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4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head2 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 }
50
9=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
10 52
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
56
11Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 57Libev 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 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
13these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
14 60
15To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process 61To 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 62(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then
17communicate events via a callback mechanism. 63communicate events via a callback mechanism.
19You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event 65You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event
20watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the 66watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the
21details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 67details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
22watcher. 68watcher.
23 69
24=head1 FEATURES 70=head2 FEATURES
25 71
26Libev supports select, poll, the linux-specific epoll and the bsd-specific 72Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
27kqueue mechanisms for file descriptor events, relative timers, absolute 73BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
28timers with customised rescheduling, signal events, process status change 74for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
29events (related to SIGCHLD), and event watchers dealing with the event 75(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
30loop mechanism itself (idle, prepare and check watchers). It also is quite 76with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals
77(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event
78watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,
79C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as
80file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events
81(C<ev_fork>).
82
83It also is quite fast (see this
31fast (see this L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing 84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
32it to libevent for example). 85for example).
33 86
34=head1 CONVENTIONS 87=head2 CONVENTIONS
35 88
36Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration 89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will
37will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info 90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about
38about various configuration options please have a look at the file 91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in
39F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without 92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event
40support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial 93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop>
41argument of name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) 94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument.
42will not have this argument.
43 95
44=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 96=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
45 97
46Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
47(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
48the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
49called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
50to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
51it, you should treat it as such. 103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name
52 104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev.
53 106
54=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
55 108
56These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
57library in any way. 110library in any way.
62 115
63Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 116Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
64C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 117C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
65you actually want to know. 118you actually want to know.
66 119
120=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
121
122Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
123either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
124this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>.
125
67=item int ev_version_major () 126=item int ev_version_major ()
68 127
69=item int ev_version_minor () 128=item int ev_version_minor ()
70 129
71You can find out the major and minor version numbers of the library 130You can find out the major and minor ABI version numbers of the library
72you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 131you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
73C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 132C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global
74symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the 133symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
75version of the library your program was compiled against. 134version of the library your program was compiled against.
76 135
136These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
137release version.
138
77Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 139Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
78as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 140as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
79compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 141compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
80not a problem. 142not a problem.
81 143
82Example: make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 144Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
83version: 145version.
84 146
85 assert (("libev version mismatch", 147 assert (("libev version mismatch",
86 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 148 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
87 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 149 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
88 150
118 180
119See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 181See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
120 182
121=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 183=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
122 184
123Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the 185Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
124realloc C function, the semantics are identical). It is used to allocate 186semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
125and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory 187allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
126needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially 188memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
127destructive action. The default is your system realloc function. 189potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
190function.
128 191
129You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 192You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
130free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 193free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
131or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 194or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
132 195
133Example: replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 196Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
134retries: better than mine). 197retries).
135 198
136 static void * 199 static void *
137 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, long size) 200 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
138 { 201 {
139 for (;;) 202 for (;;)
140 { 203 {
141 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 204 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
142 205
158callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 221callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no
159matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 222matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
160requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 223requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
161(such as abort). 224(such as abort).
162 225
163Example: do the same thing as libev does internally: 226Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
164 227
165 static void 228 static void
166 fatal_error (const char *msg) 229 fatal_error (const char *msg)
167 { 230 {
168 perror (msg); 231 perror (msg);
218C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 281C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
219override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 282override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
220useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 283useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
221around bugs. 284around bugs.
222 285
286=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
287
288Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
289a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
290enabling this flag.
291
292This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
293and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
294iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
295Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
296without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has
297C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
298
299The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
300forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
301flag.
302
303This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
304environment variable.
305
223=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 306=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
224 307
225This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 308This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
226libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 309libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
227but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 310but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
228using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its usually 311using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
229the fastest backend for a low number of fds. 312usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
313
314To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
315parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
316writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
317connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
318a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
319readyness notifications you get per iteration.
230 320
231=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 321=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
232 322
233And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated than 323And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
234select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial limit on the 324than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
235number of fds you can use (except it will slow down considerably with a 325limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
236lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds). 326considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
327i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
328performance tips.
237 329
238=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 330=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
239 331
240For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 332For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
241but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 333but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
242O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), epoll scales 334like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
243either O(1) or O(active_fds). 335epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
336of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
337cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad
338support for dup.
244 339
245While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 340While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
246result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 341will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident
247(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 342(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
248best to avoid that. Also, dup()ed file descriptors might not work very 343best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
249well if you register events for both fds. 344very well if you register events for both fds.
250 345
251Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 346Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
252need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data 347need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
253(or space) is available. 348(or space) is available.
254 349
350Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
351watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.
352keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.
353
354While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in
355all kernel versions tested so far.
356
255=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 357=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
256 358
257Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 359Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
258was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 360was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
259anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 361with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
260completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 362it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected"
261unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 363unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
262C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>). 364C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
365system like NetBSD.
366
367You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
368only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
369the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
263 370
264It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 371It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
265kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 372kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
266course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 373course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
267extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per 374cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
268incident, so its best to avoid that. 375two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
376drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
377
378This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
379
380While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
381everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
382almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
383(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
384(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for
385sockets.
269 386
270=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 387=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
271 388
272This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 389This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
390implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
391and is not embeddable, which would limit the usefulness of this backend
392immensely.
273 393
274=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 394=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
275 395
276This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 396This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
277it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 397it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
278 398
279Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 399Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
280notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 400notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
281blocking when no data (or space) is available. 401blocking when no data (or space) is available.
402
403While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
404file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
405descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
406might perform better.
282 407
283=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 408=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
284 409
285Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 410Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
286with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 411with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
287C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 412C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
413
414It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
288 415
289=back 416=back
290 417
291If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 418If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these
292backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are 419backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are
314Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 441Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
315always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 442always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
316handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 443handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
317undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 444undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
318 445
319Example: try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 446Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
320 447
321 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 448 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
322 if (!epoller) 449 if (!epoller)
323 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 450 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
324 451
327Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 454Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
328etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 455etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
329sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 456sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
330responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 457responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
331calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 458calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
332the easiest thing, youc na just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 459the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
333for example). 460for example).
461
462Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
463this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
464would need to be stopped manually.
465
466In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
467rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
468pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
469C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
334 470
335=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 471=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
336 472
337Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 473Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
338earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 474earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
362 498
363Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 499Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
364C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 500C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
365after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 501after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
366 502
503=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
504
505Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
506the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
507happily wraps around with enough iterations.
508
509This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
510"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
511C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
512
367=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 513=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
368 514
369Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 515Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
370use. 516use.
371 517
373 519
374Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 520Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
375received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 521received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
376change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 522change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
377time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 523time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
378event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 524event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
379 525
380=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 526=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
381 527
382Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 528Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
383after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 529after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
404libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 550libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
405usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 551usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
406 552
407Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 553Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
408 554
555 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
409 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 556 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
410 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 557 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
411 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 558 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
412 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 559 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
413 - Update the "event loop time". 560 - Update the "event loop time".
414 - Calculate for how long to block. 561 - Calculate for how long to block.
415 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 562 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
423 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 570 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
424 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 571 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
425 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 572 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
426 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 573 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *.
427 574
428Example: queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 575Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding
429anymore. 576anymore.
430 577
431 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 578 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
432 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 579 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
433 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 580 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
453visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 600visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
454no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 601no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
455way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 602way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
456libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 603libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>.
457 604
458Example: create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 605Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
459running when nothing else is active. 606running when nothing else is active.
460 607
461 struct dv_signal exitsig; 608 struct ev_signal exitsig;
462 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 609 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
463 ev_signal_start (myloop, &exitsig); 610 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
464 evf_unref (myloop); 611 evf_unref (loop);
465 612
466Example: for some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 613Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
467 614
468 ev_ref (myloop); 615 ev_ref (loop);
469 ev_signal_stop (myloop, &exitsig); 616 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
617
618=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
619
620=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
621
622These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
623for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to
624invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency.
625
626Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
627allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to
628increase efficiency of loop iterations.
629
630The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
631handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
632the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
633events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
634overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
635
636By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
637time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
638at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
639C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
640introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
641
642Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
643to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
644latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
645will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
646any overhead in libev.
647
648Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect
649interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
650interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
651usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
652as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems.
470 653
471=back 654=back
655
472 656
473=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 657=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
474 658
475A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 659A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
476interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 660interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
543The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread. 727The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread.
544 728
545=item C<EV_CHILD> 729=item C<EV_CHILD>
546 730
547The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change. 731The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change.
732
733=item C<EV_STAT>
734
735The path specified in the C<ev_stat> watcher changed its attributes somehow.
548 736
549=item C<EV_IDLE> 737=item C<EV_IDLE>
550 738
551The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do. 739The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do.
552 740
560received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 748received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
561many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 749many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
562(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 750(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
563C<ev_loop> from blocking). 751C<ev_loop> from blocking).
564 752
753=item C<EV_EMBED>
754
755The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
756
757=item C<EV_FORK>
758
759The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
760C<ev_fork>).
761
565=item C<EV_ERROR> 762=item C<EV_ERROR>
566 763
567An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 764An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
568happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 765happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
569ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 766ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
576with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 773with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded
577programs, though, so beware. 774programs, though, so beware.
578 775
579=back 776=back
580 777
581=head2 SUMMARY OF GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 778=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
582 779
583In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type, 780In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
584e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers. 781e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
585 782
586=over 4 783=over 4
595which rolls both calls into one. 792which rolls both calls into one.
596 793
597You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped 794You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
598(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 795(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
599 796
600The callbakc is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 797The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
601int revents)>. 798int revents)>.
602 799
603=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 800=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
604 801
605This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 802This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
640=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 837=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
641 838
642Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 839Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
643events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher 840events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
644is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but 841is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
645C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 842C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
646libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 843make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
844it).
647 845
648=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 846=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
649 847
650Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 848Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
651 849
652=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 850=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
653 851
654Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 852Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
655(modulo threads). 853(modulo threads).
854
855=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
856
857=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
858
859Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
860integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
861(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
862before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
863from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
864
865This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
866invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
867example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
868watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
869
870If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
871you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
872
873You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
874pending.
875
876The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
877always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
878
879Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
880fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
881or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
882
883=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
884
885Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
886C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
887can deal with that fact.
888
889=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
890
891If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
892and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
893watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
656 894
657=back 895=back
658 896
659 897
660=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 898=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
681 { 919 {
682 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 920 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
683 ... 921 ...
684 } 922 }
685 923
686More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 924More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
687have been omitted.... 925instead have been omitted.
926
927Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
928watchers:
929
930 struct my_biggy
931 {
932 int some_data;
933 ev_timer t1;
934 ev_timer t2;
935 }
936
937In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
938you need to use C<offsetof>:
939
940 #include <stddef.h>
941
942 static void
943 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
944 {
945 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
946 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
947 }
948
949 static void
950 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
951 {
952 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
953 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
954 }
688 955
689 956
690=head1 WATCHER TYPES 957=head1 WATCHER TYPES
691 958
692This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 959This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
693information given in the last section. 960information given in the last section. Any initialisation/set macros,
961functions and members specific to the watcher type are explained.
694 962
963Members are additionally marked with either I<[read-only]>, meaning that,
964while the watcher is active, you can look at the member and expect some
965sensible content, but you must not modify it (you can modify it while the
966watcher is stopped to your hearts content), or I<[read-write]>, which
967means you can expect it to have some sensible content while the watcher
968is active, but you can also modify it. Modifying it may not do something
969sensible or take immediate effect (or do anything at all), but libev will
970not crash or malfunction in any way.
695 971
972
696=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable 973=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable?
697 974
698I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable 975I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable
699in each iteration of the event loop (This behaviour is called 976in each iteration of the event loop, or, more precisely, when reading
700level-triggering because you keep receiving events as long as the 977would not block the process and writing would at least be able to write
701condition persists. Remember you can stop the watcher if you don't want to 978some data. This behaviour is called level-triggering because you keep
702act on the event and neither want to receive future events). 979receiving events as long as the condition persists. Remember you can stop
980the watcher if you don't want to act on the event and neither want to
981receive future events.
703 982
704In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 983In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
705fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 984fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
706descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 985descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
707required if you know what you are doing). 986required if you know what you are doing).
708 987
709You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends 988You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
710(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file 989(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
711descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing 990descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
712to the same underlying file/socket etc. description (that is, they share 991to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
713the same underlying "file open"). 992the same underlying "file open").
714 993
715If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 994If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
716(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 995(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
717C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 996C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
718 997
998Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
999receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might
1000be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1001because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1002lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
1003this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
1004it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1005C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1006
1007If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
1008play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
1009whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
1010such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
1011its own, so its quite safe to use).
1012
1013=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1014
1015Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1016descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
1017such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1018descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1019this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1020registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1021fact, a different file descriptor.
1022
1023To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
1024the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
1025will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
1026it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
1027you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
1028descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
1029
1030This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
1031the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
1032optimisations to libev.
1033
1034=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
1035
1036Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
1037but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That means when you
1038have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors and register events for them, only one
1039file descriptor might actually receive events.
1040
1041There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1042for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1043C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1044
1045=head3 The special problem of fork
1046
1047Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1048useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1049it in the child.
1050
1051To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1052C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1053enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1054C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1055
1056
1057=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1058
719=over 4 1059=over 4
720 1060
721=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1061=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
722 1062
723=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1063=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
724 1064
725Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The fd is the file descriptor to rceeive 1065Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
726events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_READ | 1066rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
727EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1067C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
728 1068
729Please note that most of the more scalable backend mechanisms (for example 1069=item int fd [read-only]
730epoll and solaris ports) can result in spurious readyness notifications 1070
731for file descriptors, so you practically need to use non-blocking I/O (and 1071The file descriptor being watched.
732treat callback invocation as hint only), or retest separately with a safe 1072
733interface before doing I/O (XLib can do this), or force the use of either 1073=item int events [read-only]
734C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>, which don't suffer from this 1074
735problem. Also note that it is quite easy to have your callback invoked 1075The events being watched.
736when the readyness condition is no longer valid even when employing
737typical ways of handling events, so its a good idea to use non-blocking
738I/O unconditionally.
739 1076
740=back 1077=back
741 1078
742Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1079Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
743readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1080readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
744attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 1081attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
745 1082
746 static void 1083 static void
747 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1084 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
748 { 1085 {
749 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1086 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
756 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1093 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
757 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1094 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
758 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1095 ev_loop (loop, 0);
759 1096
760 1097
761=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally recurring timeouts 1098=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
762 1099
763Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1100Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
764given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1101given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
765 1102
766The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1103The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
779 1116
780The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1117The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
781but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1118but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
782order of execution is undefined. 1119order of execution is undefined.
783 1120
1121=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1122
784=over 4 1123=over 4
785 1124
786=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1125=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
787 1126
788=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1127=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
801=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1140=item ev_timer_again (loop)
802 1141
803This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1142This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
804repeating. The exact semantics are: 1143repeating. The exact semantics are:
805 1144
1145If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1146
806If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1147If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
807 1148
808If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1149If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
809value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1150C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
810 1151
811This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1152This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
812example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1153example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
813timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60 1154timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
814seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to 1155seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
815configure an C<ev_timer> with after=repeat=60 and calling ev_timer_again each 1156configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
816time you successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle 1157C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
817state where you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can stop 1158you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
818the timer, and again will automatically restart it if need be. 1159socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1160automatically restart it if need be.
1161
1162That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1163altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1164
1165 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1166 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1167 ...
1168 timer->again = 17.;
1169 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1170 ...
1171 timer->again = 10.;
1172 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1173
1174This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1175you want to modify its timeout value.
1176
1177=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1178
1179The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1180or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
1181which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
819 1182
820=back 1183=back
821 1184
822Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1185Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
823 1186
824 static void 1187 static void
825 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1188 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
826 { 1189 {
827 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1190 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
829 1192
830 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1193 struct ev_timer mytimer;
831 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1194 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
832 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1195 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
833 1196
834Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1197Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
835inactivity. 1198inactivity.
836 1199
837 static void 1200 static void
838 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1201 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
839 { 1202 {
848 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1211 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
849 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1212 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
850 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1213 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
851 1214
852 1215
853=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron 1216=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
854 1217
855Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1218Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
856(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1219(and unfortunately a bit complex).
857 1220
858Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1221Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
859but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1222but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
860to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1223to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
861periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1224periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now ()
862+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1225+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will
863take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1226take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger
864roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1227roughly 10 seconds later).
865again).
866 1228
867They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1229They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
868triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1230triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1231rules.
869 1232
870As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1233As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the
871time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1234time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
872during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1235during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
873 1236
1237=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1238
874=over 4 1239=over 4
875 1240
876=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1241=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
877 1242
878=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1243=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
880Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1245Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
881operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1246operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
882 1247
883=over 4 1248=over 4
884 1249
885=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1250=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
886 1251
887In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1252In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
888C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1253C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs,
889that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1254that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
890system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1255system time reaches or surpasses this time.
891 1256
892=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1257=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
893 1258
894In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1259In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
895C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat, regardless 1260C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
896of any time jumps. 1261and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
897 1262
898This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1263This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
899time: 1264time:
900 1265
901 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1266 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
907 1272
908Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1273Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
909C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1274C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
910time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1275time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
911 1276
1277For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1278C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1279this value.
1280
912=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1281=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
913 1282
914In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1283In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
915ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1284ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
916reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1285reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
917current time as second argument. 1286current time as second argument.
918 1287
919NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1288NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
920ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1289ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,
921return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by 1290return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
922starting a prepare watcher). 1291starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
923 1292
924Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1293Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
925ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1294ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
926 1295
927 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1296 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
950Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1319Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
951when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1320when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
952a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1321a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
953program when the crontabs have changed). 1322program when the crontabs have changed).
954 1323
1324=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1325
1326When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1327absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1328
1329Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1330timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1331
1332=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1333
1334The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1335take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1336called.
1337
1338=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1339
1340The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1341switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1342the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1343
1344=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1345
1346When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1347trigger next.
1348
955=back 1349=back
956 1350
957Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1351Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
958system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1352system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
959potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1353potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
960 1354
961 static void 1355 static void
962 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1356 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
966 1360
967 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1361 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
968 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1362 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
969 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1363 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
970 1364
971Example: the same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1365Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
972 1366
973 #include <math.h> 1367 #include <math.h>
974 1368
975 static ev_tstamp 1369 static ev_tstamp
976 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1370 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
978 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1372 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
979 } 1373 }
980 1374
981 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1375 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
982 1376
983Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1377Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
984 1378
985 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1379 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
986 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1380 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
987 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1381 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
988 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1382 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
989 1383
990 1384
991=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled 1385=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
992 1386
993Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1387Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
994signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 1388signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
995will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 1389will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
996normal event processing, like any other event. 1390normal event processing, like any other event.
1000with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1394with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
1001as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1395as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1002watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1396watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1003SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1397SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1004 1398
1399=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1400
1005=over 4 1401=over 4
1006 1402
1007=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1403=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1008 1404
1009=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1405=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1010 1406
1011Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one 1407Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one
1012of the C<SIGxxx> constants). 1408of the C<SIGxxx> constants).
1013 1409
1410=item int signum [read-only]
1411
1412The signal the watcher watches out for.
1413
1014=back 1414=back
1015 1415
1016 1416
1017=head2 C<ev_child> - wait for pid status changes 1417=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1018 1418
1019Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1419Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1020some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1420some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
1421
1422=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1021 1423
1022=over 4 1424=over 4
1023 1425
1024=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1426=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)
1025 1427
1030at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 1432at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
1031the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems 1433the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
1032C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 1434C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1033process causing the status change. 1435process causing the status change.
1034 1436
1437=item int pid [read-only]
1438
1439The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1440
1441=item int rpid [read-write]
1442
1443The process id that detected a status change.
1444
1445=item int rstatus [read-write]
1446
1447The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1448C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1449
1035=back 1450=back
1036 1451
1037Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1452Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1038 1453
1039 static void 1454 static void
1040 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1455 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1041 { 1456 {
1042 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1457 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1045 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1460 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1046 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1461 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1047 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1462 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1048 1463
1049 1464
1465=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1466
1467This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1468C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1469compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1470
1471The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1472not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1473not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1474otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1475the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1476
1477The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1478relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1479
1480Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1481calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1482can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1483a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1484unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1485five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1486impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1487usually overkill.
1488
1489This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1490as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1491resource-intensive.
1492
1493At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1494implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1495reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1496semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1497to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1498usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1499polling.
1500
1501=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1502
1503The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1504even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still
1505only support whole seconds.
1506
1507That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might
1508miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls
1509your callback, which does something. When there is another update within
1510the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it.
1511
1512The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till
1513the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer>
1514(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01>
1515is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating
1516systems.
1517
1518=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1519
1520=over 4
1521
1522=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1523
1524=item ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1525
1526Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of the given
1527C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1528be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1529a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1530path for as long as the watcher is active.
1531
1532The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected,
1533relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1534last change was detected).
1535
1536=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *)
1537
1538Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1539watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid
1540detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be
1541useful simply to find out the new values.
1542
1543=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1544
1545The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of
1546C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1547suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there
1548was some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1549
1550=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1551
1552The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1553C<prev> != C<attr>.
1554
1555=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1556
1557The specified interval.
1558
1559=item const char *path [read-only]
1560
1561The filesystem path that is being watched.
1562
1563=back
1564
1565Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1566
1567 static void
1568 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1569 {
1570 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1571 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1572 {
1573 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1574 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1575 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1576 }
1577 else
1578 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1579 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1580 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1581 }
1582
1583 ...
1584 ev_stat passwd;
1585
1586 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1587 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1588
1589Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1590miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1591one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1592C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1593
1594 static ev_stat passwd;
1595 static ev_timer timer;
1596
1597 static void
1598 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1599 {
1600 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1601
1602 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1603 }
1604
1605 static void
1606 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1607 {
1608 /* reset the one-second timer */
1609 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1610 }
1611
1612 ...
1613 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1614 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1615 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01);
1616
1617
1050=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do 1618=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1051 1619
1052Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1620Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1053(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1621priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1054as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1622count).
1055imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1623
1056watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1624That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1625(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1626triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1627are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1057until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1628iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1058busy. 1629and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1059 1630
1060The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1631The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1061active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1632active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1062 1633
1063Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1634Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1064effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1635effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1065"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1636"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1066event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1637event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1067 1638
1639=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1640
1068=over 4 1641=over 4
1069 1642
1070=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1643=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1071 1644
1072Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1645Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1073kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1646kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1074believe me. 1647believe me.
1075 1648
1076=back 1649=back
1077 1650
1078Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1651Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1079callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1652callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1080 1653
1081 static void 1654 static void
1082 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1655 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1083 { 1656 {
1084 free (w); 1657 free (w);
1089 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1662 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1090 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1663 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1091 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1664 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1092 1665
1093 1666
1094=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop 1667=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1095 1668
1096Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 1669Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:
1097prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 1670prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1098afterwards. 1671afterwards.
1099 1672
1673You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter
1674the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
1675watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
1676rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in
1677those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
1678C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1679called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1680
1100Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 1681Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1101their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track 1682their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track
1102variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 1683variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1103coroutine library and lots more. 1684coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1685you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1686in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1687watcher).
1104 1688
1105This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 1689This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need
1106to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 1690to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for
1107them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 1691them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
1108provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 1692provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
1118with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1702with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1119of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 1703of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1120loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1704loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1121low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1705low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1122 1706
1707It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1708priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1709after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1710too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1711supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers
1712did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1713(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1714state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1715coexist peacefully with others).
1716
1717=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1718
1123=over 4 1719=over 4
1124 1720
1125=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1721=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1126 1722
1127=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1723=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1130parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1726parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1131macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1727macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1132 1728
1133=back 1729=back
1134 1730
1135Example: *TODO*. 1731There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1732into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1733(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1734use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1735embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1736into the Glib event loop).
1136 1737
1738Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1739and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1740is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1741priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1742the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1137 1743
1744 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1745 static ev_timer tw;
1746
1747 static void
1748 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1749 {
1750 }
1751
1752 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1753 static void
1754 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1755 {
1756 int timeout = 3600000;
1757 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1758 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1759 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1760
1761 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1762 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1763 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1764
1765 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1766 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1767 {
1768 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1769 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1770 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1771
1772 fds [i].revents = 0;
1773 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1774 }
1775 }
1776
1777 // stop all watchers after blocking
1778 static void
1779 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1780 {
1781 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1782
1783 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1784 {
1785 // set the relevant poll flags
1786 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1787 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1788 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1789 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1790 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1791
1792 // now stop the watcher
1793 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1794 }
1795
1796 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1797 }
1798
1799Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1800in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1801
1802Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1803notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1804callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1805
1806 static void
1807 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1808 {
1809 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1810 update_now (EV_A);
1811
1812 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1813 }
1814
1815 static void
1816 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1817 {
1818 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1819 update_now (EV_A);
1820
1821 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1822 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1823 }
1824
1825 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1826
1827Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1828want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1829their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1830loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1831this.
1832
1833 static gint
1834 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1835 {
1836 int got_events = 0;
1837
1838 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1839 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1840
1841 if (timeout >= 0)
1842 // create/start timer
1843
1844 // poll
1845 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1846
1847 // stop timer again
1848 if (timeout >= 0)
1849 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1850
1851 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1852 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1853 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1854
1855 return got_events;
1856 }
1857
1858
1138=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough 1859=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1139 1860
1140This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 1861This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1141into another (currently only C<ev_io> events are supported in the embedded 1862into another (currently only C<ev_io> events are supported in the embedded
1142loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect 1863loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect
1143fashion and must not be used). 1864fashion and must not be used).
1203 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 1924 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1204 } 1925 }
1205 else 1926 else
1206 loop_lo = loop_hi; 1927 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1207 1928
1929=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1930
1208=over 4 1931=over 4
1209 1932
1210=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1933=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1211 1934
1212=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1935=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1221 1944
1222Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 1945Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1223similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 1946similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1224apropriate way for embedded loops. 1947apropriate way for embedded loops.
1225 1948
1949=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1950
1951The embedded event loop.
1952
1953=back
1954
1955
1956=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1957
1958Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1959whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
1960C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the
1961event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1962and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1963C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1964handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1965
1966=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1967
1968=over 4
1969
1970=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1971
1972Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1973kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1974believe me.
1975
1226=back 1976=back
1227 1977
1228 1978
1229=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 1979=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1230 1980
1318 2068
1319To use it, 2069To use it,
1320 2070
1321 #include <ev++.h> 2071 #include <ev++.h>
1322 2072
1323(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 2073This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1324and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 2074of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1325namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 2075put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2076options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1326 2077
1327It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 2078Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1328C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2079classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
2080that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
2081you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
2082
2083Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
2084used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
2085need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
2086types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
2087it).
1329 2088
1330Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 2089Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1331 2090
1332=over 4 2091=over 4
1333 2092
1349 2108
1350All of those classes have these methods: 2109All of those classes have these methods:
1351 2110
1352=over 4 2111=over 4
1353 2112
1354=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 2113=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1355 2114
1356=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 2115=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1357 2116
1358=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 2117=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1359 2118
1360The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 2119The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1361the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 2120with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1362C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 2121
1363before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 2122The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1364automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 2123C<set> method before starting it.
2124
2125It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
2126method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
2127
2128(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
2129not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1365 2130
1366The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 2131The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
2132
2133=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
2134
2135This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
2136signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
2137first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
2138parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
2139
2140This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
2141the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
2142callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
2143your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2144thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2145
2146Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2147
2148 struct myclass
2149 {
2150 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2151 }
2152
2153 myclass obj;
2154 ev::io iow;
2155 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2156
2157=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2158
2159Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2160callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2161C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2162
2163The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2164
2165See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2166
2167Example:
2168
2169 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2170 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1367 2171
1368=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2172=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1369 2173
1370Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2174Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1371do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2175do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1372 2176
1373=item w->set ([args]) 2177=item w->set ([args])
1374 2178
1375Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2179Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
1376called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2180called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1377automatically stopped and restarted. 2181automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2182method.
1378 2183
1379=item w->start () 2184=item w->start ()
1380 2185
1381Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2186Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1382constructor already takes the loop. 2187constructor already stores the event loop.
1383 2188
1384=item w->stop () 2189=item w->stop ()
1385 2190
1386Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2191Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1387 2192
1388=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2193=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1389 2194
1390For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2195For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1391C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2196C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1392 2197
1393=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2198=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1394 2199
1395Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2200Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
2201
2202=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
2203
2204Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1396 2205
1397=back 2206=back
1398 2207
1399=back 2208=back
1400 2209
1408 2217
1409 myclass (); 2218 myclass ();
1410 } 2219 }
1411 2220
1412 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2221 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1413 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1414 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1415 { 2222 {
2223 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2224 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2225
1416 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2226 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1417 } 2227 }
2228
2229
2230=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2231
2232Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
2233of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2234functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2235
2236To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2237following macros are defined:
2238
2239=over 4
2240
2241=item C<EV_A>, C<EV_A_>
2242
2243This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2244loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2245C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2246
2247 ev_unref (EV_A);
2248 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2249 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2250
2251It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2252which is often provided by the following macro.
2253
2254=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2255
2256This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2257loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2258C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2259
2260 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2261 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2262
2263 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2264 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2265
2266It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2267suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2268
2269=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2270
2271Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2272loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
2273
2274=back
2275
2276Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2277macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2278or not.
2279
2280 static void
2281 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2282 {
2283 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2284 }
2285
2286 ev_check check;
2287 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2288 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2289 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1418 2290
1419=head1 EMBEDDING 2291=head1 EMBEDDING
1420 2292
1421Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2293Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1422applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2294applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1423Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2295Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1424and rxvt-unicode. 2296and rxvt-unicode.
1425 2297
1426The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2298The goal is to enable you to just copy the necessary files into your
1427source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so 2299source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
1428you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of 2300you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1429libev somewhere in your source tree). 2301libev somewhere in your source tree).
1430 2302
1431=head2 FILESETS 2303=head2 FILESETS
1462 ev_vars.h 2334 ev_vars.h
1463 ev_wrap.h 2335 ev_wrap.h
1464 2336
1465 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2337 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1466 2338
1467 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is is by default) 2339 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
1468 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2340 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1469 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2341 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1470 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2342 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1471 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2343 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1472 2344
1473F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 2345F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
1474to compile a single file. 2346to compile this single file.
1475 2347
1476=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 2348=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
1477 2349
1478To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 2350To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
1479 2351
1492 2364
1493=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 2365=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
1494 2366
1495Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 2367Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in
1496whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 2368whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
1497F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> off. F<ev.c> will then include 2369F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
1498F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 2370include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
1499 2371
1500For this of course you need the m4 file: 2372For this of course you need the m4 file:
1501 2373
1502 libev.m4 2374 libev.m4
1503 2375
1521 2393
1522If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2394If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1523monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2395monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
1524of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2396of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1525usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2397usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1526the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2398the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
1527to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2399to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1528function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2400function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1529 2401
1530=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2402=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1531 2403
1532If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2404If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1533realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2405realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
1534runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2406runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
1535be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2407be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1536(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2408(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
1537in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2409note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2410
2411=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2412
2413If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2414and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
1538 2415
1539=item EV_USE_SELECT 2416=item EV_USE_SELECT
1540 2417
1541If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2418If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
1542C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2419C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
1583otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 2460otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
1584backend for BSD and BSD-like systems, although on most BSDs kqueue only 2461backend for BSD and BSD-like systems, although on most BSDs kqueue only
1585supports some types of fds correctly (the only platform we found that 2462supports some types of fds correctly (the only platform we found that
1586supports ptys for example was NetBSD), so kqueue might be compiled in, but 2463supports ptys for example was NetBSD), so kqueue might be compiled in, but
1587not be used unless explicitly requested. The best way to use it is to find 2464not be used unless explicitly requested. The best way to use it is to find
1588out wether kqueue supports your type of fd properly and use an embedded 2465out whether kqueue supports your type of fd properly and use an embedded
1589kqueue loop. 2466kqueue loop.
1590 2467
1591=item EV_USE_PORT 2468=item EV_USE_PORT
1592 2469
1593If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Solaris 2470If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Solaris
1596backend for Solaris 10 systems. 2473backend for Solaris 10 systems.
1597 2474
1598=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2475=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1599 2476
1600reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2477reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2478
2479=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2480
2481If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2482interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2483be detected at runtime.
1601 2484
1602=item EV_H 2485=item EV_H
1603 2486
1604The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2487The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
1605undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 2488undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This
1629will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2512will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
1630additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2513additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
1631for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2514for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
1632argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2515argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
1633 2516
2517=item EV_MINPRI
2518
2519=item EV_MAXPRI
2520
2521The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2522C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2523provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2524to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2525
2526When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2527all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2528and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2529fine.
2530
2531If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2532C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2533
1634=item EV_PERIODICS 2534=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
1635 2535
1636If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported, 2536If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
1637otherwise not. This saves a few kb of code. 2537defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2538code.
2539
2540=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2541
2542If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2543defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2544code.
2545
2546=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2547
2548If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2549defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2550
2551=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2552
2553If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2554defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2555
2556=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2557
2558If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2559defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2560
2561=item EV_MINIMAL
2562
2563If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2564speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override
2565some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64.
2566
2567=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2568
2569C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2570pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2571than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2572increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2573
2574=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2575
2576C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2577inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2578usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2579watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2580two).
1638 2581
1639=item EV_COMMON 2582=item EV_COMMON
1640 2583
1641By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 2584By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
1642this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 2585this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
1647 2590
1648 #define EV_COMMON \ 2591 #define EV_COMMON \
1649 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 2592 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
1650 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 2593 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
1651 2594
1652=item EV_CB_DECLARE(type) 2595=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
1653 2596
1654=item EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher,revents) 2597=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
1655 2598
1656=item ev_set_cb(ev,cb) 2599=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
1657 2600
1658Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 2601Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
1659and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 2602and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
1660definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for 2603definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
1661their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 2604their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
1662avoid the ev_loop pointer as first argument in all cases, or to use method 2605avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
1663calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 2606method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2607
2608=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2609
2610If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of
2611exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2612all public symbols, one per line:
2613
2614 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2615 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2616
2617This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2618multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2619itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this).
2620
2621A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2622include before including F<ev.h>:
2623
2624 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2625
2626This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
2627
2628 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
2629 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
2630 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
2631 ...
1664 2632
1665=head2 EXAMPLES 2633=head2 EXAMPLES
1666 2634
1667For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 2635For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
1668verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 2636verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
1671interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2639interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
1672will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header 2640will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
1673file. 2641file.
1674 2642
1675The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2643The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
1676that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2644that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
1677 2645
2646 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
1678 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2647 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
1679 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2648 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
1680 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2649 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2650 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2651 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
1681 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2652 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2653 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2654 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
1682 2655
1683 #include "ev++.h" 2656 #include "ev++.h"
1684 2657
1685And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2658And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
1686 2659
1687 #include "rxvttoolkit.h" 2660 #include "ev_cpp.h"
1688
1689 /* darwin has problems with its header files in C++, requiring this namespace juggling */
1690 using namespace ev;
1691
1692 #include "ev.c" 2661 #include "ev.c"
2662
2663
2664=head1 COMPLEXITIES
2665
2666In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2667libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2668documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2669
2670All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2671extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2672happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2673mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2674it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2675
2676=over 4
2677
2678=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2679
2680This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2681there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2682have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2683
2684=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2685
2686That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2687as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2688
2689=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2690
2691These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2692
2693=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2694
2695=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2696
2697These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2698correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2699have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2700
2701=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
2702
2703By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the
2704beginning of the storage array.
2705
2706=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2707
2708A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2709libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
2710on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2711
2712=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
2713
2714=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2715
2716Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2717priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2718linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
2719watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. prioritiy handling.
2720
2721=back
1693 2722
1694 2723
1695=head1 AUTHOR 2724=head1 AUTHOR
1696 2725
1697Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 2726Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.

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