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Revision 1.30 by root, Thu Nov 8 02:19:36 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.138 by root, Sun May 6 16:30:27 2012 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 { 45 # STAT CHANGES
12 warn "is called after 2s"; 46 my $w = EV::stat "/etc/passwd", 10, sub {
13 };
14
15 my $w = EV::timer 2, 1, sub {
16 warn "is called roughly every 2s (repeat = 1)";
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 get the watcher object 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 my $w = EV::signal 3, sub {
39 warn "sigquit received (this is GNU/Linux, right?)\n";
40 };
41
42 # CHILD/PID STATUS CHANGES
43
44 my $w = EV::child 666, sub {
45 my ($w, $revents) = @_; 47 my ($w, $revents) = @_;
46 # my $pid = $w->rpid; 48 warn $w->path, " has changed somehow.\n";
47 my $status = $w->rstatus;
48 }; 49 };
49 50
50 # MAINLOOP 51 # MAINLOOP
51 EV::loop; # loop until EV::loop_done is called 52 EV::run; # loop until EV::unloop is called or all watchers stop
52 EV::loop EV::LOOP_ONESHOT; # block until at least one event could be handled 53 EV::run EV::RUN_ONCE; # block until at least one event could be handled
53 EV::loop EV::LOOP_NONBLOCK; # try to handle same events, but do not block 54 EV::run EV::RUN_NOWAIT; # try to handle same events, but do not block
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.
54 64
55=head1 DESCRIPTION 65=head1 DESCRIPTION
56 66
57This module provides an interface to libev 67This module provides an interface to libev
58(L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/libev.html>). 68(L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/libev.html>). While the documentation
69below is comprehensive, one might also consult the documentation of
70libev itself (L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod> or
71F<perldoc EV::libev>) for more subtle details on watcher semantics or some
72discussion on the available backends, or how to force a specific backend
73with C<LIBEV_FLAGS>, or just about in any case because it has much more
74detailed information.
75
76This module is very fast and scalable. It is actually so fast that you
77can use it through the L<AnyEvent> module, stay portable to other event
78loops (if you don't rely on any watcher types not available through it)
79and still be faster than with any other event loop currently supported in
80Perl.
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
113=head2 MODULE EXPORTS
114
115This module does not export any symbols.
59 116
60=cut 117=cut
61 118
62package EV; 119package EV;
63 120
64use strict; 121use common::sense;
65 122
66BEGIN { 123BEGIN {
67 our $VERSION = '0.51'; 124 our $VERSION = '4.11';
68 use XSLoader; 125 use XSLoader;
69 XSLoader::load "EV", $VERSION; 126 XSLoader::load "EV", $VERSION;
70} 127}
71 128
72@EV::Io::ISA = 129@EV::IO::ISA =
73@EV::Timer::ISA = 130@EV::Timer::ISA =
74@EV::Periodic::ISA = 131@EV::Periodic::ISA =
75@EV::Signal::ISA = 132@EV::Signal::ISA =
133@EV::Child::ISA =
134@EV::Stat::ISA =
76@EV::Idle::ISA = 135@EV::Idle::ISA =
77@EV::Prepare::ISA = 136@EV::Prepare::ISA =
78@EV::Check::ISA = 137@EV::Check::ISA =
79@EV::Child::ISA = "EV::Watcher"; 138@EV::Embed::ISA =
139@EV::Fork::ISA =
140@EV::Async::ISA =
141 "EV::Watcher";
142
143@EV::Loop::Default::ISA = "EV::Loop";
144
145=head1 EVENT LOOPS
146
147EV supports multiple event loops: There is a single "default event loop"
148that can handle everything including signals and child watchers, and any
149number of "dynamic event loops" that can use different backends (with
150various limitations), but no child and signal watchers.
151
152You do not have to do anything to create the default event loop: When
153the module is loaded a suitable backend is selected on the premise of
154selecting a working backend (which for example rules out kqueue on most
155BSDs). Modules should, unless they have "special needs" always use the
156default loop as this is fastest (perl-wise), best supported by other
157modules (e.g. AnyEvent or Coro) and most portable event loop.
158
159For specific programs you can create additional event loops dynamically.
160
161If you want to take advantage of kqueue (which often works properly for
162sockets only) even though the default loop doesn't enable it, you can
163I<embed> a kqueue loop into the default loop: running the default loop
164will then also service the kqueue loop to some extent. See the example in
165the section about embed watchers for an example on how to achieve that.
166
167=over 4
168
169=item $loop = new EV::Loop [$flags]
170
171Create a new event loop as per the specified flags. Please refer to
172the C<ev_loop_new ()> function description in the libev documentation
173(L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod#GLOBAL_FUNCTIONS>,
174or locally-installed as F<EV::libev> manpage) for more info.
175
176The loop will automatically be destroyed when it is no longer referenced
177by any watcher and the loop object goes out of scope.
178
179If you are not embedding the loop, then Using C<EV::FLAG_FORKCHECK>
180is recommended, as only the default event loop is protected by this
181module. If you I<are> embedding this loop in the default loop, this is not
182necessary, as C<EV::embed> automatically does the right thing on fork.
183
184=item $loop->loop_fork
185
186Must be called after a fork in the child, before entering or continuing
187the event loop. An alternative is to use C<EV::FLAG_FORKCHECK> which calls
188this function automatically, at some performance loss (refer to the libev
189documentation).
190
191=item $loop->verify
192
193Calls C<ev_verify> to make internal consistency checks (for debugging
194libev) and abort the program if any data structures were found to be
195corrupted.
196
197=item $loop = EV::default_loop [$flags]
198
199Return the default loop (which is a singleton object). Since this module
200already creates the default loop with default flags, specifying flags here
201will not have any effect unless you destroy the default loop first, which
202isn't supported. So in short: don't do it, and if you break it, you get to
203keep the pieces.
204
205=back
206
80 207
81=head1 BASIC INTERFACE 208=head1 BASIC INTERFACE
82 209
83=over 4 210=over 4
84 211
85=item $EV::DIED 212=item $EV::DIED
86 213
87Must contain a reference to a function that is called when a callback 214Must contain a reference to a function that is called when a callback
88throws an exception (with $@ containing thr error). The default prints an 215throws an exception (with $@ containing the error). The default prints an
89informative message and continues. 216informative message and continues.
90 217
91If this callback throws an exception it will be silently ignored. 218If this callback throws an exception it will be silently ignored.
92 219
220=item $flags = EV::supported_backends
221
222=item $flags = EV::recommended_backends
223
224=item $flags = EV::embeddable_backends
225
226Returns the set (see C<EV::BACKEND_*> flags) of backends supported by this
227instance of EV, the set of recommended backends (supposed to be good) for
228this platform and the set of embeddable backends (see EMBED WATCHERS).
229
230=item EV::sleep $seconds
231
232Block the process for the given number of (fractional) seconds.
233
93=item $time = EV::time 234=item $time = EV::time
94 235
95Returns the current time in (fractional) seconds since the epoch. 236Returns the current time in (fractional) seconds since the epoch.
96 237
97=item $time = EV::now 238=item $time = EV::now
98 239
240=item $time = $loop->now
241
99Returns the time the last event loop iteration has been started. This 242Returns the time the last event loop iteration has been started. This
100is the time that (relative) timers are based on, and refering to it is 243is the time that (relative) timers are based on, and referring to it is
101usually faster then calling EV::time. 244usually faster then calling EV::time.
102 245
103=item $method = EV::ev_method 246=item EV::now_update
104 247
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
288=item $backend = EV::backend
289
290=item $backend = $loop->backend
291
105Returns an integer describing the backend used by libev (EV::METHOD_SELECT 292Returns an integer describing the backend used by libev (EV::BACKEND_SELECT
106or EV::METHOD_EPOLL). 293or EV::BACKEND_EPOLL).
107 294
108=item EV::loop [$flags] 295=item $active = EV::run [$flags]
296
297=item $active = $loop->run ([$flags])
109 298
110Begin checking for events and calling callbacks. It returns when a 299Begin checking for events and calling callbacks. It returns when a
111callback calls EV::loop_done. 300callback calls EV::unloop or the flasg are nonzero (in which case the
301return value is true) or when there are no active watchers which reference
302the loop (keepalive is true), in which case the return value will be
303false. The returnv alue can generally be interpreted as "if true, there is
304more work left to do".
112 305
113The $flags argument can be one of the following: 306The $flags argument can be one of the following:
114 307
115 0 as above 308 0 as above
116 EV::LOOP_ONESHOT block at most once (wait, but do not loop) 309 EV::RUN_ONCE block at most once (wait, but do not loop)
117 EV::LOOP_NONBLOCK do not block at all (fetch/handle events but do not wait) 310 EV::RUN_NOWAIT do not block at all (fetch/handle events but do not wait)
118 311
119=item EV::loop_done [$how] 312=item EV::break [$how]
120 313
314=item $loop->break ([$how])
315
121When called with no arguments or an argument of 1, makes the innermost 316When called with no arguments or an argument of EV::BREAK_ONE, makes the
122call to EV::loop return. 317innermost call to EV::loop return.
123 318
124When called with an agrument of 2, all calls to EV::loop will return as 319When called with an argument of EV::BREAK_ALL, all calls to EV::loop will
125fast as possible. 320return as fast as possible.
126 321
127=back 322When called with an argument of EV::BREAK_CANCEL, any pending break will
323be cancelled.
128 324
129=head2 WATCHER 325=item $count = EV::iteration
326
327=item $count = $loop->iteration
328
329Return the number of times the event loop has polled for new
330events. Sometimes useful as a generation counter.
331
332=item EV::once $fh_or_undef, $events, $timeout, $cb->($revents)
333
334=item $loop->once ($fh_or_undef, $events, $timeout, $cb->($revents))
335
336This function rolls together an I/O and a timer watcher for a single
337one-shot event without the need for managing a watcher object.
338
339If C<$fh_or_undef> is a filehandle or file descriptor, then C<$events>
340must be a bitset containing either C<EV::READ>, C<EV::WRITE> or C<EV::READ
341| EV::WRITE>, indicating the type of I/O event you want to wait for. If
342you do not want to wait for some I/O event, specify C<undef> for
343C<$fh_or_undef> and C<0> for C<$events>).
344
345If timeout is C<undef> or negative, then there will be no
346timeout. Otherwise a EV::timer with this value will be started.
347
348When an error occurs or either the timeout or I/O watcher triggers, then
349the callback will be called with the received event set (in general
350you can expect it to be a combination of C<EV::ERROR>, C<EV::READ>,
351C<EV::WRITE> and C<EV::TIMER>).
352
353EV::once doesn't return anything: the watchers stay active till either
354of them triggers, then they will be stopped and freed, and the callback
355invoked.
356
357=item EV::feed_fd_event $fd, $revents
358
359=item $loop->feed_fd_event ($fd, $revents)
360
361Feed an event on a file descriptor into EV. EV will react to this call as
362if the readyness notifications specified by C<$revents> (a combination of
363C<EV::READ> and C<EV::WRITE>) happened on the file descriptor C<$fd>.
364
365=item EV::feed_signal_event $signal
366
367Feed a signal event into the default loop. EV will react to this call as
368if the signal specified by C<$signal> had occured.
369
370=item EV::feed_signal $signal
371
372Feed a signal event into EV - unlike C<EV::feed_signal_event>, this works
373regardless of which loop has registered the signal, and is mainly useful
374fro custom signal implementations.
375
376=item EV::set_io_collect_interval $time
377
378=item $loop->set_io_collect_interval ($time)
379
380=item EV::set_timeout_collect_interval $time
381
382=item $loop->set_timeout_collect_interval ($time)
383
384These advanced functions set the minimum block interval when polling for I/O events and the minimum
385wait interval for timer events. See the libev documentation at
386L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod#FUNCTIONS_CONTROLLING_THE_EVENT_LOOP>
387(locally installed as F<EV::libev>) for a more detailed discussion.
388
389=item $count = EV::pending_count
390
391=item $count = $loop->pending_count
392
393Returns the number of currently pending watchers.
394
395=item EV::invoke_pending
396
397=item $loop->invoke_pending
398
399Invoke all currently pending watchers.
400
401=back
402
403
404=head1 WATCHER OBJECTS
130 405
131A watcher is an object that gets created to record your interest in some 406A watcher is an object that gets created to record your interest in some
132event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to become readable, you 407event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to become readable, you
133would create an EV::io watcher for that: 408would create an EV::io watcher for that:
134 409
135 my $watcher = EV::io *STDIN, EV::READ, sub { 410 my $watcher = EV::io *STDIN, EV::READ, sub {
136 my ($watcher, $revents) = @_; 411 my ($watcher, $revents) = @_;
137 warn "yeah, STDIN should not be readable without blocking!\n" 412 warn "yeah, STDIN should now be readable without blocking!\n"
138 }; 413 };
139 414
140All watchers can be active (waiting for events) or inactive (paused). Only 415All watchers can be active (waiting for events) or inactive (paused). Only
141active watchers will have their callbacks invoked. All callbacks will be 416active watchers will have their callbacks invoked. All callbacks will be
142called with at least two arguments: the watcher and a bitmask of received 417called with at least two arguments: the watcher and a bitmask of received
143events. 418events.
144 419
145Each watcher type has its associated bit in revents, so you can use the 420Each watcher type has its associated bit in revents, so you can use the
146same callback for multiple watchers. The event mask is named after the 421same callback for multiple watchers. The event mask is named after the
147type, i..e. EV::child sets EV::CHILD, EV::prepare sets EV::PREPARE, 422type, i.e. EV::child sets EV::CHILD, EV::prepare sets EV::PREPARE,
148EV::periodic sets EV::PERIODIC and so on, with the exception of IO events 423EV::periodic sets EV::PERIODIC and so on, with the exception of I/O events
149(which can set both EV::READ and EV::WRITE bits), and EV::timer (which 424(which can set both EV::READ and EV::WRITE bits).
150uses EV::TIMEOUT).
151 425
152In the rare case where one wants to create a watcher but not start it at 426In the rare case where one wants to create a watcher but not start it at
153the same time, each constructor has a variant with a trailing C<_ns> in 427the same time, each constructor has a variant with a trailing C<_ns> in
154its name, e.g. EV::io has a non-starting variant EV::io_ns and so on. 428its name, e.g. EV::io has a non-starting variant EV::io_ns and so on.
155 429
159 433
160Also, all methods changing some aspect of a watcher (->set, ->priority, 434Also, all methods changing some aspect of a watcher (->set, ->priority,
161->fh and so on) automatically stop and start it again if it is active, 435->fh and so on) automatically stop and start it again if it is active,
162which means pending events get lost. 436which means pending events get lost.
163 437
164=head2 WATCHER TYPES 438=head2 COMMON WATCHER METHODS
165 439
166Now lets move to the existing watcher types and asociated methods. 440This section lists methods common to all watchers.
167
168The following methods are available for all watchers. Then followes a
169description of each watcher constructor (EV::io, EV::timer, EV::periodic,
170EV::signal, EV::child, EV::idle, EV::prepare and EV::check), followed by
171any type-specific methods (if any).
172 441
173=over 4 442=over 4
174 443
175=item $w->start 444=item $w->start
176 445
180 449
181=item $w->stop 450=item $w->stop
182 451
183Stop a watcher if it is active. Also clear any pending events (events that 452Stop a watcher if it is active. Also clear any pending events (events that
184have been received but that didn't yet result in a callback invocation), 453have been received but that didn't yet result in a callback invocation),
185regardless of wether the watcher was active or not. 454regardless of whether the watcher was active or not.
186 455
187=item $bool = $w->is_active 456=item $bool = $w->is_active
188 457
189Returns true if the watcher is active, false otherwise. 458Returns true if the watcher is active, false otherwise.
190 459
215watchers with higher priority will be invoked first. The valid range of 484watchers with higher priority will be invoked first. The valid range of
216priorities lies between EV::MAXPRI (default 2) and EV::MINPRI (default 485priorities lies between EV::MAXPRI (default 2) and EV::MINPRI (default
217-2). If the priority is outside this range it will automatically be 486-2). If the priority is outside this range it will automatically be
218normalised to the nearest valid priority. 487normalised to the nearest valid priority.
219 488
220The default priority of any newly-created weatcher is 0. 489The default priority of any newly-created watcher is 0.
221 490
491Note that the priority semantics have not yet been fleshed out and are
492subject to almost certain change.
493
222=item $w->trigger ($revents) 494=item $w->invoke ($revents)
223 495
224Call the callback *now* with the given event mask. 496Call the callback *now* with the given event mask.
225 497
498=item $w->feed_event ($revents)
499
500Feed some events on this watcher into EV. EV will react to this call as if
501the watcher had received the given C<$revents> mask.
502
503=item $revents = $w->clear_pending
504
505If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
506returns its C<$revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
507watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
508
509=item $previous_state = $w->keepalive ($bool)
510
511Normally, C<EV::loop> will return when there are no active watchers
512(which is a "deadlock" because no progress can be made anymore). This is
513convenient because it allows you to start your watchers (and your jobs),
514call C<EV::loop> once and when it returns you know that all your jobs are
515finished (or they forgot to register some watchers for their task :).
516
517Sometimes, however, this gets in your way, for example when the module
518that calls C<EV::loop> (usually the main program) is not the same module
519as a long-living watcher (for example a DNS client module written by
520somebody else even). Then you might want any outstanding requests to be
521handled, but you would not want to keep C<EV::loop> from returning just
522because you happen to have this long-running UDP port watcher.
523
524In this case you can clear the keepalive status, which means that even
525though your watcher is active, it won't keep C<EV::loop> from returning.
526
527The initial value for keepalive is true (enabled), and you can change it
528any time.
529
530Example: Register an I/O watcher for some UDP socket but do not keep the
531event loop from running just because of that watcher.
532
533 my $udp_socket = ...
534 my $udp_watcher = EV::io $udp_socket, EV::READ, sub { ... };
535 $udp_watcher->keepalive (0);
536
537=item $loop = $w->loop
538
539Return the loop that this watcher is attached to.
540
541=back
542
543
544=head1 WATCHER TYPES
545
546Each of the following subsections describes a single watcher type.
547
548=head3 I/O WATCHERS - is this file descriptor readable or writable?
549
550=over 4
226 551
227=item $w = EV::io $fileno_or_fh, $eventmask, $callback 552=item $w = EV::io $fileno_or_fh, $eventmask, $callback
228 553
229=item $w = EV::io_ns $fileno_or_fh, $eventmask, $callback 554=item $w = EV::io_ns $fileno_or_fh, $eventmask, $callback
230 555
556=item $w = $loop->io ($fileno_or_fh, $eventmask, $callback)
557
558=item $w = $loop->io_ns ($fileno_or_fh, $eventmask, $callback)
559
231As long as the returned watcher object is alive, call the C<$callback> 560As long as the returned watcher object is alive, call the C<$callback>
232when the events specified in C<$eventmask>. 561when at least one of events specified in C<$eventmask> occurs.
233 562
234The $eventmask can be one or more of these constants ORed together: 563The $eventmask can be one or more of these constants ORed together:
235 564
236 EV::READ wait until read() wouldn't block anymore 565 EV::READ wait until read() wouldn't block anymore
237 EV::WRITE wait until write() wouldn't block anymore 566 EV::WRITE wait until write() wouldn't block anymore
253 582
254=item $old_eventmask = $w->events ($new_eventmask) 583=item $old_eventmask = $w->events ($new_eventmask)
255 584
256Returns the previously set event mask and optionally set a new one. 585Returns the previously set event mask and optionally set a new one.
257 586
587=back
588
589
590=head3 TIMER WATCHERS - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
591
592=over 4
258 593
259=item $w = EV::timer $after, $repeat, $callback 594=item $w = EV::timer $after, $repeat, $callback
260 595
261=item $w = EV::timer_ns $after, $repeat, $callback 596=item $w = EV::timer_ns $after, $repeat, $callback
262 597
263Calls the callback after C<$after> seconds. If C<$repeat> is non-zero, 598=item $w = $loop->timer ($after, $repeat, $callback)
264the timer will be restarted (with the $repeat value as $after) after the 599
265callback returns. 600=item $w = $loop->timer_ns ($after, $repeat, $callback)
601
602Calls the callback after C<$after> seconds (which may be fractional). If
603C<$repeat> is non-zero, the timer will be restarted (with the $repeat
604value as $after) after the callback returns.
266 605
267This means that the callback would be called roughly after C<$after> 606This means that the callback would be called roughly after C<$after>
268seconds, and then every C<$repeat> seconds. "Roughly" because the time of 607seconds, and then every C<$repeat> seconds. The timer does his best not
269callback processing is not taken into account, so the timer will slowly 608to drift, but it will not invoke the timer more often then once per event
270drift. If that isn't acceptable, look at EV::periodic. 609loop iteration, and might drift in other cases. If that isn't acceptable,
610look at EV::periodic, which can provide long-term stable timers.
271 611
272The timer is based on a monotonic clock, that is if somebody is sitting 612The timer is based on a monotonic clock, that is, if somebody is sitting
273in front of the machine while the timer is running and changes the system 613in front of the machine while the timer is running and changes the system
274clock, the timer will nevertheless run (roughly) the same time. 614clock, the timer will nevertheless run (roughly) the same time.
275 615
276The C<timer_ns> variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created watcher. 616The C<timer_ns> variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created watcher.
277 617
278=item $w->set ($after, $repeat) 618=item $w->set ($after, $repeat)
279 619
280Reconfigures the watcher, see the constructor above for details. Can be at 620Reconfigures the watcher, see the constructor above for details. Can be called at
281any time. 621any time.
282 622
283=item $w->again 623=item $w->again
284 624
285Similar to the C<start> method, but has special semantics for repeating timers: 625Similar to the C<start> method, but has special semantics for repeating timers:
626
627If the timer is active and non-repeating, it will be stopped.
286 628
287If the timer is active and repeating, reset the timeout to occur 629If the timer is active and repeating, reset the timeout to occur
288C<$repeat> seconds after now. 630C<$repeat> seconds after now.
289 631
290If the timer is active and non-repeating, it will be stopped.
291
292If the timer is in active and repeating, start it. 632If the timer is inactive and repeating, start it using the repeat value.
293 633
294Otherwise do nothing. 634Otherwise do nothing.
295 635
296This behaviour is useful when you have a timeout for some IO 636This behaviour is useful when you have a timeout for some IO
297operation. You create a timer object with the same value for C<$after> and 637operation. You create a timer object with the same value for C<$after> and
298C<$repeat>, and then, in the read/write watcher, run the C<again> method 638C<$repeat>, and then, in the read/write watcher, run the C<again> method
299on the timeout. 639on the timeout.
300 640
641=back
642
643
644=head3 PERIODIC WATCHERS - to cron or not to cron?
645
646=over 4
301 647
302=item $w = EV::periodic $at, $interval, $reschedule_cb, $callback 648=item $w = EV::periodic $at, $interval, $reschedule_cb, $callback
303 649
304=item $w = EV::periodic_ns $at, $interval, $reschedule_cb, $callback 650=item $w = EV::periodic_ns $at, $interval, $reschedule_cb, $callback
651
652=item $w = $loop->periodic ($at, $interval, $reschedule_cb, $callback)
653
654=item $w = $loop->periodic_ns ($at, $interval, $reschedule_cb, $callback)
305 655
306Similar to EV::timer, but is not based on relative timeouts but on 656Similar to EV::timer, but is not based on relative timeouts but on
307absolute times. Apart from creating "simple" timers that trigger "at" the 657absolute times. Apart from creating "simple" timers that trigger "at" the
308specified time, it can also be used for non-drifting absolute timers and 658specified time, it can also be used for non-drifting absolute timers and
309more complex, cron-like, setups that are not adversely affected by time 659more complex, cron-like, setups that are not adversely affected by time
319This time simply fires at the wallclock time C<$at> and doesn't repeat. It 669This time simply fires at the wallclock time C<$at> and doesn't repeat. It
320will not adjust when a time jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run 670will not adjust when a time jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run
321at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the system time reaches or 671at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the system time reaches or
322surpasses this time. 672surpasses this time.
323 673
324=item * non-repeating interval timer ($interval > 0, $reschedule_cb = 0) 674=item * repeating interval timer ($interval > 0, $reschedule_cb = 0)
325 675
326In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the 676In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the
327next C<$at + N * $interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat, 677next C<$at + N * $interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat,
328regardless of any time jumps. 678regardless of any time jumps.
329 679
341possible time where C<$time = $at (mod $interval)>, regardless of any time 691possible time where C<$time = $at (mod $interval)>, regardless of any time
342jumps. 692jumps.
343 693
344=item * manual reschedule mode ($reschedule_cb = coderef) 694=item * manual reschedule mode ($reschedule_cb = coderef)
345 695
346In this mode $interval and $at are both being ignored. Instead, each time 696In this mode $interval and $at are both being ignored. Instead, each
347the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the first callback ($reschedule_cb) 697time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the reschedule callback
348will be called with the watcher as first, and the current time as second 698($reschedule_cb) will be called with the watcher as first, and the current
349argument. 699time as second argument.
350 700
351I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy the event watcher, ever.> 701I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy this or any other periodic
702watcher, ever, and MUST NOT call any event loop functions or methods>. If
703you need to stop it, return 1e30 and stop it afterwards. You may create
704and start a C<EV::prepare> watcher for this task.
352 705
353It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 706It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
354(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 707(that is, the lowest time value larger than or equal to to the second
355will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 708argument). It will usually be called just before the callback will be
356might be called at other times, too. 709triggered, but might be called at other times, too.
357 710
358This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 711This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
359triggers on each midnight, local time (actually 24 hours after the last 712triggers on each midnight, local time (actually 24 hours after the last
360midnight, to keep the example simple. If you know a way to do it correctly 713midnight, to keep the example simple. If you know a way to do it correctly
361in about the same space (without requiring elaborate modules), drop me a 714in about the same space (without requiring elaborate modules), drop me a
375 728
376The C<periodic_ns> variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created watcher. 729The C<periodic_ns> variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created watcher.
377 730
378=item $w->set ($at, $interval, $reschedule_cb) 731=item $w->set ($at, $interval, $reschedule_cb)
379 732
380Reconfigures the watcher, see the constructor above for details. Can be at 733Reconfigures the watcher, see the constructor above for details. Can be called at
381any time. 734any time.
382 735
383=item $w->again 736=item $w->again
384 737
385Simply stops and starts the watcher again. 738Simply stops and starts the watcher again.
386 739
740=item $time = $w->at
741
742Return the time that the watcher is expected to trigger next.
743
744=back
745
746
747=head3 SIGNAL WATCHERS - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
748
749=over 4
387 750
388=item $w = EV::signal $signal, $callback 751=item $w = EV::signal $signal, $callback
389 752
390=item $w = EV::signal_ns $signal, $callback 753=item $w = EV::signal_ns $signal, $callback
391 754
755=item $w = $loop->signal ($signal, $callback)
756
757=item $w = $loop->signal_ns ($signal, $callback)
758
392Call the callback when $signal is received (the signal can be specified 759Call the callback when $signal is received (the signal can be specified by
393by number or by name, just as with kill or %SIG). 760number or by name, just as with C<kill> or C<%SIG>).
761
762Only one event loop can grab a given signal - attempting to grab the same
763signal from two EV loops will crash the program immediately or cause data
764corruption.
394 765
395EV will grab the signal for the process (the kernel only allows one 766EV will grab the signal for the process (the kernel only allows one
396component to receive a signal at a time) when you start a signal watcher, 767component to receive a signal at a time) when you start a signal watcher,
397and removes it again when you stop it. Perl does the same when you 768and removes it again when you stop it. Perl does the same when you
398add/remove callbacks to %SIG, so watch out. 769add/remove callbacks to C<%SIG>, so watch out.
399 770
400You can have as many signal watchers per signal as you want. 771You can have as many signal watchers per signal as you want.
401 772
402The C<signal_ns> variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created watcher. 773The C<signal_ns> variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created watcher.
403 774
404=item $w->set ($signal) 775=item $w->set ($signal)
405 776
406Reconfigures the watcher, see the constructor above for details. Can be at 777Reconfigures the watcher, see the constructor above for details. Can be
407any time. 778called at any time.
408 779
409=item $current_signum = $w->signal 780=item $current_signum = $w->signal
410 781
411=item $old_signum = $w->signal ($new_signal) 782=item $old_signum = $w->signal ($new_signal)
412 783
413Returns the previously set signal (always as a number not name) and 784Returns the previously set signal (always as a number not name) and
414optionally set a new one. 785optionally set a new one.
415 786
787=back
416 788
789
790=head3 CHILD WATCHERS - watch out for process status changes
791
792=over 4
793
417=item $w = EV::child $pid, $callback 794=item $w = EV::child $pid, $trace, $callback
418 795
419=item $w = EV::child_ns $pid, $callback 796=item $w = EV::child_ns $pid, $trace, $callback
797
798=item $w = $loop->child ($pid, $trace, $callback)
799
800=item $w = $loop->child_ns ($pid, $trace, $callback)
420 801
421Call the callback when a status change for pid C<$pid> (or any pid 802Call the callback when a status change for pid C<$pid> (or any pid
422if C<$pid> is 0) has been received. More precisely: when the process 803if C<$pid> is 0) has been received (a status change happens when the
804process terminates or is killed, or, when trace is true, additionally when
805it is stopped or continued). More precisely: when the process receives
423receives a SIGCHLD, EV will fetch the outstanding exit/wait status for all 806a C<SIGCHLD>, EV will fetch the outstanding exit/wait status for all
424changed/zombie children and call the callback. 807changed/zombie children and call the callback.
425 808
426You can access both status and pid by using the C<rstatus> and C<rpid> 809It is valid (and fully supported) to install a child watcher after a child
427methods on the watcher object. 810has exited but before the event loop has started its next iteration (for
811example, first you C<fork>, then the new child process might exit, and
812only then do you install a child watcher in the parent for the new pid).
428 813
814You can access both exit (or tracing) status and pid by using the
815C<rstatus> and C<rpid> methods on the watcher object.
816
429You can have as many pid watchers per pid as you want. 817You can have as many pid watchers per pid as you want, they will all be
818called.
430 819
431The C<child_ns> variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created watcher. 820The C<child_ns> variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created watcher.
432 821
433=item $w->set ($pid) 822=item $w->set ($pid, $trace)
434 823
435Reconfigures the watcher, see the constructor above for details. Can be at 824Reconfigures the watcher, see the constructor above for details. Can be called at
436any time. 825any time.
437 826
438=item $current_pid = $w->pid 827=item $current_pid = $w->pid
439
440=item $old_pid = $w->pid ($new_pid)
441 828
442Returns the previously set process id and optionally set a new one. 829Returns the previously set process id and optionally set a new one.
443 830
444=item $exit_status = $w->rstatus 831=item $exit_status = $w->rstatus
445 832
449=item $pid = $w->rpid 836=item $pid = $w->rpid
450 837
451Return the pid of the awaited child (useful when you have installed a 838Return the pid of the awaited child (useful when you have installed a
452watcher for all pids). 839watcher for all pids).
453 840
841=back
842
843
844=head3 STAT WATCHERS - did the file attributes just change?
845
846=over 4
847
848=item $w = EV::stat $path, $interval, $callback
849
850=item $w = EV::stat_ns $path, $interval, $callback
851
852=item $w = $loop->stat ($path, $interval, $callback)
853
854=item $w = $loop->stat_ns ($path, $interval, $callback)
855
856Call the callback when a file status change has been detected on
857C<$path>. The C<$path> does not need to exist, changing from "path exists"
858to "path does not exist" is a status change like any other.
859
860The C<$interval> is a recommended polling interval for systems where
861OS-supported change notifications don't exist or are not supported. If
862you use C<0> then an unspecified default is used (which is highly
863recommended!), which is to be expected to be around five seconds usually.
864
865This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
866as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
867resource-intensive.
868
869The C<stat_ns> variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created watcher.
870
871=item ... = $w->stat
872
873This call is very similar to the perl C<stat> built-in: It stats (using
874C<lstat>) the path specified in the watcher and sets perls stat cache (as
875well as EV's idea of the current stat values) to the values found.
876
877In scalar context, a boolean is return indicating success or failure of
878the stat. In list context, the same 13-value list as with stat is returned
879(except that the blksize and blocks fields are not reliable).
880
881In the case of an error, errno is set to C<ENOENT> (regardless of the
882actual error value) and the C<nlink> value is forced to zero (if the stat
883was successful then nlink is guaranteed to be non-zero).
884
885See also the next two entries for more info.
886
887=item ... = $w->attr
888
889Just like C<< $w->stat >>, but without the initial stat'ing: this returns
890the values most recently detected by EV. See the next entry for more info.
891
892=item ... = $w->prev
893
894Just like C<< $w->stat >>, but without the initial stat'ing: this returns
895the previous set of values, before the change.
896
897That is, when the watcher callback is invoked, C<< $w->prev >> will be set
898to the values found I<before> a change was detected, while C<< $w->attr >>
899returns the values found leading to the change detection. The difference (if any)
900between C<prev> and C<attr> is what triggered the callback.
901
902If you did something to the filesystem object and do not want to trigger
903yet another change, you can call C<stat> to update EV's idea of what the
904current attributes are.
905
906=item $w->set ($path, $interval)
907
908Reconfigures the watcher, see the constructor above for details. Can be
909called at any time.
910
911=item $current_path = $w->path
912
913=item $old_path = $w->path ($new_path)
914
915Returns the previously set path and optionally set a new one.
916
917=item $current_interval = $w->interval
918
919=item $old_interval = $w->interval ($new_interval)
920
921Returns the previously set interval and optionally set a new one. Can be
922used to query the actual interval used.
923
924=back
925
926
927=head3 IDLE WATCHERS - when you've got nothing better to do...
928
929=over 4
454 930
455=item $w = EV::idle $callback 931=item $w = EV::idle $callback
456 932
457=item $w = EV::idle_ns $callback 933=item $w = EV::idle_ns $callback
458 934
459Call the callback when there are no pending io, timer/periodic, signal or 935=item $w = $loop->idle ($callback)
460child events, i.e. when the process is idle. 936
937=item $w = $loop->idle_ns ($callback)
938
939Call the callback when there are no other pending watchers of the same or
940higher priority (excluding check, prepare and other idle watchers of the
941same or lower priority, of course). They are called idle watchers because
942when the watcher is the highest priority pending event in the process, the
943process is considered to be idle at that priority.
944
945If you want a watcher that is only ever called when I<no> other events are
946outstanding you have to set the priority to C<EV::MINPRI>.
461 947
462The process will not block as long as any idle watchers are active, and 948The process will not block as long as any idle watchers are active, and
463they will be called repeatedly until stopped. 949they will be called repeatedly until stopped.
464 950
951For example, if you have idle watchers at priority C<0> and C<1>, and
952an I/O watcher at priority C<0>, then the idle watcher at priority C<1>
953and the I/O watcher will always run when ready. Only when the idle watcher
954at priority C<1> is stopped and the I/O watcher at priority C<0> is not
955pending with the C<0>-priority idle watcher be invoked.
956
465The C<idle_ns> variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created watcher. 957The C<idle_ns> variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created watcher.
466 958
959=back
960
961
962=head3 PREPARE WATCHERS - customise your event loop!
963
964=over 4
467 965
468=item $w = EV::prepare $callback 966=item $w = EV::prepare $callback
469 967
470=item $w = EV::prepare_ns $callback 968=item $w = EV::prepare_ns $callback
969
970=item $w = $loop->prepare ($callback)
971
972=item $w = $loop->prepare_ns ($callback)
471 973
472Call the callback just before the process would block. You can still 974Call the callback just before the process would block. You can still
473create/modify any watchers at this point. 975create/modify any watchers at this point.
474 976
475See the EV::check watcher, below, for explanations and an example. 977See the EV::check watcher, below, for explanations and an example.
476 978
477The C<prepare_ns> variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created watcher. 979The C<prepare_ns> variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created watcher.
478 980
981=back
982
983
984=head3 CHECK WATCHERS - customise your event loop even more!
985
986=over 4
479 987
480=item $w = EV::check $callback 988=item $w = EV::check $callback
481 989
482=item $w = EV::check_ns $callback 990=item $w = EV::check_ns $callback
991
992=item $w = $loop->check ($callback)
993
994=item $w = $loop->check_ns ($callback)
483 995
484Call the callback just after the process wakes up again (after it has 996Call the callback just after the process wakes up again (after it has
485gathered events), but before any other callbacks have been invoked. 997gathered events), but before any other callbacks have been invoked.
486 998
487This is used to integrate other event-based software into the EV 999This can be used to integrate other event-based software into the EV
488mainloop: You register a prepare callback and in there, you create io and 1000mainloop: You register a prepare callback and in there, you create io and
489timer watchers as required by the other software. Here is a real-world 1001timer watchers as required by the other software. Here is a real-world
490example of integrating Net::SNMP (with some details left out): 1002example of integrating Net::SNMP (with some details left out):
491 1003
492 our @snmp_watcher; 1004 our @snmp_watcher;
495 # do nothing unless active 1007 # do nothing unless active
496 $dispatcher->{_event_queue_h} 1008 $dispatcher->{_event_queue_h}
497 or return; 1009 or return;
498 1010
499 # make the dispatcher handle any outstanding stuff 1011 # make the dispatcher handle any outstanding stuff
1012 ... not shown
500 1013
501 # create an IO watcher for each and every socket 1014 # create an I/O watcher for each and every socket
502 @snmp_watcher = ( 1015 @snmp_watcher = (
503 (map { EV::io $_, EV::READ, sub { } } 1016 (map { EV::io $_, EV::READ, sub { } }
504 keys %{ $dispatcher->{_descriptors} }), 1017 keys %{ $dispatcher->{_descriptors} }),
1018
1019 EV::timer +($event->[Net::SNMP::Dispatcher::_ACTIVE]
1020 ? $event->[Net::SNMP::Dispatcher::_TIME] - EV::now : 0),
1021 0, sub { },
505 ); 1022 );
506
507 # if there are any timeouts, also create a timer
508 push @snmp_watcher, EV::timer $event->[Net::SNMP::Dispatcher::_TIME] - EV::now, 0, sub { }
509 if $event->[Net::SNMP::Dispatcher::_ACTIVE];
510 }; 1023 };
511 1024
512The callbacks are irrelevant, the only purpose of those watchers is 1025The callbacks are irrelevant (and are not even being called), the
513to wake up the process as soon as one of those events occurs (socket 1026only purpose of those watchers is to wake up the process as soon as
514readable, or timer timed out). The corresponding EV::check watcher will then 1027one of those events occurs (socket readable, or timer timed out). The
515clean up: 1028corresponding EV::check watcher will then clean up:
516 1029
517 our $snmp_check = EV::check sub { 1030 our $snmp_check = EV::check sub {
518 # destroy all watchers 1031 # destroy all watchers
519 @snmp_watcher = (); 1032 @snmp_watcher = ();
520 1033
521 # make the dispatcher handle any new stuff 1034 # make the dispatcher handle any new stuff
1035 ... not shown
522 }; 1036 };
523 1037
524The callbacks of the created watchers will not be called as the watchers 1038The callbacks of the created watchers will not be called as the watchers
525are destroyed before this cna happen (remember EV::check gets called 1039are destroyed before this can happen (remember EV::check gets called
526first). 1040first).
527 1041
528The C<check_ns> variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created watcher. 1042The C<check_ns> variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created watcher.
529 1043
530=back 1044=item EV::CHECK constant issues
531 1045
1046Like all other watcher types, there is a bitmask constant for use in
1047C<$revents> and other places. The C<EV::CHECK> is special as it has
1048the same name as the C<CHECK> sub called by Perl. This doesn't cause
1049big issues on newer perls (beginning with 5.8.9), but it means thatthe
1050constant must be I<inlined>, i.e. runtime calls will not work. That means
1051that as long as you always C<use EV> and then C<EV::CHECK> you are on the
1052safe side.
1053
1054=back
1055
1056
1057=head3 FORK WATCHERS - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1058
1059Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected. The invocation
1060is done before the event loop blocks next and before C<check> watchers
1061are being called, and only in the child after the fork.
1062
1063=over 4
1064
1065=item $w = EV::fork $callback
1066
1067=item $w = EV::fork_ns $callback
1068
1069=item $w = $loop->fork ($callback)
1070
1071=item $w = $loop->fork_ns ($callback)
1072
1073Call the callback before the event loop is resumed in the child process
1074after a fork.
1075
1076The C<fork_ns> variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created watcher.
1077
1078=back
1079
1080
1081=head3 EMBED WATCHERS - when one backend isn't enough...
1082
1083This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1084into another (currently only IO events are supported in the embedded
1085loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect
1086fashion and must not be used).
1087
1088See the libev documentation at
1089L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod#code_ev_embed_code_when_one_backend_>
1090(locally installed as F<EV::libev>) for more details.
1091
1092In short, this watcher is most useful on BSD systems without working
1093kqueue to still be able to handle a large number of sockets:
1094
1095 my $socket_loop;
1096
1097 # check wether we use SELECT or POLL _and_ KQUEUE is supported
1098 if (
1099 (EV::backend & (EV::BACKEND_POLL | EV::BACKEND_SELECT))
1100 && (EV::supported_backends & EV::embeddable_backends & EV::BACKEND_KQUEUE)
1101 ) {
1102 # use kqueue for sockets
1103 $socket_loop = new EV::Loop EV::BACKEND_KQUEUE | EV::FLAG_NOENV;
1104 }
1105
1106 # use the default loop otherwise
1107 $socket_loop ||= EV::default_loop;
1108
1109=over 4
1110
1111=item $w = EV::embed $otherloop[, $callback]
1112
1113=item $w = EV::embed_ns $otherloop[, $callback]
1114
1115=item $w = $loop->embed ($otherloop[, $callback])
1116
1117=item $w = $loop->embed_ns ($otherloop[, $callback])
1118
1119Call the callback when the embedded event loop (C<$otherloop>) has any
1120I/O activity. The C<$callback> is optional: if it is missing, then the
1121embedded event loop will be managed automatically (which is recommended),
1122otherwise you have to invoke C<sweep> yourself.
1123
1124The C<embed_ns> variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created watcher.
1125
1126=back
1127
1128=head3 ASYNC WATCHERS - how to wake up another event loop
1129
1130Async watchers are provided by EV, but have little use in perl directly,
1131as perl neither supports threads running in parallel nor direct access to
1132signal handlers or other contexts where they could be of value.
1133
1134It is, however, possible to use them from the XS level.
1135
1136Please see the libev documentation for further details.
1137
1138=over 4
1139
1140=item $w = EV::async $callback
1141
1142=item $w = EV::async_ns $callback
1143
1144=item $w = $loop->async ($callback)
1145
1146=item $w = $loop->async_ns ($callback)
1147
1148=item $w->send
1149
1150=item $bool = $w->async_pending
1151
1152=back
1153
1154=head3 CLEANUP WATCHERS - how to clean up when the event loop goes away
1155
1156Cleanup watchers are not supported on the Perl level, they can only be
1157used via XS currently.
1158
1159
1160=head1 PERL SIGNALS
1161
1162While Perl signal handling (C<%SIG>) is not affected by EV, the behaviour
1163with EV is as the same as any other C library: Perl-signals will only be
1164handled when Perl runs, which means your signal handler might be invoked
1165only the next time an event callback is invoked.
1166
1167The solution is to use EV signal watchers (see C<EV::signal>), which will
1168ensure proper operations with regards to other event watchers.
1169
1170If you cannot do this for whatever reason, you can also force a watcher
1171to be called on every event loop iteration by installing a C<EV::check>
1172watcher:
1173
1174 my $async_check = EV::check sub { };
1175
1176This ensures that perl gets into control for a short time to handle any
1177pending signals, and also ensures (slightly) slower overall operation.
1178
532=head1 THREADS 1179=head1 ITHREADS
533 1180
534Threads are not supported by this in any way. Perl pseudo-threads is evil 1181Ithreads are not supported by this module in any way. Perl pseudo-threads
535stuff and must die. 1182is evil stuff and must die. Real threads as provided by Coro are fully
1183supported (and enhanced support is available via L<Coro::EV>).
1184
1185=head1 FORK
1186
1187Most of the "improved" event delivering mechanisms of modern operating
1188systems have quite a few problems with fork(2) (to put it bluntly: it is
1189not supported and usually destructive). Libev makes it possible to work
1190around this by having a function that recreates the kernel state after
1191fork in the child.
1192
1193On non-win32 platforms, this module requires the pthread_atfork
1194functionality to do this automatically for you. This function is quite
1195buggy on most BSDs, though, so YMMV. The overhead for this is quite
1196negligible, because everything the function currently does is set a flag
1197that is checked only when the event loop gets used the next time, so when
1198you do fork but not use EV, the overhead is minimal.
1199
1200On win32, there is no notion of fork so all this doesn't apply, of course.
536 1201
537=cut 1202=cut
538 1203
539our $DIED = sub { 1204our $DIED = sub {
540 warn "EV: error in callback (ignoring): $@"; 1205 warn "EV: error in callback (ignoring): $@";
541}; 1206};
542 1207
543default_loop 1208default_loop
544 or die 'EV: cannot initialise libev backend. bad $ENV{LIBEV_METHODS}?'; 1209 or die 'EV: cannot initialise libev backend. bad $ENV{LIBEV_FLAGS}?';
545
546push @AnyEvent::REGISTRY, [EV => "EV::AnyEvent"];
547 1210
5481; 12111;
549 1212
550=head1 SEE ALSO 1213=head1 SEE ALSO
551 1214
552 L<EV::DNS>, L<EV::AnyEvent>. 1215L<EV::MakeMaker> - MakeMaker interface to XS API, L<EV::ADNS>
1216(asynchronous DNS), L<Glib::EV> (makes Glib/Gtk2 use EV as event
1217loop), L<EV::Glib> (embed Glib into EV), L<Coro::EV> (efficient thread
1218integration), L<Net::SNMP::EV> (asynchronous SNMP), L<AnyEvent> for
1219event-loop agnostic and portable event driven programming.
553 1220
554=head1 AUTHOR 1221=head1 AUTHOR
555 1222
556 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 1223 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
557 http://home.schmorp.de/ 1224 http://home.schmorp.de/
558 1225
559=cut 1226=cut
560 1227

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