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Revision 1.110 by root, Wed Dec 24 22:05:58 2008 UTC vs.
Revision 1.131 by root, Sun Dec 5 11:45:22 2010 UTC

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 BEFORE YOU START USING THIS MODULE
57
58If you only need timer, I/O, signal, child and idle watchers and not the
59advanced functionality of this module, consider using L<AnyEvent> instead,
60specifically the simplified API described in L<AE>.
61
62When used with EV as backend, the L<AE> API is as fast as the native L<EV>
63API, but your programs/modules will still run with many other event loops.
64
56=head1 DESCRIPTION 65=head1 DESCRIPTION
57 66
58This module provides an interface to libev 67This module provides an interface to libev
59(L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/libev.html>). While the documentation 68(L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/libev.html>). While the documentation
60below is comprehensive, one might also consult the documentation of 69below is comprehensive, one might also consult the documentation of
68can use it through the L<AnyEvent> module, stay portable to other event 77can 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) 78loops (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 79and still be faster than with any other event loop currently supported in
71Perl. 80Perl.
72 81
82=head2 PORTING FROM EV 3.X to 4.X
83
84EV version 4 introduces a number of incompatible changes summarised
85here. According to the depreciation strategy used by libev, there is a
86compatibility layer in place so programs should continue to run unchanged
87(the XS interface lacks this layer, so programs using that one need to be
88updated).
89
90This compatibility layer will be switched off in some future release.
91
92All changes relevant to Perl are renames of symbols, functions and
93methods:
94
95 EV::loop => EV::run
96 EV::LOOP_NONBLOCK => EV::RUN_NOWAIT
97 EV::LOOP_ONESHOT => EV::RUN_ONCE
98
99 EV::unloop => EV::break
100 EV::UNLOOP_CANCEL => EV::BREAK_CANCEL
101 EV::UNLOOP_ONE => EV::BREAK_ONE
102 EV::UNLOOP_ALL => EV::BREAK_ALL
103
104 EV::TIMEOUT => EV::TIMER
105
106 EV::loop_count => EV::iteration
107 EV::loop_depth => EV::depth
108 EV::loop_verify => EV::verify
109
110The loop object methods corresponding to the functions above have been
111similarly renamed.
112
73=head2 MODULE EXPORTS 113=head2 MODULE EXPORTS
74 114
75This module does not export any symbols. 115This module does not export any symbols.
76 116
77=cut 117=cut
78 118
79package EV; 119package EV;
80 120
81no warnings; 121use common::sense;
82use strict;
83 122
84BEGIN { 123BEGIN {
85 our $VERSION = '3.51'; 124 our $VERSION = '4.01';
86 use XSLoader; 125 use XSLoader;
87 XSLoader::load "EV", $VERSION; 126 XSLoader::load "EV", $VERSION;
88} 127}
89 128
90@EV::IO::ISA = 129@EV::IO::ISA =
125will then also service the kqueue loop to some extent. See the example in 164will then also service the kqueue loop to some extent. See the example in
126the section about embed watchers for an example on how to achieve that. 165the section about embed watchers for an example on how to achieve that.
127 166
128=over 4 167=over 4
129 168
130=item $loop = new EV::loop [$flags] 169=item $loop = new EV::Loop [$flags]
131 170
132Create a new event loop as per the specified flags. Please refer to 171Create a new event loop as per the specified flags. Please refer to
133the C<ev_loop_new ()> function description in the libev documentation 172the C<ev_loop_new ()> function description in the libev documentation
134(L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod#GLOBAL_FUNCTIONS>, 173(L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod#GLOBAL_FUNCTIONS>,
135or locally-installed as F<EV::libev> manpage) for more info. 174or locally-installed as F<EV::libev> manpage) for more info.
202 241
203Returns the time the last event loop iteration has been started. This 242Returns the time the last event loop iteration has been started. This
204is the time that (relative) timers are based on, and referring to it is 243is the time that (relative) timers are based on, and referring to it is
205usually faster then calling EV::time. 244usually faster then calling EV::time.
206 245
246=item EV::now_update
247
248=item $loop->now_update
249
250Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
251returned by C<EV::now> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
252is usually done automatically within C<EV::loop>.
253
254This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
255very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
256the current time is a good idea.
257
258=item EV::suspend
259
260=item $loop->suspend
261
262=item EV::resume
263
264=item $loop->resume
265
266These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is
267not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
268
269A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When
270the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it
271would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while
272the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<suspend>
273in your C<SIGTSTP> handler, sending yourself a C<SIGSTOP> and calling
274C<resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
275
276Effectively, all C<timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend
277between C<suspend> and C<resume>, and all C<periodic> watchers
278will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
279occured while suspended).
280
281After calling C<suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the given
282loop other than C<resume>, and you B<must not> call C<resume>
283without a previous call to C<suspend>.
284
285Calling C<suspend>/C<resume> has the side effect of updating the event
286loop time (see C<now_update>).
287
207=item $backend = EV::backend 288=item $backend = EV::backend
208 289
209=item $backend = $loop->backend 290=item $backend = $loop->backend
210 291
211Returns an integer describing the backend used by libev (EV::BACKEND_SELECT 292Returns an integer describing the backend used by libev (EV::BACKEND_SELECT
258timeout. Otherwise a EV::timer with this value will be started. 339timeout. Otherwise a EV::timer with this value will be started.
259 340
260When an error occurs or either the timeout or I/O watcher triggers, then 341When an error occurs or either the timeout or I/O watcher triggers, then
261the callback will be called with the received event set (in general 342the callback will be called with the received event set (in general
262you can expect it to be a combination of C<EV::ERROR>, C<EV::READ>, 343you can expect it to be a combination of C<EV::ERROR>, C<EV::READ>,
263C<EV::WRITE> and C<EV::TIMEOUT>). 344C<EV::WRITE> and C<EV::TIMER>).
264 345
265EV::once doesn't return anything: the watchers stay active till either 346EV::once doesn't return anything: the watchers stay active till either
266of them triggers, then they will be stopped and freed, and the callback 347of them triggers, then they will be stopped and freed, and the callback
267invoked. 348invoked.
268 349
290These advanced functions set the minimum block interval when polling for I/O events and the minimum 371These advanced functions set the minimum block interval when polling for I/O events and the minimum
291wait interval for timer events. See the libev documentation at 372wait interval for timer events. See the libev documentation at
292L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod#FUNCTIONS_CONTROLLING_THE_EVENT_LOOP> 373L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod#FUNCTIONS_CONTROLLING_THE_EVENT_LOOP>
293(locally installed as F<EV::libev>) for a more detailed discussion. 374(locally installed as F<EV::libev>) for a more detailed discussion.
294 375
376=item $count = EV::pending_count
377
378=item $count = $loop->pending_count
379
380Returns the number of currently pending watchers.
381
382=item EV::invoke_pending
383
384=item $loop->invoke_pending
385
386Invoke all currently pending watchers.
387
295=back 388=back
296 389
297 390
298=head1 WATCHER OBJECTS 391=head1 WATCHER OBJECTS
299 392
313 406
314Each watcher type has its associated bit in revents, so you can use the 407Each watcher type has its associated bit in revents, so you can use the
315same callback for multiple watchers. The event mask is named after the 408same callback for multiple watchers. The event mask is named after the
316type, i.e. EV::child sets EV::CHILD, EV::prepare sets EV::PREPARE, 409type, i.e. EV::child sets EV::CHILD, EV::prepare sets EV::PREPARE,
317EV::periodic sets EV::PERIODIC and so on, with the exception of I/O events 410EV::periodic sets EV::PERIODIC and so on, with the exception of I/O events
318(which can set both EV::READ and EV::WRITE bits), and EV::timer (which 411(which can set both EV::READ and EV::WRITE bits).
319uses EV::TIMEOUT).
320 412
321In the rare case where one wants to create a watcher but not start it at 413In the rare case where one wants to create a watcher but not start it at
322the same time, each constructor has a variant with a trailing C<_ns> in 414the same time, each constructor has a variant with a trailing C<_ns> in
323its name, e.g. EV::io has a non-starting variant EV::io_ns and so on. 415its name, e.g. EV::io has a non-starting variant EV::io_ns and so on.
324 416
403 495
404=item $previous_state = $w->keepalive ($bool) 496=item $previous_state = $w->keepalive ($bool)
405 497
406Normally, C<EV::loop> will return when there are no active watchers 498Normally, C<EV::loop> will return when there are no active watchers
407(which is a "deadlock" because no progress can be made anymore). This is 499(which is a "deadlock" because no progress can be made anymore). This is
408convinient because it allows you to start your watchers (and your jobs), 500convenient because it allows you to start your watchers (and your jobs),
409call C<EV::loop> once and when it returns you know that all your jobs are 501call C<EV::loop> once and when it returns you know that all your jobs are
410finished (or they forgot to register some watchers for their task :). 502finished (or they forgot to register some watchers for their task :).
411 503
412Sometimes, however, this gets in your way, for example when the module 504Sometimes, however, this gets in your way, for example when the module
413that calls C<EV::loop> (usually the main program) is not the same module 505that calls C<EV::loop> (usually the main program) is not the same module
645 737
646=item $w = EV::signal $signal, $callback 738=item $w = EV::signal $signal, $callback
647 739
648=item $w = EV::signal_ns $signal, $callback 740=item $w = EV::signal_ns $signal, $callback
649 741
742=item $w = $loop->signal ($signal, $callback)
743
744=item $w = $loop->signal_ns ($signal, $callback)
745
650Call the callback when $signal is received (the signal can be specified by 746Call the callback when $signal is received (the signal can be specified by
651number or by name, just as with C<kill> or C<%SIG>). 747number or by name, just as with C<kill> or C<%SIG>).
748
749Only one event loop can grab a given signal - attempting to grab the same
750signal from two EV loops will crash the program immediately or cause data
751corruption.
652 752
653EV will grab the signal for the process (the kernel only allows one 753EV will grab the signal for the process (the kernel only allows one
654component to receive a signal at a time) when you start a signal watcher, 754component to receive a signal at a time) when you start a signal watcher,
655and removes it again when you stop it. Perl does the same when you 755and removes it again when you stop it. Perl does the same when you
656add/remove callbacks to C<%SIG>, so watch out. 756add/remove callbacks to C<%SIG>, so watch out.
881=item $w = $loop->check_ns ($callback) 981=item $w = $loop->check_ns ($callback)
882 982
883Call the callback just after the process wakes up again (after it has 983Call the callback just after the process wakes up again (after it has
884gathered events), but before any other callbacks have been invoked. 984gathered events), but before any other callbacks have been invoked.
885 985
886This is used to integrate other event-based software into the EV 986This can be used to integrate other event-based software into the EV
887mainloop: You register a prepare callback and in there, you create io and 987mainloop: You register a prepare callback and in there, you create io and
888timer watchers as required by the other software. Here is a real-world 988timer watchers as required by the other software. Here is a real-world
889example of integrating Net::SNMP (with some details left out): 989example of integrating Net::SNMP (with some details left out):
890 990
891 our @snmp_watcher; 991 our @snmp_watcher;
925The callbacks of the created watchers will not be called as the watchers 1025The callbacks of the created watchers will not be called as the watchers
926are destroyed before this can happen (remember EV::check gets called 1026are destroyed before this can happen (remember EV::check gets called
927first). 1027first).
928 1028
929The C<check_ns> variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created watcher. 1029The C<check_ns> variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created watcher.
1030
1031=item EV::CHECK constant issues
1032
1033Like all other watcher types, there is a bitmask constant for use in
1034C<$revents> and other places. The C<EV::CHECK> is special as it has
1035the same name as the C<CHECK> sub called by Perl. This doesn't cause
1036big issues on newer perls (beginning with 5.8.9), but it means thatthe
1037constant must be I<inlined>, i.e. runtime calls will not work. That means
1038that as long as you always C<use EV> and then C<EV::CHECK> you are on the
1039safe side.
930 1040
931=back 1041=back
932 1042
933 1043
934=head3 FORK WATCHERS - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 1044=head3 FORK WATCHERS - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1002 1112
1003=back 1113=back
1004 1114
1005=head3 ASYNC WATCHERS - how to wake up another event loop 1115=head3 ASYNC WATCHERS - how to wake up another event loop
1006 1116
1007Async watchers are provided by EV, but have little use in perl directly, as perl 1117Async watchers are provided by EV, but have little use in perl directly,
1008neither supports threads nor direct access to signal handlers or other 1118as perl neither supports threads running in parallel nor direct access to
1009contexts where they could be of value. 1119signal handlers or other contexts where they could be of value.
1010 1120
1011It is, however, possible to use them from the XS level. 1121It is, however, possible to use them from the XS level.
1012 1122
1013Please see the libev documentation for further details. 1123Please see the libev documentation for further details.
1014 1124
1042 my $async_check = EV::check sub { }; 1152 my $async_check = EV::check sub { };
1043 1153
1044This ensures that perl gets into control for a short time to handle any 1154This ensures that perl gets into control for a short time to handle any
1045pending signals, and also ensures (slightly) slower overall operation. 1155pending signals, and also ensures (slightly) slower overall operation.
1046 1156
1047=head1 THREADS 1157=head1 ITHREADS
1048 1158
1049Threads are not supported by this module in any way. Perl pseudo-threads 1159Ithreads are not supported by this module in any way. Perl pseudo-threads
1050is evil stuff and must die. As soon as Perl gains real threads I will work 1160is evil stuff and must die. Real threads as provided by Coro are fully
1051on thread support for it. 1161supported (and enhanced support is available via L<Coro::EV>).
1052 1162
1053=head1 FORK 1163=head1 FORK
1054 1164
1055Most of the "improved" event delivering mechanisms of modern operating 1165Most of the "improved" event delivering mechanisms of modern operating
1056systems have quite a few problems with fork(2) (to put it bluntly: it is 1166systems have quite a few problems with fork(2) (to put it bluntly: it is
1078 1188
10791; 11891;
1080 1190
1081=head1 SEE ALSO 1191=head1 SEE ALSO
1082 1192
1193L<EV::MakeMaker> - MakeMaker interface to XS API, L<EV::ADNS>
1083L<EV::ADNS> (asynchronous DNS), L<Glib::EV> (makes Glib/Gtk2 use EV as 1194(asynchronous DNS), L<Glib::EV> (makes Glib/Gtk2 use EV as event
1084event loop), L<EV::Glib> (embed Glib into EV), L<Coro::EV> (efficient 1195loop), L<EV::Glib> (embed Glib into EV), L<Coro::EV> (efficient thread
1085coroutines with EV), L<Net::SNMP::EV> (asynchronous SNMP), L<AnyEvent> for 1196integration), L<Net::SNMP::EV> (asynchronous SNMP), L<AnyEvent> for
1086event-loop agnostic and portable event driven programming. 1197event-loop agnostic and portable event driven programming.
1087 1198
1088=head1 AUTHOR 1199=head1 AUTHOR
1089 1200
1090 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 1201 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>

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