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Revision 1.121 by root, Mon Jan 28 12:13:54 2008 UTC vs.
Revision 1.206 by root, Tue Oct 28 12:31:38 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).
343of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 390
344cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad 391The epoll syscalls are the most misdesigned of the more advanced event
345support for dup. 392mechanisms: problems include silently dropping fds, requiring a system
393call per change per fd (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems
394with dup and so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a
395program forks then I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the
396epoll set, which can take considerable time (one syscall per fd) and is of
397course hard to detect.
398
399Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds should work, but
400of course doesn't, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
401I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
402even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
403on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
404employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
405events to filter out spurious ones.
346 406
347While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 407While 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 408will 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 409(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 410best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
351very well if you register events for both fds. 411very well if you register events for both fds.
352 412
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 413Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
358watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e. 414watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible,
359keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. 415i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and
416starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
417extra overhead. A fork can both result in spurious notifications as well
418as in libev having to destroy and recreate the epoll object, which can
419take considerable time and thus should be avoided.
360 420
361While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in 421While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
362all kernel versions tested so far. 422all kernel versions tested so far.
363 423
424This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
425C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
426
364=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 427=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
365 428
366Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 429Kqueue 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 430broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably with
368with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 431anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course it's
369it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected" 432completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected" unless
370unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 433you 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) 434libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) system like NetBSD.
372system like NetBSD.
373 435
374You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 436You 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 437only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
376the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 438the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
377 439
378It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 440It 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 441kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
380course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 442course). 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 443cause 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 444two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (but
383drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 445sane, unlike epoll) and it drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect
446cases
384 447
385This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 448This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
386 449
387While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 450While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
388everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 451everywhere, 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 452almost 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 453(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 454(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and, did I mention it,
392sockets. 455using it only for sockets.
456
457This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with
458C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
459C<NOTE_EOF>.
393 460
394=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 461=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
395 462
396This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an 463This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
397implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets 464implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
401=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 468=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
402 469
403This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 470This 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)). 471it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
405 472
406Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious 473Please 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 474notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
408blocking when no data (or space) is available. 475blocking when no data (or space) is available.
409 476
410While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 477While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
411file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 478file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
412descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 479descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
413might perform better. 480might perform better.
414 481
415On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this 482On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
416backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully 483notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
417embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends. 484in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the
485OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks).
486
487This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
488C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
418 489
419=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 490=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
420 491
421Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 492Try 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 493with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
424 495
425It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 496It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
426 497
427=back 498=back
428 499
429If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 500If 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 501backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
431specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 502specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
432 503
433The most typical usage is like this: 504Example: This is the most typical usage.
434 505
435 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 506 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
436 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 507 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
437 508
438Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 509Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
439environment settings to be taken into account: 510environment settings to be taken into account:
440 511
441 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 512 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
442 513
443Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 514Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
444available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 515used 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): 516private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
517fds):
446 518
447 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 519 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
448 520
449=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 521=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
450 522
451Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 523Similar 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 524always 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 525handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
454undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 526undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
455 527
528Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
529libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
530default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
531
456Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 532Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
457 533
458 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 534 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
459 if (!epoller) 535 if (!epoller)
460 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 536 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
461 537
462=item ev_default_destroy () 538=item ev_default_destroy ()
463 539
464Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 540Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
465etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 541etc.). 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 542sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
467responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 543responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
468calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 544calling 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 545the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
470for example). 546for example).
471 547
472Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 548Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
473this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers) 549handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
474would need to be stopped manually. 550as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
475 551
476In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 552In 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 553rare 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 554pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
479C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 555C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
504 580
505=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 581=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
506 582
507Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 583Like 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 584C<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. 585after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
586entirely your own problem.
587
588=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
589
590Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
591otherwise.
510 592
511=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 593=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
512 594
513Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 595Returns 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 596the 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 611received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
530change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 612change 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 613time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
532event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 614event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
533 615
616=item ev_now_update (loop)
617
618Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
619returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
620is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>.
621
622This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
623very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
624the current time is a good idea.
625
626See also "The special problem of time updates" in the C<ev_timer> section.
627
534=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 628=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
535 629
536Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 630Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
537after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 631after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
538events. 632events.
540If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 634If 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. 635either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
542 636
543Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 637Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than
544relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 638relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
545finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program that 639finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
546automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue of 640that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
547relying on its watchers stopping correctly is a thing of beauty. 641of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
642beauty.
548 643
549A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 644A 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 645those 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. 646process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of
647the loop.
552 648
553A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 649A 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 650necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
555your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 651will 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 652be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarentee that a
557external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 653user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
654iteration of the loop.
655
656This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
657with 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 658own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
559usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 659usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
560 660
561Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 661Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
562 662
563 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 663 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
564 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 664 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
565 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers. 665 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
566 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 666 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
567 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 667 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
668 as to not disturb the other process.
568 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 669 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
569 - Update the "event loop time". 670 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
570 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 671 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
571 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 672 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
572 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 673 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
573 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 674 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
574 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 675 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
575 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 676 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
576 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 677 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
577 - Queue all outstanding timers. 678 - Queue all expired timers.
578 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 679 - Queue all expired periodics.
579 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 680 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
580 - Queue all check watchers. 681 - Queue all check watchers.
581 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 682 - 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 683 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
583 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 684 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
584 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 685 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
589anymore. 690anymore.
590 691
591 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 692 ... 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..) 693 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
593 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 694 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
594 ... jobs done. yeah! 695 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
595 696
596=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 697=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
597 698
598Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 699Can 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 700has 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 701C<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. 702C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
602 703
603This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 704This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
604 705
706It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls.
707
605=item ev_ref (loop) 708=item ev_ref (loop)
606 709
607=item ev_unref (loop) 710=item ev_unref (loop)
608 711
609Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 712Ref/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 713loop: 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 714count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own.
715
612a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> from 716If 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 717from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before
718stopping it.
719
614example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 720As 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 721not 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 722if 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 723way 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> 724libraries. 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, 725(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before,
620respectively). 726respectively).
621 727
622Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 728Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
623running when nothing else is active. 729running when nothing else is active.
624 730
625 struct ev_signal exitsig; 731 ev_signal exitsig;
626 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 732 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
627 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 733 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
628 evf_unref (loop); 734 evf_unref (loop);
629 735
630Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 736Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
631 737
632 ev_ref (loop); 738 ev_ref (loop);
633 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 739 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
634 740
635=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 741=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
636 742
637=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 743=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
638 744
639These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting 745These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
640for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to 746for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
641invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency. 747will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
748latency.
642 749
643Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>) 750Setting 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 751allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
645increase efficiency of loop iterations. 752to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
753opportunities).
646 754
647The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to 755The 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 756one (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 757program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
650events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high 758events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
651overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 759overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
652 760
653By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 761By 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, 762time 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 764C<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. 765introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
658 766
659Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 767Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
660to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 768to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
661latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 769latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
662will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce 770later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
663any overhead in libev. 771value will not introduce any overhead in libev.
664 772
665Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect 773Many (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 774interval 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 775interactive 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>, 776usually 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. 777as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
778
779Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
780saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
781are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
782times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
783reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
784they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
785
786=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
787
788This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
789compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
790through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
791is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
792error and call C<abort ()>.
793
794This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
795circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
796data structures consistent.
670 797
671=back 798=back
672 799
673 800
674=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 801=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
802
803In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
804watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
805watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
675 806
676A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 807A 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 808interest 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: 809become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
679 810
680 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 811 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
681 { 812 {
682 ev_io_stop (w); 813 ev_io_stop (w);
683 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 814 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
684 } 815 }
685 816
686 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 817 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
818
687 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 819 ev_io stdin_watcher;
820
688 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 821 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
689 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 822 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
690 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 823 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
824
691 ev_loop (loop, 0); 825 ev_loop (loop, 0);
692 826
693As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 827As 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, 828watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
695although this can sometimes be quite valid). 829stack).
830
831Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
832or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
696 833
697Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 834Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
698(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 835(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
699callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 836callback 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 837watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
701is readable and/or writable). 838is readable and/or writable).
702 839
703Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 840Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
704with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 841macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
705to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< ev_<type>_init 842is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
706(watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 843ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
707 844
708To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it 845To 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 846with 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 847*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
711corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 848corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
712 849
713As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 850As 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 851must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
715reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro. 852reinitialise it or call its C<ev_TYPE_set> macro.
716 853
717Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 854Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
718registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 855registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
719third argument. 856third argument.
720 857
774=item C<EV_FORK> 911=item C<EV_FORK>
775 912
776The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 913The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
777C<ev_fork>). 914C<ev_fork>).
778 915
916=item C<EV_ASYNC>
917
918The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
919
779=item C<EV_ERROR> 920=item C<EV_ERROR>
780 921
781An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 922An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
782happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 923happen 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 924ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
925problem. Libev considers these application bugs.
926
784problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 927You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping with the
785with the watcher being stopped. 928watcher being stopped. Note that well-written programs should not receive
929an error ever, so when your watcher receives it, this usually indicates a
930bug in your program.
786 931
787Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 932Libev 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 933example 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 934callbacks 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 935the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
791programs, though, so beware. 936programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
937thing, so beware.
792 938
793=back 939=back
794 940
795=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 941=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.
799 942
800=over 4 943=over 4
801 944
802=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 945=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
803 946
809which rolls both calls into one. 952which rolls both calls into one.
810 953
811You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped 954You 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. 955(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
813 956
814The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 957The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
815int revents)>. 958int revents)>.
959
960Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
961
962 ev_io w;
963 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
964 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
816 965
817=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 966=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
818 967
819This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 968This 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 969call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
823difference to the C<ev_init> macro). 972difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
824 973
825Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 974Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
826(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 975(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
827 976
977See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
978
828=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 979=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
829 980
830This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 981This 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 982calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
832a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 983a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
984
985Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
986
987 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
833 988
834=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 989=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
835 990
836Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 991Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
837events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 992events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
838 993
994Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
995whole section.
996
997 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
998
839=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 999=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
840 1000
841Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending 1001Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1002the watcher was active or not).
1003
842status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example, 1004It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
843non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but 1005non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
844C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If 1006calling 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 1007pending. 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. 1008therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
847 1009
848=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1010=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
849 1011
850Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started 1012Returns 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 1013and 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 1055The 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 :). 1056always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
895 1057
896Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is 1058Setting 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 1059fine, 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. 1060or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
899 1061
900=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1062=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
901 1063
902Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1064Invoke 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 1065C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
904can deal with that fact. 1066can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1067callback.
905 1068
906=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1069=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
907 1070
908If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status 1071If 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 1072returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
910watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1073watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
911 1074
1075Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1076callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1077
912=back 1078=back
913 1079
914 1080
915=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1081=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
916 1082
917Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1083Each 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 1084and 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 1085to 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 1086don'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 1087member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
922data: 1088data:
923 1089
924 struct my_io 1090 struct my_io
925 { 1091 {
926 struct ev_io io; 1092 ev_io io;
927 int otherfd; 1093 int otherfd;
928 void *somedata; 1094 void *somedata;
929 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1095 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
930 } 1096 };
1097
1098 ...
1099 struct my_io w;
1100 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
931 1101
932And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1102And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
933can cast it back to your own type: 1103can cast it back to your own type:
934 1104
935 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1105 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
936 { 1106 {
937 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1107 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
938 ... 1108 ...
939 } 1109 }
940 1110
941More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1111More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
942instead have been omitted. 1112instead have been omitted.
943 1113
944Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1114Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
945watchers: 1115embedded watchers:
946 1116
947 struct my_biggy 1117 struct my_biggy
948 { 1118 {
949 int some_data; 1119 int some_data;
950 ev_timer t1; 1120 ev_timer t1;
951 ev_timer t2; 1121 ev_timer t2;
952 } 1122 }
953 1123
954In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated, 1124In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
955you need to use C<offsetof>: 1125complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1126in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
1127some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
1128programmers):
956 1129
957 #include <stddef.h> 1130 #include <stddef.h>
958 1131
959 static void 1132 static void
960 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1133 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
961 { 1134 {
962 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1135 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
963 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1136 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
964 } 1137 }
965 1138
966 static void 1139 static void
967 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1140 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
968 { 1141 {
969 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1142 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
970 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1143 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
971 } 1144 }
972 1145
973 1146
974=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1147=head1 WATCHER TYPES
975 1148
976This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1149This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1000In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1173In 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 1174fd 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 1175descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1003required if you know what you are doing). 1176required if you know what you are doing).
1004 1177
1005If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1178If 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 1179known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1007C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1180C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
1008 1181
1009Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1182Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1010receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1183receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1011be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1184be 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 1185because 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 1186lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
1014this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1187this 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 1188it 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. 1189C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1017 1190
1018If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1191If 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 1192not 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 1193re-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 1194interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already
1022its own, so its quite safe to use). 1195does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1196use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1197indefinitely.
1198
1199But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1023 1200
1024=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1201=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1025 1202
1026Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file 1203Some 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, 1204descriptor (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 1205such 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 1206descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1030this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1207this 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 1208registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1032fact, a different file descriptor. 1209fact, a different file descriptor.
1033 1210
1062To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1239To 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, 1240C<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 1241enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1065C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1242C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1066 1243
1244=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1245
1246While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1247when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1248sent a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
1249this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1250
1251So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1252ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1253somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1254
1067 1255
1068=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1256=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1069 1257
1070=over 4 1258=over 4
1071 1259
1072=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1260=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1073 1261
1074=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1262=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1075 1263
1076Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1264Configures 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 1265receive events for and C<events> is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1078C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1266C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE>, to express the desire to receive the given events.
1079 1267
1080=item int fd [read-only] 1268=item int fd [read-only]
1081 1269
1082The file descriptor being watched. 1270The file descriptor being watched.
1083 1271
1091 1279
1092Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1280Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1093readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1281readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1094attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1282attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1095 1283
1096 static void 1284 static void
1097 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1285 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1098 { 1286 {
1099 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1287 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1100 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1288 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors
1101 } 1289 }
1102 1290
1103 ... 1291 ...
1104 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1292 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1105 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1293 ev_io stdin_readable;
1106 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1294 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1107 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1295 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1108 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1296 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1109 1297
1110 1298
1111=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1299=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1112 1300
1113Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1301Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1114given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1302given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1115 1303
1116The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1304The 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 1305times 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 1306year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1119detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1307detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1120monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1308monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1309
1310The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1311passed, but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration
1312then order of execution is undefined.
1313
1314=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1315
1316Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1317recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1318you want to raise some error after a while.
1319
1320What follows are some ways to handle this problem, from obvious and
1321inefficient to smart and efficient.
1322
1323In the following, a 60 second activity timeout is assumed - a timeout that
1324gets reset to 60 seconds each time there is activity (e.g. each time some
1325data or other life sign was received).
1326
1327=over 4
1328
1329=item 1. Use a timer and stop, reinitialise and start it on activity.
1330
1331This is the most obvious, but not the most simple way: In the beginning,
1332start the watcher:
1333
1334 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 60., 0.);
1335 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1336
1337Then, each time there is some activity, C<ev_timer_stop> it, initialise it
1338and start it again:
1339
1340 ev_timer_stop (loop, timer);
1341 ev_timer_set (timer, 60., 0.);
1342 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1343
1344This is relatively simple to implement, but means that each time there is
1345some activity, libev will first have to remove the timer from its internal
1346data structure and then add it again. Libev tries to be fast, but it's
1347still not a constant-time operation.
1348
1349=item 2. Use a timer and re-start it with C<ev_timer_again> inactivity.
1350
1351This is the easiest way, and involves using C<ev_timer_again> instead of
1352C<ev_timer_start>.
1353
1354To implement this, configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value
1355of C<60> and then call C<ev_timer_again> at start and each time you
1356successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle state where
1357you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop>
1358the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will automatically restart it if need be.
1359
1360That means you can ignore both the C<ev_timer_start> function and the
1361C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
1362member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1363
1364At start:
1365
1366 ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
1367 timer->repeat = 60.;
1368 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1369
1370Each time there is some activity:
1371
1372 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1373
1374It is even possible to change the time-out on the fly, regardless of
1375whether the watcher is active or not:
1376
1377 timer->repeat = 30.;
1378 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1379
1380This is slightly more efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1381you want to modify its timeout value, as libev does not have to completely
1382remove and re-insert the timer from/into its internal data structure.
1383
1384It is, however, even simpler than the "obvious" way to do it.
1385
1386=item 3. Let the timer time out, but then re-arm it as required.
1387
1388This method is more tricky, but usually most efficient: Most timeouts are
1389relatively long compared to the intervals between other activity - in
1390our example, within 60 seconds, there are usually many I/O events with
1391associated activity resets.
1392
1393In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1394but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1395within the callback:
1396
1397 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1398
1399 static void
1400 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1401 {
1402 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A);
1403 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1404
1405 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1406 if (timeout < now)
1407 {
1408 // timeout occured, take action
1409 }
1410 else
1411 {
1412 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1413 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1414 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive:
1415 w->again = timeout - now;
1416 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w);
1417 }
1418 }
1419
1420To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined
1421as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has
1422been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise
1423the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so
1424re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1425a timeout then.
1426
1427Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the
1428C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running.
1429
1430This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1431minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1432libev to change the timeout.
1433
1434To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>
1435to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1436callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1437
1438 ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
1439 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1440 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT);
1441
1442And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1443C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1444
1445 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop);
1446
1447This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1448time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1449
1450Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1451callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1452fix things for you.
1453
1454=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1455
1456If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1457employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1458do even better:
1459
1460When starting the timeout, calculate the timeout value and put the timeout
1461at the I<end> of the list.
1462
1463Then use an C<ev_timer> to fire when the timeout at the I<beginning> of
1464the list is expected to fire (for example, using the technique #3).
1465
1466When there is some activity, remove the timer from the list, recalculate
1467the timeout, append it to the end of the list again, and make sure to
1468update the C<ev_timer> if it was taken from the beginning of the list.
1469
1470This way, one can manage an unlimited number of timeouts in O(1) time for
1471starting, stopping and updating the timers, at the expense of a major
1472complication, and having to use a constant timeout. The constant timeout
1473ensures that the list stays sorted.
1474
1475=back
1476
1477So which method the best?
1478
1479Method #2 is a simple no-brain-required solution that is adequate in most
1480situations. Method #3 requires a bit more thinking, but handles many cases
1481better, and isn't very complicated either. In most case, choosing either
1482one is fine, with #3 being better in typical situations.
1483
1484Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1485rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1486off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1487overkill :)
1488
1489=head3 The special problem of time updates
1490
1491Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1492least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1493time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a
1494growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1495lots of events in one iteration.
1121 1496
1122The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1497The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1123time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1498time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1124of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 1499of 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 1500you 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: 1501timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1127 1502
1128 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1503 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1129 1504
1130The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1505If 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 1506update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1132order of execution is undefined. 1507()>.
1133 1508
1134=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1509=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1135 1510
1136=over 4 1511=over 4
1137 1512
1138=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1513=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1139 1514
1140=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1515=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1141 1516
1142Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1517Configure 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 1518is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
1144timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1519reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
1145later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1520configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1521until stopped manually.
1146 1522
1147The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 1523The 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 1524you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1149exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1525trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1150the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1526keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1151timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1527do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1152 1528
1153=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1529=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1154 1530
1155This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1531This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1156repeating. The exact semantics are: 1532repeating. The exact semantics are:
1157 1533
1158If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1534If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1159 1535
1160If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1536If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1161 1537
1162If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1538If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1163C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1539C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1164 1540
1165This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1541This 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 1542usage 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 1543
1190=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1544=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1191 1545
1192The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1546The 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), 1547or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1194which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1548which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1195 1549
1196=back 1550=back
1197 1551
1198=head3 Examples 1552=head3 Examples
1199 1553
1200Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1554Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1201 1555
1202 static void 1556 static void
1203 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1557 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1204 { 1558 {
1205 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1559 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1206 } 1560 }
1207 1561
1208 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1562 ev_timer mytimer;
1209 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1563 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1210 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1564 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1211 1565
1212Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1566Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1213inactivity. 1567inactivity.
1214 1568
1215 static void 1569 static void
1216 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1570 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1217 { 1571 {
1218 .. ten seconds without any activity 1572 .. ten seconds without any activity
1219 } 1573 }
1220 1574
1221 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1575 ev_timer mytimer;
1222 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1576 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1223 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1577 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1224 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1578 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1225 1579
1226 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1580 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1227 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1581 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1228 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1582 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1229 1583
1230 1584
1231=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1585=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1232 1586
1233Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1587Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1234(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1588(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1235 1589
1236Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1590Unlike 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 1591but 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 1592to 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 () 1593periodic 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 1594+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system
1595clock 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 1596to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1242roughly 10 seconds later). 1597roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1243 1598
1244They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1599C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
1245triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated, 1600such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1246rules. 1601complicated rules.
1247 1602
1248As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1603As 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 1604time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1250during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1605during the same loop iteration, then order of execution is undefined.
1251 1606
1252=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1607=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1253 1608
1254=over 4 1609=over 4
1255 1610
1256=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1611=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1257 1612
1258=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1613=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
1259 1614
1260Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1615Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1261operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1616operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1262 1617
1263=over 4 1618=over 4
1264 1619
1265=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1620=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1266 1621
1267In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1622In 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, 1623time 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 1624jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
1270system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1625only run when the system clock reaches or surpasses this time.
1271 1626
1272=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1627=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1273 1628
1274In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1629In 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) 1630C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1276and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1631and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1277 1632
1278This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1633This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the
1279time: 1634system clock, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
1635hour, on the hour:
1280 1636
1281 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1637 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1282 1638
1283This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1639This 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 1640but 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 1641full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1286by 3600. 1642by 3600.
1287 1643
1288Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1644Another 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 1645C<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. 1646time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1291 1647
1292For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1648For 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 1649C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1294this value. 1650this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1651
1652Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1653speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1654will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1655millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1295 1656
1296=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1657=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1297 1658
1298In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1659In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1299ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1660ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1300reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1661reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1301current time as second argument. 1662current time as second argument.
1302 1663
1303NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1664NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1304ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1665ever, 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 1666
1667If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1668it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1669only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1670
1308Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1671The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic
1309ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1672*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1310 1673
1674 static ev_tstamp
1311 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1675 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1312 { 1676 {
1313 return now + 60.; 1677 return now + 60.;
1314 } 1678 }
1315 1679
1316It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1680It 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 1681(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 1682will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1319might be called at other times, too. 1683might be called at other times, too.
1320 1684
1321NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the 1685NOTE: 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. 1686equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1323 1687
1324This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 1688This 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 1689triggers 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 1690next 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 1691you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1328reason I omitted it as an example). 1692reason I omitted it as an example).
1329 1693
1330=back 1694=back
1334Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1698Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1335when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1699when 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 1700a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1337program when the crontabs have changed). 1701program when the crontabs have changed).
1338 1702
1703=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1704
1705When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1706trigger next.
1707
1339=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 1708=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1340 1709
1341When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 1710When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1342absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 1711absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1343 1712
1348 1717
1349The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1718The 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 1719take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1351called. 1720called.
1352 1721
1353=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 1722=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1354 1723
1355The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1724The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1356switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1725switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1357the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1726the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1358 1727
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 1728=back
1365 1729
1366=head3 Examples 1730=head3 Examples
1367 1731
1368Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1732Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1369system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1733system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1370potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1734potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1371 1735
1372 static void 1736 static void
1373 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1737 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1374 { 1738 {
1375 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1739 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1376 } 1740 }
1377 1741
1378 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1742 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1379 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1743 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1380 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1744 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1381 1745
1382Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1746Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1383 1747
1384 #include <math.h> 1748 #include <math.h>
1385 1749
1386 static ev_tstamp 1750 static ev_tstamp
1387 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1751 my_scheduler_cb (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1388 { 1752 {
1389 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1753 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1390 } 1754 }
1391 1755
1392 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1756 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1393 1757
1394Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1758Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1395 1759
1396 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1760 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1397 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1761 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1398 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1762 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1399 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1763 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1400 1764
1401 1765
1402=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1766=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1403 1767
1404Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1768Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1405signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 1769signal 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 1770will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1407normal event processing, like any other event. 1771normal event processing, like any other event.
1408 1772
1773If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would
1774do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use
1775C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop.
1776
1409You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 1777You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the
1410first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher 1778first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler
1411with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1779with 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 1780you 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 1781the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1414SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1782signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1783
1784If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1785C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1786interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1787signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1788them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1415 1789
1416=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1790=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1417 1791
1418=over 4 1792=over 4
1419 1793
1428 1802
1429The signal the watcher watches out for. 1803The signal the watcher watches out for.
1430 1804
1431=back 1805=back
1432 1806
1807=head3 Examples
1808
1809Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1810
1811 static void
1812 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1813 {
1814 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1815 }
1816
1817 ev_signal signal_watcher;
1818 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1819 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1820
1433 1821
1434=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1822=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1435 1823
1436Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1824Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1437some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1825some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
1826exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
1827has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
1828as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,
1829forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
1830but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later is
1831not.
1832
1833Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1834you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1835
1836=head3 Process Interaction
1837
1838Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1839initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1840the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1841of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1842synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1843children, even ones not watched.
1844
1845=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1846
1847Libev offers no special support for overriding the built-in child
1848processing, but if your application collides with libev's default child
1849handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1850C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1851default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1852event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1853that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1854
1855=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1856
1857Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1858child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1859callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1860when a child exit is detected.
1438 1861
1439=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1862=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1440 1863
1441=over 4 1864=over 4
1442 1865
1468 1891
1469=back 1892=back
1470 1893
1471=head3 Examples 1894=head3 Examples
1472 1895
1473Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1896Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1897its completion.
1474 1898
1899 ev_child cw;
1900
1475 static void 1901 static void
1476 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1902 child_cb (EV_P_ ev_child *w, int revents)
1477 { 1903 {
1478 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1904 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1905 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1479 } 1906 }
1480 1907
1481 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1908 pid_t pid = fork ();
1482 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1909
1483 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1910 if (pid < 0)
1911 // error
1912 else if (pid == 0)
1913 {
1914 // the forked child executes here
1915 exit (1);
1916 }
1917 else
1918 {
1919 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1920 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1921 }
1484 1922
1485 1923
1486=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1924=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1487 1925
1488This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1926This 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 1927C<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. 1928compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1491 1929
1492The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1930The 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 1931not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1496the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1934the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1497 1935
1498The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is 1936The 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. 1937relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1500 1938
1501Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1939Since 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 1940implementation simply calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if
1503can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1941it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling interval for
1504a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1942this 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 1943then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used (which
1506five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1944you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might change
1507impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1945dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is currently
1508usually overkill. 1946around C<0.1>, but thats usually overkill.
1509 1947
1510This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1948This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1511as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1949as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1512resource-intensive. 1950resource-intensive.
1513 1951
1514At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 1952At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1515implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 1953is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as
1516reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 1954an exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way
1517semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1955of 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 1956
1522=head3 Inotify 1957=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1523 1958
1959Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1960compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1961support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1962structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1963use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1964compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1965obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1966most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support.
1967
1968The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1969file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1970optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1971to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1972default compilation environment.
1973
1974=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
1975
1524When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1976When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally
1977only 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 1978implementations) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1526change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 1979change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created
1527when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 1980lazily when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1528 1981
1529Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 1982Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1530except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 1983except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1531making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support 1984making 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. 1985there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling,
1986but as long as the path exists, libev usually gets away without polling.
1533 1987
1534(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 1988There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1535implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 1989implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1536descriptor open on the object at all times). 1990descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
1991etc. is difficult.
1537 1992
1538=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 1993=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1539 1994
1540The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and 1995The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1541even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still 1996even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems still
1542only support whole seconds. 1997only support whole seconds.
1543 1998
1544That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might 1999That 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 2000easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1546your callback, which does something. When there is another update within 2001calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1547the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it. 2002within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the
2003stat data does change in other ways (e.g. file size).
1548 2004
1549The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till 2005The 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> 2006than 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> 2007a 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 2008ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1553systems. 2009
2010The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
2011of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
2012might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
2013C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
2014a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
2015update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
2016the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
2017the timer callback).
1554 2018
1555=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2019=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1556 2020
1557=over 4 2021=over 4
1558 2022
1564C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 2028C<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 2029be 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 2030a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1567path for as long as the watcher is active. 2031path for as long as the watcher is active.
1568 2032
1569The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 2033The 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 2034relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1571last change was detected). 2035last change was detected).
1572 2036
1573=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *) 2037=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1574 2038
1575Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 2039Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1576watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 2040watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1577detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 2041detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1578useful simply to find out the new values. 2042the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
2043new values.
1579 2044
1580=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 2045=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1581 2046
1582The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 2047The 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 2048C<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 2049suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
2050members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1585was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 2051some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1586 2052
1587=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 2053=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1588 2054
1589The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 2055The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1590C<prev> != C<attr>. 2056C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
2057differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
2058C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1591 2059
1592=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 2060=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1593 2061
1594The specified interval. 2062The specified interval.
1595 2063
1596=item const char *path [read-only] 2064=item const char *path [read-only]
1597 2065
1598The filesystem path that is being watched. 2066The file system path that is being watched.
1599 2067
1600=back 2068=back
1601 2069
1602=head3 Examples 2070=head3 Examples
1603 2071
1604Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 2072Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1605 2073
1606 static void 2074 static void
1607 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 2075 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1608 { 2076 {
1609 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 2077 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1610 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 2078 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1611 { 2079 {
1612 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 2080 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1613 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 2081 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1614 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 2082 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1615 } 2083 }
1616 else 2084 else
1617 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 2085 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1618 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 2086 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1619 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 2087 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1620 } 2088 }
1621 2089
1622 ... 2090 ...
1623 ev_stat passwd; 2091 ev_stat passwd;
1624 2092
1625 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 2093 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1626 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 2094 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1627 2095
1628Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not 2096Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1629miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so 2097miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1630one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on 2098one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1631C<ev_timer> callback invocation). 2099C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1632 2100
1633 static ev_stat passwd; 2101 static ev_stat passwd;
1634 static ev_timer timer; 2102 static ev_timer timer;
1635 2103
1636 static void 2104 static void
1637 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2105 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1638 { 2106 {
1639 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w); 2107 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1640 2108
1641 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */ 2109 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1642 } 2110 }
1643 2111
1644 static void 2112 static void
1645 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents) 2113 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1646 { 2114 {
1647 /* reset the one-second timer */ 2115 /* reset the one-second timer */
1648 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer); 2116 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1649 } 2117 }
1650 2118
1651 ... 2119 ...
1652 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 2120 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1653 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 2121 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1654 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01); 2122 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1655 2123
1656 2124
1657=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 2125=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1658 2126
1659Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 2127Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1660priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not 2128priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count
1661count). 2129as receiving "events").
1662 2130
1663That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts 2131That 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 2132(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 2133triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1666are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop 2134are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1690=head3 Examples 2158=head3 Examples
1691 2159
1692Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 2160Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1693callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2161callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1694 2162
1695 static void 2163 static void
1696 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 2164 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
1697 { 2165 {
1698 free (w); 2166 free (w);
1699 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2167 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1700 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2168 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1701 } 2169 }
1702 2170
1703 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 2171 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
1704 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2172 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1705 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2173 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1706 2174
1707 2175
1708=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2176=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1709 2177
1710Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 2178Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
1711prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2179prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1712afterwards. 2180afterwards.
1713 2181
1714You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2182You 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> 2183the 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, 2186those 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 2187C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1720called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 2188called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1721 2189
1722Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 2190Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1723their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track 2191their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
1724variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 2192variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1725coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 2193coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1726you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example, 2194you 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> 2195in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1728watcher). 2196watcher).
1729 2197
1730This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 2198This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors
1731to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 2199need 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 2200for them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many
1733provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 2201libraries provide exactly this functionality). Then, in the check watcher,
1734any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 2202you 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 2203of all watchers and stopping them) and call back into the library. The
1736callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 2204I/O and timer callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid
1737because you never know, you know?). 2205nevertheless, because you never know, you know?).
1738 2206
1739As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 2207As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1740coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines 2208coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
1741during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines 2209during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
1742are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines 2210are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines
1745loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 2213loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1746low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 2214low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1747 2215
1748It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 2216It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1749priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 2217priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
2218after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers).
2219
1750after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 2220Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
1751too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 2221activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
1752supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers 2222might 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 2223C<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 2224loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1755state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to 2225C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1756coexist peacefully with others). 2226others).
1757 2227
1758=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2228=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1759 2229
1760=over 4 2230=over 4
1761 2231
1763 2233
1764=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 2234=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1765 2235
1766Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 2236Initialises 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> 2237parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1768macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 2238macros, but using them is utterly, utterly, utterly and completely
2239pointless.
1769 2240
1770=back 2241=back
1771 2242
1772=head3 Examples 2243=head3 Examples
1773 2244
1774There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules 2245There 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 2246into 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 2247(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> 2248use 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 2249Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1779into the Glib event loop). 2250Glib event loop).
1780 2251
1781Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, 2252Method 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 2253and 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 2254is 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 2255priority 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. 2256the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1786 2257
1787 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2258 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1788 static ev_timer tw; 2259 static ev_timer tw;
1789 2260
1790 static void 2261 static void
1791 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2262 io_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1792 { 2263 {
1793 } 2264 }
1794 2265
1795 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2266 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1796 static void 2267 static void
1797 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2268 adns_prepare_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1798 { 2269 {
1799 int timeout = 3600000; 2270 int timeout = 3600000;
1800 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2271 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1801 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2272 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1802 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2273 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1803 2274
1804 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2275 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1805 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2276 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1806 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2277 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1807 2278
1808 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2279 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1809 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2280 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1810 { 2281 {
1811 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 2282 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1812 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 2283 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1813 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 2284 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1814 2285
1815 fds [i].revents = 0; 2286 fds [i].revents = 0;
1816 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 2287 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1817 } 2288 }
1818 } 2289 }
1819 2290
1820 // stop all watchers after blocking 2291 // stop all watchers after blocking
1821 static void 2292 static void
1822 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2293 adns_check_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1823 { 2294 {
1824 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2295 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1825 2296
1826 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2297 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1827 { 2298 {
1828 // set the relevant poll flags 2299 // set the relevant poll flags
1829 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 2300 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1830 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 2301 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1831 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 2302 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1832 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 2303 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1833 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 2304 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1834 2305
1835 // now stop the watcher 2306 // now stop the watcher
1836 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2307 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1837 } 2308 }
1838 2309
1839 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2310 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1840 } 2311 }
1841 2312
1842Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll> 2313Method 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. 2314in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1844 2315
1845Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2316Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1846notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2317notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1847callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2318callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1848 2319
1849 static void 2320 static void
1850 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2321 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1851 { 2322 {
1852 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2323 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1853 update_now (EV_A); 2324 update_now (EV_A);
1854 2325
1855 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2326 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1856 } 2327 }
1857 2328
1858 static void 2329 static void
1859 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2330 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1860 { 2331 {
1861 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2332 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1862 update_now (EV_A); 2333 update_now (EV_A);
1863 2334
1864 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2335 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1865 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2336 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1866 } 2337 }
1867 2338
1868 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2339 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1869 2340
1870Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2341Method 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 2342want to embed is not flexible enough to support it. Instead, you can
1872their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2343override 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 2344main loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module uses
1874this. 2345this approach, effectively embedding EV as a client into the horrible
2346libglib event loop.
1875 2347
1876 static gint 2348 static gint
1877 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2349 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1878 { 2350 {
1879 int got_events = 0; 2351 int got_events = 0;
1880 2352
1881 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2353 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1882 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events 2354 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1883 2355
1884 if (timeout >= 0) 2356 if (timeout >= 0)
1885 // create/start timer 2357 // create/start timer
1886 2358
1887 // poll 2359 // poll
1888 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2360 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1889 2361
1890 // stop timer again 2362 // stop timer again
1891 if (timeout >= 0) 2363 if (timeout >= 0)
1892 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2364 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1893 2365
1894 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2366 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1895 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2367 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1896 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2368 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1897 2369
1898 return got_events; 2370 return got_events;
1899 } 2371 }
1900 2372
1901 2373
1902=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2374=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1903 2375
1904This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2376This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1910prioritise I/O. 2382prioritise I/O.
1911 2383
1912As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 2384As 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 2385sockets 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 2386still 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 2387so 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 2388it 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 2389will 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. 2390C<kevent>, but at least you can use both mechanisms for what they are
2391best: C<kqueue> for scalable sockets and C<poll> if you want it to work :)
1919 2392
1920As for prioritising I/O: rarely you have the case where some fds have 2393As for prioritising I/O: under rare circumstances you have the case where
1921to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even 2394some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
1922priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case 2395and 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 2396this 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. 2397the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
1925 2398
1926As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time 2399As 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 2400there 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 2401call 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 2402their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded
1937interested in that. 2410interested in that.
1938 2411
1939Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking: 2412Also, 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, 2413when 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 2414but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers
1942yourself. 2415yourself - but you can use a fork watcher to handle this automatically,
2416and future versions of libev might do just that.
1943 2417
1944Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by 2418Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
1945C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 2419C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
1946portable one. 2420portable one.
1947 2421
1948So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2422So 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 2423that 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 2424this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1951create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything. 2425create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
1952 2426
2427=head3 C<ev_embed> and fork
2428
2429While the C<ev_embed> watcher is running, forks in the embedding loop will
2430automatically be applied to the embedded loop as well, so no special
2431fork handling is required in that case. When the watcher is not running,
2432however, it is still the task of the libev user to call C<ev_loop_fork ()>
2433as applicable.
2434
1953=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2435=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1954 2436
1955=over 4 2437=over 4
1956 2438
1957=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2439=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1960 2442
1961Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2443Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1962embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2444embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1963invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2445invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1964to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2446to 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). 2447if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1966 2448
1967=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2449=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1968 2450
1969Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2451Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1970similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2452similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1971apropriate way for embedded loops. 2453appropriate way for embedded loops.
1972 2454
1973=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2455=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1974 2456
1975The embedded event loop. 2457The embedded event loop.
1976 2458
1978 2460
1979=head3 Examples 2461=head3 Examples
1980 2462
1981Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default 2463Example: 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 2464event 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 2465loop 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 2466C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
1985used). 2467used).
1986 2468
1987 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2469 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1988 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2470 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1989 struct ev_embed embed; 2471 ev_embed embed;
1990 2472
1991 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2473 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
1992 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2474 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
1993 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2475 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
1994 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2476 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
1995 : 0; 2477 : 0;
1996 2478
1997 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi 2479 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
1998 if (loop_lo) 2480 if (loop_lo)
1999 { 2481 {
2000 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 2482 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2001 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2483 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2002 } 2484 }
2003 else 2485 else
2004 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2486 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2005 2487
2006Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create 2488Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2007a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any 2489a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2008kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2490kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2009C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2491C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2010 2492
2011 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2493 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2012 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2494 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2013 struct ev_embed embed; 2495 ev_embed embed;
2014 2496
2015 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2497 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2016 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2498 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2017 { 2499 {
2018 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2500 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2019 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 2501 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2020 } 2502 }
2021 2503
2022 if (!loop_socket) 2504 if (!loop_socket)
2023 loop_socket = loop; 2505 loop_socket = loop;
2024 2506
2025 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else 2507 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2026 2508
2027 2509
2028=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2510=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2029 2511
2030Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2512Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2046believe me. 2528believe me.
2047 2529
2048=back 2530=back
2049 2531
2050 2532
2533=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop
2534
2535In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
2536asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2537loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2538
2539Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not
2540control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what
2541C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you
2542can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal
2543safe.
2544
2545This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2546too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2547(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2548C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2549
2550Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
2551just the default loop.
2552
2553=head3 Queueing
2554
2555C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2556is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2557multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2558need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2559
2560That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2561queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2562queue:
2563
2564=over 4
2565
2566=item queueing from a signal handler context
2567
2568To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2569handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is
2570an example that does that for some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2571
2572 static ev_async mysig;
2573
2574 static void
2575 sigusr1_handler (void)
2576 {
2577 sometype data;
2578
2579 // no locking etc.
2580 queue_put (data);
2581 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2582 }
2583
2584 static void
2585 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2586 {
2587 sometype data;
2588 sigset_t block, prev;
2589
2590 sigemptyset (&block);
2591 sigaddset (&block, SIGUSR1);
2592 sigprocmask (SIG_BLOCK, &block, &prev);
2593
2594 while (queue_get (&data))
2595 process (data);
2596
2597 if (sigismember (&prev, SIGUSR1)
2598 sigprocmask (SIG_UNBLOCK, &block, 0);
2599 }
2600
2601(Note: pthreads in theory requires you to use C<pthread_setmask>
2602instead of C<sigprocmask> when you use threads, but libev doesn't do it
2603either...).
2604
2605=item queueing from a thread context
2606
2607The strategy for threads is different, as you cannot (easily) block
2608threads but you can easily preempt them, so to queue safely you need to
2609employ a traditional mutex lock, such as in this pthread example:
2610
2611 static ev_async mysig;
2612 static pthread_mutex_t mymutex = PTHREAD_MUTEX_INITIALIZER;
2613
2614 static void
2615 otherthread (void)
2616 {
2617 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation
2618 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2619 queue_put (data);
2620 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2621
2622 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2623 }
2624
2625 static void
2626 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2627 {
2628 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2629
2630 while (queue_get (&data))
2631 process (data);
2632
2633 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2634 }
2635
2636=back
2637
2638
2639=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2640
2641=over 4
2642
2643=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2644
2645Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2646kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2647trust me.
2648
2649=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2650
2651Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2652an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2653C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or
2654similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2655section below on what exactly this means).
2656
2657This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration,
2658so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2659calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2660
2661=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2662
2663Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2664watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2665event loop.
2666
2667C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2668the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2669it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2670quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2671
2672Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2673whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
2674
2675=back
2676
2677
2051=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2678=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2052 2679
2053There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 2680There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
2054 2681
2055=over 4 2682=over 4
2056 2683
2057=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 2684=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
2058 2685
2059This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 2686This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
2060callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 2687callback 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 2688watchers. 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 2689or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2063more watchers yourself. 2690more watchers yourself.
2064 2691
2065If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2692If 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 2693C<events> argument is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for
2067C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2694the given C<fd> and C<events> set will be created and started.
2068 2695
2069If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2696If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2070started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2697started. 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 2698repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2072dubious value.
2073 2699
2074The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2700The 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 2701passed 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> 2702C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2077value passed to C<ev_once>: 2703value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
2704a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
2705events precedence.
2078 2706
2707Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2708
2079 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2709 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2080 { 2710 {
2081 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2082 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2083 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2711 if (revents & EV_READ)
2084 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2712 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2713 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2714 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2085 } 2715 }
2086 2716
2087 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2717 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2088 2718
2089=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2719=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2090 2720
2091Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2721Feeds 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 2722had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2093initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). 2723initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2094 2724
2095=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 2725=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)
2096 2726
2097Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2727Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2098the given events it. 2728the given events it.
2099 2729
2100=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2730=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2101 2731
2102Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2732Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2103loop!). 2733loop!).
2104 2734
2105=back 2735=back
2106 2736
2107 2737
2123 2753
2124=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 2754=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2125will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 2755will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
2126is an ev_pri field. 2756is an ev_pri field.
2127 2757
2758=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2759first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
2760
2128=item * Other members are not supported. 2761=item * Other members are not supported.
2129 2762
2130=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 2763=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
2131to use the libev header file and library. 2764to use the libev header file and library.
2132 2765
2133=back 2766=back
2134 2767
2135=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2768=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2136 2769
2137Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2770Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2138you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 2771you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2139the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2772the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2140 2773
2141To use it, 2774To use it,
2142 2775
2143 #include <ev++.h> 2776 #include <ev++.h>
2144 2777
2145This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 2778This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2146of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 2779of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2147put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 2780put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2148options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2781options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
2215your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the 2848your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2216thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 2849thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2217 2850
2218Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 2851Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2219 2852
2220 struct myclass 2853 struct myclass
2221 { 2854 {
2222 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2855 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2223 } 2856 }
2224 2857
2225 myclass obj; 2858 myclass obj;
2226 ev::io iow; 2859 ev::io iow;
2227 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 2860 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2228 2861
2229=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 2862=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2230 2863
2231Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 2864Also 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 2865callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2234 2867
2235The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>. 2868The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2236 2869
2237See the method-C<set> above for more details. 2870See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2238 2871
2239Example: 2872Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2240 2873
2241 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2874 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2242 iow.set <io_cb> (); 2875 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2243 2876
2244=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2877=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2245 2878
2246Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2879Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2247do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2880do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2248 2881
2249=item w->set ([args]) 2882=item w->set ([arguments])
2250 2883
2251Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2884Basically 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 2885called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2253automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 2886automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2254method. 2887method.
2255 2888
2256=item w->start () 2889=item w->start ()
2280=back 2913=back
2281 2914
2282Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2915Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2283the constructor. 2916the constructor.
2284 2917
2285 class myclass 2918 class myclass
2286 { 2919 {
2287 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2920 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2288 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2921 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2289 2922
2290 myclass (int fd) 2923 myclass (int fd)
2291 { 2924 {
2292 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2925 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2293 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2926 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2294 2927
2295 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2928 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2296 } 2929 }
2297 }; 2930 };
2931
2932
2933=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2934
2935Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
2936number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2937any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2938me a note.
2939
2940=over 4
2941
2942=item Perl
2943
2944The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
2945libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2946there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2947to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>, but C<AnyEvent::DNS> is preferred nowadays),
2948C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV>
2949and C<EV::Glib>).
2950
2951It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2952L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2953
2954=item Python
2955
2956Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2957seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the
2958patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2959for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2960libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2961libev).
2962
2963=item Ruby
2964
2965Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2966of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2967more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2968L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2969
2970=item D
2971
2972Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2973be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2974
2975=item Ocaml
2976
2977Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
2978L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
2979
2980=back
2298 2981
2299 2982
2300=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2983=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2301 2984
2302Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 2985Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2303of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 2986of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2304functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2987functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2305 2988
2306To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2989To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2307following macros are defined: 2990following macros are defined:
2312 2995
2313This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2996This 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, 2997loop 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: 2998C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2316 2999
2317 ev_unref (EV_A); 3000 ev_unref (EV_A);
2318 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3001 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2319 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3002 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2320 3003
2321It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 3004It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2322which is often provided by the following macro. 3005which is often provided by the following macro.
2323 3006
2324=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3007=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2325 3008
2326This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 3009This 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, 3010loop 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: 3011C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2329 3012
2330 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 3013 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2331 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 3014 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2332 3015
2333 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 3016 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2334 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 3017 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2335 3018
2336It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 3019It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2337suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 3020suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2338 3021
2339=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 3022=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2340 3023
2341Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 3024Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2342loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 3025loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
3026
3027=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
3028
3029Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
3030default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
3031is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
3032execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
3033
3034It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
3035watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2343 3036
2344=back 3037=back
2345 3038
2346Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 3039Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2347macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 3040macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2348or not. 3041or not.
2349 3042
2350 static void 3043 static void
2351 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 3044 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2352 { 3045 {
2353 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 3046 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2354 } 3047 }
2355 3048
2356 ev_check check; 3049 ev_check check;
2357 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3050 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2358 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3051 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2359 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3052 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2360 3053
2361=head1 EMBEDDING 3054=head1 EMBEDDING
2362 3055
2363Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3056Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2364applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3057applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2371libev somewhere in your source tree). 3064libev somewhere in your source tree).
2372 3065
2373=head2 FILESETS 3066=head2 FILESETS
2374 3067
2375Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 3068Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2376in your app. 3069in your application.
2377 3070
2378=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 3071=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2379 3072
2380To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 3073To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2381configuration (no autoconf): 3074configuration (no autoconf):
2382 3075
2383 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3076 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2384 #include "ev.c" 3077 #include "ev.c"
2385 3078
2386This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 3079This 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 3080single 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 3081it, 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 3082done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2390where you can put other configuration options): 3083where you can put other configuration options):
2391 3084
2392 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3085 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2393 #include "ev.h" 3086 #include "ev.h"
2394 3087
2395Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 3088Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2396compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 3089compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2397as a bug). 3090as a bug).
2398 3091
2399You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 3092You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2400in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 3093in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2401 3094
2402 ev.h 3095 ev.h
2403 ev.c 3096 ev.c
2404 ev_vars.h 3097 ev_vars.h
2405 ev_wrap.h 3098 ev_wrap.h
2406 3099
2407 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 3100 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2408 3101
2409 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 3102 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) 3103 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) 3104 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) 3105 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) 3106 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2414 3107
2415F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 3108F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2416to compile this single file. 3109to compile this single file.
2417 3110
2418=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 3111=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2419 3112
2420To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 3113To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2421 3114
2422 #include "event.c" 3115 #include "event.c"
2423 3116
2424in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 3117in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2425 3118
2426 #include "event.h" 3119 #include "event.h"
2427 3120
2428in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 3121in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2429 3122
2430You need the following additional files for this: 3123You need the following additional files for this:
2431 3124
2432 event.h 3125 event.h
2433 event.c 3126 event.c
2434 3127
2435=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 3128=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2436 3129
2437Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 3130Instead 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 3131whatever 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 3132F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2440include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 3133include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2441 3134
2442For this of course you need the m4 file: 3135For this of course you need the m4 file:
2443 3136
2444 libev.m4 3137 libev.m4
2445 3138
2446=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3139=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2447 3140
2448Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define 3141Libev 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 3142define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2450and only include the select backend. 3143autoconf is documented for every option.
2451 3144
2452=over 4 3145=over 4
2453 3146
2454=item EV_STANDALONE 3147=item EV_STANDALONE
2455 3148
2460F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 3153F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2461 3154
2462=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3155=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2463 3156
2464If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3157If 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 3158monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
2466of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 3159of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2467usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 3160usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2468the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 3161the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2469to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 3162to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2470function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 3163function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2471 3164
2472=item EV_USE_REALTIME 3165=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2473 3166
2474If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3167If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2475realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 3168real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
2476runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 3169runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
2477be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 3170be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2478(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 3171(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2479note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 3172note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2480 3173
2481=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 3174=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2482 3175
2483If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available 3176If 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 ()>. 3177and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2485 3178
3179=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
3180
3181If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
3182available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
3183C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
3184If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
31852.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3186
2486=item EV_USE_SELECT 3187=item EV_USE_SELECT
2487 3188
2488If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 3189If 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 3190C<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 3191other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2491will not be compiled in. 3192will not be compiled in.
2492 3193
2493=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 3194=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2494 3195
2495If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 3196If 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 3197structure. 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 3198C<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 3199exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2499low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 3200low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2500allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 3201allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2501influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 3202influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2502 3203
2526 3227
2527=item EV_USE_EPOLL 3228=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2528 3229
2529If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 3230If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2530C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 3231C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2531otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 3232otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2532preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems. 3233backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
3234headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2533 3235
2534=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 3236=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2535 3237
2536If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 3238If 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, 3239C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2550otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 3252otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2551backend for Solaris 10 systems. 3253backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2552 3254
2553=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 3255=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2554 3256
2555reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 3257Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2556 3258
2557=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 3259=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2558 3260
2559If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 3261If 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 3262interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2561be detected at runtime. 3263be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
3264indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3265
3266=item EV_ATOMIC_T
3267
3268Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
3269access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
3270type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
3271that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
3272as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
3273
3274In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
3275(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2562 3276
2563=item EV_H 3277=item EV_H
2564 3278
2565The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 3279The 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 3280undefined 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 3318When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2605all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3319all 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 3320and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2607fine. 3321fine.
2608 3322
2609If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3323If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
2610C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 3324both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2611 3325
2612=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3326=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2613 3327
2614If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3328If 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 3329defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2622code. 3336code.
2623 3337
2624=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 3338=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2625 3339
2626If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 3340If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2627defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3341defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3342watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
2628 3343
2629=item EV_STAT_ENABLE 3344=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2630 3345
2631If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If 3346If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2632defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3347defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2634=item EV_FORK_ENABLE 3349=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2635 3350
2636If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If 3351If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2637defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3352defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2638 3353
3354=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
3355
3356If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
3357defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
3358
2639=item EV_MINIMAL 3359=item EV_MINIMAL
2640 3360
2641If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3361If 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 3362speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2643some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 3363inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3364much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2644 3365
2645=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3366=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2646 3367
2647C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3368C<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 3369pid. 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>), 3376inotify 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> 3377usually 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 3378watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2658two). 3379two).
2659 3380
3381=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3382
3383Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3384timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3385to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3386faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3387
3388The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3389(disabled).
3390
3391=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3392
3393Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3394timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3395the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3396which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3397but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3398noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3399
3400The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3401(disabled).
3402
3403=item EV_VERIFY
3404
3405Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3406be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3407in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3408called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3409called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3410verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3411libev considerably.
3412
3413The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3414C<0>.
3415
2660=item EV_COMMON 3416=item EV_COMMON
2661 3417
2662By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3418By 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 3419this 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, 3420members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2665though, and it must be identical each time. 3421though, and it must be identical each time.
2666 3422
2667For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3423For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2668 3424
2669 #define EV_COMMON \ 3425 #define EV_COMMON \
2670 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3426 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2671 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3427 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2672 3428
2673=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3429=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2674 3430
2675=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3431=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2676 3432
2681definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for 3437definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2682their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 3438their 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 3439avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2684method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3440method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2685 3441
3442=back
3443
2686=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3444=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2687 3445
2688If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of 3446If 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 3447exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2690all public symbols, one per line: 3448all public symbols, one per line:
2691 3449
2692 Symbols.ev for libev proper 3450 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2693 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation 3451 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2694 3452
2695This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with 3453This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2696multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in 3454multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2697itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this). 3455itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
2698 3456
2699A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to 3457A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2700include before including F<ev.h>: 3458include before including F<ev.h>:
2701 3459
2702 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h 3460 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2719file. 3477file.
2720 3478
2721The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3479The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2722that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 3480that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2723 3481
2724 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 3482 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2725 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3483 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2726 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3484 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2727 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 3485 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2728 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 3486 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2729 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 3487 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2730 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3488 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2731 #define EV_MINPRI 0 3489 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2732 #define EV_MAXPRI 0 3490 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2733 3491
2734 #include "ev++.h" 3492 #include "ev++.h"
2735 3493
2736And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3494And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2737 3495
2738 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3496 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2739 #include "ev.c" 3497 #include "ev.c"
2740 3498
3499=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES
2741 3500
2742=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3501=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
2743 3502
2744In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3503=head3 THREADS
2745libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2746documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2747 3504
2748All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be 3505All libev functions are reentrant and thread-safe unless explicitly
2749extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this 3506documented otherwise, but libev implements no locking itself. This means
2750happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might 3507that 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 3508are no concurrent calls into any libev function with the same loop
2752it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time. 3509parameter (C<ev_default_*> calls have an implicit default loop parameter,
3510of course): libev guarantees that different event loops share no data
3511structures that need any locking.
3512
3513Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
3514concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
3515must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as
3516only one thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using
3517a mutex per loop).
3518
3519Specifically to support threads (and signal handlers), libev implements
3520so-called C<ev_async> watchers, which allow some limited form of
3521concurrency on the same event loop, namely waking it up "from the
3522outside".
3523
3524If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3525without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3526help you, but here is some generic advice:
2753 3527
2754=over 4 3528=over 4
2755 3529
2756=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 3530=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3531in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
2757 3532
2758This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and 3533This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
2759there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will 3534themselves and don't care/know about threading.
2760have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2761 3535
2762=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 3536=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
2763 3537
2764That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 3538Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
2765as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for. 3539exists, but it is always a good start.
2766 3540
2767=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 3541=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3542loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
2768 3543
2769These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list. 3544Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3545better than you currently do :-)
2770 3546
2771=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 3547=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3548event loop.
2772 3549
2773=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 3550C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other threads safely
3551(or from signal contexts...).
2774 3552
2775These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the 3553An 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 3554work in the default loop by registering the signal watcher with the
2777have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal). 3555default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
2778 3556watcher 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 3557
2799=back 3558=back
2800 3559
3560=head3 COROUTINES
2801 3561
2802=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds 3562Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3563libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3564coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3565different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3566loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3567you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3568
3569Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3570C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3571they do not clal any callbacks.
3572
3573=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3574
3575Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3576lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3577scared by this.
3578
3579However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3580has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3581warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3582targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3583
3584Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3585workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3586maintainable.
3587
3588And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3589wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3590seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3591warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have
3592been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3593such buggy versions.
3594
3595While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3596"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3597with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3598them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3599warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3600
3601
3602=head2 VALGRIND
3603
3604Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3605highly useful. Unfortunately, valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3606
3607If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3608in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3609
3610 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3611 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3612 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3613
3614Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables
3615is not a memleak - the memory is still being refernced, and didn't leak.
3616
3617Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs
3618as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend,
3619although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
3620confused.
3621
3622Keep in mind that valgrind is a very good tool, but only a tool. Don't
3623make it into some kind of religion.
3624
3625If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3626with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this
3627is a bug in libev (best check the archives, too :). However, don't be
3628annoyed when you get a brisk "this is no bug" answer and take the chance
3629of learning how to interpret valgrind properly.
3630
3631If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3632I suggest using suppression lists.
3633
3634
3635=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3636
3637=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
2803 3638
2804Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 3639Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
2805requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3640requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
2806model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3641model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
2807the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3642the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
2808descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 3643descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
2809e.g. cygwin. 3644e.g. cygwin.
2810 3645
3646Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3647re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
3648things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
3649way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3650
2811There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 3651There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
2812embedding it into other applications. 3652embedding it into other applications.
2813 3653
3654Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3655accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3656either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3657so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3658megabyte seems safe, but this apparently depends on the amount of memory
3659available).
3660
2814Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the 3661Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
2815abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not 3662the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
2816recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than 3663is 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 3664more 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 3665different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
2819be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games). 3666notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3667(Microsoft monopoly games).
3668
3669A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3670section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3671of F<ev.h>:
3672
3673 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
3674 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3675
3676 #include "ev.h"
3677
3678And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3679you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
3680
3681 #include "evwrap.h"
3682 #include "ev.c"
2820 3683
2821=over 4 3684=over 4
2822 3685
2823=item The winsocket select function 3686=item The winsocket select function
2824 3687
2825The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires 3688The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
2826socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select 3689requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
2827very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors 3690also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
2828to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, 3691requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
2829C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor 3692C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
2830symbols for more info. 3693discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3694C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
2831 3695
2832The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime 3696The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
2833libraries and raw winsocket select is: 3697libraries and raw winsocket select is:
2834 3698
2835 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1 3699 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
2836 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 3700 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
2837 3701
2838Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 3702Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
2839complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 3703complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
2840 3704
2841=item Limited number of file descriptors 3705=item Limited number of file descriptors
2842 3706
2843Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions 3707Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
2844of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles 3708
3709Early 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 3710of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
2846C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a 3711can 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). 3712recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3713previous thread in each. Great).
2848 3714
2849Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 3715Newer 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 3716to 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 3717call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
2852select emulation on windows). 3718select emulation on windows).
2853 3719
2854Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime 3720Another 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 3721libraries, 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 3722or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
2857C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 3723C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
2858arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime 3724arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
2859libraries. 3725libraries.
2860 3726
2861This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 3727This 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 3728windows 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 3729wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
2864calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 3730calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
2865 3731
2866=back 3732=back
2867 3733
3734=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3735
3736In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
3737backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
3738
3739=over 4
3740
3741=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3742calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3743
3744Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3745structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3746assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3747callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3748calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3749
3750=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3751
3752The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3753C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
3754threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3755believed to be sufficiently portable.
3756
3757=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3758
3759Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
3760allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
3761pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
3762thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
3763be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
3764C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
3765
3766The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
3767except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3768well.
3769
3770=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3771
3772To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
3773instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
3774systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but is still at
3775least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of millions of
3776watchers.
3777
3778=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3779
3780The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3781have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3782enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
3783implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
3784
3785=back
3786
3787If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3788
3789
3790=head1 ALGORITHMIC COMPLEXITIES
3791
3792In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
3793libev will be documented. For complexity discussions about backends see
3794the documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
3795
3796All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
3797extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
3798happens asymptotically rarer with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
3799mean that libev does a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on
3800average it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3801
3802=over 4
3803
3804=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
3805
3806This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3807there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that, then inserting will
3808have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3809
3810=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
3811
3812That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them,
3813as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
3814
3815=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3816
3817These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
3818
3819=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3820
3821=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
3822
3823These watchers are stored in lists, so they need to be walked to find the
3824correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
3825have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal: one is typical, two
3826is rare).
3827
3828=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3829
3830By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
3831fixed position in the storage array.
3832
3833=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3834
3835A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
3836libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3837on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3838
3839=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3840
3841=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3842
3843Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3844priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3845linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3846watchers becomes O(1) with respect to priority handling.
3847
3848=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3849
3850=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3851
3852=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3853
3854Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3855calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3856involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3857
3858=back
3859
2868 3860
2869=head1 AUTHOR 3861=head1 AUTHOR
2870 3862
2871Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3863Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
2872 3864

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