title: socket python : recvfrom
body: <p>I would like to know if socket.recvfrom in python is a blocking function ? I couldn't find my answer in the <a href="https://docs.python.org/2/library/socket.html#socket.socket.recvfrom" rel="nofollow noreferrer">documentation</a>
  If it isn't, what will be return if nothing is receive ? An empty string '' ?
  In the other case, if in fact, it is blocking, how can i do to put it as an unblocking function ? I heard about <a href="https://docs.python.org/2/library/socket.html#socket.socket.settimeout" rel="nofollow noreferrer">settimeout</a> but I don't know if it is actually the right solution.</p>