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Revision 1.35 by root, Thu Aug 6 10:21:48 2009 UTC vs.
Revision 1.54 by root, Fri Aug 14 16:15:37 2009 UTC

8 8
9 $NODE # contains this node's noderef 9 $NODE # contains this node's noderef
10 NODE # returns this node's noderef 10 NODE # returns this node's noderef
11 NODE $port # returns the noderef of the port 11 NODE $port # returns the noderef of the port
12 12
13 $SELF # receiving/own port id in rcv callbacks
14
15 # initialise the node so it can send/receive messages
16 initialise_node; # -OR-
17 initialise_node "localhost:4040"; # -OR-
18 initialise_node "slave/", "localhost:4040"
19
20 # ports are message endpoints
21
22 # sending messages
13 snd $port, type => data...; 23 snd $port, type => data...;
24 snd $port, @msg;
25 snd @msg_with_first_element_being_a_port;
14 26
15 $SELF # receiving/own port id in rcv callbacks 27 # creating/using ports, the simple way
28 my $simple_port = port { my @msg = @_; 0 };
16 29
17 rcv $port, smartmatch => $cb->($port, @msg); 30 # creating/using ports, tagged message matching
18 31 my $port = port;
19 # examples:
20 rcv $port2, ping => sub { snd $_[0], "pong"; 0 }; 32 rcv $port, ping => sub { snd $_[0], "pong"; 0 };
21 rcv $port1, pong => sub { warn "pong received\n" }; 33 rcv $port, pong => sub { warn "pong received\n"; 0 };
22 snd $port2, ping => $port1;
23 34
24 # more, smarter, matches (_any_ is exported by this module) 35 # create a port on another node
25 rcv $port, [child_died => $pid] => sub { ... 36 my $port = spawn $node, $initfunc, @initdata;
26 rcv $port, [_any_, _any_, 3] => sub { .. $_[2] is 3
27
28 # linking two ports, so they both crash together
29 lnk $port1, $port2;
30 37
31 # monitoring 38 # monitoring
32 mon $port, $cb->(@msg) # callback is invoked on death 39 mon $port, $cb->(@msg) # callback is invoked on death
33 mon $port, $otherport # kill otherport on abnormal death 40 mon $port, $otherport # kill otherport on abnormal death
34 mon $port, $otherport, @msg # send message on death 41 mon $port, $otherport, @msg # send message on death
35 42
43=head1 CURRENT STATUS
44
45 AnyEvent::MP - stable API, should work
46 AnyEvent::MP::Intro - outdated
47 AnyEvent::MP::Kernel - WIP
48 AnyEvent::MP::Transport - mostly stable
49
50 stay tuned.
51
36=head1 DESCRIPTION 52=head1 DESCRIPTION
37 53
38This module (-family) implements a simple message passing framework. 54This module (-family) implements a simple message passing framework.
39 55
40Despite its simplicity, you can securely message other processes running 56Despite its simplicity, you can securely message other processes running
43For an introduction to this module family, see the L<AnyEvent::MP::Intro> 59For an introduction to this module family, see the L<AnyEvent::MP::Intro>
44manual page. 60manual page.
45 61
46At the moment, this module family is severly broken and underdocumented, 62At the moment, this module family is severly broken and underdocumented,
47so do not use. This was uploaded mainly to reserve the CPAN namespace - 63so do not use. This was uploaded mainly to reserve the CPAN namespace -
48stay tuned! The basic API should be finished, however. 64stay tuned!
49 65
50=head1 CONCEPTS 66=head1 CONCEPTS
51 67
52=over 4 68=over 4
53 69
54=item port 70=item port
55 71
56A port is something you can send messages to (with the C<snd> function). 72A port is something you can send messages to (with the C<snd> function).
57 73
58Some ports allow you to register C<rcv> handlers that can match specific 74Ports allow you to register C<rcv> handlers that can match all or just
59messages. All C<rcv> handlers will receive messages they match, messages 75some messages. Messages will not be queued.
60will not be queued.
61 76
62=item port id - C<noderef#portname> 77=item port id - C<noderef#portname>
63 78
64A port id is normaly the concatenation of a noderef, a hash-mark (C<#>) as 79A port ID is the concatenation of a noderef, a hash-mark (C<#>) as
65separator, and a port name (a printable string of unspecified format). An 80separator, and a port name (a printable string of unspecified format). An
66exception is the the node port, whose ID is identical to its node 81exception is the the node port, whose ID is identical to its node
67reference. 82reference.
68 83
69=item node 84=item node
70 85
71A node is a single process containing at least one port - the node 86A node is a single process containing at least one port - the node port,
72port. You can send messages to node ports to find existing ports or to 87which provides nodes to manage each other remotely, and to create new
73create new ports, among other things. 88ports.
74 89
75Nodes are either private (single-process only), slaves (connected to a 90Nodes are either private (single-process only), slaves (connected to a
76master node only) or public nodes (connectable from unrelated nodes). 91master node only) or public nodes (connectable from unrelated nodes).
77 92
78=item noderef - C<host:port,host:port...>, C<id@noderef>, C<id> 93=item noderef - C<host:port,host:port...>, C<id@noderef>, C<id>
98 113
99=cut 114=cut
100 115
101package AnyEvent::MP; 116package AnyEvent::MP;
102 117
103use AnyEvent::MP::Base; 118use AnyEvent::MP::Kernel;
104 119
105use common::sense; 120use common::sense;
106 121
107use Carp (); 122use Carp ();
108 123
109use AE (); 124use AE ();
110 125
111use base "Exporter"; 126use base "Exporter";
112 127
113our $VERSION = '0.1'; 128our $VERSION = $AnyEvent::MP::Kernel::VERSION;
129
114our @EXPORT = qw( 130our @EXPORT = qw(
115 NODE $NODE *SELF node_of _any_ 131 NODE $NODE *SELF node_of _any_
116 resolve_node initialise_node 132 resolve_node initialise_node
117 snd rcv mon kil reg psub 133 snd rcv mon kil reg psub spawn
118 port 134 port
119); 135);
120 136
121our $SELF; 137our $SELF;
122 138
126 kil $SELF, die => $msg; 142 kil $SELF, die => $msg;
127} 143}
128 144
129=item $thisnode = NODE / $NODE 145=item $thisnode = NODE / $NODE
130 146
131The C<NODE> function returns, and the C<$NODE> variable contains 147The C<NODE> function returns, and the C<$NODE> variable contains the
132the noderef of the local node. The value is initialised by a call 148noderef of the local node. The value is initialised by a call to
133to C<become_public> or C<become_slave>, after which all local port 149C<initialise_node>.
134identifiers become invalid.
135 150
136=item $noderef = node_of $port 151=item $noderef = node_of $port
137 152
138Extracts and returns the noderef from a portid or a noderef. 153Extracts and returns the noderef from a port ID or a noderef.
139 154
140=item initialise_node $noderef, $seednode, $seednode... 155=item initialise_node $noderef, $seednode, $seednode...
141 156
142=item initialise_node "slave/", $master, $master... 157=item initialise_node "slave/", $master, $master...
143 158
146it should know the noderefs of some other nodes in the network. 161it should know the noderefs of some other nodes in the network.
147 162
148This function initialises a node - it must be called exactly once (or 163This function initialises a node - it must be called exactly once (or
149never) before calling other AnyEvent::MP functions. 164never) before calling other AnyEvent::MP functions.
150 165
151All arguments are noderefs, which can be either resolved or unresolved. 166All arguments (optionally except for the first) are noderefs, which can be
167either resolved or unresolved.
168
169The first argument will be looked up in the configuration database first
170(if it is C<undef> then the current nodename will be used instead) to find
171the relevant configuration profile (see L<aemp>). If none is found then
172the default configuration is used. The configuration supplies additional
173seed/master nodes and can override the actual noderef.
152 174
153There are two types of networked nodes, public nodes and slave nodes: 175There are two types of networked nodes, public nodes and slave nodes:
154 176
155=over 4 177=over 4
156 178
157=item public nodes 179=item public nodes
158 180
159For public nodes, C<$noderef> must either be a (possibly unresolved) 181For public nodes, C<$noderef> (supplied either directly to
160noderef, in which case it will be resolved, or C<undef> (or missing), in 182C<initialise_node> or indirectly via a profile or the nodename) must be a
161which case the noderef will be guessed. 183noderef (possibly unresolved, in which case it will be resolved).
162 184
163Afterwards, the node will bind itself on all endpoints and try to connect 185After resolving, the node will bind itself on all endpoints and try to
164to all additional C<$seednodes> that are specified. Seednodes are optional 186connect to all additional C<$seednodes> that are specified. Seednodes are
165and can be used to quickly bootstrap the node into an existing network. 187optional and can be used to quickly bootstrap the node into an existing
188network.
166 189
167=item slave nodes 190=item slave nodes
168 191
169When the C<$noderef> is the special string C<slave/>, then the node will 192When the C<$noderef> (either as given or overriden by the config file)
193is the special string C<slave/>, then the node will become a slave
170become a slave node. Slave nodes cannot be contacted from outside and will 194node. Slave nodes cannot be contacted from outside and will route most of
171route most of their traffic to the master node that they attach to. 195their traffic to the master node that they attach to.
172 196
173At least one additional noderef is required: The node will try to connect 197At least one additional noderef is required (either by specifying it
174to all of them and will become a slave attached to the first node it can 198directly or because it is part of the configuration profile): The node
175successfully connect to. 199will try to connect to all of them and will become a slave attached to the
200first node it can successfully connect to.
176 201
177=back 202=back
178 203
179This function will block until all nodes have been resolved and, for slave 204This function will block until all nodes have been resolved and, for slave
180nodes, until it has successfully established a connection to a master 205nodes, until it has successfully established a connection to a master
181server. 206server.
182 207
183Example: become a public node listening on the default node. 208Example: become a public node listening on the guessed noderef, or the one
209specified via C<aemp> for the current node. This should be the most common
210form of invocation for "daemon"-type nodes.
184 211
185 initialise_node; 212 initialise_node;
213
214Example: become a slave node to any of the the seednodes specified via
215C<aemp>. This form is often used for commandline clients.
216
217 initialise_node "slave/";
218
219Example: become a slave node to any of the specified master servers. This
220form is also often used for commandline clients.
221
222 initialise_node "slave/", "master1", "192.168.13.17", "mp.example.net";
186 223
187Example: become a public node, and try to contact some well-known master 224Example: become a public node, and try to contact some well-known master
188servers to become part of the network. 225servers to become part of the network.
189 226
190 initialise_node undef, "master1", "master2"; 227 initialise_node undef, "master1", "master2";
193 230
194 initialise_node 4041; 231 initialise_node 4041;
195 232
196Example: become a public node, only visible on localhost port 4044. 233Example: become a public node, only visible on localhost port 4044.
197 234
198 initialise_node "locahost:4044"; 235 initialise_node "localhost:4044";
199
200Example: become a slave node to any of the specified master servers.
201
202 initialise_node "slave/", "master1", "192.168.13.17", "mp.example.net";
203 236
204=item $cv = resolve_node $noderef 237=item $cv = resolve_node $noderef
205 238
206Takes an unresolved node reference that may contain hostnames and 239Takes an unresolved node reference that may contain hostnames and
207abbreviated IDs, resolves all of them and returns a resolved node 240abbreviated IDs, resolves all of them and returns a resolved node
244=item snd $port, type => @data 277=item snd $port, type => @data
245 278
246=item snd $port, @msg 279=item snd $port, @msg
247 280
248Send the given message to the given port ID, which can identify either 281Send the given message to the given port ID, which can identify either
249a local or a remote port, and can be either a string or soemthignt hat 282a local or a remote port, and must be a port ID.
250stringifies a sa port ID (such as a port object :).
251 283
252While the message can be about anything, it is highly recommended to use a 284While the message can be about anything, it is highly recommended to use a
253string as first element (a portid, or some word that indicates a request 285string as first element (a port ID, or some word that indicates a request
254type etc.). 286type etc.).
255 287
256The message data effectively becomes read-only after a call to this 288The message data effectively becomes read-only after a call to this
257function: modifying any argument is not allowed and can cause many 289function: modifying any argument is not allowed and can cause many
258problems. 290problems.
263that Storable can serialise and deserialise is allowed, and for the local 295that Storable can serialise and deserialise is allowed, and for the local
264node, anything can be passed. 296node, anything can be passed.
265 297
266=item $local_port = port 298=item $local_port = port
267 299
268Create a new local port object that can be used either as a pattern 300Create a new local port object and returns its port ID. Initially it has
269matching port ("full port") or a single-callback port ("miniport"), 301no callbacks set and will throw an error when it receives messages.
270depending on how C<rcv> callbacks are bound to the object.
271 302
272=item $port = port { my @msg = @_; $finished } 303=item $local_port = port { my @msg = @_ }
273 304
274Creates a "miniport", that is, a very lightweight port without any pattern 305Creates a new local port, and returns its ID. Semantically the same as
275matching behind it, and returns its ID. Semantically the same as creating
276a port and calling C<rcv $port, $callback> on it. 306creating a port and calling C<rcv $port, $callback> on it.
277 307
278The block will be called for every message received on the port. When the 308The block will be called for every message received on the port, with the
279callback returns a true value its job is considered "done" and the port 309global variable C<$SELF> set to the port ID. Runtime errors will cause the
280will be destroyed. Otherwise it will stay alive. 310port to be C<kil>ed. The message will be passed as-is, no extra argument
311(i.e. no port ID) will be passed to the callback.
281 312
282The message will be passed as-is, no extra argument (i.e. no port id) will 313If you want to stop/destroy the port, simply C<kil> it:
283be passed to the callback.
284 314
285If you need the local port id in the callback, this works nicely: 315 my $port = port {
286 316 my @msg = @_;
287 my $port; $port = port { 317 ...
288 snd $otherport, reply => $port; 318 kil $SELF;
289 }; 319 };
290 320
291=cut 321=cut
292 322
293sub rcv($@); 323sub rcv($@);
324
325sub _kilme {
326 die "received message on port without callback";
327}
294 328
295sub port(;&) { 329sub port(;&) {
296 my $id = "$UNIQ." . $ID++; 330 my $id = "$UNIQ." . $ID++;
297 my $port = "$NODE#$id"; 331 my $port = "$NODE#$id";
298 332
299 if (@_) { 333 rcv $port, shift || \&_kilme;
300 rcv $port, shift;
301 } else {
302 $PORT{$id} = sub { }; # nop
303 }
304 334
305 $port 335 $port
306} 336}
307 337
308=item reg $port, $name
309
310Registers the given port under the name C<$name>. If the name already
311exists it is replaced.
312
313A port can only be registered under one well known name.
314
315A port automatically becomes unregistered when it is killed.
316
317=cut
318
319sub reg(@) {
320 my ($port, $name) = @_;
321
322 $REG{$name} = $port;
323}
324
325=item rcv $port, $callback->(@msg) 338=item rcv $local_port, $callback->(@msg)
326 339
327Replaces the callback on the specified miniport (after converting it to 340Replaces the default callback on the specified port. There is no way to
328one if required). 341remove the default callback: use C<sub { }> to disable it, or better
329 342C<kil> the port when it is no longer needed.
330=item rcv $port, tagstring => $callback->(@msg), ...
331
332=item rcv $port, $smartmatch => $callback->(@msg), ...
333
334=item rcv $port, [$smartmatch...] => $callback->(@msg), ...
335
336Register callbacks to be called on matching messages on the given full
337port (after converting it to one if required).
338
339The callback has to return a true value when its work is done, after
340which is will be removed, or a false value in which case it will stay
341registered.
342 343
343The global C<$SELF> (exported by this module) contains C<$port> while 344The global C<$SELF> (exported by this module) contains C<$port> while
344executing the callback. 345executing the callback. Runtime errors during callback execution will
346result in the port being C<kil>ed.
345 347
346Runtime errors wdurign callback execution will result in the port being 348The default callback received all messages not matched by a more specific
347C<kil>ed. 349C<tag> match.
348 350
349If the match is an array reference, then it will be matched against the 351=item rcv $local_port, tag => $callback->(@msg_without_tag), ...
350first elements of the message, otherwise only the first element is being
351matched.
352 352
353Any element in the match that is specified as C<_any_> (a function 353Register (or replace) callbacks to be called on messages starting with the
354exported by this module) matches any single element of the message. 354given tag on the given port (and return the port), or unregister it (when
355C<$callback> is C<$undef> or missing). There can only be one callback
356registered for each tag.
355 357
356While not required, it is highly recommended that the first matching 358The original message will be passed to the callback, after the first
357element is a string identifying the message. The one-string-only match is 359element (the tag) has been removed. The callback will use the same
358also the most efficient match (by far). 360environment as the default callback (see above).
361
362Example: create a port and bind receivers on it in one go.
363
364 my $port = rcv port,
365 msg1 => sub { ... },
366 msg2 => sub { ... },
367 ;
368
369Example: create a port, bind receivers and send it in a message elsewhere
370in one go:
371
372 snd $otherport, reply =>
373 rcv port,
374 msg1 => sub { ... },
375 ...
376 ;
377
378Example: temporarily register a rcv callback for a tag matching some port
379(e.g. for a rpc reply) and unregister it after a message was received.
380
381 rcv $port, $otherport => sub {
382 my @reply = @_;
383
384 rcv $SELF, $otherport;
385 };
359 386
360=cut 387=cut
361 388
362sub rcv($@) { 389sub rcv($@) {
363 my $port = shift; 390 my $port = shift;
364 my ($noderef, $portid) = split /#/, $port, 2; 391 my ($noderef, $portid) = split /#/, $port, 2;
365 392
366 ($NODE{$noderef} || add_node $noderef) == $NODE{""} 393 ($NODE{$noderef} || add_node $noderef) == $NODE{""}
367 or Carp::croak "$port: rcv can only be called on local ports, caught"; 394 or Carp::croak "$port: rcv can only be called on local ports, caught";
368 395
369 if (@_ == 1) { 396 while (@_) {
397 if (ref $_[0]) {
398 if (my $self = $PORT_DATA{$portid}) {
399 "AnyEvent::MP::Port" eq ref $self
400 or Carp::croak "$port: rcv can only be called on message matching ports, caught";
401
402 $self->[2] = shift;
403 } else {
370 my $cb = shift; 404 my $cb = shift;
371 delete $PORT_DATA{$portid};
372 $PORT{$portid} = sub { 405 $PORT{$portid} = sub {
373 local $SELF = $port; 406 local $SELF = $port;
374 eval { 407 eval { &$cb }; _self_die if $@;
375 &$cb 408 };
376 and kil $port;
377 }; 409 }
378 _self_die if $@; 410 } elsif (defined $_[0]) {
379 };
380 } else {
381 my $self = $PORT_DATA{$portid} ||= do { 411 my $self = $PORT_DATA{$portid} ||= do {
382 my $self = bless { 412 my $self = bless [$PORT{$port} || sub { }, { }, $port], "AnyEvent::MP::Port";
383 id => $port,
384 }, "AnyEvent::MP::Port";
385 413
386 $PORT{$portid} = sub { 414 $PORT{$portid} = sub {
387 local $SELF = $port; 415 local $SELF = $port;
388 416
389 eval {
390 for (@{ $self->{rc0}{$_[0]} }) { 417 if (my $cb = $self->[1]{$_[0]}) {
391 $_ && &{$_->[0]} 418 shift;
392 && undef $_; 419 eval { &$cb }; _self_die if $@;
393 } 420 } else {
394
395 for (@{ $self->{rcv}{$_[0]} }) {
396 $_ && [@_[1 .. @{$_->[1]}]] ~~ $_->[1]
397 && &{$_->[0]} 421 &{ $self->[0] };
398 && undef $_;
399 }
400
401 for (@{ $self->{any} }) {
402 $_ && [@_[0 .. $#{$_->[1]}]] ~~ $_->[1]
403 && &{$_->[0]}
404 && undef $_;
405 } 422 }
406 }; 423 };
407 _self_die if $@; 424
425 $self
408 }; 426 };
409 427
410 $self
411 };
412
413 "AnyEvent::MP::Port" eq ref $self 428 "AnyEvent::MP::Port" eq ref $self
414 or Carp::croak "$port: rcv can only be called on message matching ports, caught"; 429 or Carp::croak "$port: rcv can only be called on message matching ports, caught";
415 430
416 while (@_) {
417 my ($match, $cb) = splice @_, 0, 2; 431 my ($tag, $cb) = splice @_, 0, 2;
418 432
419 if (!ref $match) { 433 if (defined $cb) {
420 push @{ $self->{rc0}{$match} }, [$cb]; 434 $self->[1]{$tag} = $cb;
421 } elsif (("ARRAY" eq ref $match && !ref $match->[0])) {
422 my ($type, @match) = @$match;
423 @match
424 ? push @{ $self->{rcv}{$match->[0]} }, [$cb, \@match]
425 : push @{ $self->{rc0}{$match->[0]} }, [$cb];
426 } else { 435 } else {
427 push @{ $self->{any} }, [$cb, $match]; 436 delete $self->[1]{$tag};
428 } 437 }
429 } 438 }
430 } 439 }
431 440
432 $port 441 $port
470 } 479 }
471} 480}
472 481
473=item $guard = mon $port, $cb->(@reason) 482=item $guard = mon $port, $cb->(@reason)
474 483
475=item $guard = mon $port, $otherport 484=item $guard = mon $port, $rcvport
476 485
486=item $guard = mon $port
487
477=item $guard = mon $port, $otherport, @msg 488=item $guard = mon $port, $rcvport, @msg
478 489
479Monitor the given port and do something when the port is killed. 490Monitor the given port and do something when the port is killed or
491messages to it were lost, and optionally return a guard that can be used
492to stop monitoring again.
480 493
494C<mon> effectively guarantees that, in the absence of hardware failures,
495that after starting the monitor, either all messages sent to the port
496will arrive, or the monitoring action will be invoked after possible
497message loss has been detected. No messages will be lost "in between"
498(after the first lost message no further messages will be received by the
499port). After the monitoring action was invoked, further messages might get
500delivered again.
501
481In the first form, the callback is simply called with any number 502In the first form (callback), the callback is simply called with any
482of C<@reason> elements (no @reason means that the port was deleted 503number of C<@reason> elements (no @reason means that the port was deleted
483"normally"). Note also that I<< the callback B<must> never die >>, so use 504"normally"). Note also that I<< the callback B<must> never die >>, so use
484C<eval> if unsure. 505C<eval> if unsure.
485 506
486In the second form, the other port will be C<kil>'ed with C<@reason>, iff 507In the second form (another port given), the other port (C<$rcvport>)
487a @reason was specified, i.e. on "normal" kils nothing happens, while 508will be C<kil>'ed with C<@reason>, iff a @reason was specified, i.e. on
488under all other conditions, the other port is killed with the same reason. 509"normal" kils nothing happens, while under all other conditions, the other
510port is killed with the same reason.
489 511
512The third form (kill self) is the same as the second form, except that
513C<$rvport> defaults to C<$SELF>.
514
490In the last form, a message of the form C<@msg, @reason> will be C<snd>. 515In the last form (message), a message of the form C<@msg, @reason> will be
516C<snd>.
517
518As a rule of thumb, monitoring requests should always monitor a port from
519a local port (or callback). The reason is that kill messages might get
520lost, just like any other message. Another less obvious reason is that
521even monitoring requests can get lost (for exmaple, when the connection
522to the other node goes down permanently). When monitoring a port locally
523these problems do not exist.
491 524
492Example: call a given callback when C<$port> is killed. 525Example: call a given callback when C<$port> is killed.
493 526
494 mon $port, sub { warn "port died because of <@_>\n" }; 527 mon $port, sub { warn "port died because of <@_>\n" };
495 528
496Example: kill ourselves when C<$port> is killed abnormally. 529Example: kill ourselves when C<$port> is killed abnormally.
497 530
498 mon $port, $self; 531 mon $port;
499 532
500Example: send us a restart message another C<$port> is killed. 533Example: send us a restart message when another C<$port> is killed.
501 534
502 mon $port, $self => "restart"; 535 mon $port, $self => "restart";
503 536
504=cut 537=cut
505 538
506sub mon { 539sub mon {
507 my ($noderef, $port) = split /#/, shift, 2; 540 my ($noderef, $port) = split /#/, shift, 2;
508 541
509 my $node = $NODE{$noderef} || add_node $noderef; 542 my $node = $NODE{$noderef} || add_node $noderef;
510 543
511 my $cb = shift; 544 my $cb = @_ ? shift : $SELF || Carp::croak 'mon: called with one argument only, but $SELF not set,';
512 545
513 unless (ref $cb) { 546 unless (ref $cb) {
514 if (@_) { 547 if (@_) {
515 # send a kill info message 548 # send a kill info message
516 my (@msg) = ($cb, @_); 549 my (@msg) = ($cb, @_);
547=cut 580=cut
548 581
549sub mon_guard { 582sub mon_guard {
550 my ($port, @refs) = @_; 583 my ($port, @refs) = @_;
551 584
585 #TODO: mon-less form?
586
552 mon $port, sub { 0 && @refs } 587 mon $port, sub { 0 && @refs }
553} 588}
554 589
555=item lnk $port1, $port2
556
557Link two ports. This is simply a shorthand for:
558
559 mon $port1, $port2;
560 mon $port2, $port1;
561
562It means that if either one is killed abnormally, the other one gets
563killed as well.
564
565=item kil $port[, @reason] 590=item kil $port[, @reason]
566 591
567Kill the specified port with the given C<@reason>. 592Kill the specified port with the given C<@reason>.
568 593
569If no C<@reason> is specified, then the port is killed "normally" (linked 594If no C<@reason> is specified, then the port is killed "normally" (linked
575Runtime errors while evaluating C<rcv> callbacks or inside C<psub> blocks 600Runtime errors while evaluating C<rcv> callbacks or inside C<psub> blocks
576will be reported as reason C<< die => $@ >>. 601will be reported as reason C<< die => $@ >>.
577 602
578Transport/communication errors are reported as C<< transport_error => 603Transport/communication errors are reported as C<< transport_error =>
579$message >>. 604$message >>.
605
606=cut
607
608=item $port = spawn $node, $initfunc[, @initdata]
609
610Creates a port on the node C<$node> (which can also be a port ID, in which
611case it's the node where that port resides).
612
613The port ID of the newly created port is return immediately, and it is
614permissible to immediately start sending messages or monitor the port.
615
616After the port has been created, the init function is
617called. This function must be a fully-qualified function name
618(e.g. C<MyApp::Chat::Server::init>). To specify a function in the main
619program, use C<::name>.
620
621If the function doesn't exist, then the node tries to C<require>
622the package, then the package above the package and so on (e.g.
623C<MyApp::Chat::Server>, C<MyApp::Chat>, C<MyApp>) until the function
624exists or it runs out of package names.
625
626The init function is then called with the newly-created port as context
627object (C<$SELF>) and the C<@initdata> values as arguments.
628
629A common idiom is to pass your own port, monitor the spawned port, and
630in the init function, monitor the original port. This two-way monitoring
631ensures that both ports get cleaned up when there is a problem.
632
633Example: spawn a chat server port on C<$othernode>.
634
635 # this node, executed from within a port context:
636 my $server = spawn $othernode, "MyApp::Chat::Server::connect", $SELF;
637 mon $server;
638
639 # init function on C<$othernode>
640 sub connect {
641 my ($srcport) = @_;
642
643 mon $srcport;
644
645 rcv $SELF, sub {
646 ...
647 };
648 }
649
650=cut
651
652sub _spawn {
653 my $port = shift;
654 my $init = shift;
655
656 local $SELF = "$NODE#$port";
657 eval {
658 &{ load_func $init }
659 };
660 _self_die if $@;
661}
662
663sub spawn(@) {
664 my ($noderef, undef) = split /#/, shift, 2;
665
666 my $id = "$RUNIQ." . $ID++;
667
668 $_[0] =~ /::/
669 or Carp::croak "spawn init function must be a fully-qualified name, caught";
670
671 ($NODE{$noderef} || add_node $noderef)
672 ->send (["", "AnyEvent::MP::_spawn" => $id, @_]);
673
674 "$noderef#$id"
675}
580 676
581=back 677=back
582 678
583=head1 NODE MESSAGES 679=head1 NODE MESSAGES
584 680
649convenience functionality. 745convenience functionality.
650 746
651This means that AEMP requires a less tightly controlled environment at the 747This means that AEMP requires a less tightly controlled environment at the
652cost of longer node references and a slightly higher management overhead. 748cost of longer node references and a slightly higher management overhead.
653 749
750=item * Erlang has a "remote ports are like local ports" philosophy, AEMP
751uses "local ports are like remote ports".
752
753The failure modes for local ports are quite different (runtime errors
754only) then for remote ports - when a local port dies, you I<know> it dies,
755when a connection to another node dies, you know nothing about the other
756port.
757
758Erlang pretends remote ports are as reliable as local ports, even when
759they are not.
760
761AEMP encourages a "treat remote ports differently" philosophy, with local
762ports being the special case/exception, where transport errors cannot
763occur.
764
654=item * Erlang uses processes and a mailbox, AEMP does not queue. 765=item * Erlang uses processes and a mailbox, AEMP does not queue.
655 766
656Erlang uses processes that selctively receive messages, and therefore 767Erlang uses processes that selectively receive messages, and therefore
657needs a queue. AEMP is event based, queuing messages would serve no useful 768needs a queue. AEMP is event based, queuing messages would serve no
658purpose. 769useful purpose. For the same reason the pattern-matching abilities of
770AnyEvent::MP are more limited, as there is little need to be able to
771filter messages without dequeing them.
659 772
660(But see L<Coro::MP> for a more Erlang-like process model on top of AEMP). 773(But see L<Coro::MP> for a more Erlang-like process model on top of AEMP).
661 774
662=item * Erlang sends are synchronous, AEMP sends are asynchronous. 775=item * Erlang sends are synchronous, AEMP sends are asynchronous.
663 776
664Sending messages in Erlang is synchronous and blocks the process. AEMP 777Sending messages in Erlang is synchronous and blocks the process (and
665sends are immediate, connection establishment is handled in the 778so does not need a queue that can overflow). AEMP sends are immediate,
666background. 779connection establishment is handled in the background.
667 780
668=item * Erlang can silently lose messages, AEMP cannot. 781=item * Erlang suffers from silent message loss, AEMP does not.
669 782
670Erlang makes few guarantees on messages delivery - messages can get lost 783Erlang makes few guarantees on messages delivery - messages can get lost
671without any of the processes realising it (i.e. you send messages a, b, 784without any of the processes realising it (i.e. you send messages a, b,
672and c, and the other side only receives messages a and c). 785and c, and the other side only receives messages a and c).
673 786
685eventually be killed - it cannot happen that a node detects a port as dead 798eventually be killed - it cannot happen that a node detects a port as dead
686and then later sends messages to it, finding it is still alive. 799and then later sends messages to it, finding it is still alive.
687 800
688=item * Erlang can send messages to the wrong port, AEMP does not. 801=item * Erlang can send messages to the wrong port, AEMP does not.
689 802
690In Erlang it is quite possible that a node that restarts reuses a process 803In Erlang it is quite likely that a node that restarts reuses a process ID
691ID known to other nodes for a completely different process, causing 804known to other nodes for a completely different process, causing messages
692messages destined for that process to end up in an unrelated process. 805destined for that process to end up in an unrelated process.
693 806
694AEMP never reuses port IDs, so old messages or old port IDs floating 807AEMP never reuses port IDs, so old messages or old port IDs floating
695around in the network will not be sent to an unrelated port. 808around in the network will not be sent to an unrelated port.
696 809
697=item * Erlang uses unprotected connections, AEMP uses secure 810=item * Erlang uses unprotected connections, AEMP uses secure
717or I<none>, there is no in-between, so monitoring single processes is 830or I<none>, there is no in-between, so monitoring single processes is
718difficult to implement. Monitoring in AEMP is more flexible than in 831difficult to implement. Monitoring in AEMP is more flexible than in
719Erlang, as one can choose between automatic kill, exit message or callback 832Erlang, as one can choose between automatic kill, exit message or callback
720on a per-process basis. 833on a per-process basis.
721 834
722=item * Erlang has different semantics for monitoring and linking, AEMP has the same. 835=item * Erlang tries to hide remote/local connections, AEMP does not.
723 836
724Monitoring in Erlang is not an indicator of process death/crashes, 837Monitoring in Erlang is not an indicator of process death/crashes,
725as linking is (except linking is unreliable in Erlang). In AEMP, the 838as linking is (except linking is unreliable in Erlang).
726semantics of monitoring and linking are identical, linking is simply 839
727two-way monitoring with automatic kill. 840In AEMP, you don't "look up" registered port names or send to named ports
841that might or might not be persistent. Instead, you normally spawn a port
842on the remote node. The init function monitors the you, and you monitor
843the remote port. Since both monitors are local to the node, they are much
844more reliable.
845
846This also saves round-trips and avoids sending messages to the wrong port
847(hard to do in Erlang).
848
849=back
850
851=head1 RATIONALE
852
853=over 4
854
855=item Why strings for ports and noderefs, why not objects?
856
857We considered "objects", but found that the actual number of methods
858thatc an be called are very low. Since port IDs and noderefs travel over
859the network frequently, the serialising/deserialising would add lots of
860overhead, as well as having to keep a proxy object.
861
862Strings can easily be printed, easily serialised etc. and need no special
863procedures to be "valid".
864
865And a a miniport consists of a single closure stored in a global hash - it
866can't become much cheaper.
867
868=item Why favour JSON, why not real serialising format such as Storable?
869
870In fact, any AnyEvent::MP node will happily accept Storable as framing
871format, but currently there is no way to make a node use Storable by
872default.
873
874The default framing protocol is JSON because a) JSON::XS is many times
875faster for small messages and b) most importantly, after years of
876experience we found that object serialisation is causing more problems
877than it gains: Just like function calls, objects simply do not travel
878easily over the network, mostly because they will always be a copy, so you
879always have to re-think your design.
880
881Keeping your messages simple, concentrating on data structures rather than
882objects, will keep your messages clean, tidy and efficient.
728 883
729=back 884=back
730 885
731=head1 SEE ALSO 886=head1 SEE ALSO
732 887

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