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Revision 1.54 by root, Tue Nov 27 07:27:10 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.126 by root, Tue Mar 16 17:11:48 2010 UTC

2 2
3EV - perl interface to libev, a high performance full-featured event loop 3EV - perl interface to libev, a high performance full-featured event loop
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 use EV; 7 use EV;
8
9 # TIMERS
10
11 my $w = EV::timer 2, 0, sub {
12 warn "is called after 2s";
13 };
14
15 my $w = EV::timer 2, 2, sub {
16 warn "is called roughly every 2s (repeat = 2)";
17 };
18
19 undef $w; # destroy event watcher again
20
21 my $w = EV::periodic 0, 60, 0, sub {
22 warn "is called every minute, on the minute, exactly";
23 };
24
25 # IO
26
27 my $w = EV::io *STDIN, EV::READ, sub {
28 my ($w, $revents) = @_; # all callbacks receive the watcher and event mask
29 warn "stdin is readable, you entered: ", <STDIN>;
30 };
31
32 # SIGNALS
33
34 my $w = EV::signal 'QUIT', sub {
35 warn "sigquit received\n";
36 };
37
38 # CHILD/PID STATUS CHANGES
8 39
9 # TIMERS 40 my $w = EV::child 666, 0, sub {
41 my ($w, $revents) = @_;
42 my $status = $w->rstatus;
43 };
10 44
11 my $w = EV::timer 2, 0, sub {
12 warn "is called after 2s";
13 };
14
15 my $w = EV::timer 2, 2, sub {
16 warn "is called roughly every 2s (repeat = 2)";
17 };
18
19 undef $w; # destroy event watcher again
20
21 my $w = EV::periodic 0, 60, 0, sub {
22 warn "is called every minute, on the minute, exactly";
23 };
24
25 # IO
26
27 my $w = EV::io *STDIN, EV::READ, sub {
28 my ($w, $revents) = @_; # all callbacks receive the watcher and event mask
29 warn "stdin is readable, you entered: ", <STDIN>;
30 };
31
32 # SIGNALS
33
34 my $w = EV::signal 'QUIT', sub {
35 warn "sigquit received\n";
36 };
37
38 # CHILD/PID STATUS CHANGES
39
40 my $w = EV::child 666, sub {
41 my ($w, $revents) = @_;
42 my $status = $w->rstatus;
43 };
44
45 # STAT CHANGES 45 # STAT CHANGES
46 my $w = EV::stat "/etc/passwd", 10, sub { 46 my $w = EV::stat "/etc/passwd", 10, sub {
47 my ($w, $revents) = @_; 47 my ($w, $revents) = @_;
48 warn $w->path, " has changed somehow.\n"; 48 warn $w->path, " has changed somehow.\n";
49 }; 49 };
50 50
51 # MAINLOOP 51 # MAINLOOP
52 EV::loop; # loop until EV::unloop is called or all watchers stop 52 EV::loop; # loop until EV::unloop is called or all watchers stop
53 EV::loop EV::LOOP_ONESHOT; # block until at least one event could be handled 53 EV::loop EV::LOOP_ONESHOT; # block until at least one event could be handled
54 EV::loop EV::LOOP_NONBLOCK; # try to handle same events, but do not block 54 EV::loop EV::LOOP_NONBLOCK; # try to handle same events, but do not block
55 55
56=head1 DESCRIPTION 56=head1 DESCRIPTION
57 57
58This module provides an interface to libev 58This module provides an interface to libev
59(L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/libev.html>). While the documentation 59(L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/libev.html>). While the documentation
60below is comprehensive, one might also consult the documentation of libev 60below is comprehensive, one might also consult the documentation of
61itself (L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>) for more subtle details on 61libev itself (L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod> or
62watcher semantics or some discussion on the available backends, or how to 62F<perldoc EV::libev>) for more subtle details on watcher semantics or some
63force a specific backend with C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. 63discussion on the available backends, or how to force a specific backend
64with C<LIBEV_FLAGS>, or just about in any case because it has much more
65detailed information.
66
67This module is very fast and scalable. It is actually so fast that you
68can use it through the L<AnyEvent> module, stay portable to other event
69loops (if you don't rely on any watcher types not available through it)
70and still be faster than with any other event loop currently supported in
71Perl.
72
73=head2 MODULE EXPORTS
74
75This module does not export any symbols.
64 76
65=cut 77=cut
66 78
67package EV; 79package EV;
68 80
69use strict; 81use common::sense;
70 82
71BEGIN { 83BEGIN {
72 our $VERSION = '1.4'; 84 our $VERSION = '4.00';
73 use XSLoader; 85 use XSLoader;
74 XSLoader::load "EV", $VERSION; 86 XSLoader::load "EV", $VERSION;
75} 87}
76 88
77@EV::IO::ISA = 89@EV::IO::ISA =
78@EV::Timer::ISA = 90@EV::Timer::ISA =
79@EV::Periodic::ISA = 91@EV::Periodic::ISA =
80@EV::Signal::ISA = 92@EV::Signal::ISA =
93@EV::Child::ISA =
94@EV::Stat::ISA =
81@EV::Idle::ISA = 95@EV::Idle::ISA =
82@EV::Prepare::ISA = 96@EV::Prepare::ISA =
83@EV::Check::ISA = 97@EV::Check::ISA =
84@EV::Child::ISA =
85@EV::Embed::ISA = 98@EV::Embed::ISA =
86@EV::Stat::ISA = "EV::Watcher"; 99@EV::Fork::ISA =
100@EV::Async::ISA =
101 "EV::Watcher";
102
103@EV::Loop::Default::ISA = "EV::Loop";
104
105=head1 EVENT LOOPS
106
107EV supports multiple event loops: There is a single "default event loop"
108that can handle everything including signals and child watchers, and any
109number of "dynamic event loops" that can use different backends (with
110various limitations), but no child and signal watchers.
111
112You do not have to do anything to create the default event loop: When
113the module is loaded a suitable backend is selected on the premise of
114selecting a working backend (which for example rules out kqueue on most
115BSDs). Modules should, unless they have "special needs" always use the
116default loop as this is fastest (perl-wise), best supported by other
117modules (e.g. AnyEvent or Coro) and most portable event loop.
118
119For specific programs you can create additional event loops dynamically.
120
121If you want to take advantage of kqueue (which often works properly for
122sockets only) even though the default loop doesn't enable it, you can
123I<embed> a kqueue loop into the default loop: running the default loop
124will then also service the kqueue loop to some extent. See the example in
125the section about embed watchers for an example on how to achieve that.
126
127=over 4
128
129=item $loop = new EV::Loop [$flags]
130
131Create a new event loop as per the specified flags. Please refer to
132the C<ev_loop_new ()> function description in the libev documentation
133(L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod#GLOBAL_FUNCTIONS>,
134or locally-installed as F<EV::libev> manpage) for more info.
135
136The loop will automatically be destroyed when it is no longer referenced
137by any watcher and the loop object goes out of scope.
138
139If you are not embedding the loop, then Using C<EV::FLAG_FORKCHECK>
140is recommended, as only the default event loop is protected by this
141module. If you I<are> embedding this loop in the default loop, this is not
142necessary, as C<EV::embed> automatically does the right thing on fork.
143
144=item $loop->loop_fork
145
146Must be called after a fork in the child, before entering or continuing
147the event loop. An alternative is to use C<EV::FLAG_FORKCHECK> which calls
148this function automatically, at some performance loss (refer to the libev
149documentation).
150
151=item $loop->loop_verify
152
153Calls C<ev_verify> to make internal consistency checks (for debugging
154libev) and abort the program if any data structures were found to be
155corrupted.
156
157=item $loop = EV::default_loop [$flags]
158
159Return the default loop (which is a singleton object). Since this module
160already creates the default loop with default flags, specifying flags here
161will not have any effect unless you destroy the default loop first, which
162isn't supported. So in short: don't do it, and if you break it, you get to
163keep the pieces.
164
165=back
166
87 167
88=head1 BASIC INTERFACE 168=head1 BASIC INTERFACE
89 169
90=over 4 170=over 4
91 171
92=item $EV::DIED 172=item $EV::DIED
93 173
94Must contain a reference to a function that is called when a callback 174Must contain a reference to a function that is called when a callback
95throws an exception (with $@ containing thr error). The default prints an 175throws an exception (with $@ containing the error). The default prints an
96informative message and continues. 176informative message and continues.
97 177
98If this callback throws an exception it will be silently ignored. 178If this callback throws an exception it will be silently ignored.
99 179
180=item $flags = EV::supported_backends
181
182=item $flags = EV::recommended_backends
183
184=item $flags = EV::embeddable_backends
185
186Returns the set (see C<EV::BACKEND_*> flags) of backends supported by this
187instance of EV, the set of recommended backends (supposed to be good) for
188this platform and the set of embeddable backends (see EMBED WATCHERS).
189
190=item EV::sleep $seconds
191
192Block the process for the given number of (fractional) seconds.
193
100=item $time = EV::time 194=item $time = EV::time
101 195
102Returns the current time in (fractional) seconds since the epoch. 196Returns the current time in (fractional) seconds since the epoch.
103 197
104=item $time = EV::now 198=item $time = EV::now
105 199
200=item $time = $loop->now
201
106Returns the time the last event loop iteration has been started. This 202Returns the time the last event loop iteration has been started. This
107is the time that (relative) timers are based on, and refering to it is 203is the time that (relative) timers are based on, and referring to it is
108usually faster then calling EV::time. 204usually faster then calling EV::time.
109 205
110=item $method = EV::method 206=item EV::now_update
111 207
208=item $loop->now_update
209
210Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
211returned by C<EV::now> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
212is usually done automatically within C<EV::loop>.
213
214This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
215very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
216the current time is a good idea.
217
218=item EV::suspend
219
220=item $loop->suspend
221
222=item EV::resume
223
224=item $loop->resume
225
226These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is
227not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
228
229A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When
230the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it
231would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while
232the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<suspend>
233in your C<SIGTSTP> handler, sending yourself a C<SIGSTOP> and calling
234C<resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
235
236Effectively, all C<timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend
237between C<suspend> and C<resume>, and all C<periodic> watchers
238will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
239occured while suspended).
240
241After calling C<suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the given
242loop other than C<resume>, and you B<must not> call C<resume>
243without a previous call to C<suspend>.
244
245Calling C<suspend>/C<resume> has the side effect of updating the event
246loop time (see C<now_update>).
247
248=item $backend = EV::backend
249
250=item $backend = $loop->backend
251
112Returns an integer describing the backend used by libev (EV::METHOD_SELECT 252Returns an integer describing the backend used by libev (EV::BACKEND_SELECT
113or EV::METHOD_EPOLL). 253or EV::BACKEND_EPOLL).
114 254
115=item EV::loop [$flags] 255=item EV::loop [$flags]
256
257=item $loop->loop ([$flags])
116 258
117Begin checking for events and calling callbacks. It returns when a 259Begin checking for events and calling callbacks. It returns when a
118callback calls EV::unloop. 260callback calls EV::unloop.
119 261
120The $flags argument can be one of the following: 262The $flags argument can be one of the following:
123 EV::LOOP_ONESHOT block at most once (wait, but do not loop) 265 EV::LOOP_ONESHOT block at most once (wait, but do not loop)
124 EV::LOOP_NONBLOCK do not block at all (fetch/handle events but do not wait) 266 EV::LOOP_NONBLOCK do not block at all (fetch/handle events but do not wait)
125 267
126=item EV::unloop [$how] 268=item EV::unloop [$how]
127 269
270=item $loop->unloop ([$how])
271
128When called with no arguments or an argument of EV::UNLOOP_ONE, makes the 272When called with no arguments or an argument of EV::UNLOOP_ONE, makes the
129innermost call to EV::loop return. 273innermost call to EV::loop return.
130 274
131When called with an argument of EV::UNLOOP_ALL, all calls to EV::loop will return as 275When called with an argument of EV::UNLOOP_ALL, all calls to EV::loop will return as
132fast as possible. 276fast as possible.
133 277
278=item $count = EV::loop_count
279
280=item $count = $loop->loop_count
281
282Return the number of times the event loop has polled for new
283events. Sometimes useful as a generation counter.
284
134=item EV::once $fh_or_undef, $events, $timeout, $cb->($revents) 285=item EV::once $fh_or_undef, $events, $timeout, $cb->($revents)
286
287=item $loop->once ($fh_or_undef, $events, $timeout, $cb->($revents))
135 288
136This function rolls together an I/O and a timer watcher for a single 289This function rolls together an I/O and a timer watcher for a single
137one-shot event without the need for managing a watcher object. 290one-shot event without the need for managing a watcher object.
138 291
139If C<$fh_or_undef> is a filehandle or file descriptor, then C<$events> 292If C<$fh_or_undef> is a filehandle or file descriptor, then C<$events>
145If timeout is C<undef> or negative, then there will be no 298If timeout is C<undef> or negative, then there will be no
146timeout. Otherwise a EV::timer with this value will be started. 299timeout. Otherwise a EV::timer with this value will be started.
147 300
148When an error occurs or either the timeout or I/O watcher triggers, then 301When an error occurs or either the timeout or I/O watcher triggers, then
149the callback will be called with the received event set (in general 302the callback will be called with the received event set (in general
150you can expect it to be a combination of C<EV:ERROR>, C<EV::READ>, 303you can expect it to be a combination of C<EV::ERROR>, C<EV::READ>,
151C<EV::WRITE> and C<EV::TIMEOUT>). 304C<EV::WRITE> and C<EV::TIMER>).
152 305
153EV::once doesn't return anything: the watchers stay active till either 306EV::once doesn't return anything: the watchers stay active till either
154of them triggers, then they will be stopped and freed, and the callback 307of them triggers, then they will be stopped and freed, and the callback
155invoked. 308invoked.
156 309
157=back 310=item EV::feed_fd_event ($fd, $revents)
158 311
312=item $loop->feed_fd_event ($fd, $revents)
313
314Feed an event on a file descriptor into EV. EV will react to this call as
315if the readyness notifications specified by C<$revents> (a combination of
316C<EV::READ> and C<EV::WRITE>) happened on the file descriptor C<$fd>.
317
318=item EV::feed_signal_event ($signal)
319
320Feed a signal event into EV. EV will react to this call as if the signal
321specified by C<$signal> had occured.
322
323=item EV::set_io_collect_interval $time
324
325=item $loop->set_io_collect_interval ($time)
326
327=item EV::set_timeout_collect_interval $time
328
329=item $loop->set_timeout_collect_interval ($time)
330
331These advanced functions set the minimum block interval when polling for I/O events and the minimum
332wait interval for timer events. See the libev documentation at
333L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod#FUNCTIONS_CONTROLLING_THE_EVENT_LOOP>
334(locally installed as F<EV::libev>) for a more detailed discussion.
335
336=item $count = EV::pending_count
337
338=item $count = $loop->pending_count
339
340Returns the number of currently pending watchers.
341
342=item EV::invoke_pending
343
344=item $loop->invoke_pending
345
346Invoke all currently pending watchers.
347
348=back
349
350
159=head2 WATCHER OBJECTS 351=head1 WATCHER OBJECTS
160 352
161A watcher is an object that gets created to record your interest in some 353A watcher is an object that gets created to record your interest in some
162event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to become readable, you 354event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to become readable, you
163would create an EV::io watcher for that: 355would create an EV::io watcher for that:
164 356
165 my $watcher = EV::io *STDIN, EV::READ, sub { 357 my $watcher = EV::io *STDIN, EV::READ, sub {
166 my ($watcher, $revents) = @_; 358 my ($watcher, $revents) = @_;
167 warn "yeah, STDIN should not be readable without blocking!\n" 359 warn "yeah, STDIN should now be readable without blocking!\n"
168 }; 360 };
169 361
170All watchers can be active (waiting for events) or inactive (paused). Only 362All watchers can be active (waiting for events) or inactive (paused). Only
171active watchers will have their callbacks invoked. All callbacks will be 363active watchers will have their callbacks invoked. All callbacks will be
172called with at least two arguments: the watcher and a bitmask of received 364called with at least two arguments: the watcher and a bitmask of received
173events. 365events.
174 366
175Each watcher type has its associated bit in revents, so you can use the 367Each watcher type has its associated bit in revents, so you can use the
176same callback for multiple watchers. The event mask is named after the 368same callback for multiple watchers. The event mask is named after the
177type, i..e. EV::child sets EV::CHILD, EV::prepare sets EV::PREPARE, 369type, i.e. EV::child sets EV::CHILD, EV::prepare sets EV::PREPARE,
178EV::periodic sets EV::PERIODIC and so on, with the exception of IO events 370EV::periodic sets EV::PERIODIC and so on, with the exception of I/O events
179(which can set both EV::READ and EV::WRITE bits), and EV::timer (which 371(which can set both EV::READ and EV::WRITE bits).
180uses EV::TIMEOUT).
181 372
182In the rare case where one wants to create a watcher but not start it at 373In the rare case where one wants to create a watcher but not start it at
183the same time, each constructor has a variant with a trailing C<_ns> in 374the same time, each constructor has a variant with a trailing C<_ns> in
184its name, e.g. EV::io has a non-starting variant EV::io_ns and so on. 375its name, e.g. EV::io has a non-starting variant EV::io_ns and so on.
185 376
205 396
206=item $w->stop 397=item $w->stop
207 398
208Stop a watcher if it is active. Also clear any pending events (events that 399Stop a watcher if it is active. Also clear any pending events (events that
209have been received but that didn't yet result in a callback invocation), 400have been received but that didn't yet result in a callback invocation),
210regardless of wether the watcher was active or not. 401regardless of whether the watcher was active or not.
211 402
212=item $bool = $w->is_active 403=item $bool = $w->is_active
213 404
214Returns true if the watcher is active, false otherwise. 405Returns true if the watcher is active, false otherwise.
215 406
245The default priority of any newly-created watcher is 0. 436The default priority of any newly-created watcher is 0.
246 437
247Note that the priority semantics have not yet been fleshed out and are 438Note that the priority semantics have not yet been fleshed out and are
248subject to almost certain change. 439subject to almost certain change.
249 440
250=item $w->trigger ($revents) 441=item $w->invoke ($revents)
251 442
252Call the callback *now* with the given event mask. 443Call the callback *now* with the given event mask.
444
445=item $w->feed_event ($revents)
446
447Feed some events on this watcher into EV. EV will react to this call as if
448the watcher had received the given C<$revents> mask.
449
450=item $revents = $w->clear_pending
451
452If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
453returns its C<$revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
454watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
253 455
254=item $previous_state = $w->keepalive ($bool) 456=item $previous_state = $w->keepalive ($bool)
255 457
256Normally, C<EV::loop> will return when there are no active watchers 458Normally, C<EV::loop> will return when there are no active watchers
257(which is a "deadlock" because no progress can be made anymore). This is 459(which is a "deadlock" because no progress can be made anymore). This is
258convinient because it allows you to start your watchers (and your jobs), 460convenient because it allows you to start your watchers (and your jobs),
259call C<EV::loop> once and when it returns you know that all your jobs are 461call C<EV::loop> once and when it returns you know that all your jobs are
260finished (or they forgot to register some watchers for their task :). 462finished (or they forgot to register some watchers for their task :).
261 463
262Sometimes, however, this gets in your way, for example when you the module 464Sometimes, however, this gets in your way, for example when the module
263that calls C<EV::loop> (usually the main program) is not the same module 465that calls C<EV::loop> (usually the main program) is not the same module
264as a long-living watcher (for example a DNS client module written by 466as a long-living watcher (for example a DNS client module written by
265somebody else even). Then you might want any outstanding requests to be 467somebody else even). Then you might want any outstanding requests to be
266handled, but you would not want to keep C<EV::loop> from returning just 468handled, but you would not want to keep C<EV::loop> from returning just
267because you happen to have this long-running UDP port watcher. 469because you happen to have this long-running UDP port watcher.
268 470
269In this case you can clear the keepalive status, which means that even 471In this case you can clear the keepalive status, which means that even
270though your watcher is active, it won't keep C<EV::loop> from returning. 472though your watcher is active, it won't keep C<EV::loop> from returning.
271 473
272The initial value for keepalive is true (enabled), and you cna change it 474The initial value for keepalive is true (enabled), and you can change it
273any time. 475any time.
274 476
275Example: Register an IO watcher for some UDP socket but do not keep the 477Example: Register an I/O watcher for some UDP socket but do not keep the
276event loop from running just because of that watcher. 478event loop from running just because of that watcher.
277 479
278 my $udp_socket = ... 480 my $udp_socket = ...
279 my $udp_watcher = EV::io $udp_socket, EV::READ, sub { ... }; 481 my $udp_watcher = EV::io $udp_socket, EV::READ, sub { ... };
280 $udp_watcher->keepalive (0); 482 $udp_watcher->keepalive (0);
281 483
282=back 484=item $loop = $w->loop
283 485
486Return the loop that this watcher is attached to.
284 487
488=back
489
490
285=head2 WATCHER TYPES 491=head1 WATCHER TYPES
286 492
287Each of the following subsections describes a single watcher type. 493Each of the following subsections describes a single watcher type.
288 494
289=head3 IO WATCHERS - is this file descriptor readable or writable? 495=head3 I/O WATCHERS - is this file descriptor readable or writable?
290 496
291=over 4 497=over 4
292 498
293=item $w = EV::io $fileno_or_fh, $eventmask, $callback 499=item $w = EV::io $fileno_or_fh, $eventmask, $callback
294 500
295=item $w = EV::io_ns $fileno_or_fh, $eventmask, $callback 501=item $w = EV::io_ns $fileno_or_fh, $eventmask, $callback
502
503=item $w = $loop->io ($fileno_or_fh, $eventmask, $callback)
504
505=item $w = $loop->io_ns ($fileno_or_fh, $eventmask, $callback)
296 506
297As long as the returned watcher object is alive, call the C<$callback> 507As long as the returned watcher object is alive, call the C<$callback>
298when at least one of events specified in C<$eventmask> occurs. 508when at least one of events specified in C<$eventmask> occurs.
299 509
300The $eventmask can be one or more of these constants ORed together: 510The $eventmask can be one or more of these constants ORed together:
329=over 4 539=over 4
330 540
331=item $w = EV::timer $after, $repeat, $callback 541=item $w = EV::timer $after, $repeat, $callback
332 542
333=item $w = EV::timer_ns $after, $repeat, $callback 543=item $w = EV::timer_ns $after, $repeat, $callback
544
545=item $w = $loop->timer ($after, $repeat, $callback)
546
547=item $w = $loop->timer_ns ($after, $repeat, $callback)
334 548
335Calls the callback after C<$after> seconds (which may be fractional). If 549Calls the callback after C<$after> seconds (which may be fractional). If
336C<$repeat> is non-zero, the timer will be restarted (with the $repeat 550C<$repeat> is non-zero, the timer will be restarted (with the $repeat
337value as $after) after the callback returns. 551value as $after) after the callback returns.
338 552
379=over 4 593=over 4
380 594
381=item $w = EV::periodic $at, $interval, $reschedule_cb, $callback 595=item $w = EV::periodic $at, $interval, $reschedule_cb, $callback
382 596
383=item $w = EV::periodic_ns $at, $interval, $reschedule_cb, $callback 597=item $w = EV::periodic_ns $at, $interval, $reschedule_cb, $callback
598
599=item $w = $loop->periodic ($at, $interval, $reschedule_cb, $callback)
600
601=item $w = $loop->periodic_ns ($at, $interval, $reschedule_cb, $callback)
384 602
385Similar to EV::timer, but is not based on relative timeouts but on 603Similar to EV::timer, but is not based on relative timeouts but on
386absolute times. Apart from creating "simple" timers that trigger "at" the 604absolute times. Apart from creating "simple" timers that trigger "at" the
387specified time, it can also be used for non-drifting absolute timers and 605specified time, it can also be used for non-drifting absolute timers and
388more complex, cron-like, setups that are not adversely affected by time 606more complex, cron-like, setups that are not adversely affected by time
398This time simply fires at the wallclock time C<$at> and doesn't repeat. It 616This time simply fires at the wallclock time C<$at> and doesn't repeat. It
399will not adjust when a time jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run 617will not adjust when a time jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run
400at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the system time reaches or 618at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the system time reaches or
401surpasses this time. 619surpasses this time.
402 620
403=item * non-repeating interval timer ($interval > 0, $reschedule_cb = 0) 621=item * repeating interval timer ($interval > 0, $reschedule_cb = 0)
404 622
405In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the 623In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the
406next C<$at + N * $interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat, 624next C<$at + N * $interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat,
407regardless of any time jumps. 625regardless of any time jumps.
408 626
426time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the reschedule callback 644time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the reschedule callback
427($reschedule_cb) will be called with the watcher as first, and the current 645($reschedule_cb) will be called with the watcher as first, and the current
428time as second argument. 646time as second argument.
429 647
430I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy this or any other periodic 648I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy this or any other periodic
431watcher, ever>. If you need to stop it, return 1e30 and stop it 649watcher, ever, and MUST NOT call any event loop functions or methods>. If
432afterwards. 650you need to stop it, return 1e30 and stop it afterwards. You may create
651and start a C<EV::prepare> watcher for this task.
433 652
434It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 653It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
435(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 654(that is, the lowest time value larger than or equal to to the second
436will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 655argument). It will usually be called just before the callback will be
437might be called at other times, too. 656triggered, but might be called at other times, too.
438 657
439This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 658This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
440triggers on each midnight, local time (actually 24 hours after the last 659triggers on each midnight, local time (actually 24 hours after the last
441midnight, to keep the example simple. If you know a way to do it correctly 660midnight, to keep the example simple. If you know a way to do it correctly
442in about the same space (without requiring elaborate modules), drop me a 661in about the same space (without requiring elaborate modules), drop me a
463 682
464=item $w->again 683=item $w->again
465 684
466Simply stops and starts the watcher again. 685Simply stops and starts the watcher again.
467 686
687=item $time = $w->at
688
689Return the time that the watcher is expected to trigger next.
690
468=back 691=back
469 692
470 693
471=head3 SIGNAL WATCHERS - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 694=head3 SIGNAL WATCHERS - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
472 695
473=over 4 696=over 4
474 697
475=item $w = EV::signal $signal, $callback 698=item $w = EV::signal $signal, $callback
476 699
477=item $w = EV::signal_ns $signal, $callback 700=item $w = EV::signal_ns $signal, $callback
701
702=item $w = $loop->signal ($signal, $callback)
703
704=item $w = $loop->signal_ns ($signal, $callback)
478 705
479Call the callback when $signal is received (the signal can be specified by 706Call the callback when $signal is received (the signal can be specified by
480number or by name, just as with C<kill> or C<%SIG>). 707number or by name, just as with C<kill> or C<%SIG>).
708
709Only one event loop can grab a given signal - attempting to grab the same
710signal from two EV loops will crash the program immediately or cause data
711corruption.
481 712
482EV will grab the signal for the process (the kernel only allows one 713EV will grab the signal for the process (the kernel only allows one
483component to receive a signal at a time) when you start a signal watcher, 714component to receive a signal at a time) when you start a signal watcher,
484and removes it again when you stop it. Perl does the same when you 715and removes it again when you stop it. Perl does the same when you
485add/remove callbacks to C<%SIG>, so watch out. 716add/remove callbacks to C<%SIG>, so watch out.
505 736
506=head3 CHILD WATCHERS - watch out for process status changes 737=head3 CHILD WATCHERS - watch out for process status changes
507 738
508=over 4 739=over 4
509 740
510=item $w = EV::child $pid, $callback 741=item $w = EV::child $pid, $trace, $callback
511 742
512=item $w = EV::child_ns $pid, $callback 743=item $w = EV::child_ns $pid, $trace, $callback
513 744
745=item $w = $loop->child ($pid, $trace, $callback)
746
747=item $w = $loop->child_ns ($pid, $trace, $callback)
748
514Call the callback when a status change for pid C<$pid> (or any pid if 749Call the callback when a status change for pid C<$pid> (or any pid
515C<$pid> is 0) has been received. More precisely: when the process receives 750if C<$pid> is 0) has been received (a status change happens when the
751process terminates or is killed, or, when trace is true, additionally when
752it is stopped or continued). More precisely: when the process receives
516a C<SIGCHLD>, EV will fetch the outstanding exit/wait status for all 753a C<SIGCHLD>, EV will fetch the outstanding exit/wait status for all
517changed/zombie children and call the callback. 754changed/zombie children and call the callback.
518 755
519It is valid (and fully supported) to install a child watcher after a child 756It is valid (and fully supported) to install a child watcher after a child
520has exited but before the event loop has started its next iteration (for 757has exited but before the event loop has started its next iteration (for
527You can have as many pid watchers per pid as you want, they will all be 764You can have as many pid watchers per pid as you want, they will all be
528called. 765called.
529 766
530The C<child_ns> variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created watcher. 767The C<child_ns> variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created watcher.
531 768
532=item $w->set ($pid) 769=item $w->set ($pid, $trace)
533 770
534Reconfigures the watcher, see the constructor above for details. Can be called at 771Reconfigures the watcher, see the constructor above for details. Can be called at
535any time. 772any time.
536 773
537=item $current_pid = $w->pid 774=item $current_pid = $w->pid
538 775
539=item $old_pid = $w->pid ($new_pid)
540
541Returns the previously set process id and optionally set a new one. 776Returns the previously set process id and optionally set a new one.
542 777
543=item $exit_status = $w->rstatus 778=item $exit_status = $w->rstatus
544 779
545Return the exit/wait status (as returned by waitpid, see the waitpid entry 780Return the exit/wait status (as returned by waitpid, see the waitpid entry
551watcher for all pids). 786watcher for all pids).
552 787
553=back 788=back
554 789
555 790
791=head3 STAT WATCHERS - did the file attributes just change?
792
793=over 4
794
795=item $w = EV::stat $path, $interval, $callback
796
797=item $w = EV::stat_ns $path, $interval, $callback
798
799=item $w = $loop->stat ($path, $interval, $callback)
800
801=item $w = $loop->stat_ns ($path, $interval, $callback)
802
803Call the callback when a file status change has been detected on
804C<$path>. The C<$path> does not need to exist, changing from "path exists"
805to "path does not exist" is a status change like any other.
806
807The C<$interval> is a recommended polling interval for systems where
808OS-supported change notifications don't exist or are not supported. If
809you use C<0> then an unspecified default is used (which is highly
810recommended!), which is to be expected to be around five seconds usually.
811
812This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
813as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
814resource-intensive.
815
816The C<stat_ns> variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created watcher.
817
818=item ... = $w->stat
819
820This call is very similar to the perl C<stat> built-in: It stats (using
821C<lstat>) the path specified in the watcher and sets perls stat cache (as
822well as EV's idea of the current stat values) to the values found.
823
824In scalar context, a boolean is return indicating success or failure of
825the stat. In list context, the same 13-value list as with stat is returned
826(except that the blksize and blocks fields are not reliable).
827
828In the case of an error, errno is set to C<ENOENT> (regardless of the
829actual error value) and the C<nlink> value is forced to zero (if the stat
830was successful then nlink is guaranteed to be non-zero).
831
832See also the next two entries for more info.
833
834=item ... = $w->attr
835
836Just like C<< $w->stat >>, but without the initial stat'ing: this returns
837the values most recently detected by EV. See the next entry for more info.
838
839=item ... = $w->prev
840
841Just like C<< $w->stat >>, but without the initial stat'ing: this returns
842the previous set of values, before the change.
843
844That is, when the watcher callback is invoked, C<< $w->prev >> will be set
845to the values found I<before> a change was detected, while C<< $w->attr >>
846returns the values found leading to the change detection. The difference (if any)
847between C<prev> and C<attr> is what triggered the callback.
848
849If you did something to the filesystem object and do not want to trigger
850yet another change, you can call C<stat> to update EV's idea of what the
851current attributes are.
852
853=item $w->set ($path, $interval)
854
855Reconfigures the watcher, see the constructor above for details. Can be
856called at any time.
857
858=item $current_path = $w->path
859
860=item $old_path = $w->path ($new_path)
861
862Returns the previously set path and optionally set a new one.
863
864=item $current_interval = $w->interval
865
866=item $old_interval = $w->interval ($new_interval)
867
868Returns the previously set interval and optionally set a new one. Can be
869used to query the actual interval used.
870
871=back
872
873
556=head3 IDLE WATCHERS - when you've got nothing better to do... 874=head3 IDLE WATCHERS - when you've got nothing better to do...
557 875
558=over 4 876=over 4
559 877
560=item $w = EV::idle $callback 878=item $w = EV::idle $callback
561 879
562=item $w = EV::idle_ns $callback 880=item $w = EV::idle_ns $callback
563 881
564Call the callback when there are no pending io, timer/periodic, signal or 882=item $w = $loop->idle ($callback)
565child events, i.e. when the process is idle. 883
884=item $w = $loop->idle_ns ($callback)
885
886Call the callback when there are no other pending watchers of the same or
887higher priority (excluding check, prepare and other idle watchers of the
888same or lower priority, of course). They are called idle watchers because
889when the watcher is the highest priority pending event in the process, the
890process is considered to be idle at that priority.
891
892If you want a watcher that is only ever called when I<no> other events are
893outstanding you have to set the priority to C<EV::MINPRI>.
566 894
567The process will not block as long as any idle watchers are active, and 895The process will not block as long as any idle watchers are active, and
568they will be called repeatedly until stopped. 896they will be called repeatedly until stopped.
569 897
898For example, if you have idle watchers at priority C<0> and C<1>, and
899an I/O watcher at priority C<0>, then the idle watcher at priority C<1>
900and the I/O watcher will always run when ready. Only when the idle watcher
901at priority C<1> is stopped and the I/O watcher at priority C<0> is not
902pending with the C<0>-priority idle watcher be invoked.
903
570The C<idle_ns> variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created watcher. 904The C<idle_ns> variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created watcher.
571 905
572=back 906=back
573 907
574 908
577=over 4 911=over 4
578 912
579=item $w = EV::prepare $callback 913=item $w = EV::prepare $callback
580 914
581=item $w = EV::prepare_ns $callback 915=item $w = EV::prepare_ns $callback
916
917=item $w = $loop->prepare ($callback)
918
919=item $w = $loop->prepare_ns ($callback)
582 920
583Call the callback just before the process would block. You can still 921Call the callback just before the process would block. You can still
584create/modify any watchers at this point. 922create/modify any watchers at this point.
585 923
586See the EV::check watcher, below, for explanations and an example. 924See the EV::check watcher, below, for explanations and an example.
595=over 4 933=over 4
596 934
597=item $w = EV::check $callback 935=item $w = EV::check $callback
598 936
599=item $w = EV::check_ns $callback 937=item $w = EV::check_ns $callback
938
939=item $w = $loop->check ($callback)
940
941=item $w = $loop->check_ns ($callback)
600 942
601Call the callback just after the process wakes up again (after it has 943Call the callback just after the process wakes up again (after it has
602gathered events), but before any other callbacks have been invoked. 944gathered events), but before any other callbacks have been invoked.
603 945
604This is used to integrate other event-based software into the EV 946This is used to integrate other event-based software into the EV
614 or return; 956 or return;
615 957
616 # make the dispatcher handle any outstanding stuff 958 # make the dispatcher handle any outstanding stuff
617 ... not shown 959 ... not shown
618 960
619 # create an IO watcher for each and every socket 961 # create an I/O watcher for each and every socket
620 @snmp_watcher = ( 962 @snmp_watcher = (
621 (map { EV::io $_, EV::READ, sub { } } 963 (map { EV::io $_, EV::READ, sub { } }
622 keys %{ $dispatcher->{_descriptors} }), 964 keys %{ $dispatcher->{_descriptors} }),
623 965
624 EV::timer +($event->[Net::SNMP::Dispatcher::_ACTIVE] 966 EV::timer +($event->[Net::SNMP::Dispatcher::_ACTIVE]
639 # make the dispatcher handle any new stuff 981 # make the dispatcher handle any new stuff
640 ... not shown 982 ... not shown
641 }; 983 };
642 984
643The callbacks of the created watchers will not be called as the watchers 985The callbacks of the created watchers will not be called as the watchers
644are destroyed before this cna happen (remember EV::check gets called 986are destroyed before this can happen (remember EV::check gets called
645first). 987first).
646 988
647The C<check_ns> variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created watcher. 989The C<check_ns> variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created watcher.
648 990
649=back 991=back
650 992
651=head3 STAT WATCHERS - did the file stats just change?
652 993
653=over 4 994=head3 FORK WATCHERS - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
654 995
655=item $w = EV::stat $path, $interval, $callback 996Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected. The invocation
997is done before the event loop blocks next and before C<check> watchers
998are being called, and only in the child after the fork.
656 999
657=item $w = EV::stat_ns $path, $interval, $callback 1000=over 4
658 1001
659Call the callback when a file status change has been detected on 1002=item $w = EV::fork $callback
660C<$path>. The C<$path> does not need to exist, changing from "path exists"
661to "path does not exist" is a status change like any other.
662 1003
663The C<$interval> is a recommended polling interval for systems where 1004=item $w = EV::fork_ns $callback
664OS-supported change notifications don't exist or are not supported. If
665you use C<0> then an unspecified default is used (which is highly
666recommended!), which is to be expected to be around five seconds usually.
667 1005
668This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1006=item $w = $loop->fork ($callback)
669as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
670resource-intensive.
671 1007
1008=item $w = $loop->fork_ns ($callback)
1009
1010Call the callback before the event loop is resumed in the child process
1011after a fork.
1012
672The C<stat_ns> variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created watcher. 1013The C<fork_ns> variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created watcher.
673 1014
674=item $w->set ($path, $interval)
675
676Reconfigures the watcher, see the constructor above for details. Can be
677called at any time.
678
679=item $current_path = $w->path
680
681=item $old_path = $w->path ($new_path)
682
683Returns the previously set path and optionally set a new one.
684
685=item $current_interval = $w->interval
686
687=item $old_interval = $w->interval ($new_interval)
688
689Returns the previously set interval and optionally set a new one. Can be
690used to query the actual interval used.
691
692=back 1015=back
693 1016
694 1017
1018=head3 EMBED WATCHERS - when one backend isn't enough...
1019
1020This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1021into another (currently only IO events are supported in the embedded
1022loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect
1023fashion and must not be used).
1024
1025See the libev documentation at
1026L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod#code_ev_embed_code_when_one_backend_>
1027(locally installed as F<EV::libev>) for more details.
1028
1029In short, this watcher is most useful on BSD systems without working
1030kqueue to still be able to handle a large number of sockets:
1031
1032 my $socket_loop;
1033
1034 # check wether we use SELECT or POLL _and_ KQUEUE is supported
1035 if (
1036 (EV::backend & (EV::BACKEND_POLL | EV::BACKEND_SELECT))
1037 && (EV::supported_backends & EV::embeddable_backends & EV::BACKEND_KQUEUE)
1038 ) {
1039 # use kqueue for sockets
1040 $socket_loop = new EV::Loop EV::BACKEND_KQUEUE | EV::FLAG_NOENV;
1041 }
1042
1043 # use the default loop otherwise
1044 $socket_loop ||= EV::default_loop;
1045
1046=over 4
1047
1048=item $w = EV::embed $otherloop[, $callback]
1049
1050=item $w = EV::embed_ns $otherloop[, $callback]
1051
1052=item $w = $loop->embed ($otherloop[, $callback])
1053
1054=item $w = $loop->embed_ns ($otherloop[, $callback])
1055
1056Call the callback when the embedded event loop (C<$otherloop>) has any
1057I/O activity. The C<$callback> is optional: if it is missing, then the
1058embedded event loop will be managed automatically (which is recommended),
1059otherwise you have to invoke C<sweep> yourself.
1060
1061The C<embed_ns> variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created watcher.
1062
1063=back
1064
1065=head3 ASYNC WATCHERS - how to wake up another event loop
1066
1067Async watchers are provided by EV, but have little use in perl directly,
1068as perl neither supports threads running in parallel nor direct access to
1069signal handlers or other contexts where they could be of value.
1070
1071It is, however, possible to use them from the XS level.
1072
1073Please see the libev documentation for further details.
1074
1075=over 4
1076
1077=item $w = EV::async $callback
1078
1079=item $w = EV::async_ns $callback
1080
1081=item $w->send
1082
1083=item $bool = $w->async_pending
1084
1085=back
1086
1087
1088=head1 PERL SIGNALS
1089
1090While Perl signal handling (C<%SIG>) is not affected by EV, the behaviour
1091with EV is as the same as any other C library: Perl-signals will only be
1092handled when Perl runs, which means your signal handler might be invoked
1093only the next time an event callback is invoked.
1094
1095The solution is to use EV signal watchers (see C<EV::signal>), which will
1096ensure proper operations with regards to other event watchers.
1097
1098If you cannot do this for whatever reason, you can also force a watcher
1099to be called on every event loop iteration by installing a C<EV::check>
1100watcher:
1101
1102 my $async_check = EV::check sub { };
1103
1104This ensures that perl gets into control for a short time to handle any
1105pending signals, and also ensures (slightly) slower overall operation.
1106
695=head1 THREADS 1107=head1 ITHREADS
696 1108
697Threads are not supported by this module in any way. Perl pseudo-threads 1109Ithreads are not supported by this module in any way. Perl pseudo-threads
698is evil stuff and must die. As soon as Perl gains real threads I will work 1110is evil stuff and must die. Real threads as provided by Coro are fully
699on thread support for it. 1111supported (and enhanced support is available via L<Coro::EV>).
700 1112
701=head1 FORK 1113=head1 FORK
702 1114
703Most of the "improved" event delivering mechanisms of modern operating 1115Most of the "improved" event delivering mechanisms of modern operating
704systems have quite a few problems with fork(2) (to put it bluntly: it is 1116systems have quite a few problems with fork(2) (to put it bluntly: it is
720our $DIED = sub { 1132our $DIED = sub {
721 warn "EV: error in callback (ignoring): $@"; 1133 warn "EV: error in callback (ignoring): $@";
722}; 1134};
723 1135
724default_loop 1136default_loop
725 or die 'EV: cannot initialise libev backend. bad $ENV{LIBEV_METHODS}?'; 1137 or die 'EV: cannot initialise libev backend. bad $ENV{LIBEV_FLAGS}?';
726 1138
7271; 11391;
728 1140
729=head1 SEE ALSO 1141=head1 SEE ALSO
730 1142
731L<EV::DNS>. 1143L<EV::ADNS> (asynchronous DNS), L<Glib::EV> (makes Glib/Gtk2 use EV as
1144event loop), L<EV::Glib> (embed Glib into EV), L<Coro::EV> (efficient
1145coroutines with EV), L<Net::SNMP::EV> (asynchronous SNMP), L<AnyEvent> for
1146event-loop agnostic and portable event driven programming.
732 1147
733=head1 AUTHOR 1148=head1 AUTHOR
734 1149
735 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 1150 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
736 http://home.schmorp.de/ 1151 http://home.schmorp.de/
737 1152
738=cut 1153=cut
739 1154

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