AnyEvent::BDB is an AnyEvent user, you need to make sure that you use and run a supported event loop. Loading this module will install the necessary magic to seamlessly integrate BDB into AnyEvent, i.e. you no longer need to concern yourself with calling BDB::poll_cb or any of that stuff (you still can, but this module will do it in case you don't). The AnyEvent watcher can be disabled by executing undef $AnyEvent::BDB::WATCHER. Please notify the author of when and why you think this was necessary. WWW: http://search.cpan.org/dist/AnyEvent-BDB/