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4<head> 4<head>
5 <title>libev</title> 5 <title>libev</title>
6 <meta name="description" content="Pod documentation for libev" /> 6 <meta name="description" content="Pod documentation for libev" />
7 <meta name="inputfile" content="&lt;standard input&gt;" /> 7 <meta name="inputfile" content="&lt;standard input&gt;" />
8 <meta name="outputfile" content="&lt;standard output&gt;" /> 8 <meta name="outputfile" content="&lt;standard output&gt;" />
9 <meta name="created" content="Sat Nov 24 11:15:15 2007" /> 9 <meta name="created" content="Thu Nov 29 18:28:02 2007" />
10 <meta name="generator" content="Pod::Xhtml 1.57" /> 10 <meta name="generator" content="Pod::Xhtml 1.57" />
11<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://res.tst.eu/pod.css"/></head> 11<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://res.tst.eu/pod.css"/></head>
12<body> 12<body>
13<div class="pod"> 13<div class="pod">
14<!-- INDEX START --> 14<!-- INDEX START -->
15<h3 id="TOP">Index</h3> 15<h3 id="TOP">Index</h3>
16 16
17<ul><li><a href="#NAME">NAME</a></li> 17<ul><li><a href="#NAME">NAME</a></li>
18<li><a href="#SYNOPSIS">SYNOPSIS</a></li> 18<li><a href="#SYNOPSIS">SYNOPSIS</a></li>
19<li><a href="#EXAMPLE_PROGRAM">EXAMPLE PROGRAM</a></li>
19<li><a href="#DESCRIPTION">DESCRIPTION</a></li> 20<li><a href="#DESCRIPTION">DESCRIPTION</a></li>
20<li><a href="#FEATURES">FEATURES</a></li> 21<li><a href="#FEATURES">FEATURES</a></li>
21<li><a href="#CONVENTIONS">CONVENTIONS</a></li> 22<li><a href="#CONVENTIONS">CONVENTIONS</a></li>
22<li><a href="#TIME_REPRESENTATION">TIME REPRESENTATION</a></li> 23<li><a href="#TIME_REPRESENTATION">TIME REPRESENTATION</a></li>
23<li><a href="#GLOBAL_FUNCTIONS">GLOBAL FUNCTIONS</a></li> 24<li><a href="#GLOBAL_FUNCTIONS">GLOBAL FUNCTIONS</a></li>
24<li><a href="#FUNCTIONS_CONTROLLING_THE_EVENT_LOOP">FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP</a></li> 25<li><a href="#FUNCTIONS_CONTROLLING_THE_EVENT_LOOP">FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP</a></li>
25<li><a href="#ANATOMY_OF_A_WATCHER">ANATOMY OF A WATCHER</a> 26<li><a href="#ANATOMY_OF_A_WATCHER">ANATOMY OF A WATCHER</a>
26<ul><li><a href="#SUMMARY_OF_GENERIC_WATCHER_FUNCTIONS">SUMMARY OF GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS</a></li> 27<ul><li><a href="#GENERIC_WATCHER_FUNCTIONS">GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS</a></li>
27<li><a href="#ASSOCIATING_CUSTOM_DATA_WITH_A_WATCH">ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER</a></li> 28<li><a href="#ASSOCIATING_CUSTOM_DATA_WITH_A_WATCH">ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER</a></li>
28</ul> 29</ul>
29</li> 30</li>
30<li><a href="#WATCHER_TYPES">WATCHER TYPES</a> 31<li><a href="#WATCHER_TYPES">WATCHER TYPES</a>
31<ul><li><a href="#code_ev_io_code_is_this_file_descrip"><code>ev_io</code> - is this file descriptor readable or writable</a></li> 32<ul><li><a href="#code_ev_io_code_is_this_file_descrip"><code>ev_io</code> - is this file descriptor readable or writable?</a></li>
32<li><a href="#code_ev_timer_code_relative_and_opti"><code>ev_timer</code> - relative and optionally recurring timeouts</a></li> 33<li><a href="#code_ev_timer_code_relative_and_opti"><code>ev_timer</code> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts</a></li>
33<li><a href="#code_ev_periodic_code_to_cron_or_not"><code>ev_periodic</code> - to cron or not to cron</a></li> 34<li><a href="#code_ev_periodic_code_to_cron_or_not"><code>ev_periodic</code> - to cron or not to cron?</a></li>
34<li><a href="#code_ev_signal_code_signal_me_when_a"><code>ev_signal</code> - signal me when a signal gets signalled</a></li> 35<li><a href="#code_ev_signal_code_signal_me_when_a"><code>ev_signal</code> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!</a></li>
35<li><a href="#code_ev_child_code_wait_for_pid_stat"><code>ev_child</code> - wait for pid status changes</a></li> 36<li><a href="#code_ev_child_code_watch_out_for_pro"><code>ev_child</code> - watch out for process status changes</a></li>
37<li><a href="#code_ev_stat_code_did_the_file_attri"><code>ev_stat</code> - did the file attributes just change?</a></li>
36<li><a href="#code_ev_idle_code_when_you_ve_got_no"><code>ev_idle</code> - when you've got nothing better to do</a></li> 38<li><a href="#code_ev_idle_code_when_you_ve_got_no"><code>ev_idle</code> - when you've got nothing better to do...</a></li>
37<li><a href="#code_ev_prepare_code_and_code_ev_che"><code>ev_prepare</code> and <code>ev_check</code> - customise your event loop</a></li> 39<li><a href="#code_ev_prepare_code_and_code_ev_che"><code>ev_prepare</code> and <code>ev_check</code> - customise your event loop!</a></li>
38<li><a href="#code_ev_embed_code_when_one_backend_"><code>ev_embed</code> - when one backend isn't enough</a></li> 40<li><a href="#code_ev_embed_code_when_one_backend_"><code>ev_embed</code> - when one backend isn't enough...</a></li>
41<li><a href="#code_ev_fork_code_the_audacity_to_re"><code>ev_fork</code> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork</a></li>
39</ul> 42</ul>
40</li> 43</li>
41<li><a href="#OTHER_FUNCTIONS">OTHER FUNCTIONS</a></li> 44<li><a href="#OTHER_FUNCTIONS">OTHER FUNCTIONS</a></li>
42<li><a href="#LIBEVENT_EMULATION">LIBEVENT EMULATION</a></li> 45<li><a href="#LIBEVENT_EMULATION">LIBEVENT EMULATION</a></li>
43<li><a href="#C_SUPPORT">C++ SUPPORT</a></li> 46<li><a href="#C_SUPPORT">C++ SUPPORT</a></li>
47<li><a href="#MACRO_MAGIC">MACRO MAGIC</a></li>
44<li><a href="#EMBEDDING">EMBEDDING</a> 48<li><a href="#EMBEDDING">EMBEDDING</a>
45<ul><li><a href="#FILESETS">FILESETS</a> 49<ul><li><a href="#FILESETS">FILESETS</a>
46<ul><li><a href="#CORE_EVENT_LOOP">CORE EVENT LOOP</a></li> 50<ul><li><a href="#CORE_EVENT_LOOP">CORE EVENT LOOP</a></li>
47<li><a href="#LIBEVENT_COMPATIBILITY_API">LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API</a></li> 51<li><a href="#LIBEVENT_COMPATIBILITY_API">LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API</a></li>
48<li><a href="#AUTOCONF_SUPPORT">AUTOCONF SUPPORT</a></li> 52<li><a href="#AUTOCONF_SUPPORT">AUTOCONF SUPPORT</a></li>
50</li> 54</li>
51<li><a href="#PREPROCESSOR_SYMBOLS_MACROS">PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS</a></li> 55<li><a href="#PREPROCESSOR_SYMBOLS_MACROS">PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS</a></li>
52<li><a href="#EXAMPLES">EXAMPLES</a></li> 56<li><a href="#EXAMPLES">EXAMPLES</a></li>
53</ul> 57</ul>
54</li> 58</li>
59<li><a href="#COMPLEXITIES">COMPLEXITIES</a></li>
55<li><a href="#AUTHOR">AUTHOR</a> 60<li><a href="#AUTHOR">AUTHOR</a>
56</li> 61</li>
57</ul><hr /> 62</ul><hr />
58<!-- INDEX END --> 63<!-- INDEX END -->
59 64
60<h1 id="NAME">NAME</h1><p><a href="#TOP" class="toplink">Top</a></p> 65<h1 id="NAME">NAME</h1>
61<div id="NAME_CONTENT"> 66<div id="NAME_CONTENT">
62<p>libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C</p> 67<p>libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C</p>
63 68
64</div> 69</div>
65<h1 id="SYNOPSIS">SYNOPSIS</h1><p><a href="#TOP" class="toplink">Top</a></p> 70<h1 id="SYNOPSIS">SYNOPSIS</h1>
66<div id="SYNOPSIS_CONTENT"> 71<div id="SYNOPSIS_CONTENT">
67<pre> #include &lt;ev.h&gt; 72<pre> #include &lt;ev.h&gt;
68 73
69</pre> 74</pre>
70 75
71</div> 76</div>
72<h1 id="DESCRIPTION">DESCRIPTION</h1><p><a href="#TOP" class="toplink">Top</a></p> 77<h1 id="EXAMPLE_PROGRAM">EXAMPLE PROGRAM</h1>
78<div id="EXAMPLE_PROGRAM_CONTENT">
79<pre> #include &lt;ev.h&gt;
80
81 ev_io stdin_watcher;
82 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
83
84 /* called when data readable on stdin */
85 static void
86 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
87 {
88 /* puts (&quot;stdin ready&quot;); */
89 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */
90 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */
91 }
92
93 static void
94 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
95 {
96 /* puts (&quot;timeout&quot;); */
97 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */
98 }
99
100 int
101 main (void)
102 {
103 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
104
105 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */
106 ev_io_init (&amp;stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
107 ev_io_start (loop, &amp;stdin_watcher);
108
109 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */
110 ev_timer_init (&amp;timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
111 ev_timer_start (loop, &amp;timeout_watcher);
112
113 /* loop till timeout or data ready */
114 ev_loop (loop, 0);
115
116 return 0;
117 }
118
119</pre>
120
121</div>
122<h1 id="DESCRIPTION">DESCRIPTION</h1>
73<div id="DESCRIPTION_CONTENT"> 123<div id="DESCRIPTION_CONTENT">
74<p>Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 124<p>Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
75file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 125file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage
76these event sources and provide your program with events.</p> 126these event sources and provide your program with events.</p>
77<p>To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process 127<p>To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process
81watchers</i>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the 131watchers</i>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the
82details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by <i>starting</i> the 132details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by <i>starting</i> the
83watcher.</p> 133watcher.</p>
84 134
85</div> 135</div>
86<h1 id="FEATURES">FEATURES</h1><p><a href="#TOP" class="toplink">Top</a></p> 136<h1 id="FEATURES">FEATURES</h1>
87<div id="FEATURES_CONTENT"> 137<div id="FEATURES_CONTENT">
88<p>Libev supports select, poll, the linux-specific epoll and the bsd-specific 138<p>Libev supports <code>select</code>, <code>poll</code>, the Linux-specific <code>epoll</code>, the
89kqueue mechanisms for file descriptor events, relative timers, absolute 139BSD-specific <code>kqueue</code> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
90timers with customised rescheduling, signal events, process status change 140for file descriptor events (<code>ev_io</code>), the Linux <code>inotify</code> interface
91events (related to SIGCHLD), and event watchers dealing with the event 141(for <code>ev_stat</code>), relative timers (<code>ev_timer</code>), absolute timers
92loop mechanism itself (idle, prepare and check watchers). It also is quite 142with customised rescheduling (<code>ev_periodic</code>), synchronous signals
143(<code>ev_signal</code>), process status change events (<code>ev_child</code>), and event
144watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (<code>ev_idle</code>,
145<code>ev_embed</code>, <code>ev_prepare</code> and <code>ev_check</code> watchers) as well as
146file watchers (<code>ev_stat</code>) and even limited support for fork events
147(<code>ev_fork</code>).</p>
148<p>It also is quite fast (see this
93fast (see this <a href="http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html">benchmark</a> comparing 149<a href="http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html">benchmark</a> comparing it to libevent
94it to libevent for example).</p> 150for example).</p>
95 151
96</div> 152</div>
97<h1 id="CONVENTIONS">CONVENTIONS</h1><p><a href="#TOP" class="toplink">Top</a></p> 153<h1 id="CONVENTIONS">CONVENTIONS</h1>
98<div id="CONVENTIONS_CONTENT"> 154<div id="CONVENTIONS_CONTENT">
99<p>Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration 155<p>Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will
100will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info 156be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about
101about various configuration options please have a look at the file 157various configuration options please have a look at <strong>EMBED</strong> section in
102<cite>README.embed</cite> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without 158this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event
103support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial 159loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name <code>loop</code>
104argument of name <code>loop</code> (which is always of type <code>struct ev_loop *</code>) 160(which is always of type <code>struct ev_loop *</code>) will not have this argument.</p>
105will not have this argument.</p>
106 161
107</div> 162</div>
108<h1 id="TIME_REPRESENTATION">TIME REPRESENTATION</h1><p><a href="#TOP" class="toplink">Top</a></p> 163<h1 id="TIME_REPRESENTATION">TIME REPRESENTATION</h1>
109<div id="TIME_REPRESENTATION_CONTENT"> 164<div id="TIME_REPRESENTATION_CONTENT">
110<p>Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 165<p>Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
111(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 166(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
112the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 167the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
113called <code>ev_tstamp</code>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 168called <code>ev_tstamp</code>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
114to the <code>double</code> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 169to the <code>double</code> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
115it, you should treat it as such.</p> 170it, you should treat it as such.</p>
116 171
117
118
119
120
121</div> 172</div>
122<h1 id="GLOBAL_FUNCTIONS">GLOBAL FUNCTIONS</h1><p><a href="#TOP" class="toplink">Top</a></p> 173<h1 id="GLOBAL_FUNCTIONS">GLOBAL FUNCTIONS</h1>
123<div id="GLOBAL_FUNCTIONS_CONTENT"> 174<div id="GLOBAL_FUNCTIONS_CONTENT">
124<p>These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 175<p>These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
125library in any way.</p> 176library in any way.</p>
126<dl> 177<dl>
127 <dt>ev_tstamp ev_time ()</dt> 178 <dt>ev_tstamp ev_time ()</dt>
140version of the library your program was compiled against.</p> 191version of the library your program was compiled against.</p>
141 <p>Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 192 <p>Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
142as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 193as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
143compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 194compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
144not a problem.</p> 195not a problem.</p>
145 <p>Example: make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 196 <p>Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
146version:</p> 197version.</p>
147<pre> assert ((&quot;libev version mismatch&quot;, 198<pre> assert ((&quot;libev version mismatch&quot;,
148 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 199 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
149 &amp;&amp; ev_version_minor () &gt;= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 200 &amp;&amp; ev_version_minor () &gt;= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
150 201
151</pre> 202</pre>
181recommended ones.</p> 232recommended ones.</p>
182 <p>See the description of <code>ev_embed</code> watchers for more info.</p> 233 <p>See the description of <code>ev_embed</code> watchers for more info.</p>
183 </dd> 234 </dd>
184 <dt>ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))</dt> 235 <dt>ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))</dt>
185 <dd> 236 <dd>
186 <p>Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the 237 <p>Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
187realloc C function, the semantics are identical). It is used to allocate 238semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
188and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory 239allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
189needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially 240memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
190destructive action. The default is your system realloc function.</p> 241potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
242function.</p>
191 <p>You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 243 <p>You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
192free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 244free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
193or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.</p> 245or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.</p>
194 <p>Example: replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 246 <p>Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
195retries: better than mine).</p> 247retries).</p>
196<pre> static void * 248<pre> static void *
197 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, long size) 249 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
198 { 250 {
199 for (;;) 251 for (;;)
200 { 252 {
201 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 253 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
202 254
219indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 271indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
220callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 272callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no
221matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 273matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
222requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 274requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
223(such as abort).</p> 275(such as abort).</p>
224 <p>Example: do the same thing as libev does internally:</p> 276 <p>Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.</p>
225<pre> static void 277<pre> static void
226 fatal_error (const char *msg) 278 fatal_error (const char *msg)
227 { 279 {
228 perror (msg); 280 perror (msg);
229 abort (); 281 abort ();
235</pre> 287</pre>
236 </dd> 288 </dd>
237</dl> 289</dl>
238 290
239</div> 291</div>
240<h1 id="FUNCTIONS_CONTROLLING_THE_EVENT_LOOP">FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP</h1><p><a href="#TOP" class="toplink">Top</a></p> 292<h1 id="FUNCTIONS_CONTROLLING_THE_EVENT_LOOP">FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP</h1>
241<div id="FUNCTIONS_CONTROLLING_THE_EVENT_LOOP-2"> 293<div id="FUNCTIONS_CONTROLLING_THE_EVENT_LOOP-2">
242<p>An event loop is described by a <code>struct ev_loop *</code>. The library knows two 294<p>An event loop is described by a <code>struct ev_loop *</code>. The library knows two
243types of such loops, the <i>default</i> loop, which supports signals and child 295types of such loops, the <i>default</i> loop, which supports signals and child
244events, and dynamically created loops which do not.</p> 296events, and dynamically created loops which do not.</p>
245<p>If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop 297<p>If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop
273or setgid) then libev will <i>not</i> look at the environment variable 325or setgid) then libev will <i>not</i> look at the environment variable
274<code>LIBEV_FLAGS</code>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 326<code>LIBEV_FLAGS</code>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
275override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 327override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
276useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 328useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
277around bugs.</p> 329around bugs.</p>
330 </dd>
331 <dt><code>EVFLAG_FORKCHECK</code></dt>
332 <dd>
333 <p>Instead of calling <code>ev_default_fork</code> or <code>ev_loop_fork</code> manually after
334a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
335enabling this flag.</p>
336 <p>This works by calling <code>getpid ()</code> on every iteration of the loop,
337and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
338iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticable (on my
339Linux system for example, <code>getpid</code> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
340without a syscall and thus <i>very</i> fast, but my Linux system also has
341<code>pthread_atfork</code> which is even faster).</p>
342 <p>The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
343forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
344flag.</p>
345 <p>This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the <code>LIBEV_FLAGS</code>
346environment variable.</p>
278 </dd> 347 </dd>
279 <dt><code>EVBACKEND_SELECT</code> (value 1, portable select backend)</dt> 348 <dt><code>EVBACKEND_SELECT</code> (value 1, portable select backend)</dt>
280 <dd> 349 <dd>
281 <p>This is your standard select(2) backend. Not <i>completely</i> standard, as 350 <p>This is your standard select(2) backend. Not <i>completely</i> standard, as
282libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 351libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
365 <dd> 434 <dd>
366 <p>Similar to <code>ev_default_loop</code>, but always creates a new event loop that is 435 <p>Similar to <code>ev_default_loop</code>, but always creates a new event loop that is
367always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 436always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
368handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 437handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
369undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).</p> 438undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).</p>
370 <p>Example: try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.</p> 439 <p>Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.</p>
371<pre> struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 440<pre> struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
372 if (!epoller) 441 if (!epoller)
373 fatal (&quot;no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair&quot;); 442 fatal (&quot;no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair&quot;);
374 443
375</pre> 444</pre>
468 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 537 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
469 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 538 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
470 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 539 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *.
471 540
472</pre> 541</pre>
473 <p>Example: queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 542 <p>Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding
474anymore.</p> 543anymore.</p>
475<pre> ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 544<pre> ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
476 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 545 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
477 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 546 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
478 ... jobs done. yeah! 547 ... jobs done. yeah!
497example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 566example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not
498visible to the libev user and should not keep <code>ev_loop</code> from exiting if 567visible to the libev user and should not keep <code>ev_loop</code> from exiting if
499no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 568no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
500way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 569way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
501libraries. Just remember to <i>unref after start</i> and <i>ref before stop</i>.</p> 570libraries. Just remember to <i>unref after start</i> and <i>ref before stop</i>.</p>
502 <p>Example: create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping <code>ev_loop</code> 571 <p>Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping <code>ev_loop</code>
503running when nothing else is active.</p> 572running when nothing else is active.</p>
504<pre> struct dv_signal exitsig; 573<pre> struct ev_signal exitsig;
505 ev_signal_init (&amp;exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 574 ev_signal_init (&amp;exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
506 ev_signal_start (myloop, &amp;exitsig); 575 ev_signal_start (loop, &amp;exitsig);
507 evf_unref (myloop); 576 evf_unref (loop);
508 577
509</pre> 578</pre>
510 <p>Example: for some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.</p> 579 <p>Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.</p>
511<pre> ev_ref (myloop); 580<pre> ev_ref (loop);
512 ev_signal_stop (myloop, &amp;exitsig); 581 ev_signal_stop (loop, &amp;exitsig);
513 582
514</pre> 583</pre>
515 </dd> 584 </dd>
516</dl> 585</dl>
517 586
587
588
589
590
518</div> 591</div>
519<h1 id="ANATOMY_OF_A_WATCHER">ANATOMY OF A WATCHER</h1><p><a href="#TOP" class="toplink">Top</a></p> 592<h1 id="ANATOMY_OF_A_WATCHER">ANATOMY OF A WATCHER</h1>
520<div id="ANATOMY_OF_A_WATCHER_CONTENT"> 593<div id="ANATOMY_OF_A_WATCHER_CONTENT">
521<p>A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 594<p>A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
522interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 595interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
523become readable, you would create an <code>ev_io</code> watcher for that:</p> 596become readable, you would create an <code>ev_io</code> watcher for that:</p>
524<pre> static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 597<pre> static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
581 </dd> 654 </dd>
582 <dt><code>EV_CHILD</code></dt> 655 <dt><code>EV_CHILD</code></dt>
583 <dd> 656 <dd>
584 <p>The pid specified in the <code>ev_child</code> watcher has received a status change.</p> 657 <p>The pid specified in the <code>ev_child</code> watcher has received a status change.</p>
585 </dd> 658 </dd>
659 <dt><code>EV_STAT</code></dt>
660 <dd>
661 <p>The path specified in the <code>ev_stat</code> watcher changed its attributes somehow.</p>
662 </dd>
586 <dt><code>EV_IDLE</code></dt> 663 <dt><code>EV_IDLE</code></dt>
587 <dd> 664 <dd>
588 <p>The <code>ev_idle</code> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do.</p> 665 <p>The <code>ev_idle</code> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do.</p>
589 </dd> 666 </dd>
590 <dt><code>EV_PREPARE</code></dt> 667 <dt><code>EV_PREPARE</code></dt>
595<code>ev_loop</code> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 672<code>ev_loop</code> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any
596received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 673received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
597many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 674many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
598(for example, a <code>ev_prepare</code> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 675(for example, a <code>ev_prepare</code> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
599<code>ev_loop</code> from blocking).</p> 676<code>ev_loop</code> from blocking).</p>
677 </dd>
678 <dt><code>EV_EMBED</code></dt>
679 <dd>
680 <p>The embedded event loop specified in the <code>ev_embed</code> watcher needs attention.</p>
681 </dd>
682 <dt><code>EV_FORK</code></dt>
683 <dd>
684 <p>The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
685<code>ev_fork</code>).</p>
600 </dd> 686 </dd>
601 <dt><code>EV_ERROR</code></dt> 687 <dt><code>EV_ERROR</code></dt>
602 <dd> 688 <dd>
603 <p>An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 689 <p>An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
604happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 690happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
612programs, though, so beware.</p> 698programs, though, so beware.</p>
613 </dd> 699 </dd>
614</dl> 700</dl>
615 701
616</div> 702</div>
617<h2 id="SUMMARY_OF_GENERIC_WATCHER_FUNCTIONS">SUMMARY OF GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS</h2> 703<h2 id="GENERIC_WATCHER_FUNCTIONS">GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS</h2>
618<div id="SUMMARY_OF_GENERIC_WATCHER_FUNCTIONS-2"> 704<div id="GENERIC_WATCHER_FUNCTIONS_CONTENT">
619<p>In the following description, <code>TYPE</code> stands for the watcher type, 705<p>In the following description, <code>TYPE</code> stands for the watcher type,
620e.g. <code>timer</code> for <code>ev_timer</code> watchers and <code>io</code> for <code>ev_io</code> watchers.</p> 706e.g. <code>timer</code> for <code>ev_timer</code> watchers and <code>io</code> for <code>ev_io</code> watchers.</p>
621<dl> 707<dl>
622 <dt><code>ev_init</code> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)</dt> 708 <dt><code>ev_init</code> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)</dt>
623 <dd> 709 <dd>
627the type-specific <code>ev_TYPE_set</code> macro afterwards to initialise the 713the type-specific <code>ev_TYPE_set</code> macro afterwards to initialise the
628type-specific parts. For each type there is also a <code>ev_TYPE_init</code> macro 714type-specific parts. For each type there is also a <code>ev_TYPE_init</code> macro
629which rolls both calls into one.</p> 715which rolls both calls into one.</p>
630 <p>You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped 716 <p>You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
631(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.</p> 717(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.</p>
632 <p>The callbakc is always of type <code>void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 718 <p>The callback is always of type <code>void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
633int revents)</code>.</p> 719int revents)</code>.</p>
634 </dd> 720 </dd>
635 <dt><code>ev_TYPE_set</code> (ev_TYPE *, [args])</dt> 721 <dt><code>ev_TYPE_set</code> (ev_TYPE *, [args])</dt>
636 <dd> 722 <dd>
637 <p>This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 723 <p>This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
674events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher 760events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
675is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but 761is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
676<code>ev_TYPE_set</code> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 762<code>ev_TYPE_set</code> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to
677libev (e.g. you cnanot <code>free ()</code> it).</p> 763libev (e.g. you cnanot <code>free ()</code> it).</p>
678 </dd> 764 </dd>
679 <dt>callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)</dt> 765 <dt>callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)</dt>
680 <dd> 766 <dd>
681 <p>Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.</p> 767 <p>Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.</p>
682 </dd> 768 </dd>
683 <dt>ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)</dt> 769 <dt>ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)</dt>
684 <dd> 770 <dd>
716 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 802 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
717 ... 803 ...
718 } 804 }
719 805
720</pre> 806</pre>
721<p>More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 807<p>More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
722have been omitted....</p> 808instead have been omitted.</p>
809<p>Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
810watchers:</p>
811<pre> struct my_biggy
812 {
813 int some_data;
814 ev_timer t1;
815 ev_timer t2;
816 }
723 817
818</pre>
819<p>In this case getting the pointer to <code>my_biggy</code> is a bit more complicated,
820you need to use <code>offsetof</code>:</p>
821<pre> #include &lt;stddef.h&gt;
724 822
823 static void
824 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
825 {
826 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
827 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
828 }
725 829
830 static void
831 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
832 {
833 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
834 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
835 }
726 836
727 837
838
839
840</pre>
841
728</div> 842</div>
729<h1 id="WATCHER_TYPES">WATCHER TYPES</h1><p><a href="#TOP" class="toplink">Top</a></p> 843<h1 id="WATCHER_TYPES">WATCHER TYPES</h1>
730<div id="WATCHER_TYPES_CONTENT"> 844<div id="WATCHER_TYPES_CONTENT">
731<p>This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 845<p>This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
732information given in the last section.</p> 846information given in the last section. Any initialisation/set macros,
847functions and members specific to the watcher type are explained.</p>
848<p>Members are additionally marked with either <i>[read-only]</i>, meaning that,
849while the watcher is active, you can look at the member and expect some
850sensible content, but you must not modify it (you can modify it while the
851watcher is stopped to your hearts content), or <i>[read-write]</i>, which
852means you can expect it to have some sensible content while the watcher
853is active, but you can also modify it. Modifying it may not do something
854sensible or take immediate effect (or do anything at all), but libev will
855not crash or malfunction in any way.</p>
733 856
734 857
735 858
736 859
737 860
738</div> 861</div>
739<h2 id="code_ev_io_code_is_this_file_descrip"><code>ev_io</code> - is this file descriptor readable or writable</h2> 862<h2 id="code_ev_io_code_is_this_file_descrip"><code>ev_io</code> - is this file descriptor readable or writable?</h2>
740<div id="code_ev_io_code_is_this_file_descrip-2"> 863<div id="code_ev_io_code_is_this_file_descrip-2">
741<p>I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable 864<p>I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable
742in each iteration of the event loop (This behaviour is called 865in each iteration of the event loop, or, more precisely, when reading
743level-triggering because you keep receiving events as long as the 866would not block the process and writing would at least be able to write
744condition persists. Remember you can stop the watcher if you don't want to 867some data. This behaviour is called level-triggering because you keep
745act on the event and neither want to receive future events).</p> 868receiving events as long as the condition persists. Remember you can stop
869the watcher if you don't want to act on the event and neither want to
870receive future events.</p>
746<p>In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 871<p>In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
747fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 872fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
748descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 873descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
749required if you know what you are doing).</p> 874required if you know what you are doing).</p>
750<p>You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends 875<p>You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
751(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file 876(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
752descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing 877descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
753to the same underlying file/socket etc. description (that is, they share 878to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
754the same underlying &quot;file open&quot;).</p> 879the same underlying &quot;file open&quot;).</p>
755<p>If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 880<p>If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
756(at the time of this writing, this includes only <code>EVBACKEND_SELECT</code> and 881(at the time of this writing, this includes only <code>EVBACKEND_SELECT</code> and
757<code>EVBACKEND_POLL</code>).</p> 882<code>EVBACKEND_POLL</code>).</p>
883<p>Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
884receive &quot;spurious&quot; readyness notifications, that is your callback might
885be called with <code>EV_READ</code> but a subsequent <code>read</code>(2) will actually block
886because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
887lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
888this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
889it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra <code>read</code>(2) returning
890<code>EAGAIN</code> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.</p>
891<p>If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
892play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
893wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
894such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
895its own, so its quite safe to use).</p>
758<dl> 896<dl>
759 <dt>ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)</dt> 897 <dt>ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)</dt>
760 <dt>ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)</dt> 898 <dt>ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)</dt>
761 <dd> 899 <dd>
762 <p>Configures an <code>ev_io</code> watcher. The fd is the file descriptor to rceeive 900 <p>Configures an <code>ev_io</code> watcher. The <code>fd</code> is the file descriptor to
763events for and events is either <code>EV_READ</code>, <code>EV_WRITE</code> or <code>EV_READ | 901rceeive events for and events is either <code>EV_READ</code>, <code>EV_WRITE</code> or
764EV_WRITE</code> to receive the given events.</p> 902<code>EV_READ | EV_WRITE</code> to receive the given events.</p>
765 <p>Please note that most of the more scalable backend mechanisms (for example 903 </dd>
766epoll and solaris ports) can result in spurious readyness notifications 904 <dt>int fd [read-only]</dt>
767for file descriptors, so you practically need to use non-blocking I/O (and 905 <dd>
768treat callback invocation as hint only), or retest separately with a safe 906 <p>The file descriptor being watched.</p>
769interface before doing I/O (XLib can do this), or force the use of either 907 </dd>
770<code>EVBACKEND_SELECT</code> or <code>EVBACKEND_POLL</code>, which don't suffer from this 908 <dt>int events [read-only]</dt>
771problem. Also note that it is quite easy to have your callback invoked 909 <dd>
772when the readyness condition is no longer valid even when employing 910 <p>The events being watched.</p>
773typical ways of handling events, so its a good idea to use non-blocking
774I/O unconditionally.</p>
775 </dd> 911 </dd>
776</dl> 912</dl>
777<p>Example: call <code>stdin_readable_cb</code> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 913<p>Example: Call <code>stdin_readable_cb</code> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
778readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 914readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
779attempt to read a whole line in the callback:</p> 915attempt to read a whole line in the callback.</p>
780<pre> static void 916<pre> static void
781 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 917 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
782 { 918 {
783 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 919 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
784 .. read from stdin here (or from w-&gt;fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 920 .. read from stdin here (or from w-&gt;fd) and haqndle any I/O errors
795 931
796 932
797</pre> 933</pre>
798 934
799</div> 935</div>
800<h2 id="code_ev_timer_code_relative_and_opti"><code>ev_timer</code> - relative and optionally recurring timeouts</h2> 936<h2 id="code_ev_timer_code_relative_and_opti"><code>ev_timer</code> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts</h2>
801<div id="code_ev_timer_code_relative_and_opti-2"> 937<div id="code_ev_timer_code_relative_and_opti-2">
802<p>Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 938<p>Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
803given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.</p> 939given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.</p>
804<p>The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 940<p>The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
805times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years 941times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years
833 </dd> 969 </dd>
834 <dt>ev_timer_again (loop)</dt> 970 <dt>ev_timer_again (loop)</dt>
835 <dd> 971 <dd>
836 <p>This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 972 <p>This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
837repeating. The exact semantics are:</p> 973repeating. The exact semantics are:</p>
974 <p>If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.</p>
838 <p>If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it.</p> 975 <p>If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).</p>
839 <p>If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 976 <p>If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
840value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value.</p> 977<code>repeat</code> value), or reset the running timer to the <code>repeat</code> value.</p>
841 <p>This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 978 <p>This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
842example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 979example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
843timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60 980timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
844seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to 981seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
845configure an <code>ev_timer</code> with after=repeat=60 and calling ev_timer_again each 982configure an <code>ev_timer</code> with a <code>repeat</code> value of <code>60</code> and then call
846time you successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle 983<code>ev_timer_again</code> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
847state where you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can stop 984you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
985socket, you can <code>ev_timer_stop</code> the timer, and <code>ev_timer_again</code> will
848the timer, and again will automatically restart it if need be.</p> 986automatically restart it if need be.</p>
987 <p>That means you can ignore the <code>after</code> value and <code>ev_timer_start</code>
988altogether and only ever use the <code>repeat</code> value and <code>ev_timer_again</code>:</p>
989<pre> ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
990 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
991 ...
992 timer-&gt;again = 17.;
993 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
994 ...
995 timer-&gt;again = 10.;
996 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
997
998</pre>
999 <p>This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1000you want to modify its timeout value.</p>
1001 </dd>
1002 <dt>ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]</dt>
1003 <dd>
1004 <p>The current <code>repeat</code> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1005or <code>ev_timer_again</code> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
1006which is also when any modifications are taken into account.</p>
849 </dd> 1007 </dd>
850</dl> 1008</dl>
851<p>Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.</p> 1009<p>Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.</p>
852<pre> static void 1010<pre> static void
853 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1011 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
854 { 1012 {
855 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1013 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
856 } 1014 }
858 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1016 struct ev_timer mytimer;
859 ev_timer_init (&amp;mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1017 ev_timer_init (&amp;mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
860 ev_timer_start (loop, &amp;mytimer); 1018 ev_timer_start (loop, &amp;mytimer);
861 1019
862</pre> 1020</pre>
863<p>Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1021<p>Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
864inactivity.</p> 1022inactivity.</p>
865<pre> static void 1023<pre> static void
866 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1024 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
867 { 1025 {
868 .. ten seconds without any activity 1026 .. ten seconds without any activity
881 1039
882 1040
883</pre> 1041</pre>
884 1042
885</div> 1043</div>
886<h2 id="code_ev_periodic_code_to_cron_or_not"><code>ev_periodic</code> - to cron or not to cron</h2> 1044<h2 id="code_ev_periodic_code_to_cron_or_not"><code>ev_periodic</code> - to cron or not to cron?</h2>
887<div id="code_ev_periodic_code_to_cron_or_not-2"> 1045<div id="code_ev_periodic_code_to_cron_or_not-2">
888<p>Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1046<p>Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
889(and unfortunately a bit complex).</p> 1047(and unfortunately a bit complex).</p>
890<p>Unlike <code>ev_timer</code>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1048<p>Unlike <code>ev_timer</code>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
891but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1049but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
971 <p>Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1129 <p>Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
972when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1130when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
973a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1131a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
974program when the crontabs have changed).</p> 1132program when the crontabs have changed).</p>
975 </dd> 1133 </dd>
1134 <dt>ev_tstamp interval [read-write]</dt>
1135 <dd>
1136 <p>The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1137take effect when the periodic timer fires or <code>ev_periodic_again</code> is being
1138called.</p>
1139 </dd>
1140 <dt>ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]</dt>
1141 <dd>
1142 <p>The current reschedule callback, or <code>0</code>, if this functionality is
1143switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1144the periodic timer fires or <code>ev_periodic_again</code> is being called.</p>
1145 </dd>
976</dl> 1146</dl>
977<p>Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1147<p>Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
978system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1148system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
979potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.</p> 1149potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.</p>
980<pre> static void 1150<pre> static void
981 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1151 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
982 { 1152 {
986 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1156 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
987 ev_periodic_init (&amp;hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1157 ev_periodic_init (&amp;hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
988 ev_periodic_start (loop, &amp;hourly_tick); 1158 ev_periodic_start (loop, &amp;hourly_tick);
989 1159
990</pre> 1160</pre>
991<p>Example: the same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:</p> 1161<p>Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:</p>
992<pre> #include &lt;math.h&gt; 1162<pre> #include &lt;math.h&gt;
993 1163
994 static ev_tstamp 1164 static ev_tstamp
995 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1165 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
996 { 1166 {
998 } 1168 }
999 1169
1000 ev_periodic_init (&amp;hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1170 ev_periodic_init (&amp;hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1001 1171
1002</pre> 1172</pre>
1003<p>Example: call a callback every hour, starting now:</p> 1173<p>Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:</p>
1004<pre> struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1174<pre> struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1005 ev_periodic_init (&amp;hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1175 ev_periodic_init (&amp;hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1006 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1176 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1007 ev_periodic_start (loop, &amp;hourly_tick); 1177 ev_periodic_start (loop, &amp;hourly_tick);
1008 1178
1010 1180
1011 1181
1012</pre> 1182</pre>
1013 1183
1014</div> 1184</div>
1015<h2 id="code_ev_signal_code_signal_me_when_a"><code>ev_signal</code> - signal me when a signal gets signalled</h2> 1185<h2 id="code_ev_signal_code_signal_me_when_a"><code>ev_signal</code> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!</h2>
1016<div id="code_ev_signal_code_signal_me_when_a-2"> 1186<div id="code_ev_signal_code_signal_me_when_a-2">
1017<p>Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1187<p>Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1018signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 1188signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1019will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 1189will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1020normal event processing, like any other event.</p> 1190normal event processing, like any other event.</p>
1029 <dt>ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)</dt> 1199 <dt>ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)</dt>
1030 <dd> 1200 <dd>
1031 <p>Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one 1201 <p>Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one
1032of the <code>SIGxxx</code> constants).</p> 1202of the <code>SIGxxx</code> constants).</p>
1033 </dd> 1203 </dd>
1204 <dt>int signum [read-only]</dt>
1205 <dd>
1206 <p>The signal the watcher watches out for.</p>
1207 </dd>
1034</dl> 1208</dl>
1035 1209
1036 1210
1037 1211
1038 1212
1039 1213
1040</div> 1214</div>
1041<h2 id="code_ev_child_code_wait_for_pid_stat"><code>ev_child</code> - wait for pid status changes</h2> 1215<h2 id="code_ev_child_code_watch_out_for_pro"><code>ev_child</code> - watch out for process status changes</h2>
1042<div id="code_ev_child_code_wait_for_pid_stat-2"> 1216<div id="code_ev_child_code_watch_out_for_pro-2">
1043<p>Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1217<p>Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1044some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).</p> 1218some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).</p>
1045<dl> 1219<dl>
1046 <dt>ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)</dt> 1220 <dt>ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)</dt>
1047 <dt>ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid)</dt> 1221 <dt>ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid)</dt>
1051at the <code>rstatus</code> member of the <code>ev_child</code> watcher structure to see 1225at the <code>rstatus</code> member of the <code>ev_child</code> watcher structure to see
1052the status word (use the macros from <code>sys/wait.h</code> and see your systems 1226the status word (use the macros from <code>sys/wait.h</code> and see your systems
1053<code>waitpid</code> documentation). The <code>rpid</code> member contains the pid of the 1227<code>waitpid</code> documentation). The <code>rpid</code> member contains the pid of the
1054process causing the status change.</p> 1228process causing the status change.</p>
1055 </dd> 1229 </dd>
1230 <dt>int pid [read-only]</dt>
1231 <dd>
1232 <p>The process id this watcher watches out for, or <code>0</code>, meaning any process id.</p>
1233 </dd>
1234 <dt>int rpid [read-write]</dt>
1235 <dd>
1236 <p>The process id that detected a status change.</p>
1237 </dd>
1238 <dt>int rstatus [read-write]</dt>
1239 <dd>
1240 <p>The process exit/trace status caused by <code>rpid</code> (see your systems
1241<code>waitpid</code> and <code>sys/wait.h</code> documentation for details).</p>
1242 </dd>
1056</dl> 1243</dl>
1057<p>Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.</p> 1244<p>Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.</p>
1058<pre> static void 1245<pre> static void
1059 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1246 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1060 { 1247 {
1061 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1248 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1062 } 1249 }
1069 1256
1070 1257
1071</pre> 1258</pre>
1072 1259
1073</div> 1260</div>
1261<h2 id="code_ev_stat_code_did_the_file_attri"><code>ev_stat</code> - did the file attributes just change?</h2>
1262<div id="code_ev_stat_code_did_the_file_attri-2">
1263<p>This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1264<code>stat</code> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1265compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.</p>
1266<p>The path does not need to exist: changing from &quot;path exists&quot; to &quot;path does
1267not exist&quot; is a status change like any other. The condition &quot;path does
1268not exist&quot; is signified by the <code>st_nlink</code> field being zero (which is
1269otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1270the stat buffer having unspecified contents.</p>
1271<p>The path <i>should</i> be absolute and <i>must not</i> end in a slash. If it is
1272relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.</p>
1273<p>Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1274calls <code>stat (2)</code> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1275can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1276a polling interval of <code>0</code> (highly recommended!) then a <i>suitable,
1277unspecified default</i> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1278five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1279impose a minimum interval which is currently around <code>0.1</code>, but thats
1280usually overkill.</p>
1281<p>This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1282as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1283resource-intensive.</p>
1284<p>At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1285implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1286reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1287semantics of <code>ev_stat</code> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1288to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1289usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1290polling.</p>
1291<dl>
1292 <dt>ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)</dt>
1293 <dt>ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)</dt>
1294 <dd>
1295 <p>Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of the given
1296<code>path</code>. The <code>interval</code> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1297be detected and should normally be specified as <code>0</code> to let libev choose
1298a suitable value. The memory pointed to by <code>path</code> must point to the same
1299path for as long as the watcher is active.</p>
1300 <p>The callback will be receive <code>EV_STAT</code> when a change was detected,
1301relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1302last change was detected).</p>
1303 </dd>
1304 <dt>ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *)</dt>
1305 <dd>
1306 <p>Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1307watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid
1308detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be
1309useful simply to find out the new values.</p>
1310 </dd>
1311 <dt>ev_statdata attr [read-only]</dt>
1312 <dd>
1313 <p>The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of
1314<code>ev_statdata</code>, this is usually the (or one of the) <code>struct stat</code> types
1315suitable for your system. If the <code>st_nlink</code> member is <code>0</code>, then there
1316was some error while <code>stat</code>ing the file.</p>
1317 </dd>
1318 <dt>ev_statdata prev [read-only]</dt>
1319 <dd>
1320 <p>The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1321<code>prev</code> != <code>attr</code>.</p>
1322 </dd>
1323 <dt>ev_tstamp interval [read-only]</dt>
1324 <dd>
1325 <p>The specified interval.</p>
1326 </dd>
1327 <dt>const char *path [read-only]</dt>
1328 <dd>
1329 <p>The filesystem path that is being watched.</p>
1330 </dd>
1331</dl>
1332<p>Example: Watch <code>/etc/passwd</code> for attribute changes.</p>
1333<pre> static void
1334 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1335 {
1336 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1337 if (w-&gt;attr.st_nlink)
1338 {
1339 printf (&quot;passwd current size %ld\n&quot;, (long)w-&gt;attr.st_size);
1340 printf (&quot;passwd current atime %ld\n&quot;, (long)w-&gt;attr.st_mtime);
1341 printf (&quot;passwd current mtime %ld\n&quot;, (long)w-&gt;attr.st_mtime);
1342 }
1343 else
1344 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1345 puts (&quot;wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. &quot;
1346 &quot;if this is windows, they already arrived\n&quot;);
1347 }
1348
1349 ...
1350 ev_stat passwd;
1351
1352 ev_stat_init (&amp;passwd, passwd_cb, &quot;/etc/passwd&quot;);
1353 ev_stat_start (loop, &amp;passwd);
1354
1355
1356
1357
1358</pre>
1359
1360</div>
1074<h2 id="code_ev_idle_code_when_you_ve_got_no"><code>ev_idle</code> - when you've got nothing better to do</h2> 1361<h2 id="code_ev_idle_code_when_you_ve_got_no"><code>ev_idle</code> - when you've got nothing better to do...</h2>
1075<div id="code_ev_idle_code_when_you_ve_got_no-2"> 1362<div id="code_ev_idle_code_when_you_ve_got_no-2">
1076<p>Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1363<p>Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending
1077(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1364(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long
1078as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1365as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals,
1079imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1366imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle
1092 <p>Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1379 <p>Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1093kind. There is a <code>ev_idle_set</code> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1380kind. There is a <code>ev_idle_set</code> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1094believe me.</p> 1381believe me.</p>
1095 </dd> 1382 </dd>
1096</dl> 1383</dl>
1097<p>Example: dynamically allocate an <code>ev_idle</code>, start it, and in the 1384<p>Example: Dynamically allocate an <code>ev_idle</code> watcher, start it, and in the
1098callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual.</p> 1385callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.</p>
1099<pre> static void 1386<pre> static void
1100 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1387 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1101 { 1388 {
1102 free (w); 1389 free (w);
1103 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1390 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1112 1399
1113 1400
1114</pre> 1401</pre>
1115 1402
1116</div> 1403</div>
1117<h2 id="code_ev_prepare_code_and_code_ev_che"><code>ev_prepare</code> and <code>ev_check</code> - customise your event loop</h2> 1404<h2 id="code_ev_prepare_code_and_code_ev_che"><code>ev_prepare</code> and <code>ev_check</code> - customise your event loop!</h2>
1118<div id="code_ev_prepare_code_and_code_ev_che-2"> 1405<div id="code_ev_prepare_code_and_code_ev_che-2">
1119<p>Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 1406<p>Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:
1120prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 1407prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1121afterwards.</p> 1408afterwards.</p>
1409<p>You <i>must not</i> call <code>ev_loop</code> or similar functions that enter
1410the current event loop from either <code>ev_prepare</code> or <code>ev_check</code>
1411watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
1412rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in
1413those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be <code>ev_prepare</code>, blocking,
1414<code>ev_check</code> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1415called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.</p>
1122<p>Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 1416<p>Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1123their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track 1417their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track
1124variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 1418variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1125coroutine library and lots more.</p> 1419coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1420you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1421in X programs you might want to do an <code>XFlush ()</code> in an <code>ev_prepare</code>
1422watcher).</p>
1126<p>This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 1423<p>This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need
1127to be watched by the other library, registering <code>ev_io</code> watchers for 1424to be watched by the other library, registering <code>ev_io</code> watchers for
1128them and starting an <code>ev_timer</code> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 1425them and starting an <code>ev_timer</code> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
1129provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 1426provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
1130any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 1427any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers
1146 <p>Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 1443 <p>Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
1147parameters of any kind. There are <code>ev_prepare_set</code> and <code>ev_check_set</code> 1444parameters of any kind. There are <code>ev_prepare_set</code> and <code>ev_check_set</code>
1148macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.</p> 1445macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.</p>
1149 </dd> 1446 </dd>
1150</dl> 1447</dl>
1151<p>Example: *TODO*.</p> 1448<p>Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers
1449and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and
1450in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows is
1451pseudo-code only of course:</p>
1452<pre> static ev_io iow [nfd];
1453 static ev_timer tw;
1152 1454
1455 static void
1456 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1457 {
1458 // set the relevant poll flags
1459 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1460 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w-&gt;data;
1461 if (revents &amp; EV_READ ) fd-&gt;revents |= fd-&gt;events &amp; POLLIN;
1462 if (revents &amp; EV_WRITE) fd-&gt;revents |= fd-&gt;events &amp; POLLOUT;
1463 }
1153 1464
1465 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1466 static void
1467 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1468 {
1469 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd];
1470 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1471 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &amp;nfd, &amp;timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1154 1472
1473 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1474 ev_timer_init (&amp;tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1475 ev_timer_start (loop, &amp;tw);
1155 1476
1477 // create on ev_io per pollfd
1478 for (int i = 0; i &lt; nfd; ++i)
1479 {
1480 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1481 ((fds [i].events &amp; POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1482 | (fds [i].events &amp; POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1156 1483
1484 fds [i].revents = 0;
1485 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1486 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1487 }
1488 }
1489
1490 // stop all watchers after blocking
1491 static void
1492 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1493 {
1494 ev_timer_stop (loop, &amp;tw);
1495
1496 for (int i = 0; i &lt; nfd; ++i)
1497 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1498
1499 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1500 }
1501
1502
1503
1504
1505</pre>
1506
1157</div> 1507</div>
1158<h2 id="code_ev_embed_code_when_one_backend_"><code>ev_embed</code> - when one backend isn't enough</h2> 1508<h2 id="code_ev_embed_code_when_one_backend_"><code>ev_embed</code> - when one backend isn't enough...</h2>
1159<div id="code_ev_embed_code_when_one_backend_-2"> 1509<div id="code_ev_embed_code_when_one_backend_-2">
1160<p>This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 1510<p>This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1161into another (currently only <code>ev_io</code> events are supported in the embedded 1511into another (currently only <code>ev_io</code> events are supported in the embedded
1162loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect 1512loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect
1163fashion and must not be used).</p> 1513fashion and must not be used).</p>
1231 <dd> 1581 <dd>
1232 <p>Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 1582 <p>Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1233similarly to <code>ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)</code>, but in the most 1583similarly to <code>ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)</code>, but in the most
1234apropriate way for embedded loops.</p> 1584apropriate way for embedded loops.</p>
1235 </dd> 1585 </dd>
1586 <dt>struct ev_loop *loop [read-only]</dt>
1587 <dd>
1588 <p>The embedded event loop.</p>
1589 </dd>
1236</dl> 1590</dl>
1237 1591
1238 1592
1239 1593
1240 1594
1241 1595
1242</div> 1596</div>
1243<h1 id="OTHER_FUNCTIONS">OTHER FUNCTIONS</h1><p><a href="#TOP" class="toplink">Top</a></p> 1597<h2 id="code_ev_fork_code_the_audacity_to_re"><code>ev_fork</code> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork</h2>
1598<div id="code_ev_fork_code_the_audacity_to_re-2">
1599<p>Fork watchers are called when a <code>fork ()</code> was detected (usually because
1600whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
1601<code>ev_default_fork</code> or <code>ev_loop_fork</code>). The invocation is done before the
1602event loop blocks next and before <code>ev_check</code> watchers are being called,
1603and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1604<code>ev_default_fork</code> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1605handlers will be invoked, too, of course.</p>
1606<dl>
1607 <dt>ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)</dt>
1608 <dd>
1609 <p>Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1610kind. There is a <code>ev_fork_set</code> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1611believe me.</p>
1612 </dd>
1613</dl>
1614
1615
1616
1617
1618
1619</div>
1620<h1 id="OTHER_FUNCTIONS">OTHER FUNCTIONS</h1>
1244<div id="OTHER_FUNCTIONS_CONTENT"> 1621<div id="OTHER_FUNCTIONS_CONTENT">
1245<p>There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.</p> 1622<p>There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.</p>
1246<dl> 1623<dl>
1247 <dt>ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)</dt> 1624 <dt>ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)</dt>
1248 <dd> 1625 <dd>
1295 1672
1296 1673
1297 1674
1298 1675
1299</div> 1676</div>
1300<h1 id="LIBEVENT_EMULATION">LIBEVENT EMULATION</h1><p><a href="#TOP" class="toplink">Top</a></p> 1677<h1 id="LIBEVENT_EMULATION">LIBEVENT EMULATION</h1>
1301<div id="LIBEVENT_EMULATION_CONTENT"> 1678<div id="LIBEVENT_EMULATION_CONTENT">
1302<p>Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot 1679<p>Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
1303emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:</p> 1680emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:</p>
1304<dl> 1681<dl>
1305 <dt>* Use it by including &lt;event.h&gt;, as usual.</dt> 1682 <dt>* Use it by including &lt;event.h&gt;, as usual.</dt>
1315 <dt>* The libev emulation is <i>not</i> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 1692 <dt>* The libev emulation is <i>not</i> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
1316to use the libev header file and library.</dt> 1693to use the libev header file and library.</dt>
1317</dl> 1694</dl>
1318 1695
1319</div> 1696</div>
1320<h1 id="C_SUPPORT">C++ SUPPORT</h1><p><a href="#TOP" class="toplink">Top</a></p> 1697<h1 id="C_SUPPORT">C++ SUPPORT</h1>
1321<div id="C_SUPPORT_CONTENT"> 1698<div id="C_SUPPORT_CONTENT">
1322<p>Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 1699<p>Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
1323you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 1700you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
1324the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.</p> 1701the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.</p>
1325<p>To use it,</p> 1702<p>To use it,</p>
1389 </dd> 1766 </dd>
1390 <dt>w-&gt;sweep () <code>ev::embed</code> only</dt> 1767 <dt>w-&gt;sweep () <code>ev::embed</code> only</dt>
1391 <dd> 1768 <dd>
1392 <p>Invokes <code>ev_embed_sweep</code>.</p> 1769 <p>Invokes <code>ev_embed_sweep</code>.</p>
1393 </dd> 1770 </dd>
1771 <dt>w-&gt;update () <code>ev::stat</code> only</dt>
1772 <dd>
1773 <p>Invokes <code>ev_stat_stat</code>.</p>
1774 </dd>
1394 </dl> 1775 </dl>
1395 </p> 1776 </p>
1396 </dd> 1777 </dd>
1397</dl> 1778</dl>
1398<p>Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 1779<p>Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
1410 idle (this, &amp;myclass::idle_cb) 1791 idle (this, &amp;myclass::idle_cb)
1411 { 1792 {
1412 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 1793 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1413 } 1794 }
1414 1795
1415</pre>
1416 1796
1797
1798
1799</pre>
1800
1417</div> 1801</div>
1418<h1 id="EMBEDDING">EMBEDDING</h1><p><a href="#TOP" class="toplink">Top</a></p> 1802<h1 id="MACRO_MAGIC">MACRO MAGIC</h1>
1803<div id="MACRO_MAGIC_CONTENT">
1804<p>Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is
1805<code>EV_MULTIPLICITY</code>. This option determines wether (most) functions and
1806callbacks have an initial <code>struct ev_loop *</code> argument.</p>
1807<p>To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1808following macros are defined:</p>
1809<dl>
1810 <dt><code>EV_A</code>, <code>EV_A_</code></dt>
1811 <dd>
1812 <p>This provides the loop <i>argument</i> for functions, if one is required (&quot;ev
1813loop argument&quot;). The <code>EV_A</code> form is used when this is the sole argument,
1814<code>EV_A_</code> is used when other arguments are following. Example:</p>
1815<pre> ev_unref (EV_A);
1816 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
1817 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1818
1819</pre>
1820 <p>It assumes the variable <code>loop</code> of type <code>struct ev_loop *</code> is in scope,
1821which is often provided by the following macro.</p>
1822 </dd>
1823 <dt><code>EV_P</code>, <code>EV_P_</code></dt>
1824 <dd>
1825 <p>This provides the loop <i>parameter</i> for functions, if one is required (&quot;ev
1826loop parameter&quot;). The <code>EV_P</code> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
1827<code>EV_P_</code> is used when other parameters are following. Example:</p>
1828<pre> // this is how ev_unref is being declared
1829 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
1830
1831 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
1832 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1833
1834</pre>
1835 <p>It declares a parameter <code>loop</code> of type <code>struct ev_loop *</code>, quite
1836suitable for use with <code>EV_A</code>.</p>
1837 </dd>
1838 <dt><code>EV_DEFAULT</code>, <code>EV_DEFAULT_</code></dt>
1839 <dd>
1840 <p>Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1841loop, if multiple loops are supported (&quot;ev loop default&quot;).</p>
1842 </dd>
1843</dl>
1844<p>Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of
1845wether multiple loops are supported or not.</p>
1846<pre> static void
1847 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1848 {
1849 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1850 }
1851
1852 ev_check check;
1853 ev_check_init (&amp;check, check_cb);
1854 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &amp;check);
1855 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1856
1857
1858
1859
1860</pre>
1861
1862</div>
1863<h1 id="EMBEDDING">EMBEDDING</h1>
1419<div id="EMBEDDING_CONTENT"> 1864<div id="EMBEDDING_CONTENT">
1420<p>Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 1865<p>Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1421applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 1866applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1422Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 1867Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1423and rxvt-unicode.</p> 1868and rxvt-unicode.</p>
1460 ev_vars.h 1905 ev_vars.h
1461 ev_wrap.h 1906 ev_wrap.h
1462 1907
1463 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 1908 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1464 1909
1465 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is is by default) 1910 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default)
1466 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 1911 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1467 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 1912 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1468 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 1913 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1469 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 1914 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1470 1915
1471</pre> 1916</pre>
1472<p><cite>ev.c</cite> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 1917<p><cite>ev.c</cite> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
1473to compile a single file.</p> 1918to compile this single file.</p>
1474 1919
1475</div> 1920</div>
1476<h3 id="LIBEVENT_COMPATIBILITY_API">LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API</h3> 1921<h3 id="LIBEVENT_COMPATIBILITY_API">LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API</h3>
1477<div id="LIBEVENT_COMPATIBILITY_API_CONTENT"> 1922<div id="LIBEVENT_COMPATIBILITY_API_CONTENT">
1478<p>To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:</p> 1923<p>To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:</p>
1493</div> 1938</div>
1494<h3 id="AUTOCONF_SUPPORT">AUTOCONF SUPPORT</h3> 1939<h3 id="AUTOCONF_SUPPORT">AUTOCONF SUPPORT</h3>
1495<div id="AUTOCONF_SUPPORT_CONTENT"> 1940<div id="AUTOCONF_SUPPORT_CONTENT">
1496<p>Instead of using <code>EV_STANDALONE=1</code> and providing your config in 1941<p>Instead of using <code>EV_STANDALONE=1</code> and providing your config in
1497whatever way you want, you can also <code>m4_include([libev.m4])</code> in your 1942whatever way you want, you can also <code>m4_include([libev.m4])</code> in your
1498<cite>configure.ac</cite> and leave <code>EV_STANDALONE</code> off. <cite>ev.c</cite> will then include 1943<cite>configure.ac</cite> and leave <code>EV_STANDALONE</code> undefined. <cite>ev.c</cite> will then
1499<cite>config.h</cite> and configure itself accordingly.</p> 1944include <cite>config.h</cite> and configure itself accordingly.</p>
1500<p>For this of course you need the m4 file:</p> 1945<p>For this of course you need the m4 file:</p>
1501<pre> libev.m4 1946<pre> libev.m4
1502 1947
1503</pre> 1948</pre>
1504 1949
1583otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 2028otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
1584backend for BSD and BSD-like systems, although on most BSDs kqueue only 2029backend for BSD and BSD-like systems, although on most BSDs kqueue only
1585supports some types of fds correctly (the only platform we found that 2030supports some types of fds correctly (the only platform we found that
1586supports ptys for example was NetBSD), so kqueue might be compiled in, but 2031supports ptys for example was NetBSD), so kqueue might be compiled in, but
1587not be used unless explicitly requested. The best way to use it is to find 2032not be used unless explicitly requested. The best way to use it is to find
1588out wether kqueue supports your type of fd properly and use an embedded 2033out whether kqueue supports your type of fd properly and use an embedded
1589kqueue loop.</p> 2034kqueue loop.</p>
1590 </dd> 2035 </dd>
1591 <dt>EV_USE_PORT</dt> 2036 <dt>EV_USE_PORT</dt>
1592 <dd> 2037 <dd>
1593 <p>If defined to be <code>1</code>, libev will compile in support for the Solaris 2038 <p>If defined to be <code>1</code>, libev will compile in support for the Solaris
1596backend for Solaris 10 systems.</p> 2041backend for Solaris 10 systems.</p>
1597 </dd> 2042 </dd>
1598 <dt>EV_USE_DEVPOLL</dt> 2043 <dt>EV_USE_DEVPOLL</dt>
1599 <dd> 2044 <dd>
1600 <p>reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.</p> 2045 <p>reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.</p>
2046 </dd>
2047 <dt>EV_USE_INOTIFY</dt>
2048 <dd>
2049 <p>If defined to be <code>1</code>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2050interface to speed up <code>ev_stat</code> watchers. Its actual availability will
2051be detected at runtime.</p>
1601 </dd> 2052 </dd>
1602 <dt>EV_H</dt> 2053 <dt>EV_H</dt>
1603 <dd> 2054 <dd>
1604 <p>The name of the <cite>ev.h</cite> header file used to include it. The default if 2055 <p>The name of the <cite>ev.h</cite> header file used to include it. The default if
1605undefined is <code>&lt;ev.h&gt;</code> in <cite>event.h</cite> and <code>&quot;ev.h&quot;</code> in <cite>ev.c</cite>. This 2056undefined is <code>&lt;ev.h&gt;</code> in <cite>event.h</cite> and <code>&quot;ev.h&quot;</code> in <cite>ev.c</cite>. This
1629will have the <code>struct ev_loop *</code> as first argument, and you can create 2080will have the <code>struct ev_loop *</code> as first argument, and you can create
1630additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2081additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
1631for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2082for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
1632argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.</p> 2083argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.</p>
1633 </dd> 2084 </dd>
1634 <dt>EV_PERIODICS</dt> 2085 <dt>EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE</dt>
1635 <dd> 2086 <dd>
1636 <p>If undefined or defined to be <code>1</code>, then periodic timers are supported, 2087 <p>If undefined or defined to be <code>1</code>, then periodic timers are supported. If
1637otherwise not. This saves a few kb of code.</p> 2088defined to be <code>0</code>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2089code.</p>
2090 </dd>
2091 <dt>EV_EMBED_ENABLE</dt>
2092 <dd>
2093 <p>If undefined or defined to be <code>1</code>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2094defined to be <code>0</code>, then they are not.</p>
2095 </dd>
2096 <dt>EV_STAT_ENABLE</dt>
2097 <dd>
2098 <p>If undefined or defined to be <code>1</code>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2099defined to be <code>0</code>, then they are not.</p>
2100 </dd>
2101 <dt>EV_FORK_ENABLE</dt>
2102 <dd>
2103 <p>If undefined or defined to be <code>1</code>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2104defined to be <code>0</code>, then they are not.</p>
2105 </dd>
2106 <dt>EV_MINIMAL</dt>
2107 <dd>
2108 <p>If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2109speed, define this symbol to <code>1</code>. Currently only used for gcc to override
2110some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64.</p>
2111 </dd>
2112 <dt>EV_PID_HASHSIZE</dt>
2113 <dd>
2114 <p><code>ev_child</code> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2115pid. The default size is <code>16</code> (or <code>1</code> with <code>EV_MINIMAL</code>), usually more
2116than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2117increase this value (<i>must</i> be a power of two).</p>
2118 </dd>
2119 <dt>EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE</dt>
2120 <dd>
2121 <p><code>ev_staz</code> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2122inotify watch id. The default size is <code>16</code> (or <code>1</code> with <code>EV_MINIMAL</code>),
2123usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of <code>ev_stat</code>
2124watchers you might want to increase this value (<i>must</i> be a power of
2125two).</p>
1638 </dd> 2126 </dd>
1639 <dt>EV_COMMON</dt> 2127 <dt>EV_COMMON</dt>
1640 <dd> 2128 <dd>
1641 <p>By default, all watchers have a <code>void *data</code> member. By redefining 2129 <p>By default, all watchers have a <code>void *data</code> member. By redefining
1642this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 2130this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
1647 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 2135 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
1648 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing &quot;;&quot; */ 2136 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing &quot;;&quot; */
1649 2137
1650</pre> 2138</pre>
1651 </dd> 2139 </dd>
1652 <dt>EV_CB_DECLARE(type)</dt> 2140 <dt>EV_CB_DECLARE (type)</dt>
1653 <dt>EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher,revents)</dt> 2141 <dt>EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)</dt>
1654 <dt>ev_set_cb(ev,cb)</dt> 2142 <dt>ev_set_cb (ev, cb)</dt>
1655 <dd> 2143 <dd>
1656 <p>Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 2144 <p>Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
1657and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 2145and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
1658definition and a statement, respectively. See the <cite>ev.v</cite> header file for 2146definition and a statement, respectively. See the <cite>ev.v</cite> header file for
1659their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 2147their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
1660avoid the ev_loop pointer as first argument in all cases, or to use method 2148avoid the <code>struct ev_loop *</code> as first argument in all cases, or to use
1661calls instead of plain function calls in C++.</p> 2149method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.</p>
1662 2150
1663</div> 2151</div>
1664<h2 id="EXAMPLES">EXAMPLES</h2> 2152<h2 id="EXAMPLES">EXAMPLES</h2>
1665<div id="EXAMPLES_CONTENT"> 2153<div id="EXAMPLES_CONTENT">
1666 <p>For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 2154 <p>For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
1682</pre> 2170</pre>
1683 <p>And a <cite>ev_cpp.C</cite> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:</p> 2171 <p>And a <cite>ev_cpp.C</cite> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:</p>
1684<pre> #include &quot;ev_cpp.h&quot; 2172<pre> #include &quot;ev_cpp.h&quot;
1685 #include &quot;ev.c&quot; 2173 #include &quot;ev.c&quot;
1686 2174
1687</pre>
1688 2175
2176
2177
2178</pre>
2179
1689</div> 2180</div>
1690<h1 id="AUTHOR">AUTHOR</h1><p><a href="#TOP" class="toplink">Top</a></p> 2181<h1 id="COMPLEXITIES">COMPLEXITIES</h1>
2182<div id="COMPLEXITIES_CONTENT">
2183 <p>In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2184libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2185documentation for <code>ev_default_init</code>.</p>
2186 <p>
2187 <dl>
2188 <dt>Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)</dt>
2189 <dt>Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)</dt>
2190 <dt>Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)</dt>
2191 <dt>Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)</dt>
2192 <dt>Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))</dt>
2193 <dt>Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)</dt>
2194 <dt>Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)</dt>
2195 <dt>Activating one watcher: O(1)</dt>
2196 </dl>
2197 </p>
2198
2199
2200
2201
2202
2203</div>
2204<h1 id="AUTHOR">AUTHOR</h1>
1691<div id="AUTHOR_CONTENT"> 2205<div id="AUTHOR_CONTENT">
1692 <p>Marc Lehmann &lt;libev@schmorp.de&gt;.</p> 2206 <p>Marc Lehmann &lt;libev@schmorp.de&gt;.</p>
1693 2207
1694</div> 2208</div>
1695</div></body> 2209</div></body>

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