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Revision 1.1 by root, Mon Nov 12 07:58:13 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.54 by root, Tue Nov 27 20:26:51 2007 UTC

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 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8
9=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10
11 #include <ev.h>
12
13 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */
17 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
19 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */
23 }
24
25 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */
30 }
31
32 int
33 main (void)
34 {
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */
46 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47
48 return 0;
49 }
8 50
9=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
10 52
11Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 53Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
12file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 54file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage
13these event sources and provide your program events. 55these event sources and provide your program with events.
14 56
15To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process 57To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process
16(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then 58(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then
17communicate events via a callback mechanism. 59communicate events via a callback mechanism.
18 60
21details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 63details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
22watcher. 64watcher.
23 65
24=head1 FEATURES 66=head1 FEATURES
25 67
26Libev supports select, poll, the linux-specific epoll and the bsd-specific 68Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the linux-specific C<epoll>, the
27kqueue mechanisms for file descriptor events, relative timers, absolute 69bsd-specific C<kqueue> and the solaris-specific event port mechanisms
28timers with customised rescheduling, signal events, process status change 70for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>),
29events (related to SIGCHLD), and event watchers dealing with the event 71absolute timers with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous
30loop mechanism itself (idle, prepare and check watchers). 72signals (C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and
73event watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,
74C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as
75file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events
76(C<ev_fork>).
77
78It also is quite fast (see this
79L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
80for example).
31 81
32=head1 CONVENTIONS 82=head1 CONVENTIONS
33 83
34Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration 84Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will
35will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info 85be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about
36about various configuraiton options please have a look at the file 86various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in
37F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without 87this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event
38support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial 88loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop>
39argument of name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) 89(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument.
40will not have this argument.
41 90
42=head1 TIME AND OTHER GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 91=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION
43 92
44Libev represents time as a single floating point number. This type is 93Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
94(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
95the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
45called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 96called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
46to the double type in C. 97to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
98it, you should treat it as such.
99
100=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
101
102These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
103library in any way.
47 104
48=over 4 105=over 4
49 106
50=item ev_tstamp ev_time () 107=item ev_tstamp ev_time ()
51 108
52Returns the current time as libev would use it. 109Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
110C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
111you actually want to know.
53 112
54=item int ev_version_major () 113=item int ev_version_major ()
55 114
56=item int ev_version_minor () 115=item int ev_version_minor ()
57 116
59you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 118you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
60C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 119C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global
61symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the 120symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
62version of the library your program was compiled against. 121version of the library your program was compiled against.
63 122
64Usually, its a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 123Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
65as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 124as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
66compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 125compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
67not a problem. 126not a problem.
68 127
128Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
129version.
130
131 assert (("libev version mismatch",
132 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
133 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
134
135=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
136
137Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
138value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
139availability on the system you are running on). See C<ev_default_loop> for
140a description of the set values.
141
142Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
143a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
144
145 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
146 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
147
148=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
149
150Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
151recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
152returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
153most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it
154(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
155libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
156
157=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
158
159Returns the set of backends that are embeddable in other event loops. This
160is the theoretical, all-platform, value. To find which backends
161might be supported on the current system, you would need to look at
162C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
163recommended ones.
164
165See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
166
69=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 167=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, size_t size))
70 168
71Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the 169Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype and semantics are
72realloc function). It is used to allocate and free memory (no surprises 170identical to the realloc C function). It is used to allocate and free
73here). If it returns zero when memory needs to be allocated, the library 171memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory needs to be
74might abort or take some potentially destructive action. The default is 172allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially destructive
75your system realloc function. 173action. The default is your system realloc function.
76 174
77You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 175You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
78free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 176free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
79or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 177or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
178
179Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
180retries).
181
182 static void *
183 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
184 {
185 for (;;)
186 {
187 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
188
189 if (newptr)
190 return newptr;
191
192 sleep (60);
193 }
194 }
195
196 ...
197 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
80 198
81=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 199=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg));
82 200
83Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 201Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such
84as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 202as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
85indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 203indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
86callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 204callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no
87matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will geenrally retry the 205matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
88requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 206requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
89(such as abort). 207(such as abort).
208
209Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
210
211 static void
212 fatal_error (const char *msg)
213 {
214 perror (msg);
215 abort ();
216 }
217
218 ...
219 ev_set_syserr_cb (fatal_error);
90 220
91=back 221=back
92 222
93=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 223=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
94 224
95An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 225An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two
96types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 226types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child
97events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 227events, and dynamically created loops which do not.
98 228
99If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop 229If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop
100in your main thread (or in a separate thrad) and for each thread you 230in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you
101create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no lockign 231create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking
102whatsoever, so if you mix calls to different event loops, make sure you 232whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
103lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if done right). 233threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
234done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
104 235
105=over 4 236=over 4
106 237
107=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 238=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
108 239
109This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised 240This will initialise the default event loop if it hasn't been initialised
110yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns 241yet and return it. If the default loop could not be initialised, returns
111false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the 242false. If it already was initialised it simply returns it (and ignores the
112flags). 243flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
113 244
114If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 245If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
115function. 246function.
116 247
117The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 248The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
118backends to use, and is usually specified as 0 (or EVFLAG_AUTO) 249backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
119 250
120It supports the following flags: 251The following flags are supported:
121 252
122=over 4 253=over 4
123 254
124=item EVFLAG_AUTO 255=item C<EVFLAG_AUTO>
125 256
126The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (its the right 257The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
127thing, believe me). 258thing, believe me).
128 259
129=item EVFLAG_NOENV 260=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
130 261
131If this flag bit is ored into the flag value then libev will I<not> look 262If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
132at the environment variable C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this 263or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
133environment variable will override the flags completely. This is useful 264C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
265override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
134to try out specific backends to tets their performance, or to work around 266useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
135bugs. 267around bugs.
136 268
137=item EVMETHOD_SELECT portable select backend 269=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
138 270
139=item EVMETHOD_POLL poll backend (everywhere except windows) 271This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
272libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
273but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
274using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its usually
275the fastest backend for a low number of fds.
140 276
141=item EVMETHOD_EPOLL linux only 277=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
142 278
143=item EVMETHOD_KQUEUE some bsds only 279And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated than
280select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial limit on the
281number of fds you can use (except it will slow down considerably with a
282lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds).
144 283
145=item EVMETHOD_DEVPOLL solaris 8 only 284=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
146 285
147=item EVMETHOD_PORT solaris 10 only 286For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
287but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like
288O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), epoll scales
289either O(1) or O(active_fds).
290
291While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will
292result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident
293(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
294best to avoid that. Also, dup()ed file descriptors might not work very
295well if you register events for both fds.
296
297Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
298need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
299(or space) is available.
300
301=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
302
303Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
304was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with
305anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its
306completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected"
307unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
308C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>).
309
310It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
311kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
312course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an
313extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per
314incident, so its best to avoid that.
315
316=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
317
318This is not implemented yet (and might never be).
319
320=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
321
322This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
323it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
324
325Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious
326notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
327blocking when no data (or space) is available.
328
329=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
330
331Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
332with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
333C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
334
335=back
148 336
149If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 337If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these
150backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If one are 338backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are
151specified, any backend will do. 339specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse
340order of their flag values :)
152 341
153=back 342The most typical usage is like this:
343
344 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
345 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
346
347Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
348environment settings to be taken into account:
349
350 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
351
352Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if
353available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private
354event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds):
355
356 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
154 357
155=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 358=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
156 359
157Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 360Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
158always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 361always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
159handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 362handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
160undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 363undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
161 364
365Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
366
367 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
368 if (!epoller)
369 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
370
162=item ev_default_destroy () 371=item ev_default_destroy ()
163 372
164Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 373Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
165etc.). This stops all registered event watchers (by not touching them in 374etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
166any way whatsoever, although you cnanot rely on this :). 375sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
376responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
377calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
378the easiest thing, youc na just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
379for example).
167 380
168=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 381=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
169 382
170Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 383Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
171earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 384earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
175This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 388This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have
176one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense 389one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense
177after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that 390after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that
178again makes little sense). 391again makes little sense).
179 392
180You I<must> call this function after forking if and only if you want to 393You I<must> call this function in the child process after forking if and
181use the event library in both processes. If you just fork+exec, you don't 394only if you want to use the event library in both processes. If you just
182have to call it. 395fork+exec, you don't have to call it.
183 396
184The function itself is quite fast and its usually not a problem to call 397The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
185it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 398it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
186quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 399quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
187 400
188 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 401 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
402
403At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
404without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
405do not need to care.
189 406
190=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 407=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
191 408
192Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 409Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
193C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 410C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
194after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 411after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
195 412
196=item unsigned int ev_method (loop) 413=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
197 414
198Returns one of the C<EVMETHOD_*> flags indicating the event backend in 415Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
199use. 416use.
200 417
201=item ev_tstamp = ev_now (loop) 418=item ev_tstamp ev_now (loop)
202 419
203Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 420Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
204got events and started processing them. This timestamp does not change 421received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
205as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base time 422change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
206used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the event 423time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
207occuring (or more correctly, the mainloop finding out about it). 424event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
208 425
209=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 426=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
210 427
211Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 428Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
212after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 429after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
213events. 430events.
214 431
215If the flags argument is specified as 0, it will not return until either 432If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until
216no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 433either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
434
435Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than
436relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
437finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program that
438automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue of
439relying on its watchers stopping correctly is a thing of beauty.
217 440
218A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 441A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
219those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 442those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in
220case there are no events. 443case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop.
221 444
222A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 445A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
223neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 446neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block
224your process until at least one new event arrives. 447your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after
448one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some
449external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other
450libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
451usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
225 452
226This flags value could be used to implement alternative looping 453Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
227constructs, but the C<prepare> and C<check> watchers provide a better and 454
228more generic mechanism. 455 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
456 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
457 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
458 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
459 - Update the "event loop time".
460 - Calculate for how long to block.
461 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
462 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
463 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling.
464 - Queue all outstanding timers.
465 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
466 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
467 - Queue all check watchers.
468 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
469 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
470 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
471 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
472 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *.
473
474Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding
475anymore.
476
477 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
478 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
479 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
480 ... jobs done. yeah!
229 481
230=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 482=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
231 483
232Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early. The C<how> argument 484Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
485has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
233must be either C<EVUNLOOP_ONCE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> 486C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
234call return, or C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> 487C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
235calls return.
236 488
237=item ev_ref (loop) 489=item ev_ref (loop)
238 490
239=item ev_unref (loop) 491=item ev_unref (loop)
240 492
241Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a refcount on the event loop: Every 493Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
242watcher keeps one reference. If you have a long-runing watcher you never 494loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
243unregister that should not keep ev_loop from running, ev_unref() after 495count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. If you have
244starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. Libev itself uses this for 496a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> from
245example for its internal signal pipe: It is not visible to you as a user 497returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For
246and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if the work is done. It is 498example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not
247also an excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from 499visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
248within third-party libraries. Just remember to unref after start and ref 500no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
249before stop. 501way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
502libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>.
503
504Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
505running when nothing else is active.
506
507 struct ev_signal exitsig;
508 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
509 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
510 evf_unref (loop);
511
512Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
513
514 ev_ref (loop);
515 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
250 516
251=back 517=back
518
252 519
253=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 520=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
254 521
255A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 522A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
256interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 523interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
257become readable, you would create an ev_io watcher for that: 524become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
258 525
259 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 526 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
260 { 527 {
261 ev_io_stop (w); 528 ev_io_stop (w);
262 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 529 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
289*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the 556*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
290corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 557corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
291 558
292As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 559As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
293must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never 560must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
294reinitialise it or call its set method. 561reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro.
295
296You cna check wether an event is active by calling the C<ev_is_active
297(watcher *)> macro. To see wether an event is outstanding (but the
298callback for it has not been called yet) you cna use the C<ev_is_pending
299(watcher *)> macro.
300 562
301Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 563Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
302registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 564registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
303third argument. 565third argument.
304 566
305The rceeived events usually include a single bit per event type received 567The received events usually include a single bit per event type received
306(you can receive multiple events at the same time). The possible bit masks 568(you can receive multiple events at the same time). The possible bit masks
307are: 569are:
308 570
309=over 4 571=over 4
310 572
311=item EV_READ 573=item C<EV_READ>
312 574
313=item EV_WRITE 575=item C<EV_WRITE>
314 576
315The file descriptor in the ev_io watcher has become readable and/or 577The file descriptor in the C<ev_io> watcher has become readable and/or
316writable. 578writable.
317 579
318=item EV_TIMEOUT 580=item C<EV_TIMEOUT>
319 581
320The ev_timer watcher has timed out. 582The C<ev_timer> watcher has timed out.
321 583
322=item EV_PERIODIC 584=item C<EV_PERIODIC>
323 585
324The ev_periodic watcher has timed out. 586The C<ev_periodic> watcher has timed out.
325 587
326=item EV_SIGNAL 588=item C<EV_SIGNAL>
327 589
328The signal specified in the ev_signal watcher has been received by a thread. 590The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread.
329 591
330=item EV_CHILD 592=item C<EV_CHILD>
331 593
332The pid specified in the ev_child watcher has received a status change. 594The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change.
333 595
596=item C<EV_STAT>
597
598The path specified in the C<ev_stat> watcher changed its attributes somehow.
599
334=item EV_IDLE 600=item C<EV_IDLE>
335 601
336The ev_idle watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do. 602The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do.
337 603
338=item EV_PREPARE 604=item C<EV_PREPARE>
339 605
340=item EV_CHECK 606=item C<EV_CHECK>
341 607
342All ev_prepare watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts 608All C<ev_prepare> watchers are invoked just I<before> C<ev_loop> starts
343to gather new events, and all ev_check watchers are invoked just after 609to gather new events, and all C<ev_check> watchers are invoked just after
344C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any 610C<ev_loop> has gathered them, but before it invokes any callbacks for any
345received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 611received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
346many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 612many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
347(for example, a ev_prepare watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 613(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
348C<ev_loop> from blocking). 614C<ev_loop> from blocking).
349 615
616=item C<EV_EMBED>
617
618The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
619
620=item C<EV_FORK>
621
622The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
623C<ev_fork>).
624
350=item EV_ERROR 625=item C<EV_ERROR>
351 626
352An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 627An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
353happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 628happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
354ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 629ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
355problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 630problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping
361with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 636with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded
362programs, though, so beware. 637programs, though, so beware.
363 638
364=back 639=back
365 640
641=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
642
643In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
644e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
645
646=over 4
647
648=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
649
650This macro initialises the generic portion of a watcher. The contents
651of the watcher object can be arbitrary (so C<malloc> will do). Only
652the generic parts of the watcher are initialised, you I<need> to call
653the type-specific C<ev_TYPE_set> macro afterwards to initialise the
654type-specific parts. For each type there is also a C<ev_TYPE_init> macro
655which rolls both calls into one.
656
657You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
658(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
659
660The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
661int revents)>.
662
663=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
664
665This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
666call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
667call C<ev_TYPE_set> any number of times. You must not, however, call this
668macro on a watcher that is active (it can be pending, however, which is a
669difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
670
671Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
672(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
673
674=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
675
676This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
677calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise
678a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
679
680=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
681
682Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
683events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
684
685=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
686
687Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending
688status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example,
689non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but
690C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If
691you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is therefore a
692good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
693
694=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
695
696Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
697and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
698it.
699
700=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
701
702Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
703events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
704is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
705C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to
706libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it).
707
708=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
709
710Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
711
712=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
713
714Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
715(modulo threads).
716
717=back
718
719
366=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 720=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
367 721
368Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 722Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
369and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This cna be used 723and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
370to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 724to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
371don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 725don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
372member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 726member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
373data: 727data:
374 728
394 748
395 749
396=head1 WATCHER TYPES 750=head1 WATCHER TYPES
397 751
398This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 752This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
399information given in the last section. 753information given in the last section. Any initialisation/set macros,
754functions and members specific to the watcher type are explained.
400 755
756Members are additionally marked with either I<[read-only]>, meaning that,
757while the watcher is active, you can look at the member and expect some
758sensible content, but you must not modify it (you can modify it while the
759watcher is stopped to your hearts content), or I<[read-write]>, which
760means you can expect it to have some sensible content while the watcher
761is active, but you can also modify it. Modifying it may not do something
762sensible or take immediate effect (or do anything at all), but libev will
763not crash or malfunction in any way.
764
765
401=head2 struct ev_io - is my file descriptor readable or writable 766=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable?
402 767
403I/O watchers check wether a file descriptor is readable or writable 768I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable
404in each iteration of the event loop (This behaviour is called 769in each iteration of the event loop, or, more precisely, when reading
405level-triggering because you keep receiving events as long as the 770would not block the process and writing would at least be able to write
406condition persists. Remember you cna stop the watcher if you don't want to 771some data. This behaviour is called level-triggering because you keep
407act on the event and neither want to receive future events). 772receiving events as long as the condition persists. Remember you can stop
773the watcher if you don't want to act on the event and neither want to
774receive future events.
775
776In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
777fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
778descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
779required if you know what you are doing).
780
781You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
782(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
783descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
784to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
785the same underlying "file open").
786
787If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
788(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
789C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
790
791Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
792receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might
793be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
794because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
795lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
796this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
797it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
798C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
799
800If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
801play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
802wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
803such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
804its own, so its quite safe to use).
408 805
409=over 4 806=over 4
410 807
411=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 808=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
412 809
413=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 810=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
414 811
415Configures an ev_io watcher. The fd is the file descriptor to rceeive 812Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
416events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_READ | 813rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
417EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 814C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
815
816=item int fd [read-only]
817
818The file descriptor being watched.
819
820=item int events [read-only]
821
822The events being watched.
418 823
419=back 824=back
420 825
826Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
827readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
828attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
829
830 static void
831 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
832 {
833 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
834 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors
835 }
836
837 ...
838 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
839 struct ev_io stdin_readable;
840 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
841 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
842 ev_loop (loop, 0);
843
844
421=head2 struct ev_timer - relative and optionally recurring timeouts 845=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
422 846
423Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 847Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
424given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 848given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
425 849
426The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 850The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
427times out after an hour and youreset your system clock to last years 851times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years
428time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 852time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because
429detecting time jumps is hard, and soem inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 853detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
430monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 854monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
855
856The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
857time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
858of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
859you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout
860on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
861
862 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
863
864The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
865but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
866order of execution is undefined.
431 867
432=over 4 868=over 4
433 869
434=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 870=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
435 871
441later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 877later, again, and again, until stopped manually.
442 878
443The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 879The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you
444configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 880configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at
445exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 881exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with
446the timer (ecause it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 882the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the
447timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 883timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
448 884
449=item ev_timer_again (loop) 885=item ev_timer_again (loop)
450 886
451This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 887This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
455 891
456If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 892If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat
457value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 893value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value.
458 894
459This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 895This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
460example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 896example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called
461timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60 897idle timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been,
462seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to 898say, 60 seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do
463configure an ev_timer with after=repeat=60 and calling ev_timer_again each 899this is to configure an C<ev_timer> with C<after>=C<repeat>=C<60> and calling
464time you successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle 900C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
465state where you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can stop 901you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
466the timer, and again will automatically restart it if need be. 902socket, you can stop the timer, and again will automatically restart it if
903need be.
904
905You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether
906and only ever use the C<repeat> value:
907
908 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
909 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
910 ...
911 timer->again = 17.;
912 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
913 ...
914 timer->again = 10.;
915 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
916
917This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want
918to modify its timeout value.
919
920=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
921
922The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
923or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
924which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
467 925
468=back 926=back
469 927
470=head2 ev_periodic 928Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
929
930 static void
931 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
932 {
933 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
934 }
935
936 struct ev_timer mytimer;
937 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
938 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
939
940Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
941inactivity.
942
943 static void
944 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
945 {
946 .. ten seconds without any activity
947 }
948
949 struct ev_timer mytimer;
950 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
951 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
952 ev_loop (loop, 0);
953
954 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
955 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
956 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
957
958
959=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
471 960
472Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 961Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
473(and unfortunately a bit complex). 962(and unfortunately a bit complex).
474 963
475Unlike ev_timer's, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 964Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
476but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 965but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
477to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 966to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
478periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. c<ev_now () 967periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now ()
479+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 968+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will
480take a year to trigger the event (unlike an ev_timer, which would trigger 969take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger
481roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 970roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time
482again). 971again).
483 972
484They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 973They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
485triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 974triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time.
486 975
976As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the
977time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
978during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
979
487=over 4 980=over 4
488 981
489=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 982=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
490 983
491=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 984=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
492 985
493Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 986Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
494operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 987operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
495
496 988
497=over 4 989=over 4
498 990
499=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 991=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
500 992
514 1006
515 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1007 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
516 1008
517This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1009This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
518but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1010but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a
519full hour (UTC), or more correct, when the system time is evenly divisible 1011full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
520by 3600. 1012by 3600.
521 1013
522Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1014Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
523ev_periodic will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1015C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
524time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1016time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
525 1017
526=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1018=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback)
527 1019
528In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1020In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
529ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1021ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
530reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1022reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
531current time as second argument. 1023current time as second argument.
532 1024
533NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy the periodic or any other 1025NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
534periodic watcher, ever, or make any event loop modificstions>. If you need 1026ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,
535to stop it, return 1e30 (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards. 1027return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1028starting a prepare watcher).
536 1029
537Its prototype is c<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1030Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
538ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1031ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
539 1032
540 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1033 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
541 { 1034 {
542 return now + 60.; 1035 return now + 60.;
545It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1038It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
546(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 1039(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
547will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 1040will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
548might be called at other times, too. 1041might be called at other times, too.
549 1042
1043NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the
1044passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger.
1045
550This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 1046This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
551triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the 1047triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the
552next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How you do this 1048next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
553is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial). 1049you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1050reason I omitted it as an example).
554 1051
555=back 1052=back
556 1053
557=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *) 1054=item ev_periodic_again (loop, ev_periodic *)
558 1055
559Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1056Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
560when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1057when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
561a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1058a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
562program when the crontabs have changed). 1059program when the crontabs have changed).
563 1060
1061=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1062
1063The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1064take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1065called.
1066
1067=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1068
1069The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1070switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1071the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1072
564=back 1073=back
565 1074
1075Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1076system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1077potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1078
1079 static void
1080 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1081 {
1082 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1083 }
1084
1085 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1086 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1087 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1088
1089Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1090
1091 #include <math.h>
1092
1093 static ev_tstamp
1094 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1095 {
1096 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1097 }
1098
1099 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1100
1101Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1102
1103 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1104 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1105 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1106 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1107
1108
566=head2 ev_signal - signal me when a signal gets signalled 1109=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
567 1110
568Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1111Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
569signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 1112signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
570will try its best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 1113will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
571normal event processing, like any other event. 1114normal event processing, like any other event.
572 1115
573You cna configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 1116You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the
574first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher 1117first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher
575with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1118with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
576as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1119as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
577watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1120watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
578SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1121SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
584=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1127=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
585 1128
586Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one 1129Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one
587of the C<SIGxxx> constants). 1130of the C<SIGxxx> constants).
588 1131
1132=item int signum [read-only]
1133
1134The signal the watcher watches out for.
1135
589=back 1136=back
590 1137
1138
591=head2 ev_child - wait for pid status changes 1139=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
592 1140
593Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1141Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
594some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1142some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
595 1143
596=over 4 1144=over 4
600=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 1148=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid)
601 1149
602Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or 1150Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or
603I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look 1151I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look
604at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 1152at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
605the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h>). The C<rpid> member 1153the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
606contains the pid of the process causing the status change. 1154C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1155process causing the status change.
1156
1157=item int pid [read-only]
1158
1159The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1160
1161=item int rpid [read-write]
1162
1163The process id that detected a status change.
1164
1165=item int rstatus [read-write]
1166
1167The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1168C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
607 1169
608=back 1170=back
609 1171
1172Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1173
1174 static void
1175 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1176 {
1177 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1178 }
1179
1180 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1181 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1182 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1183
1184
1185=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1186
1187This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1188C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1189compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1190
1191The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1192not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1193not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1194otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1195the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1196
1197Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1198calls C<stat (2)> regulalry on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1199can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1200a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1201unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1202five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1203impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1204usually overkill.
1205
1206This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1207as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1208resource-intensive.
1209
1210At the time of this writing, no specific OS backends are implemented, but
1211if demand increases, at least a kqueue and inotify backend will be added.
1212
1213=over 4
1214
1215=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1216
1217=item ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1218
1219Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of the given
1220C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1221be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1222a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1223path for as long as the watcher is active.
1224
1225The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected,
1226relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1227last change was detected).
1228
1229=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *)
1230
1231Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1232watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid
1233detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be
1234useful simply to find out the new values.
1235
1236=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1237
1238The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of
1239C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1240suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there
1241was some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1242
1243=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1244
1245The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1246C<prev> != C<attr>.
1247
1248=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1249
1250The specified interval.
1251
1252=item const char *path [read-only]
1253
1254The filesystem path that is being watched.
1255
1256=back
1257
1258Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1259
1260 static void
1261 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1262 {
1263 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1264 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1265 {
1266 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1267 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1268 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1269 }
1270 else
1271 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1272 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1273 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1274 }
1275
1276 ...
1277 ev_stat passwd;
1278
1279 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd");
1280 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1281
1282
610=head2 ev_idle - when you've got nothing better to do 1283=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
611 1284
612Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other I/O or timer (or 1285Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending
613periodic) events pending. That is, as long as your process is busy 1286(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long
614handling sockets or timeouts it will not be called. But when your process 1287as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals,
615is idle all idle watchers are being called again and again - until 1288imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle
1289watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration -
616stopped, that is, or your process receives more events. 1290until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes
1291busy.
617 1292
618The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1293The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
619active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1294active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
620 1295
621Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1296Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
631kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1306kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
632believe me. 1307believe me.
633 1308
634=back 1309=back
635 1310
636=head2 prepare and check - your hooks into the event loop 1311Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1312callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
637 1313
1314 static void
1315 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1316 {
1317 free (w);
1318 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1319 // no longer asnything immediate to do.
1320 }
1321
1322 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1323 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1324 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1325
1326
1327=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1328
638Prepare and check watchers usually (but not always) are used in 1329Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:
639tandom. Prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check 1330prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
640watchers afterwards. 1331afterwards.
641 1332
1333You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter
1334the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
1335watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
1336rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in
1337those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
1338C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1339called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1340
642Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev. This 1341Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
643could be used, for example, to track variable changes, implement your own 1342their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track
644watchers, integrate net-snmp or a coroutine library and lots more. 1343variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1344coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1345you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1346in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1347watcher).
645 1348
646This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 1349This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need
647to be watched by the other library, registering ev_io watchers for them 1350to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for
648and starting an ev_timer watcher for any timeouts (many libraries provide 1351them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
649just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for any 1352provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
650events that occured (by making your callbacks set soem flags for example) 1353any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers
651and call back into the library. 1354and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer
1355callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless,
1356because you never know, you know?).
652 1357
653As another example, the perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 1358As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
654coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines 1359coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
655during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines 1360during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
656are ready to run. 1361are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines
1362with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1363of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1364loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1365low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
657 1366
658=over 4 1367=over 4
659 1368
660=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1369=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
661 1370
662=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1371=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
663 1372
664Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 1373Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
665parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1374parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
666macros, but using them is utterly, utterly pointless. 1375macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
667 1376
668=back 1377=back
669 1378
1379Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers
1380and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and
1381in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows is
1382pseudo-code only of course:
1383
1384 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1385 static ev_timer tw;
1386
1387 static void
1388 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1389 {
1390 // set the relevant poll flags
1391 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1392 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1393 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1394 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1395 }
1396
1397 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1398 static void
1399 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1400 {
1401 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd];
1402 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1403 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1404
1405 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1406 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1407 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1408
1409 // create on ev_io per pollfd
1410 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1411 {
1412 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1413 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1414 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1415
1416 fds [i].revents = 0;
1417 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1418 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1419 }
1420 }
1421
1422 // stop all watchers after blocking
1423 static void
1424 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1425 {
1426 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1427
1428 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1429 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1430
1431 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1432 }
1433
1434
1435=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1436
1437This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1438into another (currently only C<ev_io> events are supported in the embedded
1439loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect
1440fashion and must not be used).
1441
1442There are primarily two reasons you would want that: work around bugs and
1443prioritise I/O.
1444
1445As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
1446sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you
1447still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales
1448so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed it
1449into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation will
1450be a bit slower because first libev has to poll and then call kevent, but
1451at least you can use both at what they are best.
1452
1453As for prioritising I/O: rarely you have the case where some fds have
1454to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even
1455priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case
1456you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all the rest in
1457a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
1458
1459As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time
1460there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then
1461call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke
1462their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded
1463loop strictly lower priority for example). You can also set the callback
1464to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher will automatically execute the
1465embedded loop sweep.
1466
1467As long as the watcher is started it will automatically handle events. The
1468callback will be invoked whenever some events have been handled. You can
1469set the callback to C<0> to avoid having to specify one if you are not
1470interested in that.
1471
1472Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking:
1473when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops,
1474but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers
1475yourself.
1476
1477Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by
1478C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
1479portable one.
1480
1481So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1482that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1483this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1484create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything:
1485
1486 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1487 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1488 struct ev_embed embed;
1489
1490 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
1491 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
1492 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
1493 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
1494 : 0;
1495
1496 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
1497 if (loop_lo)
1498 {
1499 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
1500 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1501 }
1502 else
1503 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1504
1505=over 4
1506
1507=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1508
1509=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1510
1511Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1512embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1513invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1514to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1515if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1516
1517=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1518
1519Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1520similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1521apropriate way for embedded loops.
1522
1523=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only]
1524
1525The embedded event loop.
1526
1527=back
1528
1529
1530=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1531
1532Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1533whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
1534C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the
1535event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1536and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1537C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1538handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1539
1540=over 4
1541
1542=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1543
1544Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1545kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1546believe me.
1547
1548=back
1549
1550
670=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 1551=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
671 1552
672There are some other fucntions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 1553There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
673 1554
674=over 4 1555=over 4
675 1556
676=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 1557=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
677 1558
678This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 1559This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
679callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 1560callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both
680watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 1561watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
681or timeout without havign to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 1562or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
682more watchers yourself. 1563more watchers yourself.
683 1564
684If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events is 1565If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events
685ignored. Otherwise, an ev_io watcher for the given C<fd> and C<events> set 1566is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and
686will be craeted and started. 1567C<events> set will be craeted and started.
687 1568
688If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 1569If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
689started. Otherwise an ev_timer watcher with after = C<timeout> (and repeat 1570started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
690= 0) will be started. 1571repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of
1572dubious value.
691 1573
692The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and 1574The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
693gets passed an events set (normally a combination of EV_ERROR, EV_READ, 1575passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
694EV_WRITE or EV_TIMEOUT) and the C<arg> value passed to C<ev_once>: 1576C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
1577value passed to C<ev_once>:
695 1578
696 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 1579 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
697 { 1580 {
698 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 1581 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
699 /* doh, nothing entered */ 1582 /* doh, nothing entered */;
700 else if (revents & EV_READ) 1583 else if (revents & EV_READ)
701 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */ 1584 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
702 } 1585 }
703 1586
704 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READm 10., stdin_ready, 0); 1587 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
705 1588
706=item ev_feed_event (loop, watcher, int events) 1589=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
707 1590
708Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 1591Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
709has happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 1592had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
710initialised but not necessarily active event watcher). 1593initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
711 1594
712=item ev_feed_fd_event (loop, int fd, int revents) 1595=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)
713 1596
714Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected it. 1597Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
1598the given events it.
715 1599
716=item ev_feed_signal_event (loop, int signum) 1600=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)
717 1601
718Feed an event as if the given signal occured (loop must be the default loop!). 1602Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default
1603loop!).
719 1604
720=back 1605=back
721 1606
1607
1608=head1 LIBEVENT EMULATION
1609
1610Libev offers a compatibility emulation layer for libevent. It cannot
1611emulate the internals of libevent, so here are some usage hints:
1612
1613=over 4
1614
1615=item * Use it by including <event.h>, as usual.
1616
1617=item * The following members are fully supported: ev_base, ev_callback,
1618ev_arg, ev_fd, ev_res, ev_events.
1619
1620=item * Avoid using ev_flags and the EVLIST_*-macros, while it is
1621maintained by libev, it does not work exactly the same way as in libevent (consider
1622it a private API).
1623
1624=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
1625will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
1626is an ev_pri field.
1627
1628=item * Other members are not supported.
1629
1630=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
1631to use the libev header file and library.
1632
1633=back
1634
1635=head1 C++ SUPPORT
1636
1637Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
1638you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
1639the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
1640
1641To use it,
1642
1643 #include <ev++.h>
1644
1645(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h>
1646and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global
1647namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace.
1648
1649It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably
1650C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1651
1652Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1653
1654=over 4
1655
1656=item C<ev::READ>, C<ev::WRITE> etc.
1657
1658These are just enum values with the same values as the C<EV_READ> etc.
1659macros from F<ev.h>.
1660
1661=item C<ev::tstamp>, C<ev::now>
1662
1663Aliases to the same types/functions as with the C<ev_> prefix.
1664
1665=item C<ev::io>, C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic>, C<ev::idle>, C<ev::sig> etc.
1666
1667For each C<ev_TYPE> watcher in F<ev.h> there is a corresponding class of
1668the same name in the C<ev> namespace, with the exception of C<ev_signal>
1669which is called C<ev::sig> to avoid clashes with the C<signal> macro
1670defines by many implementations.
1671
1672All of those classes have these methods:
1673
1674=over 4
1675
1676=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *)
1677
1678=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *)
1679
1680=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1681
1682The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to
1683the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls
1684C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method
1685before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor
1686automatically associates the default loop with this watcher.
1687
1688The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
1689
1690=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1691
1692Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1693do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1694
1695=item w->set ([args])
1696
1697Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
1698called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1699automatically stopped and restarted.
1700
1701=item w->start ()
1702
1703Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the
1704constructor already takes the loop.
1705
1706=item w->stop ()
1707
1708Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1709
1710=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only
1711
1712For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1713C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1714
1715=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only
1716
1717Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1718
1719=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only
1720
1721Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1722
1723=back
1724
1725=back
1726
1727Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
1728the constructor.
1729
1730 class myclass
1731 {
1732 ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
1733 ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
1734
1735 myclass ();
1736 }
1737
1738 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1739 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1740 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1741 {
1742 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1743 }
1744
1745
1746=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1747
1748Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is
1749C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and
1750callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1751
1752To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1753following macros are defined:
1754
1755=over 4
1756
1757=item C<EV_A>, C<EV_A_>
1758
1759This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
1760loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
1761C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
1762
1763 ev_unref (EV_A);
1764 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
1765 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1766
1767It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
1768which is often provided by the following macro.
1769
1770=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
1771
1772This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
1773loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
1774C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
1775
1776 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
1777 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
1778
1779 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
1780 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1781
1782It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
1783suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
1784
1785=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
1786
1787Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1788loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1789
1790=back
1791
1792Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of
1793wether multiple loops are supported or not.
1794
1795 static void
1796 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1797 {
1798 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1799 }
1800
1801 ev_check check;
1802 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1803 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1804 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1805
1806
1807=head1 EMBEDDING
1808
1809Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1810applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1811Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1812and rxvt-unicode.
1813
1814The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your
1815source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
1816you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1817libev somewhere in your source tree).
1818
1819=head2 FILESETS
1820
1821Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
1822in your app.
1823
1824=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
1825
1826To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
1827configuration (no autoconf):
1828
1829 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
1830 #include "ev.c"
1831
1832This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
1833single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
1834it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
1835done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
1836where you can put other configuration options):
1837
1838 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
1839 #include "ev.h"
1840
1841Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
1842compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
1843as a bug).
1844
1845You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
1846in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
1847
1848 ev.h
1849 ev.c
1850 ev_vars.h
1851 ev_wrap.h
1852
1853 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1854
1855 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default)
1856 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1857 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1858 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1859 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1860
1861F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
1862to compile this single file.
1863
1864=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
1865
1866To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
1867
1868 #include "event.c"
1869
1870in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
1871
1872 #include "event.h"
1873
1874in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
1875
1876You need the following additional files for this:
1877
1878 event.h
1879 event.c
1880
1881=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
1882
1883Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in
1884whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
1885F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
1886include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
1887
1888For this of course you need the m4 file:
1889
1890 libev.m4
1891
1892=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
1893
1894Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define
1895before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity
1896and only include the select backend.
1897
1898=over 4
1899
1900=item EV_STANDALONE
1901
1902Must always be C<1> if you do not use autoconf configuration, which
1903keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
1904implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
1905supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
1906F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
1907
1908=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
1909
1910If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1911monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
1912of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1913usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1914the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have
1915to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1916function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1917
1918=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1919
1920If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1921realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
1922runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
1923be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1924(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries
1925in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
1926
1927=item EV_USE_SELECT
1928
1929If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
1930C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
1931other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
1932will not be compiled in.
1933
1934=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
1935
1936If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
1937structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
1938C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on
1939exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
1940low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
1941allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
1942influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
1943
1944=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET
1945
1946When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that
1947select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but
1948wants osf handles on win32 (this is the case when the select to
1949be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
1950C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
1951it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
1952on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
1953
1954=item EV_USE_POLL
1955
1956If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
1957backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
1958takes precedence over select.
1959
1960=item EV_USE_EPOLL
1961
1962If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
1963C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
1964otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the
1965preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems.
1966
1967=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
1968
1969If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
1970C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
1971otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
1972backend for BSD and BSD-like systems, although on most BSDs kqueue only
1973supports some types of fds correctly (the only platform we found that
1974supports ptys for example was NetBSD), so kqueue might be compiled in, but
1975not be used unless explicitly requested. The best way to use it is to find
1976out whether kqueue supports your type of fd properly and use an embedded
1977kqueue loop.
1978
1979=item EV_USE_PORT
1980
1981If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Solaris
198210 port style backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
1983otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
1984backend for Solaris 10 systems.
1985
1986=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1987
1988reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
1989
1990=item EV_H
1991
1992The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
1993undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This
1994can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
1995
1996=item EV_CONFIG_H
1997
1998If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
1999F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
2000C<EV_H>, above.
2001
2002=item EV_EVENT_H
2003
2004Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
2005of how the F<event.h> header can be found.
2006
2007=item EV_PROTOTYPES
2008
2009If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
2010prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
2011occasionally useful if you want to provide your own wrapper functions
2012around libev functions.
2013
2014=item EV_MULTIPLICITY
2015
2016If undefined or defined to C<1>, then all event-loop-specific functions
2017will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2018additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2019for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2020argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2021
2022=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2023
2024If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2025defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2026code.
2027
2028=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2029
2030If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2031defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2032
2033=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2034
2035If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2036defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2037
2038=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2039
2040If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2041defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2042
2043=item EV_MINIMAL
2044
2045If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2046speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override
2047some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64.
2048
2049=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2050
2051C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2052pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2053than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2054increase this value.
2055
2056=item EV_COMMON
2057
2058By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2059this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2060members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2061though, and it must be identical each time.
2062
2063For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2064
2065 #define EV_COMMON \
2066 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2067 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2068
2069=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2070
2071=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2072
2073=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
2074
2075Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
2076and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
2077definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for
2078their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2079avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2080method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2081
2082=head2 EXAMPLES
2083
2084For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2085verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
2086(L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV.html>). It has the libev files in
2087the F<libev/> subdirectory and includes them in the F<EV/EVAPI.h> (public
2088interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
2089will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
2090file.
2091
2092The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2093that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices:
2094
2095 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2096 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2097 #define EV_PERIODICS 0
2098 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2099
2100 #include "ev++.h"
2101
2102And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2103
2104 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2105 #include "ev.c"
2106
2107
2108=head1 COMPLEXITIES
2109
2110In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2111libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2112documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2113
2114=over 4
2115
2116=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2117
2118=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2119
2120=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2121
2122=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2123
2124=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % 16))
2125
2126=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1)
2127
2128=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2129
2130=item Activating one watcher: O(1)
2131
2132=back
2133
2134
722=head1 AUTHOR 2135=head1 AUTHOR
723 2136
724Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 2137Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
725 2138

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