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1=head1 NAME 1=head1 NAME
2 2
3AnyEvent - provide framework for multiple event loops 3AnyEvent - provide framework for multiple event loops
4 4
5EV, Event, Coro::EV, Coro::Event, Glib, Tk, Perl, Event::Lib, Qt, POE - various supported event loops 5EV, Event, Glib, Tk, Perl, Event::Lib, Qt, POE - various supported event loops
6 6
7=head1 SYNOPSIS 7=head1 SYNOPSIS
8 8
9 use AnyEvent; 9 use AnyEvent;
10 10
15 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, cb => sub { 15 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, cb => sub {
16 ... 16 ...
17 }); 17 });
18 18
19 my $w = AnyEvent->condvar; # stores whether a condition was flagged 19 my $w = AnyEvent->condvar; # stores whether a condition was flagged
20 $w->send; # wake up current and all future recv's
20 $w->wait; # enters "main loop" till $condvar gets ->send 21 $w->recv; # enters "main loop" till $condvar gets ->send
21 $w->send; # wake up current and all future wait's 22
23=head1 INTRODUCTION/TUTORIAL
24
25This manpage is mainly a reference manual. If you are interested
26in a tutorial or some gentle introduction, have a look at the
27L<AnyEvent::Intro> manpage.
22 28
23=head1 WHY YOU SHOULD USE THIS MODULE (OR NOT) 29=head1 WHY YOU SHOULD USE THIS MODULE (OR NOT)
24 30
25Glib, POE, IO::Async, Event... CPAN offers event models by the dozen 31Glib, POE, IO::Async, Event... CPAN offers event models by the dozen
26nowadays. So what is different about AnyEvent? 32nowadays. So what is different about AnyEvent?
48isn't itself. What's worse, all the potential users of your module are 54isn't itself. What's worse, all the potential users of your module are
49I<also> forced to use the same event loop you use. 55I<also> forced to use the same event loop you use.
50 56
51AnyEvent is different: AnyEvent + POE works fine. AnyEvent + Glib works 57AnyEvent is different: AnyEvent + POE works fine. AnyEvent + Glib works
52fine. AnyEvent + Tk works fine etc. etc. but none of these work together 58fine. 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 59with 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, 60your 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 61too. But if your module uses AnyEvent, it works transparently with all
56event models it supports (including stuff like POE and IO::Async, as long 62event models it supports (including stuff like POE and IO::Async, as long
57as those use one of the supported event loops. It is trivial to add new 63as those use one of the supported event loops. It is trivial to add new
58event loops to AnyEvent, too, so it is future-proof). 64event loops to AnyEvent, too, so it is future-proof).
59 65
60In addition to being free of having to use I<the one and only true event 66In 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 67model>, AnyEvent also is free of bloat and policy: with POE or similar
62modules, you get an enourmous amount of code and strict rules you have to 68modules, 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 69follow. AnyEvent, on the other hand, is lean and up to the point, by only
64offering the functionality that is necessary, in as thin as a wrapper as 70offering the functionality that is necessary, in as thin as a wrapper as
65technically possible. 71technically possible.
66 72
73Of course, AnyEvent comes with a big (and fully optional!) toolbox
74of useful functionality, such as an asynchronous DNS resolver, 100%
75non-blocking connects (even with TLS/SSL, IPv6 and on broken platforms
76such as Windows) and lots of real-world knowledge and workarounds for
77platform bugs and differences.
78
67Of course, if you want lots of policy (this can arguably be somewhat 79Now, if you I<do want> lots of policy (this can arguably be somewhat
68useful) and you want to force your users to use the one and only event 80useful) and you want to force your users to use the one and only event
69model, you should I<not> use this module. 81model, you should I<not> use this module.
70 82
71=head1 DESCRIPTION 83=head1 DESCRIPTION
72 84
78The interface itself is vaguely similar, but not identical to the L<Event> 90The interface itself is vaguely similar, but not identical to the L<Event>
79module. 91module.
80 92
81During the first call of any watcher-creation method, the module tries 93During the first call of any watcher-creation method, the module tries
82to detect the currently loaded event loop by probing whether one of the 94to detect the currently loaded event loop by probing whether one of the
83following modules is already loaded: L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>, L<EV>, 95following modules is already loaded: L<EV>,
84L<Event>, L<Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, 96L<Event>, L<Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>,
85L<POE>. The first one found is used. If none are found, the module tries 97L<POE>. The first one found is used. If none are found, the module tries
86to load these modules (excluding Tk, Event::Lib, Qt and POE as the pure perl 98to load these modules (excluding Tk, Event::Lib, Qt and POE as the pure perl
87adaptor should always succeed) in the order given. The first one that can 99adaptor should always succeed) in the order given. The first one that can
88be successfully loaded will be used. If, after this, still none could be 100be successfully loaded will be used. If, after this, still none could be
102starts using it, all bets are off. Maybe you should tell their authors to 114starts using it, all bets are off. Maybe you should tell their authors to
103use AnyEvent so their modules work together with others seamlessly... 115use AnyEvent so their modules work together with others seamlessly...
104 116
105The pure-perl implementation of AnyEvent is called 117The pure-perl implementation of AnyEvent is called
106C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>. Like other event modules you can load it 118C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>. Like other event modules you can load it
107explicitly. 119explicitly and enjoy the high availability of that event loop :)
108 120
109=head1 WATCHERS 121=head1 WATCHERS
110 122
111AnyEvent has the central concept of a I<watcher>, which is an object that 123AnyEvent has the central concept of a I<watcher>, which is an object that
112stores relevant data for each kind of event you are waiting for, such as 124stores relevant data for each kind of event you are waiting for, such as
113the callback to call, the filehandle to watch, etc. 125the callback to call, the file handle to watch, etc.
114 126
115These watchers are normal Perl objects with normal Perl lifetime. After 127These watchers are normal Perl objects with normal Perl lifetime. After
116creating a watcher it will immediately "watch" for events and invoke the 128creating a watcher it will immediately "watch" for events and invoke the
117callback when the event occurs (of course, only when the event model 129callback when the event occurs (of course, only when the event model
118is in control). 130is in control).
126Many watchers either are used with "recursion" (repeating timers for 138Many watchers either are used with "recursion" (repeating timers for
127example), or need to refer to their watcher object in other ways. 139example), or need to refer to their watcher object in other ways.
128 140
129An any way to achieve that is this pattern: 141An any way to achieve that is this pattern:
130 142
131 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->type (arg => value ..., cb => sub { 143 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->type (arg => value ..., cb => sub {
132 # you can use $w here, for example to undef it 144 # you can use $w here, for example to undef it
133 undef $w; 145 undef $w;
134 }); 146 });
135 147
136Note that C<my $w; $w => combination. This is necessary because in Perl, 148Note that C<my $w; $w => combination. This is necessary because in Perl,
137my variables are only visible after the statement in which they are 149my variables are only visible after the statement in which they are
138declared. 150declared.
139 151
158 170
159Some event loops issue spurious readyness notifications, so you should 171Some event loops issue spurious readyness notifications, so you should
160always use non-blocking calls when reading/writing from/to your file 172always use non-blocking calls when reading/writing from/to your file
161handles. 173handles.
162 174
163Example:
164
165 # wait for readability of STDIN, then read a line and disable the watcher 175Example: wait for readability of STDIN, then read a line and disable the
176watcher.
177
166 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => \*STDIN, poll => 'r', cb => sub { 178 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => \*STDIN, poll => 'r', cb => sub {
167 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>); 179 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>);
168 warn "read: $input\n"; 180 warn "read: $input\n";
169 undef $w; 181 undef $w;
170 }); 182 });
180 192
181Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 193Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
182presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent 194presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent
183callbacks cannot use arguments passed to time watcher callbacks. 195callbacks cannot use arguments passed to time watcher callbacks.
184 196
185The timer callback will be invoked at most once: if you want a repeating 197The callback will normally be invoked once only. If you specify another
186timer you have to create a new watcher (this is a limitation by both Tk 198parameter, C<interval>, as a strictly positive number (> 0), then the
187and Glib). 199callback will be invoked regularly at that interval (in fractional
200seconds) after the first invocation. If C<interval> is specified with a
201false value, then it is treated as if it were missing.
188 202
189Example: 203The callback will be rescheduled before invoking the callback, but no
204attempt is done to avoid timer drift in most backends, so the interval is
205only approximate.
190 206
191 # fire an event after 7.7 seconds 207Example: fire an event after 7.7 seconds.
208
192 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 7.7, cb => sub { 209 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 7.7, cb => sub {
193 warn "timeout\n"; 210 warn "timeout\n";
194 }); 211 });
195 212
196 # to cancel the timer: 213 # to cancel the timer:
197 undef $w; 214 undef $w;
198 215
199Example 2:
200
201 # fire an event after 0.5 seconds, then roughly every second 216Example 2: fire an event after 0.5 seconds, then roughly every second.
202 my $w;
203 217
204 my $cb = sub {
205 # cancel the old timer while creating a new one
206 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 1, cb => $cb); 218 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 0.5, interval => 1, cb => sub {
219 warn "timeout\n";
207 }; 220 };
208
209 # start the "loop" by creating the first watcher
210 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 0.5, cb => $cb);
211 221
212=head3 TIMING ISSUES 222=head3 TIMING ISSUES
213 223
214There are two ways to handle timers: based on real time (relative, "fire 224There are two ways to handle timers: based on real time (relative, "fire
215in 10 seconds") and based on wallclock time (absolute, "fire at 12 225in 10 seconds") and based on wallclock time (absolute, "fire at 12
227timers. 237timers.
228 238
229AnyEvent always prefers relative timers, if available, matching the 239AnyEvent always prefers relative timers, if available, matching the
230AnyEvent API. 240AnyEvent API.
231 241
242AnyEvent has two additional methods that return the "current time":
243
244=over 4
245
246=item AnyEvent->time
247
248This returns the "current wallclock time" as a fractional number of
249seconds since the Epoch (the same thing as C<time> or C<Time::HiRes::time>
250return, and the result is guaranteed to be compatible with those).
251
252It progresses independently of any event loop processing, i.e. each call
253will check the system clock, which usually gets updated frequently.
254
255=item AnyEvent->now
256
257This also returns the "current wallclock time", but unlike C<time>, above,
258this value might change only once per event loop iteration, depending on
259the event loop (most return the same time as C<time>, above). This is the
260time that AnyEvent's timers get scheduled against.
261
262I<In almost all cases (in all cases if you don't care), this is the
263function to call when you want to know the current time.>
264
265This function is also often faster then C<< AnyEvent->time >>, and
266thus the preferred method if you want some timestamp (for example,
267L<AnyEvent::Handle> uses this to update it's activity timeouts).
268
269The rest of this section is only of relevance if you try to be very exact
270with your timing, you can skip it without bad conscience.
271
272For a practical example of when these times differ, consider L<Event::Lib>
273and L<EV> and the following set-up:
274
275The event loop is running and has just invoked one of your callback at
276time=500 (assume no other callbacks delay processing). In your callback,
277you wait a second by executing C<sleep 1> (blocking the process for a
278second) and then (at time=501) you create a relative timer that fires
279after three seconds.
280
281With L<Event::Lib>, C<< AnyEvent->time >> and C<< AnyEvent->now >> will
282both return C<501>, because that is the current time, and the timer will
283be scheduled to fire at time=504 (C<501> + C<3>).
284
285With L<EV>, C<< AnyEvent->time >> returns C<501> (as that is the current
286time), but C<< AnyEvent->now >> returns C<500>, as that is the time the
287last event processing phase started. With L<EV>, your timer gets scheduled
288to run at time=503 (C<500> + C<3>).
289
290In one sense, L<Event::Lib> is more exact, as it uses the current time
291regardless of any delays introduced by event processing. However, most
292callbacks do not expect large delays in processing, so this causes a
293higher drift (and a lot more system calls to get the current time).
294
295In another sense, L<EV> is more exact, as your timer will be scheduled at
296the same time, regardless of how long event processing actually took.
297
298In either case, if you care (and in most cases, you don't), then you
299can get whatever behaviour you want with any event loop, by taking the
300difference between C<< AnyEvent->time >> and C<< AnyEvent->now >> into
301account.
302
303=back
304
232=head2 SIGNAL WATCHERS 305=head2 SIGNAL WATCHERS
233 306
234You can watch for signals using a signal watcher, C<signal> is the signal 307You can watch for signals using a signal watcher, C<signal> is the signal
235I<name> without any C<SIG> prefix, C<cb> is the Perl callback to 308I<name> without any C<SIG> prefix, C<cb> is the Perl callback to
236be invoked whenever a signal occurs. 309be invoked whenever a signal occurs.
237 310
238Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 311Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
239presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent 312presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent
240callbacks cannot use arguments passed to signal watcher callbacks. 313callbacks cannot use arguments passed to signal watcher callbacks.
241 314
242Multiple signal occurances can be clumped together into one callback 315Multiple signal occurrences can be clumped together into one callback
243invocation, and callback invocation will be synchronous. synchronous means 316invocation, and callback invocation will be synchronous. Synchronous means
244that it might take a while until the signal gets handled by the process, 317that it might take a while until the signal gets handled by the process,
245but it is guarenteed not to interrupt any other callbacks. 318but it is guaranteed not to interrupt any other callbacks.
246 319
247The main advantage of using these watchers is that you can share a signal 320The main advantage of using these watchers is that you can share a signal
248between multiple watchers. 321between multiple watchers.
249 322
250This watcher might use C<%SIG>, so programs overwriting those signals 323This watcher might use C<%SIG>, so programs overwriting those signals
277AnyEvent program, you I<have> to create at least one watcher before you 350AnyEvent program, you I<have> to create at least one watcher before you
278C<fork> the child (alternatively, you can call C<AnyEvent::detect>). 351C<fork> the child (alternatively, you can call C<AnyEvent::detect>).
279 352
280Example: fork a process and wait for it 353Example: fork a process and wait for it
281 354
282 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar; 355 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
283 356
284 AnyEvent::detect; # force event module to be initialised
285
286 my $pid = fork or exit 5; 357 my $pid = fork or exit 5;
287 358
288 my $w = AnyEvent->child ( 359 my $w = AnyEvent->child (
289 pid => $pid, 360 pid => $pid,
290 cb => sub { 361 cb => sub {
291 my ($pid, $status) = @_; 362 my ($pid, $status) = @_;
292 warn "pid $pid exited with status $status"; 363 warn "pid $pid exited with status $status";
293 $done->send; 364 $done->send;
294 }, 365 },
295 ); 366 );
296 367
297 # do something else, then wait for process exit 368 # do something else, then wait for process exit
298 $done->wait; 369 $done->recv;
299 370
300=head2 CONDITION VARIABLES 371=head2 CONDITION VARIABLES
301 372
302If you are familiar with some event loops you will know that all of them 373If you are familiar with some event loops you will know that all of them
303require you to run some blocking "loop", "run" or similar function that 374require you to run some blocking "loop", "run" or similar function that
312Condition variables can be created by calling the C<< AnyEvent->condvar 383Condition variables can be created by calling the C<< AnyEvent->condvar
313>> method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is 384>> method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is
314C<cb>, which specifies a callback to be called when the condition variable 385C<cb>, which specifies a callback to be called when the condition variable
315becomes true. 386becomes true.
316 387
317After creation, the conditon variable is "false" until it becomes "true" 388After creation, the condition variable is "false" until it becomes "true"
318by calling the C<send> method. 389by calling the C<send> method (or calling the condition variable as if it
390were a callback, read about the caveats in the description for the C<<
391->send >> method).
319 392
320Condition variables are similar to callbacks, except that you can 393Condition variables are similar to callbacks, except that you can
321optionally wait for them. They can also be called merge points - points 394optionally wait for them. They can also be called merge points - points
322in time where multiple outstandign events have been processed. And yet 395in time where multiple outstanding events have been processed. And yet
323another way to call them is transations - each condition variable can be 396another way to call them is transactions - each condition variable can be
324used to represent a transaction, which finishes at some point and delivers 397used to represent a transaction, which finishes at some point and delivers
325a result. 398a result.
326 399
327Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has finished, 400Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has finished,
328for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http requests, 401for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http requests,
329then a condition variable would be the ideal candidate to signal the 402then a condition variable would be the ideal candidate to signal the
330availability of results. The user can either act when the callback is 403availability of results. The user can either act when the callback is
331called or can synchronously C<< ->wait >> for the results. 404called or can synchronously C<< ->recv >> for the results.
332 405
333You can also use them to simulate traditional event loops - for example, 406You can also use them to simulate traditional event loops - for example,
334you can block your main program until an event occurs - for example, you 407you can block your main program until an event occurs - for example, you
335could C<< ->wait >> in your main program until the user clicks the Quit 408could C<< ->recv >> in your main program until the user clicks the Quit
336button of your app, which would C<< ->send >> the "quit" event. 409button of your app, which would C<< ->send >> the "quit" event.
337 410
338Note that condition variables recurse into the event loop - if you have 411Note that condition variables recurse into the event loop - if you have
339two pieces of code that call C<< ->wait >> in a round-robbin fashion, you 412two pieces of code that call C<< ->recv >> in a round-robin fashion, you
340lose. Therefore, condition variables are good to export to your caller, but 413lose. Therefore, condition variables are good to export to your caller, but
341you should avoid making a blocking wait yourself, at least in callbacks, 414you should avoid making a blocking wait yourself, at least in callbacks,
342as this asks for trouble. 415as this asks for trouble.
343 416
344Condition variables are represented by hash refs in perl, and the keys 417Condition variables are represented by hash refs in perl, and the keys
349 422
350There are two "sides" to a condition variable - the "producer side" which 423There are two "sides" to a condition variable - the "producer side" which
351eventually calls C<< -> send >>, and the "consumer side", which waits 424eventually calls C<< -> send >>, and the "consumer side", which waits
352for the send to occur. 425for the send to occur.
353 426
354Example: 427Example: wait for a timer.
355 428
356 # wait till the result is ready 429 # wait till the result is ready
357 my $result_ready = AnyEvent->condvar; 430 my $result_ready = AnyEvent->condvar;
358 431
359 # do something such as adding a timer 432 # do something such as adding a timer
365 cb => sub { $result_ready->send }, 438 cb => sub { $result_ready->send },
366 ); 439 );
367 440
368 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback 441 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback
369 # calls send 442 # calls send
370 $result_ready->wait; 443 $result_ready->recv;
444
445Example: wait for a timer, but take advantage of the fact that
446condition variables are also code references.
447
448 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
449 my $delay = AnyEvent->timer (after => 5, cb => $done);
450 $done->recv;
371 451
372=head3 METHODS FOR PRODUCERS 452=head3 METHODS FOR PRODUCERS
373 453
374These methods should only be used by the producing side, i.e. the 454These methods should only be used by the producing side, i.e. the
375code/module that eventually sends the signal. Note that it is also 455code/module that eventually sends the signal. Note that it is also
378 458
379=over 4 459=over 4
380 460
381=item $cv->send (...) 461=item $cv->send (...)
382 462
383Flag the condition as ready - a running C<< ->wait >> and all further 463Flag the condition as ready - a running C<< ->recv >> and all further
384calls to C<wait> will (eventually) return after this method has been 464calls to C<recv> will (eventually) return after this method has been
385called. If nobody is waiting the send will be remembered. 465called. If nobody is waiting the send will be remembered.
386 466
387If a callback has been set on the condition variable, it is called 467If a callback has been set on the condition variable, it is called
388immediately from within send. 468immediately from within send.
389 469
390Any arguments passed to the C<send> call will be returned by all 470Any arguments passed to the C<send> call will be returned by all
391future C<< ->wait >> calls. 471future C<< ->recv >> calls.
472
473Condition variables are overloaded so one can call them directly
474(as a code reference). Calling them directly is the same as calling
475C<send>. Note, however, that many C-based event loops do not handle
476overloading, so as tempting as it may be, passing a condition variable
477instead of a callback does not work. Both the pure perl and EV loops
478support overloading, however, as well as all functions that use perl to
479invoke a callback (as in L<AnyEvent::Socket> and L<AnyEvent::DNS> for
480example).
392 481
393=item $cv->croak ($error) 482=item $cv->croak ($error)
394 483
395Similar to send, but causes all call's wait C<< ->wait >> to invoke 484Similar to send, but causes all call's to C<< ->recv >> to invoke
396C<Carp::croak> with the given error message/object/scalar. 485C<Carp::croak> with the given error message/object/scalar.
397 486
398This can be used to signal any errors to the condition variable 487This can be used to signal any errors to the condition variable
399user/consumer. 488user/consumer.
400 489
401=item $cv->begin ([group callback]) 490=item $cv->begin ([group callback])
402 491
403=item $cv->end 492=item $cv->end
493
494These two methods are EXPERIMENTAL and MIGHT CHANGE.
404 495
405These two methods can be used to combine many transactions/events into 496These two methods can be used to combine many transactions/events into
406one. For example, a function that pings many hosts in parallel might want 497one. For example, a function that pings many hosts in parallel might want
407to use a condition variable for the whole process. 498to use a condition variable for the whole process.
408 499
443doesn't execute once). 534doesn't execute once).
444 535
445This is the general pattern when you "fan out" into multiple subrequests: 536This is the general pattern when you "fan out" into multiple subrequests:
446use an outer C<begin>/C<end> pair to set the callback and ensure C<end> 537use an outer C<begin>/C<end> pair to set the callback and ensure C<end>
447is called at least once, and then, for each subrequest you start, call 538is called at least once, and then, for each subrequest you start, call
448C<begin> and for eahc subrequest you finish, call C<end>. 539C<begin> and for each subrequest you finish, call C<end>.
449 540
450=back 541=back
451 542
452=head3 METHODS FOR CONSUMERS 543=head3 METHODS FOR CONSUMERS
453 544
454These methods should only be used by the consuming side, i.e. the 545These methods should only be used by the consuming side, i.e. the
455code awaits the condition. 546code awaits the condition.
456 547
457=over 4 548=over 4
458 549
459=item $cv->wait 550=item $cv->recv
460 551
461Wait (blocking if necessary) until the C<< ->send >> or C<< ->croak 552Wait (blocking if necessary) until the C<< ->send >> or C<< ->croak
462>> methods have been called on c<$cv>, while servicing other watchers 553>> methods have been called on c<$cv>, while servicing other watchers
463normally. 554normally.
464 555
475(programs might want to do that to stay interactive), so I<if you are 566(programs might want to do that to stay interactive), so I<if you are
476using this from a module, never require a blocking wait>, but let the 567using this from a module, never require a blocking wait>, but let the
477caller decide whether the call will block or not (for example, by coupling 568caller decide whether the call will block or not (for example, by coupling
478condition variables with some kind of request results and supporting 569condition variables with some kind of request results and supporting
479callbacks so the caller knows that getting the result will not block, 570callbacks so the caller knows that getting the result will not block,
480while still suppporting blocking waits if the caller so desires). 571while still supporting blocking waits if the caller so desires).
481 572
482Another reason I<never> to C<< ->wait >> in a module is that you cannot 573Another reason I<never> to C<< ->recv >> in a module is that you cannot
483sensibly have two C<< ->wait >>'s in parallel, as that would require 574sensibly have two C<< ->recv >>'s in parallel, as that would require
484multiple interpreters or coroutines/threads, none of which C<AnyEvent> 575multiple interpreters or coroutines/threads, none of which C<AnyEvent>
485can supply (the coroutine-aware backends L<AnyEvent::Impl::CoroEV> and 576can supply.
486L<AnyEvent::Impl::CoroEvent> explicitly support concurrent C<< ->wait >>'s
487from different coroutines, however).
488 577
578The L<Coro> module, however, I<can> and I<does> supply coroutines and, in
579fact, L<Coro::AnyEvent> replaces AnyEvent's condvars by coroutine-safe
580versions and also integrates coroutines into AnyEvent, making blocking
581C<< ->recv >> calls perfectly safe as long as they are done from another
582coroutine (one that doesn't run the event loop).
583
489You can ensure that C<< -wait >> never blocks by setting a callback and 584You can ensure that C<< -recv >> never blocks by setting a callback and
490only calling C<< ->wait >> from within that callback (or at a later 585only calling C<< ->recv >> from within that callback (or at a later
491time). This will work even when the event loop does not support blocking 586time). This will work even when the event loop does not support blocking
492waits otherwise. 587waits otherwise.
493 588
494=item $bool = $cv->ready 589=item $bool = $cv->ready
495 590
500 595
501This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and optionally 596This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and optionally
502replaces it before doing so. 597replaces it before doing so.
503 598
504The callback will be called when the condition becomes "true", i.e. when 599The callback will be called when the condition becomes "true", i.e. when
505C<send> or C<croak> are called. Calling C<wait> inside the callback 600C<send> or C<croak> are called, with the only argument being the condition
506or at any later time is guaranteed not to block. 601variable itself. Calling C<recv> inside the callback or at any later time
602is guaranteed not to block.
507 603
508=back 604=back
509 605
510=head1 GLOBAL VARIABLES AND FUNCTIONS 606=head1 GLOBAL VARIABLES AND FUNCTIONS
511 607
519C<AnyEvent::Impl:xxx> modules, but can be any other class in the case 615C<AnyEvent::Impl:xxx> modules, but can be any other class in the case
520AnyEvent has been extended at runtime (e.g. in I<rxvt-unicode>). 616AnyEvent has been extended at runtime (e.g. in I<rxvt-unicode>).
521 617
522The known classes so far are: 618The known classes so far are:
523 619
524 AnyEvent::Impl::CoroEV based on Coro::EV, best choice.
525 AnyEvent::Impl::CoroEvent based on Coro::Event, second best choice.
526 AnyEvent::Impl::EV based on EV (an interface to libev, best choice). 620 AnyEvent::Impl::EV based on EV (an interface to libev, best choice).
527 AnyEvent::Impl::Event based on Event, second best choice. 621 AnyEvent::Impl::Event based on Event, second best choice.
528 AnyEvent::Impl::Perl pure-perl implementation, fast and portable. 622 AnyEvent::Impl::Perl pure-perl implementation, fast and portable.
529 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib based on Glib, third-best choice. 623 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib based on Glib, third-best choice.
530 AnyEvent::Impl::Tk based on Tk, very bad choice. 624 AnyEvent::Impl::Tk based on Tk, very bad choice.
547Returns C<$AnyEvent::MODEL>, forcing autodetection of the event model 641Returns C<$AnyEvent::MODEL>, forcing autodetection of the event model
548if necessary. You should only call this function right before you would 642if necessary. You should only call this function right before you would
549have created an AnyEvent watcher anyway, that is, as late as possible at 643have created an AnyEvent watcher anyway, that is, as late as possible at
550runtime. 644runtime.
551 645
646=item $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }
647
648Arranges for the code block to be executed as soon as the event model is
649autodetected (or immediately if this has already happened).
650
651If called in scalar or list context, then it creates and returns an object
652that automatically removes the callback again when it is destroyed. See
653L<Coro::BDB> for a case where this is useful.
654
655=item @AnyEvent::post_detect
656
657If there are any code references in this array (you can C<push> to it
658before or after loading AnyEvent), then they will called directly after
659the event loop has been chosen.
660
661You should check C<$AnyEvent::MODEL> before adding to this array, though:
662if it contains a true value then the event loop has already been detected,
663and the array will be ignored.
664
665Best use C<AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }> instead.
666
552=back 667=back
553 668
554=head1 WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE 669=head1 WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE
555 670
556As a module author, you should C<use AnyEvent> and call AnyEvent methods 671As a module author, you should C<use AnyEvent> and call AnyEvent methods
559Be careful when you create watchers in the module body - AnyEvent will 674Be careful when you create watchers in the module body - AnyEvent will
560decide which event module to use as soon as the first method is called, so 675decide which event module to use as soon as the first method is called, so
561by calling AnyEvent in your module body you force the user of your module 676by calling AnyEvent in your module body you force the user of your module
562to load the event module first. 677to load the event module first.
563 678
564Never call C<< ->wait >> on a condition variable unless you I<know> that 679Never call C<< ->recv >> on a condition variable unless you I<know> that
565the C<< ->send >> method has been called on it already. This is 680the C<< ->send >> method has been called on it already. This is
566because it will stall the whole program, and the whole point of using 681because it will stall the whole program, and the whole point of using
567events is to stay interactive. 682events is to stay interactive.
568 683
569It is fine, however, to call C<< ->wait >> when the user of your module 684It is fine, however, to call C<< ->recv >> when the user of your module
570requests it (i.e. if you create a http request object ad have a method 685requests it (i.e. if you create a http request object ad have a method
571called C<results> that returns the results, it should call C<< ->wait >> 686called C<results> that returns the results, it should call C<< ->recv >>
572freely, as the user of your module knows what she is doing. always). 687freely, as the user of your module knows what she is doing. always).
573 688
574=head1 WHAT TO DO IN THE MAIN PROGRAM 689=head1 WHAT TO DO IN THE MAIN PROGRAM
575 690
576There will always be a single main program - the only place that should 691There will always be a single main program - the only place that should
578 693
579If it doesn't care, it can just "use AnyEvent" and use it itself, or not 694If it doesn't care, it can just "use AnyEvent" and use it itself, or not
580do anything special (it does not need to be event-based) and let AnyEvent 695do anything special (it does not need to be event-based) and let AnyEvent
581decide which implementation to chose if some module relies on it. 696decide which implementation to chose if some module relies on it.
582 697
583If the main program relies on a specific event model. For example, in 698If the main program relies on a specific event model - for example, in
584Gtk2 programs you have to rely on the Glib module. You should load the 699Gtk2 programs you have to rely on the Glib module - you should load the
585event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it: generally 700event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it: generally
586speaking, you should load it as early as possible. The reason is that 701speaking, you should load it as early as possible. The reason is that
587modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent will 702modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent will
588decide on the event model to use as soon as it creates watchers, and it 703decide on the event model to use as soon as it creates watchers, and it
589might chose the wrong one unless you load the correct one yourself. 704might chose the wrong one unless you load the correct one yourself.
590 705
591You can chose to use a rather inefficient pure-perl implementation by 706You can chose to use a pure-perl implementation by loading the
592loading the C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl> module, which gives you similar 707C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl> module, which gives you similar behaviour
593behaviour everywhere, but letting AnyEvent chose is generally better. 708everywhere, but letting AnyEvent chose the model is generally better.
709
710=head2 MAINLOOP EMULATION
711
712Sometimes (often for short test scripts, or even standalone programs who
713only want to use AnyEvent), you do not want to run a specific event loop.
714
715In that case, you can use a condition variable like this:
716
717 AnyEvent->condvar->recv;
718
719This has the effect of entering the event loop and looping forever.
720
721Note that usually your program has some exit condition, in which case
722it is better to use the "traditional" approach of storing a condition
723variable somewhere, waiting for it, and sending it when the program should
724exit cleanly.
725
594 726
595=head1 OTHER MODULES 727=head1 OTHER MODULES
596 728
597The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use 729The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use
598AnyEvent and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent modules 730AnyEvent and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent modules
604=item L<AnyEvent::Util> 736=item L<AnyEvent::Util>
605 737
606Contains various utility functions that replace often-used but blocking 738Contains various utility functions that replace often-used but blocking
607functions such as C<inet_aton> by event-/callback-based versions. 739functions such as C<inet_aton> by event-/callback-based versions.
608 740
741=item L<AnyEvent::Socket>
742
743Provides various utility functions for (internet protocol) sockets,
744addresses and name resolution. Also functions to create non-blocking tcp
745connections or tcp servers, with IPv6 and SRV record support and more.
746
609=item L<AnyEvent::Handle> 747=item L<AnyEvent::Handle>
610 748
611Provide read and write buffers and manages watchers for reads and writes. 749Provide read and write buffers, manages watchers for reads and writes,
750supports raw and formatted I/O, I/O queued and fully transparent and
751non-blocking SSL/TLS.
612 752
613=item L<AnyEvent::Socket> 753=item L<AnyEvent::DNS>
614 754
615Provides a means to do non-blocking connects, accepts etc. 755Provides rich asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities.
756
757=item L<AnyEvent::HTTP>
758
759A simple-to-use HTTP library that is capable of making a lot of concurrent
760HTTP requests.
616 761
617=item L<AnyEvent::HTTPD> 762=item L<AnyEvent::HTTPD>
618 763
619Provides a simple web application server framework. 764Provides a simple web application server framework.
620 765
621=item L<AnyEvent::DNS>
622
623Provides asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities, beyond what
624L<AnyEvent::Util> offers.
625
626=item L<AnyEvent::FastPing> 766=item L<AnyEvent::FastPing>
627 767
628The fastest ping in the west. 768The fastest ping in the west.
769
770=item L<AnyEvent::DBI>
771
772Executes L<DBI> requests asynchronously in a proxy process.
773
774=item L<AnyEvent::AIO>
775
776Truly asynchronous I/O, should be in the toolbox of every event
777programmer. AnyEvent::AIO transparently fuses L<IO::AIO> and AnyEvent
778together.
779
780=item L<AnyEvent::BDB>
781
782Truly asynchronous Berkeley DB access. AnyEvent::BDB transparently fuses
783L<BDB> and AnyEvent together.
784
785=item L<AnyEvent::GPSD>
786
787A non-blocking interface to gpsd, a daemon delivering GPS information.
788
789=item L<AnyEvent::IGS>
790
791A non-blocking interface to the Internet Go Server protocol (used by
792L<App::IGS>).
629 793
630=item L<Net::IRC3> 794=item L<Net::IRC3>
631 795
632AnyEvent based IRC client module family. 796AnyEvent based IRC client module family.
633 797
644 808
645High level API for event-based execution flow control. 809High level API for event-based execution flow control.
646 810
647=item L<Coro> 811=item L<Coro>
648 812
649Has special support for AnyEvent. 813Has special support for AnyEvent via L<Coro::AnyEvent>.
650 814
651=item L<IO::Lambda> 815=item L<IO::Lambda>
652 816
653The lambda approach to I/O - don't ask, look there. Can use AnyEvent. 817The lambda approach to I/O - don't ask, look there. Can use AnyEvent.
654
655=item L<IO::AIO>
656
657Truly asynchronous I/O, should be in the toolbox of every event
658programmer. Can be trivially made to use AnyEvent.
659
660=item L<BDB>
661
662Truly asynchronous Berkeley DB access. Can be trivially made to use
663AnyEvent.
664 818
665=back 819=back
666 820
667=cut 821=cut
668 822
671no warnings; 825no warnings;
672use strict; 826use strict;
673 827
674use Carp; 828use Carp;
675 829
676our $VERSION = '3.3'; 830our $VERSION = 4.2;
677our $MODEL; 831our $MODEL;
678 832
679our $AUTOLOAD; 833our $AUTOLOAD;
680our @ISA; 834our @ISA;
681 835
836our @REGISTRY;
837
838our $WIN32;
839
840BEGIN {
841 my $win32 = ! ! ($^O =~ /mswin32/i);
842 eval "sub WIN32(){ $win32 }";
843}
844
682our $verbose = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}*1; 845our $verbose = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}*1;
683 846
684our @REGISTRY; 847our %PROTOCOL; # (ipv4|ipv6) => (1|2), higher numbers are preferred
848
849{
850 my $idx;
851 $PROTOCOL{$_} = ++$idx
852 for reverse split /\s*,\s*/,
853 $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS} || "ipv4,ipv6";
854}
685 855
686my @models = ( 856my @models = (
687 [Coro::EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::CoroEV::],
688 [Coro::Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::CoroEvent::],
689 [EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EV::], 857 [EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EV::],
690 [Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Event::], 858 [Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Event::],
691 [Tk:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Tk::],
692 [Wx:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
693 [Prima:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
694 [AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Perl::], 859 [AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Perl::],
695 # everything below here will not be autoprobed as the pureperl backend should work everywhere 860 # everything below here will not be autoprobed
696 [Glib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Glib::], 861 # as the pureperl backend should work everywhere
862 # and is usually faster
863 [Tk:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Tk::], # crashes with many handles
864 [Glib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Glib::], # becomes extremely slow with many watchers
697 [Event::Lib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib::], # too buggy 865 [Event::Lib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib::], # too buggy
698 [Qt:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Qt::], # requires special main program 866 [Qt:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Qt::], # requires special main program
699 [POE::Kernel:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], # lasciate ogni speranza 867 [POE::Kernel:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], # lasciate ogni speranza
868 [Wx:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
869 [Prima:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
700); 870);
701 871
702our %method = map +($_ => 1), qw(io timer signal child condvar one_event DESTROY); 872our %method = map +($_ => 1), qw(io timer time now signal child condvar one_event DESTROY);
873
874our @post_detect;
875
876sub post_detect(&) {
877 my ($cb) = @_;
878
879 if ($MODEL) {
880 $cb->();
881
882 1
883 } else {
884 push @post_detect, $cb;
885
886 defined wantarray
887 ? bless \$cb, "AnyEvent::Util::PostDetect"
888 : ()
889 }
890}
891
892sub AnyEvent::Util::PostDetect::DESTROY {
893 @post_detect = grep $_ != ${$_[0]}, @post_detect;
894}
703 895
704sub detect() { 896sub detect() {
705 unless ($MODEL) { 897 unless ($MODEL) {
706 no strict 'refs'; 898 no strict 'refs';
899 local $SIG{__DIE__};
707 900
708 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} =~ /^([a-zA-Z]+)$/) { 901 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} =~ /^([a-zA-Z]+)$/) {
709 my $model = "AnyEvent::Impl::$1"; 902 my $model = "AnyEvent::Impl::$1";
710 if (eval "require $model") { 903 if (eval "require $model") {
711 $MODEL = $model; 904 $MODEL = $model;
741 last; 934 last;
742 } 935 }
743 } 936 }
744 937
745 $MODEL 938 $MODEL
746 or die "No event module selected for AnyEvent and autodetect failed. Install any one of these modules: EV (or Coro+EV), Event (or Coro+Event) or Glib."; 939 or die "No event module selected for AnyEvent and autodetect failed. Install any one of these modules: EV, Event or Glib.";
747 } 940 }
748 } 941 }
749 942
750 unshift @ISA, $MODEL; 943 unshift @ISA, $MODEL;
751 push @{"$MODEL\::ISA"}, "AnyEvent::Base"; 944 push @{"$MODEL\::ISA"}, "AnyEvent::Base";
945
946 (shift @post_detect)->() while @post_detect;
752 } 947 }
753 948
754 $MODEL 949 $MODEL
755} 950}
756 951
766 $class->$func (@_); 961 $class->$func (@_);
767} 962}
768 963
769package AnyEvent::Base; 964package AnyEvent::Base;
770 965
966# default implementation for now and time
967
968use Time::HiRes ();
969
970sub time { Time::HiRes::time }
971sub now { Time::HiRes::time }
972
771# default implementation for ->condvar, ->wait, ->broadcast 973# default implementation for ->condvar
772 974
773sub condvar { 975sub condvar {
774 bless \my $flag, "AnyEvent::Base::CondVar" 976 bless { @_ == 3 ? (_ae_cb => $_[2]) : () }, AnyEvent::CondVar::
775}
776
777sub AnyEvent::Base::CondVar::broadcast {
778 ${$_[0]}++;
779}
780
781sub AnyEvent::Base::CondVar::wait {
782 AnyEvent->one_event while !${$_[0]};
783} 977}
784 978
785# default implementation for ->signal 979# default implementation for ->signal
786 980
787our %SIG_CB; 981our %SIG_CB;
803sub AnyEvent::Base::Signal::DESTROY { 997sub AnyEvent::Base::Signal::DESTROY {
804 my ($signal, $cb) = @{$_[0]}; 998 my ($signal, $cb) = @{$_[0]};
805 999
806 delete $SIG_CB{$signal}{$cb}; 1000 delete $SIG_CB{$signal}{$cb};
807 1001
808 $SIG{$signal} = 'DEFAULT' unless keys %{ $SIG_CB{$signal} }; 1002 delete $SIG{$signal} unless keys %{ $SIG_CB{$signal} };
809} 1003}
810 1004
811# default implementation for ->child 1005# default implementation for ->child
812 1006
813our %PID_CB; 1007our %PID_CB;
840 or Carp::croak "required option 'pid' is missing"; 1034 or Carp::croak "required option 'pid' is missing";
841 1035
842 $PID_CB{$pid}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb}; 1036 $PID_CB{$pid}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb};
843 1037
844 unless ($WNOHANG) { 1038 unless ($WNOHANG) {
845 $WNOHANG = eval { require POSIX; &POSIX::WNOHANG } || 1; 1039 $WNOHANG = eval { local $SIG{__DIE__}; require POSIX; &POSIX::WNOHANG } || 1;
846 } 1040 }
847 1041
848 unless ($CHLD_W) { 1042 unless ($CHLD_W) {
849 $CHLD_W = AnyEvent->signal (signal => 'CHLD', cb => \&_sigchld); 1043 $CHLD_W = AnyEvent->signal (signal => 'CHLD', cb => \&_sigchld);
850 # child could be a zombie already, so make at least one round 1044 # child could be a zombie already, so make at least one round
860 delete $PID_CB{$pid}{$cb}; 1054 delete $PID_CB{$pid}{$cb};
861 delete $PID_CB{$pid} unless keys %{ $PID_CB{$pid} }; 1055 delete $PID_CB{$pid} unless keys %{ $PID_CB{$pid} };
862 1056
863 undef $CHLD_W unless keys %PID_CB; 1057 undef $CHLD_W unless keys %PID_CB;
864} 1058}
1059
1060package AnyEvent::CondVar;
1061
1062our @ISA = AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::;
1063
1064package AnyEvent::CondVar::Base;
1065
1066use overload
1067 '&{}' => sub { my $self = shift; sub { $self->send (@_) } },
1068 fallback => 1;
1069
1070sub _send {
1071 # nop
1072}
1073
1074sub send {
1075 my $cv = shift;
1076 $cv->{_ae_sent} = [@_];
1077 (delete $cv->{_ae_cb})->($cv) if $cv->{_ae_cb};
1078 $cv->_send;
1079}
1080
1081sub croak {
1082 $_[0]{_ae_croak} = $_[1];
1083 $_[0]->send;
1084}
1085
1086sub ready {
1087 $_[0]{_ae_sent}
1088}
1089
1090sub _wait {
1091 AnyEvent->one_event while !$_[0]{_ae_sent};
1092}
1093
1094sub recv {
1095 $_[0]->_wait;
1096
1097 Carp::croak $_[0]{_ae_croak} if $_[0]{_ae_croak};
1098 wantarray ? @{ $_[0]{_ae_sent} } : $_[0]{_ae_sent}[0]
1099}
1100
1101sub cb {
1102 $_[0]{_ae_cb} = $_[1] if @_ > 1;
1103 $_[0]{_ae_cb}
1104}
1105
1106sub begin {
1107 ++$_[0]{_ae_counter};
1108 $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} = $_[1] if @_ > 1;
1109}
1110
1111sub end {
1112 return if --$_[0]{_ae_counter};
1113 &{ $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} || sub { $_[0]->send } };
1114}
1115
1116# undocumented/compatibility with pre-3.4
1117*broadcast = \&send;
1118*wait = \&_wait;
865 1119
866=head1 SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE 1120=head1 SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE
867 1121
868This is an advanced topic that you do not normally need to use AnyEvent in 1122This is an advanced topic that you do not normally need to use AnyEvent in
869a module. This section is only of use to event loop authors who want to 1123a module. This section is only of use to event loop authors who want to
926model it chooses. 1180model it chooses.
927 1181
928=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL> 1182=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>
929 1183
930This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent, before 1184This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent, before
931autodetection and -probing kicks in. It must be a string consisting 1185auto detection and -probing kicks in. It must be a string consisting
932entirely of ASCII letters. The string C<AnyEvent::Impl::> gets prepended 1186entirely of ASCII letters. The string C<AnyEvent::Impl::> gets prepended
933and the resulting module name is loaded and if the load was successful, 1187and the resulting module name is loaded and if the load was successful,
934used as event model. If it fails to load AnyEvent will proceed with 1188used as event model. If it fails to load AnyEvent will proceed with
935autodetection and -probing. 1189auto detection and -probing.
936 1190
937This functionality might change in future versions. 1191This functionality might change in future versions.
938 1192
939For example, to force the pure perl model (L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) you 1193For example, to force the pure perl model (L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) you
940could start your program like this: 1194could start your program like this:
941 1195
942 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ... 1196 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ...
1197
1198=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS>
1199
1200Used by both L<AnyEvent::DNS> and L<AnyEvent::Socket> to determine preferences
1201for IPv4 or IPv6. The default is unspecified (and might change, or be the result
1202of auto probing).
1203
1204Must be set to a comma-separated list of protocols or address families,
1205current supported: C<ipv4> and C<ipv6>. Only protocols mentioned will be
1206used, and preference will be given to protocols mentioned earlier in the
1207list.
1208
1209This variable can effectively be used for denial-of-service attacks
1210against local programs (e.g. when setuid), although the impact is likely
1211small, as the program has to handle connection errors already-
1212
1213Examples: C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4,ipv6> - prefer IPv4 over IPv6,
1214but support both and try to use both. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv4>
1215- only support IPv4, never try to resolve or contact IPv6
1216addresses. C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS=ipv6,ipv4> support either IPv4 or
1217IPv6, but prefer IPv6 over IPv4.
1218
1219=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_EDNS0>
1220
1221Used by L<AnyEvent::DNS> to decide whether to use the EDNS0 extension
1222for DNS. This extension is generally useful to reduce DNS traffic, but
1223some (broken) firewalls drop such DNS packets, which is why it is off by
1224default.
1225
1226Setting this variable to C<1> will cause L<AnyEvent::DNS> to announce
1227EDNS0 in its DNS requests.
1228
1229=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MAX_FORKS>
1230
1231The maximum number of child processes that C<AnyEvent::Util::fork_call>
1232will create in parallel.
943 1233
944=back 1234=back
945 1235
946=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 1236=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
947 1237
958 poll => 'r', 1248 poll => 'r',
959 cb => sub { 1249 cb => sub {
960 warn "io event <$_[0]>\n"; # will always output <r> 1250 warn "io event <$_[0]>\n"; # will always output <r>
961 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>); # read a line 1251 chomp (my $input = <STDIN>); # read a line
962 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read 1252 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read
963 $cv->broadcast if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i 1253 $cv->send if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i
964 }, 1254 },
965 ); 1255 );
966 1256
967 my $time_watcher; # can only be used once 1257 my $time_watcher; # can only be used once
968 1258
973 }); 1263 });
974 } 1264 }
975 1265
976 new_timer; # create first timer 1266 new_timer; # create first timer
977 1267
978 $cv->wait; # wait until user enters /^q/i 1268 $cv->recv; # wait until user enters /^q/i
979 1269
980=head1 REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE 1270=head1 REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE
981 1271
982Consider the L<Net::FCP> module. It features (among others) the following 1272Consider the L<Net::FCP> module. It features (among others) the following
983API calls, which are to freenet what HTTP GET requests are to http: 1273API calls, which are to freenet what HTTP GET requests are to http:
1033 syswrite $txn->{fh}, $txn->{request} 1323 syswrite $txn->{fh}, $txn->{request}
1034 or die "connection or write error"; 1324 or die "connection or write error";
1035 $txn->{w} = AnyEvent->io (fh => $txn->{fh}, poll => 'r', cb => sub { $txn->fh_ready_r }); 1325 $txn->{w} = AnyEvent->io (fh => $txn->{fh}, poll => 'r', cb => sub { $txn->fh_ready_r });
1036 1326
1037Again, C<fh_ready_r> waits till all data has arrived, and then stores the 1327Again, C<fh_ready_r> waits till all data has arrived, and then stores the
1038result and signals any possible waiters that the request ahs finished: 1328result and signals any possible waiters that the request has finished:
1039 1329
1040 sysread $txn->{fh}, $txn->{buf}, length $txn->{$buf}; 1330 sysread $txn->{fh}, $txn->{buf}, length $txn->{$buf};
1041 1331
1042 if (end-of-file or data complete) { 1332 if (end-of-file or data complete) {
1043 $txn->{result} = $txn->{buf}; 1333 $txn->{result} = $txn->{buf};
1044 $txn->{finished}->broadcast; 1334 $txn->{finished}->send;
1045 $txb->{cb}->($txn) of $txn->{cb}; # also call callback 1335 $txb->{cb}->($txn) of $txn->{cb}; # also call callback
1046 } 1336 }
1047 1337
1048The C<result> method, finally, just waits for the finished signal (if the 1338The C<result> method, finally, just waits for the finished signal (if the
1049request was already finished, it doesn't wait, of course, and returns the 1339request was already finished, it doesn't wait, of course, and returns the
1050data: 1340data:
1051 1341
1052 $txn->{finished}->wait; 1342 $txn->{finished}->recv;
1053 return $txn->{result}; 1343 return $txn->{result};
1054 1344
1055The actual code goes further and collects all errors (C<die>s, exceptions) 1345The actual code goes further and collects all errors (C<die>s, exceptions)
1056that occured during request processing. The C<result> method detects 1346that occurred during request processing. The C<result> method detects
1057whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn object) 1347whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn object)
1058and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and other 1348and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and other
1059problems get reported tot he code that tries to use the result, not in a 1349problems get reported tot he code that tries to use the result, not in a
1060random callback. 1350random callback.
1061 1351
1092 1382
1093 my $quit = AnyEvent->condvar; 1383 my $quit = AnyEvent->condvar;
1094 1384
1095 $fcp->txn_client_get ($url)->cb (sub { 1385 $fcp->txn_client_get ($url)->cb (sub {
1096 ... 1386 ...
1097 $quit->broadcast; 1387 $quit->send;
1098 }); 1388 });
1099 1389
1100 $quit->wait; 1390 $quit->recv;
1101 1391
1102 1392
1103=head1 BENCHMARKS 1393=head1 BENCHMARKS
1104 1394
1105To give you an idea of the performance and overheads that AnyEvent adds 1395To give you an idea of the performance and overheads that AnyEvent adds
1107of various event loops I prepared some benchmarks. 1397of various event loops I prepared some benchmarks.
1108 1398
1109=head2 BENCHMARKING ANYEVENT OVERHEAD 1399=head2 BENCHMARKING ANYEVENT OVERHEAD
1110 1400
1111Here is a benchmark of various supported event models used natively and 1401Here is a benchmark of various supported event models used natively and
1112through anyevent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero 1402through AnyEvent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero
1113timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable, 1403timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable,
1114which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again. 1404which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again.
1115 1405
1116Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench> in the AnyEvent 1406Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench> in the AnyEvent
1117distribution. 1407distribution.
1134all watchers, to avoid adding memory overhead. That means closure creation 1424all watchers, to avoid adding memory overhead. That means closure creation
1135and memory usage is not included in the figures. 1425and memory usage is not included in the figures.
1136 1426
1137I<invoke> is the time, in microseconds, used to invoke a simple 1427I<invoke> is the time, in microseconds, used to invoke a simple
1138callback. The callback simply counts down a Perl variable and after it was 1428callback. The callback simply counts down a Perl variable and after it was
1139invoked "watcher" times, it would C<< ->broadcast >> a condvar once to 1429invoked "watcher" times, it would C<< ->send >> a condvar once to
1140signal the end of this phase. 1430signal the end of this phase.
1141 1431
1142I<destroy> is the time, in microseconds, that it takes to destroy a single 1432I<destroy> is the time, in microseconds, that it takes to destroy a single
1143watcher. 1433watcher.
1144 1434
1240 1530
1241=back 1531=back
1242 1532
1243=head2 BENCHMARKING THE LARGE SERVER CASE 1533=head2 BENCHMARKING THE LARGE SERVER CASE
1244 1534
1245This benchmark atcually benchmarks the event loop itself. It works by 1535This benchmark actually benchmarks the event loop itself. It works by
1246creating a number of "servers": each server consists of a socketpair, a 1536creating a number of "servers": each server consists of a socket pair, a
1247timeout watcher that gets reset on activity (but never fires), and an I/O 1537timeout watcher that gets reset on activity (but never fires), and an I/O
1248watcher waiting for input on one side of the socket. Each time the socket 1538watcher waiting for input on one side of the socket. Each time the socket
1249watcher reads a byte it will write that byte to a random other "server". 1539watcher reads a byte it will write that byte to a random other "server".
1250 1540
1251The effect is that there will be a lot of I/O watchers, only part of which 1541The effect is that there will be a lot of I/O watchers, only part of which
1252are active at any one point (so there is a constant number of active 1542are active at any one point (so there is a constant number of active
1253fds for each loop iterstaion, but which fds these are is random). The 1543fds for each loop iteration, but which fds these are is random). The
1254timeout is reset each time something is read because that reflects how 1544timeout is reset each time something is read because that reflects how
1255most timeouts work (and puts extra pressure on the event loops). 1545most timeouts work (and puts extra pressure on the event loops).
1256 1546
1257In this benchmark, we use 10000 socketpairs (20000 sockets), of which 100 1547In this benchmark, we use 10000 socket pairs (20000 sockets), of which 100
1258(1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with many 1548(1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with many
1259connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time. 1549connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time.
1260 1550
1261Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench2> in the AnyEvent 1551Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench2> in the AnyEvent
1262distribution. 1552distribution.
1264=head3 Explanation of the columns 1554=head3 Explanation of the columns
1265 1555
1266I<sockets> is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" (as 1556I<sockets> is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" (as
1267each server has a read and write socket end). 1557each server has a read and write socket end).
1268 1558
1269I<create> is the time it takes to create a socketpair (which is 1559I<create> is the time it takes to create a socket pair (which is
1270nontrivial) and two watchers: an I/O watcher and a timeout watcher. 1560nontrivial) and two watchers: an I/O watcher and a timeout watcher.
1271 1561
1272I<request>, the most important value, is the time it takes to handle a 1562I<request>, the most important value, is the time it takes to handle a
1273single "request", that is, reading the token from the pipe and forwarding 1563single "request", that is, reading the token from the pipe and forwarding
1274it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout and creating 1564it to another server. This includes deleting the old timeout and creating
1347speed most when you have lots of watchers, not when you only have a few of 1637speed most when you have lots of watchers, not when you only have a few of
1348them). 1638them).
1349 1639
1350EV is again fastest. 1640EV is again fastest.
1351 1641
1352Perl again comes second. It is noticably faster than the C-based event 1642Perl again comes second. It is noticeably faster than the C-based event
1353loops Event and Glib, although the difference is too small to really 1643loops Event and Glib, although the difference is too small to really
1354matter. 1644matter.
1355 1645
1356POE also performs much better in this case, but is is still far behind the 1646POE also performs much better in this case, but is is still far behind the
1357others. 1647others.
1386specified in the variable. 1676specified in the variable.
1387 1677
1388You can make AnyEvent completely ignore this variable by deleting it 1678You can make AnyEvent completely ignore this variable by deleting it
1389before the first watcher gets created, e.g. with a C<BEGIN> block: 1679before the first watcher gets created, e.g. with a C<BEGIN> block:
1390 1680
1391 BEGIN { delete $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} } 1681 BEGIN { delete $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} }
1392 1682
1393 use AnyEvent; 1683 use AnyEvent;
1684
1685Similar considerations apply to $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}, as that can
1686be used to probe what backend is used and gain other information (which is
1687probably even less useful to an attacker than PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL).
1688
1689
1690=head1 BUGS
1691
1692Perl 5.8 has numerous memleaks that sometimes hit this module and are hard
1693to work around. If you suffer from memleaks, first upgrade to Perl 5.10
1694and check wether the leaks still show up. (Perl 5.10.0 has other annoying
1695mamleaks, such as leaking on C<map> and C<grep> but it is usually not as
1696pronounced).
1394 1697
1395 1698
1396=head1 SEE ALSO 1699=head1 SEE ALSO
1397 1700
1398Event modules: L<Coro::EV>, L<EV>, L<EV::Glib>, L<Glib::EV>, 1701Utility functions: L<AnyEvent::Util>.
1399L<Coro::Event>, L<Event>, L<Glib::Event>, L<Glib>, L<Coro>, L<Tk>, 1702
1703Event modules: L<EV>, L<EV::Glib>, L<Glib::EV>, L<Event>, L<Glib::Event>,
1400L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, L<POE>. 1704L<Glib>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, L<POE>.
1401 1705
1402Implementations: L<AnyEvent::Impl::CoroEV>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::EV>, 1706Implementations: L<AnyEvent::Impl::EV>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Event>,
1403L<AnyEvent::Impl::CoroEvent>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Event>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Glib>, 1707L<AnyEvent::Impl::Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Tk>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>,
1404L<AnyEvent::Impl::Tk>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib>, 1708L<AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Qt>,
1405L<AnyEvent::Impl::Qt>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::POE>. 1709L<AnyEvent::Impl::POE>.
1406 1710
1711Non-blocking file handles, sockets, TCP clients and
1712servers: L<AnyEvent::Handle>, L<AnyEvent::Socket>.
1713
1714Asynchronous DNS: L<AnyEvent::DNS>.
1715
1716Coroutine support: L<Coro>, L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>,
1717
1407Nontrivial usage examples: L<Net::FCP>, L<Net::XMPP2>. 1718Nontrivial usage examples: L<Net::FCP>, L<Net::XMPP2>, L<AnyEvent::DNS>.
1408 1719
1409 1720
1410=head1 AUTHOR 1721=head1 AUTHOR
1411 1722
1412 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 1723 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
1413 http://home.schmorp.de/ 1724 http://home.schmorp.de/
1414 1725
1415=cut 1726=cut
1416 1727
14171 17281
1418 1729

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