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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 "2007-12-12" "perl v5.8.8" "User Contributed Perl Documentation" 132.TH EV 1 "2007-12-22" "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
254.IX Item "ev_tstamp ev_time ()" 256.IX Item "ev_tstamp ev_time ()"
255Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 257Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
256\&\f(CW\*(C`ev_now\*(C'\fR function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 258\&\f(CW\*(C`ev_now\*(C'\fR function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
257you actually want to know. 259you actually want to know.
260.IP "void ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)" 4
261.IX Item "void ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)"
262Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
263either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
264this is a subsecond-resolution \f(CW\*(C`sleep ()\*(C'\fR.
258.IP "int ev_version_major ()" 4 265.IP "int ev_version_major ()" 4
259.IX Item "int ev_version_major ()" 266.IX Item "int ev_version_major ()"
260.PD 0 267.PD 0
261.IP "int ev_version_minor ()" 4 268.IP "int ev_version_minor ()" 4
262.IX Item "int ev_version_minor ()" 269.IX Item "int ev_version_minor ()"
457lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds). 464lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds).
458.ie n .IP """EVBACKEND_EPOLL"" (value 4, Linux)" 4 465.ie n .IP """EVBACKEND_EPOLL"" (value 4, Linux)" 4
459.el .IP "\f(CWEVBACKEND_EPOLL\fR (value 4, Linux)" 4 466.el .IP "\f(CWEVBACKEND_EPOLL\fR (value 4, Linux)" 4
460.IX Item "EVBACKEND_EPOLL (value 4, Linux)" 467.IX Item "EVBACKEND_EPOLL (value 4, Linux)"
461For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 468For 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 469but 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 470like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
464either O(1) or O(active_fds). 471epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
472of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
473cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad
474support for dup:
465.Sp 475.Sp
466While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 476While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
467result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 477will 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 478(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 479best to avoid that. Also, \f(CW\*(C`dup ()\*(C'\fR'ed file descriptors might not work
470well if you register events for both fds. 480very well if you register events for both fds.
471.Sp 481.Sp
472Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 482Please 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 483need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
474(or space) is available. 484(or space) is available.
475.ie n .IP """EVBACKEND_KQUEUE"" (value 8, most \s-1BSD\s0 clones)" 4 485.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)" 4 486.el .IP "\f(CWEVBACKEND_KQUEUE\fR (value 8, most \s-1BSD\s0 clones)" 4
477.IX Item "EVBACKEND_KQUEUE (value 8, most BSD clones)" 487.IX Item "EVBACKEND_KQUEUE (value 8, most BSD clones)"
478Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 488Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
479was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 489was 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 490sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course it's completely
491useless. 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" 492is 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 493unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
483\&\f(CW\*(C`EVBACKEND_KQUEUE\*(C'\fR). 494\&\f(CW\*(C`EVBACKEND_KQUEUE\*(C'\fR) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (\-enough)
495system like NetBSD.
484.Sp 496.Sp
485It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 497It 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 498kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed,
487course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 499of 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 500never cause an extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to two event
489incident, so its best to avoid that. 501changes per incident, support for \f(CW\*(C`fork ()\*(C'\fR is very bad and it drops fds
502silently in similarly hard-to-detetc cases.
490.ie n .IP """EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL"" (value 16, Solaris 8)" 4 503.ie n .IP """EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL"" (value 16, Solaris 8)" 4
491.el .IP "\f(CWEVBACKEND_DEVPOLL\fR (value 16, Solaris 8)" 4 504.el .IP "\f(CWEVBACKEND_DEVPOLL\fR (value 16, Solaris 8)" 4
492.IX Item "EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL (value 16, Solaris 8)" 505.IX Item "EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL (value 16, Solaris 8)"
493This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 506This is not implemented yet (and might never be).
494.ie n .IP """EVBACKEND_PORT"" (value 32, Solaris 10)" 4 507.ie n .IP """EVBACKEND_PORT"" (value 32, Solaris 10)" 4
495.el .IP "\f(CWEVBACKEND_PORT\fR (value 32, Solaris 10)" 4 508.el .IP "\f(CWEVBACKEND_PORT\fR (value 32, Solaris 10)" 4
496.IX Item "EVBACKEND_PORT (value 32, Solaris 10)" 509.IX Item "EVBACKEND_PORT (value 32, Solaris 10)"
497This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 510This 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)). 511it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
499.Sp 512.Sp
500Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 513Please 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 514notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
502blocking when no data (or space) is available. 515blocking when no data (or space) is available.
503.ie n .IP """EVBACKEND_ALL""" 4 516.ie n .IP """EVBACKEND_ALL""" 4
504.el .IP "\f(CWEVBACKEND_ALL\fR" 4 517.el .IP "\f(CWEVBACKEND_ALL\fR" 4
505.IX Item "EVBACKEND_ALL" 518.IX Item "EVBACKEND_ALL"
555Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 568Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
556etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 569etc.). 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 570sense, 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 571responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef \fIbefore\fR
559calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 572calling 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 573the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or \f(CW\*(C`free ()\*(C'\fR them
561for example). 574for example).
575.Sp
576Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
577this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
578would need to be stopped manually.
579.Sp
580In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
581rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
582pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
583\&\f(CW\*(C`ev_loop_new\*(C'\fR and \f(CW\*(C`ev_loop_destroy\*(C'\fR).
562.IP "ev_loop_destroy (loop)" 4 584.IP "ev_loop_destroy (loop)" 4
563.IX Item "ev_loop_destroy (loop)" 585.IX Item "ev_loop_destroy (loop)"
564Like \f(CW\*(C`ev_default_destroy\*(C'\fR, but destroys an event loop created by an 586Like \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. 587earlier call to \f(CW\*(C`ev_loop_new\*(C'\fR.
566.IP "ev_default_fork ()" 4 588.IP "ev_default_fork ()" 4
607.IX Item "ev_tstamp ev_now (loop)" 629.IX Item "ev_tstamp ev_now (loop)"
608Returns the current \*(L"event loop time\*(R", which is the time the event loop 630Returns the current \*(L"event loop time\*(R", which is the time the event loop
609received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 631received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
610change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 632change 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 633time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
612event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 634event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
613.IP "ev_loop (loop, int flags)" 4 635.IP "ev_loop (loop, int flags)" 4
614.IX Item "ev_loop (loop, int flags)" 636.IX Item "ev_loop (loop, int flags)"
615Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 637Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
616after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 638after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
617events. 639events.
707.Sp 729.Sp
708.Vb 2 730.Vb 2
709\& ev_ref (loop); 731\& ev_ref (loop);
710\& ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 732\& ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
711.Ve 733.Ve
734.IP "ev_set_io_collect_interval (ev_tstamp interval)" 4
735.IX Item "ev_set_io_collect_interval (ev_tstamp interval)"
736.PD 0
737.IP "ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (ev_tstamp interval)" 4
738.IX Item "ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (ev_tstamp interval)"
739.PD
740These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
741for events. Both are by default \f(CW0\fR, meaning that libev will try to
742invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency.
743.Sp
744Setting these to a higher value (the \f(CW\*(C`interval\*(C'\fR \fImust\fR be >= \f(CW0\fR)
745allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to
746increase efficiency of loop iterations.
747.Sp
748The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
749handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
750the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of \s-1CPU\s0 time to poll for new
751events, especially with backends like \f(CW\*(C`select ()\*(C'\fR which have a high
752overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
753.Sp
754By setting a higher \fIio collect interval\fR you allow libev to spend more
755time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
756at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both \f(CW\*(C`ev_periodic\*(C'\fR and
757\&\f(CW\*(C`ev_timer\*(C'\fR) will be not affected.
758.Sp
759Likewise, by setting a higher \fItimeout collect interval\fR you allow libev
760to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
761latency (the watcher callback will be called later). \f(CW\*(C`ev_io\*(C'\fR watchers
762will not be affected.
763.Sp
764Many programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect interval to
765a value near \f(CW0.1\fR or so, which is often enough for interactive servers
766(of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It usually doesn't make
767much sense to set it to a lower value than \f(CW0.01\fR, as this approsaches
768the timing granularity of most systems.
712.SH "ANATOMY OF A WATCHER" 769.SH "ANATOMY OF A WATCHER"
713.IX Header "ANATOMY OF A WATCHER" 770.IX Header "ANATOMY OF A WATCHER"
714A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 771A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
715interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for \s-1STDIN\s0 to 772interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for \s-1STDIN\s0 to
716become readable, you would create an \f(CW\*(C`ev_io\*(C'\fR watcher for that: 773become readable, you would create an \f(CW\*(C`ev_io\*(C'\fR watcher for that:
1069its own, so its quite safe to use). 1126its own, so its quite safe to use).
1070.PP 1127.PP
1071\fIThe special problem of disappearing file descriptors\fR 1128\fIThe special problem of disappearing file descriptors\fR
1072.IX Subsection "The special problem of disappearing file descriptors" 1129.IX Subsection "The special problem of disappearing file descriptors"
1073.PP 1130.PP
1074Some backends (e.g kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file 1131Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1075descriptor (either by calling \f(CW\*(C`close\*(C'\fR explicitly or by any other means, 1132descriptor (either by calling \f(CW\*(C`close\*(C'\fR explicitly or by any other means,
1076such as \f(CW\*(C`dup\*(C'\fR). The reason is that you register interest in some file 1133such as \f(CW\*(C`dup\*(C'\fR). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1077descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop 1134descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1078this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1135this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1079registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in 1136registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1087descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change. 1144descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
1088.PP 1145.PP
1089This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that 1146This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
1090the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave 1147the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
1091optimisations to libev. 1148optimisations to libev.
1149.PP
1150\fIThe special problem of dup'ed file descriptors\fR
1151.IX Subsection "The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors"
1152.PP
1153Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
1154but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That menas when you
1155have \f(CW\*(C`dup ()\*(C'\fR'ed file descriptors and register events for them, only one
1156file descriptor might actually receive events.
1157.PP
1158There is no workaorund possible except not registering events
1159for potentially \f(CW\*(C`dup ()\*(C'\fR'ed file descriptors or to resort to
1160\&\f(CW\*(C`EVBACKEND_SELECT\*(C'\fR or \f(CW\*(C`EVBACKEND_POLL\*(C'\fR.
1161.PP
1162\fIThe special problem of fork\fR
1163.IX Subsection "The special problem of fork"
1164.PP
1165Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support \f(CW\*(C`fork ()\*(C'\fR at all or exhibit
1166useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1167it in the child.
1168.PP
1169To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1170\&\f(CW\*(C`ev_default_fork ()\*(C'\fR or \f(CW\*(C`ev_loop_fork ()\*(C'\fR after a fork in the child,
1171enable \f(CW\*(C`EVFLAG_FORKCHECK\*(C'\fR, or resort to \f(CW\*(C`EVBACKEND_SELECT\*(C'\fR or
1172\&\f(CW\*(C`EVBACKEND_POLL\*(C'\fR.
1092.PP 1173.PP
1093\fIWatcher-Specific Functions\fR 1174\fIWatcher-Specific Functions\fR
1094.IX Subsection "Watcher-Specific Functions" 1175.IX Subsection "Watcher-Specific Functions"
1095.IP "ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)" 4 1176.IP "ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)" 4
1096.IX Item "ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)" 1177.IX Item "ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)"
1379.IP "ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read\-write]" 4 1460.IP "ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read\-write]" 4
1380.IX Item "ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]" 1461.IX Item "ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]"
1381The current reschedule callback, or \f(CW0\fR, if this functionality is 1462The current reschedule callback, or \f(CW0\fR, if this functionality is
1382switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1463switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1383the periodic timer fires or \f(CW\*(C`ev_periodic_again\*(C'\fR is being called. 1464the periodic timer fires or \f(CW\*(C`ev_periodic_again\*(C'\fR is being called.
1465.IP "ev_tstamp at [read\-only]" 4
1466.IX Item "ev_tstamp at [read-only]"
1467When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1468trigger next.
1384.PP 1469.PP
1385Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1470Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1386system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1471system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1387potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1472potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1388.PP 1473.PP
1891.el .Sh "\f(CWev_embed\fP \- when one backend isn't enough..." 1976.el .Sh "\f(CWev_embed\fP \- when one backend isn't enough..."
1892.IX Subsection "ev_embed - when one backend isn't enough..." 1977.IX Subsection "ev_embed - when one backend isn't enough..."
1893This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 1978This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1894into another (currently only \f(CW\*(C`ev_io\*(C'\fR events are supported in the embedded 1979into another (currently only \f(CW\*(C`ev_io\*(C'\fR events are supported in the embedded
1895loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect 1980loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect
1896fashion and must not be used). 1981fashion and must not be used). (See portability notes, below).
1897.PP 1982.PP
1898There are primarily two reasons you would want that: work around bugs and 1983There are primarily two reasons you would want that: work around bugs and
1899prioritise I/O. 1984prioritise I/O.
1900.PP 1985.PP
1901As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 1986As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
1961\& ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2046\& ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1962\& } 2047\& }
1963\& else 2048\& else
1964\& loop_lo = loop_hi; 2049\& loop_lo = loop_hi;
1965.Ve 2050.Ve
2051.Sh "Portability notes"
2052.IX Subsection "Portability notes"
2053Kqueue is nominally embeddable, but this is broken on all BSDs that I
2054tried, in various ways. Usually the embedded event loop will simply never
2055receive events, sometimes it will only trigger a few times, sometimes in a
2056loop. Epoll is also nominally embeddable, but many Linux kernel versions
2057will always eport the epoll fd as ready, even when no events are pending.
2058.PP
2059While libev allows embedding these backends (they are contained in
2060\&\f(CW\*(C`ev_embeddable_backends ()\*(C'\fR), take extreme care that it will actually
2061work.
2062.PP
2063When in doubt, create a dynamic event loop forced to use sockets (this
2064usually works) and possibly another thread and a pipe or so to report to
2065your main event loop.
1966.PP 2066.PP
1967\fIWatcher-Specific Functions and Data Members\fR 2067\fIWatcher-Specific Functions and Data Members\fR
1968.IX Subsection "Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members" 2068.IX Subsection "Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members"
1969.IP "ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)" 4 2069.IP "ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)" 4
1970.IX Item "ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)" 2070.IX Item "ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)"
1980.IP "ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)" 4 2080.IP "ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)" 4
1981.IX Item "ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)" 2081.IX Item "ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)"
1982Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2082Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1983similarly to \f(CW\*(C`ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)\*(C'\fR, but in the most 2083similarly to \f(CW\*(C`ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)\*(C'\fR, but in the most
1984apropriate way for embedded loops. 2084apropriate way for embedded loops.
1985.IP "struct ev_loop *loop [read\-only]" 4 2085.IP "struct ev_loop *other [read\-only]" 4
1986.IX Item "struct ev_loop *loop [read-only]" 2086.IX Item "struct ev_loop *other [read-only]"
1987The embedded event loop. 2087The embedded event loop.
1988.ie n .Sh """ev_fork"" \- the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork" 2088.ie n .Sh """ev_fork"" \- the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork"
1989.el .Sh "\f(CWev_fork\fP \- the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork" 2089.el .Sh "\f(CWev_fork\fP \- the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork"
1990.IX Subsection "ev_fork - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork" 2090.IX Subsection "ev_fork - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork"
1991Fork watchers are called when a \f(CW\*(C`fork ()\*(C'\fR was detected (usually because 2091Fork watchers are called when a \f(CW\*(C`fork ()\*(C'\fR was detected (usually because
1993\&\f(CW\*(C`ev_default_fork\*(C'\fR or \f(CW\*(C`ev_loop_fork\*(C'\fR). The invocation is done before the 2093\&\f(CW\*(C`ev_default_fork\*(C'\fR or \f(CW\*(C`ev_loop_fork\*(C'\fR). The invocation is done before the
1994event loop blocks next and before \f(CW\*(C`ev_check\*(C'\fR watchers are being called, 2094event loop blocks next and before \f(CW\*(C`ev_check\*(C'\fR watchers are being called,
1995and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 2095and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1996\&\f(CW\*(C`ev_default_fork\*(C'\fR cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 2096\&\f(CW\*(C`ev_default_fork\*(C'\fR cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1997handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 2097handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2098.PP
2099\fIWatcher-Specific Functions and Data Members\fR
2100.IX Subsection "Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members"
1998.IP "ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)" 4 2101.IP "ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)" 4
1999.IX Item "ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)" 2102.IX Item "ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)"
2000Initialises and configures the fork watcher \- it has no parameters of any 2103Initialises and configures the fork watcher \- it has no parameters of any
2001kind. There is a \f(CW\*(C`ev_fork_set\*(C'\fR macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2104kind. There is a \f(CW\*(C`ev_fork_set\*(C'\fR macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2002believe me. 2105believe me.
2196Starts the watcher. Note that there is no \f(CW\*(C`loop\*(C'\fR argument, as the 2299Starts the watcher. Note that there is no \f(CW\*(C`loop\*(C'\fR argument, as the
2197constructor already stores the event loop. 2300constructor already stores the event loop.
2198.IP "w\->stop ()" 4 2301.IP "w\->stop ()" 4
2199.IX Item "w->stop ()" 2302.IX Item "w->stop ()"
2200Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no \f(CW\*(C`loop\*(C'\fR argument. 2303Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no \f(CW\*(C`loop\*(C'\fR argument.
2201.ie n .IP "w\->again () ""ev::timer""\fR, \f(CW""ev::periodic"" only" 4 2304.ie n .IP "w\->again () (""ev::timer""\fR, \f(CW""ev::periodic"" only)" 4
2202.el .IP "w\->again () \f(CWev::timer\fR, \f(CWev::periodic\fR only" 4 2305.el .IP "w\->again () (\f(CWev::timer\fR, \f(CWev::periodic\fR only)" 4
2203.IX Item "w->again () ev::timer, ev::periodic only" 2306.IX Item "w->again () (ev::timer, ev::periodic only)"
2204For \f(CW\*(C`ev::timer\*(C'\fR and \f(CW\*(C`ev::periodic\*(C'\fR, this invokes the corresponding 2307For \f(CW\*(C`ev::timer\*(C'\fR and \f(CW\*(C`ev::periodic\*(C'\fR, this invokes the corresponding
2205\&\f(CW\*(C`ev_TYPE_again\*(C'\fR function. 2308\&\f(CW\*(C`ev_TYPE_again\*(C'\fR function.
2206.ie n .IP "w\->sweep () ""ev::embed"" only" 4 2309.ie n .IP "w\->sweep () (""ev::embed"" only)" 4
2207.el .IP "w\->sweep () \f(CWev::embed\fR only" 4 2310.el .IP "w\->sweep () (\f(CWev::embed\fR only)" 4
2208.IX Item "w->sweep () ev::embed only" 2311.IX Item "w->sweep () (ev::embed only)"
2209Invokes \f(CW\*(C`ev_embed_sweep\*(C'\fR. 2312Invokes \f(CW\*(C`ev_embed_sweep\*(C'\fR.
2210.ie n .IP "w\->update () ""ev::stat"" only" 4 2313.ie n .IP "w\->update () (""ev::stat"" only)" 4
2211.el .IP "w\->update () \f(CWev::stat\fR only" 4 2314.el .IP "w\->update () (\f(CWev::stat\fR only)" 4
2212.IX Item "w->update () ev::stat only" 2315.IX Item "w->update () (ev::stat only)"
2213Invokes \f(CW\*(C`ev_stat_stat\*(C'\fR. 2316Invokes \f(CW\*(C`ev_stat_stat\*(C'\fR.
2214.RE 2317.RE
2215.RS 4 2318.RS 4
2216.RE 2319.RE
2217.PP 2320.PP
2241\& io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2344\& io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2242\& } 2345\& }
2243.Ve 2346.Ve
2244.SH "MACRO MAGIC" 2347.SH "MACRO MAGIC"
2245.IX Header "MACRO MAGIC" 2348.IX Header "MACRO MAGIC"
2246Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2349Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
2247\&\f(CW\*(C`EV_MULTIPLICITY\*(C'\fR. This option determines whether (most) functions and 2350of which is \f(CW\*(C`EV_MULTIPLICITY\*(C'\fR. This option determines whether (most)
2248callbacks have an initial \f(CW\*(C`struct ev_loop *\*(C'\fR argument. 2351functions and callbacks have an initial \f(CW\*(C`struct ev_loop *\*(C'\fR argument.
2249.PP 2352.PP
2250To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2353To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2251following macros are defined: 2354following macros are defined:
2252.ie n .IP """EV_A""\fR, \f(CW""EV_A_""" 4 2355.ie n .IP """EV_A""\fR, \f(CW""EV_A_""" 4
2253.el .IP "\f(CWEV_A\fR, \f(CWEV_A_\fR" 4 2356.el .IP "\f(CWEV_A\fR, \f(CWEV_A_\fR" 4
2312Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2415Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2313applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2416applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2314Game Server, the \s-1EV\s0 perl module, the \s-1GNU\s0 Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2417Game Server, the \s-1EV\s0 perl module, the \s-1GNU\s0 Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
2315and rxvt\-unicode. 2418and rxvt\-unicode.
2316.PP 2419.PP
2317The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2420The goal is to enable you to just copy the necessary files into your
2318source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so 2421source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
2319you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of 2422you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
2320libev somewhere in your source tree). 2423libev somewhere in your source tree).
2321.Sh "\s-1FILESETS\s0" 2424.Sh "\s-1FILESETS\s0"
2322.IX Subsection "FILESETS" 2425.IX Subsection "FILESETS"
2427.IX Item "EV_USE_MONOTONIC" 2530.IX Item "EV_USE_MONOTONIC"
2428If defined to be \f(CW1\fR, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2531If defined to be \f(CW1\fR, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2429monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2532monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
2430of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2533of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2431usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2534usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2432the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2535the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2433to make sure you link against any libraries where the \f(CW\*(C`clock_gettime\*(C'\fR 2536to make sure you link against any libraries where the \f(CW\*(C`clock_gettime\*(C'\fR
2434function is hiding in (often \fI\-lrt\fR). 2537function is hiding in (often \fI\-lrt\fR).
2435.IP "\s-1EV_USE_REALTIME\s0" 4 2538.IP "\s-1EV_USE_REALTIME\s0" 4
2436.IX Item "EV_USE_REALTIME" 2539.IX Item "EV_USE_REALTIME"
2437If defined to be \f(CW1\fR, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2540If defined to be \f(CW1\fR, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2438realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2541realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
2439runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2542runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
2440be attempted. This effectively replaces \f(CW\*(C`gettimeofday\*(C'\fR by \f(CW\*(C`clock_get 2543be attempted. This effectively replaces \f(CW\*(C`gettimeofday\*(C'\fR by \f(CW\*(C`clock_get
2441(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)\*(C'\fR and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2544(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)\*(C'\fR and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2442in the description of \f(CW\*(C`EV_USE_MONOTONIC\*(C'\fR, though. 2545note about libraries in the description of \f(CW\*(C`EV_USE_MONOTONIC\*(C'\fR, though.
2546.IP "\s-1EV_USE_NANOSLEEP\s0" 4
2547.IX Item "EV_USE_NANOSLEEP"
2548If defined to be \f(CW1\fR, libev will assume that \f(CW\*(C`nanosleep ()\*(C'\fR is available
2549and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use \f(CW\*(C`select ()\*(C'\fR.
2443.IP "\s-1EV_USE_SELECT\s0" 4 2550.IP "\s-1EV_USE_SELECT\s0" 4
2444.IX Item "EV_USE_SELECT" 2551.IX Item "EV_USE_SELECT"
2445If undefined or defined to be \f(CW1\fR, libev will compile in support for the 2552If undefined or defined to be \f(CW1\fR, libev will compile in support for the
2446\&\f(CW\*(C`select\*(C'\fR(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2553\&\f(CW\*(C`select\*(C'\fR(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
2447other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 2554other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2607.IP "ev_set_cb (ev, cb)" 4 2714.IP "ev_set_cb (ev, cb)" 4
2608.IX Item "ev_set_cb (ev, cb)" 2715.IX Item "ev_set_cb (ev, cb)"
2609.PD 2716.PD
2610Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 2717Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
2611and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 2718and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
2612definition and a statement, respectively. See the \fIev.v\fR header file for 2719definition and a statement, respectively. See the \fIev.h\fR header file for
2613their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 2720their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2614avoid the \f(CW\*(C`struct ev_loop *\*(C'\fR as first argument in all cases, or to use 2721avoid the \f(CW\*(C`struct ev_loop *\*(C'\fR as first argument in all cases, or to use
2615method calls instead of plain function calls in \*(C+. 2722method calls instead of plain function calls in \*(C+.
2723.Sh "\s-1EXPORTED\s0 \s-1API\s0 \s-1SYMBOLS\s0"
2724.IX Subsection "EXPORTED API SYMBOLS"
2725If you need to re-export the \s-1API\s0 (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of
2726exported symbols, you can use the provided \fISymbol.*\fR files which list
2727all public symbols, one per line:
2728.Sp
2729.Vb 2
2730\& Symbols.ev for libev proper
2731\& Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2732.Ve
2733.Sp
2734This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2735multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2736itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this).
2737.Sp
2738A sed command like this will create wrapper \f(CW\*(C`#define\*(C'\fR's that you need to
2739include before including \fIev.h\fR:
2740.Sp
2741.Vb 1
2742\& <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2743.Ve
2744.Sp
2745This would create a file \fIwrap.h\fR which essentially looks like this:
2746.Sp
2747.Vb 4
2748\& #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
2749\& #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
2750\& #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
2751\& ...
2752.Ve
2616.Sh "\s-1EXAMPLES\s0" 2753.Sh "\s-1EXAMPLES\s0"
2617.IX Subsection "EXAMPLES" 2754.IX Subsection "EXAMPLES"
2618For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 2755For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2619verbatim, you can have a look at the \s-1EV\s0 perl module 2756verbatim, you can have a look at the \s-1EV\s0 perl module
2620(<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV.html>). It has the libev files in 2757(<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV.html>). It has the libev files in

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