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126. ds Ae AE 126. ds Ae AE
127.\} 127.\}
128.rm #[ #] #H #V #F C 128.rm #[ #] #H #V #F C
129.\" ======================================================================== 129.\" ========================================================================
130.\" 130.\"
131.IX Title ""<STANDARD INPUT>" 1" 131.IX Title "EV 1"
132.TH "<STANDARD INPUT>" 1 "2007-12-09" "perl v5.8.8" "User Contributed Perl Documentation" 132.TH EV 1 "2007-12-21" "perl v5.8.8" "User Contributed Perl Documentation"
133.SH "NAME" 133.SH "NAME"
134libev \- a high performance full\-featured event loop written in C 134libev \- a high performance full\-featured event loop written in C
135.SH "SYNOPSIS" 135.SH "SYNOPSIS"
136.IX Header "SYNOPSIS" 136.IX Header "SYNOPSIS"
137.Vb 1 137.Vb 1
201The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted 201The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted
202web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first 202web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
203time: <http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>. 203time: <http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
204.PP 204.PP
205Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 205Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
206file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 206file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
207these event sources and provide your program with events. 207these event sources and provide your program with events.
208.PP 208.PP
209To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process 209To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process
210(or thread) by executing the \fIevent loop\fR handler, and will then 210(or thread) by executing the \fIevent loop\fR handler, and will then
211communicate events via a callback mechanism. 211communicate events via a callback mechanism.
243Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 243Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
244(fractional) number of seconds since the (\s-1POSIX\s0) epoch (somewhere near 244(fractional) number of seconds since the (\s-1POSIX\s0) epoch (somewhere near
245the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 245the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
246called \f(CW\*(C`ev_tstamp\*(C'\fR, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 246called \f(CW\*(C`ev_tstamp\*(C'\fR, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
247to the \f(CW\*(C`double\*(C'\fR type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 247to the \f(CW\*(C`double\*(C'\fR type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
248it, you should treat it as such. 248it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name
249component \f(CW\*(C`stamp\*(C'\fR might indicate, it is also used for time differences
250throughout libev.
249.SH "GLOBAL FUNCTIONS" 251.SH "GLOBAL FUNCTIONS"
250.IX Header "GLOBAL FUNCTIONS" 252.IX Header "GLOBAL FUNCTIONS"
251These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 253These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
252library in any way. 254library in any way.
253.IP "ev_tstamp ev_time ()" 4 255.IP "ev_tstamp ev_time ()" 4
457lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds). 459lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds).
458.ie n .IP """EVBACKEND_EPOLL"" (value 4, Linux)" 4 460.ie n .IP """EVBACKEND_EPOLL"" (value 4, Linux)" 4
459.el .IP "\f(CWEVBACKEND_EPOLL\fR (value 4, Linux)" 4 461.el .IP "\f(CWEVBACKEND_EPOLL\fR (value 4, Linux)" 4
460.IX Item "EVBACKEND_EPOLL (value 4, Linux)" 462.IX Item "EVBACKEND_EPOLL (value 4, Linux)"
461For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 463For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
462but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 464but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
463O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), epoll scales 465like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
464either O(1) or O(active_fds). 466epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
467of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
468cases and rewuiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad
469support for dup:
465.Sp 470.Sp
466While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 471While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
467result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 472will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident
468(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 473(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
469best to avoid that. Also, \fIdup()\fRed file descriptors might not work very 474best to avoid that. Also, \f(CW\*(C`dup ()\*(C'\fR'ed file descriptors might not work
470well if you register events for both fds. 475very well if you register events for both fds.
471.Sp 476.Sp
472Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 477Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
473need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data 478need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
474(or space) is available. 479(or space) is available.
475.ie n .IP """EVBACKEND_KQUEUE"" (value 8, most \s-1BSD\s0 clones)" 4 480.ie n .IP """EVBACKEND_KQUEUE"" (value 8, most \s-1BSD\s0 clones)" 4
476.el .IP "\f(CWEVBACKEND_KQUEUE\fR (value 8, most \s-1BSD\s0 clones)" 4 481.el .IP "\f(CWEVBACKEND_KQUEUE\fR (value 8, most \s-1BSD\s0 clones)" 4
477.IX Item "EVBACKEND_KQUEUE (value 8, most BSD clones)" 482.IX Item "EVBACKEND_KQUEUE (value 8, most BSD clones)"
478Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 483Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
479was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 484was broken on \fIall\fR BSDs (usually it doesn't work with anything but
480anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 485sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course it's completely
486useless. On NetBSD, it seems to work for all the \s-1FD\s0 types I tested, so it
481completely useless). For this reason its not being \*(L"autodetected\*(R" 487is used by default there). For this reason it's not being \*(L"autodetected\*(R"
482unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 488unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
483\&\f(CW\*(C`EVBACKEND_KQUEUE\*(C'\fR). 489\&\f(CW\*(C`EVBACKEND_KQUEUE\*(C'\fR) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (\-enough)
490system like NetBSD.
484.Sp 491.Sp
485It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 492It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
486kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 493kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed,
487course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 494of course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does
488extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per 495never cause an extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to two event
489incident, so its best to avoid that. 496changes per incident, support for \f(CW\*(C`fork ()\*(C'\fR is very bad and it drops fds
497silently in similarly hard-to-detetc cases.
490.ie n .IP """EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL"" (value 16, Solaris 8)" 4 498.ie n .IP """EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL"" (value 16, Solaris 8)" 4
491.el .IP "\f(CWEVBACKEND_DEVPOLL\fR (value 16, Solaris 8)" 4 499.el .IP "\f(CWEVBACKEND_DEVPOLL\fR (value 16, Solaris 8)" 4
492.IX Item "EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL (value 16, Solaris 8)" 500.IX Item "EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL (value 16, Solaris 8)"
493This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 501This is not implemented yet (and might never be).
494.ie n .IP """EVBACKEND_PORT"" (value 32, Solaris 10)" 4 502.ie n .IP """EVBACKEND_PORT"" (value 32, Solaris 10)" 4
495.el .IP "\f(CWEVBACKEND_PORT\fR (value 32, Solaris 10)" 4 503.el .IP "\f(CWEVBACKEND_PORT\fR (value 32, Solaris 10)" 4
496.IX Item "EVBACKEND_PORT (value 32, Solaris 10)" 504.IX Item "EVBACKEND_PORT (value 32, Solaris 10)"
497This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 505This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
498it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 506it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
499.Sp 507.Sp
500Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 508Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
501notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 509notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
502blocking when no data (or space) is available. 510blocking when no data (or space) is available.
503.ie n .IP """EVBACKEND_ALL""" 4 511.ie n .IP """EVBACKEND_ALL""" 4
504.el .IP "\f(CWEVBACKEND_ALL\fR" 4 512.el .IP "\f(CWEVBACKEND_ALL\fR" 4
505.IX Item "EVBACKEND_ALL" 513.IX Item "EVBACKEND_ALL"
555Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 563Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
556etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 564etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
557sense, so e.g. \f(CW\*(C`ev_is_active\*(C'\fR might still return true. It is your 565sense, so e.g. \f(CW\*(C`ev_is_active\*(C'\fR might still return true. It is your
558responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef \fIbefore\fR 566responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef \fIbefore\fR
559calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 567calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
560the easiest thing, youc na just ignore the watchers and/or \f(CW\*(C`free ()\*(C'\fR them 568the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or \f(CW\*(C`free ()\*(C'\fR them
561for example). 569for example).
570.Sp
571Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
572this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
573would need to be stopped manually.
574.Sp
575In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
576rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
577pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
578\&\f(CW\*(C`ev_loop_new\*(C'\fR and \f(CW\*(C`ev_loop_destroy\*(C'\fR).
562.IP "ev_loop_destroy (loop)" 4 579.IP "ev_loop_destroy (loop)" 4
563.IX Item "ev_loop_destroy (loop)" 580.IX Item "ev_loop_destroy (loop)"
564Like \f(CW\*(C`ev_default_destroy\*(C'\fR, but destroys an event loop created by an 581Like \f(CW\*(C`ev_default_destroy\*(C'\fR, but destroys an event loop created by an
565earlier call to \f(CW\*(C`ev_loop_new\*(C'\fR. 582earlier call to \f(CW\*(C`ev_loop_new\*(C'\fR.
566.IP "ev_default_fork ()" 4 583.IP "ev_default_fork ()" 4
607.IX Item "ev_tstamp ev_now (loop)" 624.IX Item "ev_tstamp ev_now (loop)"
608Returns the current \*(L"event loop time\*(R", which is the time the event loop 625Returns the current \*(L"event loop time\*(R", which is the time the event loop
609received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 626received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
610change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 627change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
611time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 628time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
612event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 629event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
613.IP "ev_loop (loop, int flags)" 4 630.IP "ev_loop (loop, int flags)" 4
614.IX Item "ev_loop (loop, int flags)" 631.IX Item "ev_loop (loop, int flags)"
615Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 632Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
616after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 633after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
617events. 634events.
1065If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1082If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
1066play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1083play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
1067whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1084whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
1068such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1085such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
1069its own, so its quite safe to use). 1086its own, so its quite safe to use).
1087.PP
1088\fIThe special problem of disappearing file descriptors\fR
1089.IX Subsection "The special problem of disappearing file descriptors"
1090.PP
1091Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1092descriptor (either by calling \f(CW\*(C`close\*(C'\fR explicitly or by any other means,
1093such as \f(CW\*(C`dup\*(C'\fR). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1094descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1095this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1096registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1097fact, a different file descriptor.
1098.PP
1099To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
1100the following policy: Each time \f(CW\*(C`ev_io_set\*(C'\fR is being called, libev
1101will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
1102it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
1103you \fIhave\fR to call \f(CW\*(C`ev_io_set\*(C'\fR (or \f(CW\*(C`ev_io_init\*(C'\fR) when you change the
1104descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
1105.PP
1106This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
1107the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
1108optimisations to libev.
1109.PP
1110\fIThe special problem of dup'ed file descriptors\fR
1111.IX Subsection "The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors"
1112.PP
1113Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
1114but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That menas when you
1115have \f(CW\*(C`dup ()\*(C'\fR'ed file descriptors and register events for them, only one
1116file descriptor might actually receive events.
1117.PP
1118There is no workaorund possible except not registering events
1119for potentially \f(CW\*(C`dup ()\*(C'\fR'ed file descriptors or to resort to
1120\&\f(CW\*(C`EVBACKEND_SELECT\*(C'\fR or \f(CW\*(C`EVBACKEND_POLL\*(C'\fR.
1121.PP
1122\fIThe special problem of fork\fR
1123.IX Subsection "The special problem of fork"
1124.PP
1125Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support \f(CW\*(C`fork ()\*(C'\fR at all or exhibit
1126useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1127it in the child.
1128.PP
1129To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1130\&\f(CW\*(C`ev_default_fork ()\*(C'\fR or \f(CW\*(C`ev_loop_fork ()\*(C'\fR after a fork in the child,
1131enable \f(CW\*(C`EVFLAG_FORKCHECK\*(C'\fR, or resort to \f(CW\*(C`EVBACKEND_SELECT\*(C'\fR or
1132\&\f(CW\*(C`EVBACKEND_POLL\*(C'\fR.
1133.PP
1134\fIWatcher-Specific Functions\fR
1135.IX Subsection "Watcher-Specific Functions"
1070.IP "ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)" 4 1136.IP "ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)" 4
1071.IX Item "ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)" 1137.IX Item "ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)"
1072.PD 0 1138.PD 0
1073.IP "ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)" 4 1139.IP "ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)" 4
1074.IX Item "ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)" 1140.IX Item "ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)"
1127.Ve 1193.Ve
1128.PP 1194.PP
1129The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1195The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
1130but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1196but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
1131order of execution is undefined. 1197order of execution is undefined.
1198.PP
1199\fIWatcher-Specific Functions and Data Members\fR
1200.IX Subsection "Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members"
1132.IP "ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)" 4 1201.IP "ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)" 4
1133.IX Item "ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)" 1202.IX Item "ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)"
1134.PD 0 1203.PD 0
1135.IP "ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)" 4 1204.IP "ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)" 4
1136.IX Item "ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)" 1205.IX Item "ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)"
1247rules. 1316rules.
1248.PP 1317.PP
1249As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1318As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the
1250time (\f(CW\*(C`at\*(C'\fR) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1319time (\f(CW\*(C`at\*(C'\fR) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1251during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1320during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1321.PP
1322\fIWatcher-Specific Functions and Data Members\fR
1323.IX Subsection "Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members"
1252.IP "ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)" 4 1324.IP "ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)" 4
1253.IX Item "ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)" 1325.IX Item "ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)"
1254.PD 0 1326.PD 0
1255.IP "ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)" 4 1327.IP "ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)" 4
1256.IX Item "ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)" 1328.IX Item "ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)"
1348.IP "ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read\-write]" 4 1420.IP "ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read\-write]" 4
1349.IX Item "ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]" 1421.IX Item "ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]"
1350The current reschedule callback, or \f(CW0\fR, if this functionality is 1422The current reschedule callback, or \f(CW0\fR, if this functionality is
1351switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1423switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1352the periodic timer fires or \f(CW\*(C`ev_periodic_again\*(C'\fR is being called. 1424the periodic timer fires or \f(CW\*(C`ev_periodic_again\*(C'\fR is being called.
1425.IP "ev_tstamp at [read\-only]" 4
1426.IX Item "ev_tstamp at [read-only]"
1427When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1428trigger next.
1353.PP 1429.PP
1354Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1430Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1355system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1431system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1356potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1432potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1357.PP 1433.PP
1407first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher 1483first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher
1408with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1484with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
1409as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1485as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1410watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1486watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1411\&\s-1SIG_DFL\s0 (regardless of what it was set to before). 1487\&\s-1SIG_DFL\s0 (regardless of what it was set to before).
1488.PP
1489\fIWatcher-Specific Functions and Data Members\fR
1490.IX Subsection "Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members"
1412.IP "ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)" 4 1491.IP "ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)" 4
1413.IX Item "ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)" 1492.IX Item "ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)"
1414.PD 0 1493.PD 0
1415.IP "ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)" 4 1494.IP "ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)" 4
1416.IX Item "ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)" 1495.IX Item "ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)"
1423.ie n .Sh """ev_child"" \- watch out for process status changes" 1502.ie n .Sh """ev_child"" \- watch out for process status changes"
1424.el .Sh "\f(CWev_child\fP \- watch out for process status changes" 1503.el .Sh "\f(CWev_child\fP \- watch out for process status changes"
1425.IX Subsection "ev_child - watch out for process status changes" 1504.IX Subsection "ev_child - watch out for process status changes"
1426Child watchers trigger when your process receives a \s-1SIGCHLD\s0 in response to 1505Child watchers trigger when your process receives a \s-1SIGCHLD\s0 in response to
1427some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1506some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
1507.PP
1508\fIWatcher-Specific Functions and Data Members\fR
1509.IX Subsection "Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members"
1428.IP "ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)" 4 1510.IP "ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)" 4
1429.IX Item "ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)" 1511.IX Item "ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)"
1430.PD 0 1512.PD 0
1431.IP "ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid)" 4 1513.IP "ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid)" 4
1432.IX Item "ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid)" 1514.IX Item "ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid)"
1497reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 1579reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1498semantics of \f(CW\*(C`ev_stat\*(C'\fR watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1580semantics of \f(CW\*(C`ev_stat\*(C'\fR watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1499to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are 1581to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1500usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1582usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1501polling. 1583polling.
1584.PP
1585\fIWatcher-Specific Functions and Data Members\fR
1586.IX Subsection "Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members"
1502.IP "ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)" 4 1587.IP "ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)" 4
1503.IX Item "ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)" 1588.IX Item "ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)"
1504.PD 0 1589.PD 0
1505.IP "ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)" 4 1590.IP "ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)" 4
1506.IX Item "ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)" 1591.IX Item "ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)"
1585.PP 1670.PP
1586Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1671Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1587effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1672effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1588\&\*(L"pseudo\-background processing\*(R", or delay processing stuff to after the 1673\&\*(L"pseudo\-background processing\*(R", or delay processing stuff to after the
1589event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1674event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1675.PP
1676\fIWatcher-Specific Functions and Data Members\fR
1677.IX Subsection "Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members"
1590.IP "ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)" 4 1678.IP "ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)" 4
1591.IX Item "ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)" 1679.IX Item "ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)"
1592Initialises and configures the idle watcher \- it has no parameters of any 1680Initialises and configures the idle watcher \- it has no parameters of any
1593kind. There is a \f(CW\*(C`ev_idle_set\*(C'\fR macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1681kind. There is a \f(CW\*(C`ev_idle_set\*(C'\fR macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1594believe me. 1682believe me.
1659supports this, they will be called before other \f(CW\*(C`ev_check\*(C'\fR watchers did 1747supports this, they will be called before other \f(CW\*(C`ev_check\*(C'\fR watchers did
1660their job. As \f(CW\*(C`ev_check\*(C'\fR watchers are often used to embed other event 1748their job. As \f(CW\*(C`ev_check\*(C'\fR watchers are often used to embed other event
1661loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their 1749loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1662\&\f(CW\*(C`ev_check\*(C'\fR watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with 1750\&\f(CW\*(C`ev_check\*(C'\fR watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1663others). 1751others).
1752.PP
1753\fIWatcher-Specific Functions and Data Members\fR
1754.IX Subsection "Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members"
1664.IP "ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)" 4 1755.IP "ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)" 4
1665.IX Item "ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)" 1756.IX Item "ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)"
1666.PD 0 1757.PD 0
1667.IP "ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)" 4 1758.IP "ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)" 4
1668.IX Item "ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)" 1759.IX Item "ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)"
1845.el .Sh "\f(CWev_embed\fP \- when one backend isn't enough..." 1936.el .Sh "\f(CWev_embed\fP \- when one backend isn't enough..."
1846.IX Subsection "ev_embed - when one backend isn't enough..." 1937.IX Subsection "ev_embed - when one backend isn't enough..."
1847This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 1938This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1848into another (currently only \f(CW\*(C`ev_io\*(C'\fR events are supported in the embedded 1939into another (currently only \f(CW\*(C`ev_io\*(C'\fR events are supported in the embedded
1849loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect 1940loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect
1850fashion and must not be used). 1941fashion and must not be used). (See portability notes, below).
1851.PP 1942.PP
1852There are primarily two reasons you would want that: work around bugs and 1943There are primarily two reasons you would want that: work around bugs and
1853prioritise I/O. 1944prioritise I/O.
1854.PP 1945.PP
1855As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 1946As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
1915\& ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2006\& ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1916\& } 2007\& }
1917\& else 2008\& else
1918\& loop_lo = loop_hi; 2009\& loop_lo = loop_hi;
1919.Ve 2010.Ve
2011.Sh "Portability notes"
2012.IX Subsection "Portability notes"
2013Kqueue is nominally embeddable, but this is broken on all BSDs that I
2014tried, in various ways. Usually the embedded event loop will simply never
2015receive events, sometimes it will only trigger a few times, sometimes in a
2016loop. Epoll is also nominally embeddable, but many Linux kernel versions
2017will always eport the epoll fd as ready, even when no events are pending.
2018.PP
2019While libev allows embedding these backends (they are contained in
2020\&\f(CW\*(C`ev_embeddable_backends ()\*(C'\fR), take extreme care that it will actually
2021work.
2022.PP
2023When in doubt, create a dynamic event loop forced to use sockets (this
2024usually works) and possibly another thread and a pipe or so to report to
2025your main event loop.
2026.PP
2027\fIWatcher-Specific Functions and Data Members\fR
2028.IX Subsection "Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members"
1920.IP "ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)" 4 2029.IP "ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)" 4
1921.IX Item "ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)" 2030.IX Item "ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)"
1922.PD 0 2031.PD 0
1923.IP "ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)" 4 2032.IP "ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)" 4
1924.IX Item "ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)" 2033.IX Item "ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)"
1931.IP "ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)" 4 2040.IP "ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)" 4
1932.IX Item "ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)" 2041.IX Item "ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)"
1933Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2042Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1934similarly to \f(CW\*(C`ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)\*(C'\fR, but in the most 2043similarly to \f(CW\*(C`ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)\*(C'\fR, but in the most
1935apropriate way for embedded loops. 2044apropriate way for embedded loops.
1936.IP "struct ev_loop *loop [read\-only]" 4 2045.IP "struct ev_loop *other [read\-only]" 4
1937.IX Item "struct ev_loop *loop [read-only]" 2046.IX Item "struct ev_loop *other [read-only]"
1938The embedded event loop. 2047The embedded event loop.
1939.ie n .Sh """ev_fork"" \- the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork" 2048.ie n .Sh """ev_fork"" \- the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork"
1940.el .Sh "\f(CWev_fork\fP \- the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork" 2049.el .Sh "\f(CWev_fork\fP \- the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork"
1941.IX Subsection "ev_fork - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork" 2050.IX Subsection "ev_fork - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork"
1942Fork watchers are called when a \f(CW\*(C`fork ()\*(C'\fR was detected (usually because 2051Fork watchers are called when a \f(CW\*(C`fork ()\*(C'\fR was detected (usually because
1944\&\f(CW\*(C`ev_default_fork\*(C'\fR or \f(CW\*(C`ev_loop_fork\*(C'\fR). The invocation is done before the 2053\&\f(CW\*(C`ev_default_fork\*(C'\fR or \f(CW\*(C`ev_loop_fork\*(C'\fR). The invocation is done before the
1945event loop blocks next and before \f(CW\*(C`ev_check\*(C'\fR watchers are being called, 2054event loop blocks next and before \f(CW\*(C`ev_check\*(C'\fR watchers are being called,
1946and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 2055and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1947\&\f(CW\*(C`ev_default_fork\*(C'\fR cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 2056\&\f(CW\*(C`ev_default_fork\*(C'\fR cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1948handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 2057handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2058.PP
2059\fIWatcher-Specific Functions and Data Members\fR
2060.IX Subsection "Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members"
1949.IP "ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)" 4 2061.IP "ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)" 4
1950.IX Item "ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)" 2062.IX Item "ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)"
1951Initialises and configures the fork watcher \- it has no parameters of any 2063Initialises and configures the fork watcher \- it has no parameters of any
1952kind. There is a \f(CW\*(C`ev_fork_set\*(C'\fR macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2064kind. There is a \f(CW\*(C`ev_fork_set\*(C'\fR macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1953believe me. 2065believe me.
2147Starts the watcher. Note that there is no \f(CW\*(C`loop\*(C'\fR argument, as the 2259Starts the watcher. Note that there is no \f(CW\*(C`loop\*(C'\fR argument, as the
2148constructor already stores the event loop. 2260constructor already stores the event loop.
2149.IP "w\->stop ()" 4 2261.IP "w\->stop ()" 4
2150.IX Item "w->stop ()" 2262.IX Item "w->stop ()"
2151Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no \f(CW\*(C`loop\*(C'\fR argument. 2263Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no \f(CW\*(C`loop\*(C'\fR argument.
2152.ie n .IP "w\->again () ""ev::timer""\fR, \f(CW""ev::periodic"" only" 4 2264.ie n .IP "w\->again () (""ev::timer""\fR, \f(CW""ev::periodic"" only)" 4
2153.el .IP "w\->again () \f(CWev::timer\fR, \f(CWev::periodic\fR only" 4 2265.el .IP "w\->again () (\f(CWev::timer\fR, \f(CWev::periodic\fR only)" 4
2154.IX Item "w->again () ev::timer, ev::periodic only" 2266.IX Item "w->again () (ev::timer, ev::periodic only)"
2155For \f(CW\*(C`ev::timer\*(C'\fR and \f(CW\*(C`ev::periodic\*(C'\fR, this invokes the corresponding 2267For \f(CW\*(C`ev::timer\*(C'\fR and \f(CW\*(C`ev::periodic\*(C'\fR, this invokes the corresponding
2156\&\f(CW\*(C`ev_TYPE_again\*(C'\fR function. 2268\&\f(CW\*(C`ev_TYPE_again\*(C'\fR function.
2157.ie n .IP "w\->sweep () ""ev::embed"" only" 4 2269.ie n .IP "w\->sweep () (""ev::embed"" only)" 4
2158.el .IP "w\->sweep () \f(CWev::embed\fR only" 4 2270.el .IP "w\->sweep () (\f(CWev::embed\fR only)" 4
2159.IX Item "w->sweep () ev::embed only" 2271.IX Item "w->sweep () (ev::embed only)"
2160Invokes \f(CW\*(C`ev_embed_sweep\*(C'\fR. 2272Invokes \f(CW\*(C`ev_embed_sweep\*(C'\fR.
2161.ie n .IP "w\->update () ""ev::stat"" only" 4 2273.ie n .IP "w\->update () (""ev::stat"" only)" 4
2162.el .IP "w\->update () \f(CWev::stat\fR only" 4 2274.el .IP "w\->update () (\f(CWev::stat\fR only)" 4
2163.IX Item "w->update () ev::stat only" 2275.IX Item "w->update () (ev::stat only)"
2164Invokes \f(CW\*(C`ev_stat_stat\*(C'\fR. 2276Invokes \f(CW\*(C`ev_stat_stat\*(C'\fR.
2165.RE 2277.RE
2166.RS 4 2278.RS 4
2167.RE 2279.RE
2168.PP 2280.PP
2192\& io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2304\& io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2193\& } 2305\& }
2194.Ve 2306.Ve
2195.SH "MACRO MAGIC" 2307.SH "MACRO MAGIC"
2196.IX Header "MACRO MAGIC" 2308.IX Header "MACRO MAGIC"
2197Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2309Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
2198\&\f(CW\*(C`EV_MULTIPLICITY\*(C'\fR. This option determines whether (most) functions and 2310of which is \f(CW\*(C`EV_MULTIPLICITY\*(C'\fR. This option determines whether (most)
2199callbacks have an initial \f(CW\*(C`struct ev_loop *\*(C'\fR argument. 2311functions and callbacks have an initial \f(CW\*(C`struct ev_loop *\*(C'\fR argument.
2200.PP 2312.PP
2201To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2313To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2202following macros are defined: 2314following macros are defined:
2203.ie n .IP """EV_A""\fR, \f(CW""EV_A_""" 4 2315.ie n .IP """EV_A""\fR, \f(CW""EV_A_""" 4
2204.el .IP "\f(CWEV_A\fR, \f(CWEV_A_\fR" 4 2316.el .IP "\f(CWEV_A\fR, \f(CWEV_A_\fR" 4
2263Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2375Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2264applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2376applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2265Game Server, the \s-1EV\s0 perl module, the \s-1GNU\s0 Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2377Game Server, the \s-1EV\s0 perl module, the \s-1GNU\s0 Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
2266and rxvt\-unicode. 2378and rxvt\-unicode.
2267.PP 2379.PP
2268The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2380The goal is to enable you to just copy the necessary files into your
2269source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so 2381source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
2270you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of 2382you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
2271libev somewhere in your source tree). 2383libev somewhere in your source tree).
2272.Sh "\s-1FILESETS\s0" 2384.Sh "\s-1FILESETS\s0"
2273.IX Subsection "FILESETS" 2385.IX Subsection "FILESETS"
2378.IX Item "EV_USE_MONOTONIC" 2490.IX Item "EV_USE_MONOTONIC"
2379If defined to be \f(CW1\fR, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2491If defined to be \f(CW1\fR, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2380monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2492monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
2381of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2493of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2382usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2494usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2383the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2495the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2384to make sure you link against any libraries where the \f(CW\*(C`clock_gettime\*(C'\fR 2496to make sure you link against any libraries where the \f(CW\*(C`clock_gettime\*(C'\fR
2385function is hiding in (often \fI\-lrt\fR). 2497function is hiding in (often \fI\-lrt\fR).
2386.IP "\s-1EV_USE_REALTIME\s0" 4 2498.IP "\s-1EV_USE_REALTIME\s0" 4
2387.IX Item "EV_USE_REALTIME" 2499.IX Item "EV_USE_REALTIME"
2388If defined to be \f(CW1\fR, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2500If defined to be \f(CW1\fR, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2389realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2501realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
2390runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2502runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
2391be attempted. This effectively replaces \f(CW\*(C`gettimeofday\*(C'\fR by \f(CW\*(C`clock_get 2503be attempted. This effectively replaces \f(CW\*(C`gettimeofday\*(C'\fR by \f(CW\*(C`clock_get
2392(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)\*(C'\fR and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2504(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)\*(C'\fR and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2393in the description of \f(CW\*(C`EV_USE_MONOTONIC\*(C'\fR, though. 2505note about libraries in the description of \f(CW\*(C`EV_USE_MONOTONIC\*(C'\fR, though.
2394.IP "\s-1EV_USE_SELECT\s0" 4 2506.IP "\s-1EV_USE_SELECT\s0" 4
2395.IX Item "EV_USE_SELECT" 2507.IX Item "EV_USE_SELECT"
2396If undefined or defined to be \f(CW1\fR, libev will compile in support for the 2508If undefined or defined to be \f(CW1\fR, libev will compile in support for the
2397\&\f(CW\*(C`select\*(C'\fR(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2509\&\f(CW\*(C`select\*(C'\fR(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
2398other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 2510other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2558.IP "ev_set_cb (ev, cb)" 4 2670.IP "ev_set_cb (ev, cb)" 4
2559.IX Item "ev_set_cb (ev, cb)" 2671.IX Item "ev_set_cb (ev, cb)"
2560.PD 2672.PD
2561Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 2673Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
2562and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 2674and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
2563definition and a statement, respectively. See the \fIev.v\fR header file for 2675definition and a statement, respectively. See the \fIev.h\fR header file for
2564their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 2676their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2565avoid the \f(CW\*(C`struct ev_loop *\*(C'\fR as first argument in all cases, or to use 2677avoid the \f(CW\*(C`struct ev_loop *\*(C'\fR as first argument in all cases, or to use
2566method calls instead of plain function calls in \*(C+. 2678method calls instead of plain function calls in \*(C+.
2679.Sh "\s-1EXPORTED\s0 \s-1API\s0 \s-1SYMBOLS\s0"
2680.IX Subsection "EXPORTED API SYMBOLS"
2681If you need to re-export the \s-1API\s0 (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of
2682exported symbols, you can use the provided \fISymbol.*\fR files which list
2683all public symbols, one per line:
2684.Sp
2685.Vb 2
2686\& Symbols.ev for libev proper
2687\& Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2688.Ve
2689.Sp
2690This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2691multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2692itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this).
2693.Sp
2694A sed command like this will create wrapper \f(CW\*(C`#define\*(C'\fR's that you need to
2695include before including \fIev.h\fR:
2696.Sp
2697.Vb 1
2698\& <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2699.Ve
2700.Sp
2701This would create a file \fIwrap.h\fR which essentially looks like this:
2702.Sp
2703.Vb 4
2704\& #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
2705\& #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
2706\& #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
2707\& ...
2708.Ve
2567.Sh "\s-1EXAMPLES\s0" 2709.Sh "\s-1EXAMPLES\s0"
2568.IX Subsection "EXAMPLES" 2710.IX Subsection "EXAMPLES"
2569For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 2711For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2570verbatim, you can have a look at the \s-1EV\s0 perl module 2712verbatim, you can have a look at the \s-1EV\s0 perl module
2571(<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV.html>). It has the libev files in 2713(<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV.html>). It has the libev files in

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