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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=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 #include <ev.h> 11 #include <ev.h>
12 12
13 ev_io stdin_watcher; 13 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 14 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
48 return 0; 48 return 0;
49 } 49 }
50 50
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
52 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
53Libev 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
54file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
55these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
56 60
57To 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
58(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
59communicate events via a callback mechanism. 63communicate events via a callback mechanism.
61You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event 65You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event
62watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the 66watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the
63details 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
64watcher. 68watcher.
65 69
66=head1 FEATURES 70=head2 FEATURES
67 71
68Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the linux-specific C<epoll>, the 72Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
69bsd-specific C<kqueue> and the solaris-specific event port mechanisms 73BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
70for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), 74for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
75(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
71absolute timers with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous 76with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals
72signals (C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and 77(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event
73event watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, 78watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,
74C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as 79C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as
75file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events 80file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events
76(C<ev_fork>). 81(C<ev_fork>).
77 82
78It also is quite fast (see this 83It also is quite fast (see this
79L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
80for example). 85for example).
81 86
82=head1 CONVENTIONS 87=head2 CONVENTIONS
83 88
84Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will 89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will
85be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about 90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about
86various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in 91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in
87this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event 92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event
88loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop> 93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop>
89(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument. 94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument.
90 95
91=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 96=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
92 97
93Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
94(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
95the 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
96called 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
97to 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
98it, you should treat it as such. 103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name
104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev.
99 106
100=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
101 108
102These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
103library in any way. 110library in any way.
108 115
109Returns 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
110C<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
111you actually want to know. 118you actually want to know.
112 119
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
113=item int ev_version_major () 126=item int ev_version_major ()
114 127
115=item int ev_version_minor () 128=item int ev_version_minor ()
116 129
117You 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
118you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 131you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
119C<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
120symbols 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
121version of the library your program was compiled against. 134version of the library your program was compiled against.
122 135
136These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
137release version.
138
123Usually, 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,
124as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 140as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
125compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 141compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
126not a problem. 142not a problem.
127 143
128Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 144Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
129version. 145version.
162C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 178C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
163recommended ones. 179recommended ones.
164 180
165See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 181See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
166 182
167=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, size_t size)) 183=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
168 184
169Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype and semantics are 185Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
170identical to the realloc C function). It is used to allocate and free 186semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
171memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory needs to be 187allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
172allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially destructive 188memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
173action. The default is your system realloc function. 189potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
190function.
174 191
175You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 192You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
176free 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,
177or 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.
178 195
264C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 281C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
265override 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
266useful 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
267around bugs. 284around bugs.
268 285
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
269=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 306=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
270 307
271This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 308This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
272libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 309libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
273but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 310but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
274using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its usually 311using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
275the 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.
276 320
277=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)
278 322
279And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated than 323And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
280select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial limit on the 324than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
281number 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
282lot 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.
283 329
284=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 330=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
285 331
286For 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,
287but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 333but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
288O(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),
289either 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.
290 339
291While 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
292result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 341will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident
293(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 342(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
294best to avoid that. Also, dup()ed file descriptors might not work very 343best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
295well if you register events for both fds. 344very well if you register events for both fds.
296 345
297Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 346Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
298need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data 347need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
299(or space) is available. 348(or space) is available.
300 349
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
301=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 357=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
302 358
303Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 359Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
304was 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
305anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 361with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
306completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 362it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected"
307unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 363unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
308C<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.
309 370
310It 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
311kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 372kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
312course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 373course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
313extra 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
314incident, 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.
315 386
316=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 387=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
317 388
318This 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.
319 393
320=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 394=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
321 395
322This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 396This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
323it'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)).
324 398
325Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 399Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
326notifications, 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
327blocking 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.
328 407
329=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 408=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
330 409
331Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 410Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
332with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 411with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
333C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 412C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
413
414It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
334 415
335=back 416=back
336 417
337If 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
338backends 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
373Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 454Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
374etc.). 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
375sense, 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
376responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 457responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
377calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 458calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
378the easiest thing, youc na just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 459the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
379for 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>).
380 470
381=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 471=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
382 472
383Like 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
384earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 474earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
408 498
409Like 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
410C<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
411after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 501after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
412 502
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
413=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 513=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
414 514
415Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 515Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
416use. 516use.
417 517
419 519
420Returns 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
421received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 521received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
422change 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
423time 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
424event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 524event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
425 525
426=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 526=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
427 527
428Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 528Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
429after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 529after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
450libev 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
451usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 551usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
452 552
453Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 553Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
454 554
555 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
455 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 556 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return.
456 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 557 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers.
457 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 558 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
458 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 559 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
459 - Update the "event loop time". 560 - Update the "event loop time".
460 - Calculate for how long to block. 561 - Calculate for how long to block.
461 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 562 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
512Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 613Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
513 614
514 ev_ref (loop); 615 ev_ref (loop);
515 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 616 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
516 617
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.
653
517=back 654=back
518 655
519 656
520=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 657=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
521 658
700=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 837=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
701 838
702Returns 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
703events 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
704is 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
705C<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
706libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 843make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
844it).
707 845
708=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 846=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
709 847
710Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 848Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
711 849
712=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 850=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
713 851
714Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 852Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
715(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>.
716 894
717=back 895=back
718 896
719 897
720=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 898=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
741 { 919 {
742 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 920 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
743 ... 921 ...
744 } 922 }
745 923
746More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 924More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
747have 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 }
748 955
749 956
750=head1 WATCHER TYPES 957=head1 WATCHER TYPES
751 958
752This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 959This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
776In 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
777fd 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
778descriptors 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
779required if you know what you are doing). 986required if you know what you are doing).
780 987
781You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
782(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
783descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
784to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
785the same underlying "file open").
786
787If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 988If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
788(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 989(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
789C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 990C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
790 991
791Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 992Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
797it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 998it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
798C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 999C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
799 1000
800If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1001If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
801play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1002play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
802wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1003whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
803such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1004such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
804its own, so its quite safe to use). 1005its own, so its quite safe to use).
1006
1007=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1008
1009Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1010descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
1011such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1012descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1013this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1014registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1015fact, a different file descriptor.
1016
1017To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
1018the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
1019will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
1020it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
1021you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
1022descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
1023
1024This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
1025the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
1026optimisations to libev.
1027
1028=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
1029
1030Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
1031but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That means when you
1032have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or weirder constellations, and register
1033events for them, only one file descriptor might actually receive events.
1034
1035There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1036for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1037C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1038
1039=head3 The special problem of fork
1040
1041Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1042useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1043it in the child.
1044
1045To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1046C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1047enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1048C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1049
1050
1051=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
805 1052
806=over 4 1053=over 4
807 1054
808=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1055=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
809 1056
820=item int events [read-only] 1067=item int events [read-only]
821 1068
822The events being watched. 1069The events being watched.
823 1070
824=back 1071=back
1072
1073=head3 Examples
825 1074
826Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1075Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
827readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1076readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
828attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1077attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
829 1078
863 1112
864The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1113The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
865but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1114but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
866order of execution is undefined. 1115order of execution is undefined.
867 1116
1117=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1118
868=over 4 1119=over 4
869 1120
870=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1121=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
871 1122
872=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1123=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
885=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1136=item ev_timer_again (loop)
886 1137
887This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1138This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
888repeating. The exact semantics are: 1139repeating. The exact semantics are:
889 1140
1141If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1142
890If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1143If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
891 1144
892If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1145If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
893value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1146C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
894 1147
895This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1148This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
896example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called 1149example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
897idle timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, 1150timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
898say, 60 seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do 1151seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
899this is to configure an C<ev_timer> with C<after>=C<repeat>=C<60> and calling 1152configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
900C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1153C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
901you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1154you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
902socket, you can stop the timer, and again will automatically restart it if 1155socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
903need be. 1156automatically restart it if need be.
904 1157
905You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether 1158That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
906and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 1159altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
907 1160
908 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1161 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
909 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1162 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
910 ... 1163 ...
911 timer->again = 17.; 1164 timer->again = 17.;
912 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1165 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
913 ... 1166 ...
914 timer->again = 10.; 1167 timer->again = 10.;
915 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1168 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
916 1169
917This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1170This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
918to modify its timeout value. 1171you want to modify its timeout value.
919 1172
920=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1173=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
921 1174
922The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1175The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
923or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1176or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
924which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1177which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
925 1178
926=back 1179=back
1180
1181=head3 Examples
927 1182
928Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1183Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
929 1184
930 static void 1185 static void
931 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1186 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
965but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1220but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
966to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1221to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
967periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1222periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now ()
968+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1223+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will
969take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1224take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger
970roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1225roughly 10 seconds later).
971again).
972 1226
973They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1227They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
974triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1228triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1229rules.
975 1230
976As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1231As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the
977time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1232time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
978during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1233during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
979 1234
1235=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1236
980=over 4 1237=over 4
981 1238
982=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1239=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
983 1240
984=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1241=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
986Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1243Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
987operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1244operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
988 1245
989=over 4 1246=over 4
990 1247
991=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1248=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
992 1249
993In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1250In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
994C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1251C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs,
995that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1252that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
996system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1253system time reaches or surpasses this time.
997 1254
998=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1255=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
999 1256
1000In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1257In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1001C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat, regardless 1258C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1002of any time jumps. 1259and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1003 1260
1004This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1261This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
1005time: 1262time:
1006 1263
1007 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1264 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1013 1270
1014Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1271Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1015C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1272C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1016time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1273time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1017 1274
1275For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1276C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1277this value.
1278
1018=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1279=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1019 1280
1020In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1281In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1021ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1282ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1022reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1283reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1023current time as second argument. 1284current time as second argument.
1024 1285
1025NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1286NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1026ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1287ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,
1027return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by 1288return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1028starting a prepare watcher). 1289starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1029 1290
1030Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1291Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
1031ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1292ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1032 1293
1033 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1294 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1056Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1317Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1057when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1318when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1058a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1319a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1059program when the crontabs have changed). 1320program when the crontabs have changed).
1060 1321
1322=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1323
1324When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1325absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1326
1327Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1328timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1329
1061=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1330=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1062 1331
1063The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1332The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1064take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1333take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1065called. 1334called.
1068 1337
1069The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1338The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1070switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1339switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1071the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1340the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1072 1341
1342=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1343
1344When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1345trigger next.
1346
1073=back 1347=back
1348
1349=head3 Examples
1074 1350
1075Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1351Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1076system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1352system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1077potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1353potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1078 1354
1118with 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
1119as 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
1120watcher 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
1121SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1397SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1122 1398
1399=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1400
1123=over 4 1401=over 4
1124 1402
1125=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1403=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1126 1404
1127=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1405=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1138 1416
1139=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1417=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1140 1418
1141Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1419Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1142some 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
1143 1423
1144=over 4 1424=over 4
1145 1425
1146=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1426=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid)
1147 1427
1167The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1447The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1168C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1448C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1169 1449
1170=back 1450=back
1171 1451
1452=head3 Examples
1453
1172Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1454Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1173 1455
1174 static void 1456 static void
1175 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1457 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1176 { 1458 {
1192not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1474not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1193not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 1475not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1194otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 1476otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1195the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1477the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1196 1478
1479The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1480relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1481
1197Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1482Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1198calls C<stat (2)> regulalry on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1483calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1199can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1484can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1200a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1485a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1201unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1486unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1202five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1487five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1203impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1488impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1205 1490
1206This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1491This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1207as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1492as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1208resource-intensive. 1493resource-intensive.
1209 1494
1210At the time of this writing, no specific OS backends are implemented, but 1495At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1211if demand increases, at least a kqueue and inotify backend will be added. 1496implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1497reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1498semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1499to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1500usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1501polling.
1502
1503=head3 Inotify
1504
1505When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1506available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1507change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1508when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1509
1510Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1511except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1512making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support
1513there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.
1514
1515(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1516implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1517descriptor open on the object at all times).
1518
1519=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1520
1521The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1522even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still
1523only support whole seconds.
1524
1525That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might
1526miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls
1527your callback, which does something. When there is another update within
1528the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it.
1529
1530The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till
1531the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer>
1532(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01>
1533is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating
1534systems.
1535
1536=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1212 1537
1213=over 4 1538=over 4
1214 1539
1215=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1540=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1216 1541
1252=item const char *path [read-only] 1577=item const char *path [read-only]
1253 1578
1254The filesystem path that is being watched. 1579The filesystem path that is being watched.
1255 1580
1256=back 1581=back
1582
1583=head3 Examples
1257 1584
1258Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1585Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1259 1586
1260 static void 1587 static void
1261 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1588 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1274 } 1601 }
1275 1602
1276 ... 1603 ...
1277 ev_stat passwd; 1604 ev_stat passwd;
1278 1605
1279 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd"); 1606 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1280 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1607 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1281 1608
1609Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1610miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1611one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1612C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1613
1614 static ev_stat passwd;
1615 static ev_timer timer;
1616
1617 static void
1618 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1619 {
1620 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1621
1622 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1623 }
1624
1625 static void
1626 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1627 {
1628 /* reset the one-second timer */
1629 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1630 }
1631
1632 ...
1633 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1634 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1635 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01);
1636
1282 1637
1283=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1638=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1284 1639
1285Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1640Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1286(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1641priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1287as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1642count).
1288imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1643
1289watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1644That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1645(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1646triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1647are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1290until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1648iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1291busy. 1649and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1292 1650
1293The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1651The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1294active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1652active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1295 1653
1296Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1654Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1297effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1655effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1298"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1656"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1299event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1657event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1300 1658
1659=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1660
1301=over 4 1661=over 4
1302 1662
1303=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1663=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1304 1664
1305Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1665Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1306kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1666kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1307believe me. 1667believe me.
1308 1668
1309=back 1669=back
1670
1671=head3 Examples
1310 1672
1311Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 1673Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1312callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1674callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1313 1675
1314 static void 1676 static void
1362with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1724with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1363of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 1725of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1364loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1726loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1365low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1727low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1366 1728
1729It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1730priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1731after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1732too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1733supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers
1734did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1735(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1736state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1737coexist peacefully with others).
1738
1739=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1740
1367=over 4 1741=over 4
1368 1742
1369=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1743=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1370 1744
1371=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1745=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1374parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1748parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1375macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1749macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1376 1750
1377=back 1751=back
1378 1752
1379Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1753=head3 Examples
1380and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1754
1755There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1756into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1757(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1758use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1759embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1760into the Glib event loop).
1761
1762Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1381in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows is 1763and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1382pseudo-code only of course: 1764is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1765priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1766the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1383 1767
1384 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1768 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1385 static ev_timer tw; 1769 static ev_timer tw;
1386 1770
1387 static void 1771 static void
1388 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1772 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1389 { 1773 {
1390 // set the relevant poll flags
1391 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1392 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1393 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1394 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1395 } 1774 }
1396 1775
1397 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1776 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1398 static void 1777 static void
1399 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1778 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1400 { 1779 {
1401 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1780 int timeout = 3600000;
1781 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1402 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1782 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1403 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1783 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1404 1784
1405 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1785 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1406 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1786 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1407 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1787 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1408 1788
1409 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1789 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1410 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1790 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1411 { 1791 {
1412 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1792 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1413 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1793 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1414 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1794 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1415 1795
1416 fds [i].revents = 0; 1796 fds [i].revents = 0;
1417 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1418 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1797 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1419 } 1798 }
1420 } 1799 }
1421 1800
1422 // stop all watchers after blocking 1801 // stop all watchers after blocking
1424 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1803 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1425 { 1804 {
1426 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1805 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1427 1806
1428 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1807 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1808 {
1809 // set the relevant poll flags
1810 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1811 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1812 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1813 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1814 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1815
1816 // now stop the watcher
1429 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1817 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1818 }
1430 1819
1431 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1820 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1821 }
1822
1823Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1824in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1825
1826Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1827notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1828callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1829
1830 static void
1831 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1832 {
1833 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1834 update_now (EV_A);
1835
1836 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1837 }
1838
1839 static void
1840 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1841 {
1842 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1843 update_now (EV_A);
1844
1845 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1846 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1847 }
1848
1849 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1850
1851Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1852want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1853their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1854loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1855this.
1856
1857 static gint
1858 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1859 {
1860 int got_events = 0;
1861
1862 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1863 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1864
1865 if (timeout >= 0)
1866 // create/start timer
1867
1868 // poll
1869 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1870
1871 // stop timer again
1872 if (timeout >= 0)
1873 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1874
1875 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1876 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1877 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1878
1879 return got_events;
1432 } 1880 }
1433 1881
1434 1882
1435=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1883=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1436 1884
1479portable one. 1927portable one.
1480 1928
1481So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 1929So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1482that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 1930that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1483this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 1931this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1484create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything: 1932create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
1933
1934=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1935
1936=over 4
1937
1938=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1939
1940=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1941
1942Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1943embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1944invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1945to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1946if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1947
1948=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1949
1950Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1951similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1952apropriate way for embedded loops.
1953
1954=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1955
1956The embedded event loop.
1957
1958=back
1959
1960=head3 Examples
1961
1962Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
1963event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
1964loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in
1965C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be
1966used).
1485 1967
1486 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 1968 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1487 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 1969 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1488 struct ev_embed embed; 1970 struct ev_embed embed;
1489 1971
1500 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 1982 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1501 } 1983 }
1502 else 1984 else
1503 loop_lo = loop_hi; 1985 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1504 1986
1505=over 4 1987Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
1988a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
1989kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
1990C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
1506 1991
1507=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 1992 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1993 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
1994 struct ev_embed embed;
1995
1996 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
1997 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
1998 {
1999 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2000 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2001 }
1508 2002
1509=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2003 if (!loop_socket)
2004 loop_socket = loop;
1510 2005
1511Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2006 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
1512embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1513invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1514to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1515if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1516
1517=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1518
1519Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1520similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1521apropriate way for embedded loops.
1522
1523=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only]
1524
1525The embedded event loop.
1526
1527=back
1528 2007
1529 2008
1530=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2009=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1531 2010
1532Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2011Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1535event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 2014event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1536and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 2015and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1537C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 2016C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1538handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 2017handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1539 2018
2019=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2020
1540=over 4 2021=over 4
1541 2022
1542=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2023=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1543 2024
1544Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 2025Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1640 2121
1641To use it, 2122To use it,
1642 2123
1643 #include <ev++.h> 2124 #include <ev++.h>
1644 2125
1645(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 2126This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1646and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 2127of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1647namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 2128put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2129options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1648 2130
1649It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 2131Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1650C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2132classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
2133that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
2134you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
2135
2136Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
2137used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
2138need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
2139types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
2140it).
1651 2141
1652Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 2142Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1653 2143
1654=over 4 2144=over 4
1655 2145
1671 2161
1672All of those classes have these methods: 2162All of those classes have these methods:
1673 2163
1674=over 4 2164=over 4
1675 2165
1676=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 2166=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1677 2167
1678=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 2168=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1679 2169
1680=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 2170=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1681 2171
1682The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 2172The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1683the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 2173with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1684C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 2174
1685before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 2175The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1686automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 2176C<set> method before starting it.
2177
2178It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
2179method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
2180
2181(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
2182not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1687 2183
1688The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 2184The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
2185
2186=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
2187
2188This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
2189signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
2190first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
2191parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
2192
2193This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
2194the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
2195callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
2196your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2197thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2198
2199Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2200
2201 struct myclass
2202 {
2203 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2204 }
2205
2206 myclass obj;
2207 ev::io iow;
2208 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2209
2210=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2211
2212Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2213callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2214C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2215
2216The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2217
2218See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2219
2220Example:
2221
2222 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2223 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1689 2224
1690=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2225=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1691 2226
1692Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2227Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1693do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2228do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1694 2229
1695=item w->set ([args]) 2230=item w->set ([args])
1696 2231
1697Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2232Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
1698called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2233called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1699automatically stopped and restarted. 2234automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2235method.
1700 2236
1701=item w->start () 2237=item w->start ()
1702 2238
1703Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2239Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1704constructor already takes the loop. 2240constructor already stores the event loop.
1705 2241
1706=item w->stop () 2242=item w->stop ()
1707 2243
1708Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2244Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1709 2245
1710=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2246=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1711 2247
1712For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2248For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1713C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2249C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1714 2250
1715=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2251=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1716 2252
1717Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2253Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1718 2254
1719=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only 2255=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
1720 2256
1721Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>. 2257Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1722 2258
1723=back 2259=back
1724 2260
1734 2270
1735 myclass (); 2271 myclass ();
1736 } 2272 }
1737 2273
1738 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2274 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1739 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1740 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1741 { 2275 {
2276 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2277 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2278
1742 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2279 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1743 } 2280 }
1744 2281
1745 2282
1746=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2283=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1747 2284
1748Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2285Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
1749C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 2286of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
1750callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2287functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1751 2288
1752To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2289To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1753following macros are defined: 2290following macros are defined:
1754 2291
1755=over 4 2292=over 4
1787Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2324Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1788loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2325loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1789 2326
1790=back 2327=back
1791 2328
1792Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of 2329Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1793wether multiple loops are supported or not. 2330macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2331or not.
1794 2332
1795 static void 2333 static void
1796 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2334 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1797 { 2335 {
1798 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2336 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1801 ev_check check; 2339 ev_check check;
1802 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2340 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1803 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2341 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1804 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2342 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1805 2343
1806
1807=head1 EMBEDDING 2344=head1 EMBEDDING
1808 2345
1809Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2346Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1810applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2347applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1811Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2348Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1812and rxvt-unicode. 2349and rxvt-unicode.
1813 2350
1814The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2351The goal is to enable you to just copy the necessary files into your
1815source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so 2352source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
1816you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of 2353you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1817libev somewhere in your source tree). 2354libev somewhere in your source tree).
1818 2355
1819=head2 FILESETS 2356=head2 FILESETS
1850 ev_vars.h 2387 ev_vars.h
1851 ev_wrap.h 2388 ev_wrap.h
1852 2389
1853 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2390 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1854 2391
1855 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2392 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
1856 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2393 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1857 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2394 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1858 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2395 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1859 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2396 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1860 2397
1909 2446
1910If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2447If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1911monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2448monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
1912of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2449of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1913usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2450usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1914the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2451the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
1915to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2452to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1916function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2453function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1917 2454
1918=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2455=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1919 2456
1920If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2457If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1921realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2458realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
1922runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2459runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
1923be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2460be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1924(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2461(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
1925in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2462note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2463
2464=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2465
2466If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2467and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
1926 2468
1927=item EV_USE_SELECT 2469=item EV_USE_SELECT
1928 2470
1929If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2471If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
1930C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2472C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
1985 2527
1986=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2528=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1987 2529
1988reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2530reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
1989 2531
2532=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2533
2534If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2535interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2536be detected at runtime.
2537
1990=item EV_H 2538=item EV_H
1991 2539
1992The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2540The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
1993undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 2541undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h> and F<ev.c>. This can be used to
1994can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 2542virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
1995 2543
1996=item EV_CONFIG_H 2544=item EV_CONFIG_H
1997 2545
1998If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 2546If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
1999F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 2547F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
2000C<EV_H>, above. 2548C<EV_H>, above.
2001 2549
2002=item EV_EVENT_H 2550=item EV_EVENT_H
2003 2551
2004Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 2552Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
2005of how the F<event.h> header can be found. 2553of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the dfeault is C<"event.h">.
2006 2554
2007=item EV_PROTOTYPES 2555=item EV_PROTOTYPES
2008 2556
2009If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 2557If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
2010prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 2558prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
2017will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2565will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2018additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2566additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2019for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2567for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2020argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2568argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2021 2569
2570=item EV_MINPRI
2571
2572=item EV_MAXPRI
2573
2574The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2575C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2576provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2577to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2578
2579When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2580all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2581and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2582fine.
2583
2584If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2585C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2586
2022=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2587=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2023 2588
2024If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2589If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2025defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2590defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2026code. 2591code.
2027 2592
2593=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2594
2595If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2596defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2597code.
2598
2028=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2599=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2029 2600
2030If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 2601If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2031defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2602defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2032 2603
2049=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 2620=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2050 2621
2051C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 2622C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2052pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 2623pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2053than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 2624than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2054increase this value. 2625increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2626
2627=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2628
2629C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2630inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2631usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2632watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2633two).
2055 2634
2056=item EV_COMMON 2635=item EV_COMMON
2057 2636
2058By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 2637By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2059this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 2638this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2072 2651
2073=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 2652=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
2074 2653
2075Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 2654Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
2076and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 2655and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
2077definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for 2656definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2078their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 2657their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2079avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 2658avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2080method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 2659method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2660
2661=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2662
2663If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of
2664exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2665all public symbols, one per line:
2666
2667 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2668 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2669
2670This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2671multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2672itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this).
2673
2674A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2675include before including F<ev.h>:
2676
2677 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2678
2679This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
2680
2681 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
2682 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
2683 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
2684 ...
2081 2685
2082=head2 EXAMPLES 2686=head2 EXAMPLES
2083 2687
2084For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 2688For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2085verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 2689verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
2088interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2692interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
2089will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header 2693will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
2090file. 2694file.
2091 2695
2092The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2696The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2093that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2697that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2094 2698
2699 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2095 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2700 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2096 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2701 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2097 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2702 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2703 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2704 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2098 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2705 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2706 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2707 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2099 2708
2100 #include "ev++.h" 2709 #include "ev++.h"
2101 2710
2102And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2711And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2103 2712
2109 2718
2110In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2719In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2111libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2720libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2112documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2721documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2113 2722
2723All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2724extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2725happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2726mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2727it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2728
2114=over 4 2729=over 4
2115 2730
2116=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2731=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2117 2732
2733This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2734there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2735have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2736
2118=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2737=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2738
2739That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2740as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2119 2741
2120=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2742=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2121 2743
2744These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2745
2122=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2746=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2123 2747
2124=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % 16)) 2748=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2125 2749
2750These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2751correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2752have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2753
2126=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2754=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
2755
2756By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the
2757beginning of the storage array.
2127 2758
2128=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2759=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2129 2760
2130=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2761A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2762libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
2763on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2764
2765=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
2766
2767=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2768
2769Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2770priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2771linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
2772watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. prioritiy handling.
2131 2773
2132=back 2774=back
2133 2775
2134 2776
2135=head1 AUTHOR 2777=head1 AUTHOR

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