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Revision 1.53 by root, Tue Nov 27 20:15:02 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.175 by root, Mon Sep 8 16:36:14 2008 UTC

2 2
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 /* this is the only header you need */
8 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
9 8
10 /* what follows is a fully working example program */ 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10
11 // a single header file is required
12 #include <ev.h>
13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type>
11 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
12 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
13 18
14 /* called when data readable on stdin */ 19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
15 static void 21 static void
16 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
17 { 23 {
18 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */ 24 puts ("stdin ready");
19 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */ 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
20 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */ 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
21 } 31 }
22 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
23 static void 34 static void
24 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
25 { 36 {
26 /* puts ("timeout"); */ 37 puts ("timeout");
27 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */ 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
28 } 40 }
29 41
30 int 42 int
31 main (void) 43 main (void)
32 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
33 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
34 47
35 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */ 48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
36 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
37 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
38 52
53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
39 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */ 54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
40 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
41 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
42 57
43 /* loop till timeout or data ready */ 58 // now wait for events to arrive
44 ev_loop (loop, 0); 59 ev_loop (loop, 0);
45 60
61 // unloop was called, so exit
46 return 0; 62 return 0;
47 } 63 }
48 64
49=head1 DESCRIPTION 65=head1 DESCRIPTION
50 66
67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
69time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
70
51Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 71Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
52file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
53these event sources and provide your program with events. 73these event sources and provide your program with events.
54 74
55To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process 75To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process
56(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then 76(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then
57communicate events via a callback mechanism. 77communicate events via a callback mechanism.
59You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event 79You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event
60watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the 80watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the
61details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 81details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
62watcher. 82watcher.
63 83
64=head1 FEATURES 84=head2 FEATURES
65 85
66Libev supports select, poll, the linux-specific epoll and the bsd-specific 86Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
67kqueue mechanisms for file descriptor events, relative timers, absolute 87BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
68timers with customised rescheduling, signal events, process status change 88for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
69events (related to SIGCHLD), and event watchers dealing with the event 89(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
70loop mechanism itself (idle, prepare and check watchers). It also is quite 90with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals
91(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event
92watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,
93C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as
94file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events
95(C<ev_fork>).
96
97It also is quite fast (see this
71fast (see this L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing 98L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
72it to libevent for example). 99for example).
73 100
74=head1 CONVENTIONS 101=head2 CONVENTIONS
75 102
76Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration 103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
77will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info 104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
78about various configuration options please have a look at the file 105more info about various configuration options please have a look at
79F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without 106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
80support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial 107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
81argument of name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) 108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
82will not have this argument. 109this argument.
83 110
84=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
85 112
86Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
87(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
88the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
89called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
90to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
91it, you should treat it as such. 118it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
120throughout libev.
121
122=head1 ERROR HANDLING
123
124Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
125and internal errors (bugs).
126
127When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
128a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
129set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
130abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
131()>.
132
133When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
134it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
135so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
136the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
137
138Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
139extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
140circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
141
92 142
93=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 143=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
94 144
95These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 145These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
96library in any way. 146library in any way.
101 151
102Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 152Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
103C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 153C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
104you actually want to know. 154you actually want to know.
105 155
156=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
157
158Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
159either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
160this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
161
106=item int ev_version_major () 162=item int ev_version_major ()
107 163
108=item int ev_version_minor () 164=item int ev_version_minor ()
109 165
110You can find out the major and minor version numbers of the library 166You can find out the major and minor ABI version numbers of the library
111you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 167you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
112C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 168C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global
113symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the 169symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
114version of the library your program was compiled against. 170version of the library your program was compiled against.
115 171
172These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
173release version.
174
116Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 175Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
117as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 176as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
118compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 177compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
119not a problem. 178not a problem.
120 179
121Example: make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 180Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
122version: 181version.
123 182
124 assert (("libev version mismatch", 183 assert (("libev version mismatch",
125 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 184 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
126 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 185 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
127 186
128=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends () 187=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
129 188
130Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*> 189Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
131value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their 190value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
133a description of the set values. 192a description of the set values.
134 193
135Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and 194Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
136a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11 195a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
137 196
138 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 197 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
139 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 198 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
140 199
141=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 200=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
142 201
143Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 202Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
144recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 203recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
145returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 204returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
146most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it 205most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
147(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 206(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
148libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 207libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
149 208
150=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 209=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
151 210
155C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 214C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
156recommended ones. 215recommended ones.
157 216
158See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
159 218
160=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, size_t size)) 219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
161 220
162Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype and semantics are 221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
163identical to the realloc C function). It is used to allocate and free 222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
164memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory needs to be 223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
165allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially destructive 224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
166action. The default is your system realloc function. 225or take some potentially destructive action.
226
227Since some systems (at least OpenBSD and Darwin) fail to implement
228correct C<realloc> semantics, libev will use a wrapper around the system
229C<realloc> and C<free> functions by default.
167 230
168You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 231You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
169free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 232free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
170or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 233or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
171 234
172Example: replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 235Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
173retries: better than mine). 236retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
174 237
175 static void * 238 static void *
176 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 239 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
177 { 240 {
178 for (;;) 241 for (;;)
189 ... 252 ...
190 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
191 254
192=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg));
193 256
194Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
195as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
196indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
197callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
198matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 261matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
199requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 262requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
200(such as abort). 263(such as abort).
201 264
202Example: do the same thing as libev does internally: 265Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
203 266
204 static void 267 static void
205 fatal_error (const char *msg) 268 fatal_error (const char *msg)
206 { 269 {
207 perror (msg); 270 perror (msg);
216=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
217 280
218An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two
219types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 282types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child
220events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 283events, and dynamically created loops which do not.
221
222If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop
223in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you
224create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking
225whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
226threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
227done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
228 284
229=over 4 285=over 4
230 286
231=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 287=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
232 288
236flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 292flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
237 293
238If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 294If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
239function. 295function.
240 296
297Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
298from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
299as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway).
300
301The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
302C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
303for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
304create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
305can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
306C<ev_default_init>.
307
241The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 308The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
242backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 309backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
243 310
244The following flags are supported: 311The following flags are supported:
245 312
250The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right 317The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
251thing, believe me). 318thing, believe me).
252 319
253=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 320=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
254 321
255If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 322If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
256or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 323or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
257C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 324C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
258override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 325override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
259useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 326useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
260around bugs. 327around bugs.
261 328
329=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
330
331Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
332a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
333enabling this flag.
334
335This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
336and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
337iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
338GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
339without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
340C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
341
342The 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.
345
346This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
347environment variable.
348
262=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 349=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
263 350
264This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 351This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
265libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 352libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
266but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 353but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
267using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its usually 354using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
268the fastest backend for a low number of fds. 355usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
356
357To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
358parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
359writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
360connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
361a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
362readiness notifications you get per iteration.
269 363
270=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 364=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
271 365
272And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated than 366And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
273select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial limit on the 367than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
274number of fds you can use (except it will slow down considerably with a 368limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
275lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds). 369considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
370i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
371performance tips.
276 372
277=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 373=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
278 374
279For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 375For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
280but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 376but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
281O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), epoll scales 377like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
282either O(1) or O(active_fds). 378epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
379of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
380cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad
381support for dup.
283 382
284While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 383While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
285result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 384will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident
286(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 385(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
287best to avoid that. Also, dup()ed file descriptors might not work very 386best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
288well if you register events for both fds. 387very well if you register events for both fds.
289 388
290Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 389Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
291need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data 390need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
292(or space) is available. 391(or space) is available.
293 392
393Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
394watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.
395keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.
396
397While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
398all kernel versions tested so far.
399
294=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 400=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
295 401
296Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 402Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
297was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 403was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
298anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 404with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
299completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 405it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected"
300unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 406unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
301C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>). 407C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
408system like NetBSD.
409
410You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
411only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
412the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
302 413
303It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 414It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
304kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 415kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
305course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 416course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
306extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per 417cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
307incident, so its best to avoid that. 418two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
419drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
420
421This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
422
423While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
424everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
425almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
426(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
427(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for
428sockets.
308 429
309=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 430=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
310 431
311This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 432This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
433implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
434and is not embeddable, which would limit the usefulness of this backend
435immensely.
312 436
313=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 437=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
314 438
315This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 439This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
316it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 440it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
317 441
318Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 442Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
319notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 443notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
320blocking when no data (or space) is available. 444blocking when no data (or space) is available.
445
446While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
447file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
448descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
449might perform better.
450
451On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readiness notifications, this
452backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully
453embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends.
321 454
322=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 455=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
323 456
324Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 457Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
325with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 458with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
326C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 459C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
327 460
461It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
462
328=back 463=back
329 464
330If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 465If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
331backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are 466backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
332specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse 467specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
333order of their flag values :)
334 468
335The most typical usage is like this: 469The most typical usage is like this:
336 470
337 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 471 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
338 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 472 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
339 473
340Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 474Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
341environment settings to be taken into account: 475environment settings to be taken into account:
342 476
343 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 477 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
344 478
345Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 479Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if
346available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 480available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private
347event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 481event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds):
348 482
349 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 483 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
350 484
351=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 485=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
352 486
353Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 487Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
354always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 488always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
355handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 489handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
356undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 490undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
357 491
492Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
493libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
494default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
495
358Example: try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 496Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
359 497
360 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 498 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
361 if (!epoller) 499 if (!epoller)
362 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 500 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
363 501
364=item ev_default_destroy () 502=item ev_default_destroy ()
365 503
366Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 504Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
367etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 505etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
368sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 506sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
369responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 507responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
370calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 508calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
371the easiest thing, youc na just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 509the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
372for example). 510for example).
511
512Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
513this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
514would need to be stopped manually.
515
516In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
517rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
518pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
519C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
373 520
374=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 521=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
375 522
376Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 523Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
377earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 524earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
378 525
379=item ev_default_fork () 526=item ev_default_fork ()
380 527
528This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations
381This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 529to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
382one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense 530name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
383after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that 531the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little
384again makes little sense). 532sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev
533functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
385 534
386You I<must> call this function in the child process after forking if and 535On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
387only if you want to use the event library in both processes. If you just 536process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If
388fork+exec, you don't have to call it. 537you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all.
389 538
390The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 539The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
391it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 540it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
392quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 541quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
393 542
394 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 543 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
395 544
396At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
397without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
398do not need to care.
399
400=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 545=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
401 546
402Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 547Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
403C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 548C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
404after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 549after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
550
551=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
552
553Returns true when the given loop actually is the default loop, false otherwise.
554
555=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
556
557Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
558the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
559happily wraps around with enough iterations.
560
561This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
562"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
563C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
405 564
406=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 565=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
407 566
408Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 567Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
409use. 568use.
412 571
413Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 572Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
414received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 573received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
415change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 574change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
416time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 575time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
417event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 576event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
418 577
419=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 578=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
420 579
421Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 580Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
422after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 581after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
434A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 593A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
435those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 594those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in
436case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 595case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop.
437 596
438A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 597A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
439neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 598necessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block
440your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 599your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after
441one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 600one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some
442external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 601external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other
443libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 602libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
444usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 603usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
445 604
446Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 605Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
447 606
448 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 607 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
449 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 608 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
609 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
610 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
450 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 611 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
612 as to not disturb the other process.
451 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 613 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
452 - Update the "event loop time". 614 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
453 - Calculate for how long to block. 615 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
616 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
617 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
618 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
454 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 619 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
455 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 620 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
456 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 621 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
457 - Queue all outstanding timers. 622 - Queue all outstanding timers.
458 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 623 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
459 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 624 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
460 - Queue all check watchers. 625 - Queue all check watchers.
461 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 626 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
462 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 627 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
463 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 628 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
464 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 629 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
465 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 630 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise
631 continue with step *.
466 632
467Example: queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 633Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
468anymore. 634anymore.
469 635
470 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 636 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
471 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 637 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
472 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 638 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
473 ... jobs done. yeah! 639 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
474 640
475=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 641=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
476 642
477Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 643Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
478has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 644has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
479C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 645C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
480C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 646C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
647
648This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
481 649
482=item ev_ref (loop) 650=item ev_ref (loop)
483 651
484=item ev_unref (loop) 652=item ev_unref (loop)
485 653
490returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 658returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For
491example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 659example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not
492visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 660visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
493no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 661no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
494way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 662way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
495libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 663libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>
664(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before,
665respectively).
496 666
497Example: create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 667Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
498running when nothing else is active. 668running when nothing else is active.
499 669
500 struct dv_signal exitsig; 670 struct ev_signal exitsig;
501 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 671 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
502 ev_signal_start (myloop, &exitsig); 672 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
503 evf_unref (myloop); 673 evf_unref (loop);
504 674
505Example: for some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 675Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
506 676
507 ev_ref (myloop); 677 ev_ref (loop);
508 ev_signal_stop (myloop, &exitsig); 678 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
679
680=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
681
682=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
683
684These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
685for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
686will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
687latency.
688
689Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
690allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
691to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
692opportunities).
693
694The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
695handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
696the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
697events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
698overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
699
700By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
701time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
702at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
703C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
704introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
705
706Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
707to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
708latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
709will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
710any overhead in libev.
711
712Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
713interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
714interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
715usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
716as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
717
718Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
719saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
720are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
721times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
722reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
723they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
724
725=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
726
727This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
728compiled in. It tries to go through all internal structures and checks
729them for validity. If anything is found to be inconsistent, it will print
730an error message to standard error and call C<abort ()>.
731
732This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
733circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
734data structures consistent.
509 735
510=back 736=back
511 737
512 738
513=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 739=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
514 740
515A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 741A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
516interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 742interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
517become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 743become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
518 744
519 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 745 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
520 { 746 {
521 ev_io_stop (w); 747 ev_io_stop (w);
522 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 748 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
523 } 749 }
524 750
525 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 751 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
526 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 752 struct ev_io stdin_watcher;
527 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 753 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
528 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 754 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
529 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 755 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
530 ev_loop (loop, 0); 756 ev_loop (loop, 0);
531 757
532As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 758As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
533watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 759watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack,
534although this can sometimes be quite valid). 760although this can sometimes be quite valid).
535 761
536Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 762Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
537(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 763(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
538callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 764callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
539watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 765watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
540is readable and/or writable). 766is readable and/or writable).
541 767
542Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 768Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro
543with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 769with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro
613=item C<EV_FORK> 839=item C<EV_FORK>
614 840
615The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 841The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
616C<ev_fork>). 842C<ev_fork>).
617 843
844=item C<EV_ASYNC>
845
846The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
847
618=item C<EV_ERROR> 848=item C<EV_ERROR>
619 849
620An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 850An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
621happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 851happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
622ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 852ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
623problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 853problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping
624with the watcher being stopped. 854with the watcher being stopped.
625 855
626Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 856Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error,
627for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 857for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if
628your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 858your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope
629with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 859with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
630programs, though, so beware. 860programs, though, so beware.
631 861
632=back 862=back
633 863
634=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 864=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
664Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 894Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
665(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 895(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
666 896
667=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 897=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
668 898
669This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 899This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
670calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise 900calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
671a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 901a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
672 902
673=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 903=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
674 904
675Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 905Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
693=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 923=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
694 924
695Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 925Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
696events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher 926events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
697is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but 927is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
698C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 928C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
699libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 929make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
930it).
700 931
701=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 932=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
702 933
703Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 934Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
704 935
705=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 936=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
706 937
707Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 938Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
708(modulo threads). 939(modulo threads).
940
941=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
942
943=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
944
945Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
946integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
947(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
948before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
949from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
950
951This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
952invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
953example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
954watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
955
956If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
957you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
958
959You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
960pending.
961
962The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
963always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
964
965Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
966fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
967or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
968
969=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
970
971Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
972C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
973can deal with that fact.
974
975=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
976
977If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
978and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
979watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
709 980
710=back 981=back
711 982
712 983
713=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 984=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
717to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 988to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
718don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 989don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
719member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 990member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
720data: 991data:
721 992
722 struct my_io 993 struct my_io
723 { 994 {
724 struct ev_io io; 995 struct ev_io io;
725 int otherfd; 996 int otherfd;
726 void *somedata; 997 void *somedata;
727 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 998 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
728 } 999 }
729 1000
730And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1001And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
731can cast it back to your own type: 1002can cast it back to your own type:
732 1003
733 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1004 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents)
734 { 1005 {
735 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1006 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
736 ... 1007 ...
737 } 1008 }
738 1009
739More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 1010More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
740have been omitted.... 1011instead have been omitted.
1012
1013Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
1014watchers:
1015
1016 struct my_biggy
1017 {
1018 int some_data;
1019 ev_timer t1;
1020 ev_timer t2;
1021 }
1022
1023In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
1024you need to use C<offsetof>:
1025
1026 #include <stddef.h>
1027
1028 static void
1029 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1030 {
1031 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
1032 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
1033 }
1034
1035 static void
1036 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1037 {
1038 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
1039 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1040 }
741 1041
742 1042
743=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1043=head1 WATCHER TYPES
744 1044
745This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1045This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
769In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1069In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
770fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1070fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
771descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1071descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
772required if you know what you are doing). 1072required if you know what you are doing).
773 1073
774You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
775(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
776descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
777to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
778the same underlying "file open").
779
780If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1074If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
781(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1075(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
782C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1076C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
783 1077
784Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1078Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
785receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1079receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
786be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1080be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
787because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1081because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
788lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1082lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
789this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1083this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
790it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1084it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
791C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1085C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
792 1086
793If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1087If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
794play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1088play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately re-test
795wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1089whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
796such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1090such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
797its own, so its quite safe to use). 1091its own, so its quite safe to use).
798 1092
1093=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1094
1095Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1096descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
1097such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1098descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1099this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1100registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1101fact, a different file descriptor.
1102
1103To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
1104the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
1105will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
1106it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
1107you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
1108descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
1109
1110This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
1111the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
1112optimisations to libev.
1113
1114=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
1115
1116Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
1117but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That means when you
1118have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or weirder constellations, and register
1119events for them, only one file descriptor might actually receive events.
1120
1121There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1122for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1123C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1124
1125=head3 The special problem of fork
1126
1127Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1128useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1129it in the child.
1130
1131To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1132C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1133enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1134C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1135
1136=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1137
1138While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about SIGPIPE:
1139when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1140send a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
1141this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1142
1143So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1144ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1145somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1146
1147
1148=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1149
799=over 4 1150=over 4
800 1151
801=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1152=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
802 1153
803=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1154=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
804 1155
805Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1156Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
806rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1157receive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
807C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1158C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
808 1159
809=item int fd [read-only] 1160=item int fd [read-only]
810 1161
811The file descriptor being watched. 1162The file descriptor being watched.
814 1165
815The events being watched. 1166The events being watched.
816 1167
817=back 1168=back
818 1169
1170=head3 Examples
1171
819Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1172Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
820readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1173readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
821attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 1174attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
822 1175
823 static void 1176 static void
824 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1177 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
825 { 1178 {
826 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1179 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
827 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1180 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors
828 } 1181 }
829 1182
830 ... 1183 ...
831 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1184 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
832 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1185 struct ev_io stdin_readable;
833 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1186 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
834 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1187 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
835 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1188 ev_loop (loop, 0);
836 1189
837 1190
838=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1191=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
839 1192
840Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1193Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
841given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1194given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
842 1195
843The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1196The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
844times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years 1197times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
845time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1198year, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because
846detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1199detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
847monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1200monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1201
1202The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only after its timeout has passed,
1203but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
1204order of execution is undefined.
1205
1206=head3 The special problem of time updates
1207
1208Requesting the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1209least two syscalls): EV therefore updates it's idea of the current time
1210only before and after C<ev_loop> polls for new events, which causes the
1211difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()>.
848 1212
849The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1213The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
850time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1214time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
851of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 1215of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
852you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1216you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
853on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1217timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
854 1218
855 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1219 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
856 1220
857The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1221=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
858but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
859order of execution is undefined.
860 1222
861=over 4 1223=over 4
862 1224
863=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1225=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
864 1226
865=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1227=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
866 1228
867Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1229Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
868C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped. If it is positive, then the 1230is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
869timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1231reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
870later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1232configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1233until stopped manually.
871 1234
872The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 1235The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
873configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1236you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
874exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1237trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
875the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1238keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
876timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1239do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
877 1240
878=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1241=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
879 1242
880This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1243This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
881repeating. The exact semantics are: 1244repeating. The exact semantics are:
882 1245
1246If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1247
883If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1248If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
884 1249
885If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1250If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
886value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1251C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
887 1252
888This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1253This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
889example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called 1254example: Imagine you have a TCP connection and you want a so-called idle
890idle timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, 1255timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
891say, 60 seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do 1256seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
892this is to configure an C<ev_timer> with C<after>=C<repeat>=C<60> and calling 1257configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
893C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1258C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
894you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1259you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
895socket, you can stop the timer, and again will automatically restart it if 1260socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
896need be. 1261automatically restart it if need be.
897 1262
898You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether 1263That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
899and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 1264altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
900 1265
901 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1266 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
902 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1267 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
903 ... 1268 ...
904 timer->again = 17.; 1269 timer->again = 17.;
905 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1270 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
906 ... 1271 ...
907 timer->again = 10.; 1272 timer->again = 10.;
908 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1273 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
909 1274
910This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1275This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
911to modify its timeout value. 1276you want to modify its timeout value.
912 1277
913=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1278=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
914 1279
915The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1280The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
916or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1281or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
917which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1282which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
918 1283
919=back 1284=back
920 1285
1286=head3 Examples
1287
921Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1288Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
922 1289
923 static void 1290 static void
924 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1291 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
925 { 1292 {
926 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1293 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
927 } 1294 }
928 1295
929 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1296 struct ev_timer mytimer;
930 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1297 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
931 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1298 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
932 1299
933Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1300Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
934inactivity. 1301inactivity.
935 1302
936 static void 1303 static void
937 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1304 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
938 { 1305 {
939 .. ten seconds without any activity 1306 .. ten seconds without any activity
940 } 1307 }
941 1308
942 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1309 struct ev_timer mytimer;
943 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1310 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
944 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1311 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
945 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1312 ev_loop (loop, 0);
946 1313
947 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1314 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
948 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1315 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
949 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1316 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
950 1317
951 1318
952=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1319=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
953 1320
954Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1321Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
955(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1322(and unfortunately a bit complex).
956 1323
957Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1324Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
958but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1325but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
959to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1326to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
960periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1327periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now ()
961+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1328+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system
1329clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year
962take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1330to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
963roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1331roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
964again).
965 1332
966They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1333C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
967triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1334such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1335complicated, rules.
968 1336
969As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1337As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
970time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1338time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
971during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1339during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1340
1341=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
972 1342
973=over 4 1343=over 4
974 1344
975=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1345=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
976 1346
979Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1349Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
980operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1350operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
981 1351
982=over 4 1352=over 4
983 1353
984=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1354=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
985 1355
986In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1356In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
987C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1357time C<at> has passed and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time
988that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1358jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
989system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1359run when the system time reaches or surpasses this time.
990 1360
991=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1361=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
992 1362
993In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1363In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
994C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat, regardless 1364C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
995of any time jumps. 1365and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
996 1366
997This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1367This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
998time: 1368time, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each hour, on
1369the hour:
999 1370
1000 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1371 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1001 1372
1002This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1373This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1003but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1374but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1004full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 1375full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1005by 3600. 1376by 3600.
1006 1377
1007Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1378Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1008C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1379C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1009time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1380time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1010 1381
1382For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1383C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1384this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1385
1386Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1387speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1388will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1389millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1390
1011=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1391=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1012 1392
1013In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1393In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1014ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1394ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1015reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1395reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1016current time as second argument. 1396current time as second argument.
1017 1397
1018NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1398NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1019ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1399ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>.
1020return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1021starting a prepare watcher).
1022 1400
1401If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1402it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1403only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1404
1023Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1405The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic
1024ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1406*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1025 1407
1026 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1408 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1027 { 1409 {
1028 return now + 60.; 1410 return now + 60.;
1029 } 1411 }
1031It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1413It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1032(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 1414(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
1033will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 1415will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1034might be called at other times, too. 1416might be called at other times, too.
1035 1417
1036NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the 1418NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
1037passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger. 1419equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1038 1420
1039This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 1421This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
1040triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the 1422triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the
1041next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 1423next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
1042you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 1424you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1043reason I omitted it as an example). 1425reason I omitted it as an example).
1044 1426
1045=back 1427=back
1049Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1431Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1050when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1432when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1051a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1433a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1052program when the crontabs have changed). 1434program when the crontabs have changed).
1053 1435
1436=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1437
1438When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1439trigger next.
1440
1441=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1442
1443When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1444absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1445
1446Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1447timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1448
1054=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1449=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1055 1450
1056The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1451The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1057take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1452take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1058called. 1453called.
1063switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1458switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1064the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1459the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1065 1460
1066=back 1461=back
1067 1462
1463=head3 Examples
1464
1068Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1465Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1069system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1466system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1070potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1467potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1071 1468
1072 static void 1469 static void
1073 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1470 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1074 { 1471 {
1075 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1472 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1076 } 1473 }
1077 1474
1078 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1475 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1079 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1476 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1080 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1477 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1081 1478
1082Example: the same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1479Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1083 1480
1084 #include <math.h> 1481 #include <math.h>
1085 1482
1086 static ev_tstamp 1483 static ev_tstamp
1087 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1484 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1088 { 1485 {
1089 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1486 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1090 } 1487 }
1091 1488
1092 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1489 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1093 1490
1094Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1491Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1095 1492
1096 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1493 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1097 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1494 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1098 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1495 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1099 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1496 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1100 1497
1101 1498
1102=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1499=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1103 1500
1104Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1501Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1111with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1508with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
1112as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1509as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1113watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1510watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1114SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1511SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1115 1512
1513If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1514C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1515interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1516signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1517them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1518
1519=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1520
1116=over 4 1521=over 4
1117 1522
1118=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1523=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1119 1524
1120=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1525=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1126 1531
1127The signal the watcher watches out for. 1532The signal the watcher watches out for.
1128 1533
1129=back 1534=back
1130 1535
1536=head3 Examples
1537
1538Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1539
1540 static void
1541 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1542 {
1543 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1544 }
1545
1546 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1547 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1548 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1549
1131 1550
1132=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1551=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1133 1552
1134Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1553Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1135some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1554some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). It
1555is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been
1556forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event
1557loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher).
1558
1559Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1560you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1561
1562=head3 Process Interaction
1563
1564Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1565initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1566the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1567of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1568synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1569children, even ones not watched.
1570
1571=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1572
1573Libev offers no special support for overriding the built-in child
1574processing, but if your application collides with libev's default child
1575handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1576C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1577default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1578event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1579that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1580
1581=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1582
1583Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1584child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1585callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1586when a child exit is detected.
1587
1588=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1136 1589
1137=over 4 1590=over 4
1138 1591
1139=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1592=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid, int trace)
1140 1593
1141=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 1594=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid, int trace)
1142 1595
1143Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or 1596Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or
1144I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look 1597I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look
1145at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 1598at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
1146the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems 1599the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
1147C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 1600C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1148process causing the status change. 1601process causing the status change. C<trace> must be either C<0> (only
1602activate the watcher when the process terminates) or C<1> (additionally
1603activate the watcher when the process is stopped or continued).
1149 1604
1150=item int pid [read-only] 1605=item int pid [read-only]
1151 1606
1152The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id. 1607The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1153 1608
1160The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1615The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1161C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1616C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1162 1617
1163=back 1618=back
1164 1619
1165Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1620=head3 Examples
1166 1621
1622Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1623its completion.
1624
1625 ev_child cw;
1626
1167 static void 1627 static void
1168 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1628 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1169 { 1629 {
1170 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1630 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1631 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1171 } 1632 }
1172 1633
1173 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1634 pid_t pid = fork ();
1174 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1635
1175 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1636 if (pid < 0)
1637 // error
1638 else if (pid == 0)
1639 {
1640 // the forked child executes here
1641 exit (1);
1642 }
1643 else
1644 {
1645 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1646 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1647 }
1176 1648
1177 1649
1178=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1650=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1179 1651
1180This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1652This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1181C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 1653C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1182compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 1654compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1183 1655
1184The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1656The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1185not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1657not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1186not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 1658not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1187otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 1659otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1188the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1660the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1189 1661
1662The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1663relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1664
1190Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1665Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1191calls C<stat (2)> regulalry on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1666calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1192can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1667can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1193a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1668a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1194unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1669unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1195five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1670five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1196impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1671impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1198 1673
1199This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1674This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1200as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1675as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1201resource-intensive. 1676resource-intensive.
1202 1677
1203At the time of this writing, no specific OS backends are implemented, but 1678At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1204if demand increases, at least a kqueue and inotify backend will be added. 1679implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1680reader, note, however, that the author sees no way of implementing ev_stat
1681semantics with kqueue). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should
1682not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev
1683sometimes needs to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify,
1684but changes are usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there
1685will be no polling.
1686
1687=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1688
1689Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1690compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1691support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1692structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1693use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1694compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1695obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1696most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support.
1697
1698The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1699file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1700optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1701to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1702default compilation environment.
1703
1704=head3 Inotify
1705
1706When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1707available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1708change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1709when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1710
1711Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1712except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1713making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1714there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.
1715
1716(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1717implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1718descriptor open on the object at all times).
1719
1720=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1721
1722The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1723even on systems where the resolution is higher, many file systems still
1724only support whole seconds.
1725
1726That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1727easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1728calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1729within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it as the stat
1730data does not change.
1731
1732The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1733than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1734a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1735ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1736
1737The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
1738of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
1739might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
1740C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
1741a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
1742update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
1743the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
1744the timer callback).
1745
1746=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1205 1747
1206=over 4 1748=over 4
1207 1749
1208=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1750=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1209 1751
1213C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 1755C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1214be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose 1756be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1215a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same 1757a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1216path for as long as the watcher is active. 1758path for as long as the watcher is active.
1217 1759
1218The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 1760The callback will receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, relative
1219relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 1761to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the last change
1220last change was detected). 1762was detected).
1221 1763
1222=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *) 1764=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1223 1765
1224Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 1766Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1225watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 1767watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1226detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 1768detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1227useful simply to find out the new values. 1769the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
1770new values.
1228 1771
1229=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 1772=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1230 1773
1231The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 1774The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1232C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types 1775C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1233suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there 1776suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
1777members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1234was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 1778some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1235 1779
1236=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 1780=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1237 1781
1238The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 1782The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1239C<prev> != C<attr>. 1783C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
1784differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
1785C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1240 1786
1241=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 1787=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1242 1788
1243The specified interval. 1789The specified interval.
1244 1790
1245=item const char *path [read-only] 1791=item const char *path [read-only]
1246 1792
1247The filesystem path that is being watched. 1793The file system path that is being watched.
1248 1794
1249=back 1795=back
1250 1796
1797=head3 Examples
1798
1251Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1799Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1252 1800
1253 static void 1801 static void
1254 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1802 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1255 { 1803 {
1256 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 1804 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1257 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 1805 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1258 { 1806 {
1259 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 1807 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1260 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1808 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1261 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1809 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1262 } 1810 }
1263 else 1811 else
1264 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 1812 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1265 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 1813 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1266 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 1814 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1267 } 1815 }
1268 1816
1269 ... 1817 ...
1270 ev_stat passwd; 1818 ev_stat passwd;
1271 1819
1272 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd"); 1820 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1273 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1821 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1822
1823Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1824miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1825one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1826C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1827
1828 static ev_stat passwd;
1829 static ev_timer timer;
1830
1831 static void
1832 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1833 {
1834 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1835
1836 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1837 }
1838
1839 static void
1840 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1841 {
1842 /* reset the one-second timer */
1843 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1844 }
1845
1846 ...
1847 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1848 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1849 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1274 1850
1275 1851
1276=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1852=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1277 1853
1278Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1854Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1279(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1855priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1280as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1856count).
1281imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1857
1282watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1858That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1859(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1860triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1861are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1283until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1862iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1284busy. 1863and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1285 1864
1286The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1865The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1287active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1866active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1288 1867
1289Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1868Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1290effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1869effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1291"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1870"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1292event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1871event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1293 1872
1873=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1874
1294=over 4 1875=over 4
1295 1876
1296=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1877=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1297 1878
1298Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1879Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1299kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1880kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1300believe me. 1881believe me.
1301 1882
1302=back 1883=back
1303 1884
1885=head3 Examples
1886
1304Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1887Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1305callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1888callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1306 1889
1307 static void 1890 static void
1308 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1891 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1309 { 1892 {
1310 free (w); 1893 free (w);
1311 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1894 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1312 // no longer asnything immediate to do. 1895 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1313 } 1896 }
1314 1897
1315 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1898 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1316 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1899 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1317 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1900 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1318 1901
1319 1902
1320=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 1903=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1321 1904
1322Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 1905Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:
1341 1924
1342This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 1925This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need
1343to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 1926to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for
1344them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 1927them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
1345provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 1928provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
1346any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 1929any events that occurred (by checking the pending status of all watchers
1347and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 1930and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer
1348callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 1931callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless,
1349because you never know, you know?). 1932because you never know, you know?).
1350 1933
1351As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 1934As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1355with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1938with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1356of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 1939of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1357loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1940loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1358low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1941low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1359 1942
1943It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1944priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1945after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1946too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1947supports this, they might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers
1948did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1949(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1950state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1951coexist peacefully with others).
1952
1953=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1954
1360=over 4 1955=over 4
1361 1956
1362=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1957=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1363 1958
1364=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1959=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1367parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1962parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1368macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1963macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1369 1964
1370=back 1965=back
1371 1966
1372Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1967=head3 Examples
1373and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1968
1969There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1970into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1971(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1972use as a working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> embeds a
1973Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1974Glib event loop).
1975
1976Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1374in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows is 1977and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1375pseudo-code only of course: 1978is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1979priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1980the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1376 1981
1377 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1982 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1378 static ev_timer tw; 1983 static ev_timer tw;
1379 1984
1380 static void 1985 static void
1381 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1986 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1382 { 1987 {
1383 // set the relevant poll flags
1384 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1385 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1386 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1387 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1388 } 1988 }
1389 1989
1390 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1990 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1391 static void 1991 static void
1392 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1992 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1393 { 1993 {
1394 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1994 int timeout = 3600000;
1995 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1395 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1996 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1396 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1997 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1397 1998
1398 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1999 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1399 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2000 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1400 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2001 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1401 2002
1402 // create on ev_io per pollfd 2003 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1403 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2004 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1404 { 2005 {
1405 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 2006 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1406 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 2007 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1407 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 2008 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1408 2009
1409 fds [i].revents = 0; 2010 fds [i].revents = 0;
1410 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1411 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 2011 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1412 } 2012 }
1413 } 2013 }
1414 2014
1415 // stop all watchers after blocking 2015 // stop all watchers after blocking
1416 static void 2016 static void
1417 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2017 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1418 { 2018 {
1419 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2019 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1420 2020
1421 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2021 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
2022 {
2023 // set the relevant poll flags
2024 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
2025 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
2026 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
2027 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
2028 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
2029
2030 // now stop the watcher
1422 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2031 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
2032 }
1423 2033
1424 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2034 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1425 } 2035 }
2036
2037Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
2038in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
2039
2040Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
2041notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
2042callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
2043
2044 static void
2045 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2046 {
2047 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
2048 update_now (EV_A);
2049
2050 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
2051 }
2052
2053 static void
2054 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
2055 {
2056 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
2057 update_now (EV_A);
2058
2059 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
2060 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
2061 }
2062
2063 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
2064
2065Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
2066want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, you can override
2067their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
2068loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
2069this.
2070
2071 static gint
2072 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
2073 {
2074 int got_events = 0;
2075
2076 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2077 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
2078
2079 if (timeout >= 0)
2080 // create/start timer
2081
2082 // poll
2083 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2084
2085 // stop timer again
2086 if (timeout >= 0)
2087 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2088
2089 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
2090 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2091 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
2092
2093 return got_events;
2094 }
1426 2095
1427 2096
1428=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2097=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1429 2098
1430This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2099This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1472portable one. 2141portable one.
1473 2142
1474So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2143So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1475that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 2144that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1476this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 2145this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1477create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything: 2146create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
1478 2147
1479 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2148=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1480 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1481 struct ev_embed embed;
1482
1483 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
1484 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
1485 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
1486 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
1487 : 0;
1488
1489 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
1490 if (loop_lo)
1491 {
1492 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
1493 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1494 }
1495 else
1496 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1497 2149
1498=over 4 2150=over 4
1499 2151
1500=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2152=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1501 2153
1503 2155
1504Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2156Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1505embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2157embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1506invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2158invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1507to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2159to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1508if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2160if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1509 2161
1510=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2162=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1511 2163
1512Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2164Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1513similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2165similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1514apropriate way for embedded loops. 2166appropriate way for embedded loops.
1515 2167
1516=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only] 2168=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1517 2169
1518The embedded event loop. 2170The embedded event loop.
1519 2171
1520=back 2172=back
2173
2174=head3 Examples
2175
2176Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
2177event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
2178loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
2179C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2180used).
2181
2182 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2183 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2184 struct ev_embed embed;
2185
2186 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2187 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2188 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2189 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2190 : 0;
2191
2192 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
2193 if (loop_lo)
2194 {
2195 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2196 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2197 }
2198 else
2199 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2200
2201Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2202a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2203kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2204C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2205
2206 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2207 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2208 struct ev_embed embed;
2209
2210 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2211 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2212 {
2213 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2214 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2215 }
2216
2217 if (!loop_socket)
2218 loop_socket = loop;
2219
2220 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
1521 2221
1522 2222
1523=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2223=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1524 2224
1525Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2225Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1528event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 2228event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1529and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 2229and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1530C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 2230C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1531handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 2231handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1532 2232
2233=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2234
1533=over 4 2235=over 4
1534 2236
1535=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2237=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1536 2238
1537Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 2239Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1538kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2240kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1539believe me. 2241believe me.
2242
2243=back
2244
2245
2246=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop
2247
2248In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
2249asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2250loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2251
2252Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not
2253control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what
2254C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you
2255can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal
2256safe.
2257
2258This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2259too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2260(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2261C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2262
2263Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
2264just the default loop.
2265
2266=head3 Queueing
2267
2268C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2269is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2270multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2271need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2272
2273That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2274queue. But at least I can tell you would implement locking around your
2275queue:
2276
2277=over 4
2278
2279=item queueing from a signal handler context
2280
2281To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2282handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for
2283some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2284
2285 static ev_async mysig;
2286
2287 static void
2288 sigusr1_handler (void)
2289 {
2290 sometype data;
2291
2292 // no locking etc.
2293 queue_put (data);
2294 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2295 }
2296
2297 static void
2298 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2299 {
2300 sometype data;
2301 sigset_t block, prev;
2302
2303 sigemptyset (&block);
2304 sigaddset (&block, SIGUSR1);
2305 sigprocmask (SIG_BLOCK, &block, &prev);
2306
2307 while (queue_get (&data))
2308 process (data);
2309
2310 if (sigismember (&prev, SIGUSR1)
2311 sigprocmask (SIG_UNBLOCK, &block, 0);
2312 }
2313
2314(Note: pthreads in theory requires you to use C<pthread_setmask>
2315instead of C<sigprocmask> when you use threads, but libev doesn't do it
2316either...).
2317
2318=item queueing from a thread context
2319
2320The strategy for threads is different, as you cannot (easily) block
2321threads but you can easily preempt them, so to queue safely you need to
2322employ a traditional mutex lock, such as in this pthread example:
2323
2324 static ev_async mysig;
2325 static pthread_mutex_t mymutex = PTHREAD_MUTEX_INITIALIZER;
2326
2327 static void
2328 otherthread (void)
2329 {
2330 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation
2331 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2332 queue_put (data);
2333 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2334
2335 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2336 }
2337
2338 static void
2339 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2340 {
2341 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2342
2343 while (queue_get (&data))
2344 process (data);
2345
2346 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2347 }
2348
2349=back
2350
2351
2352=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2353
2354=over 4
2355
2356=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2357
2358Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2359kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2360believe me.
2361
2362=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2363
2364Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2365an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2366C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or
2367similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2368section below on what exactly this means).
2369
2370This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration,
2371so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2372calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2373
2374=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2375
2376Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2377watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2378event loop.
2379
2380C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2381the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2382it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2383quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2384
2385Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2386whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
1540 2387
1541=back 2388=back
1542 2389
1543 2390
1544=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2391=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1555or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2402or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
1556more watchers yourself. 2403more watchers yourself.
1557 2404
1558If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2405If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events
1559is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2406is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and
1560C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2407C<events> set will be created and started.
1561 2408
1562If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2409If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
1563started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2410started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
1564repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2411repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of
1565dubious value. 2412dubious value.
1567The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2414The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
1568passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2415passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
1569C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2416C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
1570value passed to C<ev_once>: 2417value passed to C<ev_once>:
1571 2418
1572 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2419 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
1573 { 2420 {
1574 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 2421 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
1575 /* doh, nothing entered */; 2422 /* doh, nothing entered */;
1576 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2423 else if (revents & EV_READ)
1577 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2424 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
1578 } 2425 }
1579 2426
1580 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2427 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
1581 2428
1582=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2429=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
1583 2430
1584Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2431Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
1585had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2432had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
1590Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2437Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
1591the given events it. 2438the given events it.
1592 2439
1593=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2440=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)
1594 2441
1595Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2442Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
1596loop!). 2443loop!).
1597 2444
1598=back 2445=back
1599 2446
1600 2447
1616 2463
1617=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 2464=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
1618will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 2465will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
1619is an ev_pri field. 2466is an ev_pri field.
1620 2467
2468=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2469first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
2470
1621=item * Other members are not supported. 2471=item * Other members are not supported.
1622 2472
1623=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 2473=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
1624to use the libev header file and library. 2474to use the libev header file and library.
1625 2475
1626=back 2476=back
1627 2477
1628=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2478=head1 C++ SUPPORT
1629 2479
1630Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2480Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
1631you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 2481you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
1632the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2482the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
1633 2483
1634To use it, 2484To use it,
1635 2485
1636 #include <ev++.h> 2486 #include <ev++.h>
1637 2487
1638(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 2488This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1639and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 2489of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1640namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 2490put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2491options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1641 2492
1642It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 2493Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1643C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2494classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
2495that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
2496you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
2497
2498Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
2499used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
2500need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
2501types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
2502it).
1644 2503
1645Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 2504Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1646 2505
1647=over 4 2506=over 4
1648 2507
1664 2523
1665All of those classes have these methods: 2524All of those classes have these methods:
1666 2525
1667=over 4 2526=over 4
1668 2527
1669=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 2528=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1670 2529
1671=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 2530=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1672 2531
1673=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 2532=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1674 2533
1675The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 2534The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1676the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 2535with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1677C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 2536
1678before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 2537The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1679automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 2538C<set> method before starting it.
2539
2540It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
2541method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
2542
2543(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
2544not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1680 2545
1681The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 2546The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
2547
2548=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
2549
2550This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
2551signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
2552first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
2553parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
2554
2555This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
2556the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
2557callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
2558your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2559thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2560
2561Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2562
2563 struct myclass
2564 {
2565 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2566 }
2567
2568 myclass obj;
2569 ev::io iow;
2570 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2571
2572=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2573
2574Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2575callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2576C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2577
2578The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2579
2580See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2581
2582Example:
2583
2584 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2585 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1682 2586
1683=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2587=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1684 2588
1685Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2589Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1686do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2590do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1687 2591
1688=item w->set ([args]) 2592=item w->set ([arguments])
1689 2593
1690Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2594Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
1691called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2595called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1692automatically stopped and restarted. 2596automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2597method.
1693 2598
1694=item w->start () 2599=item w->start ()
1695 2600
1696Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2601Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1697constructor already takes the loop. 2602constructor already stores the event loop.
1698 2603
1699=item w->stop () 2604=item w->stop ()
1700 2605
1701Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2606Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1702 2607
1703=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2608=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1704 2609
1705For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2610For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1706C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2611C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1707 2612
1708=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2613=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1709 2614
1710Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2615Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1711 2616
1712=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only 2617=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
1713 2618
1714Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>. 2619Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1715 2620
1716=back 2621=back
1717 2622
1718=back 2623=back
1719 2624
1720Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2625Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
1721the constructor. 2626the constructor.
1722 2627
1723 class myclass 2628 class myclass
1724 { 2629 {
1725 ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2630 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
1726 ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2631 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
1727 2632
1728 myclass (); 2633 myclass (int fd)
1729 } 2634 {
2635 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2636 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
1730 2637
1731 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1732 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1733 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1734 {
1735 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2638 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2639 }
1736 } 2640 };
2641
2642
2643=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2644
2645Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
2646number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2647any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2648me a note.
2649
2650=over 4
2651
2652=item Perl
2653
2654The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
2655libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2656there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2657to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the
2658C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>).
2659
2660It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2661L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2662
2663=item Python
2664
2665Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2666seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the
2667patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2668for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2669libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2670libev).
2671
2672=item Ruby
2673
2674Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2675of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2676more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2677L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2678
2679=item D
2680
2681Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2682be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2683
2684=back
1737 2685
1738 2686
1739=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2687=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1740 2688
1741Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2689Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
1742C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 2690of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
1743callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2691functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1744 2692
1745To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2693To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1746following macros are defined: 2694following macros are defined:
1747 2695
1748=over 4 2696=over 4
1751 2699
1752This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2700This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
1753loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 2701loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
1754C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 2702C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
1755 2703
1756 ev_unref (EV_A); 2704 ev_unref (EV_A);
1757 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 2705 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
1758 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2706 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1759 2707
1760It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 2708It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
1761which is often provided by the following macro. 2709which is often provided by the following macro.
1762 2710
1763=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 2711=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
1764 2712
1765This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2713This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
1766loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter, 2714loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
1767C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example: 2715C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
1768 2716
1769 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 2717 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
1770 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 2718 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
1771 2719
1772 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 2720 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
1773 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2721 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1774 2722
1775It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 2723It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
1776suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 2724suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
1777 2725
1778=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 2726=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
1779 2727
1780Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2728Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1781loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2729loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1782 2730
2731=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
2732
2733Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
2734default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
2735is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
2736execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
2737
2738It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
2739watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2740
1783=back 2741=back
1784 2742
1785Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of 2743Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1786wether multiple loops are supported or not. 2744macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2745or not.
1787 2746
1788 static void 2747 static void
1789 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2748 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1790 { 2749 {
1791 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2750 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1792 } 2751 }
1793 2752
1794 ev_check check; 2753 ev_check check;
1795 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2754 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1796 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2755 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1797 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2756 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1798
1799 2757
1800=head1 EMBEDDING 2758=head1 EMBEDDING
1801 2759
1802Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2760Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1803applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2761applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1804Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2762Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1805and rxvt-unicode. 2763and rxvt-unicode.
1806 2764
1807The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2765The goal is to enable you to just copy the necessary files into your
1808source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so 2766source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
1809you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of 2767you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1810libev somewhere in your source tree). 2768libev somewhere in your source tree).
1811 2769
1812=head2 FILESETS 2770=head2 FILESETS
1813 2771
1814Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 2772Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
1815in your app. 2773in your application.
1816 2774
1817=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 2775=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
1818 2776
1819To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 2777To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
1820configuration (no autoconf): 2778configuration (no autoconf):
1821 2779
1822 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2780 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
1823 #include "ev.c" 2781 #include "ev.c"
1824 2782
1825This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 2783This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
1826single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use 2784single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
1827it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best 2785it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
1828done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and 2786done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
1829where you can put other configuration options): 2787where you can put other configuration options):
1830 2788
1831 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2789 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
1832 #include "ev.h" 2790 #include "ev.h"
1833 2791
1834Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 2792Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
1835compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 2793compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
1836as a bug). 2794as a bug).
1837 2795
1838You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 2796You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
1839in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 2797in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
1840 2798
1841 ev.h 2799 ev.h
1842 ev.c 2800 ev.c
1843 ev_vars.h 2801 ev_vars.h
1844 ev_wrap.h 2802 ev_wrap.h
1845 2803
1846 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2804 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1847 2805
1848 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2806 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
1849 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2807 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1850 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2808 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1851 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2809 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1852 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2810 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1853 2811
1854F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 2812F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
1855to compile this single file. 2813to compile this single file.
1856 2814
1857=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 2815=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
1858 2816
1859To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 2817To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
1860 2818
1861 #include "event.c" 2819 #include "event.c"
1862 2820
1863in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 2821in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
1864 2822
1865 #include "event.h" 2823 #include "event.h"
1866 2824
1867in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 2825in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
1868 2826
1869You need the following additional files for this: 2827You need the following additional files for this:
1870 2828
1871 event.h 2829 event.h
1872 event.c 2830 event.c
1873 2831
1874=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 2832=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
1875 2833
1876Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 2834Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
1877whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 2835whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
1878F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then 2836F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
1879include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 2837include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
1880 2838
1881For this of course you need the m4 file: 2839For this of course you need the m4 file:
1882 2840
1883 libev.m4 2841 libev.m4
1884 2842
1885=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 2843=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
1886 2844
1887Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define 2845Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
1888before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity 2846define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
1889and only include the select backend. 2847autoconf is noted for every option.
1890 2848
1891=over 4 2849=over 4
1892 2850
1893=item EV_STANDALONE 2851=item EV_STANDALONE
1894 2852
1899F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 2857F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
1900 2858
1901=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 2859=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
1902 2860
1903If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2861If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1904monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2862monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
1905of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2863of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1906usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2864usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1907the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2865the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
1908to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2866to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1909function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2867function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1910 2868
1911=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2869=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1912 2870
1913If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2871If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1914realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2872real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
1915runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2873runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
1916be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2874be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1917(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2875(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
1918in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2876note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2877
2878=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2879
2880If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2881and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2882
2883=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
2884
2885If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
2886available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
2887C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
2888If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
28892.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
1919 2890
1920=item EV_USE_SELECT 2891=item EV_USE_SELECT
1921 2892
1922If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2893If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
1923C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2894C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
1924other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 2895other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
1925will not be compiled in. 2896will not be compiled in.
1926 2897
1927=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 2898=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
1928 2899
1929If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 2900If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
1930structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 2901structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
1931C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 2902C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on
1932exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 2903exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
1933low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 2904low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
1934allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 2905allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
1935influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 2906influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
1936 2907
1942be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 2913be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
1943C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 2914C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
1944it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 2915it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
1945on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 2916on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
1946 2917
2918=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE
2919
2920If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
2921file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
2922default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
2923correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
2924in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
2925
1947=item EV_USE_POLL 2926=item EV_USE_POLL
1948 2927
1949If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 2928If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
1950backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 2929backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
1951takes precedence over select. 2930takes precedence over select.
1952 2931
1953=item EV_USE_EPOLL 2932=item EV_USE_EPOLL
1954 2933
1955If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 2934If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
1956C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 2935C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
1957otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 2936otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
1958preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems. 2937backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
2938headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
1959 2939
1960=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 2940=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
1961 2941
1962If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 2942If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
1963C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 2943C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
1976otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 2956otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
1977backend for Solaris 10 systems. 2957backend for Solaris 10 systems.
1978 2958
1979=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2959=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1980 2960
1981reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2961Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2962
2963=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2964
2965If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2966interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2967be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
2968indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2969
2970=item EV_ATOMIC_T
2971
2972Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
2973access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
2974type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
2975that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
2976as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2977
2978In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
2979(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
1982 2980
1983=item EV_H 2981=item EV_H
1984 2982
1985The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2983The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
1986undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 2984undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
1987can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 2985used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
1988 2986
1989=item EV_CONFIG_H 2987=item EV_CONFIG_H
1990 2988
1991If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 2989If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
1992F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 2990F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
1993C<EV_H>, above. 2991C<EV_H>, above.
1994 2992
1995=item EV_EVENT_H 2993=item EV_EVENT_H
1996 2994
1997Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 2995Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
1998of how the F<event.h> header can be found. 2996of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
1999 2997
2000=item EV_PROTOTYPES 2998=item EV_PROTOTYPES
2001 2999
2002If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 3000If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
2003prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 3001prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
2010will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 3008will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2011additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 3009additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2012for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 3010for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2013argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 3011argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2014 3012
3013=item EV_MINPRI
3014
3015=item EV_MAXPRI
3016
3017The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
3018C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
3019provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
3020to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
3021
3022When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
3023all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
3024and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
3025fine.
3026
3027If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these both to
3028C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
3029
2015=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3030=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2016 3031
2017If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3032If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2018defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3033defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2019code. 3034code.
2020 3035
3036=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
3037
3038If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
3039defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
3040code.
3041
2021=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 3042=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2022 3043
2023If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 3044If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2024defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3045defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2025 3046
2031=item EV_FORK_ENABLE 3052=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2032 3053
2033If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If 3054If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2034defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3055defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2035 3056
3057=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3058
3059If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3060defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3061
2036=item EV_MINIMAL 3062=item EV_MINIMAL
2037 3063
2038If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3064If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2039speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 3065speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2040some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 3066inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3067much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2041 3068
2042=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3069=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2043 3070
2044C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3071C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2045pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 3072pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2046than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 3073than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2047increase this value. 3074increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
3075
3076=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
3077
3078C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
3079inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
3080usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
3081watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
3082two).
3083
3084=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3085
3086Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3087timer and periodics heap, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3088to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has
3089noticeably faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3090
3091The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3092(disabled).
3093
3094=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3095
3096Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3097timer and periodics heap, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3098the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3099which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3100but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3101noticeably with with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3102
3103The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3104(disabled).
3105
3106=item EV_VERIFY
3107
3108Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3109be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3110in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3111called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3112called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3113verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3114libev considerably.
3115
3116The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3117C<0.>
2048 3118
2049=item EV_COMMON 3119=item EV_COMMON
2050 3120
2051By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3121By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2052this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 3122this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2053members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 3123members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2054though, and it must be identical each time. 3124though, and it must be identical each time.
2055 3125
2056For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3126For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2057 3127
2058 #define EV_COMMON \ 3128 #define EV_COMMON \
2059 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3129 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2060 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3130 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2061 3131
2062=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3132=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2063 3133
2064=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3134=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2065 3135
2066=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 3136=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
2067 3137
2068Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 3138Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
2069and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 3139and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
2070definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for 3140definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2071their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 3141their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2072avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3142avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2073method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3143method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
3144
3145=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
3146
3147If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
3148exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
3149all public symbols, one per line:
3150
3151 Symbols.ev for libev proper
3152 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
3153
3154This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
3155multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
3156itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
3157
3158A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
3159include before including F<ev.h>:
3160
3161 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
3162
3163This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
3164
3165 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
3166 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
3167 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
3168 ...
2074 3169
2075=head2 EXAMPLES 3170=head2 EXAMPLES
2076 3171
2077For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 3172For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2078verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 3173verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
2081interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 3176interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
2082will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header 3177will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
2083file. 3178file.
2084 3179
2085The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3180The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2086that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 3181that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2087 3182
3183 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2088 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3184 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2089 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3185 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2090 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 3186 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
3187 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
3188 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2091 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3189 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3190 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3191 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2092 3192
2093 #include "ev++.h" 3193 #include "ev++.h"
2094 3194
2095And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3195And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2096 3196
2097 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3197 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2098 #include "ev.c" 3198 #include "ev.c"
3199
3200
3201=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3202
3203=head2 THREADS
3204
3205Libev itself is completely thread-safe, but it uses no locking. This
3206means that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as
3207only one thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop
3208parameter.
3209
3210Or put differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done in
3211parallel from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter must be
3212done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as only one
3213thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using a mutex
3214per loop).
3215
3216If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3217without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3218help you. I can give some generic advice however:
3219
3220=over 4
3221
3222=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3223in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
3224
3225This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3226themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3227
3228=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3229
3230Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3231exists, but it is always a good start.
3232
3233=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3234loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
3235
3236Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3237better than you currently do :-)
3238
3239=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3240event loop - C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other
3241threads safely (or from signal contexts...).
3242
3243=back
3244
3245=head2 COROUTINES
3246
3247Libev is much more accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3248libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different
3249coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3250different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3251loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3252you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3253
3254Care has been invested into making sure that libev does not keep local
3255state inside C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow coroutine
3256switches.
2099 3257
2100 3258
2101=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3259=head1 COMPLEXITIES
2102 3260
2103In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3261In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2104libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 3262libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2105documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 3263documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2106 3264
3265All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
3266extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
3267happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
3268mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
3269it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3270
2107=over 4 3271=over 4
2108 3272
2109=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 3273=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2110 3274
3275This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3276there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
3277have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3278
2111=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 3279=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2112 3280
3281That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
3282as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
3283
2113=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 3284=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2114 3285
3286These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
3287
2115=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 3288=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2116 3289
2117=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % 16)) 3290=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2118 3291
3292These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
3293correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
3294have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
3295
2119=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 3296=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3297
3298By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
3299fixed position in the storage array.
2120 3300
2121=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 3301=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2122 3302
2123=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 3303A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
3304libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3305on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3306
3307=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3308
3309=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3310
3311Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3312priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3313linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3314watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. priority handling.
3315
3316=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3317
3318=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3319
3320=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3321
3322Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3323calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3324involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
2124 3325
2125=back 3326=back
2126 3327
2127 3328
3329=head1 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
3330
3331Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3332requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3333model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3334the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3335descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3336e.g. cygwin.
3337
3338Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3339re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
3340things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
3341way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3342
3343There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3344embedding it into other applications.
3345
3346Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3347accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3348either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3349so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3350megabyte seems safe, but thsi apparently depends on the amount of memory
3351available).
3352
3353Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
3354the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3355is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3356more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3357different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3358notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3359(Microsoft monopoly games).
3360
3361A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3362section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3363of F<ev.h>:
3364
3365 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
3366 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3367
3368 #include "ev.h"
3369
3370And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3371you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded soruce files!):
3372
3373 #include "evwrap.h"
3374 #include "ev.c"
3375
3376=over 4
3377
3378=item The winsocket select function
3379
3380The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3381requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3382also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3383requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3384C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
3385discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3386C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
3387
3388The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
3389libraries and raw winsocket select is:
3390
3391 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3392 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3393
3394Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3395complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3396
3397=item Limited number of file descriptors
3398
3399Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3400
3401Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3402of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3403can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3404recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3405previous thread in each. Great).
3406
3407Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3408to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3409call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3410select emulation on windows).
3411
3412Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3413libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
3414or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3415C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3416arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
3417libraries.
3418
3419This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
3420windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
3421wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3422calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3423
3424=back
3425
3426
3427=head1 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3428
3429In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few
3430additional extensions:
3431
3432=over 4
3433
3434=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3435calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3436
3437Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3438structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3439assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3440callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3441calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3442
3443=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3444
3445The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3446C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different
3447threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3448believed to be sufficiently portable.
3449
3450=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3451
3452Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
3453allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
3454pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
3455thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
3456be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
3457C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
3458
3459The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
3460except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3461well.
3462
3463=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3464
3465To improve portability and simplify using libev, libev uses C<long>
3466internally instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On
3467non-POSIX systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but
3468is still at least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of
3469millions of watchers.
3470
3471=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3472
3473The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3474have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3475enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
3476implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
3477
3478=back
3479
3480If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3481
3482
3483=head1 COMPILER WARNINGS
3484
3485Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3486lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3487scared by this.
3488
3489However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3490has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3491warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3492targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3493
3494Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3495workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3496maintainable.
3497
3498And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3499wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3500seems to warn about).
3501
3502While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3503"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3504with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3505them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3506warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3507
3508
3509=head1 VALGRIND
3510
3511Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3512highly useful, but valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3513
3514If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3515in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3516
3517 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3518 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3519 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3520
3521Then there is no memory leak. Similarly, under some circumstances,
3522valgrind might report kernel bugs as if it were a bug in libev, or it
3523might be confused (it is a very good tool, but only a tool).
3524
3525If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3526with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this is
3527a bug in libev. However, don't be annoyed when you get a brisk "this is
3528no bug" answer and take the chance of learning how to interpret valgrind
3529properly.
3530
3531If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3532I suggest using suppression lists.
3533
3534
2128=head1 AUTHOR 3535=head1 AUTHOR
2129 3536
2130Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3537Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
2131 3538

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