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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::Impl::Perl>,
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::Impl::Perl> 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
136C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>. Like other event modules you can load it 148C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>. Like other event modules you can load it
137explicitly and enjoy the high availability of that event loop :) 149explicitly and enjoy the high availability of that event loop :)
138 150
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
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
361invocation, and callback invocation will be synchronous. Synchronous means 396invocation, and callback invocation will be synchronous. Synchronous means
362that it might take a while until the signal gets handled by the process, 397that it might take a while until the signal gets handled by the process,
363but it is guaranteed not to interrupt any other callbacks. 398but it is guaranteed not to interrupt any other callbacks.
364 399
365The main advantage of using these watchers is that you can share a signal 400The main advantage of using these watchers is that you can share a signal
366between multiple watchers. 401between multiple watchers, and AnyEvent will ensure that signals will not
402interrupt your program at bad times.
367 403
368This watcher might use C<%SIG>, so programs overwriting those signals 404This watcher might use C<%SIG> (depending on the event loop used),
369directly will likely not work correctly. 405so programs overwriting those signals directly will likely not work
406correctly.
370 407
371Example: exit on SIGINT 408Example: exit on SIGINT
372 409
373 my $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => "INT", cb => sub { exit 1 }); 410 my $w = AnyEvent->signal (signal => "INT", cb => sub { exit 1 });
374 411
412=head3 Restart Behaviour
413
414While restart behaviour is up to the event loop implementation, most will
415not restart syscalls (that includes L<Async::Interrupt> and AnyEvent's
416pure perl implementation).
417
418=head3 Safe/Unsafe Signals
419
420Perl signals can be either "safe" (synchronous to opcode handling) or
421"unsafe" (asynchronous) - the former might get delayed indefinitely, the
422latter might corrupt your memory.
423
424AnyEvent signal handlers are, in addition, synchronous to the event loop,
425i.e. they will not interrupt your running perl program but will only be
426called as part of the normal event handling (just like timer, I/O etc.
427callbacks, too).
428
429=head3 Signal Races, Delays and Workarounds
430
431Many event loops (e.g. Glib, Tk, Qt, IO::Async) do not support attaching
432callbacks to signals in a generic way, which is a pity, as you cannot
433do race-free signal handling in perl, requiring C libraries for
434this. AnyEvent will try to do its best, which means in some cases,
435signals will be delayed. The maximum time a signal might be delayed is
436specified in C<$AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY> (default: 10 seconds). This
437variable can be changed only before the first signal watcher is created,
438and should be left alone otherwise. This variable determines how often
439AnyEvent polls for signals (in case a wake-up was missed). Higher values
440will cause fewer spurious wake-ups, which is better for power and CPU
441saving.
442
443All these problems can be avoided by installing the optional
444L<Async::Interrupt> module, which works with most event loops. It will not
445work with inherently broken event loops such as L<Event> or L<Event::Lib>
446(and not with L<POE> currently, as POE does its own workaround with
447one-second latency). For those, you just have to suffer the delays.
448
375=head2 CHILD PROCESS WATCHERS 449=head2 CHILD PROCESS WATCHERS
376 450
451 $w = AnyEvent->child (pid => <process id>, cb => <callback>);
452
377You 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.
378 454
379The 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,
380watches for any child process exit). The watcher will triggered only when 456using C<0> watches for any child process exit, on others this will
381the child process has finished and an exit status is available, not on 457croak). The watcher will be triggered only when the child process has
382any trace events (stopped/continued). 458finished and an exit status is available, not on any trace events
459(stopped/continued).
383 460
384The 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
385waitpid), 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
386callback arguments. 463callback arguments.
387 464
403 480
404This means you cannot create a child watcher as the very first 481This means you cannot create a child watcher as the very first
405thing 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
406watcher before you C<fork> the child (alternatively, you can call 483watcher before you C<fork> the child (alternatively, you can call
407C<AnyEvent::detect>). 484C<AnyEvent::detect>).
485
486As most event loops do not support waiting for child events, they will be
487emulated by AnyEvent in most cases, in which the latency and race problems
488mentioned in the description of signal watchers apply.
408 489
409Example: fork a process and wait for it 490Example: fork a process and wait for it
410 491
411 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar; 492 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
412 493
424 # do something else, then wait for process exit 505 # do something else, then wait for process exit
425 $done->recv; 506 $done->recv;
426 507
427=head2 IDLE WATCHERS 508=head2 IDLE WATCHERS
428 509
429Sometimes there is a need to do something, but it is not so important 510 $w = AnyEvent->idle (cb => <callback>);
430to do it instantly, but only when there is nothing better to do. This
431"nothing better to do" is usually defined to be "no other events need
432attention by the event loop".
433 511
434Idle watchers ideally get invoked when the event loop has nothing 512This will repeatedly invoke the callback after the process becomes idle,
435better 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.
436events. Instead of blocking, the idle watcher is invoked.
437 514
438Most 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
439EV, 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
440will simply call the callback "from time to time". 526will simply call the callback "from time to time".
441 527
442Example: read lines from STDIN, but only process them when the 528Example: read lines from STDIN, but only process them when the
443program is otherwise idle: 529program is otherwise idle:
459 }); 545 });
460 }); 546 });
461 547
462=head2 CONDITION VARIABLES 548=head2 CONDITION VARIABLES
463 549
550 $cv = AnyEvent->condvar;
551
552 $cv->send (<list>);
553 my @res = $cv->recv;
554
464If 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
465require you to run some blocking "loop", "run" or similar function that 556require you to run some blocking "loop", "run" or similar function that
466will actively watch for new events and call your callbacks. 557will actively watch for new events and call your callbacks.
467 558
468AnyEvent is different, it expects somebody else to run the event loop and 559AnyEvent is slightly different: it expects somebody else to run the event
469will only block when necessary (usually when told by the user). 560loop and will only block when necessary (usually when told by the user).
470 561
471The instrument to do that is called a "condition variable", so called 562The tool to do that is called a "condition variable", so called because
472because they represent a condition that must become true. 563they represent a condition that must become true.
564
565Now is probably a good time to look at the examples further below.
473 566
474Condition variables can be created by calling the C<< AnyEvent->condvar 567Condition variables can be created by calling the C<< AnyEvent->condvar
475>> method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is 568>> method, usually without arguments. The only argument pair allowed is
476
477C<cb>, which specifies a callback to be called when the condition variable 569C<cb>, which specifies a callback to be called when the condition variable
478becomes true, with the condition variable as the first argument (but not 570becomes true, with the condition variable as the first argument (but not
479the results). 571the results).
480 572
481After creation, the condition variable is "false" until it becomes "true" 573After creation, the condition variable is "false" until it becomes "true"
482by 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
483were 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<<
484->send >> method). 576->send >> method).
485 577
486Condition variables are similar to callbacks, except that you can 578Since condition variables are the most complex part of the AnyEvent API, here are
487optionally 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:
488in time where multiple outstanding events have been processed. And yet 580
489another way to call them is transactions - each condition variable can be 581=over 4
490used to represent a transaction, which finishes at some point and delivers 582
491a 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
492 601
493Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has finished, 602Condition variables are very useful to signal that something has finished,
494for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http requests, 603for example, if you write a module that does asynchronous http requests,
495then a condition variable would be the ideal candidate to signal the 604then a condition variable would be the ideal candidate to signal the
496availability of results. The user can either act when the callback is 605availability of results. The user can either act when the callback is
509 618
510Condition variables are represented by hash refs in perl, and the keys 619Condition variables are represented by hash refs in perl, and the keys
511used 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
512easy (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
513AnyEvent). To subclass, use C<AnyEvent::CondVar> as base class and call 622AnyEvent). To subclass, use C<AnyEvent::CondVar> as base class and call
514it's C<new> method in your own C<new> method. 623its C<new> method in your own C<new> method.
515 624
516There are two "sides" to a condition variable - the "producer side" which 625There are two "sides" to a condition variable - the "producer side" which
517eventually calls C<< -> send >>, and the "consumer side", which waits 626eventually calls C<< -> send >>, and the "consumer side", which waits
518for the send to occur. 627for the send to occur.
519 628
520Example: wait for a timer. 629Example: wait for a timer.
521 630
522 # wait till the result is ready 631 # condition: "wait till the timer is fired"
523 my $result_ready = AnyEvent->condvar; 632 my $timer_fired = AnyEvent->condvar;
524 633
525 # do something such as adding a timer 634 # create the timer - we could wait for, say
526 # or socket watcher the calls $result_ready->send 635 # a handle becomign ready, or even an
527 # when the "result" is ready. 636 # AnyEvent::HTTP request to finish, but
528 # in this case, we simply use a timer: 637 # in this case, we simply use a timer:
529 my $w = AnyEvent->timer ( 638 my $w = AnyEvent->timer (
530 after => 1, 639 after => 1,
531 cb => sub { $result_ready->send }, 640 cb => sub { $timer_fired->send },
532 ); 641 );
533 642
534 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback 643 # this "blocks" (while handling events) till the callback
535 # calls send 644 # calls ->send
536 $result_ready->recv; 645 $timer_fired->recv;
537 646
538Example: wait for a timer, but take advantage of the fact that 647Example: wait for a timer, but take advantage of the fact that condition
539condition variables are also code references. 648variables are also callable directly.
540 649
541 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar; 650 my $done = AnyEvent->condvar;
542 my $delay = AnyEvent->timer (after => 5, cb => $done); 651 my $delay = AnyEvent->timer (after => 5, cb => $done);
543 $done->recv; 652 $done->recv;
544 653
550 659
551 ... 660 ...
552 661
553 my @info = $couchdb->info->recv; 662 my @info = $couchdb->info->recv;
554 663
555And this is how you would just ste a callback to be called whenever the 664And this is how you would just set a callback to be called whenever the
556results are available: 665results are available:
557 666
558 $couchdb->info->cb (sub { 667 $couchdb->info->cb (sub {
559 my @info = $_[0]->recv; 668 my @info = $_[0]->recv;
560 }); 669 });
578immediately from within send. 687immediately from within send.
579 688
580Any arguments passed to the C<send> call will be returned by all 689Any arguments passed to the C<send> call will be returned by all
581future C<< ->recv >> calls. 690future C<< ->recv >> calls.
582 691
583Condition variables are overloaded so one can call them directly 692Condition variables are overloaded so one can call them directly (as if
584(as a code reference). Calling them directly is the same as calling 693they were a code reference). Calling them directly is the same as calling
585C<send>. Note, however, that many C-based event loops do not handle 694C<send>.
586overloading, so as tempting as it may be, passing a condition variable
587instead of a callback does not work. Both the pure perl and EV loops
588support overloading, however, as well as all functions that use perl to
589invoke a callback (as in L<AnyEvent::Socket> and L<AnyEvent::DNS> for
590example).
591 695
592=item $cv->croak ($error) 696=item $cv->croak ($error)
593 697
594Similar to send, but causes all call's to C<< ->recv >> to invoke 698Similar to send, but causes all calls to C<< ->recv >> to invoke
595C<Carp::croak> with the given error message/object/scalar. 699C<Carp::croak> with the given error message/object/scalar.
596 700
597This can be used to signal any errors to the condition variable 701This can be used to signal any errors to the condition variable
598user/consumer. 702user/consumer. Doing it this way instead of calling C<croak> directly
703delays the error detection, but has the overwhelming advantage that it
704diagnoses the error at the place where the result is expected, and not
705deep in some event callback with no connection to the actual code causing
706the problem.
599 707
600=item $cv->begin ([group callback]) 708=item $cv->begin ([group callback])
601 709
602=item $cv->end 710=item $cv->end
603 711
605one. 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
606to use a condition variable for the whole process. 714to use a condition variable for the whole process.
607 715
608Every 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
609C<< ->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
610>>, 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
611is 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
612callback 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.
613 722
614You 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
615sends), 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
616condition (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).
617 726
639one 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
640sending. 749sending.
641 750
642The ping example mentioned above is slightly more complicated, as the 751The ping example mentioned above is slightly more complicated, as the
643there 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
644begung can potentially be zero: 753begun can potentially be zero:
645 754
646 my $cv = AnyEvent->condvar; 755 my $cv = AnyEvent->condvar;
647 756
648 my %result; 757 my %result;
649 $cv->begin (sub { $cv->send (\%result) }); 758 $cv->begin (sub { shift->send (\%result) });
650 759
651 for my $host (@list_of_hosts) { 760 for my $host (@list_of_hosts) {
652 $cv->begin; 761 $cv->begin;
653 ping_host_then_call_callback $host, sub { 762 ping_host_then_call_callback $host, sub {
654 $result{$host} = ...; 763 $result{$host} = ...;
670to 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
671C<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
672doesn't execute once). 781doesn't execute once).
673 782
674This is the general pattern when you "fan out" into multiple (but 783This is the general pattern when you "fan out" into multiple (but
675potentially 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
676the 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
677subrequest you start, call C<begin> and for each subrequest you finish, 786subrequest you start, call C<begin> and for each subrequest you finish,
678call C<end>. 787call C<end>.
679 788
680=back 789=back
687=over 4 796=over 4
688 797
689=item $cv->recv 798=item $cv->recv
690 799
691Wait (blocking if necessary) until the C<< ->send >> or C<< ->croak 800Wait (blocking if necessary) until the C<< ->send >> or C<< ->croak
692>> methods have been called on c<$cv>, while servicing other watchers 801>> methods have been called on C<$cv>, while servicing other watchers
693normally. 802normally.
694 803
695You 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
696will return immediately. 805will return immediately.
697 806
699function will call C<croak>. 808function will call C<croak>.
700 809
701In list context, all parameters passed to C<send> will be returned, 810In list context, all parameters passed to C<send> will be returned,
702in scalar context only the first one will be returned. 811in scalar context only the first one will be returned.
703 812
813Note that doing a blocking wait in a callback is not supported by any
814event loop, that is, recursive invocation of a blocking C<< ->recv
815>> is not allowed, and the C<recv> call will C<croak> if such a
816condition is detected. This condition can be slightly loosened by using
817L<Coro::AnyEvent>, which allows you to do a blocking C<< ->recv >> from
818any thread that doesn't run the event loop itself.
819
704Not all event models support a blocking wait - some die in that case 820Not all event models support a blocking wait - some die in that case
705(programs might want to do that to stay interactive), so I<if you are 821(programs might want to do that to stay interactive), so I<if you are
706using this from a module, never require a blocking wait>, but let the 822using this from a module, never require a blocking wait>. Instead, let the
707caller 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
708condition variables with some kind of request results and supporting 824condition variables with some kind of request results and supporting
709callbacks so the caller knows that getting the result will not block, 825callbacks so the caller knows that getting the result will not block,
710while still supporting blocking waits if the caller so desires). 826while still supporting blocking waits if the caller so desires).
711 827
712Another reason I<never> to C<< ->recv >> in a module is that you cannot
713sensibly have two C<< ->recv >>'s in parallel, as that would require
714multiple interpreters or coroutines/threads, none of which C<AnyEvent>
715can supply.
716
717The L<Coro> module, however, I<can> and I<does> supply coroutines and, in
718fact, L<Coro::AnyEvent> replaces AnyEvent's condvars by coroutine-safe
719versions and also integrates coroutines into AnyEvent, making blocking
720C<< ->recv >> calls perfectly safe as long as they are done from another
721coroutine (one that doesn't run the event loop).
722
723You 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
724only calling C<< ->recv >> from within that callback (or at a later 829only calling C<< ->recv >> from within that callback (or at a later
725time). 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
726waits otherwise. 831waits otherwise.
727 832
728=item $bool = $cv->ready 833=item $bool = $cv->ready
734 839
735This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and optionally 840This is a mutator function that returns the callback set and optionally
736replaces it before doing so. 841replaces it before doing so.
737 842
738The 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
739C<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
740variable itself. Calling C<recv> inside the callback or at any later time 845condition variable itself. If the condition is already true, the
741is 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.
742 848
743=back 849=back
744 850
851=head1 SUPPORTED EVENT LOOPS/BACKENDS
852
853The available backend classes are (every class has its own manpage):
854
855=over 4
856
857=item Backends that are autoprobed when no other event loop can be found.
858
859EV is the preferred backend when no other event loop seems to be in
860use. If EV is not installed, then AnyEvent will fall back to its own
861pure-perl implementation, which is available everywhere as it comes with
862AnyEvent itself.
863
864 AnyEvent::Impl::EV based on EV (interface to libev, best choice).
865 AnyEvent::Impl::Perl pure-perl implementation, fast and portable.
866
867=item Backends that are transparently being picked up when they are used.
868
869These will be used if they are already loaded when the first watcher
870is created, in which case it is assumed that the application is using
871them. This means that AnyEvent will automatically pick the right backend
872when the main program loads an event module before anything starts to
873create watchers. Nothing special needs to be done by the main program.
874
875 AnyEvent::Impl::Event based on Event, very stable, few glitches.
876 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib based on Glib, slow but very stable.
877 AnyEvent::Impl::Tk based on Tk, very broken.
878 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib based on Event::Lib, leaks memory and worse.
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
884=item Backends with special needs.
885
886Qt requires the Qt::Application to be instantiated first, but will
887otherwise be picked up automatically. As long as the main program
888instantiates the application before any AnyEvent watchers are created,
889everything should just work.
890
891 AnyEvent::Impl::Qt based on Qt.
892
893=item Event loops that are indirectly supported via other backends.
894
895Some event loops can be supported via other modules:
896
897There is no direct support for WxWidgets (L<Wx>) or L<Prima>.
898
899B<WxWidgets> has no support for watching file handles. However, you can
900use WxWidgets through the POE adaptor, as POE has a Wx backend that simply
901polls 20 times per second, which was considered to be too horrible to even
902consider for AnyEvent.
903
904B<Prima> is not supported as nobody seems to be using it, but it has a POE
905backend, so it can be supported through POE.
906
907AnyEvent knows about both L<Prima> and L<Wx>, however, and will try to
908load L<POE> when detecting them, in the hope that POE will pick them up,
909in which case everything will be automatic.
910
911=back
912
745=head1 GLOBAL VARIABLES AND FUNCTIONS 913=head1 GLOBAL VARIABLES AND FUNCTIONS
746 914
915These are not normally required to use AnyEvent, but can be useful to
916write AnyEvent extension modules.
917
747=over 4 918=over 4
748 919
749=item $AnyEvent::MODEL 920=item $AnyEvent::MODEL
750 921
751Contains C<undef> until the first watcher is being created. Then it 922Contains C<undef> until the first watcher is being created, before the
923backend has been autodetected.
924
752contains the event model that is being used, which is the name of the 925Afterwards it contains the event model that is being used, which is the
753Perl class implementing the model. This class is usually one of the 926name of the Perl class implementing the model. This class is usually one
754C<AnyEvent::Impl:xxx> modules, but can be any other class in the case 927of the C<AnyEvent::Impl::xxx> modules, but can be any other class in the
755AnyEvent has been extended at runtime (e.g. in I<rxvt-unicode>). 928case AnyEvent has been extended at runtime (e.g. in I<rxvt-unicode> it
756 929will be C<urxvt::anyevent>).
757The known classes so far are:
758
759 AnyEvent::Impl::EV based on EV (an interface to libev, best choice).
760 AnyEvent::Impl::Event based on Event, second best choice.
761 AnyEvent::Impl::Perl pure-perl implementation, fast and portable.
762 AnyEvent::Impl::Glib based on Glib, third-best choice.
763 AnyEvent::Impl::Tk based on Tk, very bad choice.
764 AnyEvent::Impl::Qt based on Qt, cannot be autoprobed (see its docs).
765 AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib based on Event::Lib, leaks memory and worse.
766 AnyEvent::Impl::POE based on POE, not generic enough for full support.
767
768 # warning, support for IO::Async is only partial, as it is too broken
769 # and limited toe ven support the AnyEvent API. See AnyEvent::Impl::Async.
770 AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync based on IO::Async, cannot be autoprobed (see its docs).
771
772There is no support for WxWidgets, as WxWidgets has no support for
773watching file handles. However, you can use WxWidgets through the
774POE Adaptor, as POE has a Wx backend that simply polls 20 times per
775second, which was considered to be too horrible to even consider for
776AnyEvent. Likewise, other POE backends can be used by AnyEvent by using
777it's adaptor.
778
779AnyEvent knows about L<Prima> and L<Wx> and will try to use L<POE> when
780autodetecting them.
781 930
782=item AnyEvent::detect 931=item AnyEvent::detect
783 932
784Returns C<$AnyEvent::MODEL>, forcing autodetection of the event model 933Returns C<$AnyEvent::MODEL>, forcing autodetection of the event model
785if necessary. You should only call this function right before you would 934if necessary. You should only call this function right before you would
786have created an AnyEvent watcher anyway, that is, as late as possible at 935have created an AnyEvent watcher anyway, that is, as late as possible at
787runtime. 936runtime, and not e.g. during initialisation of your module.
937
938If you need to do some initialisation before AnyEvent watchers are
939created, use C<post_detect>.
788 940
789=item $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK } 941=item $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }
790 942
791Arranges for the code block to be executed as soon as the event model is 943Arranges for the code block to be executed as soon as the event model is
792autodetected (or immediately if this has already happened). 944autodetected (or immediately if that has already happened).
945
946The block will be executed I<after> the actual backend has been detected
947(C<$AnyEvent::MODEL> is set), but I<before> any watchers have been
948created, so it is possible to e.g. patch C<@AnyEvent::ISA> or do
949other initialisations - see the sources of L<AnyEvent::Strict> or
950L<AnyEvent::AIO> to see how this is used.
951
952The most common usage is to create some global watchers, without forcing
953event module detection too early, for example, L<AnyEvent::AIO> creates
954and installs the global L<IO::AIO> watcher in a C<post_detect> block to
955avoid autodetecting the event module at load time.
793 956
794If called in scalar or list context, then it creates and returns an object 957If called in scalar or list context, then it creates and returns an object
795that automatically removes the callback again when it is destroyed. See 958that automatically removes the callback again when it is destroyed (or
959C<undef> when the hook was immediately executed). See L<AnyEvent::AIO> for
796L<Coro::BDB> for a case where this is useful. 960a case where this is useful.
961
962Example: Create a watcher for the IO::AIO module and store it in
963C<$WATCHER>, but do so only do so after the event loop is initialised.
964
965 our WATCHER;
966
967 my $guard = AnyEvent::post_detect {
968 $WATCHER = AnyEvent->io (fh => IO::AIO::poll_fileno, poll => 'r', cb => \&IO::AIO::poll_cb);
969 };
970
971 # the ||= is important in case post_detect immediately runs the block,
972 # as to not clobber the newly-created watcher. assigning both watcher and
973 # post_detect guard to the same variable has the advantage of users being
974 # able to just C<undef $WATCHER> if the watcher causes them grief.
975
976 $WATCHER ||= $guard;
797 977
798=item @AnyEvent::post_detect 978=item @AnyEvent::post_detect
799 979
800If there are any code references in this array (you can C<push> to it 980If there are any code references in this array (you can C<push> to it
801before or after loading AnyEvent), then they will called directly after 981before or after loading AnyEvent), then they will be called directly
802the event loop has been chosen. 982after the event loop has been chosen.
803 983
804You should check C<$AnyEvent::MODEL> before adding to this array, though: 984You should check C<$AnyEvent::MODEL> before adding to this array, though:
805if it contains a true value then the event loop has already been detected, 985if it is defined then the event loop has already been detected, and the
806and the array will be ignored. 986array will be ignored.
807 987
808Best use C<AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }> instead. 988Best use C<AnyEvent::post_detect { BLOCK }> when your application allows
989it, as it takes care of these details.
990
991This variable is mainly useful for modules that can do something useful
992when AnyEvent is used and thus want to know when it is initialised, but do
993not need to even load it by default. This array provides the means to hook
994into AnyEvent passively, without loading it.
995
996Example: To load Coro::AnyEvent whenever Coro and AnyEvent are used
997together, you could put this into Coro (this is the actual code used by
998Coro to accomplish this):
999
1000 if (defined $AnyEvent::MODEL) {
1001 # AnyEvent already initialised, so load Coro::AnyEvent
1002 require Coro::AnyEvent;
1003 } else {
1004 # AnyEvent not yet initialised, so make sure to load Coro::AnyEvent
1005 # as soon as it is
1006 push @AnyEvent::post_detect, sub { require Coro::AnyEvent };
1007 }
809 1008
810=back 1009=back
811 1010
812=head1 WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE 1011=head1 WHAT TO DO IN A MODULE
813 1012
824because it will stall the whole program, and the whole point of using 1023because it will stall the whole program, and the whole point of using
825events is to stay interactive. 1024events is to stay interactive.
826 1025
827It is fine, however, to call C<< ->recv >> when the user of your module 1026It is fine, however, to call C<< ->recv >> when the user of your module
828requests it (i.e. if you create a http request object ad have a method 1027requests it (i.e. if you create a http request object ad have a method
829called C<results> that returns the results, it should call C<< ->recv >> 1028called C<results> that returns the results, it may call C<< ->recv >>
830freely, as the user of your module knows what she is doing. always). 1029freely, as the user of your module knows what she is doing. Always).
831 1030
832=head1 WHAT TO DO IN THE MAIN PROGRAM 1031=head1 WHAT TO DO IN THE MAIN PROGRAM
833 1032
834There will always be a single main program - the only place that should 1033There will always be a single main program - the only place that should
835dictate which event model to use. 1034dictate which event model to use.
836 1035
837If it doesn't care, it can just "use AnyEvent" and use it itself, or not 1036If the program is not event-based, it need not do anything special, even
838do anything special (it does not need to be event-based) and let AnyEvent 1037when it depends on a module that uses an AnyEvent. If the program itself
839decide which implementation to chose if some module relies on it. 1038uses AnyEvent, but does not care which event loop is used, all it needs
1039to do is C<use AnyEvent>. In either case, AnyEvent will choose the best
1040available loop implementation.
840 1041
841If the main program relies on a specific event model - for example, in 1042If the main program relies on a specific event model - for example, in
842Gtk2 programs you have to rely on the Glib module - you should load the 1043Gtk2 programs you have to rely on the Glib module - you should load the
843event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it: generally 1044event module before loading AnyEvent or any module that uses it: generally
844speaking, you should load it as early as possible. The reason is that 1045speaking, you should load it as early as possible. The reason is that
845modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent will 1046modules might create watchers when they are loaded, and AnyEvent will
846decide on the event model to use as soon as it creates watchers, and it 1047decide on the event model to use as soon as it creates watchers, and it
847might chose the wrong one unless you load the correct one yourself. 1048might choose the wrong one unless you load the correct one yourself.
848 1049
849You can chose to use a pure-perl implementation by loading the 1050You can chose to use a pure-perl implementation by loading the
850C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl> module, which gives you similar behaviour 1051C<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl> module, which gives you similar behaviour
851everywhere, but letting AnyEvent chose the model is generally better. 1052everywhere, but letting AnyEvent chose the model is generally better.
852 1053
870=head1 OTHER MODULES 1071=head1 OTHER MODULES
871 1072
872The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use 1073The following is a non-exhaustive list of additional modules that use
873AnyEvent as a client and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent 1074AnyEvent as a client and can therefore be mixed easily with other AnyEvent
874modules and other event loops in the same program. Some of the modules 1075modules and other event loops in the same program. Some of the modules
875come with AnyEvent, most are available via CPAN. 1076come as part of AnyEvent, the others are available via CPAN.
876 1077
877=over 4 1078=over 4
878 1079
879=item L<AnyEvent::Util> 1080=item L<AnyEvent::Util>
880 1081
881Contains various utility functions that replace often-used but blocking 1082Contains various utility functions that replace often-used blocking
882functions such as C<inet_aton> by event-/callback-based versions. 1083functions such as C<inet_aton> with event/callback-based versions.
883 1084
884=item L<AnyEvent::Socket> 1085=item L<AnyEvent::Socket>
885 1086
886Provides various utility functions for (internet protocol) sockets, 1087Provides various utility functions for (internet protocol) sockets,
887addresses and name resolution. Also functions to create non-blocking tcp 1088addresses and name resolution. Also functions to create non-blocking tcp
889 1090
890=item L<AnyEvent::Handle> 1091=item L<AnyEvent::Handle>
891 1092
892Provide read and write buffers, manages watchers for reads and writes, 1093Provide read and write buffers, manages watchers for reads and writes,
893supports raw and formatted I/O, I/O queued and fully transparent and 1094supports raw and formatted I/O, I/O queued and fully transparent and
894non-blocking SSL/TLS (via L<AnyEvent::TLS>. 1095non-blocking SSL/TLS (via L<AnyEvent::TLS>).
895 1096
896=item L<AnyEvent::DNS> 1097=item L<AnyEvent::DNS>
897 1098
898Provides rich asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities. 1099Provides rich asynchronous DNS resolver capabilities.
899 1100
1101=item L<AnyEvent::HTTP>, L<AnyEvent::IRC>, L<AnyEvent::XMPP>, L<AnyEvent::GPSD>, L<AnyEvent::IGS>, L<AnyEvent::FCP>
1102
1103Implement event-based interfaces to the protocols of the same name (for
1104the curious, IGS is the International Go Server and FCP is the Freenet
1105Client Protocol).
1106
1107=item L<AnyEvent::Handle::UDP>
1108
1109Here be danger!
1110
1111As Pauli would put it, "Not only is it not right, it's not even wrong!" -
1112there are so many things wrong with AnyEvent::Handle::UDP, most notably
1113its use of a stream-based API with a protocol that isn't streamable, that
1114the only way to improve it is to delete it.
1115
1116It features data corruption (but typically only under load) and general
1117confusion. On top, the author is not only clueless about UDP but also
1118fact-resistant - some gems of his understanding: "connect doesn't work
1119with UDP", "UDP packets are not IP packets", "UDP only has datagrams, not
1120packets", "I don't need to implement proper error checking as UDP doesn't
1121support error checking" and so on - he doesn't even understand what's
1122wrong with his module when it is explained to him.
1123
900=item L<AnyEvent::HTTP> 1124=item L<AnyEvent::DBI>
901 1125
902A simple-to-use HTTP library that is capable of making a lot of concurrent 1126Executes L<DBI> requests asynchronously in a proxy process for you,
903HTTP requests. 1127notifying you in an event-based way when the operation is finished.
1128
1129=item L<AnyEvent::AIO>
1130
1131Truly asynchronous (as opposed to non-blocking) I/O, should be in the
1132toolbox of every event programmer. AnyEvent::AIO transparently fuses
1133L<IO::AIO> and AnyEvent together, giving AnyEvent access to event-based
1134file I/O, and much more.
904 1135
905=item L<AnyEvent::HTTPD> 1136=item L<AnyEvent::HTTPD>
906 1137
907Provides a simple web application server framework. 1138A simple embedded webserver.
908 1139
909=item L<AnyEvent::FastPing> 1140=item L<AnyEvent::FastPing>
910 1141
911The fastest ping in the west. 1142The fastest ping in the west.
912 1143
913=item L<AnyEvent::DBI>
914
915Executes L<DBI> requests asynchronously in a proxy process.
916
917=item L<AnyEvent::AIO>
918
919Truly asynchronous I/O, should be in the toolbox of every event
920programmer. AnyEvent::AIO transparently fuses L<IO::AIO> and AnyEvent
921together.
922
923=item L<AnyEvent::BDB>
924
925Truly asynchronous Berkeley DB access. AnyEvent::BDB transparently fuses
926L<BDB> and AnyEvent together.
927
928=item L<AnyEvent::GPSD>
929
930A non-blocking interface to gpsd, a daemon delivering GPS information.
931
932=item L<AnyEvent::IRC>
933
934AnyEvent based IRC client module family (replacing the older Net::IRC3).
935
936=item L<AnyEvent::XMPP>
937
938AnyEvent based XMPP (Jabber protocol) module family (replacing the older
939Net::XMPP2>.
940
941=item L<AnyEvent::IGS>
942
943A non-blocking interface to the Internet Go Server protocol (used by
944L<App::IGS>).
945
946=item L<Net::FCP>
947
948AnyEvent-based implementation of the Freenet Client Protocol, birthplace
949of AnyEvent.
950
951=item L<Event::ExecFlow>
952
953High level API for event-based execution flow control.
954
955=item L<Coro> 1144=item L<Coro>
956 1145
957Has special support for AnyEvent via L<Coro::AnyEvent>. 1146Has special support for AnyEvent via L<Coro::AnyEvent>.
958 1147
959=back 1148=back
960 1149
961=cut 1150=cut
962 1151
963package AnyEvent; 1152package AnyEvent;
964 1153
965no warnings; 1154# basically a tuned-down version of common::sense
966use strict qw(vars subs); 1155sub common_sense {
1156 # from common:.sense 3.4
1157 ${^WARNING_BITS} ^= ${^WARNING_BITS} ^ "\x3c\x3f\x33\x00\x0f\xf0\x0f\xc0\xf0\xfc\x33\x00";
1158 # use strict vars subs - NO UTF-8, as Util.pm doesn't like this atm. (uts46data.pl)
1159 $^H |= 0x00000600;
1160}
967 1161
1162BEGIN { AnyEvent::common_sense }
1163
968use Carp; 1164use Carp ();
969 1165
970our $VERSION = 4.801; 1166our $VERSION = '5.31';
971our $MODEL; 1167our $MODEL;
972 1168
973our $AUTOLOAD; 1169our $AUTOLOAD;
974our @ISA; 1170our @ISA;
975 1171
976our @REGISTRY; 1172our @REGISTRY;
977 1173
978our $WIN32; 1174our $VERBOSE;
979 1175
980BEGIN { 1176BEGIN {
981 eval "sub WIN32(){ " . (($^O =~ /mswin32/i)*1) ." }"; 1177 require "AnyEvent/constants.pl";
1178
982 eval "sub TAINT(){ " . (${^TAINT}*1) . " }"; 1179 eval "sub TAINT (){" . (${^TAINT}*1) . "}";
983 1180
984 delete @ENV{grep /^PERL_ANYEVENT_/, keys %ENV} 1181 delete @ENV{grep /^PERL_ANYEVENT_/, keys %ENV}
985 if ${^TAINT}; 1182 if ${^TAINT};
986}
987 1183
988our $verbose = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}*1; 1184 $VERBOSE = $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_VERBOSE}*1;
1185
1186}
1187
1188our $MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY = 10;
989 1189
990our %PROTOCOL; # (ipv4|ipv6) => (1|2), higher numbers are preferred 1190our %PROTOCOL; # (ipv4|ipv6) => (1|2), higher numbers are preferred
991 1191
992{ 1192{
993 my $idx; 1193 my $idx;
995 for reverse split /\s*,\s*/, 1195 for reverse split /\s*,\s*/,
996 $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS} || "ipv4,ipv6"; 1196 $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_PROTOCOLS} || "ipv4,ipv6";
997} 1197}
998 1198
999my @models = ( 1199my @models = (
1000 [EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EV::], 1200 [EV:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EV:: , 1],
1001 [Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Event::],
1002 [AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Perl::], 1201 [AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Perl:: , 1],
1003 # everything below here will not be autoprobed 1202 # everything below here will not (normally) be autoprobed
1004 # as the pureperl backend should work everywhere 1203 # as the pureperl backend should work everywhere
1005 # and is usually faster 1204 # and is usually faster
1205 [Event:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Event::, 1],
1206 [Glib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Glib:: , 1], # becomes extremely slow with many watchers
1207 [Event::Lib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib::], # too buggy
1208 [Irssi:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Irssi::], # Irssi has a bogus "Event" package
1006 [Tk:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Tk::], # crashes with many handles 1209 [Tk:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Tk::], # crashes with many handles
1007 [Glib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Glib::], # becomes extremely slow with many watchers
1008 [Event::Lib:: => AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib::], # too buggy
1009 [Qt:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Qt::], # requires special main program 1210 [Qt:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Qt::], # requires special main program
1010 [POE::Kernel:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], # lasciate ogni speranza 1211 [POE::Kernel:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], # lasciate ogni speranza
1011 [Wx:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], 1212 [Wx:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
1012 [Prima:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::], 1213 [Prima:: => AnyEvent::Impl::POE::],
1013 # IO::Async is just too broken - we would need workaorunds for its
1014 # byzantine signal and broken child handling, among others.
1015 # IO::Async is rather hard to detect, as it doesn't have any
1016 # obvious default class.
1017# [IO::Async:: => AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync::], # requires special main program
1018# [IO::Async::Loop:: => AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync::], # requires special main program 1214 [IO::Async::Loop:: => AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync::],
1019# [IO::Async::Notifier:: => AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync::], # requires special main program 1215 [Cocoa::EventLoop:: => AnyEvent::Impl::Cocoa::],
1020); 1216);
1021 1217
1022our %method = map +($_ => 1), 1218our %method = map +($_ => 1),
1023 qw(io timer time now now_update signal child idle condvar one_event DESTROY); 1219 qw(io timer time now now_update signal child idle condvar one_event DESTROY);
1024 1220
1025our @post_detect; 1221our @post_detect;
1026 1222
1027sub post_detect(&) { 1223sub post_detect(&) {
1028 my ($cb) = @_; 1224 my ($cb) = @_;
1029 1225
1030 if ($MODEL) {
1031 $cb->();
1032
1033 1
1034 } else {
1035 push @post_detect, $cb; 1226 push @post_detect, $cb;
1036 1227
1037 defined wantarray 1228 defined wantarray
1038 ? bless \$cb, "AnyEvent::Util::postdetect" 1229 ? bless \$cb, "AnyEvent::Util::postdetect"
1039 : () 1230 : ()
1040 }
1041} 1231}
1042 1232
1043sub AnyEvent::Util::postdetect::DESTROY { 1233sub AnyEvent::Util::postdetect::DESTROY {
1044 @post_detect = grep $_ != ${$_[0]}, @post_detect; 1234 @post_detect = grep $_ != ${$_[0]}, @post_detect;
1045} 1235}
1046 1236
1047sub detect() { 1237sub detect() {
1238 # free some memory
1239 *detect = sub () { $MODEL };
1240
1241 local $!; # for good measure
1242 local $SIG{__DIE__};
1243
1244 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} =~ /^([a-zA-Z]+)$/) {
1245 my $model = "AnyEvent::Impl::$1";
1246 if (eval "require $model") {
1247 $MODEL = $model;
1248 warn "AnyEvent: loaded model '$model' (forced by \$ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL}), using it.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 2;
1249 } else {
1250 warn "AnyEvent: unable to load model '$model' (from \$ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL}):\n$@" if $VERBOSE;
1251 }
1252 }
1253
1254 # check for already loaded models
1048 unless ($MODEL) { 1255 unless ($MODEL) {
1049 no strict 'refs'; 1256 for (@REGISTRY, @models) {
1050 local $SIG{__DIE__}; 1257 my ($package, $model) = @$_;
1051 1258 if (${"$package\::VERSION"} > 0) {
1052 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL} =~ /^([a-zA-Z]+)$/) {
1053 my $model = "AnyEvent::Impl::$1";
1054 if (eval "require $model") { 1259 if (eval "require $model") {
1055 $MODEL = $model; 1260 $MODEL = $model;
1056 warn "AnyEvent: loaded model '$model' (forced by \$PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL), using it.\n" if $verbose > 1; 1261 warn "AnyEvent: autodetected model '$model', using it.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 2;
1057 } else { 1262 last;
1058 warn "AnyEvent: unable to load model '$model' (from \$PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL):\n$@" if $verbose; 1263 }
1059 } 1264 }
1060 } 1265 }
1061 1266
1062 # check for already loaded models
1063 unless ($MODEL) { 1267 unless ($MODEL) {
1268 # try to autoload a model
1064 for (@REGISTRY, @models) { 1269 for (@REGISTRY, @models) {
1065 my ($package, $model) = @$_; 1270 my ($package, $model, $autoload) = @$_;
1271 if (
1272 $autoload
1273 and eval "require $package"
1066 if (${"$package\::VERSION"} > 0) { 1274 and ${"$package\::VERSION"} > 0
1067 if (eval "require $model") { 1275 and eval "require $model"
1276 ) {
1068 $MODEL = $model; 1277 $MODEL = $model;
1069 warn "AnyEvent: autodetected model '$model', using it.\n" if $verbose > 1; 1278 warn "AnyEvent: autoloaded model '$model', using it.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 2;
1070 last; 1279 last;
1071 }
1072 } 1280 }
1073 } 1281 }
1074 1282
1075 unless ($MODEL) {
1076 # try to load a model
1077
1078 for (@REGISTRY, @models) {
1079 my ($package, $model) = @$_;
1080 if (eval "require $package"
1081 and ${"$package\::VERSION"} > 0
1082 and eval "require $model") {
1083 $MODEL = $model;
1084 warn "AnyEvent: autoprobed model '$model', using it.\n" if $verbose > 1;
1085 last;
1086 }
1087 }
1088
1089 $MODEL 1283 $MODEL
1090 or die "No event module selected for AnyEvent and autodetect failed. Install any one of these modules: EV, Event or Glib.\n"; 1284 or die "AnyEvent: backend autodetection failed - did you properly install AnyEvent?\n";
1091 }
1092 } 1285 }
1093
1094 push @{"$MODEL\::ISA"}, "AnyEvent::Base";
1095
1096 unshift @ISA, $MODEL;
1097
1098 require AnyEvent::Strict if $ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT};
1099
1100 (shift @post_detect)->() while @post_detect;
1101 } 1286 }
1287
1288 @models = (); # free probe data
1289
1290 push @{"$MODEL\::ISA"}, "AnyEvent::Base";
1291 unshift @ISA, $MODEL;
1292
1293 # now nuke some methods that are overridden by the backend.
1294 # SUPER is not allowed.
1295 for (qw(time signal child idle)) {
1296 undef &{"AnyEvent::Base::$_"}
1297 if defined &{"$MODEL\::$_"};
1298 }
1299
1300 if ($ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT}) {
1301 eval { require AnyEvent::Strict };
1302 warn "AnyEvent: cannot load AnyEvent::Strict: $@"
1303 if $@ && $VERBOSE;
1304 }
1305
1306 (shift @post_detect)->() while @post_detect;
1307
1308 *post_detect = sub(&) {
1309 shift->();
1310
1311 undef
1312 };
1102 1313
1103 $MODEL 1314 $MODEL
1104} 1315}
1105 1316
1106sub AUTOLOAD { 1317sub AUTOLOAD {
1107 (my $func = $AUTOLOAD) =~ s/.*://; 1318 (my $func = $AUTOLOAD) =~ s/.*://;
1108 1319
1109 $method{$func} 1320 $method{$func}
1110 or croak "$func: not a valid method for AnyEvent objects"; 1321 or Carp::croak "$func: not a valid AnyEvent class method";
1111 1322
1112 detect unless $MODEL; 1323 detect;
1113 1324
1114 my $class = shift; 1325 my $class = shift;
1115 $class->$func (@_); 1326 $class->$func (@_);
1116} 1327}
1117 1328
1120# allow only one watcher per fd, so we dup it to get a different one). 1331# allow only one watcher per fd, so we dup it to get a different one).
1121sub _dupfh($$;$$) { 1332sub _dupfh($$;$$) {
1122 my ($poll, $fh, $r, $w) = @_; 1333 my ($poll, $fh, $r, $w) = @_;
1123 1334
1124 # cygwin requires the fh mode to be matching, unix doesn't 1335 # cygwin requires the fh mode to be matching, unix doesn't
1125 my ($rw, $mode) = $poll eq "r" ? ($r, "<") : ($w, ">"); 1336 my ($rw, $mode) = $poll eq "r" ? ($r, "<&") : ($w, ">&");
1126 1337
1127 open my $fh2, "$mode&", $fh 1338 open my $fh2, $mode, $fh
1128 or die "AnyEvent->io: cannot dup() filehandle in mode '$poll': $!,"; 1339 or die "AnyEvent->io: cannot dup() filehandle in mode '$poll': $!,";
1129 1340
1130 # we assume CLOEXEC is already set by perl in all important cases 1341 # we assume CLOEXEC is already set by perl in all important cases
1131 1342
1132 ($fh2, $rw) 1343 ($fh2, $rw)
1133} 1344}
1134 1345
1346=head1 SIMPLIFIED AE API
1347
1348Starting with version 5.0, AnyEvent officially supports a second, much
1349simpler, API that is designed to reduce the calling, typing and memory
1350overhead by using function call syntax and a fixed number of parameters.
1351
1352See the L<AE> manpage for details.
1353
1354=cut
1355
1356package AE;
1357
1358our $VERSION = $AnyEvent::VERSION;
1359
1360# fall back to the main API by default - backends and AnyEvent::Base
1361# implementations can overwrite these.
1362
1363sub io($$$) {
1364 AnyEvent->io (fh => $_[0], poll => $_[1] ? "w" : "r", cb => $_[2])
1365}
1366
1367sub timer($$$) {
1368 AnyEvent->timer (after => $_[0], interval => $_[1], cb => $_[2])
1369}
1370
1371sub signal($$) {
1372 AnyEvent->signal (signal => $_[0], cb => $_[1])
1373}
1374
1375sub child($$) {
1376 AnyEvent->child (pid => $_[0], cb => $_[1])
1377}
1378
1379sub idle($) {
1380 AnyEvent->idle (cb => $_[0])
1381}
1382
1383sub cv(;&) {
1384 AnyEvent->condvar (@_ ? (cb => $_[0]) : ())
1385}
1386
1387sub now() {
1388 AnyEvent->now
1389}
1390
1391sub now_update() {
1392 AnyEvent->now_update
1393}
1394
1395sub time() {
1396 AnyEvent->time
1397}
1398
1135package AnyEvent::Base; 1399package AnyEvent::Base;
1136 1400
1137# default implementations for many methods 1401# default implementations for many methods
1138 1402
1139BEGIN { 1403sub time {
1404 eval q{ # poor man's autoloading {}
1405 # probe for availability of Time::HiRes
1140 if (eval "use Time::HiRes (); Time::HiRes::time (); 1") { 1406 if (eval "use Time::HiRes (); Time::HiRes::time (); 1") {
1407 warn "AnyEvent: using Time::HiRes for sub-second timing accuracy.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 8;
1141 *_time = \&Time::HiRes::time; 1408 *AE::time = \&Time::HiRes::time;
1142 # if (eval "use POSIX (); (POSIX::times())... 1409 # if (eval "use POSIX (); (POSIX::times())...
1143 } else { 1410 } else {
1411 warn "AnyEvent: using built-in time(), WARNING, no sub-second resolution!\n" if $VERBOSE;
1144 *_time = sub { time }; # epic fail 1412 *AE::time = sub (){ time }; # epic fail
1413 }
1414
1415 *time = sub { AE::time }; # different prototypes
1416 };
1417 die if $@;
1418
1419 &time
1420}
1421
1422*now = \&time;
1423
1424sub now_update { }
1425
1426# default implementation for ->condvar
1427
1428sub condvar {
1429 eval q{ # poor man's autoloading {}
1430 *condvar = sub {
1431 bless { @_ == 3 ? (_ae_cb => $_[2]) : () }, "AnyEvent::CondVar"
1432 };
1433
1434 *AE::cv = sub (;&) {
1435 bless { @_ ? (_ae_cb => shift) : () }, "AnyEvent::CondVar"
1436 };
1437 };
1438 die if $@;
1439
1440 &condvar
1441}
1442
1443# default implementation for ->signal
1444
1445our $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT;
1446
1447sub _have_async_interrupt() {
1448 $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT = 1*(!$ENV{PERL_ANYEVENT_AVOID_ASYNC_INTERRUPT}
1449 && eval "use Async::Interrupt 1.02 (); 1")
1450 unless defined $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT;
1451
1452 $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT
1453}
1454
1455our ($SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W, %SIG_CB, %SIG_EV, $SIG_IO);
1456our (%SIG_ASY, %SIG_ASY_W);
1457our ($SIG_COUNT, $SIG_TW);
1458
1459# install a dummy wakeup watcher to reduce signal catching latency
1460# used by Impls
1461sub _sig_add() {
1462 unless ($SIG_COUNT++) {
1463 # try to align timer on a full-second boundary, if possible
1464 my $NOW = AE::now;
1465
1466 $SIG_TW = AE::timer
1467 $MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY - ($NOW - int $NOW),
1468 $MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY,
1469 sub { } # just for the PERL_ASYNC_CHECK
1470 ;
1145 } 1471 }
1146} 1472}
1147 1473
1148sub time { _time } 1474sub _sig_del {
1149sub now { _time } 1475 undef $SIG_TW
1150sub now_update { } 1476 unless --$SIG_COUNT;
1151
1152# default implementation for ->condvar
1153
1154sub condvar {
1155 bless { @_ == 3 ? (_ae_cb => $_[2]) : () }, "AnyEvent::CondVar"
1156} 1477}
1157 1478
1158# default implementation for ->signal 1479our $_sig_name_init; $_sig_name_init = sub {
1480 eval q{ # poor man's autoloading {}
1481 undef $_sig_name_init;
1159 1482
1160our ($SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W, %SIG_CB, %SIG_EV, $SIG_IO); 1483 if (_have_async_interrupt) {
1484 *sig2num = \&Async::Interrupt::sig2num;
1485 *sig2name = \&Async::Interrupt::sig2name;
1486 } else {
1487 require Config;
1161 1488
1162sub _signal_exec { 1489 my %signame2num;
1163 sysread $SIGPIPE_R, my $dummy, 4; 1490 @signame2num{ split ' ', $Config::Config{sig_name} }
1491 = split ' ', $Config::Config{sig_num};
1164 1492
1165 while (%SIG_EV) { 1493 my @signum2name;
1166 for (keys %SIG_EV) { 1494 @signum2name[values %signame2num] = keys %signame2num;
1167 delete $SIG_EV{$_}; 1495
1168 $_->() for values %{ $SIG_CB{$_} || {} }; 1496 *sig2num = sub($) {
1497 $_[0] > 0 ? shift : $signame2num{+shift}
1498 };
1499 *sig2name = sub ($) {
1500 $_[0] > 0 ? $signum2name[+shift] : shift
1501 };
1169 } 1502 }
1170 } 1503 };
1171} 1504 die if $@;
1505};
1506
1507sub sig2num ($) { &$_sig_name_init; &sig2num }
1508sub sig2name($) { &$_sig_name_init; &sig2name }
1172 1509
1173sub signal { 1510sub signal {
1174 my (undef, %arg) = @_; 1511 eval q{ # poor man's autoloading {}
1512 # probe for availability of Async::Interrupt
1513 if (_have_async_interrupt) {
1514 warn "AnyEvent: using Async::Interrupt for race-free signal handling.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 8;
1175 1515
1176 unless ($SIGPIPE_R) { 1516 $SIGPIPE_R = new Async::Interrupt::EventPipe;
1177 require Fcntl; 1517 $SIG_IO = AE::io $SIGPIPE_R->fileno, 0, \&_signal_exec;
1178 1518
1179 if (AnyEvent::WIN32) {
1180 require AnyEvent::Util;
1181
1182 ($SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W) = AnyEvent::Util::portable_pipe ();
1183 AnyEvent::Util::fh_nonblocking ($SIGPIPE_R) if $SIGPIPE_R;
1184 AnyEvent::Util::fh_nonblocking ($SIGPIPE_W) if $SIGPIPE_W; # just in case
1185 } else { 1519 } else {
1520 warn "AnyEvent: using emulated perl signal handling with latency timer.\n" if $VERBOSE >= 8;
1521
1522 if (AnyEvent::WIN32) {
1523 require AnyEvent::Util;
1524
1525 ($SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W) = AnyEvent::Util::portable_pipe ();
1526 AnyEvent::Util::fh_nonblocking ($SIGPIPE_R, 1) if $SIGPIPE_R;
1527 AnyEvent::Util::fh_nonblocking ($SIGPIPE_W, 1) if $SIGPIPE_W; # just in case
1528 } else {
1186 pipe $SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W; 1529 pipe $SIGPIPE_R, $SIGPIPE_W;
1187 fcntl $SIGPIPE_R, &Fcntl::F_SETFL, &Fcntl::O_NONBLOCK if $SIGPIPE_R; 1530 fcntl $SIGPIPE_R, AnyEvent::F_SETFL, AnyEvent::O_NONBLOCK if $SIGPIPE_R;
1188 fcntl $SIGPIPE_W, &Fcntl::F_SETFL, &Fcntl::O_NONBLOCK if $SIGPIPE_W; # just in case 1531 fcntl $SIGPIPE_W, AnyEvent::F_SETFL, AnyEvent::O_NONBLOCK if $SIGPIPE_W; # just in case
1189 1532
1190 # not strictly required, as $^F is normally 2, but let's make sure... 1533 # not strictly required, as $^F is normally 2, but let's make sure...
1191 fcntl $SIGPIPE_R, &Fcntl::F_SETFD, &Fcntl::FD_CLOEXEC; 1534 fcntl $SIGPIPE_R, AnyEvent::F_SETFD, AnyEvent::FD_CLOEXEC;
1192 fcntl $SIGPIPE_W, &Fcntl::F_SETFD, &Fcntl::FD_CLOEXEC; 1535 fcntl $SIGPIPE_W, AnyEvent::F_SETFD, AnyEvent::FD_CLOEXEC;
1536 }
1537
1538 $SIGPIPE_R
1539 or Carp::croak "AnyEvent: unable to create a signal reporting pipe: $!\n";
1540
1541 $SIG_IO = AE::io $SIGPIPE_R, 0, \&_signal_exec;
1193 } 1542 }
1194 1543
1195 $SIGPIPE_R 1544 *signal = $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT
1196 or Carp::croak "AnyEvent: unable to create a signal reporting pipe: $!\n"; 1545 ? sub {
1546 my (undef, %arg) = @_;
1197 1547
1198 $SIG_IO = AnyEvent->io (fh => $SIGPIPE_R, poll => "r", cb => \&_signal_exec); 1548 # async::interrupt
1199 }
1200
1201 my $signal = uc $arg{signal} 1549 my $signal = sig2num $arg{signal};
1202 or Carp::croak "required option 'signal' is missing";
1203
1204 $SIG_CB{$signal}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb}; 1550 $SIG_CB{$signal}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb};
1551
1552 $SIG_ASY{$signal} ||= new Async::Interrupt
1553 cb => sub { undef $SIG_EV{$signal} },
1554 signal => $signal,
1555 pipe => [$SIGPIPE_R->filenos],
1556 pipe_autodrain => 0,
1557 ;
1558
1559 bless [$signal, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::signal"
1560 }
1561 : sub {
1562 my (undef, %arg) = @_;
1563
1564 # pure perl
1565 my $signal = sig2name $arg{signal};
1566 $SIG_CB{$signal}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb};
1567
1205 $SIG{$signal} ||= sub { 1568 $SIG{$signal} ||= sub {
1206 local $!; 1569 local $!;
1207 syswrite $SIGPIPE_W, "\x00", 1 unless %SIG_EV; 1570 syswrite $SIGPIPE_W, "\x00", 1 unless %SIG_EV;
1208 undef $SIG_EV{$signal}; 1571 undef $SIG_EV{$signal};
1572 };
1573
1574 # can't do signal processing without introducing races in pure perl,
1575 # so limit the signal latency.
1576 _sig_add;
1577
1578 bless [$signal, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::signal"
1579 }
1580 ;
1581
1582 *AnyEvent::Base::signal::DESTROY = sub {
1583 my ($signal, $cb) = @{$_[0]};
1584
1585 _sig_del;
1586
1587 delete $SIG_CB{$signal}{$cb};
1588
1589 $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT
1590 ? delete $SIG_ASY{$signal}
1591 : # delete doesn't work with older perls - they then
1592 # print weird messages, or just unconditionally exit
1593 # instead of getting the default action.
1594 undef $SIG{$signal}
1595 unless keys %{ $SIG_CB{$signal} };
1596 };
1597
1598 *_signal_exec = sub {
1599 $HAVE_ASYNC_INTERRUPT
1600 ? $SIGPIPE_R->drain
1601 : sysread $SIGPIPE_R, (my $dummy), 9;
1602
1603 while (%SIG_EV) {
1604 for (keys %SIG_EV) {
1605 delete $SIG_EV{$_};
1606 $_->() for values %{ $SIG_CB{$_} || {} };
1607 }
1608 }
1609 };
1209 }; 1610 };
1611 die if $@;
1210 1612
1211 bless [$signal, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::signal" 1613 &signal
1212}
1213
1214sub AnyEvent::Base::signal::DESTROY {
1215 my ($signal, $cb) = @{$_[0]};
1216
1217 delete $SIG_CB{$signal}{$cb};
1218
1219 # delete doesn't work with older perls - they then
1220 # print weird messages, or just unconditionally exit
1221 # instead of getting the default action.
1222 undef $SIG{$signal} unless keys %{ $SIG_CB{$signal} };
1223} 1614}
1224 1615
1225# default implementation for ->child 1616# default implementation for ->child
1226 1617
1227our %PID_CB; 1618our %PID_CB;
1228our $CHLD_W; 1619our $CHLD_W;
1229our $CHLD_DELAY_W; 1620our $CHLD_DELAY_W;
1230our $WNOHANG;
1231 1621
1232sub _sigchld { 1622# used by many Impl's
1233 while (0 < (my $pid = waitpid -1, $WNOHANG)) { 1623sub _emit_childstatus($$) {
1624 my (undef, $rpid, $rstatus) = @_;
1625
1626 $_->($rpid, $rstatus)
1234 $_->($pid, $?) for (values %{ $PID_CB{$pid} || {} }), 1627 for values %{ $PID_CB{$rpid} || {} },
1235 (values %{ $PID_CB{0} || {} }); 1628 values %{ $PID_CB{0} || {} };
1236 }
1237} 1629}
1238 1630
1239sub child { 1631sub child {
1632 eval q{ # poor man's autoloading {}
1633 *_sigchld = sub {
1634 my $pid;
1635
1636 AnyEvent->_emit_childstatus ($pid, $?)
1637 while ($pid = waitpid -1, WNOHANG) > 0;
1638 };
1639
1640 *child = sub {
1240 my (undef, %arg) = @_; 1641 my (undef, %arg) = @_;
1241 1642
1242 defined (my $pid = $arg{pid} + 0) 1643 defined (my $pid = $arg{pid} + 0)
1243 or Carp::croak "required option 'pid' is missing"; 1644 or Carp::croak "required option 'pid' is missing";
1244 1645
1245 $PID_CB{$pid}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb}; 1646 $PID_CB{$pid}{$arg{cb}} = $arg{cb};
1246 1647
1247 $WNOHANG ||= eval { local $SIG{__DIE__}; require POSIX; &POSIX::WNOHANG } || 1;
1248
1249 unless ($CHLD_W) { 1648 unless ($CHLD_W) {
1250 $CHLD_W = AnyEvent->signal (signal => 'CHLD', cb => \&_sigchld); 1649 $CHLD_W = AE::signal CHLD => \&_sigchld;
1251 # child could be a zombie already, so make at least one round 1650 # child could be a zombie already, so make at least one round
1252 &_sigchld; 1651 &_sigchld;
1253 } 1652 }
1254 1653
1255 bless [$pid, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::child" 1654 bless [$pid, $arg{cb}], "AnyEvent::Base::child"
1256} 1655 };
1257 1656
1258sub AnyEvent::Base::child::DESTROY { 1657 *AnyEvent::Base::child::DESTROY = sub {
1259 my ($pid, $cb) = @{$_[0]}; 1658 my ($pid, $cb) = @{$_[0]};
1260 1659
1261 delete $PID_CB{$pid}{$cb}; 1660 delete $PID_CB{$pid}{$cb};
1262 delete $PID_CB{$pid} unless keys %{ $PID_CB{$pid} }; 1661 delete $PID_CB{$pid} unless keys %{ $PID_CB{$pid} };
1263 1662
1264 undef $CHLD_W unless keys %PID_CB; 1663 undef $CHLD_W unless keys %PID_CB;
1664 };
1665 };
1666 die if $@;
1667
1668 &child
1265} 1669}
1266 1670
1267# idle emulation is done by simply using a timer, regardless 1671# idle emulation is done by simply using a timer, regardless
1268# of whether the process is idle or not, and not letting 1672# of whether the process is idle or not, and not letting
1269# the callback use more than 50% of the time. 1673# the callback use more than 50% of the time.
1270sub idle { 1674sub idle {
1675 eval q{ # poor man's autoloading {}
1676 *idle = sub {
1271 my (undef, %arg) = @_; 1677 my (undef, %arg) = @_;
1272 1678
1273 my ($cb, $w, $rcb) = $arg{cb}; 1679 my ($cb, $w, $rcb) = $arg{cb};
1274 1680
1275 $rcb = sub { 1681 $rcb = sub {
1276 if ($cb) { 1682 if ($cb) {
1277 $w = _time; 1683 $w = _time;
1278 &$cb; 1684 &$cb;
1279 $w = _time - $w; 1685 $w = _time - $w;
1280 1686
1281 # never use more then 50% of the time for the idle watcher, 1687 # never use more then 50% of the time for the idle watcher,
1282 # within some limits 1688 # within some limits
1283 $w = 0.0001 if $w < 0.0001; 1689 $w = 0.0001 if $w < 0.0001;
1284 $w = 5 if $w > 5; 1690 $w = 5 if $w > 5;
1285 1691
1286 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => $w, cb => $rcb); 1692 $w = AE::timer $w, 0, $rcb;
1287 } else { 1693 } else {
1288 # clean up... 1694 # clean up...
1289 undef $w; 1695 undef $w;
1290 undef $rcb; 1696 undef $rcb;
1697 }
1698 };
1699
1700 $w = AE::timer 0.05, 0, $rcb;
1701
1702 bless \\$cb, "AnyEvent::Base::idle"
1291 } 1703 };
1704
1705 *AnyEvent::Base::idle::DESTROY = sub {
1706 undef $${$_[0]};
1707 };
1292 }; 1708 };
1709 die if $@;
1293 1710
1294 $w = AnyEvent->timer (after => 0.05, cb => $rcb); 1711 &idle
1295
1296 bless \\$cb, "AnyEvent::Base::idle"
1297}
1298
1299sub AnyEvent::Base::idle::DESTROY {
1300 undef $${$_[0]};
1301} 1712}
1302 1713
1303package AnyEvent::CondVar; 1714package AnyEvent::CondVar;
1304 1715
1305our @ISA = AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::; 1716our @ISA = AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::;
1306 1717
1718# only to be used for subclassing
1719sub new {
1720 my $class = shift;
1721 bless AnyEvent->condvar (@_), $class
1722}
1723
1307package AnyEvent::CondVar::Base; 1724package AnyEvent::CondVar::Base;
1308 1725
1309use overload 1726#use overload
1310 '&{}' => sub { my $self = shift; sub { $self->send (@_) } }, 1727# '&{}' => sub { my $self = shift; sub { $self->send (@_) } },
1311 fallback => 1; 1728# fallback => 1;
1729
1730# save 300+ kilobytes by dirtily hardcoding overloading
1731${"AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::OVERLOAD"}{dummy}++; # Register with magic by touching.
1732*{'AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::()'} = sub { }; # "Make it findable via fetchmethod."
1733*{'AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::(&{}'} = sub { my $self = shift; sub { $self->send (@_) } }; # &{}
1734${'AnyEvent::CondVar::Base::()'} = 1; # fallback
1735
1736our $WAITING;
1312 1737
1313sub _send { 1738sub _send {
1314 # nop 1739 # nop
1315} 1740}
1316 1741
1329sub ready { 1754sub ready {
1330 $_[0]{_ae_sent} 1755 $_[0]{_ae_sent}
1331} 1756}
1332 1757
1333sub _wait { 1758sub _wait {
1759 $WAITING
1760 and !$_[0]{_ae_sent}
1761 and Carp::croak "AnyEvent::CondVar: recursive blocking wait detected";
1762
1763 local $WAITING = 1;
1334 AnyEvent->one_event while !$_[0]{_ae_sent}; 1764 AnyEvent->one_event while !$_[0]{_ae_sent};
1335} 1765}
1336 1766
1337sub recv { 1767sub recv {
1338 $_[0]->_wait; 1768 $_[0]->_wait;
1340 Carp::croak $_[0]{_ae_croak} if $_[0]{_ae_croak}; 1770 Carp::croak $_[0]{_ae_croak} if $_[0]{_ae_croak};
1341 wantarray ? @{ $_[0]{_ae_sent} } : $_[0]{_ae_sent}[0] 1771 wantarray ? @{ $_[0]{_ae_sent} } : $_[0]{_ae_sent}[0]
1342} 1772}
1343 1773
1344sub cb { 1774sub cb {
1345 $_[0]{_ae_cb} = $_[1] if @_ > 1; 1775 my $cv = shift;
1776
1777 @_
1778 and $cv->{_ae_cb} = shift
1779 and $cv->{_ae_sent}
1780 and (delete $cv->{_ae_cb})->($cv);
1781
1346 $_[0]{_ae_cb} 1782 $cv->{_ae_cb}
1347} 1783}
1348 1784
1349sub begin { 1785sub begin {
1350 ++$_[0]{_ae_counter}; 1786 ++$_[0]{_ae_counter};
1351 $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} = $_[1] if @_ > 1; 1787 $_[0]{_ae_end_cb} = $_[1] if @_ > 1;
1400C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>. 1836C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>.
1401 1837
1402When set to C<2> or higher, cause AnyEvent to report to STDERR which event 1838When set to C<2> or higher, cause AnyEvent to report to STDERR which event
1403model it chooses. 1839model it chooses.
1404 1840
1841When set to C<8> or higher, then AnyEvent will report extra information on
1842which optional modules it loads and how it implements certain features.
1843
1405=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT> 1844=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT>
1406 1845
1407AnyEvent does not do much argument checking by default, as thorough 1846AnyEvent does not do much argument checking by default, as thorough
1408argument checking is very costly. Setting this variable to a true value 1847argument checking is very costly. Setting this variable to a true value
1409will cause AnyEvent to load C<AnyEvent::Strict> and then to thoroughly 1848will cause AnyEvent to load C<AnyEvent::Strict> and then to thoroughly
1410check the arguments passed to most method calls. If it finds any problems, 1849check the arguments passed to most method calls. If it finds any problems,
1411it will croak. 1850it will croak.
1412 1851
1413In other words, enables "strict" mode. 1852In other words, enables "strict" mode.
1414 1853
1415Unlike C<use strict>, it is definitely recommended to keep it off in 1854Unlike C<use strict> (or its modern cousin, C<< use L<common::sense>
1416production. Keeping C<PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT=1> in your environment while 1855>>, it is definitely recommended to keep it off in production. Keeping
1417developing programs can be very useful, however. 1856C<PERL_ANYEVENT_STRICT=1> in your environment while developing programs
1857can be very useful, however.
1418 1858
1419=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL> 1859=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_MODEL>
1420 1860
1421This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent, before 1861This can be used to specify the event model to be used by AnyEvent, before
1422auto detection and -probing kicks in. It must be a string consisting 1862auto detection and -probing kicks in. It must be a string consisting
1484 1924
1485When neither C<ca_file> nor C<ca_path> was specified during 1925When neither C<ca_file> nor C<ca_path> was specified during
1486L<AnyEvent::TLS> context creation, and either of these environment 1926L<AnyEvent::TLS> context creation, and either of these environment
1487variables exist, they will be used to specify CA certificate locations 1927variables exist, they will be used to specify CA certificate locations
1488instead of a system-dependent default. 1928instead of a system-dependent default.
1929
1930=item C<PERL_ANYEVENT_AVOID_GUARD> and C<PERL_ANYEVENT_AVOID_ASYNC_INTERRUPT>
1931
1932When these are set to C<1>, then the respective modules are not
1933loaded. Mostly good for testing AnyEvent itself.
1489 1934
1490=back 1935=back
1491 1936
1492=head1 SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE 1937=head1 SUPPLYING YOUR OWN EVENT MODEL INTERFACE
1493 1938
1551 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read 1996 warn "read: $input\n"; # output what has been read
1552 $cv->send if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i 1997 $cv->send if $input =~ /^q/i; # quit program if /^q/i
1553 }, 1998 },
1554 ); 1999 );
1555 2000
1556 my $time_watcher; # can only be used once
1557
1558 sub new_timer {
1559 $timer = AnyEvent->timer (after => 1, cb => sub { 2001 my $time_watcher = AnyEvent->timer (after => 1, interval => 1, cb => sub {
1560 warn "timeout\n"; # print 'timeout' about every second 2002 warn "timeout\n"; # print 'timeout' at most every second
1561 &new_timer; # and restart the time
1562 }); 2003 });
1563 }
1564
1565 new_timer; # create first timer
1566 2004
1567 $cv->recv; # wait until user enters /^q/i 2005 $cv->recv; # wait until user enters /^q/i
1568 2006
1569=head1 REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE 2007=head1 REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE
1570 2008
1643 2081
1644The actual code goes further and collects all errors (C<die>s, exceptions) 2082The actual code goes further and collects all errors (C<die>s, exceptions)
1645that occurred during request processing. The C<result> method detects 2083that occurred during request processing. The C<result> method detects
1646whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn object) 2084whether an exception as thrown (it is stored inside the $txn object)
1647and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and other 2085and just throws the exception, which means connection errors and other
1648problems get reported tot he code that tries to use the result, not in a 2086problems get reported to the code that tries to use the result, not in a
1649random callback. 2087random callback.
1650 2088
1651All of this enables the following usage styles: 2089All of this enables the following usage styles:
1652 2090
16531. Blocking: 20911. Blocking:
1701through AnyEvent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero 2139through AnyEvent. The benchmark creates a lot of timers (with a zero
1702timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable, 2140timeout) and I/O watchers (watching STDOUT, a pty, to become writable,
1703which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again. 2141which it is), lets them fire exactly once and destroys them again.
1704 2142
1705Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench> in the AnyEvent 2143Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench> in the AnyEvent
1706distribution. 2144distribution. It uses the L<AE> interface, which makes a real difference
2145for the EV and Perl backends only.
1707 2146
1708=head3 Explanation of the columns 2147=head3 Explanation of the columns
1709 2148
1710I<watcher> is the number of event watchers created/destroyed. Since 2149I<watcher> is the number of event watchers created/destroyed. Since
1711different event models feature vastly different performances, each event 2150different event models feature vastly different performances, each event
1732watcher. 2171watcher.
1733 2172
1734=head3 Results 2173=head3 Results
1735 2174
1736 name watchers bytes create invoke destroy comment 2175 name watchers bytes create invoke destroy comment
1737 EV/EV 400000 224 0.47 0.35 0.27 EV native interface 2176 EV/EV 100000 223 0.47 0.43 0.27 EV native interface
1738 EV/Any 100000 224 2.88 0.34 0.27 EV + AnyEvent watchers 2177 EV/Any 100000 223 0.48 0.42 0.26 EV + AnyEvent watchers
1739 CoroEV/Any 100000 224 2.85 0.35 0.28 coroutines + Coro::Signal 2178 Coro::EV/Any 100000 223 0.47 0.42 0.26 coroutines + Coro::Signal
1740 Perl/Any 100000 452 4.13 0.73 0.95 pure perl implementation 2179 Perl/Any 100000 431 2.70 0.74 0.92 pure perl implementation
1741 Event/Event 16000 517 32.20 31.80 0.81 Event native interface 2180 Event/Event 16000 516 31.16 31.84 0.82 Event native interface
1742 Event/Any 16000 590 35.85 31.55 1.06 Event + AnyEvent watchers 2181 Event/Any 16000 1203 42.61 34.79 1.80 Event + AnyEvent watchers
1743 IOAsync/Any 16000 989 38.10 32.77 11.13 via IO::Async::Loop::IO_Poll 2182 IOAsync/Any 16000 1911 41.92 27.45 16.81 via IO::Async::Loop::IO_Poll
1744 IOAsync/Any 16000 990 37.59 29.50 10.61 via IO::Async::Loop::Epoll 2183 IOAsync/Any 16000 1726 40.69 26.37 15.25 via IO::Async::Loop::Epoll
1745 Glib/Any 16000 1357 102.33 12.31 51.00 quadratic behaviour 2184 Glib/Any 16000 1118 89.00 12.57 51.17 quadratic behaviour
1746 Tk/Any 2000 1860 27.20 66.31 14.00 SEGV with >> 2000 watchers 2185 Tk/Any 2000 1346 20.96 10.75 8.00 SEGV with >> 2000 watchers
1747 POE/Event 2000 6328 109.99 751.67 14.02 via POE::Loop::Event 2186 POE/Any 2000 6951 108.97 795.32 14.24 via POE::Loop::Event
1748 POE/Select 2000 6027 94.54 809.13 579.80 via POE::Loop::Select 2187 POE/Any 2000 6648 94.79 774.40 575.51 via POE::Loop::Select
1749 2188
1750=head3 Discussion 2189=head3 Discussion
1751 2190
1752The benchmark does I<not> measure scalability of the event loop very 2191The benchmark does I<not> measure scalability of the event loop very
1753well. For example, a select-based event loop (such as the pure perl one) 2192well. For example, a select-based event loop (such as the pure perl one)
1765benchmark machine, handling an event takes roughly 1600 CPU cycles with 2204benchmark machine, handling an event takes roughly 1600 CPU cycles with
1766EV, 3100 CPU cycles with AnyEvent's pure perl loop and almost 3000000 CPU 2205EV, 3100 CPU cycles with AnyEvent's pure perl loop and almost 3000000 CPU
1767cycles with POE. 2206cycles with POE.
1768 2207
1769C<EV> is the sole leader regarding speed and memory use, which are both 2208C<EV> is the sole leader regarding speed and memory use, which are both
1770maximal/minimal, respectively. Even when going through AnyEvent, it uses 2209maximal/minimal, respectively. When using the L<AE> API there is zero
2210overhead (when going through the AnyEvent API create is about 5-6 times
2211slower, with other times being equal, so still uses far less memory than
1771far less memory than any other event loop and is still faster than Event 2212any other event loop and is still faster than Event natively).
1772natively.
1773 2213
1774The pure perl implementation is hit in a few sweet spots (both the 2214The pure perl implementation is hit in a few sweet spots (both the
1775constant timeout and the use of a single fd hit optimisations in the perl 2215constant timeout and the use of a single fd hit optimisations in the perl
1776interpreter and the backend itself). Nevertheless this shows that it 2216interpreter and the backend itself). Nevertheless this shows that it
1777adds very little overhead in itself. Like any select-based backend its 2217adds very little overhead in itself. Like any select-based backend its
1851In this benchmark, we use 10000 socket pairs (20000 sockets), of which 100 2291In this benchmark, we use 10000 socket pairs (20000 sockets), of which 100
1852(1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with many 2292(1%) are active. This mirrors the activity of large servers with many
1853connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time. 2293connections, most of which are idle at any one point in time.
1854 2294
1855Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench2> in the AnyEvent 2295Source code for this benchmark is found as F<eg/bench2> in the AnyEvent
1856distribution. 2296distribution. It uses the L<AE> interface, which makes a real difference
2297for the EV and Perl backends only.
1857 2298
1858=head3 Explanation of the columns 2299=head3 Explanation of the columns
1859 2300
1860I<sockets> is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" (as 2301I<sockets> is the number of sockets, and twice the number of "servers" (as
1861each server has a read and write socket end). 2302each server has a read and write socket end).
1869a new one that moves the timeout into the future. 2310a new one that moves the timeout into the future.
1870 2311
1871=head3 Results 2312=head3 Results
1872 2313
1873 name sockets create request 2314 name sockets create request
1874 EV 20000 69.01 11.16 2315 EV 20000 62.66 7.99
1875 Perl 20000 73.32 35.87 2316 Perl 20000 68.32 32.64
1876 IOAsync 20000 157.00 98.14 epoll 2317 IOAsync 20000 174.06 101.15 epoll
1877 IOAsync 20000 159.31 616.06 poll 2318 IOAsync 20000 174.67 610.84 poll
1878 Event 20000 212.62 257.32 2319 Event 20000 202.69 242.91
1879 Glib 20000 651.16 1896.30 2320 Glib 20000 557.01 1689.52
1880 POE 20000 349.67 12317.24 uses POE::Loop::Event 2321 POE 20000 341.54 12086.32 uses POE::Loop::Event
1881 2322
1882=head3 Discussion 2323=head3 Discussion
1883 2324
1884This benchmark I<does> measure scalability and overall performance of the 2325This benchmark I<does> measure scalability and overall performance of the
1885particular event loop. 2326particular event loop.
2011As you can see, the AnyEvent + EV combination even beats the 2452As you can see, the AnyEvent + EV combination even beats the
2012hand-optimised "raw sockets benchmark", while AnyEvent + its pure perl 2453hand-optimised "raw sockets benchmark", while AnyEvent + its pure perl
2013backend easily beats IO::Lambda and POE. 2454backend easily beats IO::Lambda and POE.
2014 2455
2015And even the 100% non-blocking version written using the high-level (and 2456And even the 100% non-blocking version written using the high-level (and
2016slow :) L<AnyEvent::Handle> abstraction beats both POE and IO::Lambda by a 2457slow :) L<AnyEvent::Handle> abstraction beats both POE and IO::Lambda
2017large margin, even though it does all of DNS, tcp-connect and socket I/O 2458higher level ("unoptimised") abstractions by a large margin, even though
2018in a non-blocking way. 2459it does all of DNS, tcp-connect and socket I/O in a non-blocking way.
2019 2460
2020The two AnyEvent benchmarks programs can be found as F<eg/ae0.pl> and 2461The two AnyEvent benchmarks programs can be found as F<eg/ae0.pl> and
2021F<eg/ae2.pl> in the AnyEvent distribution, the remaining benchmarks are 2462F<eg/ae2.pl> in the AnyEvent distribution, the remaining benchmarks are
2022part of the IO::lambda distribution and were used without any changes. 2463part of the IO::Lambda distribution and were used without any changes.
2023 2464
2024 2465
2025=head1 SIGNALS 2466=head1 SIGNALS
2026 2467
2027AnyEvent currently installs handlers for these signals: 2468AnyEvent currently installs handlers for these signals:
2032 2473
2033A handler for C<SIGCHLD> is installed by AnyEvent's child watcher 2474A handler for C<SIGCHLD> is installed by AnyEvent's child watcher
2034emulation for event loops that do not support them natively. Also, some 2475emulation for event loops that do not support them natively. Also, some
2035event loops install a similar handler. 2476event loops install a similar handler.
2036 2477
2037If, when AnyEvent is loaded, SIGCHLD is set to IGNORE, then AnyEvent will 2478Additionally, when AnyEvent is loaded and SIGCHLD is set to IGNORE, then
2038reset it to default, to avoid losing child exit statuses. 2479AnyEvent will reset it to default, to avoid losing child exit statuses.
2039 2480
2040=item SIGPIPE 2481=item SIGPIPE
2041 2482
2042A no-op handler is installed for C<SIGPIPE> when C<$SIG{PIPE}> is C<undef> 2483A no-op handler is installed for C<SIGPIPE> when C<$SIG{PIPE}> is C<undef>
2043when AnyEvent gets loaded. 2484when AnyEvent gets loaded.
2061 if $SIG{CHLD} eq 'IGNORE'; 2502 if $SIG{CHLD} eq 'IGNORE';
2062 2503
2063$SIG{PIPE} = sub { } 2504$SIG{PIPE} = sub { }
2064 unless defined $SIG{PIPE}; 2505 unless defined $SIG{PIPE};
2065 2506
2507=head1 RECOMMENDED/OPTIONAL MODULES
2508
2509One of AnyEvent's main goals is to be 100% Pure-Perl(tm): only perl (and
2510its built-in modules) are required to use it.
2511
2512That does not mean that AnyEvent won't take advantage of some additional
2513modules if they are installed.
2514
2515This section explains which additional modules will be used, and how they
2516affect AnyEvent's operation.
2517
2518=over 4
2519
2520=item L<Async::Interrupt>
2521
2522This slightly arcane module is used to implement fast signal handling: To
2523my knowledge, there is no way to do completely race-free and quick
2524signal handling in pure perl. To ensure that signals still get
2525delivered, AnyEvent will start an interval timer to wake up perl (and
2526catch the signals) with some delay (default is 10 seconds, look for
2527C<$AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY>).
2528
2529If this module is available, then it will be used to implement signal
2530catching, which means that signals will not be delayed, and the event loop
2531will not be interrupted regularly, which is more efficient (and good for
2532battery life on laptops).
2533
2534This affects not just the pure-perl event loop, but also other event loops
2535that have no signal handling on their own (e.g. Glib, Tk, Qt).
2536
2537Some event loops (POE, Event, Event::Lib) offer signal watchers natively,
2538and either employ their own workarounds (POE) or use AnyEvent's workaround
2539(using C<$AnyEvent::MAX_SIGNAL_LATENCY>). Installing L<Async::Interrupt>
2540does nothing for those backends.
2541
2542=item L<EV>
2543
2544This module isn't really "optional", as it is simply one of the backend
2545event loops that AnyEvent can use. However, it is simply the best event
2546loop available in terms of features, speed and stability: It supports
2547the AnyEvent API optimally, implements all the watcher types in XS, does
2548automatic timer adjustments even when no monotonic clock is available,
2549can take avdantage of advanced kernel interfaces such as C<epoll> and
2550C<kqueue>, and is the fastest backend I<by far>. You can even embed
2551L<Glib>/L<Gtk2> in it (or vice versa, see L<EV::Glib> and L<Glib::EV>).
2552
2553If you only use backends that rely on another event loop (e.g. C<Tk>),
2554then this module will do nothing for you.
2555
2556=item L<Guard>
2557
2558The guard module, when used, will be used to implement
2559C<AnyEvent::Util::guard>. This speeds up guards considerably (and uses a
2560lot less memory), but otherwise doesn't affect guard operation much. It is
2561purely used for performance.
2562
2563=item L<JSON> and L<JSON::XS>
2564
2565One of these modules is required when you want to read or write JSON data
2566via L<AnyEvent::Handle>. L<JSON> is also written in pure-perl, but can take
2567advantage of the ultra-high-speed L<JSON::XS> module when it is installed.
2568
2569=item L<Net::SSLeay>
2570
2571Implementing TLS/SSL in Perl is certainly interesting, but not very
2572worthwhile: If this module is installed, then L<AnyEvent::Handle> (with
2573the help of L<AnyEvent::TLS>), gains the ability to do TLS/SSL.
2574
2575=item L<Time::HiRes>
2576
2577This module is part of perl since release 5.008. It will be used when the
2578chosen event library does not come with a timing source of its own. The
2579pure-perl event loop (L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>) will additionally use it to
2580try to use a monotonic clock for timing stability.
2581
2582=back
2583
2584
2066=head1 FORK 2585=head1 FORK
2067 2586
2068Most event libraries are not fork-safe. The ones who are usually are 2587Most event libraries are not fork-safe. The ones who are usually are
2069because they rely on inefficient but fork-safe C<select> or C<poll> 2588because they rely on inefficient but fork-safe C<select> or C<poll> calls
2070calls. Only L<EV> is fully fork-aware. 2589- higher performance APIs such as BSD's kqueue or the dreaded Linux epoll
2590are usually badly thought-out hacks that are incompatible with fork in
2591one way or another. Only L<EV> is fully fork-aware and ensures that you
2592continue event-processing in both parent and child (or both, if you know
2593what you are doing).
2594
2595This means that, in general, you cannot fork and do event processing in
2596the child if the event library was initialised before the fork (which
2597usually happens when the first AnyEvent watcher is created, or the library
2598is loaded).
2071 2599
2072If you have to fork, you must either do so I<before> creating your first 2600If you have to fork, you must either do so I<before> creating your first
2073watcher OR you must not use AnyEvent at all in the child. 2601watcher OR you must not use AnyEvent at all in the child OR you must do
2602something completely out of the scope of AnyEvent.
2603
2604The problem of doing event processing in the parent I<and> the child
2605is much more complicated: even for backends that I<are> fork-aware or
2606fork-safe, their behaviour is not usually what you want: fork clones all
2607watchers, that means all timers, I/O watchers etc. are active in both
2608parent and child, which is almost never what you want. USing C<exec>
2609to start worker children from some kind of manage rprocess is usually
2610preferred, because it is much easier and cleaner, at the expense of having
2611to have another binary.
2074 2612
2075 2613
2076=head1 SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS 2614=head1 SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS
2077 2615
2078AnyEvent can be forced to load any event model via 2616AnyEvent can be forced to load any event model via
2108pronounced). 2646pronounced).
2109 2647
2110 2648
2111=head1 SEE ALSO 2649=head1 SEE ALSO
2112 2650
2651Tutorial/Introduction: L<AnyEvent::Intro>.
2652
2653FAQ: L<AnyEvent::FAQ>.
2654
2113Utility functions: L<AnyEvent::Util>. 2655Utility functions: L<AnyEvent::Util>.
2114 2656
2115Event modules: L<EV>, L<EV::Glib>, L<Glib::EV>, L<Event>, L<Glib::Event>, 2657Event modules: L<EV>, L<EV::Glib>, L<Glib::EV>, L<Event>, L<Glib::Event>,
2116L<Glib>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, L<POE>. 2658L<Glib>, L<Tk>, L<Event::Lib>, L<Qt>, L<POE>.
2117 2659
2118Implementations: L<AnyEvent::Impl::EV>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Event>, 2660Implementations: L<AnyEvent::Impl::EV>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Event>,
2119L<AnyEvent::Impl::Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Tk>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>, 2661L<AnyEvent::Impl::Glib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Tk>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Perl>,
2120L<AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Qt>, 2662L<AnyEvent::Impl::EventLib>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::Qt>,
2121L<AnyEvent::Impl::POE>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync>. 2663L<AnyEvent::Impl::POE>, L<AnyEvent::Impl::IOAsync>, L<Anyevent::Impl::Irssi>.
2122 2664
2123Non-blocking file handles, sockets, TCP clients and 2665Non-blocking file handles, sockets, TCP clients and
2124servers: L<AnyEvent::Handle>, L<AnyEvent::Socket>, L<AnyEvent::TLS>. 2666servers: L<AnyEvent::Handle>, L<AnyEvent::Socket>, L<AnyEvent::TLS>.
2125 2667
2126Asynchronous DNS: L<AnyEvent::DNS>. 2668Asynchronous DNS: L<AnyEvent::DNS>.
2127 2669
2128Coroutine support: L<Coro>, L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, 2670Thread support: L<Coro>, L<Coro::AnyEvent>, L<Coro::EV>, L<Coro::Event>.
2129L<Coro::Event>,
2130 2671
2131Nontrivial usage examples: L<AnyEvent::GPSD>, L<AnyEvent::XMPP>, 2672Nontrivial usage examples: L<AnyEvent::GPSD>, L<AnyEvent::IRC>,
2132L<AnyEvent::HTTP>. 2673L<AnyEvent::HTTP>.
2133 2674
2134 2675
2135=head1 AUTHOR 2676=head1 AUTHOR
2136 2677

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