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Revision 1.204 by root, Mon Oct 27 11:08:29 2008 UTC

2 2
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #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 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_TYPE
13 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15 18
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */ 19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
17 static void 21 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
19 { 23 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */ 24 puts ("stdin ready");
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */ 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */ 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
23 } 31 }
24 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
25 static void 34 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 { 36 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */ 37 puts ("timeout");
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */ 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
30 } 40 }
31 41
32 int 42 int
33 main (void) 43 main (void)
34 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36 47
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */ 48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40 52
53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */ 54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44 57
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */ 58 // now wait for events to arrive
46 ev_loop (loop, 0); 59 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47 60
61 // unloop was called, so exit
48 return 0; 62 return 0;
49 } 63 }
50 64
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 65=head1 DESCRIPTION
52 66
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted 67The 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 68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>. 69time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
56 70
57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 71Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
59these event sources and provide your program with events. 73these event sources and provide your program with events.
60 74
84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 98L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
85for example). 99for example).
86 100
87=head2 CONVENTIONS 101=head2 CONVENTIONS
88 102
89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will 103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about 104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in 105more info about various configuration options please have a look at
92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event 106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop> 107for 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. 108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have
109this argument.
95 110
96=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
97 112
98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name 118it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev. 120throughout libev.
121
122=head1 ERROR HANDLING
123
124Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
125and internal errors (bugs).
126
127When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
128a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
129set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
130abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
131()>.
132
133When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
134it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
135so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
136the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
137
138Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
139extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
140circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
141
106 142
107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 143=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
108 144
109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 145These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
110library in any way. 146library in any way.
119 155
120=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 156=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
121 157
122Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 158Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
123either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 159either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
124this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>. 160this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
125 161
126=item int ev_version_major () 162=item int ev_version_major ()
127 163
128=item int ev_version_minor () 164=item int ev_version_minor ()
129 165
142not a problem. 178not a problem.
143 179
144Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 180Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
145version. 181version.
146 182
147 assert (("libev version mismatch", 183 assert (("libev version mismatch",
148 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 184 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
149 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 185 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
150 186
151=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends () 187=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
152 188
153Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*> 189Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
154value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their 190value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
156a description of the set values. 192a description of the set values.
157 193
158Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and 194Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
159a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11 195a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
160 196
161 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 197 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
162 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 198 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
163 199
164=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 200=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
165 201
166Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 202Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
167recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 203recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
168returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 204returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
169most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it 205most 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 206(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
171libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 207libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
172 208
173=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 209=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
174 210
178C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 214C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
179recommended ones. 215recommended ones.
180 216
181See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
182 218
183=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT]
184 220
185Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
186semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to 222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
187allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when 223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
188memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some 224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
189potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc 225or take some potentially destructive action.
190function. 226
227Since some systems (at least OpenBSD and Darwin) fail to implement
228correct C<realloc> semantics, libev will use a wrapper around the system
229C<realloc> and C<free> functions by default.
191 230
192You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 231You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
193free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 232free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
194or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 233or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
195 234
196Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 235Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
197retries). 236retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
198 237
199 static void * 238 static void *
200 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 239 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
201 { 240 {
202 for (;;) 241 for (;;)
211 } 250 }
212 251
213 ... 252 ...
214 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
215 254
216=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT]
217 256
218Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
219as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
220indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
221callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
222matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 261matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
223requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 262requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
224(such as abort). 263(such as abort).
225 264
226Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too. 265Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
237 276
238=back 277=back
239 278
240=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
241 280
242An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct>
243types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 282is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop>
244events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 283I<function>).
245 284
246If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop 285The 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 286supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do
248create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking 287not.
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).
252 288
253=over 4 289=over 4
254 290
255=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 291=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
256 292
260flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 296flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
261 297
262If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 298If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
263function. 299function.
264 300
301Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
302from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
303as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway).
304
265The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 305The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
266C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 306C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
267for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your app you can either 307for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
268create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 308create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
269can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 309can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
270C<ev_default_init>. 310C<ev_default_init>.
271 311
272The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 312The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
281The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right 321The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
282thing, believe me). 322thing, believe me).
283 323
284=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 324=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
285 325
286If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 326If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
287or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 327or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
288C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 328C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
289override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 329override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
290useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 330useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
291around bugs. 331around bugs.
297enabling this flag. 337enabling this flag.
298 338
299This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 339This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
300and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 340and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
301iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 341iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
302Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 342GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
303without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has 343without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
304C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 344C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
305 345
306The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 346The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
307forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 347forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
308flag. 348flag.
309 349
310This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 350This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
311environment variable. 351environment variable.
312 352
313=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 353=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
314 354
315This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 355This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
317but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 357but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
318using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its 358using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
319usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds. 359usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
320 360
321To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of 361To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
322parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are 362parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
323writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many 363writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
324connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have 364connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
325a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of 365a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
326readyness notifications you get per iteration. 366readiness notifications you get per iteration.
367
368This backend maps C<EV_READ> to the C<readfds> set and C<EV_WRITE> to the
369C<writefds> set (and to work around Microsoft Windows bugs, also onto the
370C<exceptfds> set on that platform).
327 371
328=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 372=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
329 373
330And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated 374And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
331than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial 375than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
332limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down 376limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
333considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, 377considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
334i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for 378i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
335performance tips. 379performance tips.
336 380
381This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
382C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
383
337=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 384=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
338 385
339For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 386For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
340but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 387but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
341like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 388like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
342epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 389epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
343of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 390of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
344cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad 391cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad
345support for dup. 392support for dup.
346 393
394Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds should work, but
395of course doesn't, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
396I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones) than registered
397in the set (especially on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these
398spurious notifications by employing an additional generation counter and
399comparing that against the events to filter out spurious ones.
400
347While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 401While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
348will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 402will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident
349(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 403(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
350best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 404best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
351very well if you register events for both fds. 405very well if you register events for both fds.
352 406
353Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
354need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
355(or space) is available.
356
357Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 407Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
358watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e. 408watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible,
359keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. 409i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and
410starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
411extra overhead.
360 412
361While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in 413While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
362all kernel versions tested so far. 414all kernel versions tested so far.
363 415
416This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
417C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
418
364=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 419=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
365 420
366Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 421Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it was
367was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 422broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably with
368with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 423anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course it's
369it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected" 424completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected" unless
370unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 425you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or
371C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 426libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) system like NetBSD.
372system like NetBSD.
373 427
374You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 428You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
375only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on 429only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
376the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 430the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
377 431
378It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 432It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
379kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 433kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
380course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 434course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
381cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 435cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
382two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it 436two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
383drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 437drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
384 438
385This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 439This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
386 440
387While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 441While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
388everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 442everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
389almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets 443almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
390(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop 444(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
391(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for 445(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and, did I mention it,
392sockets. 446using it only for sockets.
447
448This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with
449C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
450C<NOTE_EOF>.
393 451
394=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 452=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
395 453
396This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an 454This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
397implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets 455implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
401=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 459=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
402 460
403This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 461This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
404it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 462it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
405 463
406Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious 464Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
407notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 465notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
408blocking when no data (or space) is available. 466blocking when no data (or space) is available.
409 467
410While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 468While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
411file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 469file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
412descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 470descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
413might perform better. 471might perform better.
414 472
415On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this 473On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
416backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully 474notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
417embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends. 475in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the
476OS-specific backends.
477
478This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
479C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
418 480
419=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 481=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
420 482
421Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 483Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
422with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 484with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
424 486
425It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 487It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
426 488
427=back 489=back
428 490
429If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 491If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
430backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 492backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
431specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 493specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
432 494
433The most typical usage is like this: 495Example: This is the most typical usage.
434 496
435 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 497 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
436 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 498 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
437 499
438Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 500Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
439environment settings to be taken into account: 501environment settings to be taken into account:
440 502
441 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 503 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
442 504
443Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 505Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
444available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 506used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
445event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 507private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
508fds):
446 509
447 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 510 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
448 511
449=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 512=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
450 513
451Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 514Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
452always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 515always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
453handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 516handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
454undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 517undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
455 518
519Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
520libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
521default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
522
456Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 523Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
457 524
458 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 525 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
459 if (!epoller) 526 if (!epoller)
460 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 527 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
461 528
462=item ev_default_destroy () 529=item ev_default_destroy ()
463 530
464Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 531Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
465etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 532etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
466sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 533sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
467responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 534responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
468calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 535calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
469the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 536the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
470for example). 537for example).
471 538
472Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 539Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
473this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers) 540handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
474would need to be stopped manually. 541as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
475 542
476In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 543In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
477rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 544rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
478pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 545pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
479C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 546C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
504 571
505=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 572=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
506 573
507Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 574Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
508C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 575C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
509after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 576after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
577entirely your own problem.
578
579=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
580
581Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
582otherwise.
510 583
511=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 584=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
512 585
513Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 586Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
514the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 587the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
529received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 602received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
530change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 603change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
531time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 604time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
532event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 605event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
533 606
607=item ev_now_update (loop)
608
609Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
610returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
611is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>.
612
613This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
614very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
615the current time is a good idea.
616
617See also "The special problem of time updates" in the C<ev_timer> section.
618
534=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 619=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
535 620
536Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 621Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
537after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 622after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
538events. 623events.
540If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 625If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until
541either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 626either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
542 627
543Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 628Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than
544relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 629relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
545finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program that 630finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
546automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue of 631that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
547relying on its watchers stopping correctly is a thing of beauty. 632of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
633beauty.
548 634
549A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 635A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
550those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 636those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your
551case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 637process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of
638the loop.
552 639
553A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 640A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
554neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 641necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
555your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 642will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
556one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 643be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarentee that a
557external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 644user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
645iteration of the loop.
646
647This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
648with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
558libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 649own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
559usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 650usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
560 651
561Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 652Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
562 653
563 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 654 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
564 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 655 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
565 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers. 656 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
566 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 657 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
567 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 658 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
659 as to not disturb the other process.
568 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 660 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
569 - Update the "event loop time". 661 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
570 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 662 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
571 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 663 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
572 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 664 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
573 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 665 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
574 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 666 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
575 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 667 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
576 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 668 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
577 - Queue all outstanding timers. 669 - Queue all expired timers.
578 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 670 - Queue all expired periodics.
579 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 671 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
580 - Queue all check watchers. 672 - Queue all check watchers.
581 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 673 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
582 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 674 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
583 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 675 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
584 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 676 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
589anymore. 681anymore.
590 682
591 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 683 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
592 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 684 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
593 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 685 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
594 ... jobs done. yeah! 686 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
595 687
596=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 688=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
597 689
598Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 690Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
599has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 691has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
600C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 692C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
601C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 693C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
602 694
603This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 695This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
604 696
697It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls.
698
605=item ev_ref (loop) 699=item ev_ref (loop)
606 700
607=item ev_unref (loop) 701=item ev_unref (loop)
608 702
609Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 703Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
610loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 704loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
611count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. If you have 705count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own.
706
612a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> from 707If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop>
613returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 708from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before
709stopping it.
710
614example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 711As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is
615visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 712not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting
616no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 713if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
617way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 714way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
618libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop> 715libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>
619(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before, 716(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before,
620respectively). 717respectively).
621 718
622Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 719Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
623running when nothing else is active. 720running when nothing else is active.
624 721
625 struct ev_signal exitsig; 722 ev_signal exitsig;
626 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 723 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
627 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 724 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
628 evf_unref (loop); 725 evf_unref (loop);
629 726
630Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 727Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
631 728
632 ev_ref (loop); 729 ev_ref (loop);
633 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 730 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
634 731
635=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 732=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
636 733
637=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 734=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
638 735
639These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting 736These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
640for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to 737for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
641invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency. 738will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
739latency.
642 740
643Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>) 741Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
644allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to 742allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
645increase efficiency of loop iterations. 743to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
744opportunities).
646 745
647The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to 746The idea is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to handle
648handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes 747one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes the
649the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new 748program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
650events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high 749events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
651overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 750overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
652 751
653By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 752By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
654time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 753time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
656C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 755C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
657introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. 756introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
658 757
659Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 758Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
660to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 759to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
661latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 760latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
662will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce 761later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
663any overhead in libev. 762value will not introduce any overhead in libev.
664 763
665Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect 764Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
666interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for 765interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
667interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 766interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
668usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 767usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
669as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems. 768as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
769
770Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
771saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
772are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
773times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
774reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
775they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
776
777=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
778
779This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
780compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
781through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
782is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
783error and call C<abort ()>.
784
785This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
786circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
787data structures consistent.
670 788
671=back 789=back
672 790
673 791
674=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 792=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
793
794In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
795watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
796watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
675 797
676A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 798A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
677interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 799interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
678become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 800become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
679 801
680 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 802 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
681 { 803 {
682 ev_io_stop (w); 804 ev_io_stop (w);
683 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 805 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
684 } 806 }
685 807
686 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 808 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
809
687 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 810 ev_io stdin_watcher;
811
688 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 812 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
689 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 813 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
690 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 814 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
815
691 ev_loop (loop, 0); 816 ev_loop (loop, 0);
692 817
693As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 818As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
694watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 819watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
695although this can sometimes be quite valid). 820stack).
821
822Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
823or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
696 824
697Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 825Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
698(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 826(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
699callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 827callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
700watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 828watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
701is readable and/or writable). 829is readable and/or writable).
702 830
703Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 831Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
704with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 832macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
705to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< ev_<type>_init 833is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
706(watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 834ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
707 835
708To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it 836To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it
709with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_<type>_start (loop, watcher 837with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_TYPE_start (loop, watcher
710*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the 838*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
711corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 839corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
712 840
713As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 841As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
714must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never 842must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
715reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro. 843reinitialise it or call its C<ev_TYPE_set> macro.
716 844
717Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 845Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
718registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 846registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
719third argument. 847third argument.
720 848
774=item C<EV_FORK> 902=item C<EV_FORK>
775 903
776The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 904The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
777C<ev_fork>). 905C<ev_fork>).
778 906
907=item C<EV_ASYNC>
908
909The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
910
779=item C<EV_ERROR> 911=item C<EV_ERROR>
780 912
781An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 913An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
782happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 914happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
783ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 915ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
916problem. Libev considers these application bugs.
917
784problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 918You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping with the
785with the watcher being stopped. 919watcher being stopped. Note that well-written programs should not receive
920an error ever, so when your watcher receives it, this usually indicates a
921bug in your program.
786 922
787Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 923Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for
788for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 924example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your
789your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 925callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with
790with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 926the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
791programs, though, so beware. 927programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
928thing, so beware.
792 929
793=back 930=back
794 931
795=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 932=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
796
797In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
798e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
799 933
800=over 4 934=over 4
801 935
802=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 936=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
803 937
809which rolls both calls into one. 943which rolls both calls into one.
810 944
811You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped 945You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
812(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 946(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
813 947
814The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 948The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
815int revents)>. 949int revents)>.
950
951Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
952
953 ev_io w;
954 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
955 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
816 956
817=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 957=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
818 958
819This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 959This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
820call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 960call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
823difference to the C<ev_init> macro). 963difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
824 964
825Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 965Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
826(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 966(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
827 967
968See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
969
828=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 970=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
829 971
830This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 972This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
831calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise 973calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
832a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 974a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
975
976Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
977
978 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
833 979
834=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 980=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
835 981
836Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 982Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
837events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 983events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
838 984
985Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
986whole section.
987
988 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
989
839=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 990=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
840 991
841Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending 992Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
993the watcher was active or not).
994
842status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example, 995It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
843non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but 996non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
844C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If 997calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
845you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is therefore a 998pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
846good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. 999therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
847 1000
848=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1001=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
849 1002
850Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started 1003Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
851and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify 1004and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
893The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is 1046The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
894always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :). 1047always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
895 1048
896Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is 1049Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
897fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might 1050fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
898or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range. 1051or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
899 1052
900=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1053=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
901 1054
902Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1055Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
903C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback 1056C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
904can deal with that fact. 1057can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1058callback.
905 1059
906=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1060=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
907 1061
908If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status 1062If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
909and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the 1063returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
910watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1064watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
911 1065
1066Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1067callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1068
912=back 1069=back
913 1070
914 1071
915=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1072=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
916 1073
917Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1074Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
918and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1075and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
919to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 1076to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
920don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 1077don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
921member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 1078member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
922data: 1079data:
923 1080
924 struct my_io 1081 struct my_io
925 { 1082 {
926 struct ev_io io; 1083 ev_io io;
927 int otherfd; 1084 int otherfd;
928 void *somedata; 1085 void *somedata;
929 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1086 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
930 } 1087 };
1088
1089 ...
1090 struct my_io w;
1091 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
931 1092
932And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1093And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
933can cast it back to your own type: 1094can cast it back to your own type:
934 1095
935 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1096 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
936 { 1097 {
937 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1098 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
938 ... 1099 ...
939 } 1100 }
940 1101
941More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1102More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
942instead have been omitted. 1103instead have been omitted.
943 1104
944Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1105Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
945watchers: 1106embedded watchers:
946 1107
947 struct my_biggy 1108 struct my_biggy
948 { 1109 {
949 int some_data; 1110 int some_data;
950 ev_timer t1; 1111 ev_timer t1;
951 ev_timer t2; 1112 ev_timer t2;
952 } 1113 }
953 1114
954In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated, 1115In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
955you need to use C<offsetof>: 1116complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1117in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
1118some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
1119programmers):
956 1120
957 #include <stddef.h> 1121 #include <stddef.h>
958 1122
959 static void 1123 static void
960 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1124 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
961 { 1125 {
962 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1126 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
963 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1127 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
964 } 1128 }
965 1129
966 static void 1130 static void
967 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1131 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
968 { 1132 {
969 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1133 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
970 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1134 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
971 } 1135 }
972 1136
973 1137
974=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1138=head1 WATCHER TYPES
975 1139
976This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1140This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1000In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1164In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
1001fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1165fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
1002descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1166descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1003required if you know what you are doing). 1167required if you know what you are doing).
1004 1168
1005If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1169If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1006(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1170known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1007C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1171C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
1008 1172
1009Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1173Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1010receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1174receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1011be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1175be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1012because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1176because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1013lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1177lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
1014this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1178this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
1015it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1179it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1016C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1180C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1017 1181
1018If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1182If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1019play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1183not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1020whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1184re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1021such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1185interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already
1022its own, so its quite safe to use). 1186does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1187use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1188indefinitely.
1189
1190But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1023 1191
1024=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1192=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1025 1193
1026Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file 1194Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1027descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means, 1195descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other means,
1028such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file 1196such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1029descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop 1197descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1030this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1198this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1031registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in 1199registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1032fact, a different file descriptor. 1200fact, a different file descriptor.
1033 1201
1062To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1230To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1063C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child, 1231C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1064enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1232enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1065C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1233C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1066 1234
1235=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1236
1237While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1238when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1239sent a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
1240this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1241
1242So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1243ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1244somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1245
1067 1246
1068=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1247=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1069 1248
1070=over 4 1249=over 4
1071 1250
1072=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1251=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1073 1252
1074=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1253=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1075 1254
1076Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1255Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
1077rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1256receive events for and C<events> is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1078C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1257C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE>, to express the desire to receive the given events.
1079 1258
1080=item int fd [read-only] 1259=item int fd [read-only]
1081 1260
1082The file descriptor being watched. 1261The file descriptor being watched.
1083 1262
1091 1270
1092Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1271Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1093readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1272readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1094attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1273attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1095 1274
1096 static void 1275 static void
1097 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1276 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1098 { 1277 {
1099 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1278 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1100 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1279 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors
1101 } 1280 }
1102 1281
1103 ... 1282 ...
1104 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1283 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1105 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1284 ev_io stdin_readable;
1106 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1285 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1107 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1286 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1108 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1287 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1109 1288
1110 1289
1111=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1290=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1112 1291
1113Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1292Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1114given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1293given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1115 1294
1116The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1295The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
1117times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years 1296times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
1118time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1297year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1119detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1298detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1120monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1299monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1300
1301The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1302passed, but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration
1303then order of execution is undefined.
1304
1305=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1306
1307Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1308recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1309you want to raise some error after a while.
1310
1311What follows are some ways to handle this problem, from obvious and
1312inefficient to smart and efficient.
1313
1314In the following, a 60 second activity timeout is assumed - a timeout that
1315gets reset to 60 seconds each time there is activity (e.g. each time some
1316data or other life sign was received).
1317
1318=over 4
1319
1320=item 1. Use a timer and stop, reinitialise and start it on activity.
1321
1322This is the most obvious, but not the most simple way: In the beginning,
1323start the watcher:
1324
1325 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 60., 0.);
1326 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1327
1328Then, each time there is some activity, C<ev_timer_stop> it, initialise it
1329and start it again:
1330
1331 ev_timer_stop (loop, timer);
1332 ev_timer_set (timer, 60., 0.);
1333 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1334
1335This is relatively simple to implement, but means that each time there is
1336some activity, libev will first have to remove the timer from its internal
1337data structure and then add it again. Libev tries to be fast, but it's
1338still not a constant-time operation.
1339
1340=item 2. Use a timer and re-start it with C<ev_timer_again> inactivity.
1341
1342This is the easiest way, and involves using C<ev_timer_again> instead of
1343C<ev_timer_start>.
1344
1345To implement this, configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value
1346of C<60> and then call C<ev_timer_again> at start and each time you
1347successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle state where
1348you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop>
1349the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will automatically restart it if need be.
1350
1351That means you can ignore both the C<ev_timer_start> function and the
1352C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
1353member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1354
1355At start:
1356
1357 ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
1358 timer->repeat = 60.;
1359 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1360
1361Each time there is some activity:
1362
1363 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1364
1365It is even possible to change the time-out on the fly, regardless of
1366whether the watcher is active or not:
1367
1368 timer->repeat = 30.;
1369 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1370
1371This is slightly more efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1372you want to modify its timeout value, as libev does not have to completely
1373remove and re-insert the timer from/into its internal data structure.
1374
1375It is, however, even simpler than the "obvious" way to do it.
1376
1377=item 3. Let the timer time out, but then re-arm it as required.
1378
1379This method is more tricky, but usually most efficient: Most timeouts are
1380relatively long compared to the intervals between other activity - in
1381our example, within 60 seconds, there are usually many I/O events with
1382associated activity resets.
1383
1384In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1385but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1386within the callback:
1387
1388 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1389
1390 static void
1391 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1392 {
1393 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A);
1394 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1395
1396 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1397 if (timeout < now)
1398 {
1399 // timeout occured, take action
1400 }
1401 else
1402 {
1403 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1404 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1405 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive:
1406 w->again = timeout - now;
1407 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w);
1408 }
1409 }
1410
1411To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined
1412as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has
1413been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise
1414the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so
1415re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1416a timeout then.
1417
1418Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the
1419C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running.
1420
1421This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1422minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1423libev to change the timeout.
1424
1425To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>
1426to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1427callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1428
1429 ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
1430 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1431 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT);
1432
1433And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1434C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1435
1436 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop);
1437
1438This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1439time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1440
1441Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1442callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1443fix things for you.
1444
1445=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1446
1447If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1448employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1449do even better:
1450
1451When starting the timeout, calculate the timeout value and put the timeout
1452at the I<end> of the list.
1453
1454Then use an C<ev_timer> to fire when the timeout at the I<beginning> of
1455the list is expected to fire (for example, using the technique #3).
1456
1457When there is some activity, remove the timer from the list, recalculate
1458the timeout, append it to the end of the list again, and make sure to
1459update the C<ev_timer> if it was taken from the beginning of the list.
1460
1461This way, one can manage an unlimited number of timeouts in O(1) time for
1462starting, stopping and updating the timers, at the expense of a major
1463complication, and having to use a constant timeout. The constant timeout
1464ensures that the list stays sorted.
1465
1466=back
1467
1468So which method the best?
1469
1470Method #2 is a simple no-brain-required solution that is adequate in most
1471situations. Method #3 requires a bit more thinking, but handles many cases
1472better, and isn't very complicated either. In most case, choosing either
1473one is fine, with #3 being better in typical situations.
1474
1475Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1476rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1477off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1478overkill :)
1479
1480=head3 The special problem of time updates
1481
1482Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1483least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1484time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a
1485growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1486lots of events in one iteration.
1121 1487
1122The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1488The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1123time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1489time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1124of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 1490of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1125you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1491you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
1126on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1492timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1127 1493
1128 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1494 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1129 1495
1130The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1496If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1131but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1497update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1132order of execution is undefined. 1498()>.
1133 1499
1134=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1500=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1135 1501
1136=over 4 1502=over 4
1137 1503
1138=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1504=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1139 1505
1140=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1506=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1141 1507
1142Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1508Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
1143C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped. If it is positive, then the 1509is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
1144timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1510reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
1145later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1511configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1512until stopped manually.
1146 1513
1147The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 1514The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
1148configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1515you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1149exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1516trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1150the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1517keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1151timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1518do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1152 1519
1153=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1520=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1154 1521
1155This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1522This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1156repeating. The exact semantics are: 1523repeating. The exact semantics are:
1157 1524
1158If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1525If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1159 1526
1160If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1527If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1161 1528
1162If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1529If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1163C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1530C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1164 1531
1165This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1532This sounds a bit complicated, see "Be smart about timeouts", above, for a
1166example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1533usage example.
1167timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1168seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1169configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1170C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1171you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1172socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1173automatically restart it if need be.
1174
1175That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1176altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1177
1178 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1179 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1180 ...
1181 timer->again = 17.;
1182 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1183 ...
1184 timer->again = 10.;
1185 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1186
1187This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1188you want to modify its timeout value.
1189 1534
1190=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1535=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1191 1536
1192The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1537The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1193or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1538or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1194which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1539which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1195 1540
1196=back 1541=back
1197 1542
1198=head3 Examples 1543=head3 Examples
1199 1544
1200Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1545Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1201 1546
1202 static void 1547 static void
1203 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1548 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1204 { 1549 {
1205 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1550 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1206 } 1551 }
1207 1552
1208 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1553 ev_timer mytimer;
1209 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1554 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1210 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1555 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1211 1556
1212Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1557Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1213inactivity. 1558inactivity.
1214 1559
1215 static void 1560 static void
1216 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1561 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1217 { 1562 {
1218 .. ten seconds without any activity 1563 .. ten seconds without any activity
1219 } 1564 }
1220 1565
1221 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1566 ev_timer mytimer;
1222 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1567 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1223 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1568 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1224 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1569 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1225 1570
1226 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1571 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1227 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1572 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1228 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1573 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1229 1574
1230 1575
1231=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1576=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1232 1577
1233Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1578Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1234(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1579(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1235 1580
1236Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1581Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
1237but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1582but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
1238to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1583to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
1239periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1584periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now ()
1240+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1585+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system
1586clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year
1241take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1587to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1242roughly 10 seconds later). 1588roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1243 1589
1244They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1590C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
1245triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated, 1591such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1246rules. 1592complicated rules.
1247 1593
1248As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1594As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1249time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1595time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1250during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1596during the same loop iteration, then order of execution is undefined.
1251 1597
1252=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1598=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1253 1599
1254=over 4 1600=over 4
1255 1601
1256=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1602=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1257 1603
1258=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1604=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
1259 1605
1260Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1606Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1261operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1607operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1262 1608
1263=over 4 1609=over 4
1264 1610
1265=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1611=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1266 1612
1267In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1613In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1268C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1614time C<at> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a time
1269that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1615jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
1270system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1616only run when the system clock reaches or surpasses this time.
1271 1617
1272=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1618=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1273 1619
1274In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1620In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1275C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 1621C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1276and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1622and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1277 1623
1278This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1624This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the
1279time: 1625system clock, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
1626hour, on the hour:
1280 1627
1281 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1628 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1282 1629
1283This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1630This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1284but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1631but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1285full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 1632full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1286by 3600. 1633by 3600.
1287 1634
1288Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1635Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1289C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1636C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1290time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1637time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1291 1638
1292For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1639For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1293C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 1640C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1294this value. 1641this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1642
1643Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1644speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1645will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1646millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1295 1647
1296=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1648=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1297 1649
1298In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1650In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1299ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1651ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1300reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1652reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1301current time as second argument. 1653current time as second argument.
1302 1654
1303NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1655NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1304ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1656ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>.
1305return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1306starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1307 1657
1658If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1659it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1660only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1661
1308Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1662The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic
1309ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1663*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1310 1664
1665 static ev_tstamp
1311 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1666 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1312 { 1667 {
1313 return now + 60.; 1668 return now + 60.;
1314 } 1669 }
1315 1670
1316It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1671It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1317(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 1672(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
1318will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 1673will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1319might be called at other times, too. 1674might be called at other times, too.
1320 1675
1321NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the 1676NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
1322passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger. 1677equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1323 1678
1324This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 1679This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
1325triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the 1680triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the
1326next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 1681next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
1327you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 1682you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1328reason I omitted it as an example). 1683reason I omitted it as an example).
1329 1684
1330=back 1685=back
1334Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1689Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1335when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1690when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1336a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1691a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1337program when the crontabs have changed). 1692program when the crontabs have changed).
1338 1693
1694=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1695
1696When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1697trigger next.
1698
1339=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 1699=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1340 1700
1341When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 1701When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1342absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 1702absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1343 1703
1348 1708
1349The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1709The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1350take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1710take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1351called. 1711called.
1352 1712
1353=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 1713=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1354 1714
1355The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1715The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1356switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1716switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1357the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1717the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1358 1718
1359=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1360
1361When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1362trigger next.
1363
1364=back 1719=back
1365 1720
1366=head3 Examples 1721=head3 Examples
1367 1722
1368Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1723Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1369system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1724system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1370potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1725potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1371 1726
1372 static void 1727 static void
1373 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1728 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1374 { 1729 {
1375 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1730 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1376 } 1731 }
1377 1732
1378 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1733 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1379 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1734 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1380 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1735 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1381 1736
1382Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1737Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1383 1738
1384 #include <math.h> 1739 #include <math.h>
1385 1740
1386 static ev_tstamp 1741 static ev_tstamp
1387 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1742 my_scheduler_cb (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1388 { 1743 {
1389 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1744 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1390 } 1745 }
1391 1746
1392 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1747 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1393 1748
1394Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1749Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1395 1750
1396 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1751 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1397 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1752 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1398 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1753 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1399 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1754 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1400 1755
1401 1756
1402=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1757=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1403 1758
1404Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1759Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1405signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 1760signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1406will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 1761will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1407normal event processing, like any other event. 1762normal event processing, like any other event.
1408 1763
1764If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would
1765do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use
1766C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop.
1767
1409You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 1768You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the
1410first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher 1769first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler
1411with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1770with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1412as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1771you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when
1413watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1772the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1414SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1773signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1774
1775If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1776C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1777interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1778signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1779them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1415 1780
1416=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1781=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1417 1782
1418=over 4 1783=over 4
1419 1784
1428 1793
1429The signal the watcher watches out for. 1794The signal the watcher watches out for.
1430 1795
1431=back 1796=back
1432 1797
1798=head3 Examples
1799
1800Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1801
1802 static void
1803 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1804 {
1805 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1806 }
1807
1808 ev_signal signal_watcher;
1809 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1810 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1811
1433 1812
1434=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1813=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1435 1814
1436Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1815Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1437some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1816some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
1817exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
1818has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
1819as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,
1820forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
1821but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later is
1822not.
1823
1824Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1825you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1826
1827=head3 Process Interaction
1828
1829Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1830initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1831the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1832of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1833synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1834children, even ones not watched.
1835
1836=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1837
1838Libev offers no special support for overriding the built-in child
1839processing, but if your application collides with libev's default child
1840handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1841C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1842default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1843event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1844that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1845
1846=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1847
1848Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1849child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1850callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1851when a child exit is detected.
1438 1852
1439=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1853=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1440 1854
1441=over 4 1855=over 4
1442 1856
1468 1882
1469=back 1883=back
1470 1884
1471=head3 Examples 1885=head3 Examples
1472 1886
1473Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1887Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1888its completion.
1474 1889
1890 ev_child cw;
1891
1475 static void 1892 static void
1476 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1893 child_cb (EV_P_ ev_child *w, int revents)
1477 { 1894 {
1478 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1895 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1896 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1479 } 1897 }
1480 1898
1481 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1899 pid_t pid = fork ();
1482 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1900
1483 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1901 if (pid < 0)
1902 // error
1903 else if (pid == 0)
1904 {
1905 // the forked child executes here
1906 exit (1);
1907 }
1908 else
1909 {
1910 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1911 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1912 }
1484 1913
1485 1914
1486=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1915=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1487 1916
1488This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1917This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1489C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 1918C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1490compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 1919compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1491 1920
1492The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1921The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1493not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1922not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1496the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1925the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1497 1926
1498The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is 1927The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1499relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined. 1928relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1500 1929
1501Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1930Since there is no standard kernel interface to do this, the portable
1502calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1931implementation simply calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if
1503can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1932it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling interval for
1504a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1933this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!)
1505unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1934then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used (which
1506five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1935you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might change
1507impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1936dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is currently
1508usually overkill. 1937around C<0.1>, but thats usually overkill.
1509 1938
1510This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1939This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1511as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1940as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1512resource-intensive. 1941resource-intensive.
1513 1942
1514At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 1943At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1515implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 1944is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as
1516reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 1945an exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way
1517semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1946of implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue).
1518to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1519usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1520polling.
1521 1947
1522=head3 Inotify 1948=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1523 1949
1950Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1951compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1952support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1953structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1954use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1955compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1956obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1957most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support.
1958
1959The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1960file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1961optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1962to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1963default compilation environment.
1964
1965=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
1966
1524When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1967When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally
1968only available with Linux 2.6.25 or above due to bugs in earlier
1525available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 1969implementations) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1526change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 1970change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created
1527when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 1971lazily when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1528 1972
1529Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 1973Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1530except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 1974except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1531making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support 1975making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1532there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling. 1976there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling,
1977but as long as the path exists, libev usually gets away without polling.
1533 1978
1534(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 1979There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1535implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 1980implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1536descriptor open on the object at all times). 1981descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
1982etc. is difficult.
1537 1983
1538=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 1984=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1539 1985
1540The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and 1986The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1541even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still 1987even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems still
1542only support whole seconds. 1988only support whole seconds.
1543 1989
1544That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might 1990That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1545miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls 1991easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1546your callback, which does something. When there is another update within 1992calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1547the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it. 1993within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the
1994stat data does change in other ways (e.g. file size).
1548 1995
1549The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till 1996The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1550the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer> 1997than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1551(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01> 1998a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1552is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating 1999ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1553systems. 2000
2001The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
2002of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
2003might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
2004C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
2005a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
2006update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
2007the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
2008the timer callback).
1554 2009
1555=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2010=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1556 2011
1557=over 4 2012=over 4
1558 2013
1564C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 2019C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1565be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose 2020be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1566a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same 2021a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1567path for as long as the watcher is active. 2022path for as long as the watcher is active.
1568 2023
1569The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 2024The callback will receive an C<EV_STAT> event when a change was detected,
1570relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 2025relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1571last change was detected). 2026last change was detected).
1572 2027
1573=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *) 2028=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1574 2029
1575Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 2030Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1576watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 2031watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1577detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 2032detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1578useful simply to find out the new values. 2033the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
2034new values.
1579 2035
1580=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 2036=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1581 2037
1582The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 2038The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1583C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types 2039C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1584suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there 2040suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
2041members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1585was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 2042some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1586 2043
1587=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 2044=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1588 2045
1589The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 2046The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1590C<prev> != C<attr>. 2047C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
2048differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
2049C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1591 2050
1592=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 2051=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1593 2052
1594The specified interval. 2053The specified interval.
1595 2054
1596=item const char *path [read-only] 2055=item const char *path [read-only]
1597 2056
1598The filesystem path that is being watched. 2057The file system path that is being watched.
1599 2058
1600=back 2059=back
1601 2060
1602=head3 Examples 2061=head3 Examples
1603 2062
1604Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 2063Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1605 2064
1606 static void 2065 static void
1607 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 2066 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1608 { 2067 {
1609 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 2068 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1610 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 2069 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1611 { 2070 {
1612 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 2071 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1613 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 2072 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1614 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 2073 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1615 } 2074 }
1616 else 2075 else
1617 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 2076 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1618 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 2077 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1619 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 2078 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1620 } 2079 }
1621 2080
1622 ... 2081 ...
1623 ev_stat passwd; 2082 ev_stat passwd;
1624 2083
1625 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 2084 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1626 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 2085 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1627 2086
1628Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not 2087Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1629miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so 2088miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1630one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on 2089one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1631C<ev_timer> callback invocation). 2090C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1632 2091
1633 static ev_stat passwd; 2092 static ev_stat passwd;
1634 static ev_timer timer; 2093 static ev_timer timer;
1635 2094
1636 static void 2095 static void
1637 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2096 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1638 { 2097 {
1639 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w); 2098 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1640 2099
1641 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */ 2100 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1642 } 2101 }
1643 2102
1644 static void 2103 static void
1645 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents) 2104 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1646 { 2105 {
1647 /* reset the one-second timer */ 2106 /* reset the one-second timer */
1648 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer); 2107 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1649 } 2108 }
1650 2109
1651 ... 2110 ...
1652 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 2111 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1653 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 2112 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1654 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01); 2113 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1655 2114
1656 2115
1657=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 2116=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1658 2117
1659Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 2118Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1660priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not 2119priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count
1661count). 2120as receiving "events").
1662 2121
1663That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts 2122That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1664(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be 2123(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1665triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers 2124triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1666are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop 2125are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1690=head3 Examples 2149=head3 Examples
1691 2150
1692Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 2151Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1693callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2152callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1694 2153
1695 static void 2154 static void
1696 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 2155 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
1697 { 2156 {
1698 free (w); 2157 free (w);
1699 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2158 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1700 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2159 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1701 } 2160 }
1702 2161
1703 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 2162 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
1704 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2163 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1705 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2164 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1706 2165
1707 2166
1708=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2167=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1709 2168
1710Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 2169Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
1711prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2170prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1712afterwards. 2171afterwards.
1713 2172
1714You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2173You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter
1715the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2174the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
1718those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2177those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
1719C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2178C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1720called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 2179called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1721 2180
1722Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 2181Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1723their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track 2182their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
1724variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 2183variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1725coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 2184coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1726you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example, 2185you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1727in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare> 2186in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1728watcher). 2187watcher).
1729 2188
1730This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 2189This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors
1731to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 2190need to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers
1732them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 2191for them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many
1733provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 2192libraries provide exactly this functionality). Then, in the check watcher,
1734any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 2193you check for any events that occurred (by checking the pending status
1735and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 2194of all watchers and stopping them) and call back into the library. The
1736callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 2195I/O and timer callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid
1737because you never know, you know?). 2196nevertheless, because you never know, you know?).
1738 2197
1739As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 2198As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1740coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines 2199coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
1741during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines 2200during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
1742are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines 2201are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines
1745loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 2204loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1746low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 2205low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1747 2206
1748It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 2207It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1749priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 2208priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
2209after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers).
2210
1750after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 2211Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
1751too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 2212activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
1752supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers 2213might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
1753did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other 2214C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
1754(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable 2215loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1755state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to 2216C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1756coexist peacefully with others). 2217others).
1757 2218
1758=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2219=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1759 2220
1760=over 4 2221=over 4
1761 2222
1763 2224
1764=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 2225=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1765 2226
1766Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 2227Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
1767parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 2228parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1768macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 2229macros, but using them is utterly, utterly, utterly and completely
2230pointless.
1769 2231
1770=back 2232=back
1771 2233
1772=head3 Examples 2234=head3 Examples
1773 2235
1774There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules 2236There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1775into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev 2237into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1776(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could 2238(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1777use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> 2239use as a working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> embeds a
1778embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV 2240Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1779into the Glib event loop). 2241Glib event loop).
1780 2242
1781Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, 2243Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1782and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows 2244and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1783is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low 2245is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1784priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as 2246priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1785the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet. 2247the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1786 2248
1787 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2249 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1788 static ev_timer tw; 2250 static ev_timer tw;
1789 2251
1790 static void 2252 static void
1791 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2253 io_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1792 { 2254 {
1793 } 2255 }
1794 2256
1795 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2257 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1796 static void 2258 static void
1797 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2259 adns_prepare_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1798 { 2260 {
1799 int timeout = 3600000; 2261 int timeout = 3600000;
1800 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2262 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1801 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2263 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1802 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2264 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1803 2265
1804 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2266 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1805 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2267 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1806 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2268 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1807 2269
1808 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2270 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1809 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2271 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1810 { 2272 {
1811 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 2273 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1812 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 2274 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1813 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 2275 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1814 2276
1815 fds [i].revents = 0; 2277 fds [i].revents = 0;
1816 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 2278 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1817 } 2279 }
1818 } 2280 }
1819 2281
1820 // stop all watchers after blocking 2282 // stop all watchers after blocking
1821 static void 2283 static void
1822 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2284 adns_check_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1823 { 2285 {
1824 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2286 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1825 2287
1826 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2288 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1827 { 2289 {
1828 // set the relevant poll flags 2290 // set the relevant poll flags
1829 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 2291 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1830 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 2292 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1831 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 2293 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1832 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 2294 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1833 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 2295 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1834 2296
1835 // now stop the watcher 2297 // now stop the watcher
1836 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2298 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1837 } 2299 }
1838 2300
1839 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2301 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1840 } 2302 }
1841 2303
1842Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll> 2304Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1843in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher. 2305in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1844 2306
1845Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2307Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1846notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2308notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1847callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2309callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1848 2310
1849 static void 2311 static void
1850 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2312 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1851 { 2313 {
1852 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2314 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1853 update_now (EV_A); 2315 update_now (EV_A);
1854 2316
1855 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2317 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1856 } 2318 }
1857 2319
1858 static void 2320 static void
1859 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2321 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1860 { 2322 {
1861 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2323 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1862 update_now (EV_A); 2324 update_now (EV_A);
1863 2325
1864 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2326 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1865 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2327 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1866 } 2328 }
1867 2329
1868 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2330 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1869 2331
1870Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2332Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1871want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override 2333want to embed is not flexible enough to support it. Instead, you can
1872their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2334override their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the
1873loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does 2335main loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module uses
1874this. 2336this approach, effectively embedding EV as a client into the horrible
2337libglib event loop.
1875 2338
1876 static gint 2339 static gint
1877 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2340 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1878 { 2341 {
1879 int got_events = 0; 2342 int got_events = 0;
1880 2343
1881 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2344 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1882 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events 2345 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1883 2346
1884 if (timeout >= 0) 2347 if (timeout >= 0)
1885 // create/start timer 2348 // create/start timer
1886 2349
1887 // poll 2350 // poll
1888 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2351 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1889 2352
1890 // stop timer again 2353 // stop timer again
1891 if (timeout >= 0) 2354 if (timeout >= 0)
1892 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2355 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1893 2356
1894 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2357 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1895 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2358 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1896 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2359 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1897 2360
1898 return got_events; 2361 return got_events;
1899 } 2362 }
1900 2363
1901 2364
1902=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2365=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1903 2366
1904This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2367This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1910prioritise I/O. 2373prioritise I/O.
1911 2374
1912As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 2375As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
1913sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you 2376sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you
1914still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales 2377still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales
1915so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed it 2378so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed
1916into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation will 2379it into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation
1917be a bit slower because first libev has to poll and then call kevent, but 2380will be a bit slower because first libev has to call C<poll> and then
1918at least you can use both at what they are best. 2381C<kevent>, but at least you can use both mechanisms for what they are
2382best: C<kqueue> for scalable sockets and C<poll> if you want it to work :)
1919 2383
1920As for prioritising I/O: rarely you have the case where some fds have 2384As for prioritising I/O: under rare circumstances you have the case where
1921to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even 2385some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
1922priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case 2386and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
1923you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all the rest in 2387this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all
1924a second one, and embed the second one in the first. 2388the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
1925 2389
1926As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time 2390As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time
1927there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then 2391there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then
1928call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke 2392call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke
1929their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded 2393their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded
1937interested in that. 2401interested in that.
1938 2402
1939Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking: 2403Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking:
1940when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops, 2404when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops,
1941but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers 2405but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers
1942yourself. 2406yourself - but you can use a fork watcher to handle this automatically,
2407and future versions of libev might do just that.
1943 2408
1944Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by 2409Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
1945C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 2410C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
1946portable one. 2411portable one.
1947 2412
1948So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2413So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1949that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 2414that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1950this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 2415this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1951create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything. 2416create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
1952 2417
2418=head3 C<ev_embed> and fork
2419
2420While the C<ev_embed> watcher is running, forks in the embedding loop will
2421automatically be applied to the embedded loop as well, so no special
2422fork handling is required in that case. When the watcher is not running,
2423however, it is still the task of the libev user to call C<ev_loop_fork ()>
2424as applicable.
2425
1953=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2426=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1954 2427
1955=over 4 2428=over 4
1956 2429
1957=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2430=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1960 2433
1961Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2434Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1962embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2435embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1963invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2436invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1964to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2437to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1965if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2438if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1966 2439
1967=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2440=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1968 2441
1969Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2442Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1970similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2443similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1971apropriate way for embedded loops. 2444appropriate way for embedded loops.
1972 2445
1973=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2446=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1974 2447
1975The embedded event loop. 2448The embedded event loop.
1976 2449
1978 2451
1979=head3 Examples 2452=head3 Examples
1980 2453
1981Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default 2454Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
1982event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default 2455event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
1983loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in 2456loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
1984C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be 2457C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
1985used). 2458used).
1986 2459
1987 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2460 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1988 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2461 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1989 struct ev_embed embed; 2462 ev_embed embed;
1990 2463
1991 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2464 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
1992 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2465 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
1993 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2466 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
1994 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2467 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
1995 : 0; 2468 : 0;
1996 2469
1997 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi 2470 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
1998 if (loop_lo) 2471 if (loop_lo)
1999 { 2472 {
2000 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 2473 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2001 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2474 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2002 } 2475 }
2003 else 2476 else
2004 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2477 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2005 2478
2006Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create 2479Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2007a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any 2480a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2008kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2481kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2009C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2482C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2010 2483
2011 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2484 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2012 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2485 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2013 struct ev_embed embed; 2486 ev_embed embed;
2014 2487
2015 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2488 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2016 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2489 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2017 { 2490 {
2018 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2491 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2019 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 2492 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2020 } 2493 }
2021 2494
2022 if (!loop_socket) 2495 if (!loop_socket)
2023 loop_socket = loop; 2496 loop_socket = loop;
2024 2497
2025 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else 2498 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2026 2499
2027 2500
2028=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2501=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2029 2502
2030Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2503Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2046believe me. 2519believe me.
2047 2520
2048=back 2521=back
2049 2522
2050 2523
2524=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop
2525
2526In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
2527asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2528loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2529
2530Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not
2531control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what
2532C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you
2533can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal
2534safe.
2535
2536This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2537too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2538(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2539C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2540
2541Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
2542just the default loop.
2543
2544=head3 Queueing
2545
2546C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2547is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2548multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2549need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2550
2551That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2552queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2553queue:
2554
2555=over 4
2556
2557=item queueing from a signal handler context
2558
2559To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2560handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is
2561an example that does that for some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2562
2563 static ev_async mysig;
2564
2565 static void
2566 sigusr1_handler (void)
2567 {
2568 sometype data;
2569
2570 // no locking etc.
2571 queue_put (data);
2572 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2573 }
2574
2575 static void
2576 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2577 {
2578 sometype data;
2579 sigset_t block, prev;
2580
2581 sigemptyset (&block);
2582 sigaddset (&block, SIGUSR1);
2583 sigprocmask (SIG_BLOCK, &block, &prev);
2584
2585 while (queue_get (&data))
2586 process (data);
2587
2588 if (sigismember (&prev, SIGUSR1)
2589 sigprocmask (SIG_UNBLOCK, &block, 0);
2590 }
2591
2592(Note: pthreads in theory requires you to use C<pthread_setmask>
2593instead of C<sigprocmask> when you use threads, but libev doesn't do it
2594either...).
2595
2596=item queueing from a thread context
2597
2598The strategy for threads is different, as you cannot (easily) block
2599threads but you can easily preempt them, so to queue safely you need to
2600employ a traditional mutex lock, such as in this pthread example:
2601
2602 static ev_async mysig;
2603 static pthread_mutex_t mymutex = PTHREAD_MUTEX_INITIALIZER;
2604
2605 static void
2606 otherthread (void)
2607 {
2608 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation
2609 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2610 queue_put (data);
2611 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2612
2613 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2614 }
2615
2616 static void
2617 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2618 {
2619 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2620
2621 while (queue_get (&data))
2622 process (data);
2623
2624 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2625 }
2626
2627=back
2628
2629
2630=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2631
2632=over 4
2633
2634=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2635
2636Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2637kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2638trust me.
2639
2640=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2641
2642Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2643an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2644C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or
2645similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2646section below on what exactly this means).
2647
2648This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration,
2649so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2650calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2651
2652=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2653
2654Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2655watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2656event loop.
2657
2658C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2659the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2660it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2661quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2662
2663Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2664whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
2665
2666=back
2667
2668
2051=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2669=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2052 2670
2053There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 2671There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
2054 2672
2055=over 4 2673=over 4
2056 2674
2057=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 2675=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
2058 2676
2059This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 2677This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
2060callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 2678callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
2061watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 2679watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
2062or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2680or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2063more watchers yourself. 2681more watchers yourself.
2064 2682
2065If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2683If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and the
2066is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2684C<events> argument is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for
2067C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2685the given C<fd> and C<events> set will be created and started.
2068 2686
2069If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2687If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2070started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2688started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2071repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2689repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2072dubious value.
2073 2690
2074The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2691The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
2075passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2692passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2076C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2693C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2077value passed to C<ev_once>: 2694value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
2695a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
2696events precedence.
2078 2697
2698Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2699
2079 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2700 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2080 { 2701 {
2081 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2082 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2083 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2702 if (revents & EV_READ)
2084 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2703 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2704 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2705 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2085 } 2706 }
2086 2707
2087 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2708 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2088 2709
2089=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2710=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2090 2711
2091Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2712Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2092had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2713had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2093initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). 2714initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2094 2715
2095=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 2716=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)
2096 2717
2097Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2718Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2098the given events it. 2719the given events it.
2099 2720
2100=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2721=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2101 2722
2102Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2723Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2103loop!). 2724loop!).
2104 2725
2105=back 2726=back
2106 2727
2107 2728
2123 2744
2124=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 2745=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2125will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 2746will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
2126is an ev_pri field. 2747is an ev_pri field.
2127 2748
2749=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2750first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
2751
2128=item * Other members are not supported. 2752=item * Other members are not supported.
2129 2753
2130=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 2754=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
2131to use the libev header file and library. 2755to use the libev header file and library.
2132 2756
2133=back 2757=back
2134 2758
2135=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2759=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2136 2760
2137Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2761Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2138you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 2762you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2139the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2763the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2140 2764
2141To use it, 2765To use it,
2142 2766
2143 #include <ev++.h> 2767 #include <ev++.h>
2144 2768
2145This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 2769This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2146of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 2770of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2147put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 2771put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2148options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2772options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
2215your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the 2839your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2216thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 2840thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2217 2841
2218Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 2842Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2219 2843
2220 struct myclass 2844 struct myclass
2221 { 2845 {
2222 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2846 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2223 } 2847 }
2224 2848
2225 myclass obj; 2849 myclass obj;
2226 ev::io iow; 2850 ev::io iow;
2227 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 2851 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2228 2852
2229=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 2853=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2230 2854
2231Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 2855Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2232callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 2856callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2234 2858
2235The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>. 2859The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2236 2860
2237See the method-C<set> above for more details. 2861See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2238 2862
2239Example: 2863Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2240 2864
2241 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2865 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2242 iow.set <io_cb> (); 2866 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2243 2867
2244=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2868=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2245 2869
2246Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2870Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2247do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2871do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2248 2872
2249=item w->set ([args]) 2873=item w->set ([arguments])
2250 2874
2251Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2875Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
2252called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2876called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2253automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 2877automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2254method. 2878method.
2255 2879
2256=item w->start () 2880=item w->start ()
2280=back 2904=back
2281 2905
2282Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2906Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2283the constructor. 2907the constructor.
2284 2908
2285 class myclass 2909 class myclass
2286 { 2910 {
2287 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2911 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2288 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2912 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2289 2913
2290 myclass (int fd) 2914 myclass (int fd)
2291 { 2915 {
2292 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2916 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2293 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2917 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2294 2918
2295 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2919 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2296 } 2920 }
2297 }; 2921 };
2922
2923
2924=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2925
2926Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
2927number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2928any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2929me a note.
2930
2931=over 4
2932
2933=item Perl
2934
2935The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
2936libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2937there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2938to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>, but C<AnyEvent::DNS> is preferred nowadays),
2939C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV>
2940and C<EV::Glib>).
2941
2942It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2943L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2944
2945=item Python
2946
2947Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2948seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the
2949patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2950for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2951libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2952libev).
2953
2954=item Ruby
2955
2956Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2957of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2958more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2959L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2960
2961=item D
2962
2963Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2964be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2965
2966=item Ocaml
2967
2968Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
2969L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
2970
2971=back
2298 2972
2299 2973
2300=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2974=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2301 2975
2302Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 2976Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2303of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 2977of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2304functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2978functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2305 2979
2306To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2980To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2307following macros are defined: 2981following macros are defined:
2312 2986
2313This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2987This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2314loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 2988loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2315C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 2989C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2316 2990
2317 ev_unref (EV_A); 2991 ev_unref (EV_A);
2318 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 2992 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2319 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2993 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2320 2994
2321It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 2995It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2322which is often provided by the following macro. 2996which is often provided by the following macro.
2323 2997
2324=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 2998=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2325 2999
2326This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 3000This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2327loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter, 3001loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2328C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example: 3002C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2329 3003
2330 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 3004 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2331 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 3005 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2332 3006
2333 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 3007 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2334 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 3008 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2335 3009
2336It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 3010It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2337suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 3011suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2338 3012
2339=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 3013=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2340 3014
2341Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 3015Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2342loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 3016loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
3017
3018=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
3019
3020Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
3021default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
3022is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
3023execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
3024
3025It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
3026watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2343 3027
2344=back 3028=back
2345 3029
2346Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 3030Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2347macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 3031macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2348or not. 3032or not.
2349 3033
2350 static void 3034 static void
2351 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 3035 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2352 { 3036 {
2353 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 3037 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2354 } 3038 }
2355 3039
2356 ev_check check; 3040 ev_check check;
2357 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3041 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2358 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3042 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2359 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3043 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2360 3044
2361=head1 EMBEDDING 3045=head1 EMBEDDING
2362 3046
2363Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3047Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2364applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3048applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2371libev somewhere in your source tree). 3055libev somewhere in your source tree).
2372 3056
2373=head2 FILESETS 3057=head2 FILESETS
2374 3058
2375Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 3059Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2376in your app. 3060in your application.
2377 3061
2378=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 3062=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2379 3063
2380To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 3064To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2381configuration (no autoconf): 3065configuration (no autoconf):
2382 3066
2383 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3067 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2384 #include "ev.c" 3068 #include "ev.c"
2385 3069
2386This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 3070This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
2387single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use 3071single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
2388it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best 3072it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
2389done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and 3073done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2390where you can put other configuration options): 3074where you can put other configuration options):
2391 3075
2392 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3076 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2393 #include "ev.h" 3077 #include "ev.h"
2394 3078
2395Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 3079Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2396compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 3080compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2397as a bug). 3081as a bug).
2398 3082
2399You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 3083You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2400in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 3084in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2401 3085
2402 ev.h 3086 ev.h
2403 ev.c 3087 ev.c
2404 ev_vars.h 3088 ev_vars.h
2405 ev_wrap.h 3089 ev_wrap.h
2406 3090
2407 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 3091 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2408 3092
2409 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 3093 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
2410 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3094 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2411 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3095 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2412 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3096 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2413 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3097 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2414 3098
2415F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 3099F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2416to compile this single file. 3100to compile this single file.
2417 3101
2418=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 3102=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2419 3103
2420To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 3104To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2421 3105
2422 #include "event.c" 3106 #include "event.c"
2423 3107
2424in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 3108in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2425 3109
2426 #include "event.h" 3110 #include "event.h"
2427 3111
2428in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 3112in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2429 3113
2430You need the following additional files for this: 3114You need the following additional files for this:
2431 3115
2432 event.h 3116 event.h
2433 event.c 3117 event.c
2434 3118
2435=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 3119=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2436 3120
2437Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 3121Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
2438whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 3122whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2439F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then 3123F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2440include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 3124include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2441 3125
2442For this of course you need the m4 file: 3126For this of course you need the m4 file:
2443 3127
2444 libev.m4 3128 libev.m4
2445 3129
2446=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3130=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2447 3131
2448Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define 3132Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2449before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity 3133define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2450and only include the select backend. 3134autoconf is documented for every option.
2451 3135
2452=over 4 3136=over 4
2453 3137
2454=item EV_STANDALONE 3138=item EV_STANDALONE
2455 3139
2460F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 3144F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2461 3145
2462=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3146=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2463 3147
2464If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3148If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2465monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 3149monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
2466of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 3150of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2467usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 3151usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2468the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 3152the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2469to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 3153to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2470function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 3154function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2471 3155
2472=item EV_USE_REALTIME 3156=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2473 3157
2474If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3158If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2475realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 3159real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
2476runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 3160runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
2477be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 3161be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2478(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 3162(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2479note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 3163note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2480 3164
2481=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 3165=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2482 3166
2483If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available 3167If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2484and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>. 3168and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2485 3169
3170=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
3171
3172If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
3173available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
3174C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
3175If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
31762.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3177
2486=item EV_USE_SELECT 3178=item EV_USE_SELECT
2487 3179
2488If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 3180If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2489C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 3181C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
2490other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 3182other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2491will not be compiled in. 3183will not be compiled in.
2492 3184
2493=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 3185=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2494 3186
2495If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 3187If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2496structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 3188structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2497C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 3189C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on
2498exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 3190exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2499low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 3191low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2500allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 3192allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2501influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 3193influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2502 3194
2526 3218
2527=item EV_USE_EPOLL 3219=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2528 3220
2529If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 3221If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2530C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 3222C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2531otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 3223otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2532preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems. 3224backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
3225headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2533 3226
2534=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 3227=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2535 3228
2536If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 3229If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2537C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 3230C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2550otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 3243otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2551backend for Solaris 10 systems. 3244backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2552 3245
2553=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 3246=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2554 3247
2555reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 3248Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2556 3249
2557=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 3250=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2558 3251
2559If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 3252If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2560interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 3253interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2561be detected at runtime. 3254be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
3255indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3256
3257=item EV_ATOMIC_T
3258
3259Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
3260access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
3261type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
3262that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
3263as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
3264
3265In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
3266(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2562 3267
2563=item EV_H 3268=item EV_H
2564 3269
2565The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 3270The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2566undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be 3271undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
2604When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 3309When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2605all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3310all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2606and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually 3311and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2607fine. 3312fine.
2608 3313
2609If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3314If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
2610C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 3315both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2611 3316
2612=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3317=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2613 3318
2614If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3319If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2615defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3320defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2622code. 3327code.
2623 3328
2624=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 3329=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2625 3330
2626If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 3331If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2627defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3332defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3333watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
2628 3334
2629=item EV_STAT_ENABLE 3335=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2630 3336
2631If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If 3337If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2632defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3338defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2634=item EV_FORK_ENABLE 3340=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2635 3341
2636If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If 3342If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2637defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3343defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2638 3344
3345=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3346
3347If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3348defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3349
2639=item EV_MINIMAL 3350=item EV_MINIMAL
2640 3351
2641If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3352If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2642speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 3353speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2643some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 3354inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3355much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2644 3356
2645=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3357=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2646 3358
2647C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3359C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2648pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 3360pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2655inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 3367inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2656usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 3368usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2657watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 3369watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2658two). 3370two).
2659 3371
3372=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3373
3374Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3375timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3376to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3377faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3378
3379The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3380(disabled).
3381
3382=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3383
3384Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3385timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3386the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3387which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3388but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3389noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3390
3391The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3392(disabled).
3393
3394=item EV_VERIFY
3395
3396Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3397be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3398in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3399called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3400called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3401verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3402libev considerably.
3403
3404The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3405C<0>.
3406
2660=item EV_COMMON 3407=item EV_COMMON
2661 3408
2662By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3409By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2663this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 3410this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2664members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 3411members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2665though, and it must be identical each time. 3412though, and it must be identical each time.
2666 3413
2667For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3414For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2668 3415
2669 #define EV_COMMON \ 3416 #define EV_COMMON \
2670 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3417 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2671 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3418 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2672 3419
2673=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3420=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2674 3421
2675=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3422=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2676 3423
2681definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for 3428definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2682their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 3429their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2683avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3430avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2684method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3431method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2685 3432
3433=back
3434
2686=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3435=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2687 3436
2688If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of 3437If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
2689exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list 3438exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2690all public symbols, one per line: 3439all public symbols, one per line:
2691 3440
2692 Symbols.ev for libev proper 3441 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2693 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation 3442 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2694 3443
2695This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with 3444This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2696multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in 3445multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2697itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this). 3446itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
2698 3447
2699A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to 3448A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2700include before including F<ev.h>: 3449include before including F<ev.h>:
2701 3450
2702 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h 3451 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2719file. 3468file.
2720 3469
2721The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3470The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2722that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 3471that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2723 3472
2724 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 3473 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2725 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3474 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2726 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3475 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2727 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 3476 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2728 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 3477 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2729 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 3478 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2730 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3479 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2731 #define EV_MINPRI 0 3480 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2732 #define EV_MAXPRI 0 3481 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2733 3482
2734 #include "ev++.h" 3483 #include "ev++.h"
2735 3484
2736And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3485And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2737 3486
2738 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3487 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2739 #include "ev.c" 3488 #include "ev.c"
2740 3489
3490=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES
2741 3491
2742=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3492=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
2743 3493
2744In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3494=head3 THREADS
2745libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2746documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2747 3495
2748All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be 3496All libev functions are reentrant and thread-safe unless explicitly
2749extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this 3497documented otherwise, but libev implements no locking itself. This means
2750happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might 3498that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as there
2751mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average 3499are no concurrent calls into any libev function with the same loop
2752it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time. 3500parameter (C<ev_default_*> calls have an implicit default loop parameter,
3501of course): libev guarantees that different event loops share no data
3502structures that need any locking.
3503
3504Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
3505concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
3506must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as
3507only one thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using
3508a mutex per loop).
3509
3510Specifically to support threads (and signal handlers), libev implements
3511so-called C<ev_async> watchers, which allow some limited form of
3512concurrency on the same event loop, namely waking it up "from the
3513outside".
3514
3515If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3516without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3517help you, but here is some generic advice:
2753 3518
2754=over 4 3519=over 4
2755 3520
2756=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 3521=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3522in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
2757 3523
2758This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and 3524This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
2759there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will 3525themselves and don't care/know about threading.
2760have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2761 3526
2762=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 3527=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
2763 3528
2764That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 3529Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
2765as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for. 3530exists, but it is always a good start.
2766 3531
2767=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 3532=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3533loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
2768 3534
2769These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list. 3535Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3536better than you currently do :-)
2770 3537
2771=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 3538=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3539event loop.
2772 3540
2773=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 3541C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other threads safely
3542(or from signal contexts...).
2774 3543
2775These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the 3544An example use would be to communicate signals or other events that only
2776correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3545work in the default loop by registering the signal watcher with the
2777have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal). 3546default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
2778 3547watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
2779=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
2780
2781By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the
2782beginning of the storage array.
2783
2784=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2785
2786A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2787libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
2788on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2789
2790=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
2791
2792=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2793
2794Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2795priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2796linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
2797watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. prioritiy handling.
2798 3548
2799=back 3549=back
2800 3550
3551=head3 COROUTINES
2801 3552
2802=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds 3553Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3554libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3555coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3556different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3557loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3558you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3559
3560Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3561C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3562they do not clal any callbacks.
3563
3564=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3565
3566Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3567lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3568scared by this.
3569
3570However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3571has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3572warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3573targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3574
3575Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3576workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3577maintainable.
3578
3579And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3580wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3581seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3582warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have
3583been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3584such buggy versions.
3585
3586While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3587"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3588with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3589them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3590warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3591
3592
3593=head2 VALGRIND
3594
3595Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3596highly useful. Unfortunately, valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3597
3598If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3599in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3600
3601 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3602 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3603 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3604
3605Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables
3606is not a memleak - the memory is still being refernced, and didn't leak.
3607
3608Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs
3609as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend,
3610although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
3611confused.
3612
3613Keep in mind that valgrind is a very good tool, but only a tool. Don't
3614make it into some kind of religion.
3615
3616If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3617with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this
3618is a bug in libev (best check the archives, too :). However, don't be
3619annoyed when you get a brisk "this is no bug" answer and take the chance
3620of learning how to interpret valgrind properly.
3621
3622If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3623I suggest using suppression lists.
3624
3625
3626=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3627
3628=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
2803 3629
2804Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 3630Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
2805requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3631requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
2806model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3632model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
2807the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3633the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
2808descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 3634descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
2809e.g. cygwin. 3635e.g. cygwin.
2810 3636
3637Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3638re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
3639things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
3640way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3641
2811There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 3642There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
2812embedding it into other applications. 3643embedding it into other applications.
2813 3644
3645Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3646accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3647either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3648so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3649megabyte seems safe, but this apparently depends on the amount of memory
3650available).
3651
2814Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the 3652Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
2815abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not 3653the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
2816recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than 3654is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
2817a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different 3655more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
2818implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot 3656different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
2819be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games). 3657notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3658(Microsoft monopoly games).
3659
3660A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3661section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3662of F<ev.h>:
3663
3664 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
3665 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3666
3667 #include "ev.h"
3668
3669And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3670you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
3671
3672 #include "evwrap.h"
3673 #include "ev.c"
2820 3674
2821=over 4 3675=over 4
2822 3676
2823=item The winsocket select function 3677=item The winsocket select function
2824 3678
2825The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires 3679The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
2826socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select 3680requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
2827very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors 3681also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
2828to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, 3682requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
2829C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor 3683C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
2830symbols for more info. 3684discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3685C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
2831 3686
2832The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime 3687The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
2833libraries and raw winsocket select is: 3688libraries and raw winsocket select is:
2834 3689
2835 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1 3690 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
2836 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 3691 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
2837 3692
2838Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 3693Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
2839complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 3694complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
2840 3695
2841=item Limited number of file descriptors 3696=item Limited number of file descriptors
2842 3697
2843Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions 3698Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
2844of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles 3699
3700Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
2845(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for 3701of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
2846C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a 3702can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
2847chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each). 3703recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3704previous thread in each. Great).
2848 3705
2849Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 3706Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
2850to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select 3707to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
2851call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own 3708call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
2852select emulation on windows). 3709select emulation on windows).
2853 3710
2854Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime 3711Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
2855libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish 3712libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
2856or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling 3713or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
2857C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 3714C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
2858arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime 3715arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
2859libraries. 3716libraries.
2860 3717
2861This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 3718This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
2862windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to 3719windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
2863wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 3720wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
2864calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 3721calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
2865 3722
2866=back 3723=back
2867 3724
3725=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3726
3727In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
3728backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
3729
3730=over 4
3731
3732=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3733calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3734
3735Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3736structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3737assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3738callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3739calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3740
3741=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3742
3743The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3744C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
3745threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3746believed to be sufficiently portable.
3747
3748=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3749
3750Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
3751allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
3752pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
3753thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
3754be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
3755C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
3756
3757The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
3758except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3759well.
3760
3761=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3762
3763To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
3764instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
3765systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but is still at
3766least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of millions of
3767watchers.
3768
3769=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3770
3771The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3772have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3773enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
3774implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
3775
3776=back
3777
3778If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3779
3780
3781=head1 ALGORITHMIC COMPLEXITIES
3782
3783In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
3784libev will be documented. For complexity discussions about backends see
3785the documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
3786
3787All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
3788extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
3789happens asymptotically rarer with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
3790mean that libev does a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on
3791average it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3792
3793=over 4
3794
3795=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
3796
3797This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3798there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that, then inserting will
3799have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3800
3801=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
3802
3803That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them,
3804as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
3805
3806=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3807
3808These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
3809
3810=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3811
3812=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
3813
3814These watchers are stored in lists, so they need to be walked to find the
3815correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
3816have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal: one is typical, two
3817is rare).
3818
3819=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3820
3821By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
3822fixed position in the storage array.
3823
3824=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3825
3826A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
3827libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3828on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3829
3830=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3831
3832=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3833
3834Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3835priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3836linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3837watchers becomes O(1) with respect to priority handling.
3838
3839=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3840
3841=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3842
3843=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3844
3845Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3846calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3847involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3848
3849=back
3850
2868 3851
2869=head1 AUTHOR 3852=head1 AUTHOR
2870 3853
2871Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3854Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
2872 3855

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