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Revision 1.26 by root, Wed May 21 23:40:08 2008 UTC

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
24 # IO 23
25 24 # IO
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>)
60 details on watcher semantics or some discussion on the available 60 for more subtle details on watcher semantics or some discussion on the
61 backends, or how to force a specific backend with "LIBEV_FLAGS", or just 61 available backends, or how to force a specific backend with
62 about in any case because it has much more detailed information. 62 "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
71EVENT LOOPS
72 EV supports multiple event loops: There is a single "default event loop"
73 that can handle everything including signals and child watchers, and any
74 number of "dynamic event loops" that can use different backends (with
75 various limitations), but no child and signal watchers.
76
77 You do not have to do anything to create the default event loop: When
78 the module is loaded a suitable backend is selected on the premise of
79 selecting a working backend (which for example rules out kqueue on most
80 BSDs). Modules should, unless they have "special needs" always use the
81 default loop as this is fastest (perl-wise), best supported by other
82 modules (e.g. AnyEvent or Coro) and most portable event loop.
83
84 For specific programs you can create additional event loops dynamically.
85
86 $loop = new EV::loop [$flags]
87 Create a new event loop as per the specified flags. Please refer to
88 the "ev_loop_new ()" function description in the libev documentation
89 (<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod#GLOBAL_FUNCTI
90 ONS>) for more info.
91
92 The loop will automatically be destroyed when it is no longer
93 referenced by any watcher and the loop object goes out of scope.
94
95 Using "EV::FLAG_FORKCHECK" is recommended, as only the default event
96 loop is protected by this module.
97
98 $loop->loop_fork
99 Must be called after a fork in the child, before entering or
100 continuing the event loop. An alternative is to use
101 "EV::FLAG_FORKCHECK" which calls this fucntion automatically, at
102 some performance loss (refer to the libev documentation).
103
104 $loop = EV::default_loop [$flags]
105 Return the default loop (which is a singleton object).
63 106
64BASIC INTERFACE 107BASIC INTERFACE
65 $EV::DIED 108 $EV::DIED
66 Must contain a reference to a function that is called when a 109 Must contain a reference to a function that is called when a
67 callback throws an exception (with $@ containing thr error). The 110 callback throws an exception (with $@ containing the error). The
68 default prints an informative message and continues. 111 default prints an informative message and continues.
69 112
70 If this callback throws an exception it will be silently ignored. 113 If this callback throws an exception it will be silently ignored.
114
115 $flags = EV::supported_backends
116 $flags = EV::recommended_backends
117 $flags = EV::embeddable_backends
118 Returns the set (see "EV::BACKEND_*" flags) of backends supported by
119 this instance of EV, the set of recommended backends (supposed to be
120 good) for this platform and the set of embeddable backends (see
121 EMBED WATCHERS).
122
123 EV::sleep $seconds
124 Block the process for the given number of (fractional) seconds.
71 125
72 $time = EV::time 126 $time = EV::time
73 Returns the current time in (fractional) seconds since the epoch. 127 Returns the current time in (fractional) seconds since the epoch.
74 128
75 $time = EV::now 129 $time = EV::now
130 $time = $loop->now
76 Returns the time the last event loop iteration has been started. 131 Returns the time the last event loop iteration has been started.
77 This is the time that (relative) timers are based on, and refering 132 This is the time that (relative) timers are based on, and refering
78 to it is usually faster then calling EV::time. 133 to it is usually faster then calling EV::time.
79 134
80 $method = EV::method 135 $backend = EV::backend
136 $backend = $loop->backend
81 Returns an integer describing the backend used by libev 137 Returns an integer describing the backend used by libev
82 (EV::METHOD_SELECT or EV::METHOD_EPOLL). 138 (EV::METHOD_SELECT or EV::METHOD_EPOLL).
83 139
84 EV::loop [$flags] 140 EV::loop [$flags]
141 $loop->loop ([$flags])
85 Begin checking for events and calling callbacks. It returns when a 142 Begin checking for events and calling callbacks. It returns when a
86 callback calls EV::unloop. 143 callback calls EV::unloop.
87 144
88 The $flags argument can be one of the following: 145 The $flags argument can be one of the following:
89 146
90 0 as above 147 0 as above
91 EV::LOOP_ONESHOT block at most once (wait, but do not loop) 148 EV::LOOP_ONESHOT block at most once (wait, but do not loop)
92 EV::LOOP_NONBLOCK do not block at all (fetch/handle events but do not wait) 149 EV::LOOP_NONBLOCK do not block at all (fetch/handle events but do not wait)
93 150
94 EV::unloop [$how] 151 EV::unloop [$how]
152 $loop->unloop ([$how])
95 When called with no arguments or an argument of EV::UNLOOP_ONE, 153 When called with no arguments or an argument of EV::UNLOOP_ONE,
96 makes the innermost call to EV::loop return. 154 makes the innermost call to EV::loop return.
97 155
98 When called with an argument of EV::UNLOOP_ALL, all calls to 156 When called with an argument of EV::UNLOOP_ALL, all calls to
99 EV::loop will return as fast as possible. 157 EV::loop will return as fast as possible.
100 158
101 $count = EV::loop_count 159 $count = EV::loop_count
160 $count = $loop->loop_count
102 Return the number of times the event loop has polled for new events. 161 Return the number of times the event loop has polled for new events.
103 Sometiems useful as a generation counter. 162 Sometiems useful as a generation counter.
104 163
105 EV::once $fh_or_undef, $events, $timeout, $cb->($revents) 164 EV::once $fh_or_undef, $events, $timeout, $cb->($revents)
165 $loop->once ($fh_or_undef, $events, $timeout, $cb->($revents))
106 This function rolls together an I/O and a timer watcher for a single 166 This function rolls together an I/O and a timer watcher for a single
107 one-shot event without the need for managing a watcher object. 167 one-shot event without the need for managing a watcher object.
108 168
109 If $fh_or_undef is a filehandle or file descriptor, then $events 169 If $fh_or_undef is a filehandle or file descriptor, then $events
110 must be a bitset containing either "EV::READ", "EV::WRITE" or 170 must be a bitset containing either "EV::READ", "EV::WRITE" or
115 If timeout is "undef" or negative, then there will be no timeout. 175 If timeout is "undef" or negative, then there will be no timeout.
116 Otherwise a EV::timer with this value will be started. 176 Otherwise a EV::timer with this value will be started.
117 177
118 When an error occurs or either the timeout or I/O watcher triggers, 178 When an error occurs or either the timeout or I/O watcher triggers,
119 then the callback will be called with the received event set (in 179 then the callback will be called with the received event set (in
120 general you can expect it to be a combination of "EV:ERROR", 180 general you can expect it to be a combination of "EV::ERROR",
121 "EV::READ", "EV::WRITE" and "EV::TIMEOUT"). 181 "EV::READ", "EV::WRITE" and "EV::TIMEOUT").
122 182
123 EV::once doesn't return anything: the watchers stay active till 183 EV::once doesn't return anything: the watchers stay active till
124 either of them triggers, then they will be stopped and freed, and 184 either of them triggers, then they will be stopped and freed, and
125 the callback invoked. 185 the callback invoked.
126 186
187 EV::feed_fd_event ($fd, $revents)
188 $loop->feed_fd_event ($fd, $revents)
189 Feed an event on a file descriptor into EV. EV will react to this
190 call as if the readyness notifications specified by $revents (a
191 combination of "EV::READ" and "EV::WRITE") happened on the file
192 descriptor $fd.
193
194 EV::feed_signal_event ($signal)
195 Feed a signal event into EV. EV will react to this call as if the
196 signal specified by $signal had occured.
197
198 EV::set_io_collect_interval $time
199 $loop->set_io_collect_interval ($time)
200 EV::set_timeout_collect_interval $time
201 $loop->set_timeout_collect_interval ($time)
202 These advanced functions set the minimum block interval when polling
203 for I/O events and the minimum wait interval for timer events. See
204 the libev documentation at
205 <http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod#FUNCTIONS_CONT
206 ROLLING_THE_EVENT_LOOP> for a more detailed discussion.
207
127 WATCHER OBJECTS 208WATCHER OBJECTS
128 A watcher is an object that gets created to record your interest in some 209 A watcher is an object that gets created to record your interest in some
129 event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to become readable, 210 event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to become readable,
130 you would create an EV::io watcher for that: 211 you would create an EV::io watcher for that:
131 212
132 my $watcher = EV::io *STDIN, EV::READ, sub { 213 my $watcher = EV::io *STDIN, EV::READ, sub {
133 my ($watcher, $revents) = @_; 214 my ($watcher, $revents) = @_;
134 warn "yeah, STDIN should not be readable without blocking!\n" 215 warn "yeah, STDIN should now be readable without blocking!\n"
135 }; 216 };
136 217
137 All watchers can be active (waiting for events) or inactive (paused). 218 All watchers can be active (waiting for events) or inactive (paused).
138 Only active watchers will have their callbacks invoked. All callbacks 219 Only active watchers will have their callbacks invoked. All callbacks
139 will be called with at least two arguments: the watcher and a bitmask of 220 will be called with at least two arguments: the watcher and a bitmask of
202 The default priority of any newly-created watcher is 0. 283 The default priority of any newly-created watcher is 0.
203 284
204 Note that the priority semantics have not yet been fleshed out and 285 Note that the priority semantics have not yet been fleshed out and
205 are subject to almost certain change. 286 are subject to almost certain change.
206 287
207 $w->trigger ($revents) 288 $w->invoke ($revents)
208 Call the callback *now* with the given event mask. 289 Call the callback *now* with the given event mask.
290
291 $w->feed_event ($revents)
292 Feed some events on this watcher into EV. EV will react to this call
293 as if the watcher had received the given $revents mask.
294
295 $revents = $w->clear_pending
296 If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status
297 and returns its $revents bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If
298 the watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns 0.
209 299
210 $previous_state = $w->keepalive ($bool) 300 $previous_state = $w->keepalive ($bool)
211 Normally, "EV::loop" will return when there are no active watchers 301 Normally, "EV::loop" will return when there are no active watchers
212 (which is a "deadlock" because no progress can be made anymore). 302 (which is a "deadlock" because no progress can be made anymore).
213 This is convinient because it allows you to start your watchers (and 303 This is convinient because it allows you to start your watchers (and
214 your jobs), call "EV::loop" once and when it returns you know that 304 your jobs), call "EV::loop" once and when it returns you know that
215 all your jobs are finished (or they forgot to register some watchers 305 all your jobs are finished (or they forgot to register some watchers
216 for their task :). 306 for their task :).
217 307
218 Sometimes, however, this gets in your way, for example when you the 308 Sometimes, however, this gets in your way, for example when the
219 module that calls "EV::loop" (usually the main program) is not the 309 module that calls "EV::loop" (usually the main program) is not the
220 same module as a long-living watcher (for example a DNS client 310 same module as a long-living watcher (for example a DNS client
221 module written by somebody else even). Then you might want any 311 module written by somebody else even). Then you might want any
222 outstanding requests to be handled, but you would not want to keep 312 outstanding requests to be handled, but you would not want to keep
223 "EV::loop" from returning just because you happen to have this 313 "EV::loop" from returning just because you happen to have this
233 Example: Register an I/O watcher for some UDP socket but do not keep 323 Example: Register an I/O watcher for some UDP socket but do not keep
234 the event loop from running just because of that watcher. 324 the event loop from running just because of that watcher.
235 325
236 my $udp_socket = ... 326 my $udp_socket = ...
237 my $udp_watcher = EV::io $udp_socket, EV::READ, sub { ... }; 327 my $udp_watcher = EV::io $udp_socket, EV::READ, sub { ... };
238 $udp_watcher->keepalive (0); 328 $1000udp_watcher->keepalive (0);
239 329
330 $loop = $w->loop
331 Return the loop that this watcher is attached to.
332
240 WATCHER TYPES 333WATCHER TYPES
241 Each of the following subsections describes a single watcher type. 334 Each of the following subsections describes a single watcher type.
242 335
243 I/O WATCHERS - is this file descriptor readable or writable? 336 I/O WATCHERS - is this file descriptor readable or writable?
244 $w = EV::io $fileno_or_fh, $eventmask, $callback 337 $w = EV::io $fileno_or_fh, $eventmask, $callback
245 $w = EV::io_ns $fileno_or_fh, $eventmask, $callback 338 $w = EV::io_ns $fileno_or_fh, $eventmask, $callback
339 $w = $loop->io ($fileno_or_fh, $eventmask, $callback)
340 $w = $loop->io_ns ($fileno_or_fh, $eventmask, $callback)
246 As long as the returned watcher object is alive, call the $callback 341 As long as the returned watcher object is alive, call the $callback
247 when at least one of events specified in $eventmask occurs. 342 when at least one of events specified in $eventmask occurs.
248 343
249 The $eventmask can be one or more of these constants ORed together: 344 The $eventmask can be one or more of these constants ORed together:
250 345
267 Returns the previously set event mask and optionally set a new one. 362 Returns the previously set event mask and optionally set a new one.
268 363
269 TIMER WATCHERS - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 364 TIMER WATCHERS - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
270 $w = EV::timer $after, $repeat, $callback 365 $w = EV::timer $after, $repeat, $callback
271 $w = EV::timer_ns $after, $repeat, $callback 366 $w = EV::timer_ns $after, $repeat, $callback
367 $w = $loop->timer ($after, $repeat, $callback)
368 $w = $loop->timer_ns ($after, $repeat, $callback)
272 Calls the callback after $after seconds (which may be fractional). 369 Calls the callback after $after seconds (which may be fractional).
273 If $repeat is non-zero, the timer will be restarted (with the 370 If $repeat is non-zero, the timer will be restarted (with the
274 $repeat value as $after) after the callback returns. 371 $repeat value as $after) after the callback returns.
275 372
276 This means that the callback would be called roughly after $after 373 This means that the callback would be called roughly after $after
312 method on the timeout. 409 method on the timeout.
313 410
314 PERIODIC WATCHERS - to cron or not to cron? 411 PERIODIC WATCHERS - to cron or not to cron?
315 $w = EV::periodic $at, $interval, $reschedule_cb, $callback 412 $w = EV::periodic $at, $interval, $reschedule_cb, $callback
316 $w = EV::periodic_ns $at, $interval, $reschedule_cb, $callback 413 $w = EV::periodic_ns $at, $interval, $reschedule_cb, $callback
414 $w = $loop->periodic ($at, $interval, $reschedule_cb, $callback)
415 $w = $loop->periodic_ns ($at, $interval, $reschedule_cb, $callback)
317 Similar to EV::timer, but is not based on relative timeouts but on 416 Similar to EV::timer, but is not based on relative timeouts but on
318 absolute times. Apart from creating "simple" timers that trigger 417 absolute times. Apart from creating "simple" timers that trigger
319 "at" the specified time, it can also be used for non-drifting 418 "at" the specified time, it can also be used for non-drifting
320 absolute timers and more complex, cron-like, setups that are not 419 absolute timers and more complex, cron-like, setups that are not
321 adversely affected by time jumps (i.e. when the system clock is 420 adversely affected by time jumps (i.e. when the system clock is
322 changed by explicit date -s or other means such as ntpd). It is also 421 changed by explicit date -s or other means such as ntpd). It is also
323 the most complex watcher type in EV. 422 the most complex watcher type in EV.
324 423
325 It has three distinct "modes": 424 It has three distinct "modes":
326 425
327 * absolute timer ($interval = $reschedule_cb = 0) 426 * absolute timer ($interval = $reschedule_cb = 0)
427
328 This time simply fires at the wallclock time $at and doesn't 428 This time simply fires at the wallclock time $at and doesn't
329 repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, that is, if 429 repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, that is, if
330 it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 430 it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
331 system time reaches or surpasses this time. 431 system time reaches or surpasses this time.
332 432
333 * non-repeating interval timer ($interval > 0, $reschedule_cb = 0) 433 * repeating interval timer ($interval > 0, $reschedule_cb = 0)
434
334 In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at 435 In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at
335 the next "$at + N * $interval" time (for some integer N) and 436 the next "$at + N * $interval" time (for some integer N) and
336 then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 437 then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
337 438
338 This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect 439 This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect
347 Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) 448 Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined)
348 is that EV::periodic will try to run the callback in this mode 449 is that EV::periodic will try to run the callback in this mode
349 at the next possible time where "$time = $at (mod $interval)", 450 at the next possible time where "$time = $at (mod $interval)",
350 regardless of any time jumps. 451 regardless of any time jumps.
351 452
352 * manual reschedule mode ($reschedule_cb = coderef) 453 * manual reschedule mode ($reschedule_cb = coderef)
454
353 In this mode $interval and $at are both being ignored. Instead, 455 In this mode $interval and $at are both being ignored. Instead,
354 each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the reschedule 456 each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the reschedule
355 callback ($reschedule_cb) will be called with the watcher as 457 callback ($reschedule_cb) will be called with the watcher as
356 first, and the current time as second argument. 458 first, and the current time as second argument.
357 459
358 *This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy this or any other 460 *This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy this or any other
461 periodic watcher, ever, and MUST NOT call any event loop
359 periodic watcher, ever*. If you need to stop it, return 1e30 and 462 functions or methods*. If you need to stop it, return 1e30 and
360 stop it afterwards. 463 stop it afterwards. You may create and start a "EV::prepare"
464 watcher for this task.
361 465
362 It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed 466 It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed
363 time value (that is, the lowest time value larger than to the 467 time value (that is, the lowest time value larger than or equal
364 second argument). It will usually be called just before the 468 to to the second argument). It will usually be called just
365 callback will be triggered, but might be called at other times, 469 before the callback will be triggered, but might be called at
366 too. 470 other times, too.
367 471
368 This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer 472 This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer
369 that triggers on each midnight, local time (actually 24 hours 473 that triggers on each midnight, local time (actually 24 hours
370 after the last midnight, to keep the example simple. If you know 474 after the last midnight, to keep the example simple. If you know
371 a way to do it correctly in about the same space (without 475 a way to do it correctly in about the same space (without
389 be called at any time. 493 be called at any time.
390 494
391 $w->again 495 $w->again
392 Simply stops and starts the watcher again. 496 Simply stops and starts the watcher again.
393 497
498 $time = $w->at
499 Return the time that the watcher is expected to trigger next.
500
394 SIGNAL WATCHERS - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 501 SIGNAL WATCHERS - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
395 $w = EV::signal $signal, $callback 502 $w = EV::signal $signal, $callback
396 $w = EV::signal_ns $signal, $callback 503 $w = EV::signal_ns $signal, $callback
397 Call the callback when $signal is received (the signal can be 504 Call the callback when $signal is received (the signal can be
398 specified by number or by name, just as with "kill" or %SIG). 505 specified by number or by name, just as with "kill" or %SIG).
415 $old_signum = $w->signal ($new_signal) 522 $old_signum = $w->signal ($new_signal)
416 Returns the previously set signal (always as a number not name) and 523 Returns the previously set signal (always as a number not name) and
417 optionally set a new one. 524 optionally set a new one.
418 525
419 CHILD WATCHERS - watch out for process status changes 526 CHILD WATCHERS - watch out for process status changes
420 $w = EV::child $pid, $callback 527 $w = EV::child $pid, $trace, $callback
421 $w = EV::child_ns $pid, $callback 528 $w = EV::child_ns $pid, $trace, $callback
529 $w = $loop->child ($pid, $trace, $callback)
530 $w = $loop->child_ns ($pid, $trace, $callback)
422 Call the callback when a status change for pid $pid (or any pid if 531 Call the callback when a status change for pid $pid (or any pid if
423 $pid is 0) has been received. More precisely: when the process 532 $pid is 0) has been received (a status change happens when the
533 process terminates or is killed, or, when trace is true,
534 additionally when it is stopped or continued). More precisely: when
424 receives a "SIGCHLD", EV will fetch the outstanding exit/wait status 535 the process receives a "SIGCHLD", EV will fetch the outstanding
425 for all changed/zombie children and call the callback. 536 exit/wait status for all changed/zombie children and call the
537 callback.
426 538
427 It is valid (and fully supported) to install a child watcher after a 539 It is valid (and fully supported) to install a child watcher after a
428 child has exited but before the event loop has started its next 540 child has exited but before the event loop has started its next
429 iteration (for example, first you "fork", then the new child process 541 iteration (for example, first you "fork", then the new child process
430 might exit, and only then do you install a child watcher in the 542 might exit, and only then do you install a child watcher in the
437 be called. 549 be called.
438 550
439 The "child_ns" variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created 551 The "child_ns" variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created
440 watcher. 552 watcher.
441 553
442 $w->set ($pid) 554 $w->set ($pid, $trace)
443 Reconfigures the watcher, see the constructor above for details. Can 555 Reconfigures the watcher, see the constructor above for details. Can
444 be called at any time. 556 be called at any time.
445 557
446 $current_pid = $w->pid 558 $current_pid = $w->pid
447 $old_pid = $w->pid ($new_pid)
448 Returns the previously set process id and optionally set a new one. 559 Returns the previously set process id and optionally set a new one.
449 560
450 $exit_status = $w->rstatus 561 $exit_status = $w->rstatus
451 Return the exit/wait status (as returned by waitpid, see the waitpid 562 Return the exit/wait status (as returned by waitpid, see the waitpid
452 entry in perlfunc). 563 entry in perlfunc).
456 a watcher for all pids). 567 a watcher for all pids).
457 568
458 STAT WATCHERS - did the file attributes just change? 569 STAT WATCHERS - did the file attributes just change?
459 $w = EV::stat $path, $interval, $callback 570 $w = EV::stat $path, $interval, $callback
460 $w = EV::stat_ns $path, $interval, $callback 571 $w = EV::stat_ns $path, $interval, $callback
572 $w = $loop->stat ($path, $interval, $callback)
573 $w = $loop->stat_ns ($path, $interval, $callback)
461 Call the callback when a file status change has been detected on 574 Call the callback when a file status change has been detected on
462 $path. The $path does not need to exist, changing from "path exists" 575 $path. The $path does not need to exist, changing from "path exists"
463 to "path does not exist" is a status change like any other. 576 to "path does not exist" is a status change like any other.
464 577
465 The $interval is a recommended polling interval for systems where 578 The $interval is a recommended polling interval for systems where
525 Can be used to query the actual interval used. 638 Can be used to query the actual interval used.
526 639
527 IDLE WATCHERS - when you've got nothing better to do... 640 IDLE WATCHERS - when you've got nothing better to do...
528 $w = EV::idle $callback 641 $w = EV::idle $callback
529 $w = EV::idle_ns $callback 642 $w = EV::idle_ns $callback
643 $w = $loop->idle ($callback)
644 $w = $loop->idle_ns ($callback)
530 Call the callback when there are no other pending watchers of the 645 Call the callback when there are no other pending watchers of the
531 same or higher priority (excluding check, prepare and other idle 646 same or higher priority (excluding check, prepare and other idle
532 watchers of the same or lower priority, of course). They are called 647 watchers of the same or lower priority, of course). They are called
533 idle watchers because when the watcher is the highest priority 648 idle watchers because when the watcher is the highest priority
534 pending event in the process, the process is considered to be idle 649 pending event in the process, the process is considered to be idle
550 watcher. 665 watcher.
551 666
552 PREPARE WATCHERS - customise your event loop! 667 PREPARE WATCHERS - customise your event loop!
553 $w = EV::prepare $callback 668 $w = EV::prepare $callback
554 $w = EV::prepare_ns $callback 669 $w = EV::prepare_ns $callback
670 $w = $loop->prepare ($callback)
671 $w = $loop->prepare_ns ($callback)
555 Call the callback just before the process would block. You can still 672 Call the callback just before the process would block. You can still
556 create/modify any watchers at this point. 673 create/modify any watchers at this point.
557 674
558 See the EV::check watcher, below, for explanations and an example. 675 See the EV::check watcher, below, for explanations and an example.
559 676
561 watcher. 678 watcher.
562 679
563 CHECK WATCHERS - customise your event loop even more! 680 CHECK WATCHERS - customise your event loop even more!
564 $w = EV::check $callback 681 $w = EV::check $callback
565 $w = EV::check_ns $callback 682 $w = EV::check_ns $callback
683 $w = $loop->check ($callback)
684 $w = $loop->check_ns ($callback)
566 Call the callback just after the process wakes up again (after it 685 Call the callback just after the process wakes up again (after it
567 has gathered events), but before any other callbacks have been 686 has gathered events), but before any other callbacks have been
568 invoked. 687 invoked.
569 688
570 This is used to integrate other event-based software into the EV 689 This is used to integrate other event-based software into the EV
619 is done before the event loop blocks next and before "check" watchers 738 is done before the event loop blocks next and before "check" watchers
620 are being called, and only in the child after the fork. 739 are being called, and only in the child after the fork.
621 740
622 $w = EV::fork $callback 741 $w = EV::fork $callback
623 $w = EV::fork_ns $callback 742 $w = EV::fork_ns $callback
743 $w = $loop->fork ($callback)
744 $w = $loop->fork_ns ($callback)
624 Call the callback before the event loop is resumed in the child 745 Call the callback before the event loop is resumed in the child
625 process after a fork. 746 process after a fork.
626 747
627 The "fork_ns" variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created 748 The "fork_ns" variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created
628 watcher. 749 watcher.
750
751 EMBED WATCHERS - when one backend isn't enough...
752 This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event
753 loop into another (currently only IO events are supported in the
754 embedded loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or
755 incorrect fashion and must not be used).
756
757 See the libev documentation at
758 <http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod#code_ev_embed_code
759 _when_one_backend_> for more details.
760
761 In short, this watcher is most useful on BSD systems without working
762 kqueue to still be able to handle a large number of sockets:
763
764 my $socket_loop;
765
766 # check wether we use SELECT or POLL _and_ KQUEUE is supported
767 if (
768 (EV::backend & (EV::BACKEND_POLL | EV::BACKEND_SELECT))
769 && (EV::supported_backends & EV::embeddable_backends & EV::BACKEND_KQUEUE)
770 ) {
771 # use kqueue for sockets
772 $socket_loop = new EV::Loop EV::BACKEND_KQUEUE | EV::FLAG_NOENV;
773 }
774
775 # use the default loop otherwise
776 $socket_loop ||= EV::default_loop;
777
778 $w = EV::embed $otherloop, $callback
779 $w = EV::embed_ns $otherloop, $callback
780 $w = $loop->embed ($otherloop, $callback)
781 $w = $loop->embed_ns ($otherloop, $callback)
782 Call the callback when the embedded event loop ($otherloop) has any
783 I/O activity. The $callback should alwas be specified as "undef" in
784 this version of EV, which means the embedded event loop will be
785 managed automatically.
786
787 The "embed_ns" variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created
788 watcher.
789
790 ASYNC WATCHERS - how to wake up another event loop
791 Async watchers are provided by EV, but have little use in perl directly,
792 as perl neither supports threads nor direct access to signal handlers or
793 other contexts where they could be of value.
794
795 It is, however, possible to use them from the XS level.
796
797 Please see the libev documentation for further details.
798
799 $w = EV::async $callback
800 $w = EV::async_ns $callback
801 $w->send
802 $bool = $w->async_pending
629 803
630PERL SIGNALS 804PERL SIGNALS
631 While Perl signal handling (%SIG) is not affected by EV, the behaviour 805 While Perl signal handling (%SIG) is not affected by EV, the behaviour
632 with EV is as the same as any other C library: Perl-signals will only be 806 with EV is as the same as any other C library: Perl-signals will only be
633 handled when Perl runs, which means your signal handler might be invoked 807 handled when Perl runs, which means your signal handler might be invoked
640 to be called on every event loop iteration by installing a "EV::check" 814 to be called on every event loop iteration by installing a "EV::check"
641 watcher: 815 watcher:
642 816
643 my $async_check = EV::check sub { }; 817 my $async_check = EV::check sub { };
644 818
645 This ensures that perl shortly gets into control for a short time, and 819 This ensures that perl gets into control for a short time to handle any
646 also ensures slower overall operation. 820 pending signals, and also ensures (slightly) slower overall operation.
647 821
648THREADS 822THREADS
649 Threads are not supported by this module in any way. Perl pseudo-threads 823 Threads are not supported by this module in any way. Perl pseudo-threads
650 is evil stuff and must die. As soon as Perl gains real threads I will 824 is evil stuff and must die. As soon as Perl gains real threads I will
651 work on thread support for it. 825 work on thread support for it.
666 840
667 On win32, there is no notion of fork so all this doesn't apply, of 841 On win32, there is no notion of fork so all this doesn't apply, of
668 course. 842 course.
669 843
670SEE ALSO 844SEE ALSO
671 EV::ADNS (asynchronous dns), Glib::EV (makes Glib/Gtk2 use EV as event 845 EV::ADNS (asynchronous DNS), Glib::EV (makes Glib/Gtk2 use EV as event
672 loop), Coro::EV (efficient coroutines with EV). 846 loop), EV::Glib (embed Glib into EV), Coro::EV (efficient coroutines
847 with EV), Net::SNMP::EV (asynchronous SNMP), AnyEvent for event-loop
848 agnostic and portable event driven programming.
673 849
674AUTHOR 850AUTHOR
675 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 851 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
676 http://home.schmorp.de/ 852 http://home.schmorp.de/
677 853

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