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Revision 1.14 by root, Wed Nov 28 19:22:16 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.32 by root, Tue Apr 28 00:50:57 2009 UTC

1NAME 1NAME
2 EV - perl interface to libev, a high performance full-featured event 2 EV - perl interface to libev, a high performance full-featured event
3 loop 3 loop
4 4
5SYNOPSIS 5SYNOPSIS
6 use EV; 6 use EV;
7 7
8 # TIMERS 8 # TIMERS
9 9
10 my $w = EV::timer 2, 0, sub { 10 my $w = EV::timer 2, 0, sub {
11 warn "is called after 2s"; 11 warn "is called after 2s";
12 }; 12 };
13 13
14 my $w = EV::timer 2, 2, sub { 14 my $w = EV::timer 2, 2, sub {
15 warn "is called roughly every 2s (repeat = 2)"; 15 warn "is called roughly every 2s (repeat = 2)";
16 }; 16 };
17 17
18 undef $w; # destroy event watcher again 18 undef $w; # destroy event watcher again
19 19
20 my $w = EV::periodic 0, 60, 0, sub { 20 my $w = EV::periodic 0, 60, 0, sub {
21 warn "is called every minute, on the minute, exactly"; 21 warn "is called every minute, on the minute, exactly";
22 }; 22 };
23 23
24 # IO 24 # IO
25 25
26 my $w = EV::io *STDIN, EV::READ, sub { 26 my $w = EV::io *STDIN, EV::READ, sub {
27 my ($w, $revents) = @_; # all callbacks receive the watcher and event mask 27 my ($w, $revents) = @_; # all callbacks receive the watcher and event mask
28 warn "stdin is readable, you entered: ", <STDIN>; 28 warn "stdin is readable, you entered: ", <STDIN>;
29 }; 29 };
30 30
31 # SIGNALS 31 # SIGNALS
32 32
33 my $w = EV::signal 'QUIT', sub { 33 my $w = EV::signal 'QUIT', sub {
34 warn "sigquit received\n"; 34 warn "sigquit received\n";
35 }; 35 };
36 36
37 # CHILD/PID STATUS CHANGES 37 # CHILD/PID STATUS CHANGES
38 38
39 my $w = EV::child 666, sub { 39 my $w = EV::child 666, 0, sub {
40 my ($w, $revents) = @_; 40 my ($w, $revents) = @_;
41 my $status = $w->rstatus; 41 my $status = $w->rstatus;
42 }; 42 };
43 43
44 # STAT CHANGES 44 # STAT CHANGES
45 my $w = EV::stat "/etc/passwd", 10, sub { 45 my $w = EV::stat "/etc/passwd", 10, sub {
46 my ($w, $revents) = @_; 46 my ($w, $revents) = @_;
47 warn $w->path, " has changed somehow.\n"; 47 warn $w->path, " has changed somehow.\n";
48 }; 48 };
49 49
50 # MAINLOOP 50 # MAINLOOP
51 EV::loop; # loop until EV::unloop is called or all watchers stop 51 EV::loop; # 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 52 EV::loop EV::LOOP_ONESHOT; # block until at least one event could be handled
53 EV::loop EV::LOOP_NONBLOCK; # try to handle same events, but do not block 53 EV::loop EV::LOOP_NONBLOCK; # try to handle same events, but do not block
54 54
55DESCRIPTION 55DESCRIPTION
56 This module provides an interface to libev 56 This module provides an interface to libev
57 (<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/libev.html>). While the documentation 57 (<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/libev.html>). While the documentation
58 below is comprehensive, one might also consult the documentation of 58 below is comprehensive, one might also consult the documentation of
59 libev itself (<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>) for more subtle 59 libev itself (<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod> or
60 details on watcher semantics or some discussion on the available 60 perldoc EV::libev) for more subtle details on watcher semantics or some
61 backends, or how to force a specific backend with "LIBEV_FLAGS". 61 discussion on the available backends, or how to force a specific backend
62 with "LIBEV_FLAGS", or just about in any case because it has much more
63 detailed information.
64
65 This module is very fast and scalable. It is actually so fast that you
66 can use it through the AnyEvent module, stay portable to other event
67 loops (if you don't rely on any watcher types not available through it)
68 and still be faster than with any other event loop currently supported
69 in Perl.
70
71 MODULE EXPORTS
72 This module does not export any symbols.
73
74EVENT LOOPS
75 EV supports multiple event loops: There is a single "default event loop"
76 that can handle everything including signals and child watchers, and any
77 number of "dynamic event loops" that can use different backends (with
78 various limitations), but no child and signal watchers.
79
80 You do not have to do anything to create the default event loop: When
81 the module is loaded a suitable backend is selected on the premise of
82 selecting a working backend (which for example rules out kqueue on most
83 BSDs). Modules should, unless they have "special needs" always use the
84 default loop as this is fastest (perl-wise), best supported by other
85 modules (e.g. AnyEvent or Coro) and most portable event loop.
86
87 For specific programs you can create additional event loops dynamically.
88
89 If you want to take advantage of kqueue (which often works properly for
90 sockets only) even though the default loop doesn't enable it, you can
91 *embed* a kqueue loop into the default loop: running the default loop
92 will then also service the kqueue loop to some extent. See the example
93 in the section about embed watchers for an example on how to achieve
94 that.
95
96 $loop = new EV::Loop [$flags]
97 Create a new event loop as per the specified flags. Please refer to
98 the "ev_loop_new ()" function description in the libev documentation
99 (<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod#GLOBAL_FUNCTI
100 ONS>, or locally-installed as EV::libev manpage) for more info.
101
102 The loop will automatically be destroyed when it is no longer
103 referenced by any watcher and the loop object goes out of scope.
104
105 If you are not embedding the loop, then Using "EV::FLAG_FORKCHECK"
106 is recommended, as only the default event loop is protected by this
107 module. If you *are* embedding this loop in the default loop, this
108 is not necessary, as "EV::embed" automatically does the right thing
109 on fork.
110
111 $loop->loop_fork
112 Must be called after a fork in the child, before entering or
113 continuing the event loop. An alternative is to use
114 "EV::FLAG_FORKCHECK" which calls this function automatically, at
115 some performance loss (refer to the libev documentation).
116
117 $loop->loop_verify
118 Calls "ev_verify" to make internal consistency checks (for debugging
119 libev) and abort the program if any data structures were found to be
120 corrupted.
121
122 $loop = EV::default_loop [$flags]
123 Return the default loop (which is a singleton object). Since this
124 module already creates the default loop with default flags,
125 specifying flags here will not have any effect unless you destroy
126 the default loop first, which isn't supported. So in short: don't do
127 it, and if you break it, you get to keep the pieces.
62 128
63BASIC INTERFACE 129BASIC INTERFACE
64 $EV::DIED 130 $EV::DIED
65 Must contain a reference to a function that is called when a 131 Must contain a reference to a function that is called when a
66 callback throws an exception (with $@ containing thr error). The 132 callback throws an exception (with $@ containing the error). The
67 default prints an informative message and continues. 133 default prints an informative message and continues.
68 134
69 If this callback throws an exception it will be silently ignored. 135 If this callback throws an exception it will be silently ignored.
136
137 $flags = EV::supported_backends
138 $flags = EV::recommended_backends
139 $flags = EV::embeddable_backends
140 Returns the set (see "EV::BACKEND_*" flags) of backends supported by
141 this instance of EV, the set of recommended backends (supposed to be
142 good) for this platform and the set of embeddable backends (see
143 EMBED WATCHERS).
144
145 EV::sleep $seconds
146 Block the process for the given number of (fractional) seconds.
70 147
71 $time = EV::time 148 $time = EV::time
72 Returns the current time in (fractional) seconds since the epoch. 149 Returns the current time in (fractional) seconds since the epoch.
73 150
74 $time = EV::now 151 $time = EV::now
152 $time = $loop->now
75 Returns the time the last event loop iteration has been started. 153 Returns the time the last event loop iteration has been started.
76 This is the time that (relative) timers are based on, and refering 154 This is the time that (relative) timers are based on, and referring
77 to it is usually faster then calling EV::time. 155 to it is usually faster then calling EV::time.
78 156
79 $method = EV::method 157 EV::now_update
158 $loop->now_update
159 Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the
160 time returned by "EV::now" in the progress. This is a costly
161 operation and is usually done automatically within "EV::loop".
162
163 This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs
164 for a very long time without entering the event loop, updating
165 libev's idea of the current time is a good idea.
166
167 EV::suspend
168 $loop->suspend
169 EV::resume
170 $loop->resume
171 These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop
172 is not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
173
174 A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game:
175 When the user presses "^Z" to suspend the game and resumes it an
176 hour later it would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had
177 actually passed while the program was suspended. This can be
178 achieved by calling "suspend" in your "SIGTSTP" handler, sending
179 yourself a "SIGSTOP" and calling "resume" directly afterwards to
180 resume timer processing.
181
182 Effectively, all "timer" watchers will be delayed by the time spend
183 between "suspend" and "resume", and all "periodic" watchers will be
184 rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
185 occured while suspended).
186
187 After calling "suspend" you must not call *any* function on the
188 given loop other than "resume", and you must not call "resume"
189 without a previous call to "suspend".
190
191 Calling "suspend"/"resume" has the side effect of updating the event
192 loop time (see "now_update").
193
194 $backend = EV::backend
195 $backend = $loop->backend
80 Returns an integer describing the backend used by libev 196 Returns an integer describing the backend used by libev
81 (EV::METHOD_SELECT or EV::METHOD_EPOLL). 197 (EV::BACKEND_SELECT or EV::BACKEND_EPOLL).
82 198
83 EV::loop [$flags] 199 EV::loop [$flags]
200 $loop->loop ([$flags])
84 Begin checking for events and calling callbacks. It returns when a 201 Begin checking for events and calling callbacks. It returns when a
85 callback calls EV::unloop. 202 callback calls EV::unloop.
86 203
87 The $flags argument can be one of the following: 204 The $flags argument can be one of the following:
88 205
89 0 as above 206 0 as above
90 EV::LOOP_ONESHOT block at most once (wait, but do not loop) 207 EV::LOOP_ONESHOT block at most once (wait, but do not loop)
91 EV::LOOP_NONBLOCK do not block at all (fetch/handle events but do not wait) 208 EV::LOOP_NONBLOCK do not block at all (fetch/handle events but do not wait)
92 209
93 EV::unloop [$how] 210 EV::unloop [$how]
211 $loop->unloop ([$how])
94 When called with no arguments or an argument of EV::UNLOOP_ONE, 212 When called with no arguments or an argument of EV::UNLOOP_ONE,
95 makes the innermost call to EV::loop return. 213 makes the innermost call to EV::loop return.
96 214
97 When called with an argument of EV::UNLOOP_ALL, all calls to 215 When called with an argument of EV::UNLOOP_ALL, all calls to
98 EV::loop will return as fast as possible. 216 EV::loop will return as fast as possible.
99 217
218 $count = EV::loop_count
219 $count = $loop->loop_count
220 Return the number of times the event loop has polled for new events.
221 Sometimes useful as a generation counter.
222
100 EV::once $fh_or_undef, $events, $timeout, $cb->($revents) 223 EV::once $fh_or_undef, $events, $timeout, $cb->($revents)
224 $loop->once ($fh_or_undef, $events, $timeout, $cb->($revents))
101 This function rolls together an I/O and a timer watcher for a single 225 This function rolls together an I/O and a timer watcher for a single
102 one-shot event without the need for managing a watcher object. 226 one-shot event without the need for managing a watcher object.
103 227
104 If $fh_or_undef is a filehandle or file descriptor, then $events 228 If $fh_or_undef is a filehandle or file descriptor, then $events
105 must be a bitset containing either "EV::READ", "EV::WRITE" or 229 must be a bitset containing either "EV::READ", "EV::WRITE" or
… …
110 If timeout is "undef" or negative, then there will be no timeout. 234 If timeout is "undef" or negative, then there will be no timeout.
111 Otherwise a EV::timer with this value will be started. 235 Otherwise a EV::timer with this value will be started.
112 236
113 When an error occurs or either the timeout or I/O watcher triggers, 237 When an error occurs or either the timeout or I/O watcher triggers,
114 then the callback will be called with the received event set (in 238 then the callback will be called with the received event set (in
115 general you can expect it to be a combination of "EV:ERROR", 239 general you can expect it to be a combination of "EV::ERROR",
116 "EV::READ", "EV::WRITE" and "EV::TIMEOUT"). 240 "EV::READ", "EV::WRITE" and "EV::TIMEOUT").
117 241
118 EV::once doesn't return anything: the watchers stay active till 242 EV::once doesn't return anything: the watchers stay active till
119 either of them triggers, then they will be stopped and freed, and 243 either of them triggers, then they will be stopped and freed, and
120 the callback invoked. 244 the callback invoked.
121 245
246 EV::feed_fd_event ($fd, $revents)
247 $loop->feed_fd_event ($fd, $revents)
248 Feed an event on a file descriptor into EV. EV will react to this
249 call as if the readyness notifications specified by $revents (a
250 combination of "EV::READ" and "EV::WRITE") happened on the file
251 descriptor $fd.
252
253 EV::feed_signal_event ($signal)
254 Feed a signal event into EV. EV will react to this call as if the
255 signal specified by $signal had occured.
256
257 EV::set_io_collect_interval $time
258 $loop->set_io_collect_interval ($time)
259 EV::set_timeout_collect_interval $time
260 $loop->set_timeout_collect_interval ($time)
261 These advanced functions set the minimum block interval when polling
262 for I/O events and the minimum wait interval for timer events. See
263 the libev documentation at
264 <http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod#FUNCTIONS_CONT
265 ROLLING_THE_EVENT_LOOP> (locally installed as EV::libev) for a more
266 detailed discussion.
267
122 WATCHER OBJECTS 268WATCHER OBJECTS
123 A watcher is an object that gets created to record your interest in some 269 A watcher is an object that gets created to record your interest in some
124 event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to become readable, 270 event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to become readable,
125 you would create an EV::io watcher for that: 271 you would create an EV::io watcher for that:
126 272
127 my $watcher = EV::io *STDIN, EV::READ, sub { 273 my $watcher = EV::io *STDIN, EV::READ, sub {
128 my ($watcher, $revents) = @_; 274 my ($watcher, $revents) = @_;
129 warn "yeah, STDIN should not be readable without blocking!\n" 275 warn "yeah, STDIN should now be readable without blocking!\n"
130 }; 276 };
131 277
132 All watchers can be active (waiting for events) or inactive (paused). 278 All watchers can be active (waiting for events) or inactive (paused).
133 Only active watchers will have their callbacks invoked. All callbacks 279 Only active watchers will have their callbacks invoked. All callbacks
134 will be called with at least two arguments: the watcher and a bitmask of 280 will be called with at least two arguments: the watcher and a bitmask of
135 received events. 281 received events.
136 282
137 Each watcher type has its associated bit in revents, so you can use the 283 Each watcher type has its associated bit in revents, so you can use the
138 same callback for multiple watchers. The event mask is named after the 284 same callback for multiple watchers. The event mask is named after the
139 type, i..e. EV::child sets EV::CHILD, EV::prepare sets EV::PREPARE, 285 type, i.e. EV::child sets EV::CHILD, EV::prepare sets EV::PREPARE,
140 EV::periodic sets EV::PERIODIC and so on, with the exception of IO 286 EV::periodic sets EV::PERIODIC and so on, with the exception of I/O
141 events (which can set both EV::READ and EV::WRITE bits), and EV::timer 287 events (which can set both EV::READ and EV::WRITE bits), and EV::timer
142 (which uses EV::TIMEOUT). 288 (which uses EV::TIMEOUT).
143 289
144 In the rare case where one wants to create a watcher but not start it at 290 In the rare case where one wants to create a watcher but not start it at
145 the same time, each constructor has a variant with a trailing "_ns" in 291 the same time, each constructor has a variant with a trailing "_ns" in
… …
163 stopped watchers). 309 stopped watchers).
164 310
165 $w->stop 311 $w->stop
166 Stop a watcher if it is active. Also clear any pending events 312 Stop a watcher if it is active. Also clear any pending events
167 (events that have been received but that didn't yet result in a 313 (events that have been received but that didn't yet result in a
168 callback invocation), regardless of wether the watcher was active or 314 callback invocation), regardless of whether the watcher was active
169 not. 315 or not.
170 316
171 $bool = $w->is_active 317 $bool = $w->is_active
172 Returns true if the watcher is active, false otherwise. 318 Returns true if the watcher is active, false otherwise.
173 319
174 $current_data = $w->data 320 $current_data = $w->data
… …
197 The default priority of any newly-created watcher is 0. 343 The default priority of any newly-created watcher is 0.
198 344
199 Note that the priority semantics have not yet been fleshed out and 345 Note that the priority semantics have not yet been fleshed out and
200 are subject to almost certain change. 346 are subject to almost certain change.
201 347
202 $w->trigger ($revents) 348 $w->invoke ($revents)
203 Call the callback *now* with the given event mask. 349 Call the callback *now* with the given event mask.
350
351 $w->feed_event ($revents)
352 Feed some events on this watcher into EV. EV will react to this call
353 as if the watcher had received the given $revents mask.
354
355 $revents = $w->clear_pending
356 If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status
357 and returns its $revents bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If
358 the watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns 0.
204 359
205 $previous_state = $w->keepalive ($bool) 360 $previous_state = $w->keepalive ($bool)
206 Normally, "EV::loop" will return when there are no active watchers 361 Normally, "EV::loop" will return when there are no active watchers
207 (which is a "deadlock" because no progress can be made anymore). 362 (which is a "deadlock" because no progress can be made anymore).
208 This is convinient because it allows you to start your watchers (and 363 This is convinient because it allows you to start your watchers (and
209 your jobs), call "EV::loop" once and when it returns you know that 364 your jobs), call "EV::loop" once and when it returns you know that
210 all your jobs are finished (or they forgot to register some watchers 365 all your jobs are finished (or they forgot to register some watchers
211 for their task :). 366 for their task :).
212 367
213 Sometimes, however, this gets in your way, for example when you the 368 Sometimes, however, this gets in your way, for example when the
214 module that calls "EV::loop" (usually the main program) is not the 369 module that calls "EV::loop" (usually the main program) is not the
215 same module as a long-living watcher (for example a DNS client 370 same module as a long-living watcher (for example a DNS client
216 module written by somebody else even). Then you might want any 371 module written by somebody else even). Then you might want any
217 outstanding requests to be handled, but you would not want to keep 372 outstanding requests to be handled, but you would not want to keep
218 "EV::loop" from returning just because you happen to have this 373 "EV::loop" from returning just because you happen to have this
… …
220 375
221 In this case you can clear the keepalive status, which means that 376 In this case you can clear the keepalive status, which means that
222 even though your watcher is active, it won't keep "EV::loop" from 377 even though your watcher is active, it won't keep "EV::loop" from
223 returning. 378 returning.
224 379
225 The initial value for keepalive is true (enabled), and you cna 380 The initial value for keepalive is true (enabled), and you can
226 change it any time. 381 change it any time.
227 382
228 Example: Register an IO watcher for some UDP socket but do not keep 383 Example: Register an I/O watcher for some UDP socket but do not keep
229 the event loop from running just because of that watcher. 384 the event loop from running just because of that watcher.
230 385
231 my $udp_socket = ... 386 my $udp_socket = ...
232 my $udp_watcher = EV::io $udp_socket, EV::READ, sub { ... }; 387 my $udp_watcher = EV::io $udp_socket, EV::READ, sub { ... };
233 $udp_watcher->keepalive (0); 388 $udp_watcher->keepalive (0);
234 389
390 $loop = $w->loop
391 Return the loop that this watcher is attached to.
392
235 WATCHER TYPES 393WATCHER TYPES
236 Each of the following subsections describes a single watcher type. 394 Each of the following subsections describes a single watcher type.
237 395
238 IO WATCHERS - is this file descriptor readable or writable? 396 I/O WATCHERS - is this file descriptor readable or writable?
239 $w = EV::io $fileno_or_fh, $eventmask, $callback 397 $w = EV::io $fileno_or_fh, $eventmask, $callback
240 $w = EV::io_ns $fileno_or_fh, $eventmask, $callback 398 $w = EV::io_ns $fileno_or_fh, $eventmask, $callback
399 $w = $loop->io ($fileno_or_fh, $eventmask, $callback)
400 $w = $loop->io_ns ($fileno_or_fh, $eventmask, $callback)
241 As long as the returned watcher object is alive, call the $callback 401 As long as the returned watcher object is alive, call the $callback
242 when at least one of events specified in $eventmask occurs. 402 when at least one of events specified in $eventmask occurs.
243 403
244 The $eventmask can be one or more of these constants ORed together: 404 The $eventmask can be one or more of these constants ORed together:
245 405
… …
262 Returns the previously set event mask and optionally set a new one. 422 Returns the previously set event mask and optionally set a new one.
263 423
264 TIMER WATCHERS - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 424 TIMER WATCHERS - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
265 $w = EV::timer $after, $repeat, $callback 425 $w = EV::timer $after, $repeat, $callback
266 $w = EV::timer_ns $after, $repeat, $callback 426 $w = EV::timer_ns $after, $repeat, $callback
427 $w = $loop->timer ($after, $repeat, $callback)
428 $w = $loop->timer_ns ($after, $repeat, $callback)
267 Calls the callback after $after seconds (which may be fractional). 429 Calls the callback after $after seconds (which may be fractional).
268 If $repeat is non-zero, the timer will be restarted (with the 430 If $repeat is non-zero, the timer will be restarted (with the
269 $repeat value as $after) after the callback returns. 431 $repeat value as $after) after the callback returns.
270 432
271 This means that the callback would be called roughly after $after 433 This means that the callback would be called roughly after $after
… …
307 method on the timeout. 469 method on the timeout.
308 470
309 PERIODIC WATCHERS - to cron or not to cron? 471 PERIODIC WATCHERS - to cron or not to cron?
310 $w = EV::periodic $at, $interval, $reschedule_cb, $callback 472 $w = EV::periodic $at, $interval, $reschedule_cb, $callback
311 $w = EV::periodic_ns $at, $interval, $reschedule_cb, $callback 473 $w = EV::periodic_ns $at, $interval, $reschedule_cb, $callback
474 $w = $loop->periodic ($at, $interval, $reschedule_cb, $callback)
475 $w = $loop->periodic_ns ($at, $interval, $reschedule_cb, $callback)
312 Similar to EV::timer, but is not based on relative timeouts but on 476 Similar to EV::timer, but is not based on relative timeouts but on
313 absolute times. Apart from creating "simple" timers that trigger 477 absolute times. Apart from creating "simple" timers that trigger
314 "at" the specified time, it can also be used for non-drifting 478 "at" the specified time, it can also be used for non-drifting
315 absolute timers and more complex, cron-like, setups that are not 479 absolute timers and more complex, cron-like, setups that are not
316 adversely affected by time jumps (i.e. when the system clock is 480 adversely affected by time jumps (i.e. when the system clock is
317 changed by explicit date -s or other means such as ntpd). It is also 481 changed by explicit date -s or other means such as ntpd). It is also
318 the most complex watcher type in EV. 482 the most complex watcher type in EV.
319 483
320 It has three distinct "modes": 484 It has three distinct "modes":
321 485
322 * absolute timer ($interval = $reschedule_cb = 0) 486 * absolute timer ($interval = $reschedule_cb = 0)
487
323 This time simply fires at the wallclock time $at and doesn't 488 This time simply fires at the wallclock time $at and doesn't
324 repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, that is, if 489 repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, that is, if
325 it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 490 it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
326 system time reaches or surpasses this time. 491 system time reaches or surpasses this time.
327 492
328 * non-repeating interval timer ($interval > 0, $reschedule_cb = 0) 493 * repeating interval timer ($interval > 0, $reschedule_cb = 0)
494
329 In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at 495 In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at
330 the next "$at + N * $interval" time (for some integer N) and 496 the next "$at + N * $interval" time (for some integer N) and
331 then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 497 then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
332 498
333 This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect 499 This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect
… …
342 Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) 508 Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined)
343 is that EV::periodic will try to run the callback in this mode 509 is that EV::periodic will try to run the callback in this mode
344 at the next possible time where "$time = $at (mod $interval)", 510 at the next possible time where "$time = $at (mod $interval)",
345 regardless of any time jumps. 511 regardless of any time jumps.
346 512
347 * manual reschedule mode ($reschedule_cb = coderef) 513 * manual reschedule mode ($reschedule_cb = coderef)
514
348 In this mode $interval and $at are both being ignored. Instead, 515 In this mode $interval and $at are both being ignored. Instead,
349 each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the reschedule 516 each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the reschedule
350 callback ($reschedule_cb) will be called with the watcher as 517 callback ($reschedule_cb) will be called with the watcher as
351 first, and the current time as second argument. 518 first, and the current time as second argument.
352 519
353 *This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy this or any other 520 *This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy this or any other
521 periodic watcher, ever, and MUST NOT call any event loop
354 periodic watcher, ever*. If you need to stop it, return 1e30 and 522 functions or methods*. If you need to stop it, return 1e30 and
355 stop it afterwards. 523 stop it afterwards. You may create and start a "EV::prepare"
524 watcher for this task.
356 525
357 It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed 526 It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed
358 time value (that is, the lowest time value larger than to the 527 time value (that is, the lowest time value larger than or equal
359 second argument). It will usually be called just before the 528 to to the second argument). It will usually be called just
360 callback will be triggered, but might be called at other times, 529 before the callback will be triggered, but might be called at
361 too. 530 other times, too.
362 531
363 This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer 532 This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer
364 that triggers on each midnight, local time (actually 24 hours 533 that triggers on each midnight, local time (actually 24 hours
365 after the last midnight, to keep the example simple. If you know 534 after the last midnight, to keep the example simple. If you know
366 a way to do it correctly in about the same space (without 535 a way to do it correctly in about the same space (without
… …
384 be called at any time. 553 be called at any time.
385 554
386 $w->again 555 $w->again
387 Simply stops and starts the watcher again. 556 Simply stops and starts the watcher again.
388 557
558 $time = $w->at
559 Return the time that the watcher is expected to trigger next.
560
389 SIGNAL WATCHERS - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 561 SIGNAL WATCHERS - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
390 $w = EV::signal $signal, $callback 562 $w = EV::signal $signal, $callback
391 $w = EV::signal_ns $signal, $callback 563 $w = EV::signal_ns $signal, $callback
392 Call the callback when $signal is received (the signal can be 564 Call the callback when $signal is received (the signal can be
393 specified by number or by name, just as with "kill" or %SIG). 565 specified by number or by name, just as with "kill" or %SIG).
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410 $old_signum = $w->signal ($new_signal) 582 $old_signum = $w->signal ($new_signal)
411 Returns the previously set signal (always as a number not name) and 583 Returns the previously set signal (always as a number not name) and
412 optionally set a new one. 584 optionally set a new one.
413 585
414 CHILD WATCHERS - watch out for process status changes 586 CHILD WATCHERS - watch out for process status changes
415 $w = EV::child $pid, $callback 587 $w = EV::child $pid, $trace, $callback
416 $w = EV::child_ns $pid, $callback 588 $w = EV::child_ns $pid, $trace, $callback
589 $w = $loop->child ($pid, $trace, $callback)
590 $w = $loop->child_ns ($pid, $trace, $callback)
417 Call the callback when a status change for pid $pid (or any pid if 591 Call the callback when a status change for pid $pid (or any pid if
418 $pid is 0) has been received. More precisely: when the process 592 $pid is 0) has been received (a status change happens when the
593 process terminates or is killed, or, when trace is true,
594 additionally when it is stopped or continued). More precisely: when
419 receives a "SIGCHLD", EV will fetch the outstanding exit/wait status 595 the process receives a "SIGCHLD", EV will fetch the outstanding
420 for all changed/zombie children and call the callback. 596 exit/wait status for all changed/zombie children and call the
597 callback.
421 598
422 It is valid (and fully supported) to install a child watcher after a 599 It is valid (and fully supported) to install a child watcher after a
423 child has exited but before the event loop has started its next 600 child has exited but before the event loop has started its next
424 iteration (for example, first you "fork", then the new child process 601 iteration (for example, first you "fork", then the new child process
425 might exit, and only then do you install a child watcher in the 602 might exit, and only then do you install a child watcher in the
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432 be called. 609 be called.
433 610
434 The "child_ns" variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created 611 The "child_ns" variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created
435 watcher. 612 watcher.
436 613
437 $w->set ($pid) 614 $w->set ($pid, $trace)
438 Reconfigures the watcher, see the constructor above for details. Can 615 Reconfigures the watcher, see the constructor above for details. Can
439 be called at any time. 616 be called at any time.
440 617
441 $current_pid = $w->pid 618 $current_pid = $w->pid
442 $old_pid = $w->pid ($new_pid)
443 Returns the previously set process id and optionally set a new one. 619 Returns the previously set process id and optionally set a new one.
444 620
445 $exit_status = $w->rstatus 621 $exit_status = $w->rstatus
446 Return the exit/wait status (as returned by waitpid, see the waitpid 622 Return the exit/wait status (as returned by waitpid, see the waitpid
447 entry in perlfunc). 623 entry in perlfunc).
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451 a watcher for all pids). 627 a watcher for all pids).
452 628
453 STAT WATCHERS - did the file attributes just change? 629 STAT WATCHERS - did the file attributes just change?
454 $w = EV::stat $path, $interval, $callback 630 $w = EV::stat $path, $interval, $callback
455 $w = EV::stat_ns $path, $interval, $callback 631 $w = EV::stat_ns $path, $interval, $callback
632 $w = $loop->stat ($path, $interval, $callback)
633 $w = $loop->stat_ns ($path, $interval, $callback)
456 Call the callback when a file status change has been detected on 634 Call the callback when a file status change has been detected on
457 $path. The $path does not need to exist, changing from "path exists" 635 $path. The $path does not need to exist, changing from "path exists"
458 to "path does not exist" is a status change like any other. 636 to "path does not exist" is a status change like any other.
459 637
460 The $interval is a recommended polling interval for systems where 638 The $interval is a recommended polling interval for systems where
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520 Can be used to query the actual interval used. 698 Can be used to query the actual interval used.
521 699
522 IDLE WATCHERS - when you've got nothing better to do... 700 IDLE WATCHERS - when you've got nothing better to do...
523 $w = EV::idle $callback 701 $w = EV::idle $callback
524 $w = EV::idle_ns $callback 702 $w = EV::idle_ns $callback
703 $w = $loop->idle ($callback)
704 $w = $loop->idle_ns ($callback)
525 Call the callback when there are no pending io, timer/periodic, 705 Call the callback when there are no other pending watchers of the
526 signal or child events, i.e. when the process is idle. 706 same or higher priority (excluding check, prepare and other idle
707 watchers of the same or lower priority, of course). They are called
708 idle watchers because when the watcher is the highest priority
709 pending event in the process, the process is considered to be idle
710 at that priority.
711
712 If you want a watcher that is only ever called when *no* other
713 events are outstanding you have to set the priority to "EV::MINPRI".
527 714
528 The process will not block as long as any idle watchers are active, 715 The process will not block as long as any idle watchers are active,
529 and they will be called repeatedly until stopped. 716 and they will be called repeatedly until stopped.
717
718 For example, if you have idle watchers at priority 0 and 1, and an
719 I/O watcher at priority 0, then the idle watcher at priority 1 and
720 the I/O watcher will always run when ready. Only when the idle
721 watcher at priority 1 is stopped and the I/O watcher at priority 0
722 is not pending with the 0-priority idle watcher be invoked.
530 723
531 The "idle_ns" variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created 724 The "idle_ns" variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created
532 watcher. 725 watcher.
533 726
534 PREPARE WATCHERS - customise your event loop! 727 PREPARE WATCHERS - customise your event loop!
535 $w = EV::prepare $callback 728 $w = EV::prepare $callback
536 $w = EV::prepare_ns $callback 729 $w = EV::prepare_ns $callback
730 $w = $loop->prepare ($callback)
731 $w = $loop->prepare_ns ($callback)
537 Call the callback just before the process would block. You can still 732 Call the callback just before the process would block. You can still
538 create/modify any watchers at this point. 733 create/modify any watchers at this point.
539 734
540 See the EV::check watcher, below, for explanations and an example. 735 See the EV::check watcher, below, for explanations and an example.
541 736
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543 watcher. 738 watcher.
544 739
545 CHECK WATCHERS - customise your event loop even more! 740 CHECK WATCHERS - customise your event loop even more!
546 $w = EV::check $callback 741 $w = EV::check $callback
547 $w = EV::check_ns $callback 742 $w = EV::check_ns $callback
743 $w = $loop->check ($callback)
744 $w = $loop->check_ns ($callback)
548 Call the callback just after the process wakes up again (after it 745 Call the callback just after the process wakes up again (after it
549 has gathered events), but before any other callbacks have been 746 has gathered events), but before any other callbacks have been
550 invoked. 747 invoked.
551 748
552 This is used to integrate other event-based software into the EV 749 This is used to integrate other event-based software into the EV
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563 or return; 760 or return;
564 761
565 # make the dispatcher handle any outstanding stuff 762 # make the dispatcher handle any outstanding stuff
566 ... not shown 763 ... not shown
567 764
568 # create an IO watcher for each and every socket 765 # create an I/O watcher for each and every socket
569 @snmp_watcher = ( 766 @snmp_watcher = (
570 (map { EV::io $_, EV::READ, sub { } } 767 (map { EV::io $_, EV::READ, sub { } }
571 keys %{ $dispatcher->{_descriptors} }), 768 keys %{ $dispatcher->{_descriptors} }),
572 769
573 EV::timer +($event->[Net::SNMP::Dispatcher::_ACTIVE] 770 EV::timer +($event->[Net::SNMP::Dispatcher::_ACTIVE]
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588 # make the dispatcher handle any new stuff 785 # make the dispatcher handle any new stuff
589 ... not shown 786 ... not shown
590 }; 787 };
591 788
592 The callbacks of the created watchers will not be called as the 789 The callbacks of the created watchers will not be called as the
593 watchers are destroyed before this cna happen (remember EV::check 790 watchers are destroyed before this can happen (remember EV::check
594 gets called first). 791 gets called first).
595 792
596 The "check_ns" variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created 793 The "check_ns" variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created
597 watcher. 794 watcher.
598 795
… …
601 is done before the event loop blocks next and before "check" watchers 798 is done before the event loop blocks next and before "check" watchers
602 are being called, and only in the child after the fork. 799 are being called, and only in the child after the fork.
603 800
604 $w = EV::fork $callback 801 $w = EV::fork $callback
605 $w = EV::fork_ns $callback 802 $w = EV::fork_ns $callback
803 $w = $loop->fork ($callback)
804 $w = $loop->fork_ns ($callback)
606 Call the callback before the event loop is resumed in the child 805 Call the callback before the event loop is resumed in the child
607 process after a fork. 806 process after a fork.
608 807
609 The "fork_ns" variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created 808 The "fork_ns" variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created
610 watcher. 809 watcher.
810
811 EMBED WATCHERS - when one backend isn't enough...
812 This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event
813 loop into another (currently only IO events are supported in the
814 embedded loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or
815 incorrect fashion and must not be used).
816
817 See the libev documentation at
818 <http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod#code_ev_embed_code
819 _when_one_backend_> (locally installed as EV::libev) for more details.
820
821 In short, this watcher is most useful on BSD systems without working
822 kqueue to still be able to handle a large number of sockets:
823
824 my $socket_loop;
825
826 # check wether we use SELECT or POLL _and_ KQUEUE is supported
827 if (
828 (EV::backend & (EV::BACKEND_POLL | EV::BACKEND_SELECT))
829 && (EV::supported_backends & EV::embeddable_backends & EV::BACKEND_KQUEUE)
830 ) {
831 # use kqueue for sockets
832 $socket_loop = new EV::Loop EV::BACKEND_KQUEUE | EV::FLAG_NOENV;
833 }
834
835 # use the default loop otherwise
836 $socket_loop ||= EV::default_loop;
837
838 $w = EV::embed $otherloop[, $callback]
839 $w = EV::embed_ns $otherloop[, $callback]
840 $w = $loop->embed ($otherloop[, $callback])
841 $w = $loop->embed_ns ($otherloop[, $callback])
842 Call the callback when the embedded event loop ($otherloop) has any
843 I/O activity. The $callback is optional: if it is missing, then the
844 embedded event loop will be managed automatically (which is
845 recommended), otherwise you have to invoke "sweep" yourself.
846
847 The "embed_ns" variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created
848 watcher.
849
850 ASYNC WATCHERS - how to wake up another event loop
851 Async watchers are provided by EV, but have little use in perl directly,
852 as perl neither supports threads nor direct access to signal handlers or
853 other contexts where they could be of value.
854
855 It is, however, possible to use them from the XS level.
856
857 Please see the libev documentation for further details.
858
859 $w = EV::async $callback
860 $w = EV::async_ns $callback
861 $w->send
862 $bool = $w->async_pending
863
864PERL SIGNALS
865 While Perl signal handling (%SIG) is not affected by EV, the behaviour
866 with EV is as the same as any other C library: Perl-signals will only be
867 handled when Perl runs, which means your signal handler might be invoked
868 only the next time an event callback is invoked.
869
870 The solution is to use EV signal watchers (see "EV::signal"), which will
871 ensure proper operations with regards to other event watchers.
872
873 If you cannot do this for whatever reason, you can also force a watcher
874 to be called on every event loop iteration by installing a "EV::check"
875 watcher:
876
877 my $async_check = EV::check sub { };
878
879 This ensures that perl gets into control for a short time to handle any
880 pending signals, and also ensures (slightly) slower overall operation.
611 881
612THREADS 882THREADS
613 Threads are not supported by this module in any way. Perl pseudo-threads 883 Threads are not supported by this module in any way. Perl pseudo-threads
614 is evil stuff and must die. As soon as Perl gains real threads I will 884 is evil stuff and must die. As soon as Perl gains real threads I will
615 work on thread support for it. 885 work on thread support for it.
… …
630 900
631 On win32, there is no notion of fork so all this doesn't apply, of 901 On win32, there is no notion of fork so all this doesn't apply, of
632 course. 902 course.
633 903
634SEE ALSO 904SEE ALSO
635 EV::DNS. 905 EV::ADNS (asynchronous DNS), Glib::EV (makes Glib/Gtk2 use EV as event
906 loop), EV::Glib (embed Glib into EV), Coro::EV (efficient coroutines
907 with EV), Net::SNMP::EV (asynchronous SNMP), AnyEvent for event-loop
908 agnostic and portable event driven programming.
636 909
637AUTHOR 910AUTHOR
638 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 911 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
639 http://home.schmorp.de/ 912 http://home.schmorp.de/
640 913

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