt) {
1409 warn "AnyEvent: using Async::Interrupt for race-free signal handling.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 8;
1410
1411 $SIGPIPE_R = new Async::Interrupt::EventPipe;
1412 $SIG_IO = AnyEvent->io (fh => $SIGPIPE_R->fileno, poll => "r", cb => \&_signal_exec);
1413
1414 } else {
1415 warn "AnyEvent: using emulated perl signal handling with latency timer.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 8;
1416
1417 require Fcntl;
1418
1419 if (AnyEvent::WIN32) {
1420 require AnyEvent::Util;
1421
1422 ($SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W) = AnyEvent::Util::portable_pipe ();
1423 AnyEvent::Util::fh_nonblocking ($SIGPIPE_R) if $SIGPIPE_R;
1424 AnyEvent::Util::fh_nonblocking ($SIGPIPE_W) if $SIGPIPE_W; # just in case
1425 } else {
1426 pipe $SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W;
1427 fcntl $SIGPIPE_R, &Fcntl::F_SETFL, &Fcntl::O_NONBLOCK if $SIGPIPE_R;
1428 fcntl $SIGPIPE_W, &Fcntl::F_SETFL, &Fcntl::O_NONBLOCK if $SIGPIPE_W; # just in case
1429
1430 # not strictly required, as $^F is normally 2, but let's make sure...
1431 fcntl $SIGPIPE_R, &Fcntl::F_SETFD, &Fcntl::FD_CLOEXEC;
1432 fcntl $SIGPIPE_W, &Fcntl::F_SETFD, &Fcntl::FD_CLOEXEC;
1433 }
1434
1435 $SIGPIPE_R
1436 or Carp::croak "AnyEvent: unable to create a signal reporting pipe: $!\n";
1437
1438 $SIG_IO = AnyEvent->io (fh => $SIGPIPE_R, poll => "r", cb => \&_signal_exec);
1439 }
1440
1441 *signal = \&_signal;
1442 &signal
1443}
1444
964sub AnyEvent::Base::Signal::DESTROY { 1445sub AnyEvent::Base::signal::DESTROY {
965 my ($signal, $cb) = @{$_[0]}; 1446 my ($signal, $cb) = @{$_[0]};
966 1447
1448 _sig_del;
1449
967 delete $SIG_CB{$signal}{$cb}; 1450 delete $SIG_CB{$signal}{$cb};
968 1451
969 $SIG{$signal} = 'DEFAULT' unless keys %{ $SIG_CB{$signal} }; 1452 $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT
1453 ? delete $SIG_ASY{$signal}
1454 : # delete doesn't work with older perls - they then
1455 # print weird messages, or just unconditionally exit
1456 # instead of getting the default action.
1457 undef $SIG{$signal}
1458 unless keys %{ $SIG_CB{$signal} };
970} 1459}
971 1460
972# default implementation for ->child 1461# default implementation for ->child
973 1462
974our %PID_CB; 1463our %PID_CB;
975our $CHLD_W; 1464our $CHLD_W;
976our $CHLD_DELAY_W; 1465our $CHLD_DELAY_W;
977our $PID_IDLE;
978our $WNOHANG; 1466our $WNOHANG;
979 1467
980sub _child_wait { 1468sub _emit_childstatus($$) {
981 while (0 < (my $pid = waitpid -1, $WNOHANG)) { 1469 my (undef, $rpid, $rstatus) = @_;
1470
1471 $_->($rpid, $rstatus)
982 $_->($pid, $?) for (values %{ $PID_CB{$pid} || {} }), 1472 for values %{ $PID_CB{$rpid} || {} },
983 (values %{ $PID_CB{0} || {} }); 1473 values %{ $PID_CB{0} || {} };
984 }
985
986 undef $PID_IDLE;
987} 1474}
988 1475
989sub _sigchld { 1476sub _sigchld {
990 # make sure we deliver these changes "synchronous" with the event loop. 1477 my $pid;
991 $CHLD_DELAY_W ||= AnyEvent->timer (after => 0, cb => sub { 1478
992 undef $CHLD_DELAY_W; 1479 AnyEvent->_emit_childstatus ($pid, $?)
993 &_child_wait; 1480 while ($pid = waitpid -1, $WNOHANG) > 0;
994 });
995} 1481}
996 1482
997sub child { 1483sub child {
998 my (undef, %arg) = @_; 1484 my (undef, %arg) = @_;
999 1485
1000 defined (my $pid = $arg{pid} + 0) 1486 defined (my $pid = $arg{pid} + 0)
1001 or Carp::croak "required option 'pid' is missing"; 1487 or Carp::croak "required option 'pid' is missing";
1002 1488
1003 $PID_CB{$pid}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb}; 1489 $PID_CB{$pid}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb};
1004 1490
1005 unless ($WNOHANG) { 1491 # WNOHANG is almost cetrainly 1 everywhere
1492 $WNOHANG ||= $^O =~ /^(?:openbsd|netbsd|linux|freebsd|cygwin|MSWin32)$/
1493 ? 1
1006 $WNOHANG = eval { local $SIG{__DIE__}; require POSIX; &POSIX::WNOHANG } || 1; 1494 : eval { local $SIG{__DIE__}; require POSIX; &POSIX::WNOHANG } || 1;
1007 }
1008 1495
1009 unless ($CHLD_W) { 1496 unless ($CHLD_W) {
1010 $CHLD_W = AnyEvent->signal (signal => 'CHLD', cb => \&_sigchld); 1497 $CHLD_W = AnyEvent->signal (signal => 'CHLD', cb => \&_sigchld);
1011 # child could be a zombie already, so make at least one round 1498 # child could be a zombie already, so make at least one round
1012 &_sigchld; 1499 &_sigchld;
1013 } 1500 }
1014 1501
1015 bless [$pid, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::Child" 1502 bless [$pid, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::child"
1016} 1503}
1017 1504
1018sub AnyEvent::Base::Child::DESTROY { 1505sub AnyEvent::Base::child::DESTROY {
1019 my ($pid, $cb) = @{$_[0]}; 1506 my ($pid, $cb) = @{$_[0]};
1020 1507
1021 delete $PID_CB{$pid}{$cb}; 1508 delete $PID_CB{$pid}{$cb};
1022 delete $PID_CB{$pid} unless keys %{ $PID_CB{$pid} }; 1509 delete $PID_CB{$pid} unless keys %{ $PID_CB{$pid} };
1023 1510
1024 undef $CHLD_W unless keys %PID_CB; 1511 undef $CHLD_W unless keys %PID_CB;
1025} 1512}
1026 1513
1514# idle emulation is done by simply using a timer, regardless
1515# of whether the process is idle or not, and not letting
1516# the callback use more than 50% of the time.
1517sub idle {
1518 my (undef, %arg) = @_;
1519
1520 my ($cb, $w, $rcb) = $arg{cb};
1521
1522 $rcb = sub {
1523 if ($cb) {
1524 $w = _time;
1525 &$cb;
1526 $w = _time - $w;
1527
1528 # never use more then 50% of the time for the idle watcher,
1529 # within some limits
1530 $w = 0.0001 if $w < 0.0001;
1531 $w = 5 if $w > 5;
1532
1533 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $w, cb => $rcb);
1534 } else {
1535 # clean up...
1536 undef $w;
1537 undef $rcb;
1538 }
1539 };
1540
1541 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 0.05, cb => $rcb);
1542
1543 bless \\$cb, "AnyEvent::Base::idle"
1544}
1545
1546sub AnyEvent::Base::idle::DESTROY {
1547 undef $${$_[0]};
1548}
1549
1027package AnyEvent::CondVar; 1550package AnyEvent::CondVar;
1028 1551
1029our @ISA = AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::; 1552our @ISA = AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::;
1030 1553
1031package AnyEvent::CondVar::Base; 1554package AnyEvent::CondVar::Base;
1032 1555
1033use overload 1556#use overload
1034 '&{}' => sub { my $self = shift; sub { $self->send (@_) } }, 1557# '&{}' => sub { my $self = shift; sub { $self->send (@_) } },
1035 fallback => 1; 1558# fallback => 1;
1559
1560# save 300+ kilobytes by dirtily hardcoding overloading
1561${"AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::OVERLOAD"}{dummy}++; # Register with magic by touching.
1562*{'AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::()'} = sub { }; # "Make it findable via fetchmethod."
1563*{'AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::(&{}'} = sub { my $self = shift; sub { $self->send (@_) } }; # &{}
1564${'AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::()'} = 1; # fallback
1565
1566our $WAITING;
1036 1567
1037sub _send { 1568sub _send {
1038 # nop 1569 # nop
1039} 1570}
1040 1571
1053sub ready { 1584sub ready {
1054 $_[0]{_ae_sent} 1585 $_[0]{_ae_sent}
1055} 1586}
1056 1587
1057sub _wait { 1588sub _wait {
1589 $WAITING
1590 and !$_[0]{_ae_sent}
1591 and Carp::croak "AnyEvent::CondVar: recursive blocking wait detected";
1592
1593 local $WAITING = 1;
1058 AnyEvent->one_event while !$_[0]{_ae_sent}; 1594 AnyEvent->one_event while !$_[0]{_ae_sent};
1059} 1595}
1060 1596
1061sub recv { 1597sub recv {
1062 $_[0]->_wait; 1598 $_[0]->_wait;
1081} 1617}
1082 1618
1083# undocumented/compatibility with pre-3.4 1619# undocumented/compatibility with pre-3.4
1084*broadcast = \&send; 1620*broadcast = \&send;
1085*wait = \&_wait; 1621*wait = \&_wait;
1622
1623=head1 ERROR AND EXCEPTION HANDLING
1624
1625In general, AnyEvent does not do any error handling - it relies on the
1626caller to do that if required. The L<AnyEvent::Strict> module (see also
1627the C<PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT> environment variable, below) provides strict
1628checking of all AnyEvent methods, however, which is highly useful during
1629development.
1630
1631As for exception handling (i.e. runtime errors and exceptions thrown while
1632executing a callback), this is not only highly event-loop specific, but
1633also not in any way wrapped by this module, as this is the job of the main
1634program.
1635
1636The pure perl event loop simply re-throws the exception (usually
1637within C<< condvar->recv >>), the L<Event> and L<EV> modules call C<<
1638$Event/EV::DIED->() >>, L<Glib> uses C<< install_exception_handler >> and
1639so on.
1640
1641=head1 ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES
1642
1643The following environment variables are used by this module or its
1644submodules.
1645
1646Note that AnyEvent will remove I<all> environment variables starting with
1647C<PERL_ANYEVENT_> from C<%ENV> when it is loaded while taint mode is
1648enabled.
1649
1650=over 4
1651
1652=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE>
1653
1654By default, AnyEvent will be completely silent except in fatal
1655conditions. You can set this environment variable to make AnyEvent more
1656talkative.
1657
1658When set to C<1> or higher, causes AnyEvent to warn about unexpected
1659conditions, such as not being able to load the event model specified by
1660C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>.
1661
1662When set to C<2> or higher, cause AnyEvent to report to STDERR which event
1663model it chooses.
1664
1665When set to C<8> or higher, then AnyEvent will report extra information on
1666which optional modules it loads and how it implements certain features.
1667
1668=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT>
1669
1670AnyEvent does not do much argument checking by default, as thorough
1671argument checking is very costly. Setting this variable to a true value
1672will cause AnyEvent to load C<AnyEvent::Strict> and then to thoroughly
1673check the arguments passed to most method calls. If it finds any problems,
1674it will croak.
1675
1676In other words, enables "strict" mode.
1677
1678Unlike C<use strict> (or it's modern cousin, C<< use L<common::sense>
1679>>, it is definitely recommended to keep it off in production. Keeping
1680C<PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT=1> in your environment while developing programs
1681can be very useful, however.
1682
1683=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>
1684
1685This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent, before
1686auto detection and -probing kicks in. It must be a string consisting
1687entirely of ASCII letters. The string C<AnyEvent::Impl::> gets prepended
1688and the resulting module name is loaded and if the load was successful,
1689used as event model. If it fails to load AnyEvent will proceed with
1690auto detection and -probing.
1691
1692This functionality might change in future versions.
1693
1694For example, to force the pure perl model (L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) you
1695could start your program like this:
1696
1697 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ...
1698
1699=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS>
1700
1701Used by both L<AnyEvent::DNS> and L<AnyEvent::Socket> to determine preferences
1702for IPv4 or IPv6. The default is unspecified (and might change, or be the result
1703of auto probing).
1704
1705Must be set to a comma-separated list of protocols or address families,
1706current supported: C<ipv4> and C<ipv6>. Only protocols mentioned will be
1707used, and preference will be given to protocols mentioned earlier in the
1708list.
1709
1710This variable can effectively be used for denial-of-service attacks
1711against local programs (e.g. when setuid), although the impact is likely
1712small, as the program has to handle conenction and other failures anyways.
1713
1714Examples: C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4,ipv6> - prefer IPv4 over IPv6,
1715but support both and try to use both. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4>
1716- only support IPv4, never try to resolve or contact IPv6
1717addresses. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv6,ipv4> support either IPv4 or
1718IPv6, but prefer IPv6 over IPv4.
1719
1720=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_EDNS0>
1721
1722Used by L<AnyEvent::DNS> to decide whether to use the EDNS0 extension
1723for DNS. This extension is generally useful to reduce DNS traffic, but
1724some (broken) firewalls drop such DNS packets, which is why it is off by
1725default.
1726
1727Setting this variable to C<1> will cause L<AnyEvent::DNS> to announce
1728EDNS0 in its DNS requests.
1729
1730=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_FORKS>
1731
1732The maximum number of child processes that C<AnyEvent::Util::fork_call>
1733will create in parallel.
1734
1735=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_OUTSTANDING_DNS>
1736
1737The default value for the C<max_outstanding> parameter for the default DNS
1738resolver - this is the maximum number of parallel DNS requests that are
1739sent to the DNS server.
1740
1741=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_RESOLV_CONF>
1742
1743The file to use instead of F</etc/resolv.conf> (or OS-specific
1744configuration) in the default resolver. When set to the empty string, no
1745default config will be used.
1746
1747=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_CA_FILE>, C<PERL_ANYEVENT_CA_PATH>.
1748
1749When neither C<ca_file> nor C<ca_path> was specified during
1750L<AnyEvent::TLS> context creation, and either of these environment
1751variables exist, they will be used to specify CA certificate locations
1752instead of a system-dependent default.
1753
1754=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_AVOID_GUARD> and C<PERL_ANYEVENT_AVOID_ASYNC_INTERRUPT>
1755
1756When these are set to C<1>, then the respective modules are not
1757loaded. Mostly good for testing AnyEvent itself.
1758
1759=back
1086 1760
1087=head1 SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE 1761=head1 SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE
1088 1762
1089This is an advanced topic that you do not normally need to use AnyEvent in 1763This is an advanced topic that you do not normally need to use AnyEvent in
1090a module. This section is only of use to event loop authors who want to 1764a module. This section is only of use to event loop authors who want to
1124 1798
1125I<rxvt-unicode> also cheats a bit by not providing blocking access to 1799I<rxvt-unicode> also cheats a bit by not providing blocking access to
1126condition variables: code blocking while waiting for a condition will 1800condition variables: code blocking while waiting for a condition will
1127C<die>. This still works with most modules/usages, and blocking calls must 1801C<die>. This still works with most modules/usages, and blocking calls must
1128not be done in an interactive application, so it makes sense. 1802not be done in an interactive application, so it makes sense.
1129
1130=head1 ENVIRONMENT VARIABLES
1131
1132The following environment variables are used by this module:
1133
1134=over 4
1135
1136=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE>
1137
1138By default, AnyEvent will be completely silent except in fatal
1139conditions. You can set this environment variable to make AnyEvent more
1140talkative.
1141
1142When set to C<1> or higher, causes AnyEvent to warn about unexpected
1143conditions, such as not being able to load the event model specified by
1144C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>.
1145
1146When set to C<2> or higher, cause AnyEvent to report to STDERR which event
1147model it chooses.
1148
1149=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>
1150
1151This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent, before
1152auto detection and -probing kicks in. It must be a string consisting
1153entirely of ASCII letters. The string C<AnyEvent::Impl::> gets prepended
1154and the resulting module name is loaded and if the load was successful,
1155used as event model. If it fails to load AnyEvent will proceed with
1156auto detection and -probing.
1157
1158This functionality might change in future versions.
1159
1160For example, to force the pure perl model (L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) you
1161could start your program like this:
1162
1163 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ...
1164
1165=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS>
1166
1167Used by both L<AnyEvent::DNS> and L<AnyEvent::Socket> to determine preferences
1168for IPv4 or IPv6. The default is unspecified (and might change, or be the result
1169of auto probing).
1170
1171Must be set to a comma-separated list of protocols or address families,
1172current supported: C<ipv4> and C<ipv6>. Only protocols mentioned will be
1173used, and preference will be given to protocols mentioned earlier in the
1174list.
1175
1176This variable can effectively be used for denial-of-service attacks
1177against local programs (e.g. when setuid), although the impact is likely
1178small, as the program has to handle connection errors already-
1179
1180Examples: C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4,ipv6> - prefer IPv4 over IPv6,
1181but support both and try to use both. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4>
1182- only support IPv4, never try to resolve or contact IPv6
1183addresses. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv6,ipv4> support either IPv4 or
1184IPv6, but prefer IPv6 over IPv4.
1185
1186=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_EDNS0>
1187
1188Used by L<AnyEvent::DNS> to decide whether to use the EDNS0 extension
1189for DNS. This extension is generally useful to reduce DNS traffic, but
1190some (broken) firewalls drop such DNS packets, which is why it is off by
1191default.
1192
1193Setting this variable to C<1> will cause L<AnyEvent::DNS> to announce
1194EDNS0 in its DNS requests.
1195
1196=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_FORKS>
1197
1198The maximum number of child processes that C<AnyEvent::Util::fork_call>
1199will create in parallel.
1200
1201=back
1202 1803
1203=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 1804=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
1204 1805
1205The following program uses an I/O watcher to read data from STDIN, a timer 1806The following program uses an I/O watcher to read data from STDIN, a timer
1206to display a message once per second, and a condition variable to quit the 1807to display a message once per second, and a condition variable to quit the
1400watcher. 2001watcher.
1401 2002
1402=head3 Results 2003=head3 Results
1403 2004
1404 name watchers bytes create invoke destroy comment 2005 name watchers bytes create invoke destroy comment
1405 EV/EV 400000 244 0.56 0.46 0.31 EV native interface 2006 EV/EV 400000 224 0.47 0.35 0.27 EV native interface
1406 EV/Any 100000 244 2.50 0.46 0.29 EV + AnyEvent watchers 2007 EV/Any 100000 224 2.88 0.34 0.27 EV + AnyEvent watchers
1407 CoroEV/Any 100000 244 2.49 0.44 0.29 coroutines + Coro::Signal 2008 CoroEV/Any 100000 224 2.85 0.35 0.28 coroutines + Coro::Signal
1408 Perl/Any 100000 513 4.92 0.87 1.12 pure perl implementation 2009 Perl/Any 100000 452 4.13 0.73 0.95 pure perl implementation
1409 Event/Event 16000 516 31.88 31.30 0.85 Event native interface 2010 Event/Event 16000 517 32.20 31.80 0.81 Event native interface
1410 Event/Any 16000 590 35.75 31.42 1.08 Event + AnyEvent watchers 2011 Event/Any 16000 590 35.85 31.55 1.06 Event + AnyEvent watchers
2012 IOAsync/Any 16000 989 38.10 32.77 11.13 via IO::Async::Loop::IO_Poll
2013 IOAsync/Any 16000 990 37.59 29.50 10.61 via IO::Async::Loop::Epoll
1411 Glib/Any 16000 1357 98.22 12.41 54.00 quadratic behaviour 2014 Glib/Any 16000 1357 102.33 12.31 51.00 quadratic behaviour
1412 Tk/Any 2000 1860 26.97 67.98 14.00 SEGV with >> 2000 watchers 2015 Tk/Any 2000 1860 27.20 66.31 14.00 SEGV with >> 2000 watchers
1413 POE/Event 2000 6644 108.64 736.02 14.73 via POE::Loop::Event 2016 POE/Event 2000 6328 109.99 751.67 14.02 via POE::Loop::Event
1414 POE/Select 2000 6343 94.13 809.12 565.96 via POE::Loop::Select 2017 POE/Select 2000 6027 94.54 809.13 579.80 via POE::Loop::Select
1415 2018
1416=head3 Discussion 2019=head3 Discussion
1417 2020
1418The benchmark does I<not> measure scalability of the event loop very 2021The benchmark does I<not> measure scalability of the event loop very
1419well. For example, a select-based event loop (such as the pure perl one) 2022well. For example, a select-based event loop (such as the pure perl one)
1444performance becomes really bad with lots of file descriptors (and few of 2047performance becomes really bad with lots of file descriptors (and few of
1445them active), of course, but this was not subject of this benchmark. 2048them active), of course, but this was not subject of this benchmark.
1446 2049
1447The C<Event> module has a relatively high setup and callback invocation 2050The C<Event> module has a relatively high setup and callback invocation
1448cost, but overall scores in on the third place. 2051cost, but overall scores in on the third place.
2052
2053C<IO::Async> performs admirably well, about on par with C<Event>, even
2054when using its pure perl backend.
1449 2055
1450C<Glib>'s memory usage is quite a bit higher, but it features a 2056C<Glib>'s memory usage is quite a bit higher, but it features a
1451faster callback invocation and overall ends up in the same class as 2057faster callback invocation and overall ends up in the same class as
1452C<Event>. However, Glib scales extremely badly, doubling the number of 2058C<Event>. However, Glib scales extremely badly, doubling the number of
1453watchers increases the processing time by more than a factor of four, 2059watchers increases the processing time by more than a factor of four,
1531it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout and creating 2137it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout and creating
1532a new one that moves the timeout into the future. 2138a new one that moves the timeout into the future.
1533 2139
1534=head3 Results 2140=head3 Results
1535 2141
1536 name sockets create request 2142 name sockets create request
1537 EV 20000 69.01 11.16 2143 EV 20000 69.01 11.16
1538 Perl 20000 73.32 35.87 2144 Perl 20000 73.32 35.87
2145 IOAsync 20000 157.00 98.14 epoll
2146 IOAsync 20000 159.31 616.06 poll
1539 Event 20000 212.62 257.32 2147 Event 20000 212.62 257.32
1540 Glib 20000 651.16 1896.30 2148 Glib 20000 651.16 1896.30
1541 POE 20000 349.67 12317.24 uses POE::Loop::Event 2149 POE 20000 349.67 12317.24 uses POE::Loop::Event
1542 2150
1543=head3 Discussion 2151=head3 Discussion
1544 2152
1545This benchmark I<does> measure scalability and overall performance of the 2153This benchmark I<does> measure scalability and overall performance of the
1546particular event loop. 2154particular event loop.
1548EV is again fastest. Since it is using epoll on my system, the setup time 2156EV is again fastest. Since it is using epoll on my system, the setup time
1549is relatively high, though. 2157is relatively high, though.
1550 2158
1551Perl surprisingly comes second. It is much faster than the C-based event 2159Perl surprisingly comes second. It is much faster than the C-based event
1552loops Event and Glib. 2160loops Event and Glib.
2161
2162IO::Async performs very well when using its epoll backend, and still quite
2163good compared to Glib when using its pure perl backend.
1553 2164
1554Event suffers from high setup time as well (look at its code and you will 2165Event suffers from high setup time as well (look at its code and you will
1555understand why). Callback invocation also has a high overhead compared to 2166understand why). Callback invocation also has a high overhead compared to
1556the C<< $_->() for .. >>-style loop that the Perl event loop uses. Event 2167the C<< $_->() for .. >>-style loop that the Perl event loop uses. Event
1557uses select or poll in basically all documented configurations. 2168uses select or poll in basically all documented configurations.
1620=item * C-based event loops perform very well with small number of 2231=item * C-based event loops perform very well with small number of
1621watchers, as the management overhead dominates. 2232watchers, as the management overhead dominates.
1622 2233
1623=back 2234=back
1624 2235
2236=head2 THE IO::Lambda BENCHMARK
2237
2238Recently I was told about the benchmark in the IO::Lambda manpage, which
2239could be misinterpreted to make AnyEvent look bad. In fact, the benchmark
2240simply compares IO::Lambda with POE, and IO::Lambda looks better (which
2241shouldn't come as a surprise to anybody). As such, the benchmark is
2242fine, and mostly shows that the AnyEvent backend from IO::Lambda isn't
2243very optimal. But how would AnyEvent compare when used without the extra
2244baggage? To explore this, I wrote the equivalent benchmark for AnyEvent.
2245
2246The benchmark itself creates an echo-server, and then, for 500 times,
2247connects to the echo server, sends a line, waits for the reply, and then
2248creates the next connection. This is a rather bad benchmark, as it doesn't
2249test the efficiency of the framework or much non-blocking I/O, but it is a
2250benchmark nevertheless.
2251
2252 name runtime
2253 Lambda/select 0.330 sec
2254 + optimized 0.122 sec
2255 Lambda/AnyEvent 0.327 sec
2256 + optimized 0.138 sec
2257 Raw sockets/select 0.077 sec
2258 POE/select, components 0.662 sec
2259 POE/select, raw sockets 0.226 sec
2260 POE/select, optimized 0.404 sec
2261
2262 AnyEvent/select/nb 0.085 sec
2263 AnyEvent/EV/nb 0.068 sec
2264 +state machine 0.134 sec
2265
2266The benchmark is also a bit unfair (my fault): the IO::Lambda/POE
2267benchmarks actually make blocking connects and use 100% blocking I/O,
2268defeating the purpose of an event-based solution. All of the newly
2269written AnyEvent benchmarks use 100% non-blocking connects (using
2270AnyEvent::Socket::tcp_connect and the asynchronous pure perl DNS
2271resolver), so AnyEvent is at a disadvantage here, as non-blocking connects
2272generally require a lot more bookkeeping and event handling than blocking
2273connects (which involve a single syscall only).
2274
2275The last AnyEvent benchmark additionally uses L<AnyEvent::Handle>, which
2276offers similar expressive power as POE and IO::Lambda, using conventional
2277Perl syntax. This means that both the echo server and the client are 100%
2278non-blocking, further placing it at a disadvantage.
2279
2280As you can see, the AnyEvent + EV combination even beats the
2281hand-optimised "raw sockets benchmark", while AnyEvent + its pure perl
2282backend easily beats IO::Lambda and POE.
2283
2284And even the 100% non-blocking version written using the high-level (and
2285slow :) L<AnyEvent::Handle> abstraction beats both POE and IO::Lambda by a
2286large margin, even though it does all of DNS, tcp-connect and socket I/O
2287in a non-blocking way.
2288
2289The two AnyEvent benchmarks programs can be found as F<eg/ae0.pl> and
2290F<eg/ae2.pl> in the AnyEvent distribution, the remaining benchmarks are
2291part of the IO::lambda distribution and were used without any changes.
2292
2293
2294=head1 SIGNALS
2295
2296AnyEvent currently installs handlers for these signals:
2297
2298=over 4
2299
2300=item SIGCHLD
2301
2302A handler for C<SIGCHLD> is installed by AnyEvent's child watcher
2303emulation for event loops that do not support them natively. Also, some
2304event loops install a similar handler.
2305
2306Additionally, when AnyEvent is loaded and SIGCHLD is set to IGNORE, then
2307AnyEvent will reset it to default, to avoid losing child exit statuses.
2308
2309=item SIGPIPE
2310
2311A no-op handler is installed for C<SIGPIPE> when C<$SIG{PIPE}> is C<undef>
2312when AnyEvent gets loaded.
2313
2314The rationale for this is that AnyEvent users usually do not really depend
2315on SIGPIPE delivery (which is purely an optimisation for shell use, or
2316badly-written programs), but C<SIGPIPE> can cause spurious and rare
2317program exits as a lot of people do not expect C<SIGPIPE> when writing to
2318some random socket.
2319
2320The rationale for installing a no-op handler as opposed to ignoring it is
2321that this way, the handler will be restored to defaults on exec.
2322
2323Feel free to install your own handler, or reset it to defaults.
2324
2325=back
2326
2327=cut
2328
2329undef $SIG{CHLD}
2330 if $SIG{CHLD} eq 'IGNORE';
2331
2332$SIG{PIPE} = sub { }
2333 unless defined $SIG{PIPE};
2334
2335=head1 RECOMMENDED/OPTIONAL MODULES
2336
2337One of AnyEvent's main goals is to be 100% Pure-Perl(tm): only perl (and
2338it's built-in modules) are required to use it.
2339
2340That does not mean that AnyEvent won't take advantage of some additional
2341modules if they are installed.
2342
2343This section epxlains which additional modules will be used, and how they
2344affect AnyEvent's operetion.
2345
2346=over 4
2347
2348=item L<Async::Interrupt>
2349
2350This slightly arcane module is used to implement fast signal handling: To
2351my knowledge, there is no way to do completely race-free and quick
2352signal handling in pure perl. To ensure that signals still get
2353delivered, AnyEvent will start an interval timer to wake up perl (and
2354catch the signals) with some delay (default is 10 seconds, look for
2355C<$AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY>).
2356
2357If this module is available, then it will be used to implement signal
2358catching, which means that signals will not be delayed, and the event loop
2359will not be interrupted regularly, which is more efficient (And good for
2360battery life on laptops).
2361
2362This affects not just the pure-perl event loop, but also other event loops
2363that have no signal handling on their own (e.g. Glib, Tk, Qt).
2364
2365Some event loops (POE, Event, Event::Lib) offer signal watchers natively,
2366and either employ their own workarounds (POE) or use AnyEvent's workaround
2367(using C<$AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY>). Installing L<Async::Interrupt>
2368does nothing for those backends.
2369
2370=item L<EV>
2371
2372This module isn't really "optional", as it is simply one of the backend
2373event loops that AnyEvent can use. However, it is simply the best event
2374loop available in terms of features, speed and stability: It supports
2375the AnyEvent API optimally, implements all the watcher types in XS, does
2376automatic timer adjustments even when no monotonic clock is available,
2377can take avdantage of advanced kernel interfaces such as C<epoll> and
2378C<kqueue>, and is the fastest backend I<by far>. You can even embed
2379L<Glib>/L<Gtk2> in it (or vice versa, see L<EV::Glib> and L<Glib::EV>).
2380
2381=item L<Guard>
2382
2383The guard module, when used, will be used to implement
2384C<AnyEvent::Util::guard>. This speeds up guards considerably (and uses a
2385lot less memory), but otherwise doesn't affect guard operation much. It is
2386purely used for performance.
2387
2388=item L<JSON> and L<JSON::XS>
2389
2390This module is required when you want to read or write JSON data via
2391L<AnyEvent::Handle>. It is also written in pure-perl, but can take
2392advantage of the ultra-high-speed L<JSON::XS> module when it is installed.
2393
2394In fact, L<AnyEvent::Handle> will use L<JSON::XS> by default if it is
2395installed.
2396
2397=item L<Net::SSLeay>
2398
2399Implementing TLS/SSL in Perl is certainly interesting, but not very
2400worthwhile: If this module is installed, then L<AnyEvent::Handle> (with
2401the help of L<AnyEvent::TLS>), gains the ability to do TLS/SSL.
2402
2403=item L<Time::HiRes>
2404
2405This module is part of perl since release 5.008. It will be used when the
2406chosen event library does not come with a timing source on it's own. The
2407pure-perl event loop (L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) will additionally use it to
2408try to use a monotonic clock for timing stability.
2409
2410=back
2411
1625 2412
1626=head1 FORK 2413=head1 FORK
1627 2414
1628Most event libraries are not fork-safe. The ones who are usually are 2415Most event libraries are not fork-safe. The ones who are usually are
1629because they rely on inefficient but fork-safe C<select> or C<poll> 2416because they rely on inefficient but fork-safe C<select> or C<poll>
1630calls. Only L<EV> is fully fork-aware. 2417calls. Only L<EV> is fully fork-aware.
1631 2418
1632If you have to fork, you must either do so I<before> creating your first 2419If you have to fork, you must either do so I<before> creating your first
1633watcher OR you must not use AnyEvent at all in the child. 2420watcher OR you must not use AnyEvent at all in the child OR you must do
2421something completely out of the scope of AnyEvent.
1634 2422
1635 2423
1636=head1 SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS 2424=head1 SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS
1637 2425
1638AnyEvent can be forced to load any event model via 2426AnyEvent can be forced to load any event model via
1643specified in the variable. 2431specified in the variable.
1644 2432
1645You can make AnyEvent completely ignore this variable by deleting it 2433You can make AnyEvent completely ignore this variable by deleting it
1646before the first watcher gets created, e.g. with a C<BEGIN> block: 2434before the first watcher gets created, e.g. with a C<BEGIN> block:
1647 2435
1648 BEGIN { delete $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} } 2436 BEGIN { delete $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} }
1649 2437
1650 use AnyEvent; 2438 use AnyEvent;
1651 2439
1652Similar considerations apply to $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}, as that can 2440Similar considerations apply to $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}, as that can
1653be used to probe what backend is used and gain other information (which is 2441be used to probe what backend is used and gain other information (which is
1654probably even less useful to an attacker than PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL). 2442probably even less useful to an attacker than PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL), and
2443$ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT}.
2444
2445Note that AnyEvent will remove I<all> environment variables starting with
2446C<PERL_ANYEVENT_> from C<%ENV> when it is loaded while taint mode is
2447enabled.
2448
2449
2450=head1 BUGS
2451
2452Perl 5.8 has numerous memleaks that sometimes hit this module and are hard
2453to work around. If you suffer from memleaks, first upgrade to Perl 5.10
2454and check wether the leaks still show up. (Perl 5.10.0 has other annoying
2455memleaks, such as leaking on C<map> and C<grep> but it is usually not as
2456pronounced).
1655 2457
1656 2458
1657=head1 SEE ALSO 2459=head1 SEE ALSO
1658 2460
1659Utility functions: L<AnyEvent::Util>. 2461Utility functions: L<AnyEvent::Util>.
1662L<Glib>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, L<POE>. 2464L<Glib>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, L<POE>.
1663 2465
1664Implementations: L<AnyEvent::Impl::EV>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Event>, 2466Implementations: L<AnyEvent::Impl::EV>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Event>,
1665L<AnyEvent::Impl::Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Tk>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>, 2467L<AnyEvent::Impl::Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Tk>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>,
1666L<AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Qt>, 2468L<AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Qt>,
1667L<AnyEvent::Impl::POE>. 2469L<AnyEvent::Impl::POE>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync>, L<Anyevent::Impl::Irssi>.
1668 2470
1669Non-blocking file handles, sockets, TCP clients and 2471Non-blocking file handles, sockets, TCP clients and
1670servers: L<AnyEvent::Handle>, L<AnyEvent::Socket>. 2472servers: L<AnyEvent::Handle>, L<AnyEvent::Socket>, L<AnyEvent::TLS>.
1671 2473
1672Asynchronous DNS: L<AnyEvent::DNS>. 2474Asynchronous DNS: L<AnyEvent::DNS>.
1673 2475
1674Coroutine support: L<Coro>, L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>, 2476Coroutine support: L<Coro>, L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>,
2477L<Coro::Event>,
1675 2478
1676Nontrivial usage examples: L<Net::FCP>, L<Net::XMPP2>, L<AnyEvent::DNS>. 2479Nontrivial usage examples: L<AnyEvent::GPSD>, L<AnyEvent::XMPP>,
2480L<AnyEvent::HTTP>.
1677 2481
1678 2482
1679=head1 AUTHOR 2483=head1 AUTHOR
1680 2484
1681 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 2485 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
1682 http://home.schmorp.de/ 2486 http://home.schmorp.de/
1683 2487
1684=cut 2488=cut
1685 2489
16861 24901
1687 2491

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