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Revision 1.94 by root, Sun May 6 19:51:52 2012 UTC vs.
Revision 1.99 by root, Mon Jun 10 00:14:23 2013 UTC

1.\" Automatically generated by Pod::Man 2.23 (Pod::Simple 3.14) 1.\" Automatically generated by Pod::Man 2.25 (Pod::Simple 3.20)
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3.\" Standard preamble: 3.\" Standard preamble:
4.\" ======================================================================== 4.\" ========================================================================
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124.\" ======================================================================== 124.\" ========================================================================
125.\" 125.\"
126.IX Title "LIBEV 3" 126.IX Title "LIBEV 3"
127.TH LIBEV 3 "2012-05-06" "libev-4.11" "libev - high performance full featured event loop" 127.TH LIBEV 3 "2013-06-07" "libev-4.15" "libev - high performance full featured event loop"
128.\" For nroff, turn off justification. Always turn off hyphenation; it makes 128.\" For nroff, turn off justification. Always turn off hyphenation; it makes
129.\" way too many mistakes in technical documents. 129.\" way too many mistakes in technical documents.
130.if n .ad l 130.if n .ad l
131.nh 131.nh
132.SH "NAME" 132.SH "NAME"
514.IX Item "EVFLAG_NOENV" 514.IX Item "EVFLAG_NOENV"
515If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 515If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
516or setgid) then libev will \fInot\fR look at the environment variable 516or setgid) then libev will \fInot\fR look at the environment variable
517\&\f(CW\*(C`LIBEV_FLAGS\*(C'\fR. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 517\&\f(CW\*(C`LIBEV_FLAGS\*(C'\fR. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
518override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 518override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
519useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 519useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, to work
520around bugs. 520around bugs, or to make libev threadsafe (accessing environment variables
521cannot be done in a threadsafe way, but usually it works if no other
522thread modifies them).
521.ie n .IP """EVFLAG_FORKCHECK""" 4 523.ie n .IP """EVFLAG_FORKCHECK""" 4
522.el .IP "\f(CWEVFLAG_FORKCHECK\fR" 4 524.el .IP "\f(CWEVFLAG_FORKCHECK\fR" 4
523.IX Item "EVFLAG_FORKCHECK" 525.IX Item "EVFLAG_FORKCHECK"
524Instead of calling \f(CW\*(C`ev_loop_fork\*(C'\fR manually after a fork, you can also 526Instead of calling \f(CW\*(C`ev_loop_fork\*(C'\fR manually after a fork, you can also
525make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag. 527make libev check for a fork in each iteration by enabling this flag.
687kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 689kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
688course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 690course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
689cause an extra system call as with \f(CW\*(C`EVBACKEND_EPOLL\*(C'\fR, it still adds up to 691cause an extra system call as with \f(CW\*(C`EVBACKEND_EPOLL\*(C'\fR, it still adds up to
690two event changes per incident. Support for \f(CW\*(C`fork ()\*(C'\fR is very bad (you 692two event changes per incident. Support for \f(CW\*(C`fork ()\*(C'\fR is very bad (you
691might have to leak fd's on fork, but it's more sane than epoll) and it 693might have to leak fd's on fork, but it's more sane than epoll) and it
692drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases 694drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
693.Sp 695.Sp
694This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 696This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
695.Sp 697.Sp
696While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 698While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
697everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 699everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
1508.IX Subsection "WATCHER STATES" 1510.IX Subsection "WATCHER STATES"
1509There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual \- 1511There are various watcher states mentioned throughout this manual \-
1510active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to 1512active, pending and so on. In this section these states and the rules to
1511transition between them will be described in more detail \- and while these 1513transition between them will be described in more detail \- and while these
1512rules might look complicated, they usually do \*(L"the right thing\*(R". 1514rules might look complicated, they usually do \*(L"the right thing\*(R".
1513.IP "initialiased" 4 1515.IP "initialised" 4
1514.IX Item "initialiased" 1516.IX Item "initialised"
1515Before a watcher can be registered with the event loop it has to be 1517Before a watcher can be registered with the event loop it has to be
1516initialised. This can be done with a call to \f(CW\*(C`ev_TYPE_init\*(C'\fR, or calls to 1518initialised. This can be done with a call to \f(CW\*(C`ev_TYPE_init\*(C'\fR, or calls to
1517\&\f(CW\*(C`ev_init\*(C'\fR followed by the watcher-specific \f(CW\*(C`ev_TYPE_set\*(C'\fR function. 1519\&\f(CW\*(C`ev_init\*(C'\fR followed by the watcher-specific \f(CW\*(C`ev_TYPE_set\*(C'\fR function.
1518.Sp 1520.Sp
1519In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for 1521In this state it is simply some block of memory that is suitable for
2740.ie n .SS """ev_stat"" \- did the file attributes just change?" 2742.ie n .SS """ev_stat"" \- did the file attributes just change?"
2741.el .SS "\f(CWev_stat\fP \- did the file attributes just change?" 2743.el .SS "\f(CWev_stat\fP \- did the file attributes just change?"
2742.IX Subsection "ev_stat - did the file attributes just change?" 2744.IX Subsection "ev_stat - did the file attributes just change?"
2743This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 2745This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
2744\&\f(CW\*(C`stat\*(C'\fR on that path in regular intervals (or when the \s-1OS\s0 says it changed) 2746\&\f(CW\*(C`stat\*(C'\fR on that path in regular intervals (or when the \s-1OS\s0 says it changed)
2745and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if 2747and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback
2746it did. 2748if it did. Starting the watcher \f(CW\*(C`stat\*(C'\fR's the file, so only changes that
2749happen after the watcher has been started will be reported.
2747.PP 2750.PP
2748The path does not need to exist: changing from \*(L"path exists\*(R" to \*(L"path does 2751The path does not need to exist: changing from \*(L"path exists\*(R" to \*(L"path does
2749not exist\*(R" is a status change like any other. The condition \*(L"path does not 2752not exist\*(R" is a status change like any other. The condition \*(L"path does not
2750exist\*(R" (or more correctly \*(L"path cannot be stat'ed\*(R") is signified by the 2753exist\*(R" (or more correctly \*(L"path cannot be stat'ed\*(R") is signified by the
2751\&\f(CW\*(C`st_nlink\*(C'\fR field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at 2754\&\f(CW\*(C`st_nlink\*(C'\fR field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at
3316\fIWatcher-Specific Functions and Data Members\fR 3319\fIWatcher-Specific Functions and Data Members\fR
3317.IX Subsection "Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members" 3320.IX Subsection "Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members"
3318.IP "ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)" 4 3321.IP "ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)" 4
3319.IX Item "ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)" 3322.IX Item "ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)"
3320.PD 0 3323.PD 0
3321.IP "ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)" 4 3324.IP "ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)" 4
3322.IX Item "ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)" 3325.IX Item "ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)"
3323.PD 3326.PD
3324Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 3327Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
3325embeddable. If the callback is \f(CW0\fR, then \f(CW\*(C`ev_embed_sweep\*(C'\fR will be 3328embeddable. If the callback is \f(CW0\fR, then \f(CW\*(C`ev_embed_sweep\*(C'\fR will be
3326invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 3329invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
3327to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 3330to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
3390.ie n .SS """ev_fork"" \- the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork" 3393.ie n .SS """ev_fork"" \- the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork"
3391.el .SS "\f(CWev_fork\fP \- the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork" 3394.el .SS "\f(CWev_fork\fP \- the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork"
3392.IX Subsection "ev_fork - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork" 3395.IX Subsection "ev_fork - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork"
3393Fork watchers are called when a \f(CW\*(C`fork ()\*(C'\fR was detected (usually because 3396Fork watchers are called when a \f(CW\*(C`fork ()\*(C'\fR was detected (usually because
3394whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling 3397whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
3395\&\f(CW\*(C`ev_default_fork\*(C'\fR or \f(CW\*(C`ev_loop_fork\*(C'\fR). The invocation is done before the 3398\&\f(CW\*(C`ev_loop_fork\*(C'\fR). The invocation is done before the event loop blocks next
3396event loop blocks next and before \f(CW\*(C`ev_check\*(C'\fR watchers are being called, 3399and before \f(CW\*(C`ev_check\*(C'\fR watchers are being called, and only in the child
3397and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 3400after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling \f(CW\*(C`ev_default_fork\*(C'\fR cheats
3398\&\f(CW\*(C`ev_default_fork\*(C'\fR cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 3401and calls it in the wrong process, the fork handlers will be invoked, too,
3399handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 3402of course.
3400.PP 3403.PP
3401\fIThe special problem of life after fork \- how is it possible?\fR 3404\fIThe special problem of life after fork \- how is it possible?\fR
3402.IX Subsection "The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?" 3405.IX Subsection "The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?"
3403.PP 3406.PP
3404Most uses of \f(CW\*(C`fork()\*(C'\fR consist of forking, then some simple calls to set 3407Most uses of \f(CW\*(C`fork()\*(C'\fR consist of forking, then some simple calls to set
3781already been invoked. 3784already been invoked.
3782.PP 3785.PP
3783A common way around all these issues is to make sure that 3786A common way around all these issues is to make sure that
3784\&\f(CW\*(C`start_new_request\*(C'\fR \fIalways\fR returns before the callback is invoked. If 3787\&\f(CW\*(C`start_new_request\*(C'\fR \fIalways\fR returns before the callback is invoked. If
3785\&\f(CW\*(C`start_new_request\*(C'\fR immediately knows the result, it can artificially 3788\&\f(CW\*(C`start_new_request\*(C'\fR immediately knows the result, it can artificially
3786delay invoking the callback by e.g. using a \f(CW\*(C`prepare\*(C'\fR or \f(CW\*(C`idle\*(C'\fR watcher 3789delay invoking the callback by using a \f(CW\*(C`prepare\*(C'\fR or \f(CW\*(C`idle\*(C'\fR watcher for
3787for example, or more sneakily, by reusing an existing (stopped) watcher 3790example, or more sneakily, by reusing an existing (stopped) watcher and
3788and pushing it into the pending queue: 3791pushing it into the pending queue:
3789.PP 3792.PP
3790.Vb 2 3793.Vb 2
3791\& ev_set_cb (watcher, callback); 3794\& ev_set_cb (watcher, callback);
3792\& ev_feed_event (EV_A_ watcher, 0); 3795\& ev_feed_event (EV_A_ watcher, 0);
3793.Ve 3796.Ve
3802.PP 3805.PP
3803This brings the problem of exiting \- a callback might want to finish the 3806This brings the problem of exiting \- a callback might want to finish the
3804main \f(CW\*(C`ev_run\*(C'\fR call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked \*(L"Quit\*(R", but 3807main \f(CW\*(C`ev_run\*(C'\fR call, but not the nested one (e.g. user clicked \*(L"Quit\*(R", but
3805a modal \*(L"Are you sure?\*(R" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one 3808a modal \*(L"Are you sure?\*(R" dialog is still waiting), or just the nested one
3806and not the main one (e.g. user clocked \*(L"Ok\*(R" in a modal dialog), or some 3809and not the main one (e.g. user clocked \*(L"Ok\*(R" in a modal dialog), or some
3807other combination: In these cases, \f(CW\*(C`ev_break\*(C'\fR will not work alone. 3810other combination: In these cases, a simple \f(CW\*(C`ev_break\*(C'\fR will not work.
3808.PP 3811.PP
3809The solution is to maintain \*(L"break this loop\*(R" variable for each \f(CW\*(C`ev_run\*(C'\fR 3812The solution is to maintain \*(L"break this loop\*(R" variable for each \f(CW\*(C`ev_run\*(C'\fR
3810invocation, and use a loop around \f(CW\*(C`ev_run\*(C'\fR until the condition is 3813invocation, and use a loop around \f(CW\*(C`ev_run\*(C'\fR until the condition is
3811triggered, using \f(CW\*(C`EVRUN_ONCE\*(C'\fR: 3814triggered, using \f(CW\*(C`EVRUN_ONCE\*(C'\fR:
3812.PP 3815.PP
4088libev sources can be compiled as \*(C+. Therefore, code that uses the C \s-1API\s0 4091libev sources can be compiled as \*(C+. Therefore, code that uses the C \s-1API\s0
4089will work fine. 4092will work fine.
4090.PP 4093.PP
4091Proper exception specifications might have to be added to callbacks passed 4094Proper exception specifications might have to be added to callbacks passed
4092to libev: exceptions may be thrown only from watcher callbacks, all 4095to libev: exceptions may be thrown only from watcher callbacks, all
4093other callbacks (allocator, syserr, loop acquire/release and periodioc 4096other callbacks (allocator, syserr, loop acquire/release and periodic
4094reschedule callbacks) must not throw exceptions, and might need a \f(CW\*(C`throw 4097reschedule callbacks) must not throw exceptions, and might need a \f(CW\*(C`throw
4095()\*(C'\fR specification. If you have code that needs to be compiled as both C 4098()\*(C'\fR specification. If you have code that needs to be compiled as both C
4096and \*(C+ you can use the \f(CW\*(C`EV_THROW\*(C'\fR macro for this: 4099and \*(C+ you can use the \f(CW\*(C`EV_THROW\*(C'\fR macro for this:
4097.PP 4100.PP
4098.Vb 6 4101.Vb 6
4261.IX Item "w->set (loop)" 4264.IX Item "w->set (loop)"
4262Associates a different \f(CW\*(C`struct ev_loop\*(C'\fR with this watcher. You can only 4265Associates a different \f(CW\*(C`struct ev_loop\*(C'\fR with this watcher. You can only
4263do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 4266do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
4264.IP "w\->set ([arguments])" 4 4267.IP "w\->set ([arguments])" 4
4265.IX Item "w->set ([arguments])" 4268.IX Item "w->set ([arguments])"
4266Basically the same as \f(CW\*(C`ev_TYPE_set\*(C'\fR, with the same arguments. Either this 4269Basically the same as \f(CW\*(C`ev_TYPE_set\*(C'\fR (except for \f(CW\*(C`ev::embed\*(C'\fR watchers>),
4267method or a suitable start method must be called at least once. Unlike the 4270with the same arguments. Either this method or a suitable start method
4268C counterpart, an active watcher gets automatically stopped and restarted 4271must be called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher
4269when reconfiguring it with this method. 4272gets automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
4273method.
4274.Sp
4275For \f(CW\*(C`ev::embed\*(C'\fR watchers this method is called \f(CW\*(C`set_embed\*(C'\fR, to avoid
4276clashing with the \f(CW\*(C`set (loop)\*(C'\fR method.
4270.IP "w\->start ()" 4 4277.IP "w\->start ()" 4
4271.IX Item "w->start ()" 4278.IX Item "w->start ()"
4272Starts the watcher. Note that there is no \f(CW\*(C`loop\*(C'\fR argument, as the 4279Starts the watcher. Note that there is no \f(CW\*(C`loop\*(C'\fR argument, as the
4273constructor already stores the event loop. 4280constructor already stores the event loop.
4274.IP "w\->start ([arguments])" 4 4281.IP "w\->start ([arguments])" 4
4679.IP "\s-1EV_USE_WSASOCKET\s0" 4 4686.IP "\s-1EV_USE_WSASOCKET\s0" 4
4680.IX Item "EV_USE_WSASOCKET" 4687.IX Item "EV_USE_WSASOCKET"
4681If defined to be \f(CW1\fR, libev will use \f(CW\*(C`WSASocket\*(C'\fR to create its internal 4688If defined to be \f(CW1\fR, libev will use \f(CW\*(C`WSASocket\*(C'\fR to create its internal
4682communication socket, which works better in some environments. Otherwise, 4689communication socket, which works better in some environments. Otherwise,
4683the normal \f(CW\*(C`socket\*(C'\fR function will be used, which works better in other 4690the normal \f(CW\*(C`socket\*(C'\fR function will be used, which works better in other
4684enviornments. 4691environments.
4685.IP "\s-1EV_USE_POLL\s0" 4 4692.IP "\s-1EV_USE_POLL\s0" 4
4686.IX Item "EV_USE_POLL" 4693.IX Item "EV_USE_POLL"
4687If defined to be \f(CW1\fR, libev will compile in support for the \f(CW\*(C`poll\*(C'\fR(2) 4694If defined to be \f(CW1\fR, libev will compile in support for the \f(CW\*(C`poll\*(C'\fR(2)
4688backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non\-win32 platforms. It 4695backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non\-win32 platforms. It
4689takes precedence over select. 4696takes precedence over select.
4726between threads, that is, threads can be used, but threads never run on 4733between threads, that is, threads can be used, but threads never run on
4727different cpus (or different cpu cores). This reduces dependencies 4734different cpus (or different cpu cores). This reduces dependencies
4728and makes libev faster. 4735and makes libev faster.
4729.IP "\s-1EV_NO_THREADS\s0" 4 4736.IP "\s-1EV_NO_THREADS\s0" 4
4730.IX Item "EV_NO_THREADS" 4737.IX Item "EV_NO_THREADS"
4731If defined to be \f(CW1\fR, libev will assume that it will never be called 4738If defined to be \f(CW1\fR, libev will assume that it will never be called from
4732from different threads, which is a stronger assumption than \f(CW\*(C`EV_NO_SMP\*(C'\fR, 4739different threads (that includes signal handlers), which is a stronger
4733above. This reduces dependencies and makes libev faster. 4740assumption than \f(CW\*(C`EV_NO_SMP\*(C'\fR, above. This reduces dependencies and makes
4741libev faster.
4734.IP "\s-1EV_ATOMIC_T\s0" 4 4742.IP "\s-1EV_ATOMIC_T\s0" 4
4735.IX Item "EV_ATOMIC_T" 4743.IX Item "EV_ATOMIC_T"
4736Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing \f(CW0\fR or \f(CW1\fR) whose 4744Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing \f(CW0\fR or \f(CW1\fR) whose
4737access is atomic and serialised with respect to other threads or signal 4745access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No
4738contexts. No such type is easily found in the C language, so you can 4746such type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own
4739provide your own type that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used 4747type that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal
4740both for signal handler \*(L"locking\*(R" as well as for signal and thread safety 4748handler \*(L"locking\*(R" as well as for signal and thread safety in \f(CW\*(C`ev_async\*(C'\fR
4741in \f(CW\*(C`ev_async\*(C'\fR watchers. 4749watchers.
4742.Sp 4750.Sp
4743In the absence of this define, libev will use \f(CW\*(C`sig_atomic_t volatile\*(C'\fR 4751In the absence of this define, libev will use \f(CW\*(C`sig_atomic_t volatile\*(C'\fR
4744(from \fIsignal.h\fR), which is usually good enough on most platforms, 4752(from \fIsignal.h\fR), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
4745although strictly speaking using a type that also implies a memory fence
4746is required.
4747.IP "\s-1EV_H\s0 (h)" 4 4753.IP "\s-1EV_H\s0 (h)" 4
4748.IX Item "EV_H (h)" 4754.IX Item "EV_H (h)"
4749The name of the \fIev.h\fR header file used to include it. The default if 4755The name of the \fIev.h\fR header file used to include it. The default if
4750undefined is \f(CW"ev.h"\fR in \fIevent.h\fR, \fIev.c\fR and \fIev++.h\fR. This can be 4756undefined is \f(CW"ev.h"\fR in \fIevent.h\fR, \fIev.c\fR and \fIev++.h\fR. This can be
4751used to virtually rename the \fIev.h\fR header file in case of conflicts. 4757used to virtually rename the \fIev.h\fR header file in case of conflicts.
5413thread\*(R" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would 5419thread\*(R" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
5414be compatible with libev. Interaction between \f(CW\*(C`sigprocmask\*(C'\fR and 5420be compatible with libev. Interaction between \f(CW\*(C`sigprocmask\*(C'\fR and
5415\&\f(CW\*(C`pthread_sigmask\*(C'\fR could complicate things, however. 5421\&\f(CW\*(C`pthread_sigmask\*(C'\fR could complicate things, however.
5416.Sp 5422.Sp
5417The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads 5423The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
5418except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as 5424except the initial one, and run the signal handling loop in the initial
5419well. 5425thread as well.
5420.ie n .IP """long"" must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes" 4 5426.ie n .IP """long"" must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes" 4
5421.el .IP "\f(CWlong\fR must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes" 4 5427.el .IP "\f(CWlong\fR must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes" 4
5422.IX Item "long must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes" 5428.IX Item "long must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes"
5423To improve portability and simplify its \s-1API\s0, libev uses \f(CW\*(C`long\*(C'\fR internally 5429To improve portability and simplify its \s-1API\s0, libev uses \f(CW\*(C`long\*(C'\fR internally
5424instead of \f(CW\*(C`size_t\*(C'\fR when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX 5430instead of \f(CW\*(C`size_t\*(C'\fR when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX

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