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Revision 1.116 by root, Mon Dec 31 01:34:09 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.239 by root, Tue Apr 21 14:14:19 2009 UTC

2 2
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required
11 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
12 13
14 #include <stdio.h> // for puts
15
16 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
17 // with the name ev_TYPE
13 ev_io stdin_watcher; 18 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 19 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15 20
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */ 21 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
22 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
17 static void 23 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 24 stdin_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
19 { 25 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */ 26 puts ("stdin ready");
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */ 27 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */ 28 // with its corresponding stop function.
29 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
30
31 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
32 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
23 } 33 }
24 34
35 // another callback, this time for a time-out
25 static void 36 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 37 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 { 38 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */ 39 puts ("timeout");
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */ 40 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
41 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
30 } 42 }
31 43
32 int 44 int
33 main (void) 45 main (void)
34 { 46 {
47 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 48 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36 49
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */ 50 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
51 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 52 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 53 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40 54
55 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */ 56 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 57 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 58 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44 59
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */ 60 // now wait for events to arrive
46 ev_loop (loop, 0); 61 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47 62
63 // unloop was called, so exit
48 return 0; 64 return 0;
49 } 65 }
50 66
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 67=head1 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
52 68
69This document documents the libev software package.
70
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted 71The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first 72web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>. 73time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
74
75While this document tries to be as complete as possible in documenting
76libev, its usage and the rationale behind its design, it is not a tutorial
77on event-based programming, nor will it introduce event-based programming
78with libev.
79
80Familarity with event based programming techniques in general is assumed
81throughout this document.
82
83=head1 ABOUT LIBEV
56 84
57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 85Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 86file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
59these event sources and provide your program with events. 87these event sources and provide your program with events.
60 88
84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 112L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
85for example). 113for example).
86 114
87=head2 CONVENTIONS 115=head2 CONVENTIONS
88 116
89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will 117Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about 118configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in 119more info about various configuration options please have a look at
92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event 120B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop> 121for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument. 122name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have
123this argument.
95 124
96=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 125=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
97 126
98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 127Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing
99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 128the (fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere
100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 129near the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This
101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 130type is called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually
102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 131aliases to the C<double> type in C. When you need to do any calculations
103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name 132on it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 133component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev. 134throughout libev.
135
136=head1 ERROR HANDLING
137
138Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
139and internal errors (bugs).
140
141When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
142a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
143set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
144abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
145()>.
146
147When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
148it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
149so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
150the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
151
152Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
153extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
154circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
155
106 156
107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 157=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
108 158
109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 159These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
110library in any way. 160library in any way.
119 169
120=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 170=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
121 171
122Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 172Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
123either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 173either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
124this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>. 174this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
125 175
126=item int ev_version_major () 176=item int ev_version_major ()
127 177
128=item int ev_version_minor () 178=item int ev_version_minor ()
129 179
142not a problem. 192not a problem.
143 193
144Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 194Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
145version. 195version.
146 196
147 assert (("libev version mismatch", 197 assert (("libev version mismatch",
148 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 198 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
149 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 199 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
150 200
151=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends () 201=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
152 202
153Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*> 203Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
154value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their 204value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
156a description of the set values. 206a description of the set values.
157 207
158Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and 208Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
159a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11 209a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
160 210
161 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 211 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
162 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 212 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
163 213
164=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 214=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
165 215
166Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 216Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
167recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 217recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
168returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 218returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
169most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it 219most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
170(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 220(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
171libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 221libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
172 222
173=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 223=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
174 224
178C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 228C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
179recommended ones. 229recommended ones.
180 230
181See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 231See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
182 232
183=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 233=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT]
184 234
185Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 235Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
186semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to 236semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
187allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when 237used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
188memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some 238when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
189potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc 239or take some potentially destructive action.
190function. 240
241Since some systems (at least OpenBSD and Darwin) fail to implement
242correct C<realloc> semantics, libev will use a wrapper around the system
243C<realloc> and C<free> functions by default.
191 244
192You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 245You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
193free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 246free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
194or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 247or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
195 248
196Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 249Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
197retries). 250retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
198 251
199 static void * 252 static void *
200 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 253 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
201 { 254 {
202 for (;;) 255 for (;;)
211 } 264 }
212 265
213 ... 266 ...
214 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 267 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
215 268
216=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 269=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT]
217 270
218Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 271Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
219as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 272as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
220indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 273indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
221callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 274callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
222matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 275matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
223requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 276requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
224(such as abort). 277(such as abort).
225 278
226Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too. 279Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
237 290
238=back 291=back
239 292
240=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 293=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
241 294
242An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 295An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct>
243types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 296is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop>
244events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 297I<function>).
245 298
246If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop 299The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
247in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you 300supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do
248create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking 301not.
249whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
250threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
251done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
252 302
253=over 4 303=over 4
254 304
255=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 305=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
256 306
260flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 310flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
261 311
262If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 312If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
263function. 313function.
264 314
315Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
316from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
317as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway).
318
319The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
320C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
321for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
322create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
323can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
324C<ev_default_init>.
325
265The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 326The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
266backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 327backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
267 328
268The following flags are supported: 329The following flags are supported:
269 330
274The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right 335The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
275thing, believe me). 336thing, believe me).
276 337
277=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 338=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
278 339
279If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 340If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
280or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 341or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
281C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 342C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
282override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 343override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
283useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 344useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
284around bugs. 345around bugs.
290enabling this flag. 351enabling this flag.
291 352
292This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 353This 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 354and 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 355iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
295Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 356GNU/Linux 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 357without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
297C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 358C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
298 359
299The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 360The 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 361forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
301flag. 362flag.
302 363
303This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 364This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
304environment variable. 365environment variable.
305 366
306=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 367=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
307 368
308This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 369This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
310but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 371but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
311using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its 372using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
312usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds. 373usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
313 374
314To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of 375To 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 376parallelism (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 377writing 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 378connections 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 379a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
319readyness notifications you get per iteration. 380readiness notifications you get per iteration.
381
382This backend maps C<EV_READ> to the C<readfds> set and C<EV_WRITE> to the
383C<writefds> set (and to work around Microsoft Windows bugs, also onto the
384C<exceptfds> set on that platform).
320 385
321=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 386=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
322 387
323And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated 388And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
324than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial 389than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
325limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down 390limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
326considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, 391considerably 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 392i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
328performance tips. 393performance tips.
329 394
395This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
396C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
397
330=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 398=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
331 399
332For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 400For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
333but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 401but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
334like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 402like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
335epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 403epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
336of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 404
337cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad 405The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
338support for dup. 406of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
407dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
408descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and
409so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then
410I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can
411take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course
412hard to detect.
413
414Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but
415of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
416I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
417even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
418on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
419employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
420events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required.
339 421
340While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 422While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
341will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 423will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
342(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 424incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
343best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 425I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
344very well if you register events for both fds. 426file descriptors might not work very well if you register events for both
345 427file descriptors.
346Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
347need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
348(or space) is available.
349 428
350Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 429Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
351watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e. 430watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible,
352keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. 431i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and
432starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
433extra overhead. A fork can both result in spurious notifications as well
434as in libev having to destroy and recreate the epoll object, which can
435take considerable time and thus should be avoided.
353 436
437All this means that, in practice, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> can be as fast or
438faster than epoll for maybe up to a hundred file descriptors, depending on
439the usage. So sad.
440
354While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in 441While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
355all kernel versions tested so far. 442all kernel versions tested so far.
443
444This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
445C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
356 446
357=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 447=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
358 448
359Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 449Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
360was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 450was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
361with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 451with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
362it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected" 452it's completely useless). Unlike epoll, however, whose brokenness
453is by design, these kqueue bugs can (and eventually will) be fixed
454without API changes to existing programs. For this reason it's not being
363unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 455"auto-detected" unless you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using
364C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 456C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
365system like NetBSD. 457system like NetBSD.
366 458
367You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 459You 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 460only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
369the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 461the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
370 462
371It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 463It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
372kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 464kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
373course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 465course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
374cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 466cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
375two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it 467two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (but
376drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 468sane, unlike epoll) and it drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect
469cases
377 470
378This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 471This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
379 472
380While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 473While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
381everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 474everywhere, 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 475almost 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 476(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 477(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (but C<poll> is of course
385sockets. 478also broken on OS X)) and, did I mention it, using it only for sockets.
479
480This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with
481C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
482C<NOTE_EOF>.
386 483
387=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 484=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
388 485
389This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an 486This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
390implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets 487implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
394=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 491=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
395 492
396This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 493This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
397it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 494it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
398 495
399Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious 496Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
400notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 497notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
401blocking when no data (or space) is available. 498blocking when no data (or space) is available.
402 499
403While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 500While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
404file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 501file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
405descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 502descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
406might perform better. 503might perform better.
407 504
505On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
506notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
507in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the
508OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks).
509
510This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
511C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
512
408=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 513=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
409 514
410Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 515Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
411with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 516with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
412C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 517C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
413 518
414It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 519It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
415 520
416=back 521=back
417 522
418If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 523If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
419backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are 524backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
420specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse 525specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
421order of their flag values :)
422 526
423The most typical usage is like this: 527Example: This is the most typical usage.
424 528
425 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 529 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
426 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 530 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
427 531
428Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 532Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
429environment settings to be taken into account: 533environment settings to be taken into account:
430 534
431 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 535 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
432 536
433Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 537Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
434available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 538used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
435event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 539private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
540fds):
436 541
437 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 542 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
438 543
439=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 544=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
440 545
441Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 546Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
442always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 547always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
443handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 548handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
444undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 549undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
445 550
551Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
552libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
553default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
554
446Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 555Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
447 556
448 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 557 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
449 if (!epoller) 558 if (!epoller)
450 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 559 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
451 560
452=item ev_default_destroy () 561=item ev_default_destroy ()
453 562
454Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 563Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
455etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 564etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
456sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 565sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
457responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 566responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
458calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 567calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
459the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 568the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
460for example). 569for example).
461 570
462Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 571Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
463this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers) 572handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
464would need to be stopped manually. 573as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
465 574
466In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 575In 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 576rare 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 577pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
469C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 578C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
473Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 582Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
474earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 583earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
475 584
476=item ev_default_fork () 585=item ev_default_fork ()
477 586
587This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations
478This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 588to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
479one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense 589name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
480after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that 590the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little
481again makes little sense). 591sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev
592functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
482 593
483You I<must> call this function in the child process after forking if and 594On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
484only if you want to use the event library in both processes. If you just 595process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If
485fork+exec, you don't have to call it. 596you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all.
486 597
487The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 598The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
488it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 599it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
489quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 600quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
490 601
491 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 602 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
492 603
493At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
494without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
495do not need to care.
496
497=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 604=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
498 605
499Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 606Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
500C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 607C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
501after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 608after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
609entirely your own problem.
610
611=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
612
613Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
614otherwise.
502 615
503=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 616=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
504 617
505Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 618Returns 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 619the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
521received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 634received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
522change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 635change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
523time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 636time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
524event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 637event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
525 638
639=item ev_now_update (loop)
640
641Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
642returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
643is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>.
644
645This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
646very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
647the current time is a good idea.
648
649See also L<The special problem of time updates> in the C<ev_timer> section.
650
651=item ev_suspend (loop)
652
653=item ev_resume (loop)
654
655These two functions suspend and resume a loop, for use when the loop is
656not used for a while and timeouts should not be processed.
657
658A typical use case would be an interactive program such as a game: When
659the user presses C<^Z> to suspend the game and resumes it an hour later it
660would be best to handle timeouts as if no time had actually passed while
661the program was suspended. This can be achieved by calling C<ev_suspend>
662in your C<SIGTSTP> handler, sending yourself a C<SIGSTOP> and calling
663C<ev_resume> directly afterwards to resume timer processing.
664
665Effectively, all C<ev_timer> watchers will be delayed by the time spend
666between C<ev_suspend> and C<ev_resume>, and all C<ev_periodic> watchers
667will be rescheduled (that is, they will lose any events that would have
668occured while suspended).
669
670After calling C<ev_suspend> you B<must not> call I<any> function on the
671given loop other than C<ev_resume>, and you B<must not> call C<ev_resume>
672without a previous call to C<ev_suspend>.
673
674Calling C<ev_suspend>/C<ev_resume> has the side effect of updating the
675event loop time (see C<ev_now_update>).
676
526=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 677=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
527 678
528Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 679Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
529after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 680after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
530events. 681events.
532If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 683If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until
533either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 684either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
534 685
535Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 686Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than
536relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 687relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
537finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program that 688finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
538automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue of 689that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
539relying on its watchers stopping correctly is a thing of beauty. 690of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
691beauty.
540 692
541A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 693A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
542those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 694those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your
543case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 695process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of
696the loop.
544 697
545A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 698A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
546neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 699necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
547your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 700will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
548one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 701be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
549external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 702user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
703iteration of the loop.
704
705This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
706with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
550libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 707own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
551usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 708usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
552 709
553Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 710Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
554 711
555 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 712 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
556 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 713 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
557 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers. 714 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
558 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 715 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
559 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 716 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
717 as to not disturb the other process.
560 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 718 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
561 - Update the "event loop time". 719 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
562 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 720 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
563 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 721 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
564 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 722 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
565 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 723 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
566 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 724 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
567 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 725 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
568 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 726 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
569 - Queue all outstanding timers. 727 - Queue all expired timers.
570 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 728 - Queue all expired periodics.
571 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 729 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
572 - Queue all check watchers. 730 - Queue all check watchers.
573 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 731 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
574 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 732 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
575 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 733 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
576 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 734 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
581anymore. 739anymore.
582 740
583 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 741 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
584 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 742 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
585 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 743 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
586 ... jobs done. yeah! 744 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
587 745
588=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 746=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
589 747
590Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 748Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
591has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 749has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
592C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 750C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
593C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 751C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
594 752
595This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 753This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
596 754
755It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls.
756
597=item ev_ref (loop) 757=item ev_ref (loop)
598 758
599=item ev_unref (loop) 759=item ev_unref (loop)
600 760
601Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 761Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
602loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 762loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
603count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. If you have 763count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own.
764
604a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> from 765If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop>
605returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 766from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before
767stopping it.
768
606example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 769As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It
607visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 770is not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from
608no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 771exiting if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an
609way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 772excellent way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within
610libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop> 773third-party libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref
611(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before, 774before stop> (but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active
612respectively). 775before, respectively. Note also that libev might stop watchers itself
776(e.g. non-repeating timers) in which case you have to C<ev_ref>
777in the callback).
613 778
614Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 779Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
615running when nothing else is active. 780running when nothing else is active.
616 781
617 struct ev_signal exitsig; 782 ev_signal exitsig;
618 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 783 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
619 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 784 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
620 evf_unref (loop); 785 evf_unref (loop);
621 786
622Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 787Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
623 788
624 ev_ref (loop); 789 ev_ref (loop);
625 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 790 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
626 791
627=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 792=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
628 793
629=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 794=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
630 795
631These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting 796These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
632for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to 797for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
633invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency. 798will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
799latency.
634 800
635Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>) 801Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
636allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to 802allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
637increase efficiency of loop iterations. 803to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
804opportunities).
638 805
639The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to 806The idea is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to handle
640handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes 807one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes the
641the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new 808program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
642events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high 809events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
643overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 810overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
644 811
645By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 812By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
646time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 813time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
648C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 815C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
649introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. 816introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
650 817
651Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 818Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
652to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 819to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
653latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 820latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
654will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce 821later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
655any overhead in libev. 822value will not introduce any overhead in libev.
656 823
657Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect 824Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
658interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for 825interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
659interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 826interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
660usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 827usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
661as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems. 828as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
829
830Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
831saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
832are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
833times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
834reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
835they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
836
837=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
838
839This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
840compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
841through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
842is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
843error and call C<abort ()>.
844
845This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
846circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
847data structures consistent.
662 848
663=back 849=back
664 850
665 851
666=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 852=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
853
854In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
855watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
856watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
667 857
668A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 858A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
669interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 859interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
670become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 860become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
671 861
672 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 862 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
673 { 863 {
674 ev_io_stop (w); 864 ev_io_stop (w);
675 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 865 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
676 } 866 }
677 867
678 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 868 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
869
679 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 870 ev_io stdin_watcher;
871
680 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 872 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
681 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 873 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
682 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 874 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
875
683 ev_loop (loop, 0); 876 ev_loop (loop, 0);
684 877
685As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 878As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
686watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 879watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
687although this can sometimes be quite valid). 880stack).
881
882Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
883or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
688 884
689Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 885Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
690(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 886(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
691callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 887callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
692watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 888watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
693is readable and/or writable). 889is readable and/or writable).
694 890
695Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 891Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
696with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 892macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
697to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< ev_<type>_init 893is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
698(watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 894ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
699 895
700To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it 896To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it
701with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_<type>_start (loop, watcher 897with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_TYPE_start (loop, watcher
702*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the 898*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
703corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 899corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
704 900
705As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 901As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
706must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never 902must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
707reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro. 903reinitialise it or call its C<ev_TYPE_set> macro.
708 904
709Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 905Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
710registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 906registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
711third argument. 907third argument.
712 908
766=item C<EV_FORK> 962=item C<EV_FORK>
767 963
768The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 964The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
769C<ev_fork>). 965C<ev_fork>).
770 966
967=item C<EV_ASYNC>
968
969The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
970
971=item C<EV_CUSTOM>
972
973Not ever sent (or otherwise used) by libev itself, but can be freely used
974by libev users to signal watchers (e.g. via C<ev_feed_event>).
975
771=item C<EV_ERROR> 976=item C<EV_ERROR>
772 977
773An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 978An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
774happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 979happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
775ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 980ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
981problem. Libev considers these application bugs.
982
776problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 983You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping with the
777with the watcher being stopped. 984watcher being stopped. Note that well-written programs should not receive
985an error ever, so when your watcher receives it, this usually indicates a
986bug in your program.
778 987
779Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 988Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for
780for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 989example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your
781your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 990callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with
782with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 991the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
783programs, though, so beware. 992programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
993thing, so beware.
784 994
785=back 995=back
786 996
787=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 997=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
788
789In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
790e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
791 998
792=over 4 999=over 4
793 1000
794=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 1001=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
795 1002
801which rolls both calls into one. 1008which rolls both calls into one.
802 1009
803You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped 1010You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
804(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 1011(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
805 1012
806The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 1013The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
807int revents)>. 1014int revents)>.
1015
1016Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
1017
1018 ev_io w;
1019 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
1020 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
808 1021
809=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 1022=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
810 1023
811This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 1024This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
812call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 1025call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
815difference to the C<ev_init> macro). 1028difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
816 1029
817Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 1030Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
818(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 1031(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
819 1032
1033See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
1034
820=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 1035=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
821 1036
822This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 1037This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
823calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise 1038calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
824a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 1039a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
1040
1041Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
1042
1043 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
825 1044
826=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1045=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
827 1046
828Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 1047Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
829events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 1048events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
830 1049
1050Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1051whole section.
1052
1053 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1054
831=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1055=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
832 1056
833Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending 1057Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1058the watcher was active or not).
1059
834status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example, 1060It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
835non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but 1061non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
836C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If 1062calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
837you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is therefore a 1063pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
838good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. 1064therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
839 1065
840=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1066=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
841 1067
842Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started 1068Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
843and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify 1069and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
869integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI> 1095integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
870(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked 1096(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
871before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers 1097before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
872from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers). 1098from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
873 1099
874This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
875invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
876example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
877watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
878
879If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending 1100If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
880you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality. 1101you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
881 1102
882You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or 1103You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
883pending. 1104pending.
884 1105
1106Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
1107fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
1108or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
1109
885The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is 1110The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
886always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :). 1111always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
887 1112
888Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is 1113See L<WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS>, below, for a more thorough treatment of
889fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might 1114priorities.
890or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
891 1115
892=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1116=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
893 1117
894Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1118Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
895C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback 1119C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
896can deal with that fact. 1120can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1121callback.
897 1122
898=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1123=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
899 1124
900If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status 1125If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
901and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the 1126returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
902watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1127watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
903 1128
1129Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1130callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1131
904=back 1132=back
905 1133
906 1134
907=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1135=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
908 1136
909Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1137Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
910and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1138and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
911to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 1139to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
912don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 1140don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
913member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 1141member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
914data: 1142data:
915 1143
916 struct my_io 1144 struct my_io
917 { 1145 {
918 struct ev_io io; 1146 ev_io io;
919 int otherfd; 1147 int otherfd;
920 void *somedata; 1148 void *somedata;
921 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1149 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
922 } 1150 };
1151
1152 ...
1153 struct my_io w;
1154 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
923 1155
924And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1156And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
925can cast it back to your own type: 1157can cast it back to your own type:
926 1158
927 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1159 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
928 { 1160 {
929 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1161 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
930 ... 1162 ...
931 } 1163 }
932 1164
933More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1165More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
934instead have been omitted. 1166instead have been omitted.
935 1167
936Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1168Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
937watchers: 1169embedded watchers:
938 1170
939 struct my_biggy 1171 struct my_biggy
940 { 1172 {
941 int some_data; 1173 int some_data;
942 ev_timer t1; 1174 ev_timer t1;
943 ev_timer t2; 1175 ev_timer t2;
944 } 1176 }
945 1177
946In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated, 1178In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
947you need to use C<offsetof>: 1179complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1180in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
1181some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
1182programmers):
948 1183
949 #include <stddef.h> 1184 #include <stddef.h>
950 1185
951 static void 1186 static void
952 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1187 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
953 { 1188 {
954 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1189 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
955 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1190 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
956 } 1191 }
957 1192
958 static void 1193 static void
959 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1194 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
960 { 1195 {
961 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1196 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
962 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1197 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
963 } 1198 }
1199
1200=head2 WATCHER PRIORITY MODELS
1201
1202Many event loops support I<watcher priorities>, which are usually small
1203integers that influence the ordering of event callback invocation
1204between watchers in some way, all else being equal.
1205
1206In libev, Watcher priorities can be set using C<ev_set_priority>. See its
1207description for the more technical details such as the actual priority
1208range.
1209
1210There are two common ways how these these priorities are being interpreted
1211by event loops:
1212
1213In the more common lock-out model, higher priorities "lock out" invocation
1214of lower priority watchers, which means as long as higher priority
1215watchers receive events, lower priority watchers are not being invoked.
1216
1217The less common only-for-ordering model uses priorities solely to order
1218callback invocation within a single event loop iteration: Higher priority
1219watchers are invoked before lower priority ones, but they all get invoked
1220before polling for new events.
1221
1222Libev uses the second (only-for-ordering) model for all its watchers
1223except for idle watchers (which use the lock-out model).
1224
1225The rationale behind this is that implementing the lock-out model for
1226watchers is not well supported by most kernel interfaces, and most event
1227libraries will just poll for the same events again and again as long as
1228their callbacks have not been executed, which is very inefficient in the
1229common case of one high-priority watcher locking out a mass of lower
1230priority ones.
1231
1232Static (ordering) priorities are most useful when you have two or more
1233watchers handling the same resource: a typical usage example is having an
1234C<ev_io> watcher to receive data, and an associated C<ev_timer> to handle
1235timeouts. Under load, data might be received while the program handles
1236other jobs, but since timers normally get invoked first, the timeout
1237handler will be executed before checking for data. In that case, giving
1238the timer a lower priority than the I/O watcher ensures that I/O will be
1239handled first even under adverse conditions (which is usually, but not
1240always, what you want).
1241
1242Since idle watchers use the "lock-out" model, meaning that idle watchers
1243will only be executed when no same or higher priority watchers have
1244received events, they can be used to implement the "lock-out" model when
1245required.
1246
1247For example, to emulate how many other event libraries handle priorities,
1248you can associate an C<ev_idle> watcher to each such watcher, and in
1249the normal watcher callback, you just start the idle watcher. The real
1250processing is done in the idle watcher callback. This causes libev to
1251continously poll and process kernel event data for the watcher, but when
1252the lock-out case is known to be rare (which in turn is rare :), this is
1253workable.
1254
1255Usually, however, the lock-out model implemented that way will perform
1256miserably under the type of load it was designed to handle. In that case,
1257it might be preferable to stop the real watcher before starting the
1258idle watcher, so the kernel will not have to process the event in case
1259the actual processing will be delayed for considerable time.
1260
1261Here is an example of an I/O watcher that should run at a strictly lower
1262priority than the default, and which should only process data when no
1263other events are pending:
1264
1265 ev_idle idle; // actual processing watcher
1266 ev_io io; // actual event watcher
1267
1268 static void
1269 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1270 {
1271 // stop the I/O watcher, we received the event, but
1272 // are not yet ready to handle it.
1273 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
1274
1275 // start the idle watcher to ahndle the actual event.
1276 // it will not be executed as long as other watchers
1277 // with the default priority are receiving events.
1278 ev_idle_start (EV_A_ &idle);
1279 }
1280
1281 static void
1282 idle-cb (EV_P_ ev_idle *w, int revents)
1283 {
1284 // actual processing
1285 read (STDIN_FILENO, ...);
1286
1287 // have to start the I/O watcher again, as
1288 // we have handled the event
1289 ev_io_start (EV_P_ &io);
1290 }
1291
1292 // initialisation
1293 ev_idle_init (&idle, idle_cb);
1294 ev_io_init (&io, io_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1295 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &io);
1296
1297In the "real" world, it might also be beneficial to start a timer, so that
1298low-priority connections can not be locked out forever under load. This
1299enables your program to keep a lower latency for important connections
1300during short periods of high load, while not completely locking out less
1301important ones.
964 1302
965 1303
966=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1304=head1 WATCHER TYPES
967 1305
968This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1306This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
992In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1330In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
993fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1331fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
994descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1332descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
995required if you know what you are doing). 1333required if you know what you are doing).
996 1334
997If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1335If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
998(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1336known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
999C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1337C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). The same applies to file
1338descriptors for which non-blocking operation makes no sense (such as
1339files) - libev doesn't guarentee any specific behaviour in that case.
1000 1340
1001Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1341Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1002receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1342receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1003be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1343be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1004because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1344because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1005lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1345lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
1006this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1346this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
1007it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1347it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1008C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1348C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1009 1349
1010If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1350If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1011play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1351not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1012whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1352re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1013such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1353interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already
1014its own, so its quite safe to use). 1354does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1355use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1356indefinitely.
1357
1358But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1015 1359
1016=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1360=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1017 1361
1018Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file 1362Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1019descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means, 1363descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other means,
1020such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file 1364such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1021descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop 1365descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1022this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1366this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1023registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in 1367registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1024fact, a different file descriptor. 1368fact, a different file descriptor.
1025 1369
1054To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1398To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1055C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child, 1399C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1056enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1400enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1057C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1401C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1058 1402
1403=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1404
1405While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1406when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1407sent a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
1408this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1409
1410So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1411ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1412somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1413
1059 1414
1060=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1415=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1061 1416
1062=over 4 1417=over 4
1063 1418
1064=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1419=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1065 1420
1066=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1421=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1067 1422
1068Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1423Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
1069rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1424receive events for and C<events> is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1070C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1425C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE>, to express the desire to receive the given events.
1071 1426
1072=item int fd [read-only] 1427=item int fd [read-only]
1073 1428
1074The file descriptor being watched. 1429The file descriptor being watched.
1075 1430
1083 1438
1084Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1439Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1085readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1440readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1086attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1441attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1087 1442
1088 static void 1443 static void
1089 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1444 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1090 { 1445 {
1091 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1446 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1092 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1447 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors
1093 } 1448 }
1094 1449
1095 ... 1450 ...
1096 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1451 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1097 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1452 ev_io stdin_readable;
1098 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1453 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1099 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1454 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1100 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1455 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1101 1456
1102 1457
1103=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1458=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1104 1459
1105Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1460Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1106given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1461given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1107 1462
1108The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1463The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
1109times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years 1464times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
1110time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1465year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1111detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1466detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1112monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1467monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1468
1469The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1470passed. If multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration
1471then the ones with earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with
1472later time-out values (but this is no longer true when a callback calls
1473C<ev_loop> recursively).
1474
1475=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1476
1477Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1478recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1479you want to raise some error after a while.
1480
1481What follows are some ways to handle this problem, from obvious and
1482inefficient to smart and efficient.
1483
1484In the following, a 60 second activity timeout is assumed - a timeout that
1485gets reset to 60 seconds each time there is activity (e.g. each time some
1486data or other life sign was received).
1487
1488=over 4
1489
1490=item 1. Use a timer and stop, reinitialise and start it on activity.
1491
1492This is the most obvious, but not the most simple way: In the beginning,
1493start the watcher:
1494
1495 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 60., 0.);
1496 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1497
1498Then, each time there is some activity, C<ev_timer_stop> it, initialise it
1499and start it again:
1500
1501 ev_timer_stop (loop, timer);
1502 ev_timer_set (timer, 60., 0.);
1503 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1504
1505This is relatively simple to implement, but means that each time there is
1506some activity, libev will first have to remove the timer from its internal
1507data structure and then add it again. Libev tries to be fast, but it's
1508still not a constant-time operation.
1509
1510=item 2. Use a timer and re-start it with C<ev_timer_again> inactivity.
1511
1512This is the easiest way, and involves using C<ev_timer_again> instead of
1513C<ev_timer_start>.
1514
1515To implement this, configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value
1516of C<60> and then call C<ev_timer_again> at start and each time you
1517successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle state where
1518you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop>
1519the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will automatically restart it if need be.
1520
1521That means you can ignore both the C<ev_timer_start> function and the
1522C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
1523member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1524
1525At start:
1526
1527 ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
1528 timer->repeat = 60.;
1529 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1530
1531Each time there is some activity:
1532
1533 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1534
1535It is even possible to change the time-out on the fly, regardless of
1536whether the watcher is active or not:
1537
1538 timer->repeat = 30.;
1539 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1540
1541This is slightly more efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1542you want to modify its timeout value, as libev does not have to completely
1543remove and re-insert the timer from/into its internal data structure.
1544
1545It is, however, even simpler than the "obvious" way to do it.
1546
1547=item 3. Let the timer time out, but then re-arm it as required.
1548
1549This method is more tricky, but usually most efficient: Most timeouts are
1550relatively long compared to the intervals between other activity - in
1551our example, within 60 seconds, there are usually many I/O events with
1552associated activity resets.
1553
1554In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1555but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1556within the callback:
1557
1558 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1559
1560 static void
1561 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1562 {
1563 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A);
1564 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1565
1566 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1567 if (timeout < now)
1568 {
1569 // timeout occured, take action
1570 }
1571 else
1572 {
1573 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1574 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1575 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive:
1576 w->repeat = timeout - now;
1577 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w);
1578 }
1579 }
1580
1581To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined
1582as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has
1583been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise
1584the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so
1585re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1586a timeout then.
1587
1588Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the
1589C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running.
1590
1591This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1592minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1593libev to change the timeout.
1594
1595To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>
1596to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1597callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1598
1599 ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
1600 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1601 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT);
1602
1603And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1604C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1605
1606 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop);
1607
1608This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1609time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1610
1611Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1612callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1613fix things for you.
1614
1615=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1616
1617If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1618employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1619do even better:
1620
1621When starting the timeout, calculate the timeout value and put the timeout
1622at the I<end> of the list.
1623
1624Then use an C<ev_timer> to fire when the timeout at the I<beginning> of
1625the list is expected to fire (for example, using the technique #3).
1626
1627When there is some activity, remove the timer from the list, recalculate
1628the timeout, append it to the end of the list again, and make sure to
1629update the C<ev_timer> if it was taken from the beginning of the list.
1630
1631This way, one can manage an unlimited number of timeouts in O(1) time for
1632starting, stopping and updating the timers, at the expense of a major
1633complication, and having to use a constant timeout. The constant timeout
1634ensures that the list stays sorted.
1635
1636=back
1637
1638So which method the best?
1639
1640Method #2 is a simple no-brain-required solution that is adequate in most
1641situations. Method #3 requires a bit more thinking, but handles many cases
1642better, and isn't very complicated either. In most case, choosing either
1643one is fine, with #3 being better in typical situations.
1644
1645Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1646rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1647off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1648overkill :)
1649
1650=head3 The special problem of time updates
1651
1652Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1653least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1654time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a
1655growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1656lots of events in one iteration.
1113 1657
1114The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1658The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1115time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1659time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1116of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 1660of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1117you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1661you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
1118on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1662timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1119 1663
1120 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1664 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1121 1665
1122The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1666If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1123but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1667update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1124order of execution is undefined. 1668()>.
1125 1669
1126=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1670=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1127 1671
1128=over 4 1672=over 4
1129 1673
1130=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1674=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1131 1675
1132=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1676=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1133 1677
1134Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1678Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
1135C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped. If it is positive, then the 1679is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
1136timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1680reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
1137later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1681configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1682until stopped manually.
1138 1683
1139The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 1684The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
1140configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1685you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1141exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1686trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1142the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1687keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1143timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1688do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1144 1689
1145=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1690=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1146 1691
1147This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1692This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1148repeating. The exact semantics are: 1693repeating. The exact semantics are:
1149 1694
1150If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1695If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1151 1696
1152If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1697If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1153 1698
1154If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1699If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1155C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1700C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1156 1701
1157This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1702This sounds a bit complicated, see L<Be smart about timeouts>, above, for a
1158example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1703usage example.
1159timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1160seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1161configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1162C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1163you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1164socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1165automatically restart it if need be.
1166
1167That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1168altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1169
1170 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1171 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1172 ...
1173 timer->again = 17.;
1174 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1175 ...
1176 timer->again = 10.;
1177 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1178
1179This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1180you want to modify its timeout value.
1181 1704
1182=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1705=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1183 1706
1184The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1707The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1185or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1708or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1186which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1709which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1187 1710
1188=back 1711=back
1189 1712
1190=head3 Examples 1713=head3 Examples
1191 1714
1192Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1715Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1193 1716
1194 static void 1717 static void
1195 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1718 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1196 { 1719 {
1197 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1720 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1198 } 1721 }
1199 1722
1200 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1723 ev_timer mytimer;
1201 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1724 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1202 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1725 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1203 1726
1204Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1727Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1205inactivity. 1728inactivity.
1206 1729
1207 static void 1730 static void
1208 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1731 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1209 { 1732 {
1210 .. ten seconds without any activity 1733 .. ten seconds without any activity
1211 } 1734 }
1212 1735
1213 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1736 ev_timer mytimer;
1214 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1737 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1215 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1738 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1216 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1739 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1217 1740
1218 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1741 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1219 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1742 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1220 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1743 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1221 1744
1222 1745
1223=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1746=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1224 1747
1225Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1748Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1226(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1749(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1227 1750
1228Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1751Unlike C<ev_timer>, periodic watchers are not based on real time (or
1229but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1752relative time, the physical time that passes) but on wall clock time
1230to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1753(absolute time, the thing you can read on your calender or clock). The
1231periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1754difference is that wall clock time can run faster or slower than real
1232+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1755time, and time jumps are not uncommon (e.g. when you adjust your
1233take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1756wrist-watch).
1234roughly 10 seconds later).
1235 1757
1236They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1758You can tell a periodic watcher to trigger after some specific point
1237triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated, 1759in time: for example, if you tell a periodic watcher to trigger "in 10
1238rules. 1760seconds" (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now () + 10.>, that is, an absolute time
1761not a delay) and then reset your system clock to January of the previous
1762year, then it will take a year or more to trigger the event (unlike an
1763C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger roughly 10 seconds after starting
1764it, as it uses a relative timeout).
1239 1765
1766C<ev_periodic> watchers can also be used to implement vastly more complex
1767timers, such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or
1768other complicated rules. This cannot be done with C<ev_timer> watchers, as
1769those cannot react to time jumps.
1770
1240As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1771As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1241time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1772point in time where it is supposed to trigger has passed. If multiple
1242during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1773timers become ready during the same loop iteration then the ones with
1774earlier time-out values are invoked before ones with later time-out values
1775(but this is no longer true when a callback calls C<ev_loop> recursively).
1243 1776
1244=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1777=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1245 1778
1246=over 4 1779=over 4
1247 1780
1248=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1781=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1249 1782
1250=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1783=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp offset, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1251 1784
1252Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1785Lots of arguments, let's sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1253operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1786operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1254 1787
1255=over 4 1788=over 4
1256 1789
1257=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1790=item * absolute timer (offset = absolute time, interval = 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1258 1791
1259In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1792In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1260C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1793time C<offset> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a
1261that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1794time jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it
1262system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1795will be stopped and invoked when the system clock reaches or surpasses
1796this point in time.
1263 1797
1264=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1798=item * repeating interval timer (offset = offset within interval, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1265 1799
1266In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1800In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1267C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 1801C<offset + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be
1268and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1802negative) and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. The C<offset>
1803argument is merely an offset into the C<interval> periods.
1269 1804
1270This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1805This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the
1271time: 1806system clock, for example, here is an C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
1807hour, on the hour (with respect to UTC):
1272 1808
1273 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1809 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1274 1810
1275This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1811This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1276but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1812but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1277full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 1813full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1278by 3600. 1814by 3600.
1279 1815
1280Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1816Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1281C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1817C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1282time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1818time where C<time = offset (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1283 1819
1284For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1820For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<offset> value is near
1285C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 1821C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1286this value. 1822this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1287 1823
1824Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1825speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1826will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1827millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1828
1288=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1829=item * manual reschedule mode (offset ignored, interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1289 1830
1290In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1831In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<offset> are both being
1291ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1832ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1292reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1833reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1293current time as second argument. 1834current time as second argument.
1294 1835
1295NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1836NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, ever,
1296ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1837or make ANY other event loop modifications whatsoever, unless explicitly
1297return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by 1838allowed by documentation here>.
1298starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1299 1839
1840If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1841it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1842only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1843
1300Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1844The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic
1301ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1845*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1302 1846
1847 static ev_tstamp
1303 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1848 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1304 { 1849 {
1305 return now + 60.; 1850 return now + 60.;
1306 } 1851 }
1307 1852
1308It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1853It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1309(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 1854(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
1310will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 1855will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1311might be called at other times, too. 1856might be called at other times, too.
1312 1857
1313NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the 1858NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
1314passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger. 1859equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1315 1860
1316This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 1861This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
1317triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the 1862triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the
1318next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 1863next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
1319you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 1864you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1320reason I omitted it as an example). 1865reason I omitted it as an example).
1321 1866
1322=back 1867=back
1326Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1871Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1327when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1872when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1328a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1873a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1329program when the crontabs have changed). 1874program when the crontabs have changed).
1330 1875
1876=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1877
1878When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed
1879to trigger next. This is not the same as the C<offset> argument to
1880C<ev_periodic_set>, but indeed works even in interval and manual
1881rescheduling modes.
1882
1331=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 1883=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1332 1884
1333When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 1885When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1334absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 1886absolute point in time (the C<offset> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>,
1887although libev might modify this value for better numerical stability).
1335 1888
1336Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic 1889Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1337timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1890timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1338 1891
1339=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1892=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1340 1893
1341The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1894The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1342take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1895take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1343called. 1896called.
1344 1897
1345=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 1898=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1346 1899
1347The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1900The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1348switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1901switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1349the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1902the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1350 1903
1351=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1352
1353When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1354trigger next.
1355
1356=back 1904=back
1357 1905
1358=head3 Examples 1906=head3 Examples
1359 1907
1360Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1908Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1361system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1909system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1362potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1910potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1363 1911
1364 static void 1912 static void
1365 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1913 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1366 { 1914 {
1367 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1915 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1368 } 1916 }
1369 1917
1370 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1918 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1371 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1919 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1372 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1920 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1373 1921
1374Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1922Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1375 1923
1376 #include <math.h> 1924 #include <math.h>
1377 1925
1378 static ev_tstamp 1926 static ev_tstamp
1379 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1927 my_scheduler_cb (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1380 { 1928 {
1381 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1929 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1382 } 1930 }
1383 1931
1384 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1932 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1385 1933
1386Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1934Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1387 1935
1388 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1936 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1389 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1937 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1390 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1938 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1391 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1939 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1392 1940
1393 1941
1394=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1942=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1395 1943
1396Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1944Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1397signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 1945signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1398will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 1946will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1399normal event processing, like any other event. 1947normal event processing, like any other event.
1400 1948
1949If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would
1950do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use
1951C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop.
1952
1401You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 1953You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the
1402first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher 1954first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler
1403with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1955with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1404as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1956you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when
1405watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1957the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1406SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1958signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1959
1960If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1961C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1962interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1963signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1964them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1407 1965
1408=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1966=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1409 1967
1410=over 4 1968=over 4
1411 1969
1420 1978
1421The signal the watcher watches out for. 1979The signal the watcher watches out for.
1422 1980
1423=back 1981=back
1424 1982
1983=head3 Examples
1984
1985Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1986
1987 static void
1988 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1989 {
1990 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1991 }
1992
1993 ev_signal signal_watcher;
1994 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1995 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1996
1425 1997
1426=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1998=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1427 1999
1428Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 2000Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1429some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 2001some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
2002exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
2003has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
2004as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,
2005forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
2006but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later is
2007not.
2008
2009Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
2010you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
2011
2012=head3 Process Interaction
2013
2014Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
2015initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
2016the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
2017of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
2018synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
2019children, even ones not watched.
2020
2021=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
2022
2023Libev offers no special support for overriding the built-in child
2024processing, but if your application collides with libev's default child
2025handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
2026C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
2027default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
2028event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
2029that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
2030
2031=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
2032
2033Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
2034child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
2035callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
2036when a child exit is detected.
1430 2037
1431=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2038=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1432 2039
1433=over 4 2040=over 4
1434 2041
1435=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 2042=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid, int trace)
1436 2043
1437=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 2044=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid, int trace)
1438 2045
1439Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or 2046Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or
1440I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look 2047I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look
1441at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 2048at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
1442the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems 2049the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
1443C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 2050C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1444process causing the status change. 2051process causing the status change. C<trace> must be either C<0> (only
2052activate the watcher when the process terminates) or C<1> (additionally
2053activate the watcher when the process is stopped or continued).
1445 2054
1446=item int pid [read-only] 2055=item int pid [read-only]
1447 2056
1448The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id. 2057The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1449 2058
1458 2067
1459=back 2068=back
1460 2069
1461=head3 Examples 2070=head3 Examples
1462 2071
1463Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 2072Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
2073its completion.
1464 2074
2075 ev_child cw;
2076
1465 static void 2077 static void
1466 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 2078 child_cb (EV_P_ ev_child *w, int revents)
1467 { 2079 {
1468 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 2080 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
2081 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1469 } 2082 }
1470 2083
1471 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 2084 pid_t pid = fork ();
1472 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 2085
1473 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 2086 if (pid < 0)
2087 // error
2088 else if (pid == 0)
2089 {
2090 // the forked child executes here
2091 exit (1);
2092 }
2093 else
2094 {
2095 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
2096 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
2097 }
1474 2098
1475 2099
1476=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 2100=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1477 2101
1478This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 2102This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1479C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 2103C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed)
1480compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 2104and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if
2105it did.
1481 2106
1482The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 2107The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1483not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 2108not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does not
1484not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 2109exist" (or more correctly "path cannot be stat'ed") is signified by the
1485otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 2110C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is otherwise always forced to be at
1486the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 2111least one) and all the other fields of the stat buffer having unspecified
2112contents.
1487 2113
1488The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is 2114The path I<must not> end in a slash or contain special components such as
2115C<.> or C<..>. The path I<should> be absolute: If it is relative and
1489relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined. 2116your working directory changes, then the behaviour is undefined.
1490 2117
1491Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 2118Since there is no portable change notification interface available, the
1492calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 2119portable implementation simply calls C<stat(2)> regularly on the path
1493can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 2120to see if it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling
1494a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 2121interval for this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly
1495unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 2122recommended!) then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used
1496five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 2123(which you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might
1497impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 2124change dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is
1498usually overkill. 2125currently around C<0.1>, but that's usually overkill.
1499 2126
1500This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 2127This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1501as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 2128as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1502resource-intensive. 2129resource-intensive.
1503 2130
1504At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 2131At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1505implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 2132is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as an
1506reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 2133exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way of
1507semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 2134implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue, except as a hint).
1508to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1509usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1510polling.
1511 2135
1512=head3 Inotify 2136=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1513 2137
2138Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
2139compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
2140support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
2141structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
2142use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
2143compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
2144obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
2145most noticeably displayed with ev_stat and large file support.
2146
2147The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
2148file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
2149optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
2150to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
2151default compilation environment.
2152
2153=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
2154
1514When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 2155When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev and present at
1515available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 2156runtime, it will be used to speed up change detection where possible. The
1516change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 2157inotify descriptor will be created lazily when the first C<ev_stat>
1517when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 2158watcher is being started.
1518 2159
1519Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 2160Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1520except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 2161except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1521making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support 2162making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1522there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling. 2163there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling,
2164but as long as kernel 2.6.25 or newer is used (2.6.24 and older have too
2165many bugs), the path exists (i.e. stat succeeds), and the path resides on
2166a local filesystem (libev currently assumes only ext2/3, jfs, reiserfs and
2167xfs are fully working) libev usually gets away without polling.
1523 2168
1524(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 2169There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1525implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 2170implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1526descriptor open on the object at all times). 2171descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
2172etc. is difficult.
2173
2174=head3 C<stat ()> is a synchronous operation
2175
2176Libev doesn't normally do any kind of I/O itself, and so is not blocking
2177the process. The exception are C<ev_stat> watchers - those call C<stat
2178()>, which is a synchronous operation.
2179
2180For local paths, this usually doesn't matter: unless the system is very
2181busy or the intervals between stat's are large, a stat call will be fast,
2182as the path data is usually in memory already (except when starting the
2183watcher).
2184
2185For networked file systems, calling C<stat ()> can block an indefinite
2186time due to network issues, and even under good conditions, a stat call
2187often takes multiple milliseconds.
2188
2189Therefore, it is best to avoid using C<ev_stat> watchers on networked
2190paths, although this is fully supported by libev.
1527 2191
1528=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 2192=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1529 2193
1530The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and 2194The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably,
1531even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still 2195and even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems
1532only support whole seconds. 2196still only support whole seconds.
1533 2197
1534That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might 2198That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1535miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls 2199easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1536your callback, which does something. When there is another update within 2200calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1537the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it. 2201within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the
2202stat data does change in other ways (e.g. file size).
1538 2203
1539The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till 2204The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1540the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer> 2205than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1541(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01> 2206a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1542is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating 2207ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1543systems. 2208
2209The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
2210of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
2211might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
2212C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
2213a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
2214update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
2215the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
2216the timer callback).
1544 2217
1545=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2218=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1546 2219
1547=over 4 2220=over 4
1548 2221
1554C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 2227C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1555be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose 2228be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1556a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same 2229a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1557path for as long as the watcher is active. 2230path for as long as the watcher is active.
1558 2231
1559The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 2232The callback will receive an C<EV_STAT> event when a change was detected,
1560relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 2233relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1561last change was detected). 2234last change was detected).
1562 2235
1563=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *) 2236=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1564 2237
1565Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 2238Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1566watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 2239watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1567detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 2240detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1568useful simply to find out the new values. 2241the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
2242new values.
1569 2243
1570=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 2244=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1571 2245
1572The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 2246The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1573C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types 2247C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1574suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there 2248suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
2249members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1575was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 2250some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1576 2251
1577=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 2252=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1578 2253
1579The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 2254The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1580C<prev> != C<attr>. 2255C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
2256differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
2257C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1581 2258
1582=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 2259=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1583 2260
1584The specified interval. 2261The specified interval.
1585 2262
1586=item const char *path [read-only] 2263=item const char *path [read-only]
1587 2264
1588The filesystem path that is being watched. 2265The file system path that is being watched.
1589 2266
1590=back 2267=back
1591 2268
1592=head3 Examples 2269=head3 Examples
1593 2270
1594Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 2271Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1595 2272
1596 static void 2273 static void
1597 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 2274 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1598 { 2275 {
1599 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 2276 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1600 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 2277 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1601 { 2278 {
1602 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 2279 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1603 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 2280 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1604 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 2281 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1605 } 2282 }
1606 else 2283 else
1607 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 2284 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1608 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 2285 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1609 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 2286 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1610 } 2287 }
1611 2288
1612 ... 2289 ...
1613 ev_stat passwd; 2290 ev_stat passwd;
1614 2291
1615 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 2292 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1616 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 2293 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1617 2294
1618Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not 2295Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1619miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so 2296miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1620one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on 2297one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1621C<ev_timer> callback invocation). 2298C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1622 2299
1623 static ev_stat passwd; 2300 static ev_stat passwd;
1624 static ev_timer timer; 2301 static ev_timer timer;
1625 2302
1626 static void 2303 static void
1627 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2304 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1628 { 2305 {
1629 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w); 2306 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1630 2307
1631 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */ 2308 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1632 } 2309 }
1633 2310
1634 static void 2311 static void
1635 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents) 2312 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1636 { 2313 {
1637 /* reset the one-second timer */ 2314 /* reset the one-second timer */
1638 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer); 2315 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1639 } 2316 }
1640 2317
1641 ... 2318 ...
1642 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 2319 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1643 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 2320 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1644 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01); 2321 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1645 2322
1646 2323
1647=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 2324=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1648 2325
1649Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 2326Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1650priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not 2327priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count
1651count). 2328as receiving "events").
1652 2329
1653That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts 2330That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1654(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be 2331(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1655triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers 2332triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1656are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop 2333are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1667 2344
1668=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2345=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1669 2346
1670=over 4 2347=over 4
1671 2348
1672=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2349=item ev_idle_init (ev_idle *, callback)
1673 2350
1674Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 2351Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1675kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2352kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1676believe me. 2353believe me.
1677 2354
1680=head3 Examples 2357=head3 Examples
1681 2358
1682Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 2359Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1683callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2360callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1684 2361
1685 static void 2362 static void
1686 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 2363 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
1687 { 2364 {
1688 free (w); 2365 free (w);
1689 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2366 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1690 // no longer asnything immediate to do. 2367 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1691 } 2368 }
1692 2369
1693 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 2370 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
1694 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2371 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1695 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2372 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1696 2373
1697 2374
1698=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2375=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1699 2376
1700Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 2377Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
1701prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2378prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1702afterwards. 2379afterwards.
1703 2380
1704You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2381You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter
1705the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2382the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
1708those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2385those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
1709C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2386C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1710called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 2387called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1711 2388
1712Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 2389Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1713their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track 2390their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
1714variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 2391variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1715coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 2392coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1716you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example, 2393you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1717in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare> 2394in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1718watcher). 2395watcher).
1719 2396
1720This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 2397This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors
1721to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 2398need to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers
1722them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 2399for them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many
1723provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 2400libraries provide exactly this functionality). Then, in the check watcher,
1724any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 2401you check for any events that occurred (by checking the pending status
1725and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 2402of all watchers and stopping them) and call back into the library. The
1726callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 2403I/O and timer callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid
1727because you never know, you know?). 2404nevertheless, because you never know, you know?).
1728 2405
1729As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 2406As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1730coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines 2407coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
1731during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines 2408during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
1732are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines 2409are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines
1735loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 2412loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1736low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 2413low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1737 2414
1738It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 2415It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1739priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 2416priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
2417after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers).
2418
1740after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 2419Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
1741too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 2420activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
1742supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers 2421might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
1743did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other 2422C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
1744(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable 2423loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1745state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to 2424C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1746coexist peacefully with others). 2425others).
1747 2426
1748=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2427=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1749 2428
1750=over 4 2429=over 4
1751 2430
1753 2432
1754=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 2433=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1755 2434
1756Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 2435Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
1757parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 2436parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1758macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 2437macros, but using them is utterly, utterly, utterly and completely
2438pointless.
1759 2439
1760=back 2440=back
1761 2441
1762=head3 Examples 2442=head3 Examples
1763 2443
1764There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules 2444There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1765into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev 2445into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1766(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could 2446(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1767use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> 2447use as a working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> embeds a
1768embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV 2448Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1769into the Glib event loop). 2449Glib event loop).
1770 2450
1771Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, 2451Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1772and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows 2452and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1773is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low 2453is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1774priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as 2454priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1775the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet. 2455the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1776 2456
1777 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2457 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1778 static ev_timer tw; 2458 static ev_timer tw;
1779 2459
1780 static void 2460 static void
1781 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2461 io_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1782 { 2462 {
1783 } 2463 }
1784 2464
1785 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2465 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1786 static void 2466 static void
1787 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2467 adns_prepare_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1788 { 2468 {
1789 int timeout = 3600000; 2469 int timeout = 3600000;
1790 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2470 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1791 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2471 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1792 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2472 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1793 2473
1794 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2474 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1795 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2475 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1796 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2476 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1797 2477
1798 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2478 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1799 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2479 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1800 { 2480 {
1801 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 2481 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1802 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 2482 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1803 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 2483 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1804 2484
1805 fds [i].revents = 0; 2485 fds [i].revents = 0;
1806 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 2486 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1807 } 2487 }
1808 } 2488 }
1809 2489
1810 // stop all watchers after blocking 2490 // stop all watchers after blocking
1811 static void 2491 static void
1812 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2492 adns_check_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1813 { 2493 {
1814 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2494 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1815 2495
1816 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2496 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1817 { 2497 {
1818 // set the relevant poll flags 2498 // set the relevant poll flags
1819 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 2499 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1820 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 2500 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1821 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 2501 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1822 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 2502 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1823 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 2503 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1824 2504
1825 // now stop the watcher 2505 // now stop the watcher
1826 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2506 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1827 } 2507 }
1828 2508
1829 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2509 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1830 } 2510 }
1831 2511
1832Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll> 2512Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1833in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher. 2513in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1834 2514
1835Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2515Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1836notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2516notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1837callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2517callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1838 2518
1839 static void 2519 static void
1840 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2520 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1841 { 2521 {
1842 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2522 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1843 update_now (EV_A); 2523 update_now (EV_A);
1844 2524
1845 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2525 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1846 } 2526 }
1847 2527
1848 static void 2528 static void
1849 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2529 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1850 { 2530 {
1851 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2531 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1852 update_now (EV_A); 2532 update_now (EV_A);
1853 2533
1854 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2534 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1855 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2535 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1856 } 2536 }
1857 2537
1858 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2538 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1859 2539
1860Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2540Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1861want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override 2541want to embed is not flexible enough to support it. Instead, you can
1862their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2542override their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the
1863loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does 2543main loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module uses
1864this. 2544this approach, effectively embedding EV as a client into the horrible
2545libglib event loop.
1865 2546
1866 static gint 2547 static gint
1867 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2548 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1868 { 2549 {
1869 int got_events = 0; 2550 int got_events = 0;
1870 2551
1871 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2552 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1872 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events 2553 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1873 2554
1874 if (timeout >= 0) 2555 if (timeout >= 0)
1875 // create/start timer 2556 // create/start timer
1876 2557
1877 // poll 2558 // poll
1878 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2559 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1879 2560
1880 // stop timer again 2561 // stop timer again
1881 if (timeout >= 0) 2562 if (timeout >= 0)
1882 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2563 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1883 2564
1884 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2565 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1885 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2566 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1886 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2567 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1887 2568
1888 return got_events; 2569 return got_events;
1889 } 2570 }
1890 2571
1891 2572
1892=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2573=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1893 2574
1894This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2575This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1900prioritise I/O. 2581prioritise I/O.
1901 2582
1902As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 2583As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
1903sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you 2584sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you
1904still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales 2585still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales
1905so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed it 2586so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed
1906into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation will 2587it into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation
1907be a bit slower because first libev has to poll and then call kevent, but 2588will be a bit slower because first libev has to call C<poll> and then
1908at least you can use both at what they are best. 2589C<kevent>, but at least you can use both mechanisms for what they are
2590best: C<kqueue> for scalable sockets and C<poll> if you want it to work :)
1909 2591
1910As for prioritising I/O: rarely you have the case where some fds have 2592As for prioritising I/O: under rare circumstances you have the case where
1911to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even 2593some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
1912priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case 2594and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
1913you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all the rest in 2595this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all
1914a second one, and embed the second one in the first. 2596the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
1915 2597
1916As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time 2598As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every
1917there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then 2599time there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback
1918call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke 2600must then call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single
1919their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded 2601sweep and invoke their callbacks (the callback doesn't need to invoke the
1920loop strictly lower priority for example). You can also set the callback 2602C<ev_embed_sweep> function directly, it could also start an idle watcher
1921to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher will automatically execute the 2603to give the embedded loop strictly lower priority for example).
1922embedded loop sweep.
1923 2604
1924As long as the watcher is started it will automatically handle events. The 2605You can also set the callback to C<0>, in which case the embed watcher
1925callback will be invoked whenever some events have been handled. You can 2606will automatically execute the embedded loop sweep whenever necessary.
1926set the callback to C<0> to avoid having to specify one if you are not
1927interested in that.
1928 2607
1929Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking: 2608Fork detection will be handled transparently while the C<ev_embed> watcher
1930when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops, 2609is active, i.e., the embedded loop will automatically be forked when the
1931but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers 2610embedding loop forks. In other cases, the user is responsible for calling
1932yourself. 2611C<ev_loop_fork> on the embedded loop.
1933 2612
1934Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by 2613Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
1935C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 2614C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
1936portable one. 2615portable one.
1937 2616
1938So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2617So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1939that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 2618that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1940this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 2619this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1941create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything. 2620create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
1942 2621
2622=head3 C<ev_embed> and fork
2623
2624While the C<ev_embed> watcher is running, forks in the embedding loop will
2625automatically be applied to the embedded loop as well, so no special
2626fork handling is required in that case. When the watcher is not running,
2627however, it is still the task of the libev user to call C<ev_loop_fork ()>
2628as applicable.
2629
1943=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2630=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1944 2631
1945=over 4 2632=over 4
1946 2633
1947=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2634=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1950 2637
1951Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2638Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1952embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2639embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1953invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2640invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1954to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2641to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1955if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2642if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1956 2643
1957=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2644=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1958 2645
1959Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2646Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1960similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2647similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1961apropriate way for embedded loops. 2648appropriate way for embedded loops.
1962 2649
1963=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2650=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1964 2651
1965The embedded event loop. 2652The embedded event loop.
1966 2653
1968 2655
1969=head3 Examples 2656=head3 Examples
1970 2657
1971Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default 2658Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
1972event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default 2659event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
1973loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in 2660loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
1974C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be 2661C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
1975used). 2662used).
1976 2663
1977 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2664 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1978 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2665 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1979 struct ev_embed embed; 2666 ev_embed embed;
1980 2667
1981 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2668 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
1982 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2669 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
1983 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2670 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
1984 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2671 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
1985 : 0; 2672 : 0;
1986 2673
1987 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi 2674 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
1988 if (loop_lo) 2675 if (loop_lo)
1989 { 2676 {
1990 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 2677 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
1991 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2678 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1992 } 2679 }
1993 else 2680 else
1994 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2681 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1995 2682
1996Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create 2683Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
1997a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any 2684a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
1998kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2685kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
1999C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2686C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2000 2687
2001 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2688 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2002 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2689 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2003 struct ev_embed embed; 2690 ev_embed embed;
2004 2691
2005 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2692 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2006 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2693 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2007 { 2694 {
2008 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2695 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2009 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 2696 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2010 } 2697 }
2011 2698
2012 if (!loop_socket) 2699 if (!loop_socket)
2013 loop_socket = loop; 2700 loop_socket = loop;
2014 2701
2015 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else 2702 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2016 2703
2017 2704
2018=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2705=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2019 2706
2020Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2707Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2023event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 2710event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
2024and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 2711and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
2025C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 2712C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2026handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 2713handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2027 2714
2715=head3 The special problem of life after fork - how is it possible?
2716
2717Most uses of C<fork()> consist of forking, then some simple calls to ste
2718up/change the process environment, followed by a call to C<exec()>. This
2719sequence should be handled by libev without any problems.
2720
2721This changes when the application actually wants to do event handling
2722in the child, or both parent in child, in effect "continuing" after the
2723fork.
2724
2725The default mode of operation (for libev, with application help to detect
2726forks) is to duplicate all the state in the child, as would be expected
2727when I<either> the parent I<or> the child process continues.
2728
2729When both processes want to continue using libev, then this is usually the
2730wrong result. In that case, usually one process (typically the parent) is
2731supposed to continue with all watchers in place as before, while the other
2732process typically wants to start fresh, i.e. without any active watchers.
2733
2734The cleanest and most efficient way to achieve that with libev is to
2735simply create a new event loop, which of course will be "empty", and
2736use that for new watchers. This has the advantage of not touching more
2737memory than necessary, and thus avoiding the copy-on-write, and the
2738disadvantage of having to use multiple event loops (which do not support
2739signal watchers).
2740
2741When this is not possible, or you want to use the default loop for
2742other reasons, then in the process that wants to start "fresh", call
2743C<ev_default_destroy ()> followed by C<ev_default_loop (...)>. Destroying
2744the default loop will "orphan" (not stop) all registered watchers, so you
2745have to be careful not to execute code that modifies those watchers. Note
2746also that in that case, you have to re-register any signal watchers.
2747
2028=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2748=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2029 2749
2030=over 4 2750=over 4
2031 2751
2032=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2752=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
2036believe me. 2756believe me.
2037 2757
2038=back 2758=back
2039 2759
2040 2760
2761=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop
2762
2763In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
2764asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2765loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2766
2767Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not
2768control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what
2769C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you
2770can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal
2771safe.
2772
2773This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2774too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2775(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2776C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2777
2778Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
2779just the default loop.
2780
2781=head3 Queueing
2782
2783C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2784is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2785multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2786need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2787
2788That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2789queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2790queue:
2791
2792=over 4
2793
2794=item queueing from a signal handler context
2795
2796To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2797handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is
2798an example that does that for some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2799
2800 static ev_async mysig;
2801
2802 static void
2803 sigusr1_handler (void)
2804 {
2805 sometype data;
2806
2807 // no locking etc.
2808 queue_put (data);
2809 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2810 }
2811
2812 static void
2813 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2814 {
2815 sometype data;
2816 sigset_t block, prev;
2817
2818 sigemptyset (&block);
2819 sigaddset (&block, SIGUSR1);
2820 sigprocmask (SIG_BLOCK, &block, &prev);
2821
2822 while (queue_get (&data))
2823 process (data);
2824
2825 if (sigismember (&prev, SIGUSR1)
2826 sigprocmask (SIG_UNBLOCK, &block, 0);
2827 }
2828
2829(Note: pthreads in theory requires you to use C<pthread_setmask>
2830instead of C<sigprocmask> when you use threads, but libev doesn't do it
2831either...).
2832
2833=item queueing from a thread context
2834
2835The strategy for threads is different, as you cannot (easily) block
2836threads but you can easily preempt them, so to queue safely you need to
2837employ a traditional mutex lock, such as in this pthread example:
2838
2839 static ev_async mysig;
2840 static pthread_mutex_t mymutex = PTHREAD_MUTEX_INITIALIZER;
2841
2842 static void
2843 otherthread (void)
2844 {
2845 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation
2846 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2847 queue_put (data);
2848 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2849
2850 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2851 }
2852
2853 static void
2854 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2855 {
2856 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2857
2858 while (queue_get (&data))
2859 process (data);
2860
2861 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2862 }
2863
2864=back
2865
2866
2867=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2868
2869=over 4
2870
2871=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2872
2873Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2874kind. There is a C<ev_async_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2875trust me.
2876
2877=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2878
2879Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2880an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2881C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or
2882similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2883section below on what exactly this means).
2884
2885Note that, as with other watchers in libev, multiple events might get
2886compressed into a single callback invocation (another way to look at this
2887is that C<ev_async> watchers are level-triggered, set on C<ev_async_send>,
2888reset when the event loop detects that).
2889
2890This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per event loop
2891iteration, so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to
2892repeated calls to C<ev_async_send> for the same event loop.
2893
2894=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2895
2896Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2897watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2898event loop.
2899
2900C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2901the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2902it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2903quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2904
2905Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending,
2906only whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending: there
2907is a time window between the event loop checking and resetting the async
2908notification, and the callback being invoked.
2909
2910=back
2911
2912
2041=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2913=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2042 2914
2043There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 2915There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
2044 2916
2045=over 4 2917=over 4
2046 2918
2047=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 2919=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
2048 2920
2049This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 2921This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
2050callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 2922callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
2051watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 2923watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
2052or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2924or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2053more watchers yourself. 2925more watchers yourself.
2054 2926
2055If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2927If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and the
2056is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2928C<events> argument is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for
2057C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2929the given C<fd> and C<events> set will be created and started.
2058 2930
2059If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2931If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2060started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2932started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2061repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2933repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2062dubious value.
2063 2934
2064The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2935The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
2065passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2936passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2066C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2937C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2067value passed to C<ev_once>: 2938value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
2939a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
2940events precedence.
2068 2941
2942Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2943
2069 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2944 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2070 { 2945 {
2071 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2072 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2073 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2946 if (revents & EV_READ)
2074 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2947 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2948 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2949 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2075 } 2950 }
2076 2951
2077 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2952 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2078 2953
2079=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2954=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2080 2955
2081Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2956Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2082had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2957had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2083initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). 2958initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2084 2959
2085=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 2960=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)
2086 2961
2087Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2962Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2088the given events it. 2963the given events it.
2089 2964
2090=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2965=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2091 2966
2092Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2967Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2093loop!). 2968loop!).
2094 2969
2095=back 2970=back
2096 2971
2097 2972
2113 2988
2114=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 2989=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2115will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 2990will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
2116is an ev_pri field. 2991is an ev_pri field.
2117 2992
2993=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2994first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
2995
2118=item * Other members are not supported. 2996=item * Other members are not supported.
2119 2997
2120=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 2998=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
2121to use the libev header file and library. 2999to use the libev header file and library.
2122 3000
2123=back 3001=back
2124 3002
2125=head1 C++ SUPPORT 3003=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2126 3004
2127Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 3005Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2128you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 3006you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2129the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 3007the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2130 3008
2131To use it, 3009To use it,
2132 3010
2133 #include <ev++.h> 3011 #include <ev++.h>
2134 3012
2135This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 3013This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2136of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 3014of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2137put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 3015put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2138options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 3016options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
2205your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the 3083your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2206thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 3084thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2207 3085
2208Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 3086Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2209 3087
2210 struct myclass 3088 struct myclass
2211 { 3089 {
2212 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 3090 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2213 } 3091 }
2214 3092
2215 myclass obj; 3093 myclass obj;
2216 ev::io iow; 3094 ev::io iow;
2217 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 3095 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
3096
3097=item w->set (object *)
3098
3099This is an B<experimental> feature that might go away in a future version.
3100
3101This is a variation of a method callback - leaving out the method to call
3102will default the method to C<operator ()>, which makes it possible to use
3103functor objects without having to manually specify the C<operator ()> all
3104the time. Incidentally, you can then also leave out the template argument
3105list.
3106
3107The C<operator ()> method prototype must be C<void operator ()(watcher &w,
3108int revents)>.
3109
3110See the method-C<set> above for more details.
3111
3112Example: use a functor object as callback.
3113
3114 struct myfunctor
3115 {
3116 void operator() (ev::io &w, int revents)
3117 {
3118 ...
3119 }
3120 }
3121
3122 myfunctor f;
3123
3124 ev::io w;
3125 w.set (&f);
2218 3126
2219=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 3127=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2220 3128
2221Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 3129Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2222callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 3130callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2224 3132
2225The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>. 3133The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2226 3134
2227See the method-C<set> above for more details. 3135See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2228 3136
2229Example: 3137Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2230 3138
2231 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 3139 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2232 iow.set <io_cb> (); 3140 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2233 3141
2234=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 3142=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2235 3143
2236Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 3144Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2237do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 3145do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2238 3146
2239=item w->set ([args]) 3147=item w->set ([arguments])
2240 3148
2241Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 3149Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
2242called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 3150called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2243automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 3151automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2244method. 3152method.
2245 3153
2246=item w->start () 3154=item w->start ()
2270=back 3178=back
2271 3179
2272Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 3180Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2273the constructor. 3181the constructor.
2274 3182
2275 class myclass 3183 class myclass
2276 { 3184 {
2277 ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 3185 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2278 ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 3186 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2279 3187
2280 myclass (); 3188 myclass (int fd)
2281 } 3189 {
2282
2283 myclass::myclass (int fd)
2284 {
2285 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 3190 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2286 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 3191 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2287 3192
2288 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 3193 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
3194 }
2289 } 3195 };
3196
3197
3198=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
3199
3200Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
3201number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
3202any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
3203me a note.
3204
3205=over 4
3206
3207=item Perl
3208
3209The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
3210libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
3211there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
3212to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>, but C<AnyEvent::DNS> is preferred nowadays),
3213C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV>
3214and C<EV::Glib>).
3215
3216It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
3217L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
3218
3219=item Python
3220
3221Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
3222seems to be quite complete and well-documented.
3223
3224=item Ruby
3225
3226Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
3227of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
3228more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
3229L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
3230
3231Roger Pack reports that using the link order C<-lws2_32 -lmsvcrt-ruby-190>
3232makes rev work even on mingw.
3233
3234=item Haskell
3235
3236A haskell binding to libev is available at
3237L<http://hackage.haskell.org/cgi-bin/hackage-scripts/package/hlibev>.
3238
3239=item D
3240
3241Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
3242be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
3243
3244=item Ocaml
3245
3246Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
3247L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
3248
3249=back
2290 3250
2291 3251
2292=head1 MACRO MAGIC 3252=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2293 3253
2294Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 3254Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2295of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 3255of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2296functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 3256functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2297 3257
2298To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 3258To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2299following macros are defined: 3259following macros are defined:
2304 3264
2305This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 3265This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2306loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 3266loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2307C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 3267C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2308 3268
2309 ev_unref (EV_A); 3269 ev_unref (EV_A);
2310 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3270 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2311 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3271 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2312 3272
2313It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 3273It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2314which is often provided by the following macro. 3274which is often provided by the following macro.
2315 3275
2316=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3276=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2317 3277
2318This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 3278This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2319loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter, 3279loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2320C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example: 3280C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2321 3281
2322 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 3282 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2323 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 3283 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2324 3284
2325 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 3285 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2326 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 3286 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2327 3287
2328It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 3288It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2329suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 3289suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2330 3290
2331=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 3291=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2332 3292
2333Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 3293Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2334loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 3294loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
3295
3296=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
3297
3298Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
3299default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
3300is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
3301execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
3302
3303It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
3304watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2335 3305
2336=back 3306=back
2337 3307
2338Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 3308Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2339macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 3309macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2340or not. 3310or not.
2341 3311
2342 static void 3312 static void
2343 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 3313 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2344 { 3314 {
2345 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 3315 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2346 } 3316 }
2347 3317
2348 ev_check check; 3318 ev_check check;
2349 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3319 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2350 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3320 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2351 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3321 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2352 3322
2353=head1 EMBEDDING 3323=head1 EMBEDDING
2354 3324
2355Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3325Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2356applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3326applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2363libev somewhere in your source tree). 3333libev somewhere in your source tree).
2364 3334
2365=head2 FILESETS 3335=head2 FILESETS
2366 3336
2367Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 3337Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2368in your app. 3338in your application.
2369 3339
2370=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 3340=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2371 3341
2372To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 3342To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2373configuration (no autoconf): 3343configuration (no autoconf):
2374 3344
2375 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3345 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2376 #include "ev.c" 3346 #include "ev.c"
2377 3347
2378This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 3348This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
2379single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use 3349single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
2380it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best 3350it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
2381done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and 3351done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2382where you can put other configuration options): 3352where you can put other configuration options):
2383 3353
2384 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3354 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2385 #include "ev.h" 3355 #include "ev.h"
2386 3356
2387Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 3357Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2388compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 3358compiler (at least, that's a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2389as a bug). 3359as a bug).
2390 3360
2391You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 3361You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2392in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 3362in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2393 3363
2394 ev.h 3364 ev.h
2395 ev.c 3365 ev.c
2396 ev_vars.h 3366 ev_vars.h
2397 ev_wrap.h 3367 ev_wrap.h
2398 3368
2399 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 3369 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2400 3370
2401 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 3371 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
2402 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3372 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2403 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3373 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2404 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3374 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2405 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3375 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2406 3376
2407F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 3377F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2408to compile this single file. 3378to compile this single file.
2409 3379
2410=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 3380=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2411 3381
2412To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 3382To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2413 3383
2414 #include "event.c" 3384 #include "event.c"
2415 3385
2416in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 3386in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2417 3387
2418 #include "event.h" 3388 #include "event.h"
2419 3389
2420in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 3390in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2421 3391
2422You need the following additional files for this: 3392You need the following additional files for this:
2423 3393
2424 event.h 3394 event.h
2425 event.c 3395 event.c
2426 3396
2427=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 3397=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2428 3398
2429Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 3399Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
2430whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 3400whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2431F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then 3401F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2432include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 3402include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2433 3403
2434For this of course you need the m4 file: 3404For this of course you need the m4 file:
2435 3405
2436 libev.m4 3406 libev.m4
2437 3407
2438=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3408=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2439 3409
2440Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define 3410Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2441before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity 3411define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2442and only include the select backend. 3412autoconf is documented for every option.
2443 3413
2444=over 4 3414=over 4
2445 3415
2446=item EV_STANDALONE 3416=item EV_STANDALONE
2447 3417
2449keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy 3419keeps libev from including F<config.h>, and it also defines dummy
2450implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not 3420implementations for some libevent functions (such as logging, which is not
2451supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in 3421supported). It will also not define any of the structs usually found in
2452F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 3422F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2453 3423
3424In stanbdalone mode, libev will still try to automatically deduce the
3425configuration, but has to be more conservative.
3426
2454=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3427=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2455 3428
2456If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3429If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2457monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 3430monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no
2458of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 3431use of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this,
2459usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 3432you usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it
2460the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 3433when the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2461to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 3434to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2462function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 3435function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). See also C<EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL>.
2463 3436
2464=item EV_USE_REALTIME 3437=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2465 3438
2466If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3439If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2467realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 3440real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability
2468runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 3441at runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock
2469be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 3442option will be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday>
2470(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 3443by C<clock_get (CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect
2471note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 3444correctness. See the note about libraries in the description of
3445C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. Defaults to the opposite value of
3446C<EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL>.
3447
3448=item EV_USE_CLOCK_SYSCALL
3449
3450If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to use a direct syscall instead
3451of calling the system-provided C<clock_gettime> function. This option
3452exists because on GNU/Linux, C<clock_gettime> is in C<librt>, but C<librt>
3453unconditionally pulls in C<libpthread>, slowing down single-threaded
3454programs needlessly. Using a direct syscall is slightly slower (in
3455theory), because no optimised vdso implementation can be used, but avoids
3456the pthread dependency. Defaults to C<1> on GNU/Linux with glibc 2.x or
3457higher, as it simplifies linking (no need for C<-lrt>).
2472 3458
2473=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 3459=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2474 3460
2475If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available 3461If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2476and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>. 3462and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2477 3463
3464=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
3465
3466If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
3467available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
3468C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
3469If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
34702.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3471
2478=item EV_USE_SELECT 3472=item EV_USE_SELECT
2479 3473
2480If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 3474If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2481C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 3475C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
2482other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 3476other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2483will not be compiled in. 3477will not be compiled in.
2484 3478
2485=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 3479=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2486 3480
2487If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 3481If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2488structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 3482structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2489C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 3483C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout
2490exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 3484on exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to
2491low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 3485some low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket
2492allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 3486only allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation,
2493influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 3487configures the maximum size of the C<fd_set>.
2494 3488
2495=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 3489=item EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET
2496 3490
2497When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that 3491When defined to C<1>, the select backend will assume that
2498select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but 3492select/socket/connect etc. don't understand file descriptors but
2518 3512
2519=item EV_USE_EPOLL 3513=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2520 3514
2521If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 3515If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2522C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 3516C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2523otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 3517otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2524preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems. 3518backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
3519headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2525 3520
2526=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 3521=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2527 3522
2528If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 3523If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2529C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 3524C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2542otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 3537otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2543backend for Solaris 10 systems. 3538backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2544 3539
2545=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 3540=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2546 3541
2547reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 3542Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2548 3543
2549=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 3544=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2550 3545
2551If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 3546If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2552interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 3547interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2553be detected at runtime. 3548be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
3549indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3550
3551=item EV_ATOMIC_T
3552
3553Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
3554access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
3555type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
3556that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
3557as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
3558
3559In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
3560(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2554 3561
2555=item EV_H 3562=item EV_H
2556 3563
2557The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 3564The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2558undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h> and F<ev.c>. This can be used to 3565undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
2559virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 3566used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
2560 3567
2561=item EV_CONFIG_H 3568=item EV_CONFIG_H
2562 3569
2563If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 3570If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
2564F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 3571F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
2565C<EV_H>, above. 3572C<EV_H>, above.
2566 3573
2567=item EV_EVENT_H 3574=item EV_EVENT_H
2568 3575
2569Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 3576Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
2570of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the dfeault is C<"event.h">. 3577of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
2571 3578
2572=item EV_PROTOTYPES 3579=item EV_PROTOTYPES
2573 3580
2574If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 3581If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
2575prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 3582prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
2596When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 3603When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2597all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3604all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2598and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually 3605and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2599fine. 3606fine.
2600 3607
2601If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3608If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
2602C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 3609both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2603 3610
2604=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3611=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2605 3612
2606If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3613If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2607defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3614defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2614code. 3621code.
2615 3622
2616=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 3623=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2617 3624
2618If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 3625If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2619defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3626defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3627watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
2620 3628
2621=item EV_STAT_ENABLE 3629=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2622 3630
2623If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If 3631If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2624defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3632defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2626=item EV_FORK_ENABLE 3634=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2627 3635
2628If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If 3636If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2629defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3637defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2630 3638
3639=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3640
3641If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3642defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3643
2631=item EV_MINIMAL 3644=item EV_MINIMAL
2632 3645
2633If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3646If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2634speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 3647speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2635some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 3648inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3649much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2636 3650
2637=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3651=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2638 3652
2639C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3653C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2640pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 3654pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2647inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 3661inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2648usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 3662usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2649watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 3663watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2650two). 3664two).
2651 3665
3666=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3667
3668Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3669timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3670to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3671faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3672
3673The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3674(disabled).
3675
3676=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3677
3678Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3679timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3680the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3681which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3682but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3683noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3684
3685The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3686(disabled).
3687
3688=item EV_VERIFY
3689
3690Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3691be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3692in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3693called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3694called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3695verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3696libev considerably.
3697
3698The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3699C<0>.
3700
2652=item EV_COMMON 3701=item EV_COMMON
2653 3702
2654By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3703By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2655this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 3704this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2656members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 3705members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2657though, and it must be identical each time. 3706though, and it must be identical each time.
2658 3707
2659For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3708For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2660 3709
2661 #define EV_COMMON \ 3710 #define EV_COMMON \
2662 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3711 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2663 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3712 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2664 3713
2665=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3714=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2666 3715
2667=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3716=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2668 3717
2673definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for 3722definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2674their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 3723their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2675avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3724avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2676method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3725method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2677 3726
3727=back
3728
2678=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3729=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2679 3730
2680If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of 3731If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
2681exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list 3732exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2682all public symbols, one per line: 3733all public symbols, one per line:
2683 3734
2684 Symbols.ev for libev proper 3735 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2685 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation 3736 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2686 3737
2687This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with 3738This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2688multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in 3739multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2689itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this). 3740itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
2690 3741
2691A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to 3742A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2692include before including F<ev.h>: 3743include before including F<ev.h>:
2693 3744
2694 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h 3745 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2711file. 3762file.
2712 3763
2713The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3764The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2714that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 3765that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2715 3766
2716 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 3767 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2717 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3768 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2718 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3769 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2719 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 3770 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2720 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 3771 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2721 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 3772 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2722 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3773 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2723 #define EV_MINPRI 0 3774 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2724 #define EV_MAXPRI 0 3775 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2725 3776
2726 #include "ev++.h" 3777 #include "ev++.h"
2727 3778
2728And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3779And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2729 3780
2730 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3781 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2731 #include "ev.c" 3782 #include "ev.c"
2732 3783
3784=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES
2733 3785
2734=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3786=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
2735 3787
2736In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3788=head3 THREADS
2737libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2738documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2739 3789
2740All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be 3790All libev functions are reentrant and thread-safe unless explicitly
2741extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this 3791documented otherwise, but libev implements no locking itself. This means
2742happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might 3792that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as there
2743mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average 3793are no concurrent calls into any libev function with the same loop
2744it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time. 3794parameter (C<ev_default_*> calls have an implicit default loop parameter,
3795of course): libev guarantees that different event loops share no data
3796structures that need any locking.
3797
3798Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
3799concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
3800must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as
3801only one thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using
3802a mutex per loop).
3803
3804Specifically to support threads (and signal handlers), libev implements
3805so-called C<ev_async> watchers, which allow some limited form of
3806concurrency on the same event loop, namely waking it up "from the
3807outside".
3808
3809If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3810without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3811help you, but here is some generic advice:
2745 3812
2746=over 4 3813=over 4
2747 3814
2748=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 3815=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3816in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
2749 3817
2750This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and 3818This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
2751there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will 3819themselves and don't care/know about threading.
2752have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2753 3820
2754=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 3821=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
2755 3822
2756That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 3823Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
2757as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for. 3824exists, but it is always a good start.
2758 3825
2759=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 3826=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3827loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
2760 3828
2761These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list. 3829Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3830better than you currently do :-)
2762 3831
2763=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 3832=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3833event loop.
2764 3834
2765=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 3835C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other threads safely
3836(or from signal contexts...).
2766 3837
2767These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the 3838An example use would be to communicate signals or other events that only
2768correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3839work in the default loop by registering the signal watcher with the
2769have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal). 3840default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
2770 3841watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
2771=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
2772
2773By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the
2774beginning of the storage array.
2775
2776=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2777
2778A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2779libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
2780on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2781
2782=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
2783
2784=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2785
2786Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2787priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2788linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
2789watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. prioritiy handling.
2790 3842
2791=back 3843=back
2792 3844
3845=head3 COROUTINES
2793 3846
2794=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds 3847Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3848libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3849coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3850different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3851loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3852you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3853
3854Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3855C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3856they do not call any callbacks.
3857
3858=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3859
3860Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3861lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3862scared by this.
3863
3864However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3865has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3866warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3867targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3868
3869Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3870workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3871maintainable.
3872
3873And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3874wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3875seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3876warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have
3877been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3878such buggy versions.
3879
3880While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3881"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3882with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3883them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3884warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3885
3886
3887=head2 VALGRIND
3888
3889Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3890highly useful. Unfortunately, valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3891
3892If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3893in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3894
3895 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3896 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3897 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3898
3899Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables
3900is not a memleak - the memory is still being referenced, and didn't leak.
3901
3902Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs
3903as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend,
3904although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
3905confused.
3906
3907Keep in mind that valgrind is a very good tool, but only a tool. Don't
3908make it into some kind of religion.
3909
3910If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3911with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this
3912is a bug in libev (best check the archives, too :). However, don't be
3913annoyed when you get a brisk "this is no bug" answer and take the chance
3914of learning how to interpret valgrind properly.
3915
3916If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3917I suggest using suppression lists.
3918
3919
3920=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3921
3922=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
2795 3923
2796Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 3924Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
2797requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3925requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
2798model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3926model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
2799the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3927the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
2800descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 3928descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
2801e.g. cygwin. 3929e.g. cygwin.
2802 3930
3931Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3932re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
3933things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
3934way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3935
2803There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 3936There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
2804embedding it into other applications. 3937embedding it into other applications.
2805 3938
3939Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3940accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3941either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3942so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3943megabyte seems safe, but this apparently depends on the amount of memory
3944available).
3945
2806Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the 3946Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
2807abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not 3947the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
2808recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than 3948is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
2809a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different 3949more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
2810implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot 3950different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
2811be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games). 3951notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3952(Microsoft monopoly games).
3953
3954A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3955section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3956of F<ev.h>:
3957
3958 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
3959 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3960
3961 #include "ev.h"
3962
3963And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3964you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
3965
3966 #include "evwrap.h"
3967 #include "ev.c"
2812 3968
2813=over 4 3969=over 4
2814 3970
2815=item The winsocket select function 3971=item The winsocket select function
2816 3972
2817The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires 3973The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
2818socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select 3974requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
2819very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors 3975also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
2820to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, 3976requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
2821C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor 3977C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
2822symbols for more info. 3978discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3979C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
2823 3980
2824The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime 3981The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
2825libraries and raw winsocket select is: 3982libraries and raw winsocket select is:
2826 3983
2827 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1 3984 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
2828 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 3985 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
2829 3986
2830Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 3987Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
2831complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 3988complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
2832 3989
2833=item Limited number of file descriptors 3990=item Limited number of file descriptors
2834 3991
2835Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions 3992Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
2836of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles 3993
3994Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
2837(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for 3995of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
2838C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a 3996can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
2839chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each). 3997recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3998previous thread in each. Great).
2840 3999
2841Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 4000Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
2842to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select 4001to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
2843call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own 4002call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
2844select emulation on windows). 4003select emulation on windows).
2845 4004
2846Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime 4005Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
2847libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish 4006libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
2848or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling 4007or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
2849C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 4008C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
2850arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime 4009arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
2851libraries. 4010libraries.
2852 4011
2853This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 4012This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
2854windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to 4013windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
2855wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 4014wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
2856calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 4015calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
2857 4016
2858=back 4017=back
2859 4018
4019=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
4020
4021In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
4022backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
4023
4024=over 4
4025
4026=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
4027calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
4028
4029Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
4030structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
4031assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
4032callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
4033calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
4034
4035=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
4036
4037The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
4038C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
4039threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
4040believed to be sufficiently portable.
4041
4042=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
4043
4044Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
4045allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
4046pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
4047thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
4048be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
4049C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
4050
4051The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
4052except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
4053well.
4054
4055=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
4056
4057To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
4058instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
4059systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but is still at
4060least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of millions of
4061watchers.
4062
4063=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
4064
4065The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
4066have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
4067enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
4068implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
4069
4070=back
4071
4072If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
4073
4074
4075=head1 ALGORITHMIC COMPLEXITIES
4076
4077In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
4078libev will be documented. For complexity discussions about backends see
4079the documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
4080
4081All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
4082extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
4083happens asymptotically rarer with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
4084mean that libev does a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on
4085average it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
4086
4087=over 4
4088
4089=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
4090
4091This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
4092there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that, then inserting will
4093have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
4094
4095=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
4096
4097That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them,
4098as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
4099
4100=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
4101
4102These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
4103
4104=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
4105
4106=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
4107
4108These watchers are stored in lists, so they need to be walked to find the
4109correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
4110have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal: one is typical, two
4111is rare).
4112
4113=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
4114
4115By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
4116fixed position in the storage array.
4117
4118=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
4119
4120A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
4121libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
4122on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
4123
4124=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
4125
4126=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
4127
4128Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
4129priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
4130linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
4131watchers becomes O(1) with respect to priority handling.
4132
4133=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
4134
4135=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
4136
4137=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
4138
4139Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
4140calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
4141involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
4142
4143=back
4144
4145
4146=head1 GLOSSARY
4147
4148=over 4
4149
4150=item active
4151
4152A watcher is active as long as it has been started (has been attached to
4153an event loop) but not yet stopped (disassociated from the event loop).
4154
4155=item application
4156
4157In this document, an application is whatever is using libev.
4158
4159=item callback
4160
4161The address of a function that is called when some event has been
4162detected. Callbacks are being passed the event loop, the watcher that
4163received the event, and the actual event bitset.
4164
4165=item callback invocation
4166
4167The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4168
4169=item event
4170
4171A change of state of some external event, such as data now being available
4172for reading on a file descriptor, time having passed or simply not having
4173any other events happening anymore.
4174
4175In libev, events are represented as single bits (such as C<EV_READ> or
4176C<EV_TIMEOUT>).
4177
4178=item event library
4179
4180A software package implementing an event model and loop.
4181
4182=item event loop
4183
4184An entity that handles and processes external events and converts them
4185into callback invocations.
4186
4187=item event model
4188
4189The model used to describe how an event loop handles and processes
4190watchers and events.
4191
4192=item pending
4193
4194A watcher is pending as soon as the corresponding event has been detected,
4195and stops being pending as soon as the watcher will be invoked or its
4196pending status is explicitly cleared by the application.
4197
4198A watcher can be pending, but not active. Stopping a watcher also clears
4199its pending status.
4200
4201=item real time
4202
4203The physical time that is observed. It is apparently strictly monotonic :)
4204
4205=item wall-clock time
4206
4207The time and date as shown on clocks. Unlike real time, it can actually
4208be wrong and jump forwards and backwards, e.g. when the you adjust your
4209clock.
4210
4211=item watcher
4212
4213A data structure that describes interest in certain events. Watchers need
4214to be started (attached to an event loop) before they can receive events.
4215
4216=item watcher invocation
4217
4218The act of calling the callback associated with a watcher.
4219
4220=back
2860 4221
2861=head1 AUTHOR 4222=head1 AUTHOR
2862 4223
2863Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 4224Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson.
2864 4225

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