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Revision 1.17 by root, Sat Dec 8 14:44:21 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.25 by root, Sun May 18 10:45:36 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 $events
110 must be a bitset containing either "EV::READ", "EV::WRITE" or 170 must be a bitset containing either "EV::READ", "EV::WRITE" or
115 If timeout is "undef" or negative, then there will be no timeout. 175 If timeout is "undef" or negative, then there will be no timeout.
116 Otherwise a EV::timer with this value will be started. 176 Otherwise a EV::timer with this value will be started.
117 177
118 When an error occurs or either the timeout or I/O watcher triggers, 178 When an error occurs or either the timeout or I/O watcher triggers,
119 then the callback will be called with the received event set (in 179 then the callback will be called with the received event set (in
120 general you can expect it to be a combination of "EV:ERROR", 180 general you can expect it to be a combination of "EV::ERROR",
121 "EV::READ", "EV::WRITE" and "EV::TIMEOUT"). 181 "EV::READ", "EV::WRITE" and "EV::TIMEOUT").
122 182
123 EV::once doesn't return anything: the watchers stay active till 183 EV::once doesn't return anything: the watchers stay active till
124 either of them triggers, then they will be stopped and freed, and 184 either of them triggers, then they will be stopped and freed, and
125 the callback invoked. 185 the callback invoked.
126 186
127 EV::feed_fd_event ($fd, $revents) 187 EV::feed_fd_event ($fd, $revents)
188 $loop->feed_fd_event ($fd, $revents)
128 Feed an event on a file descriptor into EV. EV will react to this 189 Feed an event on a file descriptor into EV. EV will react to this
129 call as if the readyness notifications specified by $revents (a 190 call as if the readyness notifications specified by $revents (a
130 combination of "EV::READ" and "EV::WRITE") happened on the file 191 combination of "EV::READ" and "EV::WRITE") happened on the file
131 descriptor $fd. 192 descriptor $fd.
132 193
133 EV::feed_signal_event ($signal) 194 EV::feed_signal_event ($signal)
134 Feed a signal event into EV. EV will react to this call as if the 195 Feed a signal event into EV. EV will react to this call as if the
135 signal specified by $signal had occured. 196 signal specified by $signal had occured.
136 197
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
137 WATCHER OBJECTS 208WATCHER OBJECTS
138 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
139 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,
140 you would create an EV::io watcher for that: 211 you would create an EV::io watcher for that:
141 212
142 my $watcher = EV::io *STDIN, EV::READ, sub { 213 my $watcher = EV::io *STDIN, EV::READ, sub {
143 my ($watcher, $revents) = @_; 214 my ($watcher, $revents) = @_;
144 warn "yeah, STDIN should not be readable without blocking!\n" 215 warn "yeah, STDIN should now be readable without blocking!\n"
145 }; 216 };
146 217
147 All watchers can be active (waiting for events) or inactive (paused). 218 All watchers can be active (waiting for events) or inactive (paused).
148 Only active watchers will have their callbacks invoked. All callbacks 219 Only active watchers will have their callbacks invoked. All callbacks
149 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
220 $w->feed_event ($revents) 291 $w->feed_event ($revents)
221 Feed some events on this watcher into EV. EV will react to this call 292 Feed some events on this watcher into EV. EV will react to this call
222 as if the watcher had received the given $revents mask. 293 as if the watcher had received the given $revents mask.
223 294
224 $revents = $w->clear_pending 295 $revents = $w->clear_pending
225 If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending 296 If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status
226 status and returns its $revents bitset (as if its callback was 297 and returns its $revents bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If
227 invoked). If the watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns 298 the watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns 0.
228 0.
229 299
230 $previous_state = $w->keepalive ($bool) 300 $previous_state = $w->keepalive ($bool)
231 Normally, "EV::loop" will return when there are no active watchers 301 Normally, "EV::loop" will return when there are no active watchers
232 (which is a "deadlock" because no progress can be made anymore). 302 (which is a "deadlock" because no progress can be made anymore).
233 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
234 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
235 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
236 for their task :). 306 for their task :).
237 307
238 Sometimes, however, this gets in your way, for example when you the 308 Sometimes, however, this gets in your way, for example when the
239 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
240 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
241 module written by somebody else even). Then you might want any 311 module written by somebody else even). Then you might want any
242 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
243 "EV::loop" from returning just because you happen to have this 313 "EV::loop" from returning just because you happen to have this
253 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
254 the event loop from running just because of that watcher. 324 the event loop from running just because of that watcher.
255 325
256 my $udp_socket = ... 326 my $udp_socket = ...
257 my $udp_watcher = EV::io $udp_socket, EV::READ, sub { ... }; 327 my $udp_watcher = EV::io $udp_socket, EV::READ, sub { ... };
258 $udp_watcher->keepalive (0); 328 $1000udp_watcher->keepalive (0);
259 329
330 $loop = $w->loop
331 Return the loop that this watcher is attached to.
332
260 WATCHER TYPES 333WATCHER TYPES
261 Each of the following subsections describes a single watcher type. 334 Each of the following subsections describes a single watcher type.
262 335
263 I/O WATCHERS - is this file descriptor readable or writable? 336 I/O WATCHERS - is this file descriptor readable or writable?
264 $w = EV::io $fileno_or_fh, $eventmask, $callback 337 $w = EV::io $fileno_or_fh, $eventmask, $callback
265 $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)
266 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
267 when at least one of events specified in $eventmask occurs. 342 when at least one of events specified in $eventmask occurs.
268 343
269 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:
270 345
287 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.
288 363
289 TIMER WATCHERS - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 364 TIMER WATCHERS - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
290 $w = EV::timer $after, $repeat, $callback 365 $w = EV::timer $after, $repeat, $callback
291 $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)
292 Calls the callback after $after seconds (which may be fractional). 369 Calls the callback after $after seconds (which may be fractional).
293 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
294 $repeat value as $after) after the callback returns. 371 $repeat value as $after) after the callback returns.
295 372
296 This means that the callback would be called roughly after $after 373 This means that the callback would be called roughly after $after
332 method on the timeout. 409 method on the timeout.
333 410
334 PERIODIC WATCHERS - to cron or not to cron? 411 PERIODIC WATCHERS - to cron or not to cron?
335 $w = EV::periodic $at, $interval, $reschedule_cb, $callback 412 $w = EV::periodic $at, $interval, $reschedule_cb, $callback
336 $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, $callback)
337 Similar to EV::timer, but is not based on relative timeouts but on 416 Similar to EV::timer, but is not based on relative timeouts but on
338 absolute times. Apart from creating "simple" timers that trigger 417 absolute times. Apart from creating "simple" timers that trigger
339 "at" the specified time, it can also be used for non-drifting 418 "at" the specified time, it can also be used for non-drifting
340 absolute timers and more complex, cron-like, setups that are not 419 absolute timers and more complex, cron-like, setups that are not
341 adversely affected by time jumps (i.e. when the system clock is 420 adversely affected by time jumps (i.e. when the system clock is
342 changed by explicit date -s or other means such as ntpd). It is also 421 changed by explicit date -s or other means such as ntpd). It is also
343 the most complex watcher type in EV. 422 the most complex watcher type in EV.
344 423
345 It has three distinct "modes": 424 It has three distinct "modes":
346 425
347 * absolute timer ($interval = $reschedule_cb = 0) 426 * absolute timer ($interval = $reschedule_cb = 0)
427
348 This time simply fires at the wallclock time $at and doesn't 428 This time simply fires at the wallclock time $at and doesn't
349 repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, that is, if 429 repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, that is, if
350 it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 430 it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
351 system time reaches or surpasses this time. 431 system time reaches or surpasses this time.
352 432
353 * non-repeating interval timer ($interval > 0, $reschedule_cb = 0) 433 * repeating interval timer ($interval > 0, $reschedule_cb = 0)
434
354 In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at 435 In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at
355 the next "$at + N * $interval" time (for some integer N) and 436 the next "$at + N * $interval" time (for some integer N) and
356 then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 437 then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
357 438
358 This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect 439 This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect
367 Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) 448 Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined)
368 is that EV::periodic will try to run the callback in this mode 449 is that EV::periodic will try to run the callback in this mode
369 at the next possible time where "$time = $at (mod $interval)", 450 at the next possible time where "$time = $at (mod $interval)",
370 regardless of any time jumps. 451 regardless of any time jumps.
371 452
372 * manual reschedule mode ($reschedule_cb = coderef) 453 * manual reschedule mode ($reschedule_cb = coderef)
454
373 In this mode $interval and $at are both being ignored. Instead, 455 In this mode $interval and $at are both being ignored. Instead,
374 each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the reschedule 456 each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the reschedule
375 callback ($reschedule_cb) will be called with the watcher as 457 callback ($reschedule_cb) will be called with the watcher as
376 first, and the current time as second argument. 458 first, and the current time as second argument.
377 459
409 be called at any time. 491 be called at any time.
410 492
411 $w->again 493 $w->again
412 Simply stops and starts the watcher again. 494 Simply stops and starts the watcher again.
413 495
496 $time = $w->at
497 Return the time that the watcher is expected to trigger next.
498
414 SIGNAL WATCHERS - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 499 SIGNAL WATCHERS - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
415 $w = EV::signal $signal, $callback 500 $w = EV::signal $signal, $callback
416 $w = EV::signal_ns $signal, $callback 501 $w = EV::signal_ns $signal, $callback
417 Call the callback when $signal is received (the signal can be 502 Call the callback when $signal is received (the signal can be
418 specified by number or by name, just as with "kill" or %SIG). 503 specified by number or by name, just as with "kill" or %SIG).
435 $old_signum = $w->signal ($new_signal) 520 $old_signum = $w->signal ($new_signal)
436 Returns the previously set signal (always as a number not name) and 521 Returns the previously set signal (always as a number not name) and
437 optionally set a new one. 522 optionally set a new one.
438 523
439 CHILD WATCHERS - watch out for process status changes 524 CHILD WATCHERS - watch out for process status changes
440 $w = EV::child $pid, $callback 525 $w = EV::child $pid, $trace, $callback
441 $w = EV::child_ns $pid, $callback 526 $w = EV::child_ns $pid, $trace, $callback
527 $w = $loop->child ($pid, $trace, $callback)
528 $w = $loop->child_ns ($pid, $trace, $callback)
442 Call the callback when a status change for pid $pid (or any pid if 529 Call the callback when a status change for pid $pid (or any pid if
443 $pid is 0) has been received. More precisely: when the process 530 $pid is 0) has been received (a status change happens when the
531 process terminates or is killed, or, when trace is true,
532 additionally when it is stopped or continued). More precisely: when
444 receives a "SIGCHLD", EV will fetch the outstanding exit/wait status 533 the process receives a "SIGCHLD", EV will fetch the outstanding
445 for all changed/zombie children and call the callback. 534 exit/wait status for all changed/zombie children and call the
535 callback.
446 536
447 It is valid (and fully supported) to install a child watcher after a 537 It is valid (and fully supported) to install a child watcher after a
448 child has exited but before the event loop has started its next 538 child has exited but before the event loop has started its next
449 iteration (for example, first you "fork", then the new child process 539 iteration (for example, first you "fork", then the new child process
450 might exit, and only then do you install a child watcher in the 540 might exit, and only then do you install a child watcher in the
457 be called. 547 be called.
458 548
459 The "child_ns" variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created 549 The "child_ns" variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created
460 watcher. 550 watcher.
461 551
462 $w->set ($pid) 552 $w->set ($pid, $trace)
463 Reconfigures the watcher, see the constructor above for details. Can 553 Reconfigures the watcher, see the constructor above for details. Can
464 be called at any time. 554 be called at any time.
465 555
466 $current_pid = $w->pid 556 $current_pid = $w->pid
467 $old_pid = $w->pid ($new_pid)
468 Returns the previously set process id and optionally set a new one. 557 Returns the previously set process id and optionally set a new one.
469 558
470 $exit_status = $w->rstatus 559 $exit_status = $w->rstatus
471 Return the exit/wait status (as returned by waitpid, see the waitpid 560 Return the exit/wait status (as returned by waitpid, see the waitpid
472 entry in perlfunc). 561 entry in perlfunc).
476 a watcher for all pids). 565 a watcher for all pids).
477 566
478 STAT WATCHERS - did the file attributes just change? 567 STAT WATCHERS - did the file attributes just change?
479 $w = EV::stat $path, $interval, $callback 568 $w = EV::stat $path, $interval, $callback
480 $w = EV::stat_ns $path, $interval, $callback 569 $w = EV::stat_ns $path, $interval, $callback
570 $w = $loop->stat ($path, $interval, $callback)
571 $w = $loop->stat_ns ($path, $interval, $callback)
481 Call the callback when a file status change has been detected on 572 Call the callback when a file status change has been detected on
482 $path. The $path does not need to exist, changing from "path exists" 573 $path. The $path does not need to exist, changing from "path exists"
483 to "path does not exist" is a status change like any other. 574 to "path does not exist" is a status change like any other.
484 575
485 The $interval is a recommended polling interval for systems where 576 The $interval is a recommended polling interval for systems where
545 Can be used to query the actual interval used. 636 Can be used to query the actual interval used.
546 637
547 IDLE WATCHERS - when you've got nothing better to do... 638 IDLE WATCHERS - when you've got nothing better to do...
548 $w = EV::idle $callback 639 $w = EV::idle $callback
549 $w = EV::idle_ns $callback 640 $w = EV::idle_ns $callback
641 $w = $loop->idle ($callback)
642 $w = $loop->idle_ns ($callback)
550 Call the callback when there are no other pending watchers of the 643 Call the callback when there are no other pending watchers of the
551 same or higher priority (excluding check, prepare and other idle 644 same or higher priority (excluding check, prepare and other idle
552 watchers of the same or lower priority, of course). They are called 645 watchers of the same or lower priority, of course). They are called
553 idle watchers because when the watcher is the highest priority 646 idle watchers because when the watcher is the highest priority
554 pending event in the process, the process is considered to be idle 647 pending event in the process, the process is considered to be idle
570 watcher. 663 watcher.
571 664
572 PREPARE WATCHERS - customise your event loop! 665 PREPARE WATCHERS - customise your event loop!
573 $w = EV::prepare $callback 666 $w = EV::prepare $callback
574 $w = EV::prepare_ns $callback 667 $w = EV::prepare_ns $callback
668 $w = $loop->prepare ($callback)
669 $w = $loop->prepare_ns ($callback)
575 Call the callback just before the process would block. You can still 670 Call the callback just before the process would block. You can still
576 create/modify any watchers at this point. 671 create/modify any watchers at this point.
577 672
578 See the EV::check watcher, below, for explanations and an example. 673 See the EV::check watcher, below, for explanations and an example.
579 674
581 watcher. 676 watcher.
582 677
583 CHECK WATCHERS - customise your event loop even more! 678 CHECK WATCHERS - customise your event loop even more!
584 $w = EV::check $callback 679 $w = EV::check $callback
585 $w = EV::check_ns $callback 680 $w = EV::check_ns $callback
681 $w = $loop->check ($callback)
682 $w = $loop->check_ns ($callback)
586 Call the callback just after the process wakes up again (after it 683 Call the callback just after the process wakes up again (after it
587 has gathered events), but before any other callbacks have been 684 has gathered events), but before any other callbacks have been
588 invoked. 685 invoked.
589 686
590 This is used to integrate other event-based software into the EV 687 This is used to integrate other event-based software into the EV
639 is done before the event loop blocks next and before "check" watchers 736 is done before the event loop blocks next and before "check" watchers
640 are being called, and only in the child after the fork. 737 are being called, and only in the child after the fork.
641 738
642 $w = EV::fork $callback 739 $w = EV::fork $callback
643 $w = EV::fork_ns $callback 740 $w = EV::fork_ns $callback
741 $w = $loop->fork ($callback)
742 $w = $loop->fork_ns ($callback)
644 Call the callback before the event loop is resumed in the child 743 Call the callback before the event loop is resumed in the child
645 process after a fork. 744 process after a fork.
646 745
647 The "fork_ns" variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created 746 The "fork_ns" variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created
648 watcher. 747 watcher.
748
749 EMBED WATCHERS - when one backend isn't enough...
750 This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event
751 loop into another (currently only IO events are supported in the
752 embedded loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or
753 incorrect fashion and must not be used).
754
755 See the libev documentation at
756 <http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod#code_ev_embed_code
757 _when_one_backend_> for more details.
758
759 In short, this watcher is most useful on BSD systems without working
760 kqueue to still be able to handle a large number of sockets:
761
762 my $socket_loop;
763
764 # check wether we use SELECT or POLL _and_ KQUEUE is supported
765 if (
766 (EV::backend & (EV::BACKEND_POLL | EV::BACKEND_SELECT))
767 && (EV::supported_backends & EV::embeddable_backends & EV::BACKEND_KQUEUE)
768 ) {
769 # use kqueue for sockets
770 $socket_loop = new EV::Loop EV::BACKEND_KQUEUE | EV::FLAG_NOENV;
771 }
772
773 # use the default loop otherwise
774 $socket_loop ||= EV::default_loop;
775
776 $w = EV::embed $otherloop, $callback
777 $w = EV::embed_ns $otherloop, $callback
778 $w = $loop->embed ($otherloop, $callback)
779 $w = $loop->embed_ns ($otherloop, $callback)
780 Call the callback when the embedded event loop ($otherloop) has any
781 I/O activity. The $callback should alwas be specified as "undef" in
782 this version of EV, which means the embedded event loop will be
783 managed automatically.
784
785 The "embed_ns" variant doesn't start (activate) the newly created
786 watcher.
787
788 ASYNC WATCHERS - how to wake up another event loop
789 Async watchers are provided by EV, but have little use in perl directly,
790 as perl neither supports threads nor direct access to signal handlers or
791 other contexts where they could be of value.
792
793 It is, however, possible to use them from the XS level.
794
795 Please see the libev documentation for further details.
796
797 $w = EV::async $callback
798 $w = EV::async_ns $callback
799 $w->send
800 $bool = $w->async_pending
649 801
650PERL SIGNALS 802PERL SIGNALS
651 While Perl signal handling (%SIG) is not affected by EV, the behaviour 803 While Perl signal handling (%SIG) is not affected by EV, the behaviour
652 with EV is as the same as any other C library: Perl-signals will only be 804 with EV is as the same as any other C library: Perl-signals will only be
653 handled when Perl runs, which means your signal handler might be invoked 805 handled when Perl runs, which means your signal handler might be invoked
660 to be called on every event loop iteration by installing a "EV::check" 812 to be called on every event loop iteration by installing a "EV::check"
661 watcher: 813 watcher:
662 814
663 my $async_check = EV::check sub { }; 815 my $async_check = EV::check sub { };
664 816
665 This ensures that perl shortly gets into control for a short time, and 817 This ensures that perl gets into control for a short time to handle any
666 also ensures slower overall operation. 818 pending signals, and also ensures (slightly) slower overall operation.
667 819
668THREADS 820THREADS
669 Threads are not supported by this module in any way. Perl pseudo-threads 821 Threads are not supported by this module in any way. Perl pseudo-threads
670 is evil stuff and must die. As soon as Perl gains real threads I will 822 is evil stuff and must die. As soon as Perl gains real threads I will
671 work on thread support for it. 823 work on thread support for it.
686 838
687 On win32, there is no notion of fork so all this doesn't apply, of 839 On win32, there is no notion of fork so all this doesn't apply, of
688 course. 840 course.
689 841
690SEE ALSO 842SEE ALSO
691 EV::ADNS (asynchronous dns), Glib::EV (makes Glib/Gtk2 use EV as event 843 EV::ADNS (asynchronous DNS), Glib::EV (makes Glib/Gtk2 use EV as event
692 loop), Coro::EV (efficient coroutines with EV). 844 loop), EV::Glib (embed Glib into EV), Coro::EV (efficient coroutines
845 with EV), Net::SNMP::EV (asynchronous SNMP), AnyEvent for event-loop
846 agnostic and portable event driven programming.
693 847
694AUTHOR 848AUTHOR
695 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de> 849 Marc Lehmann <schmorp@schmorp.de>
696 http://home.schmorp.de/ 850 http://home.schmorp.de/
697 851

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