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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 and POE are various supported 5EV, Event, Glib, Tk, Perl, Event::Lib, Irssi, rxvt-unicode, IO::Async, Qt
6event loops. 6and POE are various supported event loops/environments.
7 7
8=head1 SYNOPSIS 8=head1 SYNOPSIS
9 9
10 use AnyEvent; 10 use AnyEvent;
11 11
12 # if you prefer function calls, look at the AE manpage for
13 # an alternative API.
14
12 # file descriptor readable 15 # file handle or descriptor readable
13 my $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => $fh, poll => "r", cb => sub { ... }); 16 my $w = AnyEvent->io (fh => $fh, poll => "r", cb => sub { ... });
14 17
15 # one-shot or repeating timers 18 # one-shot or repeating timers
16 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, cb => sub { ... }); 19 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, cb => sub { ... });
17 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, interval => $seconds, cb => ... 20 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $seconds, interval => $seconds, cb => ...);
18 21
19 print AnyEvent->now; # prints current event loop time 22 print AnyEvent->now; # prints current event loop time
20 print AnyEvent->time; # think Time::HiRes::time or simply CORE::time. 23 print AnyEvent->time; # think Time::HiRes::time or simply CORE::time.
21 24
22 # POSIX signal 25 # POSIX signal
40=head1 INTRODUCTION/TUTORIAL 43=head1 INTRODUCTION/TUTORIAL
41 44
42This manpage is mainly a reference manual. If you are interested 45This manpage is mainly a reference manual. If you are interested
43in a tutorial or some gentle introduction, have a look at the 46in a tutorial or some gentle introduction, have a look at the
44L<AnyEvent::Intro> manpage. 47L<AnyEvent::Intro> manpage.
48
49=head1 SUPPORT
50
51An FAQ document is available as L<AnyEvent::FAQ>.
52
53There also is a mailinglist for discussing all things AnyEvent, and an IRC
54channel, too.
55
56See the AnyEvent project page at the B<Schmorpforge Ta-Sa Software
57Repository>, at L<http://anyevent.schmorp.de>, for more info.
45 58
46=head1 WHY YOU SHOULD USE THIS MODULE (OR NOT) 59=head1 WHY YOU SHOULD USE THIS MODULE (OR NOT)
47 60
48Glib, POE, IO::Async, Event... CPAN offers event models by the dozen 61Glib, POE, IO::Async, Event... CPAN offers event models by the dozen
49nowadays. So what is different about AnyEvent? 62nowadays. So what is different about AnyEvent?
65module users into the same thing by forcing them to use the same event 78module users into the same thing by forcing them to use the same event
66model you use. 79model you use.
67 80
68For modules like POE or IO::Async (which is a total misnomer as it is 81For modules like POE or IO::Async (which is a total misnomer as it is
69actually doing all I/O I<synchronously>...), using them in your module is 82actually doing all I/O I<synchronously>...), using them in your module is
70like joining a cult: After you joined, you are dependent on them and you 83like joining a cult: After you join, you are dependent on them and you
71cannot use anything else, as they are simply incompatible to everything 84cannot use anything else, as they are simply incompatible to everything
72that isn't them. What's worse, all the potential users of your 85that isn't them. What's worse, all the potential users of your
73module are I<also> forced to use the same event loop you use. 86module are I<also> forced to use the same event loop you use.
74 87
75AnyEvent is different: AnyEvent + POE works fine. AnyEvent + Glib works 88AnyEvent is different: AnyEvent + POE works fine. AnyEvent + Glib works
76fine. AnyEvent + Tk works fine etc. etc. but none of these work together 89fine. AnyEvent + Tk works fine etc. etc. but none of these work together
77with the rest: POE + IO::Async? No go. Tk + Event? No go. Again: if 90with the rest: POE + EV? No go. Tk + Event? No go. Again: if your module
78your module uses one of those, every user of your module has to use it, 91uses one of those, every user of your module has to use it, too. But if
79too. But if your module uses AnyEvent, it works transparently with all 92your module uses AnyEvent, it works transparently with all event models it
80event models it supports (including stuff like IO::Async, as long as those 93supports (including stuff like IO::Async, as long as those use one of the
81use one of the supported event loops. It is trivial to add new event loops 94supported event loops. It is easy to add new event loops to AnyEvent, too,
82to AnyEvent, too, so it is future-proof). 95so it is future-proof).
83 96
84In addition to being free of having to use I<the one and only true event 97In addition to being free of having to use I<the one and only true event
85model>, AnyEvent also is free of bloat and policy: with POE or similar 98model>, AnyEvent also is free of bloat and policy: with POE or similar
86modules, you get an enormous amount of code and strict rules you have to 99modules, you get an enormous amount of code and strict rules you have to
87follow. AnyEvent, on the other hand, is lean and up to the point, by only 100follow. AnyEvent, on the other hand, is lean and to the point, by only
88offering the functionality that is necessary, in as thin as a wrapper as 101offering the functionality that is necessary, in as thin as a wrapper as
89technically possible. 102technically possible.
90 103
91Of course, AnyEvent comes with a big (and fully optional!) toolbox 104Of course, AnyEvent comes with a big (and fully optional!) toolbox
92of useful functionality, such as an asynchronous DNS resolver, 100% 105of useful functionality, such as an asynchronous DNS resolver, 100%
98useful) and you want to force your users to use the one and only event 111useful) and you want to force your users to use the one and only event
99model, you should I<not> use this module. 112model, you should I<not> use this module.
100 113
101=head1 DESCRIPTION 114=head1 DESCRIPTION
102 115
103L<AnyEvent> provides an identical interface to multiple event loops. This 116L<AnyEvent> provides a uniform interface to various event loops. This
104allows module authors to utilise an event loop without forcing module 117allows module authors to use event loop functionality without forcing
105users to use the same event loop (as only a single event loop can coexist 118module users to use a specific event loop implementation (since more
106peacefully at any one time). 119than one event loop cannot coexist peacefully).
107 120
108The interface itself is vaguely similar, but not identical to the L<Event> 121The interface itself is vaguely similar, but not identical to the L<Event>
109module. 122module.
110 123
111During the first call of any watcher-creation method, the module tries 124During the first call of any watcher-creation method, the module tries
112to detect the currently loaded event loop by probing whether one of the 125to detect the currently loaded event loop by probing whether one of the
113following modules is already loaded: L<EV>, 126following modules is already loaded: L<EV>, L<AnyEvent::Loop>,
114L<Event>, L<Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, 127L<Event>, L<Glib>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, L<POE>. The first one
115L<POE>. The first one found is used. If none are found, the module tries 128found is used. If none are detected, the module tries to load the first
116to load these modules (excluding Tk, Event::Lib, Qt and POE as the pure perl 129four modules in the order given; but note that if L<EV> is not
117adaptor should always succeed) in the order given. The first one that can 130available, the pure-perl L<AnyEvent::Loop> should always work, so
118be successfully loaded will be used. If, after this, still none could be 131the other two are not normally tried.
119found, AnyEvent will fall back to a pure-perl event loop, which is not
120very efficient, but should work everywhere.
121 132
122Because AnyEvent first checks for modules that are already loaded, loading 133Because AnyEvent first checks for modules that are already loaded, loading
123an event model explicitly before first using AnyEvent will likely make 134an event model explicitly before first using AnyEvent will likely make
124that model the default. For example: 135that model the default. For example:
125 136
127 use AnyEvent; 138 use AnyEvent;
128 139
129 # .. AnyEvent will likely default to Tk 140 # .. AnyEvent will likely default to Tk
130 141
131The I<likely> means that, if any module loads another event model and 142The I<likely> means that, if any module loads another event model and
132starts using it, all bets are off. Maybe you should tell their authors to 143starts using it, all bets are off - this case should be very rare though,
133use AnyEvent so their modules work together with others seamlessly... 144as very few modules hardcode event loops without announcing this very
145loudly.
134 146
135The pure-perl implementation of AnyEvent is called 147The pure-perl implementation of AnyEvent is called C<AnyEvent::Loop>. Like
136C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>. Like other event modules you can load it 148other event modules you can load it explicitly and enjoy the high
137explicitly and enjoy the high availability of that event loop :) 149availability of that event loop :)
138 150
139=head1 WATCHERS 151=head1 WATCHERS
140 152
141AnyEvent has the central concept of a I<watcher>, which is an object that 153AnyEvent has the central concept of a I<watcher>, which is an object that
142stores relevant data for each kind of event you are waiting for, such as 154stores relevant data for each kind of event you are waiting for, such as
147callback when the event occurs (of course, only when the event model 159callback when the event occurs (of course, only when the event model
148is in control). 160is in control).
149 161
150Note that B<callbacks must not permanently change global variables> 162Note that B<callbacks must not permanently change global variables>
151potentially in use by the event loop (such as C<$_> or C<$[>) and that B<< 163potentially in use by the event loop (such as C<$_> or C<$[>) and that B<<
152callbacks must not C<die> >>. The former is good programming practise in 164callbacks must not C<die> >>. The former is good programming practice in
153Perl and the latter stems from the fact that exception handling differs 165Perl and the latter stems from the fact that exception handling differs
154widely between event loops. 166widely between event loops.
155 167
156To disable the watcher you have to destroy it (e.g. by setting the 168To disable a watcher you have to destroy it (e.g. by setting the
157variable you store it in to C<undef> or otherwise deleting all references 169variable you store it in to C<undef> or otherwise deleting all references
158to it). 170to it).
159 171
160All watchers are created by calling a method on the C<AnyEvent> class. 172All watchers are created by calling a method on the C<AnyEvent> class.
161 173
162Many watchers either are used with "recursion" (repeating timers for 174Many watchers either are used with "recursion" (repeating timers for
163example), or need to refer to their watcher object in other ways. 175example), or need to refer to their watcher object in other ways.
164 176
165An any way to achieve that is this pattern: 177One way to achieve that is this pattern:
166 178
167 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->type (arg => value ..., cb => sub { 179 my $w; $w = AnyEvent->type (arg => value ..., cb => sub {
168 # you can use $w here, for example to undef it 180 # you can use $w here, for example to undef it
169 undef $w; 181 undef $w;
170 }); 182 });
172Note that C<my $w; $w => combination. This is necessary because in Perl, 184Note that C<my $w; $w => combination. This is necessary because in Perl,
173my variables are only visible after the statement in which they are 185my variables are only visible after the statement in which they are
174declared. 186declared.
175 187
176=head2 I/O WATCHERS 188=head2 I/O WATCHERS
189
190 $w = AnyEvent->io (
191 fh => <filehandle_or_fileno>,
192 poll => <"r" or "w">,
193 cb => <callback>,
194 );
177 195
178You can create an I/O watcher by calling the C<< AnyEvent->io >> method 196You can create an I/O watcher by calling the C<< AnyEvent->io >> method
179with the following mandatory key-value pairs as arguments: 197with the following mandatory key-value pairs as arguments:
180 198
181C<fh> is the Perl I<file handle> (or a naked file descriptor) to watch 199C<fh> is the Perl I<file handle> (or a naked file descriptor) to watch
196 214
197The I/O watcher might use the underlying file descriptor or a copy of it. 215The I/O watcher might use the underlying file descriptor or a copy of it.
198You must not close a file handle as long as any watcher is active on the 216You must not close a file handle as long as any watcher is active on the
199underlying file descriptor. 217underlying file descriptor.
200 218
201Some event loops issue spurious readyness notifications, so you should 219Some event loops issue spurious readiness notifications, so you should
202always use non-blocking calls when reading/writing from/to your file 220always use non-blocking calls when reading/writing from/to your file
203handles. 221handles.
204 222
205Example: wait for readability of STDIN, then read a line and disable the 223Example: wait for readability of STDIN, then read a line and disable the
206watcher. 224watcher.
211 undef $w; 229 undef $w;
212 }); 230 });
213 231
214=head2 TIME WATCHERS 232=head2 TIME WATCHERS
215 233
234 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => <seconds>, cb => <callback>);
235
236 $w = AnyEvent->timer (
237 after => <fractional_seconds>,
238 interval => <fractional_seconds>,
239 cb => <callback>,
240 );
241
216You can create a time watcher by calling the C<< AnyEvent->timer >> 242You can create a time watcher by calling the C<< AnyEvent->timer >>
217method with the following mandatory arguments: 243method with the following mandatory arguments:
218 244
219C<after> specifies after how many seconds (fractional values are 245C<after> specifies after how many seconds (fractional values are
220supported) the callback should be invoked. C<cb> is the callback to invoke 246supported) the callback should be invoked. C<cb> is the callback to invoke
222 248
223Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and 249Although the callback might get passed parameters, their value and
224presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent 250presence is undefined and you cannot rely on them. Portable AnyEvent
225callbacks cannot use arguments passed to time watcher callbacks. 251callbacks cannot use arguments passed to time watcher callbacks.
226 252
227The callback will normally be invoked once only. If you specify another 253The callback will normally be invoked only once. If you specify another
228parameter, C<interval>, as a strictly positive number (> 0), then the 254parameter, C<interval>, as a strictly positive number (> 0), then the
229callback will be invoked regularly at that interval (in fractional 255callback will be invoked regularly at that interval (in fractional
230seconds) after the first invocation. If C<interval> is specified with a 256seconds) after the first invocation. If C<interval> is specified with a
231false value, then it is treated as if it were missing. 257false value, then it is treated as if it were not specified at all.
232 258
233The callback will be rescheduled before invoking the callback, but no 259The callback will be rescheduled before invoking the callback, but no
234attempt is done to avoid timer drift in most backends, so the interval is 260attempt is made to avoid timer drift in most backends, so the interval is
235only approximate. 261only approximate.
236 262
237Example: fire an event after 7.7 seconds. 263Example: fire an event after 7.7 seconds.
238 264
239 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 7.7, cb => sub { 265 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 7.7, cb => sub {
257 283
258While most event loops expect timers to specified in a relative way, they 284While most event loops expect timers to specified in a relative way, they
259use absolute time internally. This makes a difference when your clock 285use absolute time internally. This makes a difference when your clock
260"jumps", for example, when ntp decides to set your clock backwards from 286"jumps", for example, when ntp decides to set your clock backwards from
261the wrong date of 2014-01-01 to 2008-01-01, a watcher that is supposed to 287the wrong date of 2014-01-01 to 2008-01-01, a watcher that is supposed to
262fire "after" a second might actually take six years to finally fire. 288fire "after a second" might actually take six years to finally fire.
263 289
264AnyEvent cannot compensate for this. The only event loop that is conscious 290AnyEvent cannot compensate for this. The only event loop that is conscious
265about these issues is L<EV>, which offers both relative (ev_timer, based 291of these issues is L<EV>, which offers both relative (ev_timer, based
266on true relative time) and absolute (ev_periodic, based on wallclock time) 292on true relative time) and absolute (ev_periodic, based on wallclock time)
267timers. 293timers.
268 294
269AnyEvent always prefers relative timers, if available, matching the 295AnyEvent always prefers relative timers, if available, matching the
270AnyEvent API. 296AnyEvent API.
292I<In almost all cases (in all cases if you don't care), this is the 318I<In almost all cases (in all cases if you don't care), this is the
293function to call when you want to know the current time.> 319function to call when you want to know the current time.>
294 320
295This function is also often faster then C<< AnyEvent->time >>, and 321This function is also often faster then C<< AnyEvent->time >>, and
296thus the preferred method if you want some timestamp (for example, 322thus the preferred method if you want some timestamp (for example,
297L<AnyEvent::Handle> uses this to update it's activity timeouts). 323L<AnyEvent::Handle> uses this to update its activity timeouts).
298 324
299The rest of this section is only of relevance if you try to be very exact 325The rest of this section is only of relevance if you try to be very exact
300with your timing, you can skip it without bad conscience. 326with your timing; you can skip it without a bad conscience.
301 327
302For a practical example of when these times differ, consider L<Event::Lib> 328For a practical example of when these times differ, consider L<Event::Lib>
303and L<EV> and the following set-up: 329and L<EV> and the following set-up:
304 330
305The event loop is running and has just invoked one of your callback at 331The event loop is running and has just invoked one of your callbacks at
306time=500 (assume no other callbacks delay processing). In your callback, 332time=500 (assume no other callbacks delay processing). In your callback,
307you wait a second by executing C<sleep 1> (blocking the process for a 333you wait a second by executing C<sleep 1> (blocking the process for a
308second) and then (at time=501) you create a relative timer that fires 334second) and then (at time=501) you create a relative timer that fires
309after three seconds. 335after three seconds.
310 336
330difference between C<< AnyEvent->time >> and C<< AnyEvent->now >> into 356difference between C<< AnyEvent->time >> and C<< AnyEvent->now >> into
331account. 357account.
332 358
333=item AnyEvent->now_update 359=item AnyEvent->now_update
334 360
335Some event loops (such as L<EV> or L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) cache 361Some event loops (such as L<EV> or L<AnyEvent::Loop>) cache the current
336the current time for each loop iteration (see the discussion of L<< 362time for each loop iteration (see the discussion of L<< AnyEvent->now >>,
337AnyEvent->now >>, above). 363above).
338 364
339When a callback runs for a long time (or when the process sleeps), then 365When a callback runs for a long time (or when the process sleeps), then
340this "current" time will differ substantially from the real time, which 366this "current" time will differ substantially from the real time, which
341might affect timers and time-outs. 367might affect timers and time-outs.
342 368
343When this is the case, you can call this method, which will update the 369When this is the case, you can call this method, which will update the
344event loop's idea of "current time". 370event loop's idea of "current time".
345 371
372A typical example would be a script in a web server (e.g. C<mod_perl>) -
373when mod_perl executes the script, then the event loop will have the wrong
374idea about the "current time" (being potentially far in the past, when the
375script ran the last time). In that case you should arrange a call to C<<
376AnyEvent->now_update >> each time the web server process wakes up again
377(e.g. at the start of your script, or in a handler).
378
346Note that updating the time I<might> cause some events to be handled. 379Note that updating the time I<might> cause some events to be handled.
347 380
348=back 381=back
349 382
350=head2 SIGNAL WATCHERS 383=head2 SIGNAL WATCHERS
384
385 $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => <uppercase_signal_name>, cb => <callback>);
351 386
352You can watch for signals using a signal watcher, C<signal> is the signal 387You can watch for signals using a signal watcher, C<signal> is the signal
353I<name> in uppercase and without any C<SIG> prefix, C<cb> is the Perl 388I<name> in uppercase and without any C<SIG> prefix, C<cb> is the Perl
354callback to be invoked whenever a signal occurs. 389callback to be invoked whenever a signal occurs.
355 390
368 403
369This watcher might use C<%SIG> (depending on the event loop used), 404This watcher might use C<%SIG> (depending on the event loop used),
370so programs overwriting those signals directly will likely not work 405so programs overwriting those signals directly will likely not work
371correctly. 406correctly.
372 407
408Example: exit on SIGINT
409
410 my $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => "INT", cb => sub { exit 1 });
411
412=head3 Restart Behaviour
413
414While restart behaviour is up to the event loop implementation, most will
415not restart syscalls (that includes L<Async::Interrupt> and AnyEvent's
416pure perl implementation).
417
418=head3 Safe/Unsafe Signals
419
420Perl signals can be either "safe" (synchronous to opcode handling) or
421"unsafe" (asynchronous) - the former might get delayed indefinitely, the
422latter might corrupt your memory.
423
424AnyEvent signal handlers are, in addition, synchronous to the event loop,
425i.e. they will not interrupt your running perl program but will only be
426called as part of the normal event handling (just like timer, I/O etc.
427callbacks, too).
428
429=head3 Signal Races, Delays and Workarounds
430
373Also note that many event loops (e.g. Glib, Tk, Qt, IO::Async) do not 431Many event loops (e.g. Glib, Tk, Qt, IO::Async) do not support attaching
374support attaching callbacks to signals, which is a pity, as you cannot do 432callbacks to signals in a generic way, which is a pity, as you cannot
375race-free signal handling in perl. AnyEvent will try to do it's best, but 433do race-free signal handling in perl, requiring C libraries for
434this. AnyEvent will try to do its best, which means in some cases,
376in some cases, signals will be delayed. The maximum time a signal might 435signals will be delayed. The maximum time a signal might be delayed is
377be delayed is specified in C<$AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY> (default: 10 436specified in C<$AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY> (default: 10 seconds). This
378seconds). This variable can be changed only before the first signal 437variable can be changed only before the first signal watcher is created,
379watcher is created, and should be left alone otherwise. Higher values 438and should be left alone otherwise. This variable determines how often
439AnyEvent polls for signals (in case a wake-up was missed). Higher values
380will cause fewer spurious wake-ups, which is better for power and CPU 440will cause fewer spurious wake-ups, which is better for power and CPU
441saving.
442
381saving. All these problems can be avoided by installing the optional 443All these problems can be avoided by installing the optional
382L<Async::Interrupt> module. 444L<Async::Interrupt> module, which works with most event loops. It will not
383 445work with inherently broken event loops such as L<Event> or L<Event::Lib>
384Example: exit on SIGINT 446(and not with L<POE> currently, as POE does its own workaround with
385 447one-second latency). For those, you just have to suffer the delays.
386 my $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => "INT", cb => sub { exit 1 });
387 448
388=head2 CHILD PROCESS WATCHERS 449=head2 CHILD PROCESS WATCHERS
389 450
451 $w = AnyEvent->child (pid => <process id>, cb => <callback>);
452
390You can also watch on a child process exit and catch its exit status. 453You can also watch for a child process exit and catch its exit status.
391 454
392The child process is specified by the C<pid> argument (if set to C<0>, it 455The child process is specified by the C<pid> argument (on some backends,
393watches for any child process exit). The watcher will triggered only when 456using C<0> watches for any child process exit, on others this will
394the child process has finished and an exit status is available, not on 457croak). The watcher will be triggered only when the child process has
395any trace events (stopped/continued). 458finished and an exit status is available, not on any trace events
459(stopped/continued).
396 460
397The callback will be called with the pid and exit status (as returned by 461The callback will be called with the pid and exit status (as returned by
398waitpid), so unlike other watcher types, you I<can> rely on child watcher 462waitpid), so unlike other watcher types, you I<can> rely on child watcher
399callback arguments. 463callback arguments.
400 464
418thing in an AnyEvent program, you I<have> to create at least one 482thing in an AnyEvent program, you I<have> to create at least one
419watcher before you C<fork> the child (alternatively, you can call 483watcher before you C<fork> the child (alternatively, you can call
420C<AnyEvent::detect>). 484C<AnyEvent::detect>).
421 485
422As most event loops do not support waiting for child events, they will be 486As most event loops do not support waiting for child events, they will be
423emulated by AnyEvent in most cases, in which the latency and race problems 487emulated by AnyEvent in most cases, in which case the latency and race
424mentioned in the description of signal watchers apply. 488problems mentioned in the description of signal watchers apply.
425 489
426Example: fork a process and wait for it 490Example: fork a process and wait for it
427 491
428 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar; 492 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
429 493
441 # do something else, then wait for process exit 505 # do something else, then wait for process exit
442 $done->recv; 506 $done->recv;
443 507
444=head2 IDLE WATCHERS 508=head2 IDLE WATCHERS
445 509
446Sometimes there is a need to do something, but it is not so important 510 $w = AnyEvent->idle (cb => <callback>);
447to do it instantly, but only when there is nothing better to do. This
448"nothing better to do" is usually defined to be "no other events need
449attention by the event loop".
450 511
451Idle watchers ideally get invoked when the event loop has nothing 512This will repeatedly invoke the callback after the process becomes idle,
452better to do, just before it would block the process to wait for new 513until either the watcher is destroyed or new events have been detected.
453events. Instead of blocking, the idle watcher is invoked.
454 514
455Most event loops unfortunately do not really support idle watchers (only 515Idle watchers are useful when there is a need to do something, but it
516is not so important (or wise) to do it instantly. The callback will be
517invoked only when there is "nothing better to do", which is usually
518defined as "all outstanding events have been handled and no new events
519have been detected". That means that idle watchers ideally get invoked
520when the event loop has just polled for new events but none have been
521detected. Instead of blocking to wait for more events, the idle watchers
522will be invoked.
523
524Unfortunately, most event loops do not really support idle watchers (only
456EV, Event and Glib do it in a usable fashion) - for the rest, AnyEvent 525EV, Event and Glib do it in a usable fashion) - for the rest, AnyEvent
457will simply call the callback "from time to time". 526will simply call the callback "from time to time".
458 527
459Example: read lines from STDIN, but only process them when the 528Example: read lines from STDIN, but only process them when the
460program is otherwise idle: 529program is otherwise idle:
476 }); 545 });
477 }); 546 });
478 547
479=head2 CONDITION VARIABLES 548=head2 CONDITION VARIABLES
480 549
550 $cv = AnyEvent->condvar;
551
552 $cv->send (<list>);
553 my @res = $cv->recv;
554
481If you are familiar with some event loops you will know that all of them 555If you are familiar with some event loops you will know that all of them
482require you to run some blocking "loop", "run" or similar function that 556require you to run some blocking "loop", "run" or similar function that
483will actively watch for new events and call your callbacks. 557will actively watch for new events and call your callbacks.
484 558
485AnyEvent is slightly different: it expects somebody else to run the event 559AnyEvent is slightly different: it expects somebody else to run the event
486loop and will only block when necessary (usually when told by the user). 560loop and will only block when necessary (usually when told by the user).
487 561
488The instrument to do that is called a "condition variable", so called 562The tool to do that is called a "condition variable", so called because
489because they represent a condition that must become true. 563they represent a condition that must become true.
490 564
491Now is probably a good time to look at the examples further below. 565Now is probably a good time to look at the examples further below.
492 566
493Condition variables can be created by calling the C<< AnyEvent->condvar 567Condition variables can be created by calling the C<< AnyEvent->condvar
494>> method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is 568>> method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is
499After creation, the condition variable is "false" until it becomes "true" 573After creation, the condition variable is "false" until it becomes "true"
500by calling the C<send> method (or calling the condition variable as if it 574by calling the C<send> method (or calling the condition variable as if it
501were a callback, read about the caveats in the description for the C<< 575were a callback, read about the caveats in the description for the C<<
502->send >> method). 576->send >> method).
503 577
504Condition variables are similar to callbacks, except that you can 578Since condition variables are the most complex part of the AnyEvent API, here are
505optionally wait for them. They can also be called merge points - points 579some different mental models of what they are - pick the ones you can connect to:
506in time where multiple outstanding events have been processed. And yet 580
507another way to call them is transactions - each condition variable can be 581=over 4
508used to represent a transaction, which finishes at some point and delivers 582
509a result. 583=item * Condition variables are like callbacks - you can call them (and pass them instead
584of callbacks). Unlike callbacks however, you can also wait for them to be called.
585
586=item * Condition variables are signals - one side can emit or send them,
587the other side can wait for them, or install a handler that is called when
588the signal fires.
589
590=item * Condition variables are like "Merge Points" - points in your program
591where you merge multiple independent results/control flows into one.
592
593=item * Condition variables represent a transaction - functions that start
594some kind of transaction can return them, leaving the caller the choice
595between waiting in a blocking fashion, or setting a callback.
596
597=item * Condition variables represent future values, or promises to deliver
598some result, long before the result is available.
599
600=back
510 601
511Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has finished, 602Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has finished,
512for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http requests, 603for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http requests,
513then a condition variable would be the ideal candidate to signal the 604then a condition variable would be the ideal candidate to signal the
514availability of results. The user can either act when the callback is 605availability of results. The user can either act when the callback is
527 618
528Condition variables are represented by hash refs in perl, and the keys 619Condition variables are represented by hash refs in perl, and the keys
529used by AnyEvent itself are all named C<_ae_XXX> to make subclassing 620used by AnyEvent itself are all named C<_ae_XXX> to make subclassing
530easy (it is often useful to build your own transaction class on top of 621easy (it is often useful to build your own transaction class on top of
531AnyEvent). To subclass, use C<AnyEvent::CondVar> as base class and call 622AnyEvent). To subclass, use C<AnyEvent::CondVar> as base class and call
532it's C<new> method in your own C<new> method. 623its C<new> method in your own C<new> method.
533 624
534There are two "sides" to a condition variable - the "producer side" which 625There are two "sides" to a condition variable - the "producer side" which
535eventually calls C<< -> send >>, and the "consumer side", which waits 626eventually calls C<< -> send >>, and the "consumer side", which waits
536for the send to occur. 627for the send to occur.
537 628
538Example: wait for a timer. 629Example: wait for a timer.
539 630
540 # wait till the result is ready 631 # condition: "wait till the timer is fired"
541 my $result_ready = AnyEvent->condvar; 632 my $timer_fired = AnyEvent->condvar;
542 633
543 # do something such as adding a timer 634 # create the timer - we could wait for, say
544 # or socket watcher the calls $result_ready->send 635 # a handle becomign ready, or even an
545 # when the "result" is ready. 636 # AnyEvent::HTTP request to finish, but
546 # in this case, we simply use a timer: 637 # in this case, we simply use a timer:
547 my $w = AnyEvent->timer ( 638 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (
548 after => 1, 639 after => 1,
549 cb => sub { $result_ready->send }, 640 cb => sub { $timer_fired->send },
550 ); 641 );
551 642
552 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback 643 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback
553 # calls -<send 644 # calls ->send
554 $result_ready->recv; 645 $timer_fired->recv;
555 646
556Example: wait for a timer, but take advantage of the fact that condition 647Example: wait for a timer, but take advantage of the fact that condition
557variables are also callable directly. 648variables are also callable directly.
558 649
559 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar; 650 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
602they were a code reference). Calling them directly is the same as calling 693they were a code reference). Calling them directly is the same as calling
603C<send>. 694C<send>.
604 695
605=item $cv->croak ($error) 696=item $cv->croak ($error)
606 697
607Similar to send, but causes all call's to C<< ->recv >> to invoke 698Similar to send, but causes all calls to C<< ->recv >> to invoke
608C<Carp::croak> with the given error message/object/scalar. 699C<Carp::croak> with the given error message/object/scalar.
609 700
610This can be used to signal any errors to the condition variable 701This can be used to signal any errors to the condition variable
611user/consumer. Doing it this way instead of calling C<croak> directly 702user/consumer. Doing it this way instead of calling C<croak> directly
612delays the error detetcion, but has the overwhelmign advantage that it 703delays the error detection, but has the overwhelming advantage that it
613diagnoses the error at the place where the result is expected, and not 704diagnoses the error at the place where the result is expected, and not
614deep in some event clalback without connection to the actual code causing 705deep in some event callback with no connection to the actual code causing
615the problem. 706the problem.
616 707
617=item $cv->begin ([group callback]) 708=item $cv->begin ([group callback])
618 709
619=item $cv->end 710=item $cv->end
622one. For example, a function that pings many hosts in parallel might want 713one. For example, a function that pings many hosts in parallel might want
623to use a condition variable for the whole process. 714to use a condition variable for the whole process.
624 715
625Every call to C<< ->begin >> will increment a counter, and every call to 716Every call to C<< ->begin >> will increment a counter, and every call to
626C<< ->end >> will decrement it. If the counter reaches C<0> in C<< ->end 717C<< ->end >> will decrement it. If the counter reaches C<0> in C<< ->end
627>>, the (last) callback passed to C<begin> will be executed. That callback 718>>, the (last) callback passed to C<begin> will be executed, passing the
628is I<supposed> to call C<< ->send >>, but that is not required. If no 719condvar as first argument. That callback is I<supposed> to call C<< ->send
629callback was set, C<send> will be called without any arguments. 720>>, but that is not required. If no group callback was set, C<send> will
721be called without any arguments.
630 722
631You can think of C<< $cv->send >> giving you an OR condition (one call 723You can think of C<< $cv->send >> giving you an OR condition (one call
632sends), while C<< $cv->begin >> and C<< $cv->end >> giving you an AND 724sends), while C<< $cv->begin >> and C<< $cv->end >> giving you an AND
633condition (all C<begin> calls must be C<end>'ed before the condvar sends). 725condition (all C<begin> calls must be C<end>'ed before the condvar sends).
634 726
656one call to C<begin>, so the condvar waits for all calls to C<end> before 748one call to C<begin>, so the condvar waits for all calls to C<end> before
657sending. 749sending.
658 750
659The ping example mentioned above is slightly more complicated, as the 751The ping example mentioned above is slightly more complicated, as the
660there are results to be passwd back, and the number of tasks that are 752there are results to be passwd back, and the number of tasks that are
661begung can potentially be zero: 753begun can potentially be zero:
662 754
663 my $cv = AnyEvent->condvar; 755 my $cv = AnyEvent->condvar;
664 756
665 my %result; 757 my %result;
666 $cv->begin (sub { $cv->send (\%result) }); 758 $cv->begin (sub { shift->send (\%result) });
667 759
668 for my $host (@list_of_hosts) { 760 for my $host (@list_of_hosts) {
669 $cv->begin; 761 $cv->begin;
670 ping_host_then_call_callback $host, sub { 762 ping_host_then_call_callback $host, sub {
671 $result{$host} = ...; 763 $result{$host} = ...;
687to be called once the counter reaches C<0>, and second, it ensures that 779to be called once the counter reaches C<0>, and second, it ensures that
688C<send> is called even when C<no> hosts are being pinged (the loop 780C<send> is called even when C<no> hosts are being pinged (the loop
689doesn't execute once). 781doesn't execute once).
690 782
691This is the general pattern when you "fan out" into multiple (but 783This is the general pattern when you "fan out" into multiple (but
692potentially none) subrequests: use an outer C<begin>/C<end> pair to set 784potentially zero) subrequests: use an outer C<begin>/C<end> pair to set
693the callback and ensure C<end> is called at least once, and then, for each 785the callback and ensure C<end> is called at least once, and then, for each
694subrequest you start, call C<begin> and for each subrequest you finish, 786subrequest you start, call C<begin> and for each subrequest you finish,
695call C<end>. 787call C<end>.
696 788
697=back 789=back
704=over 4 796=over 4
705 797
706=item $cv->recv 798=item $cv->recv
707 799
708Wait (blocking if necessary) until the C<< ->send >> or C<< ->croak 800Wait (blocking if necessary) until the C<< ->send >> or C<< ->croak
709>> methods have been called on c<$cv>, while servicing other watchers 801>> methods have been called on C<$cv>, while servicing other watchers
710normally. 802normally.
711 803
712You can only wait once on a condition - additional calls are valid but 804You can only wait once on a condition - additional calls are valid but
713will return immediately. 805will return immediately.
714 806
731caller decide whether the call will block or not (for example, by coupling 823caller decide whether the call will block or not (for example, by coupling
732condition variables with some kind of request results and supporting 824condition variables with some kind of request results and supporting
733callbacks so the caller knows that getting the result will not block, 825callbacks so the caller knows that getting the result will not block,
734while still supporting blocking waits if the caller so desires). 826while still supporting blocking waits if the caller so desires).
735 827
736You can ensure that C<< -recv >> never blocks by setting a callback and 828You can ensure that C<< ->recv >> never blocks by setting a callback and
737only calling C<< ->recv >> from within that callback (or at a later 829only calling C<< ->recv >> from within that callback (or at a later
738time). This will work even when the event loop does not support blocking 830time). This will work even when the event loop does not support blocking
739waits otherwise. 831waits otherwise.
740 832
741=item $bool = $cv->ready 833=item $bool = $cv->ready
747 839
748This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and optionally 840This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and optionally
749replaces it before doing so. 841replaces it before doing so.
750 842
751The callback will be called when the condition becomes "true", i.e. when 843The callback will be called when the condition becomes "true", i.e. when
752C<send> or C<croak> are called, with the only argument being the condition 844C<send> or C<croak> are called, with the only argument being the
753variable itself. Calling C<recv> inside the callback or at any later time 845condition variable itself. If the condition is already true, the
754is guaranteed not to block. 846callback is called immediately when it is set. Calling C<recv> inside
847the callback or at any later time is guaranteed not to block.
755 848
756=back 849=back
757 850
758=head1 SUPPORTED EVENT LOOPS/BACKENDS 851=head1 SUPPORTED EVENT LOOPS/BACKENDS
759 852
762=over 4 855=over 4
763 856
764=item Backends that are autoprobed when no other event loop can be found. 857=item Backends that are autoprobed when no other event loop can be found.
765 858
766EV is the preferred backend when no other event loop seems to be in 859EV is the preferred backend when no other event loop seems to be in
767use. If EV is not installed, then AnyEvent will try Event, and, failing 860use. If EV is not installed, then AnyEvent will fall back to its own
768that, will fall back to its own pure-perl implementation, which is 861pure-perl implementation, which is available everywhere as it comes with
769available everywhere as it comes with AnyEvent itself. 862AnyEvent itself.
770 863
771 AnyEvent::Impl::EV based on EV (interface to libev, best choice). 864 AnyEvent::Impl::EV based on EV (interface to libev, best choice).
772 AnyEvent::Impl::Event based on Event, very stable, few glitches.
773 AnyEvent::Impl::Perl pure-perl implementation, fast and portable. 865 AnyEvent::Impl::Perl pure-perl AnyEvent::Loop, fast and portable.
774 866
775=item Backends that are transparently being picked up when they are used. 867=item Backends that are transparently being picked up when they are used.
776 868
777These will be used when they are currently loaded when the first watcher 869These will be used if they are already loaded when the first watcher
778is created, in which case it is assumed that the application is using 870is created, in which case it is assumed that the application is using
779them. This means that AnyEvent will automatically pick the right backend 871them. This means that AnyEvent will automatically pick the right backend
780when the main program loads an event module before anything starts to 872when the main program loads an event module before anything starts to
781create watchers. Nothing special needs to be done by the main program. 873create watchers. Nothing special needs to be done by the main program.
782 874
875 AnyEvent::Impl::Event based on Event, very stable, few glitches.
783 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib based on Glib, slow but very stable. 876 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib based on Glib, slow but very stable.
784 AnyEvent::Impl::Tk based on Tk, very broken. 877 AnyEvent::Impl::Tk based on Tk, very broken.
785 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib based on Event::Lib, leaks memory and worse. 878 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib based on Event::Lib, leaks memory and worse.
786 AnyEvent::Impl::POE based on POE, very slow, some limitations. 879 AnyEvent::Impl::POE based on POE, very slow, some limitations.
880 AnyEvent::Impl::Irssi used when running within irssi.
881 AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync based on IO::Async.
882 AnyEvent::Impl::Cocoa based on Cocoa::EventLoop.
883 AnyEvent::Impl::FLTK based on FLTK.
787 884
788=item Backends with special needs. 885=item Backends with special needs.
789 886
790Qt requires the Qt::Application to be instantiated first, but will 887Qt requires the Qt::Application to be instantiated first, but will
791otherwise be picked up automatically. As long as the main program 888otherwise be picked up automatically. As long as the main program
792instantiates the application before any AnyEvent watchers are created, 889instantiates the application before any AnyEvent watchers are created,
793everything should just work. 890everything should just work.
794 891
795 AnyEvent::Impl::Qt based on Qt. 892 AnyEvent::Impl::Qt based on Qt.
796 893
797Support for IO::Async can only be partial, as it is too broken and
798architecturally limited to even support the AnyEvent API. It also
799is the only event loop that needs the loop to be set explicitly, so
800it can only be used by a main program knowing about AnyEvent. See
801L<AnyEvent::Impl::Async> for the gory details.
802
803 AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync based on IO::Async, cannot be autoprobed.
804
805=item Event loops that are indirectly supported via other backends. 894=item Event loops that are indirectly supported via other backends.
806 895
807Some event loops can be supported via other modules: 896Some event loops can be supported via other modules:
808 897
809There is no direct support for WxWidgets (L<Wx>) or L<Prima>. 898There is no direct support for WxWidgets (L<Wx>) or L<Prima>.
834Contains C<undef> until the first watcher is being created, before the 923Contains C<undef> until the first watcher is being created, before the
835backend has been autodetected. 924backend has been autodetected.
836 925
837Afterwards it contains the event model that is being used, which is the 926Afterwards it contains the event model that is being used, which is the
838name of the Perl class implementing the model. This class is usually one 927name of the Perl class implementing the model. This class is usually one
839of the C<AnyEvent::Impl:xxx> modules, but can be any other class in the 928of the C<AnyEvent::Impl::xxx> modules, but can be any other class in the
840case AnyEvent has been extended at runtime (e.g. in I<rxvt-unicode> it 929case AnyEvent has been extended at runtime (e.g. in I<rxvt-unicode> it
841will be C<urxvt::anyevent>). 930will be C<urxvt::anyevent>).
842 931
843=item AnyEvent::detect 932=item AnyEvent::detect
844 933
845Returns C<$AnyEvent::MODEL>, forcing autodetection of the event model 934Returns C<$AnyEvent::MODEL>, forcing autodetection of the event model
846if necessary. You should only call this function right before you would 935if necessary. You should only call this function right before you would
847have created an AnyEvent watcher anyway, that is, as late as possible at 936have created an AnyEvent watcher anyway, that is, as late as possible at
848runtime, and not e.g. while initialising of your module. 937runtime, and not e.g. during initialisation of your module.
849 938
850If you need to do some initialisation before AnyEvent watchers are 939If you need to do some initialisation before AnyEvent watchers are
851created, use C<post_detect>. 940created, use C<post_detect>.
852 941
853=item $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK } 942=item $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }
854 943
855Arranges for the code block to be executed as soon as the event model is 944Arranges for the code block to be executed as soon as the event model is
856autodetected (or immediately if this has already happened). 945autodetected (or immediately if that has already happened).
857 946
858The block will be executed I<after> the actual backend has been detected 947The block will be executed I<after> the actual backend has been detected
859(C<$AnyEvent::MODEL> is set), but I<before> any watchers have been 948(C<$AnyEvent::MODEL> is set), but I<before> any watchers have been
860created, so it is possible to e.g. patch C<@AnyEvent::ISA> or do 949created, so it is possible to e.g. patch C<@AnyEvent::ISA> or do
861other initialisations - see the sources of L<AnyEvent::Strict> or 950other initialisations - see the sources of L<AnyEvent::Strict> or
865event module detection too early, for example, L<AnyEvent::AIO> creates 954event module detection too early, for example, L<AnyEvent::AIO> creates
866and installs the global L<IO::AIO> watcher in a C<post_detect> block to 955and installs the global L<IO::AIO> watcher in a C<post_detect> block to
867avoid autodetecting the event module at load time. 956avoid autodetecting the event module at load time.
868 957
869If called in scalar or list context, then it creates and returns an object 958If called in scalar or list context, then it creates and returns an object
870that automatically removes the callback again when it is destroyed. See 959that automatically removes the callback again when it is destroyed (or
960C<undef> when the hook was immediately executed). See L<AnyEvent::AIO> for
871L<Coro::BDB> for a case where this is useful. 961a case where this is useful.
962
963Example: Create a watcher for the IO::AIO module and store it in
964C<$WATCHER>, but do so only do so after the event loop is initialised.
965
966 our WATCHER;
967
968 my $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect {
969 $WATCHER = AnyEvent->io (fh => IO::AIO::poll_fileno, poll => 'r', cb => \&IO::AIO::poll_cb);
970 };
971
972 # the ||= is important in case post_detect immediately runs the block,
973 # as to not clobber the newly-created watcher. assigning both watcher and
974 # post_detect guard to the same variable has the advantage of users being
975 # able to just C<undef $WATCHER> if the watcher causes them grief.
976
977 $WATCHER ||= $guard;
872 978
873=item @AnyEvent::post_detect 979=item @AnyEvent::post_detect
874 980
875If there are any code references in this array (you can C<push> to it 981If there are any code references in this array (you can C<push> to it
876before or after loading AnyEvent), then they will called directly after 982before or after loading AnyEvent), then they will be called directly
877the event loop has been chosen. 983after the event loop has been chosen.
878 984
879You should check C<$AnyEvent::MODEL> before adding to this array, though: 985You should check C<$AnyEvent::MODEL> before adding to this array, though:
880if it is defined then the event loop has already been detected, and the 986if it is defined then the event loop has already been detected, and the
881array will be ignored. 987array will be ignored.
882 988
883Best use C<AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }> when your application allows 989Best use C<AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }> when your application allows
884it,as it takes care of these details. 990it, as it takes care of these details.
885 991
886This variable is mainly useful for modules that can do something useful 992This variable is mainly useful for modules that can do something useful
887when AnyEvent is used and thus want to know when it is initialised, but do 993when AnyEvent is used and thus want to know when it is initialised, but do
888not need to even load it by default. This array provides the means to hook 994not need to even load it by default. This array provides the means to hook
889into AnyEvent passively, without loading it. 995into AnyEvent passively, without loading it.
890 996
997Example: To load Coro::AnyEvent whenever Coro and AnyEvent are used
998together, you could put this into Coro (this is the actual code used by
999Coro to accomplish this):
1000
1001 if (defined $AnyEvent::MODEL) {
1002 # AnyEvent already initialised, so load Coro::AnyEvent
1003 require Coro::AnyEvent;
1004 } else {
1005 # AnyEvent not yet initialised, so make sure to load Coro::AnyEvent
1006 # as soon as it is
1007 push @AnyEvent::post_detect, sub { require Coro::AnyEvent };
1008 }
1009
891=back 1010=back
892 1011
893=head1 WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE 1012=head1 WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE
894 1013
895As a module author, you should C<use AnyEvent> and call AnyEvent methods 1014As a module author, you should C<use AnyEvent> and call AnyEvent methods
905because it will stall the whole program, and the whole point of using 1024because it will stall the whole program, and the whole point of using
906events is to stay interactive. 1025events is to stay interactive.
907 1026
908It is fine, however, to call C<< ->recv >> when the user of your module 1027It is fine, however, to call C<< ->recv >> when the user of your module
909requests it (i.e. if you create a http request object ad have a method 1028requests it (i.e. if you create a http request object ad have a method
910called C<results> that returns the results, it should call C<< ->recv >> 1029called C<results> that returns the results, it may call C<< ->recv >>
911freely, as the user of your module knows what she is doing. always). 1030freely, as the user of your module knows what she is doing. Always).
912 1031
913=head1 WHAT TO DO IN THE MAIN PROGRAM 1032=head1 WHAT TO DO IN THE MAIN PROGRAM
914 1033
915There will always be a single main program - the only place that should 1034There will always be a single main program - the only place that should
916dictate which event model to use. 1035dictate which event model to use.
917 1036
918If it doesn't care, it can just "use AnyEvent" and use it itself, or not 1037If the program is not event-based, it need not do anything special, even
919do anything special (it does not need to be event-based) and let AnyEvent 1038when it depends on a module that uses an AnyEvent. If the program itself
920decide which implementation to chose if some module relies on it. 1039uses AnyEvent, but does not care which event loop is used, all it needs
1040to do is C<use AnyEvent>. In either case, AnyEvent will choose the best
1041available loop implementation.
921 1042
922If the main program relies on a specific event model - for example, in 1043If the main program relies on a specific event model - for example, in
923Gtk2 programs you have to rely on the Glib module - you should load the 1044Gtk2 programs you have to rely on the Glib module - you should load the
924event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it: generally 1045event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it: generally
925speaking, you should load it as early as possible. The reason is that 1046speaking, you should load it as early as possible. The reason is that
926modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent will 1047modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent will
927decide on the event model to use as soon as it creates watchers, and it 1048decide on the event model to use as soon as it creates watchers, and it
928might chose the wrong one unless you load the correct one yourself. 1049might choose the wrong one unless you load the correct one yourself.
929 1050
930You can chose to use a pure-perl implementation by loading the 1051You can chose to use a pure-perl implementation by loading the
931C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl> module, which gives you similar behaviour 1052C<AnyEvent::Loop> module, which gives you similar behaviour
932everywhere, but letting AnyEvent chose the model is generally better. 1053everywhere, but letting AnyEvent chose the model is generally better.
933 1054
934=head2 MAINLOOP EMULATION 1055=head2 MAINLOOP EMULATION
935 1056
936Sometimes (often for short test scripts, or even standalone programs who 1057Sometimes (often for short test scripts, or even standalone programs who
951=head1 OTHER MODULES 1072=head1 OTHER MODULES
952 1073
953The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use 1074The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use
954AnyEvent as a client and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent 1075AnyEvent as a client and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent
955modules and other event loops in the same program. Some of the modules 1076modules and other event loops in the same program. Some of the modules
956come with AnyEvent, most are available via CPAN. 1077come as part of AnyEvent, the others are available via CPAN.
957 1078
958=over 4 1079=over 4
959 1080
960=item L<AnyEvent::Util> 1081=item L<AnyEvent::Util>
961 1082
962Contains various utility functions that replace often-used but blocking 1083Contains various utility functions that replace often-used blocking
963functions such as C<inet_aton> by event-/callback-based versions. 1084functions such as C<inet_aton> with event/callback-based versions.
964 1085
965=item L<AnyEvent::Socket> 1086=item L<AnyEvent::Socket>
966 1087
967Provides various utility functions for (internet protocol) sockets, 1088Provides various utility functions for (internet protocol) sockets,
968addresses and name resolution. Also functions to create non-blocking tcp 1089addresses and name resolution. Also functions to create non-blocking tcp
970 1091
971=item L<AnyEvent::Handle> 1092=item L<AnyEvent::Handle>
972 1093
973Provide read and write buffers, manages watchers for reads and writes, 1094Provide read and write buffers, manages watchers for reads and writes,
974supports raw and formatted I/O, I/O queued and fully transparent and 1095supports raw and formatted I/O, I/O queued and fully transparent and
975non-blocking SSL/TLS (via L<AnyEvent::TLS>. 1096non-blocking SSL/TLS (via L<AnyEvent::TLS>).
976 1097
977=item L<AnyEvent::DNS> 1098=item L<AnyEvent::DNS>
978 1099
979Provides rich asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities. 1100Provides rich asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities.
980 1101
1102=item L<AnyEvent::HTTP>, L<AnyEvent::IRC>, L<AnyEvent::XMPP>, L<AnyEvent::GPSD>, L<AnyEvent::IGS>, L<AnyEvent::FCP>
1103
1104Implement event-based interfaces to the protocols of the same name (for
1105the curious, IGS is the International Go Server and FCP is the Freenet
1106Client Protocol).
1107
1108=item L<AnyEvent::Handle::UDP>
1109
1110Here be danger!
1111
1112As Pauli would put it, "Not only is it not right, it's not even wrong!" -
1113there are so many things wrong with AnyEvent::Handle::UDP, most notably
1114its use of a stream-based API with a protocol that isn't streamable, that
1115the only way to improve it is to delete it.
1116
1117It features data corruption (but typically only under load) and general
1118confusion. On top, the author is not only clueless about UDP but also
1119fact-resistant - some gems of his understanding: "connect doesn't work
1120with UDP", "UDP packets are not IP packets", "UDP only has datagrams, not
1121packets", "I don't need to implement proper error checking as UDP doesn't
1122support error checking" and so on - he doesn't even understand what's
1123wrong with his module when it is explained to him.
1124
981=item L<AnyEvent::HTTP> 1125=item L<AnyEvent::DBI>
982 1126
983A simple-to-use HTTP library that is capable of making a lot of concurrent 1127Executes L<DBI> requests asynchronously in a proxy process for you,
984HTTP requests. 1128notifying you in an event-based way when the operation is finished.
1129
1130=item L<AnyEvent::AIO>
1131
1132Truly asynchronous (as opposed to non-blocking) I/O, should be in the
1133toolbox of every event programmer. AnyEvent::AIO transparently fuses
1134L<IO::AIO> and AnyEvent together, giving AnyEvent access to event-based
1135file I/O, and much more.
985 1136
986=item L<AnyEvent::HTTPD> 1137=item L<AnyEvent::HTTPD>
987 1138
988Provides a simple web application server framework. 1139A simple embedded webserver.
989 1140
990=item L<AnyEvent::FastPing> 1141=item L<AnyEvent::FastPing>
991 1142
992The fastest ping in the west. 1143The fastest ping in the west.
993
994=item L<AnyEvent::DBI>
995
996Executes L<DBI> requests asynchronously in a proxy process.
997
998=item L<AnyEvent::AIO>
999
1000Truly asynchronous I/O, should be in the toolbox of every event
1001programmer. AnyEvent::AIO transparently fuses L<IO::AIO> and AnyEvent
1002together.
1003
1004=item L<AnyEvent::BDB>
1005
1006Truly asynchronous Berkeley DB access. AnyEvent::BDB transparently fuses
1007L<BDB> and AnyEvent together.
1008
1009=item L<AnyEvent::GPSD>
1010
1011A non-blocking interface to gpsd, a daemon delivering GPS information.
1012
1013=item L<AnyEvent::IRC>
1014
1015AnyEvent based IRC client module family (replacing the older Net::IRC3).
1016
1017=item L<AnyEvent::XMPP>
1018
1019AnyEvent based XMPP (Jabber protocol) module family (replacing the older
1020Net::XMPP2>.
1021
1022=item L<AnyEvent::IGS>
1023
1024A non-blocking interface to the Internet Go Server protocol (used by
1025L<App::IGS>).
1026
1027=item L<Net::FCP>
1028
1029AnyEvent-based implementation of the Freenet Client Protocol, birthplace
1030of AnyEvent.
1031
1032=item L<Event::ExecFlow>
1033
1034High level API for event-based execution flow control.
1035 1144
1036=item L<Coro> 1145=item L<Coro>
1037 1146
1038Has special support for AnyEvent via L<Coro::AnyEvent>. 1147Has special support for AnyEvent via L<Coro::AnyEvent>.
1039 1148
1043 1152
1044package AnyEvent; 1153package AnyEvent;
1045 1154
1046# basically a tuned-down version of common::sense 1155# basically a tuned-down version of common::sense
1047sub common_sense { 1156sub common_sense {
1048 # no warnings 1157 # from common:.sense 3.4
1049 ${^WARNING_BITS} ^= ${^WARNING_BITS}; 1158 ${^WARNING_BITS} ^= ${^WARNING_BITS} ^ "\x3c\x3f\x33\x00\x0f\xf0\x0f\xc0\xf0\xfc\x33\x00";
1050 # use strict vars subs 1159 # use strict vars subs - NO UTF-8, as Util.pm doesn't like this atm. (uts46data.pl)
1051 $^H |= 0x00000600; 1160 $^H |= 0x00000600;
1052} 1161}
1053 1162
1054BEGIN { AnyEvent::common_sense } 1163BEGIN { AnyEvent::common_sense }
1055 1164
1056use Carp (); 1165use Carp ();
1057 1166
1058our $VERSION = 4.83; 1167our $VERSION = '5.34';
1059our $MODEL; 1168our $MODEL;
1060 1169
1061our $AUTOLOAD; 1170our $AUTOLOAD;
1062our @ISA; 1171our @ISA;
1063 1172
1064our @REGISTRY; 1173our @REGISTRY;
1065 1174
1066our $WIN32;
1067
1068our $VERBOSE; 1175our $VERBOSE;
1069 1176
1070BEGIN { 1177BEGIN {
1071 eval "sub WIN32(){ " . (($^O =~ /mswin32/i)*1) ." }"; 1178 require "AnyEvent/constants.pl";
1179
1072 eval "sub TAINT(){ " . (${^TAINT}*1) . " }"; 1180 eval "sub TAINT (){" . (${^TAINT}*1) . "}";
1073 1181
1074 delete @ENV{grep /^PERL_ANYEVENT_/, keys %ENV} 1182 delete @ENV{grep /^PERL_ANYEVENT_/, keys %ENV}
1075 if ${^TAINT}; 1183 if ${^TAINT};
1076 1184
1077 $VERBOSE = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}*1; 1185 $VERBOSE = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}*1;
1088 for reverse split /\s*,\s*/, 1196 for reverse split /\s*,\s*/,
1089 $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS} || "ipv4,ipv6"; 1197 $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS} || "ipv4,ipv6";
1090} 1198}
1091 1199
1092my @models = ( 1200my @models = (
1093 [EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EV::], 1201 [EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EV:: , 1],
1094 [Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Event::], 1202 [AnyEvent::Loop:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: , 1],
1095 [AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Perl::],
1096 # everything below here will not be autoprobed 1203 # everything below here will not (normally) be autoprobed
1097 # as the pureperl backend should work everywhere 1204 # as the pure perl backend should work everywhere
1098 # and is usually faster 1205 # and is usually faster
1206 [Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Event::, 1],
1099 [Glib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Glib::], # becomes extremely slow with many watchers 1207 [Glib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Glib:: , 1], # becomes extremely slow with many watchers
1100 [Event::Lib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib::], # too buggy 1208 [Event::Lib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib::], # too buggy
1209 [Irssi:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Irssi::], # Irssi has a bogus "Event" package
1101 [Tk:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Tk::], # crashes with many handles 1210 [Tk:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Tk::], # crashes with many handles
1102 [Qt:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Qt::], # requires special main program 1211 [Qt:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Qt::], # requires special main program
1103 [POE::Kernel:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], # lasciate ogni speranza 1212 [POE::Kernel:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], # lasciate ogni speranza
1104 [Wx:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], 1213 [Wx:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
1105 [Prima:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], 1214 [Prima:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
1106 # IO::Async is just too broken - we would need workarounds for its
1107 # byzantine signal and broken child handling, among others.
1108 # IO::Async is rather hard to detect, as it doesn't have any
1109 # obvious default class.
1110# [IO::Async:: => AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync::], # requires special main program
1111# [IO::Async::Loop:: => AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync::], # requires special main program 1215 [IO::Async::Loop:: => AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync::],
1112# [IO::Async::Notifier:: => AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync::], # requires special main program 1216 [Cocoa::EventLoop:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Cocoa::],
1217 [FLTK:: => AnyEvent::Impl::FLTK::],
1113); 1218);
1114 1219
1115our %method = map +($_ => 1), 1220our %method = map +($_ => 1),
1116 qw(io timer time now now_update signal child idle condvar one_event DESTROY); 1221 qw(io timer time now now_update signal child idle condvar DESTROY);
1117 1222
1118our @post_detect; 1223our @post_detect;
1119 1224
1120sub post_detect(&) { 1225sub post_detect(&) {
1121 my ($cb) = @_; 1226 my ($cb) = @_;
1122 1227
1123 if ($MODEL) {
1124 $cb->();
1125
1126 1
1127 } else {
1128 push @post_detect, $cb; 1228 push @post_detect, $cb;
1129 1229
1130 defined wantarray 1230 defined wantarray
1131 ? bless \$cb, "AnyEvent::Util::postdetect" 1231 ? bless \$cb, "AnyEvent::Util::postdetect"
1132 : () 1232 : ()
1133 }
1134} 1233}
1135 1234
1136sub AnyEvent::Util::postdetect::DESTROY { 1235sub AnyEvent::Util::postdetect::DESTROY {
1137 @post_detect = grep $_ != ${$_[0]}, @post_detect; 1236 @post_detect = grep $_ != ${$_[0]}, @post_detect;
1138} 1237}
1139 1238
1140sub detect() { 1239sub detect() {
1240 # free some memory
1241 *detect = sub () { $MODEL };
1242
1243 local $!; # for good measure
1244 local $SIG{__DIE__};
1245
1246 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} =~ /^([a-zA-Z]+)$/) {
1247 my $model = "AnyEvent::Impl::$1";
1248 if (eval "require $model") {
1249 $MODEL = $model;
1250 warn "AnyEvent: loaded model '$model' (forced by \$ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL}), using it.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 2;
1251 } else {
1252 warn "AnyEvent: unable to load model '$model' (from \$ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL}):\n$@" if $VERBOSE;
1253 }
1254 }
1255
1256 # check for already loaded models
1141 unless ($MODEL) { 1257 unless ($MODEL) {
1142 local $SIG{__DIE__}; 1258 for (@REGISTRY, @models) {
1143 1259 my ($package, $model) = @$_;
1144 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} =~ /^([a-zA-Z]+)$/) { 1260 if (${"$package\::VERSION"} > 0) {
1145 my $model = "AnyEvent::Impl::$1";
1146 if (eval "require $model") { 1261 if (eval "require $model") {
1147 $MODEL = $model; 1262 $MODEL = $model;
1148 warn "AnyEvent: loaded model '$model' (forced by \$ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL}), using it.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 2; 1263 warn "AnyEvent: autodetected model '$model', using it.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 2;
1149 } else { 1264 last;
1150 warn "AnyEvent: unable to load model '$model' (from \$ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL}):\n$@" if $VERBOSE; 1265 }
1151 } 1266 }
1152 } 1267 }
1153 1268
1154 # check for already loaded models
1155 unless ($MODEL) { 1269 unless ($MODEL) {
1270 # try to autoload a model
1156 for (@REGISTRY, @models) { 1271 for (@REGISTRY, @models) {
1157 my ($package, $model) = @$_; 1272 my ($package, $model, $autoload) = @$_;
1273 if (
1274 $autoload
1275 and eval "require $package"
1158 if (${"$package\::VERSION"} > 0) { 1276 and ${"$package\::VERSION"} > 0
1159 if (eval "require $model") { 1277 and eval "require $model"
1278 ) {
1160 $MODEL = $model; 1279 $MODEL = $model;
1161 warn "AnyEvent: autodetected model '$model', using it.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 2; 1280 warn "AnyEvent: autoloaded model '$model', using it.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 2;
1162 last; 1281 last;
1163 }
1164 } 1282 }
1165 } 1283 }
1166 1284
1167 unless ($MODEL) {
1168 # try to load a model
1169
1170 for (@REGISTRY, @models) {
1171 my ($package, $model) = @$_;
1172 if (eval "require $package"
1173 and ${"$package\::VERSION"} > 0
1174 and eval "require $model") {
1175 $MODEL = $model;
1176 warn "AnyEvent: autoprobed model '$model', using it.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 2;
1177 last;
1178 }
1179 }
1180
1181 $MODEL 1285 $MODEL
1182 or die "No event module selected for AnyEvent and autodetect failed. Install any one of these modules: EV, Event or Glib.\n"; 1286 or die "AnyEvent: backend autodetection failed - did you properly install AnyEvent?\n";
1183 }
1184 } 1287 }
1185
1186 push @{"$MODEL\::ISA"}, "AnyEvent::Base";
1187
1188 unshift @ISA, $MODEL;
1189
1190 require AnyEvent::Strict if $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT};
1191
1192 (shift @post_detect)->() while @post_detect;
1193 } 1288 }
1289
1290 @models = (); # free probe data
1291
1292 push @{"$MODEL\::ISA"}, "AnyEvent::Base";
1293 unshift @ISA, $MODEL;
1294
1295 # now nuke some methods that are overridden by the backend.
1296 # SUPER is not allowed.
1297 for (qw(time signal child idle)) {
1298 undef &{"AnyEvent::Base::$_"}
1299 if defined &{"$MODEL\::$_"};
1300 }
1301
1302 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT}) {
1303 eval { require AnyEvent::Strict };
1304 warn "AnyEvent: cannot load AnyEvent::Strict: $@"
1305 if $@ && $VERBOSE;
1306 }
1307
1308 (shift @post_detect)->() while @post_detect;
1309
1310 *post_detect = sub(&) {
1311 shift->();
1312
1313 undef
1314 };
1194 1315
1195 $MODEL 1316 $MODEL
1196} 1317}
1197 1318
1198sub AUTOLOAD { 1319sub AUTOLOAD {
1199 (my $func = $AUTOLOAD) =~ s/.*://; 1320 (my $func = $AUTOLOAD) =~ s/.*://;
1200 1321
1201 $method{$func} 1322 $method{$func}
1202 or Carp::croak "$func: not a valid method for AnyEvent objects"; 1323 or Carp::croak "$func: not a valid AnyEvent class method";
1203 1324
1204 detect unless $MODEL; 1325 detect;
1205 1326
1206 my $class = shift; 1327 my $class = shift;
1207 $class->$func (@_); 1328 $class->$func (@_);
1208} 1329}
1209 1330
1222 # we assume CLOEXEC is already set by perl in all important cases 1343 # we assume CLOEXEC is already set by perl in all important cases
1223 1344
1224 ($fh2, $rw) 1345 ($fh2, $rw)
1225} 1346}
1226 1347
1348=head1 SIMPLIFIED AE API
1349
1350Starting with version 5.0, AnyEvent officially supports a second, much
1351simpler, API that is designed to reduce the calling, typing and memory
1352overhead by using function call syntax and a fixed number of parameters.
1353
1354See the L<AE> manpage for details.
1355
1356=cut
1357
1358package AE;
1359
1360our $VERSION = $AnyEvent::VERSION;
1361
1362# fall back to the main API by default - backends and AnyEvent::Base
1363# implementations can overwrite these.
1364
1365sub io($$$) {
1366 AnyEvent->io (fh => $_[0], poll => $_[1] ? "w" : "r", cb => $_[2])
1367}
1368
1369sub timer($$$) {
1370 AnyEvent->timer (after => $_[0], interval => $_[1], cb => $_[2])
1371}
1372
1373sub signal($$) {
1374 AnyEvent->signal (signal => $_[0], cb => $_[1])
1375}
1376
1377sub child($$) {
1378 AnyEvent->child (pid => $_[0], cb => $_[1])
1379}
1380
1381sub idle($) {
1382 AnyEvent->idle (cb => $_[0])
1383}
1384
1385sub cv(;&) {
1386 AnyEvent->condvar (@_ ? (cb => $_[0]) : ())
1387}
1388
1389sub now() {
1390 AnyEvent->now
1391}
1392
1393sub now_update() {
1394 AnyEvent->now_update
1395}
1396
1397sub time() {
1398 AnyEvent->time
1399}
1400
1227package AnyEvent::Base; 1401package AnyEvent::Base;
1228 1402
1229# default implementations for many methods 1403# default implementations for many methods
1230 1404
1231sub _time { 1405sub time {
1406 eval q{ # poor man's autoloading {}
1232 # probe for availability of Time::HiRes 1407 # probe for availability of Time::HiRes
1233 if (eval "use Time::HiRes (); Time::HiRes::time (); 1") { 1408 if (eval "use Time::HiRes (); Time::HiRes::time (); 1") {
1234 warn "AnyEvent: using Time::HiRes for sub-second timing accuracy.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 8; 1409 warn "AnyEvent: using Time::HiRes for sub-second timing accuracy.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 8;
1235 *_time = \&Time::HiRes::time; 1410 *AE::time = \&Time::HiRes::time;
1236 # if (eval "use POSIX (); (POSIX::times())... 1411 # if (eval "use POSIX (); (POSIX::times())...
1237 } else { 1412 } else {
1238 warn "AnyEvent: using built-in time(), WARNING, no sub-second resolution!\n" if $VERBOSE; 1413 warn "AnyEvent: using built-in time(), WARNING, no sub-second resolution!\n" if $VERBOSE;
1239 *_time = sub { time }; # epic fail 1414 *AE::time = sub (){ time }; # epic fail
1415 }
1416
1417 *time = sub { AE::time }; # different prototypes
1240 } 1418 };
1419 die if $@;
1241 1420
1242 &_time 1421 &time
1243} 1422}
1244 1423
1245sub time { _time } 1424*now = \&time;
1246sub now { _time } 1425
1247sub now_update { } 1426sub now_update { }
1248 1427
1428sub _poll {
1429 Carp::croak "$AnyEvent::MODEL does not support blocking waits. Caught";
1430}
1431
1249# default implementation for ->condvar 1432# default implementation for ->condvar
1433# in fact,t he default should not be overwritten
1250 1434
1251sub condvar { 1435sub condvar {
1436 eval q{ # poor man's autoloading {}
1437 *condvar = sub {
1252 bless { @_ == 3 ? (_ae_cb => $_[2]) : () }, "AnyEvent::CondVar" 1438 bless { @_ == 3 ? (_ae_cb => $_[2]) : () }, "AnyEvent::CondVar"
1439 };
1440
1441 *AE::cv = sub (;&) {
1442 bless { @_ ? (_ae_cb => shift) : () }, "AnyEvent::CondVar"
1443 };
1444 };
1445 die if $@;
1446
1447 &condvar
1253} 1448}
1254 1449
1255# default implementation for ->signal 1450# default implementation for ->signal
1256 1451
1257our $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT; 1452our $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT;
1453
1454sub _have_async_interrupt() {
1455 $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT = 1*(!$ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_AVOID_ASYNC_INTERRUPT}
1456 && eval "use Async::Interrupt 1.02 (); 1")
1457 unless defined $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT;
1458
1459 $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT
1460}
1461
1258our ($SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W, %SIG_CB, %SIG_EV, $SIG_IO); 1462our ($SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W, %SIG_CB, %SIG_EV, $SIG_IO);
1259our (%SIG_ASY, %SIG_ASY_W); 1463our (%SIG_ASY, %SIG_ASY_W);
1260our ($SIG_COUNT, $SIG_TW); 1464our ($SIG_COUNT, $SIG_TW);
1261 1465
1262sub _signal_exec { 1466# install a dummy wakeup watcher to reduce signal catching latency
1263 $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT 1467# used by Impls
1264 ? $SIGPIPE_R->drain 1468sub _sig_add() {
1265 : sysread $SIGPIPE_R, my $dummy, 9; 1469 unless ($SIG_COUNT++) {
1470 # try to align timer on a full-second boundary, if possible
1471 my $NOW = AE::now;
1266 1472
1267 while (%SIG_EV) { 1473 $SIG_TW = AE::timer
1268 for (keys %SIG_EV) { 1474 $MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY - ($NOW - int $NOW),
1269 delete $SIG_EV{$_}; 1475 $MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY,
1270 $_->() for values %{ $SIG_CB{$_} || {} }; 1476 sub { } # just for the PERL_ASYNC_CHECK
1271 } 1477 ;
1272 } 1478 }
1273} 1479}
1274 1480
1275sub _signal { 1481sub _sig_del {
1276 my (undef, %arg) = @_;
1277
1278 my $signal = uc $arg{signal}
1279 or Carp::croak "required option 'signal' is missing";
1280
1281 $SIG_CB{$signal}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb};
1282
1283 if ($HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT) {
1284 # async::interrupt
1285
1286 $SIG_ASY{$signal} ||= do {
1287 my $asy = new Async::Interrupt
1288 cb => sub { undef $SIG_EV{$signal} },
1289 signal => $signal,
1290 pipe => [$SIGPIPE_R->filenos],
1291 ;
1292 $asy->pipe_autodrain (0);
1293
1294 $asy
1295 };
1296
1297 } else {
1298 # pure perl
1299
1300 $SIG{$signal} ||= sub {
1301 local $!;
1302 syswrite $SIGPIPE_W, "\x00", 1 unless %SIG_EV;
1303 undef $SIG_EV{$signal};
1304 };
1305
1306 # can't do signal processing without introducing races in pure perl,
1307 # so limit the signal latency.
1308 ++$SIG_COUNT;
1309 $SIG_TW ||= AnyEvent->timer (
1310 after => $MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY,
1311 interval => $MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY,
1312 cb => sub { }, # just for the PERL_ASYNC_CHECK
1313 );
1314 }
1315
1316 bless [$signal, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::signal"
1317}
1318
1319sub signal {
1320 # probe for availability of Async::Interrupt
1321 if (!$ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_AVOID_ASYNC_INTERRUPT} && eval "use Async::Interrupt 0.6 (); 1") {
1322 warn "AnyEvent: using Async::Interrupt for race-free signal handling.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 8;
1323
1324 $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT = 1;
1325 $SIGPIPE_R = new Async::Interrupt::EventPipe;
1326 $SIG_IO = AnyEvent->io (fh => $SIGPIPE_R->fileno, poll => "r", cb => \&_signal_exec);
1327
1328 } else {
1329 warn "AnyEvent: using emulated perl signal handling with latency timer.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 8;
1330
1331 require Fcntl;
1332
1333 if (AnyEvent::WIN32) {
1334 require AnyEvent::Util;
1335
1336 ($SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W) = AnyEvent::Util::portable_pipe ();
1337 AnyEvent::Util::fh_nonblocking ($SIGPIPE_R) if $SIGPIPE_R;
1338 AnyEvent::Util::fh_nonblocking ($SIGPIPE_W) if $SIGPIPE_W; # just in case
1339 } else {
1340 pipe $SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W;
1341 fcntl $SIGPIPE_R, &Fcntl::F_SETFL, &Fcntl::O_NONBLOCK if $SIGPIPE_R;
1342 fcntl $SIGPIPE_W, &Fcntl::F_SETFL, &Fcntl::O_NONBLOCK if $SIGPIPE_W; # just in case
1343
1344 # not strictly required, as $^F is normally 2, but let's make sure...
1345 fcntl $SIGPIPE_R, &Fcntl::F_SETFD, &Fcntl::FD_CLOEXEC;
1346 fcntl $SIGPIPE_W, &Fcntl::F_SETFD, &Fcntl::FD_CLOEXEC;
1347 }
1348
1349 $SIGPIPE_R
1350 or Carp::croak "AnyEvent: unable to create a signal reporting pipe: $!\n";
1351
1352 $SIG_IO = AnyEvent->io (fh => $SIGPIPE_R, poll => "r", cb => \&_signal_exec);
1353 }
1354
1355 *signal = \&_signal;
1356 &signal
1357}
1358
1359sub AnyEvent::Base::signal::DESTROY {
1360 my ($signal, $cb) = @{$_[0]};
1361
1362 undef $SIG_TW 1482 undef $SIG_TW
1363 unless --$SIG_COUNT; 1483 unless --$SIG_COUNT;
1484}
1364 1485
1486our $_sig_name_init; $_sig_name_init = sub {
1487 eval q{ # poor man's autoloading {}
1488 undef $_sig_name_init;
1489
1490 if (_have_async_interrupt) {
1491 *sig2num = \&Async::Interrupt::sig2num;
1492 *sig2name = \&Async::Interrupt::sig2name;
1493 } else {
1494 require Config;
1495
1496 my %signame2num;
1497 @signame2num{ split ' ', $Config::Config{sig_name} }
1498 = split ' ', $Config::Config{sig_num};
1499
1500 my @signum2name;
1501 @signum2name[values %signame2num] = keys %signame2num;
1502
1503 *sig2num = sub($) {
1504 $_[0] > 0 ? shift : $signame2num{+shift}
1505 };
1506 *sig2name = sub ($) {
1507 $_[0] > 0 ? $signum2name[+shift] : shift
1508 };
1509 }
1510 };
1511 die if $@;
1512};
1513
1514sub sig2num ($) { &$_sig_name_init; &sig2num }
1515sub sig2name($) { &$_sig_name_init; &sig2name }
1516
1517sub signal {
1518 eval q{ # poor man's autoloading {}
1519 # probe for availability of Async::Interrupt
1520 if (_have_async_interrupt) {
1521 warn "AnyEvent: using Async::Interrupt for race-free signal handling.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 8;
1522
1523 $SIGPIPE_R = new Async::Interrupt::EventPipe;
1524 $SIG_IO = AE::io $SIGPIPE_R->fileno, 0, \&_signal_exec;
1525
1526 } else {
1527 warn "AnyEvent: using emulated perl signal handling with latency timer.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 8;
1528
1529 if (AnyEvent::WIN32) {
1530 require AnyEvent::Util;
1531
1532 ($SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W) = AnyEvent::Util::portable_pipe ();
1533 AnyEvent::Util::fh_nonblocking ($SIGPIPE_R, 1) if $SIGPIPE_R;
1534 AnyEvent::Util::fh_nonblocking ($SIGPIPE_W, 1) if $SIGPIPE_W; # just in case
1535 } else {
1536 pipe $SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W;
1537 fcntl $SIGPIPE_R, AnyEvent::F_SETFL, AnyEvent::O_NONBLOCK if $SIGPIPE_R;
1538 fcntl $SIGPIPE_W, AnyEvent::F_SETFL, AnyEvent::O_NONBLOCK if $SIGPIPE_W; # just in case
1539
1540 # not strictly required, as $^F is normally 2, but let's make sure...
1541 fcntl $SIGPIPE_R, AnyEvent::F_SETFD, AnyEvent::FD_CLOEXEC;
1542 fcntl $SIGPIPE_W, AnyEvent::F_SETFD, AnyEvent::FD_CLOEXEC;
1543 }
1544
1545 $SIGPIPE_R
1546 or Carp::croak "AnyEvent: unable to create a signal reporting pipe: $!\n";
1547
1548 $SIG_IO = AE::io $SIGPIPE_R, 0, \&_signal_exec;
1549 }
1550
1551 *signal = $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT
1552 ? sub {
1553 my (undef, %arg) = @_;
1554
1555 # async::interrupt
1556 my $signal = sig2num $arg{signal};
1557 $SIG_CB{$signal}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb};
1558
1559 $SIG_ASY{$signal} ||= new Async::Interrupt
1560 cb => sub { undef $SIG_EV{$signal} },
1561 signal => $signal,
1562 pipe => [$SIGPIPE_R->filenos],
1563 pipe_autodrain => 0,
1564 ;
1565
1566 bless [$signal, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::signal"
1567 }
1568 : sub {
1569 my (undef, %arg) = @_;
1570
1571 # pure perl
1572 my $signal = sig2name $arg{signal};
1573 $SIG_CB{$signal}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb};
1574
1575 $SIG{$signal} ||= sub {
1576 local $!;
1577 syswrite $SIGPIPE_W, "\x00", 1 unless %SIG_EV;
1578 undef $SIG_EV{$signal};
1579 };
1580
1581 # can't do signal processing without introducing races in pure perl,
1582 # so limit the signal latency.
1583 _sig_add;
1584
1585 bless [$signal, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::signal"
1586 }
1587 ;
1588
1589 *AnyEvent::Base::signal::DESTROY = sub {
1590 my ($signal, $cb) = @{$_[0]};
1591
1592 _sig_del;
1593
1365 delete $SIG_CB{$signal}{$cb}; 1594 delete $SIG_CB{$signal}{$cb};
1366 1595
1596 $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT
1597 ? delete $SIG_ASY{$signal}
1367 # delete doesn't work with older perls - they then 1598 : # delete doesn't work with older perls - they then
1368 # print weird messages, or just unconditionally exit 1599 # print weird messages, or just unconditionally exit
1369 # instead of getting the default action. 1600 # instead of getting the default action.
1370 undef $SIG{$signal} 1601 undef $SIG{$signal}
1371 unless keys %{ $SIG_CB{$signal} }; 1602 unless keys %{ $SIG_CB{$signal} };
1603 };
1604
1605 *_signal_exec = sub {
1606 $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT
1607 ? $SIGPIPE_R->drain
1608 : sysread $SIGPIPE_R, (my $dummy), 9;
1609
1610 while (%SIG_EV) {
1611 for (keys %SIG_EV) {
1612 delete $SIG_EV{$_};
1613 $_->() for values %{ $SIG_CB{$_} || {} };
1614 }
1615 }
1616 };
1617 };
1618 die if $@;
1619
1620 &signal
1372} 1621}
1373 1622
1374# default implementation for ->child 1623# default implementation for ->child
1375 1624
1376our %PID_CB; 1625our %PID_CB;
1377our $CHLD_W; 1626our $CHLD_W;
1378our $CHLD_DELAY_W; 1627our $CHLD_DELAY_W;
1379our $WNOHANG;
1380 1628
1381sub _sigchld { 1629# used by many Impl's
1382 while (0 < (my $pid = waitpid -1, $WNOHANG)) { 1630sub _emit_childstatus($$) {
1383 $_->($pid, $?) 1631 my (undef, $rpid, $rstatus) = @_;
1632
1633 $_->($rpid, $rstatus)
1384 for values %{ $PID_CB{$pid} || {} }, 1634 for values %{ $PID_CB{$rpid} || {} },
1385 values %{ $PID_CB{0} || {} }; 1635 values %{ $PID_CB{0} || {} };
1386 }
1387} 1636}
1388 1637
1389sub child { 1638sub child {
1639 eval q{ # poor man's autoloading {}
1640 *_sigchld = sub {
1641 my $pid;
1642
1643 AnyEvent->_emit_childstatus ($pid, $?)
1644 while ($pid = waitpid -1, WNOHANG) > 0;
1645 };
1646
1647 *child = sub {
1390 my (undef, %arg) = @_; 1648 my (undef, %arg) = @_;
1391 1649
1392 defined (my $pid = $arg{pid} + 0) 1650 my $pid = $arg{pid};
1393 or Carp::croak "required option 'pid' is missing"; 1651 my $cb = $arg{cb};
1394 1652
1395 $PID_CB{$pid}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb}; 1653 $PID_CB{$pid}{$cb+0} = $cb;
1396 1654
1397 # WNOHANG is almost cetrainly 1 everywhere
1398 $WNOHANG ||= $^O =~ /^(?:openbsd|netbsd|linux|freebsd|cygwin|MSWin32)$/
1399 ? 1
1400 : eval { local $SIG{__DIE__}; require POSIX; &POSIX::WNOHANG } || 1;
1401
1402 unless ($CHLD_W) { 1655 unless ($CHLD_W) {
1403 $CHLD_W = AnyEvent->signal (signal => 'CHLD', cb => \&_sigchld); 1656 $CHLD_W = AE::signal CHLD => \&_sigchld;
1404 # child could be a zombie already, so make at least one round 1657 # child could be a zombie already, so make at least one round
1405 &_sigchld; 1658 &_sigchld;
1406 } 1659 }
1407 1660
1408 bless [$pid, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::child" 1661 bless [$pid, $cb+0], "AnyEvent::Base::child"
1409} 1662 };
1410 1663
1411sub AnyEvent::Base::child::DESTROY { 1664 *AnyEvent::Base::child::DESTROY = sub {
1412 my ($pid, $cb) = @{$_[0]}; 1665 my ($pid, $icb) = @{$_[0]};
1413 1666
1414 delete $PID_CB{$pid}{$cb}; 1667 delete $PID_CB{$pid}{$icb};
1415 delete $PID_CB{$pid} unless keys %{ $PID_CB{$pid} }; 1668 delete $PID_CB{$pid} unless keys %{ $PID_CB{$pid} };
1416 1669
1417 undef $CHLD_W unless keys %PID_CB; 1670 undef $CHLD_W unless keys %PID_CB;
1671 };
1672 };
1673 die if $@;
1674
1675 &child
1418} 1676}
1419 1677
1420# idle emulation is done by simply using a timer, regardless 1678# idle emulation is done by simply using a timer, regardless
1421# of whether the process is idle or not, and not letting 1679# of whether the process is idle or not, and not letting
1422# the callback use more than 50% of the time. 1680# the callback use more than 50% of the time.
1423sub idle { 1681sub idle {
1682 eval q{ # poor man's autoloading {}
1683 *idle = sub {
1424 my (undef, %arg) = @_; 1684 my (undef, %arg) = @_;
1425 1685
1426 my ($cb, $w, $rcb) = $arg{cb}; 1686 my ($cb, $w, $rcb) = $arg{cb};
1427 1687
1428 $rcb = sub { 1688 $rcb = sub {
1429 if ($cb) { 1689 if ($cb) {
1430 $w = _time; 1690 $w = _time;
1431 &$cb; 1691 &$cb;
1432 $w = _time - $w; 1692 $w = _time - $w;
1433 1693
1434 # never use more then 50% of the time for the idle watcher, 1694 # never use more then 50% of the time for the idle watcher,
1435 # within some limits 1695 # within some limits
1436 $w = 0.0001 if $w < 0.0001; 1696 $w = 0.0001 if $w < 0.0001;
1437 $w = 5 if $w > 5; 1697 $w = 5 if $w > 5;
1438 1698
1439 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $w, cb => $rcb); 1699 $w = AE::timer $w, 0, $rcb;
1440 } else { 1700 } else {
1441 # clean up... 1701 # clean up...
1442 undef $w; 1702 undef $w;
1443 undef $rcb; 1703 undef $rcb;
1704 }
1705 };
1706
1707 $w = AE::timer 0.05, 0, $rcb;
1708
1709 bless \\$cb, "AnyEvent::Base::idle"
1444 } 1710 };
1711
1712 *AnyEvent::Base::idle::DESTROY = sub {
1713 undef $${$_[0]};
1714 };
1445 }; 1715 };
1716 die if $@;
1446 1717
1447 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 0.05, cb => $rcb); 1718 &idle
1448
1449 bless \\$cb, "AnyEvent::Base::idle"
1450}
1451
1452sub AnyEvent::Base::idle::DESTROY {
1453 undef $${$_[0]};
1454} 1719}
1455 1720
1456package AnyEvent::CondVar; 1721package AnyEvent::CondVar;
1457 1722
1458our @ISA = AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::; 1723our @ISA = AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::;
1724
1725# only to be used for subclassing
1726sub new {
1727 my $class = shift;
1728 bless AnyEvent->condvar (@_), $class
1729}
1459 1730
1460package AnyEvent::CondVar::Base; 1731package AnyEvent::CondVar::Base;
1461 1732
1462#use overload 1733#use overload
1463# '&{}' => sub { my $self = shift; sub { $self->send (@_) } }, 1734# '&{}' => sub { my $self = shift; sub { $self->send (@_) } },
1473 1744
1474sub _send { 1745sub _send {
1475 # nop 1746 # nop
1476} 1747}
1477 1748
1749sub _wait {
1750 AnyEvent->_poll until $_[0]{_ae_sent};
1751}
1752
1478sub send { 1753sub send {
1479 my $cv = shift; 1754 my $cv = shift;
1480 $cv->{_ae_sent} = [@_]; 1755 $cv->{_ae_sent} = [@_];
1481 (delete $cv->{_ae_cb})->($cv) if $cv->{_ae_cb}; 1756 (delete $cv->{_ae_cb})->($cv) if $cv->{_ae_cb};
1482 $cv->_send; 1757 $cv->_send;
1489 1764
1490sub ready { 1765sub ready {
1491 $_[0]{_ae_sent} 1766 $_[0]{_ae_sent}
1492} 1767}
1493 1768
1494sub _wait {
1495 $WAITING
1496 and !$_[0]{_ae_sent}
1497 and Carp::croak "AnyEvent::CondVar: recursive blocking wait detected";
1498
1499 local $WAITING = 1;
1500 AnyEvent->one_event while !$_[0]{_ae_sent};
1501}
1502
1503sub recv { 1769sub recv {
1770 unless ($_[0]{_ae_sent}) {
1771 $WAITING
1772 and Carp::croak "AnyEvent::CondVar: recursive blocking wait attempted";
1773
1774 local $WAITING = 1;
1504 $_[0]->_wait; 1775 $_[0]->_wait;
1776 }
1505 1777
1506 Carp::croak $_[0]{_ae_croak} if $_[0]{_ae_croak}; 1778 $_[0]{_ae_croak}
1507 wantarray ? @{ $_[0]{_ae_sent} } : $_[0]{_ae_sent}[0] 1779 and Carp::croak $_[0]{_ae_croak};
1780
1781 wantarray
1782 ? @{ $_[0]{_ae_sent} }
1783 : $_[0]{_ae_sent}[0]
1508} 1784}
1509 1785
1510sub cb { 1786sub cb {
1511 $_[0]{_ae_cb} = $_[1] if @_ > 1; 1787 my $cv = shift;
1788
1789 @_
1790 and $cv->{_ae_cb} = shift
1791 and $cv->{_ae_sent}
1792 and (delete $cv->{_ae_cb})->($cv);
1793
1512 $_[0]{_ae_cb} 1794 $cv->{_ae_cb}
1513} 1795}
1514 1796
1515sub begin { 1797sub begin {
1516 ++$_[0]{_ae_counter}; 1798 ++$_[0]{_ae_counter};
1517 $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} = $_[1] if @_ > 1; 1799 $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} = $_[1] if @_ > 1;
1522 &{ $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} || sub { $_[0]->send } }; 1804 &{ $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} || sub { $_[0]->send } };
1523} 1805}
1524 1806
1525# undocumented/compatibility with pre-3.4 1807# undocumented/compatibility with pre-3.4
1526*broadcast = \&send; 1808*broadcast = \&send;
1527*wait = \&_wait; 1809*wait = \&recv;
1528 1810
1529=head1 ERROR AND EXCEPTION HANDLING 1811=head1 ERROR AND EXCEPTION HANDLING
1530 1812
1531In general, AnyEvent does not do any error handling - it relies on the 1813In general, AnyEvent does not do any error handling - it relies on the
1532caller to do that if required. The L<AnyEvent::Strict> module (see also 1814caller to do that if required. The L<AnyEvent::Strict> module (see also
1579check the arguments passed to most method calls. If it finds any problems, 1861check the arguments passed to most method calls. If it finds any problems,
1580it will croak. 1862it will croak.
1581 1863
1582In other words, enables "strict" mode. 1864In other words, enables "strict" mode.
1583 1865
1584Unlike C<use strict> (or it's modern cousin, C<< use L<common::sense> 1866Unlike C<use strict> (or its modern cousin, C<< use L<common::sense>
1585>>, it is definitely recommended to keep it off in production. Keeping 1867>>, it is definitely recommended to keep it off in production. Keeping
1586C<PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT=1> in your environment while developing programs 1868C<PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT=1> in your environment while developing programs
1587can be very useful, however. 1869can be very useful, however.
1588 1870
1589=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL> 1871=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>
1595used as event model. If it fails to load AnyEvent will proceed with 1877used as event model. If it fails to load AnyEvent will proceed with
1596auto detection and -probing. 1878auto detection and -probing.
1597 1879
1598This functionality might change in future versions. 1880This functionality might change in future versions.
1599 1881
1600For example, to force the pure perl model (L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) you 1882For example, to force the pure perl model (L<AnyEvent::Loop::Perl>) you
1601could start your program like this: 1883could start your program like this:
1602 1884
1603 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ... 1885 PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL=Perl perl ...
1604 1886
1605=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS> 1887=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS>
1726 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read 2008 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read
1727 $cv->send if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i 2009 $cv->send if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i
1728 }, 2010 },
1729 ); 2011 );
1730 2012
1731 my $time_watcher; # can only be used once
1732
1733 sub new_timer {
1734 $timer = AnyEvent->timer (after => 1, cb => sub { 2013 my $time_watcher = AnyEvent->timer (after => 1, interval => 1, cb => sub {
1735 warn "timeout\n"; # print 'timeout' about every second 2014 warn "timeout\n"; # print 'timeout' at most every second
1736 &new_timer; # and restart the time
1737 }); 2015 });
1738 }
1739
1740 new_timer; # create first timer
1741 2016
1742 $cv->recv; # wait until user enters /^q/i 2017 $cv->recv; # wait until user enters /^q/i
1743 2018
1744=head1 REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE 2019=head1 REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE
1745 2020
1818 2093
1819The actual code goes further and collects all errors (C<die>s, exceptions) 2094The actual code goes further and collects all errors (C<die>s, exceptions)
1820that occurred during request processing. The C<result> method detects 2095that occurred during request processing. The C<result> method detects
1821whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn object) 2096whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn object)
1822and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and other 2097and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and other
1823problems get reported tot he code that tries to use the result, not in a 2098problems get reported to the code that tries to use the result, not in a
1824random callback. 2099random callback.
1825 2100
1826All of this enables the following usage styles: 2101All of this enables the following usage styles:
1827 2102
18281. Blocking: 21031. Blocking:
1876through AnyEvent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero 2151through AnyEvent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero
1877timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable, 2152timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable,
1878which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again. 2153which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again.
1879 2154
1880Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench> in the AnyEvent 2155Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench> in the AnyEvent
1881distribution. 2156distribution. It uses the L<AE> interface, which makes a real difference
2157for the EV and Perl backends only.
1882 2158
1883=head3 Explanation of the columns 2159=head3 Explanation of the columns
1884 2160
1885I<watcher> is the number of event watchers created/destroyed. Since 2161I<watcher> is the number of event watchers created/destroyed. Since
1886different event models feature vastly different performances, each event 2162different event models feature vastly different performances, each event
1907watcher. 2183watcher.
1908 2184
1909=head3 Results 2185=head3 Results
1910 2186
1911 name watchers bytes create invoke destroy comment 2187 name watchers bytes create invoke destroy comment
1912 EV/EV 400000 224 0.47 0.35 0.27 EV native interface 2188 EV/EV 100000 223 0.47 0.43 0.27 EV native interface
1913 EV/Any 100000 224 2.88 0.34 0.27 EV + AnyEvent watchers 2189 EV/Any 100000 223 0.48 0.42 0.26 EV + AnyEvent watchers
1914 CoroEV/Any 100000 224 2.85 0.35 0.28 coroutines + Coro::Signal 2190 Coro::EV/Any 100000 223 0.47 0.42 0.26 coroutines + Coro::Signal
1915 Perl/Any 100000 452 4.13 0.73 0.95 pure perl implementation 2191 Perl/Any 100000 431 2.70 0.74 0.92 pure perl implementation
1916 Event/Event 16000 517 32.20 31.80 0.81 Event native interface 2192 Event/Event 16000 516 31.16 31.84 0.82 Event native interface
1917 Event/Any 16000 590 35.85 31.55 1.06 Event + AnyEvent watchers 2193 Event/Any 16000 1203 42.61 34.79 1.80 Event + AnyEvent watchers
1918 IOAsync/Any 16000 989 38.10 32.77 11.13 via IO::Async::Loop::IO_Poll 2194 IOAsync/Any 16000 1911 41.92 27.45 16.81 via IO::Async::Loop::IO_Poll
1919 IOAsync/Any 16000 990 37.59 29.50 10.61 via IO::Async::Loop::Epoll 2195 IOAsync/Any 16000 1726 40.69 26.37 15.25 via IO::Async::Loop::Epoll
1920 Glib/Any 16000 1357 102.33 12.31 51.00 quadratic behaviour 2196 Glib/Any 16000 1118 89.00 12.57 51.17 quadratic behaviour
1921 Tk/Any 2000 1860 27.20 66.31 14.00 SEGV with >> 2000 watchers 2197 Tk/Any 2000 1346 20.96 10.75 8.00 SEGV with >> 2000 watchers
1922 POE/Event 2000 6328 109.99 751.67 14.02 via POE::Loop::Event 2198 POE/Any 2000 6951 108.97 795.32 14.24 via POE::Loop::Event
1923 POE/Select 2000 6027 94.54 809.13 579.80 via POE::Loop::Select 2199 POE/Any 2000 6648 94.79 774.40 575.51 via POE::Loop::Select
1924 2200
1925=head3 Discussion 2201=head3 Discussion
1926 2202
1927The benchmark does I<not> measure scalability of the event loop very 2203The benchmark does I<not> measure scalability of the event loop very
1928well. For example, a select-based event loop (such as the pure perl one) 2204well. For example, a select-based event loop (such as the pure perl one)
1940benchmark machine, handling an event takes roughly 1600 CPU cycles with 2216benchmark machine, handling an event takes roughly 1600 CPU cycles with
1941EV, 3100 CPU cycles with AnyEvent's pure perl loop and almost 3000000 CPU 2217EV, 3100 CPU cycles with AnyEvent's pure perl loop and almost 3000000 CPU
1942cycles with POE. 2218cycles with POE.
1943 2219
1944C<EV> is the sole leader regarding speed and memory use, which are both 2220C<EV> is the sole leader regarding speed and memory use, which are both
1945maximal/minimal, respectively. Even when going through AnyEvent, it uses 2221maximal/minimal, respectively. When using the L<AE> API there is zero
2222overhead (when going through the AnyEvent API create is about 5-6 times
2223slower, with other times being equal, so still uses far less memory than
1946far less memory than any other event loop and is still faster than Event 2224any other event loop and is still faster than Event natively).
1947natively.
1948 2225
1949The pure perl implementation is hit in a few sweet spots (both the 2226The pure perl implementation is hit in a few sweet spots (both the
1950constant timeout and the use of a single fd hit optimisations in the perl 2227constant timeout and the use of a single fd hit optimisations in the perl
1951interpreter and the backend itself). Nevertheless this shows that it 2228interpreter and the backend itself). Nevertheless this shows that it
1952adds very little overhead in itself. Like any select-based backend its 2229adds very little overhead in itself. Like any select-based backend its
2026In this benchmark, we use 10000 socket pairs (20000 sockets), of which 100 2303In this benchmark, we use 10000 socket pairs (20000 sockets), of which 100
2027(1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with many 2304(1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with many
2028connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time. 2305connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time.
2029 2306
2030Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench2> in the AnyEvent 2307Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench2> in the AnyEvent
2031distribution. 2308distribution. It uses the L<AE> interface, which makes a real difference
2309for the EV and Perl backends only.
2032 2310
2033=head3 Explanation of the columns 2311=head3 Explanation of the columns
2034 2312
2035I<sockets> is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" (as 2313I<sockets> is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" (as
2036each server has a read and write socket end). 2314each server has a read and write socket end).
2044a new one that moves the timeout into the future. 2322a new one that moves the timeout into the future.
2045 2323
2046=head3 Results 2324=head3 Results
2047 2325
2048 name sockets create request 2326 name sockets create request
2049 EV 20000 69.01 11.16 2327 EV 20000 62.66 7.99
2050 Perl 20000 73.32 35.87 2328 Perl 20000 68.32 32.64
2051 IOAsync 20000 157.00 98.14 epoll 2329 IOAsync 20000 174.06 101.15 epoll
2052 IOAsync 20000 159.31 616.06 poll 2330 IOAsync 20000 174.67 610.84 poll
2053 Event 20000 212.62 257.32 2331 Event 20000 202.69 242.91
2054 Glib 20000 651.16 1896.30 2332 Glib 20000 557.01 1689.52
2055 POE 20000 349.67 12317.24 uses POE::Loop::Event 2333 POE 20000 341.54 12086.32 uses POE::Loop::Event
2056 2334
2057=head3 Discussion 2335=head3 Discussion
2058 2336
2059This benchmark I<does> measure scalability and overall performance of the 2337This benchmark I<does> measure scalability and overall performance of the
2060particular event loop. 2338particular event loop.
2186As you can see, the AnyEvent + EV combination even beats the 2464As you can see, the AnyEvent + EV combination even beats the
2187hand-optimised "raw sockets benchmark", while AnyEvent + its pure perl 2465hand-optimised "raw sockets benchmark", while AnyEvent + its pure perl
2188backend easily beats IO::Lambda and POE. 2466backend easily beats IO::Lambda and POE.
2189 2467
2190And even the 100% non-blocking version written using the high-level (and 2468And even the 100% non-blocking version written using the high-level (and
2191slow :) L<AnyEvent::Handle> abstraction beats both POE and IO::Lambda by a 2469slow :) L<AnyEvent::Handle> abstraction beats both POE and IO::Lambda
2192large margin, even though it does all of DNS, tcp-connect and socket I/O 2470higher level ("unoptimised") abstractions by a large margin, even though
2193in a non-blocking way. 2471it does all of DNS, tcp-connect and socket I/O in a non-blocking way.
2194 2472
2195The two AnyEvent benchmarks programs can be found as F<eg/ae0.pl> and 2473The two AnyEvent benchmarks programs can be found as F<eg/ae0.pl> and
2196F<eg/ae2.pl> in the AnyEvent distribution, the remaining benchmarks are 2474F<eg/ae2.pl> in the AnyEvent distribution, the remaining benchmarks are
2197part of the IO::lambda distribution and were used without any changes. 2475part of the IO::Lambda distribution and were used without any changes.
2198 2476
2199 2477
2200=head1 SIGNALS 2478=head1 SIGNALS
2201 2479
2202AnyEvent currently installs handlers for these signals: 2480AnyEvent currently installs handlers for these signals:
2239 unless defined $SIG{PIPE}; 2517 unless defined $SIG{PIPE};
2240 2518
2241=head1 RECOMMENDED/OPTIONAL MODULES 2519=head1 RECOMMENDED/OPTIONAL MODULES
2242 2520
2243One of AnyEvent's main goals is to be 100% Pure-Perl(tm): only perl (and 2521One of AnyEvent's main goals is to be 100% Pure-Perl(tm): only perl (and
2244it's built-in modules) are required to use it. 2522its built-in modules) are required to use it.
2245 2523
2246That does not mean that AnyEvent won't take advantage of some additional 2524That does not mean that AnyEvent won't take advantage of some additional
2247modules if they are installed. 2525modules if they are installed.
2248 2526
2249This section epxlains which additional modules will be used, and how they 2527This section explains which additional modules will be used, and how they
2250affect AnyEvent's operetion. 2528affect AnyEvent's operation.
2251 2529
2252=over 4 2530=over 4
2253 2531
2254=item L<Async::Interrupt> 2532=item L<Async::Interrupt>
2255 2533
2256This slightly arcane module is used to implement fast signal handling: To 2534This slightly arcane module is used to implement fast signal handling: To
2257my knowledge, there is no way to do completely race-free and quick 2535my knowledge, there is no way to do completely race-free and quick
2258signal handling in pure perl. To ensure that signals still get 2536signal handling in pure perl. To ensure that signals still get
2259delivered, AnyEvent will start an interval timer to wake up perl (and 2537delivered, AnyEvent will start an interval timer to wake up perl (and
2260catch the signals) with soemd elay (default is 10 seconds, look for 2538catch the signals) with some delay (default is 10 seconds, look for
2261C<$AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY>). 2539C<$AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY>).
2262 2540
2263If this module is available, then it will be used to implement signal 2541If this module is available, then it will be used to implement signal
2264catching, which means that signals will not be delayed, and the event loop 2542catching, which means that signals will not be delayed, and the event loop
2265will not be interrupted regularly, which is more efficient (And good for 2543will not be interrupted regularly, which is more efficient (and good for
2266battery life on laptops). 2544battery life on laptops).
2267 2545
2268This affects not just the pure-perl event loop, but also other event loops 2546This affects not just the pure-perl event loop, but also other event loops
2269that have no signal handling on their own (e.g. Glib, Tk, Qt). 2547that have no signal handling on their own (e.g. Glib, Tk, Qt).
2548
2549Some event loops (POE, Event, Event::Lib) offer signal watchers natively,
2550and either employ their own workarounds (POE) or use AnyEvent's workaround
2551(using C<$AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY>). Installing L<Async::Interrupt>
2552does nothing for those backends.
2270 2553
2271=item L<EV> 2554=item L<EV>
2272 2555
2273This module isn't really "optional", as it is simply one of the backend 2556This module isn't really "optional", as it is simply one of the backend
2274event loops that AnyEvent can use. However, it is simply the best event 2557event loops that AnyEvent can use. However, it is simply the best event
2277automatic timer adjustments even when no monotonic clock is available, 2560automatic timer adjustments even when no monotonic clock is available,
2278can take avdantage of advanced kernel interfaces such as C<epoll> and 2561can take avdantage of advanced kernel interfaces such as C<epoll> and
2279C<kqueue>, and is the fastest backend I<by far>. You can even embed 2562C<kqueue>, and is the fastest backend I<by far>. You can even embed
2280L<Glib>/L<Gtk2> in it (or vice versa, see L<EV::Glib> and L<Glib::EV>). 2563L<Glib>/L<Gtk2> in it (or vice versa, see L<EV::Glib> and L<Glib::EV>).
2281 2564
2565If you only use backends that rely on another event loop (e.g. C<Tk>),
2566then this module will do nothing for you.
2567
2282=item L<Guard> 2568=item L<Guard>
2283 2569
2284The guard module, when used, will be used to implement 2570The guard module, when used, will be used to implement
2285C<AnyEvent::Util::guard>. This speeds up guards considerably (and uses a 2571C<AnyEvent::Util::guard>. This speeds up guards considerably (and uses a
2286lot less memory), but otherwise doesn't affect guard operation much. It is 2572lot less memory), but otherwise doesn't affect guard operation much. It is
2287purely used for performance. 2573purely used for performance.
2288 2574
2289=item L<JSON> and L<JSON::XS> 2575=item L<JSON> and L<JSON::XS>
2290 2576
2291This module is required when you want to read or write JSON data via 2577One of these modules is required when you want to read or write JSON data
2292L<AnyEvent::Handle>. It is also written in pure-perl, but can take 2578via L<AnyEvent::Handle>. L<JSON> is also written in pure-perl, but can take
2293advantage of the ulta-high-speed L<JSON::XS> module when it is installed. 2579advantage of the ultra-high-speed L<JSON::XS> module when it is installed.
2294
2295In fact, L<AnyEvent::Handle> will use L<JSON::XS> by default if it is
2296installed.
2297 2580
2298=item L<Net::SSLeay> 2581=item L<Net::SSLeay>
2299 2582
2300Implementing TLS/SSL in Perl is certainly interesting, but not very 2583Implementing TLS/SSL in Perl is certainly interesting, but not very
2301worthwhile: If this module is installed, then L<AnyEvent::Handle> (with 2584worthwhile: If this module is installed, then L<AnyEvent::Handle> (with
2302the help of L<AnyEvent::TLS>), gains the ability to do TLS/SSL. 2585the help of L<AnyEvent::TLS>), gains the ability to do TLS/SSL.
2303 2586
2304=item L<Time::HiRes> 2587=item L<Time::HiRes>
2305 2588
2306This module is part of perl since release 5.008. It will be used when the 2589This module is part of perl since release 5.008. It will be used when the
2307chosen event library does not come with a timing source on it's own. The 2590chosen event library does not come with a timing source of its own. The
2308pure-perl event loop (L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) will additionally use it to 2591pure-perl event loop (L<AnyEvent::Loop>) will additionally load it to
2309try to use a monotonic clock for timing stability. 2592try to use a monotonic clock for timing stability.
2310 2593
2311=back 2594=back
2312 2595
2313 2596
2314=head1 FORK 2597=head1 FORK
2315 2598
2316Most event libraries are not fork-safe. The ones who are usually are 2599Most event libraries are not fork-safe. The ones who are usually are
2317because they rely on inefficient but fork-safe C<select> or C<poll> 2600because they rely on inefficient but fork-safe C<select> or C<poll> calls
2318calls. Only L<EV> is fully fork-aware. 2601- higher performance APIs such as BSD's kqueue or the dreaded Linux epoll
2602are usually badly thought-out hacks that are incompatible with fork in
2603one way or another. Only L<EV> is fully fork-aware and ensures that you
2604continue event-processing in both parent and child (or both, if you know
2605what you are doing).
2606
2607This means that, in general, you cannot fork and do event processing in
2608the child if the event library was initialised before the fork (which
2609usually happens when the first AnyEvent watcher is created, or the library
2610is loaded).
2319 2611
2320If you have to fork, you must either do so I<before> creating your first 2612If you have to fork, you must either do so I<before> creating your first
2321watcher OR you must not use AnyEvent at all in the child OR you must do 2613watcher OR you must not use AnyEvent at all in the child OR you must do
2322something completely out of the scope of AnyEvent. 2614something completely out of the scope of AnyEvent.
2615
2616The problem of doing event processing in the parent I<and> the child
2617is much more complicated: even for backends that I<are> fork-aware or
2618fork-safe, their behaviour is not usually what you want: fork clones all
2619watchers, that means all timers, I/O watchers etc. are active in both
2620parent and child, which is almost never what you want. USing C<exec>
2621to start worker children from some kind of manage rprocess is usually
2622preferred, because it is much easier and cleaner, at the expense of having
2623to have another binary.
2323 2624
2324 2625
2325=head1 SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS 2626=head1 SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS
2326 2627
2327AnyEvent can be forced to load any event model via 2628AnyEvent can be forced to load any event model via
2357pronounced). 2658pronounced).
2358 2659
2359 2660
2360=head1 SEE ALSO 2661=head1 SEE ALSO
2361 2662
2663Tutorial/Introduction: L<AnyEvent::Intro>.
2664
2665FAQ: L<AnyEvent::FAQ>.
2666
2362Utility functions: L<AnyEvent::Util>. 2667Utility functions: L<AnyEvent::Util>.
2363 2668
2364Event modules: L<EV>, L<EV::Glib>, L<Glib::EV>, L<Event>, L<Glib::Event>, 2669Event modules: L<AnyEvent::Loop>, L<EV>, L<EV::Glib>, L<Glib::EV>,
2365L<Glib>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, L<POE>. 2670L<Event>, L<Glib::Event>, L<Glib>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, L<POE>.
2366 2671
2367Implementations: L<AnyEvent::Impl::EV>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Event>, 2672Implementations: L<AnyEvent::Impl::EV>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Event>,
2368L<AnyEvent::Impl::Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Tk>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>, 2673L<AnyEvent::Impl::Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Tk>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>,
2369L<AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Qt>, 2674L<AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Qt>,
2370L<AnyEvent::Impl::POE>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync>. 2675L<AnyEvent::Impl::POE>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync>, L<Anyevent::Impl::Irssi>.
2371 2676
2372Non-blocking file handles, sockets, TCP clients and 2677Non-blocking file handles, sockets, TCP clients and
2373servers: L<AnyEvent::Handle>, L<AnyEvent::Socket>, L<AnyEvent::TLS>. 2678servers: L<AnyEvent::Handle>, L<AnyEvent::Socket>, L<AnyEvent::TLS>.
2374 2679
2375Asynchronous DNS: L<AnyEvent::DNS>. 2680Asynchronous DNS: L<AnyEvent::DNS>.
2376 2681
2377Coroutine support: L<Coro>, L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, 2682Thread support: L<Coro>, L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>.
2378L<Coro::Event>,
2379 2683
2380Nontrivial usage examples: L<AnyEvent::GPSD>, L<AnyEvent::XMPP>, 2684Nontrivial usage examples: L<AnyEvent::GPSD>, L<AnyEvent::IRC>,
2381L<AnyEvent::HTTP>. 2685L<AnyEvent::HTTP>.
2382 2686
2383 2687
2384=head1 AUTHOR 2688=head1 AUTHOR
2385 2689

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