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4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10
11 #include <ev.h>
12
13 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */
17 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
19 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */
23 }
24
25 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */
30 }
31
32 int
33 main (void)
34 {
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */
46 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47
48 return 0;
49 }
50
9=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
10 52
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
56
11Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
12file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
13these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
14 60
15To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process 61To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process
16(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then 62(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then
17communicate events via a callback mechanism. 63communicate events via a callback mechanism.
19You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event 65You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event
20watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the 66watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the
21details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 67details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
22watcher. 68watcher.
23 69
24=head1 FEATURES 70=head2 FEATURES
25 71
26Libev supports select, poll, the linux-specific epoll and the bsd-specific 72Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
27kqueue mechanisms for file descriptor events, relative timers, absolute 73BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
28timers with customised rescheduling, signal events, process status change 74for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
29events (related to SIGCHLD), and event watchers dealing with the event 75(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
30loop mechanism itself (idle, prepare and check watchers). It also is quite 76with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals
77(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event
78watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,
79C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as
80file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events
81(C<ev_fork>).
82
83It also is quite fast (see this
31fast (see this L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing 84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
32it to libevent for example). 85for example).
33 86
34=head1 CONVENTIONS 87=head2 CONVENTIONS
35 88
36Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration 89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will
37will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info 90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about
38about various configuration options please have a look at the file 91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in
39F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without 92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event
40support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial 93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop>
41argument of name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) 94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument.
42will not have this argument.
43 95
44=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 96=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
45 97
46Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
47(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
48the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
49called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
50to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
51it, you should treat it as such. 103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name
52 104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev.
53 106
54=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
55 108
56These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
57library in any way. 110library in any way.
62 115
63Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 116Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
64C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 117C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
65you actually want to know. 118you actually want to know.
66 119
120=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
121
122Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
123either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
124this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>.
125
67=item int ev_version_major () 126=item int ev_version_major ()
68 127
69=item int ev_version_minor () 128=item int ev_version_minor ()
70 129
71You can find out the major and minor version numbers of the library 130You can find out the major and minor ABI version numbers of the library
72you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 131you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
73C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 132C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global
74symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the 133symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
75version of the library your program was compiled against. 134version of the library your program was compiled against.
76 135
136These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
137release version.
138
77Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 139Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
78as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 140as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
79compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 141compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
80not a problem. 142not a problem.
81 143
82Example: make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 144Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
83version: 145version.
84 146
85 assert (("libev version mismatch", 147 assert (("libev version mismatch",
86 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 148 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
87 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 149 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
88 150
118 180
119See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 181See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
120 182
121=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 183=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
122 184
123Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the 185Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
124realloc C function, the semantics are identical). It is used to allocate 186semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
125and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory 187allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
126needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially 188memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
127destructive action. The default is your system realloc function. 189potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
190function.
128 191
129You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 192You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
130free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 193free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
131or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 194or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
132 195
133Example: replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 196Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
134retries: better than mine). 197retries).
135 198
136 static void * 199 static void *
137 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, long size) 200 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
138 { 201 {
139 for (;;) 202 for (;;)
140 { 203 {
141 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 204 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
142 205
158callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 221callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no
159matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 222matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
160requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 223requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
161(such as abort). 224(such as abort).
162 225
163Example: do the same thing as libev does internally: 226Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
164 227
165 static void 228 static void
166 fatal_error (const char *msg) 229 fatal_error (const char *msg)
167 { 230 {
168 perror (msg); 231 perror (msg);
197flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 260flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
198 261
199If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 262If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
200function. 263function.
201 264
265The 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
267for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your app you can either
268create 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
270C<ev_default_init>.
271
202The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 272The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
203backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 273backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
204 274
205The following flags are supported: 275The following flags are supported:
206 276
218C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 288C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
219override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 289override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
220useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 290useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
221around bugs. 291around bugs.
222 292
293=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
294
295Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
296a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
297enabling this flag.
298
299This 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
301iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
302Linux 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
304C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
305
306The 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
308flag.
309
310This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
311environment variable.
312
223=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 313=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
224 314
225This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 315This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
226libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 316libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
227but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 317but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
228using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its usually 318using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
229the fastest backend for a low number of fds. 319usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
320
321To 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
323writing 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
325a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
326readyness notifications you get per iteration.
230 327
231=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 328=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
232 329
233And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated than 330And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
234select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial limit on the 331than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
235number of fds you can use (except it will slow down considerably with a 332limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
236lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds). 333considerably 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
335performance tips.
237 336
238=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 337=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
239 338
240For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 339For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
241but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 340but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
242O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), epoll scales 341like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
243either O(1) or O(active_fds). 342epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
343of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
344cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad
345support for dup.
244 346
245While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 347While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
246result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 348will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident
247(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 349(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
248best to avoid that. Also, dup()ed file descriptors might not work very 350best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
249well if you register events for both fds. 351very well if you register events for both fds.
250 352
251Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 353Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
252need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data 354need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
253(or space) is available. 355(or space) is available.
254 356
357Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
358watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.
359keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.
360
361While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in
362all kernel versions tested so far.
363
255=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 364=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
256 365
257Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 366Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
258was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 367was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
259anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 368with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
260completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 369it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected"
261unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 370unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
262C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>). 371C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
372system like NetBSD.
373
374You 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
376the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
263 377
264It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 378It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
265kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 379kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
266course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 380course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
267extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per 381cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
268incident, so its best to avoid that. 382two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
383drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
384
385This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
386
387While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
388everywhere, 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
390(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
392sockets.
269 393
270=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 394=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
271 395
272This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 396This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
397implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
398and is not embeddable, which would limit the usefulness of this backend
399immensely.
273 400
274=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 401=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
275 402
276This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 403This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
277it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 404it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
278 405
279Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 406Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
280notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 407notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
281blocking when no data (or space) is available. 408blocking when no data (or space) is available.
409
410While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
411file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
412descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
413might perform better.
414
415On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this
416backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully
417embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends.
282 418
283=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 419=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
284 420
285Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 421Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
286with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 422with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
287C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 423C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
288 424
425It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
426
289=back 427=back
290 428
291If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 429If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these
292backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are 430backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
293specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse 431specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
294order of their flag values :)
295 432
296The most typical usage is like this: 433The most typical usage is like this:
297 434
298 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 435 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
299 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 436 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
314Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 451Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
315always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 452always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
316handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 453handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
317undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 454undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
318 455
319Example: try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 456Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
320 457
321 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 458 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
322 if (!epoller) 459 if (!epoller)
323 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 460 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
324 461
327Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 464Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
328etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 465etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
329sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 466sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
330responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 467responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
331calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 468calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
332the easiest thing, youc na just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 469the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
333for example). 470for example).
471
472Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
473this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
474would need to be stopped manually.
475
476In 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
478pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
479C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
334 480
335=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 481=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
336 482
337Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 483Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
338earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 484earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
339 485
340=item ev_default_fork () 486=item ev_default_fork ()
341 487
488This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations
342This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 489to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
343one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense 490name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
344after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that 491the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little
345again makes little sense). 492sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev
493functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
346 494
347You I<must> call this function in the child process after forking if and 495On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
348only if you want to use the event library in both processes. If you just 496process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If
349fork+exec, you don't have to call it. 497you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all.
350 498
351The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 499The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
352it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 500it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
353quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 501quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
354 502
355 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 503 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
356 504
357At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
358without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
359do not need to care.
360
361=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 505=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
362 506
363Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 507Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
364C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 508C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
365after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 509after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
510
511=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
512
513Returns 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
515happily wraps around with enough iterations.
516
517This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
518"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
519C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
366 520
367=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 521=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
368 522
369Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 523Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
370use. 524use.
373 527
374Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 528Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
375received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 529received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
376change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 530change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
377time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 531time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
378event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 532event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
379 533
380=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 534=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
381 535
382Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 536Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
383after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 537after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
404libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 558libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
405usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 559usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
406 560
407Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 561Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
408 562
409 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 563 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
410 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 564 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
565 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers.
566 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
411 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 567 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
412 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 568 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
413 - Update the "event loop time". 569 - Update the "event loop time".
414 - Calculate for how long to block. 570 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
571 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
572 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
573 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
415 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 574 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
416 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 575 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
417 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 576 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling.
418 - Queue all outstanding timers. 577 - Queue all outstanding timers.
419 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 578 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
420 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 579 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
421 - Queue all check watchers. 580 - Queue all check watchers.
422 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 581 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
423 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 582 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
424 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 583 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
425 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 584 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
426 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 585 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise
586 continue with step *.
427 587
428Example: queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 588Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
429anymore. 589anymore.
430 590
431 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 591 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
432 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 592 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
433 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 593 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
437 597
438Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 598Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
439has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 599has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
440C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 600C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
441C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 601C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
602
603This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
442 604
443=item ev_ref (loop) 605=item ev_ref (loop)
444 606
445=item ev_unref (loop) 607=item ev_unref (loop)
446 608
451returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 613returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For
452example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 614example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not
453visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 615visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
454no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 616no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
455way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 617way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
456libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 618libraries. 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,
620respectively).
457 621
458Example: create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 622Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
459running when nothing else is active. 623running when nothing else is active.
460 624
461 struct dv_signal exitsig; 625 struct ev_signal exitsig;
462 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 626 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
463 ev_signal_start (myloop, &exitsig); 627 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
464 evf_unref (myloop); 628 evf_unref (loop);
465 629
466Example: for some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 630Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
467 631
468 ev_ref (myloop); 632 ev_ref (loop);
469 ev_signal_stop (myloop, &exitsig); 633 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
634
635=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
636
637=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
638
639These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
640for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to
641invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency.
642
643Setting 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
645increase efficiency of loop iterations.
646
647The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
648handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
649the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
650events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
651overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
652
653By 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,
655at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
656C<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.
658
659Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
660to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
661latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
662will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
663any overhead in libev.
664
665Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect
666interval 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
668usually 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.
470 670
471=back 671=back
472 672
473 673
474=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 674=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
565received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 765received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
566many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 766many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
567(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 767(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
568C<ev_loop> from blocking). 768C<ev_loop> from blocking).
569 769
770=item C<EV_EMBED>
771
772The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
773
774=item C<EV_FORK>
775
776The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
777C<ev_fork>).
778
570=item C<EV_ERROR> 779=item C<EV_ERROR>
571 780
572An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 781An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
573happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 782happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
574ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 783ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
645=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 854=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
646 855
647Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 856Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
648events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher 857events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
649is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but 858is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
650C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 859C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
651libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 860make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
861it).
652 862
653=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 863=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
654 864
655Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 865Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
656 866
657=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 867=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
658 868
659Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 869Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
660(modulo threads). 870(modulo threads).
871
872=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
873
874=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
875
876Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
877integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
878(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
879before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
880from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
881
882This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
883invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
884example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
885watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
886
887If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
888you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
889
890You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
891pending.
892
893The 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 :).
895
896Setting 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
898or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
899
900=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
901
902Invoke 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
904can deal with that fact.
905
906=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
907
908If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
909and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
910watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
661 911
662=back 912=back
663 913
664 914
665=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 915=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
686 { 936 {
687 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 937 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
688 ... 938 ...
689 } 939 }
690 940
691More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 941More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
692have been omitted.... 942instead have been omitted.
943
944Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
945watchers:
946
947 struct my_biggy
948 {
949 int some_data;
950 ev_timer t1;
951 ev_timer t2;
952 }
953
954In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
955you need to use C<offsetof>:
956
957 #include <stddef.h>
958
959 static void
960 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
961 {
962 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
963 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
964 }
965
966 static void
967 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
968 {
969 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
970 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
971 }
693 972
694 973
695=head1 WATCHER TYPES 974=head1 WATCHER TYPES
696 975
697This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 976This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
721In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1000In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
722fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1001fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
723descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1002descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
724required if you know what you are doing). 1003required if you know what you are doing).
725 1004
726You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
727(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
728descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
729to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
730the same underlying "file open").
731
732If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1005If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
733(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1006(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
734C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1007C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
735 1008
736Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1009Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
742it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1015it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
743C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1016C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
744 1017
745If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1018If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
746play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1019play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
747wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1020whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
748such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1021such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
749its own, so its quite safe to use). 1022its own, so its quite safe to use).
1023
1024=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1025
1026Some 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,
1028such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1029descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1030this 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
1032fact, a different file descriptor.
1033
1034To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
1035the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
1036will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
1037it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
1038you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
1039descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
1040
1041This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
1042the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
1043optimisations to libev.
1044
1045=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
1046
1047Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
1048but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That means when you
1049have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or weirder constellations, and register
1050events for them, only one file descriptor might actually receive events.
1051
1052There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1053for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1054C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1055
1056=head3 The special problem of fork
1057
1058Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1059useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1060it in the child.
1061
1062To 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,
1064enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1065C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1066
1067
1068=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
750 1069
751=over 4 1070=over 4
752 1071
753=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1072=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
754 1073
766 1085
767The events being watched. 1086The events being watched.
768 1087
769=back 1088=back
770 1089
1090=head3 Examples
1091
771Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1092Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
772readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1093readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
773attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 1094attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
774 1095
775 static void 1096 static void
776 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1097 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
777 { 1098 {
778 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1099 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
808 1129
809The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1130The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
810but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1131but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
811order of execution is undefined. 1132order of execution is undefined.
812 1133
1134=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1135
813=over 4 1136=over 4
814 1137
815=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1138=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
816 1139
817=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1140=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
830=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1153=item ev_timer_again (loop)
831 1154
832This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1155This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
833repeating. The exact semantics are: 1156repeating. The exact semantics are:
834 1157
1158If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1159
835If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1160If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
836 1161
837If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1162If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
838value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1163C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
839 1164
840This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1165This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
841example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called 1166example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
842idle timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, 1167timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
843say, 60 seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do 1168seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
844this is to configure an C<ev_timer> with C<after>=C<repeat>=C<60> and calling 1169configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
845C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1170C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
846you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1171you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
847socket, you can stop the timer, and again will automatically restart it if 1172socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
848need be. 1173automatically restart it if need be.
849 1174
850You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether 1175That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
851and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 1176altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
852 1177
853 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1178 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
854 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1179 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
855 ... 1180 ...
856 timer->again = 17.; 1181 timer->again = 17.;
857 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1182 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
858 ... 1183 ...
859 timer->again = 10.; 1184 timer->again = 10.;
860 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1185 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
861 1186
862This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1187This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
863to modify its timeout value. 1188you want to modify its timeout value.
864 1189
865=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1190=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
866 1191
867The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1192The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
868or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1193or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
869which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1194which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
870 1195
871=back 1196=back
872 1197
1198=head3 Examples
1199
873Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1200Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
874 1201
875 static void 1202 static void
876 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1203 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
877 { 1204 {
878 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1205 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
880 1207
881 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1208 struct ev_timer mytimer;
882 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1209 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
883 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1210 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
884 1211
885Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1212Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
886inactivity. 1213inactivity.
887 1214
888 static void 1215 static void
889 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1216 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
890 { 1217 {
910but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1237but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
911to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1238to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
912periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1239periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now ()
913+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1240+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will
914take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1241take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger
915roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1242roughly 10 seconds later).
916again).
917 1243
918They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1244They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
919triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1245triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1246rules.
920 1247
921As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1248As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the
922time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1249time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
923during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1250during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
924 1251
1252=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1253
925=over 4 1254=over 4
926 1255
927=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1256=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
928 1257
929=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1258=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
931Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1260Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
932operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1261operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
933 1262
934=over 4 1263=over 4
935 1264
936=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1265=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
937 1266
938In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1267In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
939C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1268C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs,
940that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1269that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
941system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1270system time reaches or surpasses this time.
942 1271
943=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1272=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
944 1273
945In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1274In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
946C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat, regardless 1275C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
947of any time jumps. 1276and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
948 1277
949This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1278This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
950time: 1279time:
951 1280
952 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1281 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
958 1287
959Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1288Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
960C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1289C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
961time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1290time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
962 1291
1292For 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
1294this value.
1295
963=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1296=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
964 1297
965In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1298In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
966ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1299ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
967reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1300reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
968current time as second argument. 1301current time as second argument.
969 1302
970NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1303NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
971ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1304ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,
972return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by 1305return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
973starting a prepare watcher). 1306starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
974 1307
975Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1308Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
976ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1309ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
977 1310
978 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1311 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1001Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1334Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1002when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1335when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1003a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1336a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1004program when the crontabs have changed). 1337program when the crontabs have changed).
1005 1338
1339=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1340
1341When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1342absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1343
1344Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1345timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1346
1006=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1347=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1007 1348
1008The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1349The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1009take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1350take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1010called. 1351called.
1013 1354
1014The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1355The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1015switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1356switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1016the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1357the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1017 1358
1359=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1360
1361When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1362trigger next.
1363
1018=back 1364=back
1019 1365
1366=head3 Examples
1367
1020Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1368Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1021system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1369system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1022potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1370potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1023 1371
1024 static void 1372 static void
1025 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1373 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1029 1377
1030 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1378 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1031 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1379 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1032 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1380 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1033 1381
1034Example: the same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1382Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1035 1383
1036 #include <math.h> 1384 #include <math.h>
1037 1385
1038 static ev_tstamp 1386 static ev_tstamp
1039 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1387 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1041 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1389 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1042 } 1390 }
1043 1391
1044 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1392 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1045 1393
1046Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1394Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1047 1395
1048 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1396 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1049 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1397 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1050 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1398 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1051 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1399 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1063with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1411with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
1064as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1412as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1065watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1413watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1066SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1414SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1067 1415
1416=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1417
1068=over 4 1418=over 4
1069 1419
1070=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1420=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1071 1421
1072=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1422=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1084=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1434=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1085 1435
1086Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1436Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1087some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1437some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
1088 1438
1439=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1440
1089=over 4 1441=over 4
1090 1442
1091=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1443=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid, int trace)
1092 1444
1093=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 1445=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid, int trace)
1094 1446
1095Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or 1447Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or
1096I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look 1448I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look
1097at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 1449at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
1098the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems 1450the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
1099C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 1451C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1100process causing the status change. 1452process causing the status change. C<trace> must be either C<0> (only
1453activate the watcher when the process terminates) or C<1> (additionally
1454activate the watcher when the process is stopped or continued).
1101 1455
1102=item int pid [read-only] 1456=item int pid [read-only]
1103 1457
1104The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id. 1458The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1105 1459
1112The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1466The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1113C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1467C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1114 1468
1115=back 1469=back
1116 1470
1471=head3 Examples
1472
1117Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1473Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1118 1474
1119 static void 1475 static void
1120 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1476 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1121 { 1477 {
1122 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1478 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1137not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1493not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1138not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 1494not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1139otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 1495otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1140the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1496the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1141 1497
1498The 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.
1500
1142Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1501Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1143calls C<stat (2)> regulalry on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1502calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1144can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1503can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1145a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1504a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1146unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1505unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1147five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1506five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1148impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1507impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1150 1509
1151This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1510This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1152as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1511as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1153resource-intensive. 1512resource-intensive.
1154 1513
1155At the time of this writing, no specific OS backends are implemented, but 1514At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1156if demand increases, at least a kqueue and inotify backend will be added. 1515implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1516reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1517semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
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
1522=head3 Inotify
1523
1524When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1525available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1526change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1527when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1528
1529Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1530except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1531making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support
1532there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.
1533
1534(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1535implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1536descriptor open on the object at all times).
1537
1538=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1539
1540The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1541even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still
1542only support whole seconds.
1543
1544That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might
1545miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls
1546your callback, which does something. When there is another update within
1547the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it.
1548
1549The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till
1550the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer>
1551(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01>
1552is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating
1553systems.
1554
1555=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1157 1556
1158=over 4 1557=over 4
1159 1558
1160=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1559=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1161 1560
1197=item const char *path [read-only] 1596=item const char *path [read-only]
1198 1597
1199The filesystem path that is being watched. 1598The filesystem path that is being watched.
1200 1599
1201=back 1600=back
1601
1602=head3 Examples
1202 1603
1203Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1604Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1204 1605
1205 static void 1606 static void
1206 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1607 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1219 } 1620 }
1220 1621
1221 ... 1622 ...
1222 ev_stat passwd; 1623 ev_stat passwd;
1223 1624
1224 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd"); 1625 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1225 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1626 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1226 1627
1628Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1629miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1630one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1631C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1632
1633 static ev_stat passwd;
1634 static ev_timer timer;
1635
1636 static void
1637 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1638 {
1639 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1640
1641 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1642 }
1643
1644 static void
1645 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1646 {
1647 /* reset the one-second timer */
1648 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1649 }
1650
1651 ...
1652 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1653 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1654 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01);
1655
1227 1656
1228=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1657=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1229 1658
1230Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1659Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1231(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1660priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1232as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1661count).
1233imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1662
1234watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1663That 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
1665triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1666are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1235until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1667iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1236busy. 1668and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1237 1669
1238The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1670The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1239active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1671active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1240 1672
1241Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1673Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1242effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1674effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1243"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1675"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1244event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1676event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1245 1677
1678=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1679
1246=over 4 1680=over 4
1247 1681
1248=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1682=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1249 1683
1250Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1684Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1251kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1685kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1252believe me. 1686believe me.
1253 1687
1254=back 1688=back
1255 1689
1690=head3 Examples
1691
1256Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1692Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1257callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1693callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1258 1694
1259 static void 1695 static void
1260 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1696 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1261 { 1697 {
1262 free (w); 1698 free (w);
1263 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1699 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1264 // no longer asnything immediate to do. 1700 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1265 } 1701 }
1266 1702
1267 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1703 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1268 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1704 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1269 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1705 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1307with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1743with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1308of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 1744of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1309loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1745loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1310low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1746low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1311 1747
1748It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1749priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1750after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1751too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1752supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers
1753did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1754(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1755state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1756coexist peacefully with others).
1757
1758=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1759
1312=over 4 1760=over 4
1313 1761
1314=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1762=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1315 1763
1316=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1764=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1319parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1767parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1320macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1768macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1321 1769
1322=back 1770=back
1323 1771
1324Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1772=head3 Examples
1325and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1773
1774There 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
1776(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>
1778embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1779into the Glib event loop).
1780
1781Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1326in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows is 1782and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1327pseudo-code only of course: 1783is 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
1785the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1328 1786
1329 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1787 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1330 static ev_timer tw; 1788 static ev_timer tw;
1331 1789
1332 static void 1790 static void
1333 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1791 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1334 { 1792 {
1335 // set the relevant poll flags
1336 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1337 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1338 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1339 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1340 } 1793 }
1341 1794
1342 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1795 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1343 static void 1796 static void
1344 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1797 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1345 { 1798 {
1346 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1799 int timeout = 3600000;
1800 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1347 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1801 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1348 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1802 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1349 1803
1350 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1804 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1351 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1805 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1352 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1806 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1353 1807
1354 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1808 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1355 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1809 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1356 { 1810 {
1357 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1811 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1358 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1812 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1359 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1813 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1360 1814
1361 fds [i].revents = 0; 1815 fds [i].revents = 0;
1362 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1363 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1816 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1364 } 1817 }
1365 } 1818 }
1366 1819
1367 // stop all watchers after blocking 1820 // stop all watchers after blocking
1369 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1822 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1370 { 1823 {
1371 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1824 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1372 1825
1373 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1826 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1827 {
1828 // set the relevant poll flags
1829 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1830 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1831 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1832 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1833 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1834
1835 // now stop the watcher
1374 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1836 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1837 }
1375 1838
1376 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1839 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1840 }
1841
1842Method 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.
1844
1845Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1846notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1847callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1848
1849 static void
1850 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1851 {
1852 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1853 update_now (EV_A);
1854
1855 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1856 }
1857
1858 static void
1859 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1860 {
1861 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1862 update_now (EV_A);
1863
1864 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1865 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1866 }
1867
1868 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1869
1870Method 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
1872their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1873loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1874this.
1875
1876 static gint
1877 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1878 {
1879 int got_events = 0;
1880
1881 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1882 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1883
1884 if (timeout >= 0)
1885 // create/start timer
1886
1887 // poll
1888 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1889
1890 // stop timer again
1891 if (timeout >= 0)
1892 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1893
1894 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1895 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1896 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1897
1898 return got_events;
1377 } 1899 }
1378 1900
1379 1901
1380=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1902=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1381 1903
1424portable one. 1946portable one.
1425 1947
1426So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 1948So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1427that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 1949that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1428this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 1950this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1429create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything: 1951create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
1952
1953=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1954
1955=over 4
1956
1957=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1958
1959=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1960
1961Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1962embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1963invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1964to 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).
1966
1967=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1968
1969Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1970similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1971apropriate way for embedded loops.
1972
1973=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1974
1975The embedded event loop.
1976
1977=back
1978
1979=head3 Examples
1980
1981Example: 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
1983loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in
1984C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be
1985used).
1430 1986
1431 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 1987 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1432 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 1988 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1433 struct ev_embed embed; 1989 struct ev_embed embed;
1434 1990
1445 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2001 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1446 } 2002 }
1447 else 2003 else
1448 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2004 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1449 2005
2006Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2007a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2008kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2009C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2010
2011 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2012 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2013 struct ev_embed embed;
2014
2015 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2016 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2017 {
2018 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2019 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2020 }
2021
2022 if (!loop_socket)
2023 loop_socket = loop;
2024
2025 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2026
2027
2028=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2029
2030Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2031whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
2032C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the
2033event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
2034and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
2035C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2036handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2037
2038=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2039
1450=over 4 2040=over 4
1451 2041
1452=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2042=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1453 2043
1454=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2044Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1455 2045kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1456Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2046believe me.
1457embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1458invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1459to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1460if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1461
1462=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1463
1464Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1465similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1466apropriate way for embedded loops.
1467
1468=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only]
1469
1470The embedded event loop.
1471 2047
1472=back 2048=back
1473 2049
1474 2050
1475=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2051=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1564 2140
1565To use it, 2141To use it,
1566 2142
1567 #include <ev++.h> 2143 #include <ev++.h>
1568 2144
1569(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 2145This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1570and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 2146of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1571namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 2147put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2148options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1572 2149
1573It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 2150Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1574C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2151classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
2152that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
2153you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
2154
2155Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
2156used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
2157need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
2158types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
2159it).
1575 2160
1576Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 2161Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1577 2162
1578=over 4 2163=over 4
1579 2164
1595 2180
1596All of those classes have these methods: 2181All of those classes have these methods:
1597 2182
1598=over 4 2183=over 4
1599 2184
1600=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 2185=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1601 2186
1602=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 2187=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1603 2188
1604=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 2189=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1605 2190
1606The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 2191The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1607the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 2192with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1608C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 2193
1609before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 2194The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1610automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 2195C<set> method before starting it.
2196
2197It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
2198method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
2199
2200(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
2201not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1611 2202
1612The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 2203The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
2204
2205=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
2206
2207This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
2208signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
2209first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
2210parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
2211
2212This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
2213the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
2214callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
2215your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2216thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2217
2218Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2219
2220 struct myclass
2221 {
2222 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2223 }
2224
2225 myclass obj;
2226 ev::io iow;
2227 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2228
2229=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2230
2231Also 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
2233C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2234
2235The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2236
2237See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2238
2239Example:
2240
2241 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2242 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1613 2243
1614=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2244=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1615 2245
1616Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2246Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1617do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2247do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1618 2248
1619=item w->set ([args]) 2249=item w->set ([args])
1620 2250
1621Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2251Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
1622called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2252called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1623automatically stopped and restarted. 2253automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2254method.
1624 2255
1625=item w->start () 2256=item w->start ()
1626 2257
1627Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2258Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1628constructor already takes the loop. 2259constructor already stores the event loop.
1629 2260
1630=item w->stop () 2261=item w->stop ()
1631 2262
1632Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2263Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1633 2264
1634=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2265=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1635 2266
1636For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2267For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1637C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2268C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1638 2269
1639=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2270=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1640 2271
1641Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2272Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
2273
2274=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
2275
2276Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1642 2277
1643=back 2278=back
1644 2279
1645=back 2280=back
1646 2281
1647Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2282Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
1648the constructor. 2283the constructor.
1649 2284
1650 class myclass 2285 class myclass
1651 { 2286 {
1652 ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2287 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
1653 ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2288 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
1654 2289
1655 myclass (); 2290 myclass (int fd)
2291 {
2292 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2293 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2294
2295 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2296 }
2297 };
2298
2299
2300=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2301
2302Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
2303of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2304functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2305
2306To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2307following macros are defined:
2308
2309=over 4
2310
2311=item C<EV_A>, C<EV_A_>
2312
2313This 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,
2315C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2316
2317 ev_unref (EV_A);
2318 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2319 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2320
2321It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2322which is often provided by the following macro.
2323
2324=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2325
2326This 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,
2328C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2329
2330 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2331 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2332
2333 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2334 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2335
2336It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2337suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2338
2339=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2340
2341Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2342loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
2343
2344=back
2345
2346Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2347macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2348or not.
2349
2350 static void
2351 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2352 {
2353 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1656 } 2354 }
1657 2355
1658 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2356 ev_check check;
1659 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb), 2357 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1660 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb) 2358 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1661 { 2359 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1662 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1663 }
1664 2360
1665=head1 EMBEDDING 2361=head1 EMBEDDING
1666 2362
1667Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2363Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1668applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2364applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1669Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2365Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1670and rxvt-unicode. 2366and rxvt-unicode.
1671 2367
1672The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2368The goal is to enable you to just copy the necessary files into your
1673source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so 2369source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
1674you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of 2370you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1675libev somewhere in your source tree). 2371libev somewhere in your source tree).
1676 2372
1677=head2 FILESETS 2373=head2 FILESETS
1708 ev_vars.h 2404 ev_vars.h
1709 ev_wrap.h 2405 ev_wrap.h
1710 2406
1711 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2407 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1712 2408
1713 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2409 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
1714 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2410 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1715 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2411 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1716 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2412 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1717 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2413 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1718 2414
1767 2463
1768If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2464If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1769monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2465monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
1770of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2466of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1771usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2467usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1772the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2468the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
1773to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2469to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1774function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2470function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1775 2471
1776=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2472=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1777 2473
1778If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2474If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1779realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2475realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
1780runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2476runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
1781be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2477be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1782(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2478(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
1783in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2479note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2480
2481=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2482
2483If 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 ()>.
1784 2485
1785=item EV_USE_SELECT 2486=item EV_USE_SELECT
1786 2487
1787If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2488If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
1788C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2489C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
1806wants osf handles on win32 (this is the case when the select to 2507wants osf handles on win32 (this is the case when the select to
1807be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 2508be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
1808C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 2509C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
1809it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 2510it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
1810on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 2511on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
2512
2513=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE
2514
2515If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
2516file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
2517default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
2518correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
2519in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
1811 2520
1812=item EV_USE_POLL 2521=item EV_USE_POLL
1813 2522
1814If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 2523If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
1815backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 2524backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
1843 2552
1844=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2553=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1845 2554
1846reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2555reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
1847 2556
2557=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2558
2559If 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
2561be detected at runtime.
2562
1848=item EV_H 2563=item EV_H
1849 2564
1850The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2565The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
1851undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 2566undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
1852can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 2567used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
1853 2568
1854=item EV_CONFIG_H 2569=item EV_CONFIG_H
1855 2570
1856If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 2571If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
1857F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 2572F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
1858C<EV_H>, above. 2573C<EV_H>, above.
1859 2574
1860=item EV_EVENT_H 2575=item EV_EVENT_H
1861 2576
1862Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 2577Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
1863of how the F<event.h> header can be found. 2578of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
1864 2579
1865=item EV_PROTOTYPES 2580=item EV_PROTOTYPES
1866 2581
1867If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 2582If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
1868prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 2583prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
1875will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2590will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
1876additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2591additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
1877for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2592for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
1878argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2593argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
1879 2594
2595=item EV_MINPRI
2596
2597=item EV_MAXPRI
2598
2599The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2600C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2601provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2602to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2603
2604When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2605all 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
2607fine.
2608
2609If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2610C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2611
1880=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2612=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
1881 2613
1882If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2614If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
1883defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2615defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
1884code. 2616code.
1885 2617
2618=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2619
2620If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2621defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2622code.
2623
1886=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2624=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
1887 2625
1888If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 2626If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
1889defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2627defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
1890 2628
1891=item EV_STAT_ENABLE 2629=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
1892 2630
1893If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If 2631If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2632defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2633
2634=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2635
2636If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
1894defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2637defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
1895 2638
1896=item EV_MINIMAL 2639=item EV_MINIMAL
1897 2640
1898If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 2641If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
1899speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 2642speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override
1900some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 2643some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64.
2644
2645=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2646
2647C<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
2649than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2650increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2651
2652=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2653
2654C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2655inotify 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>
2657watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2658two).
1901 2659
1902=item EV_COMMON 2660=item EV_COMMON
1903 2661
1904By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 2662By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
1905this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 2663this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
1918 2676
1919=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 2677=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
1920 2678
1921Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 2679Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
1922and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 2680and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
1923definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for 2681definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
1924their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 2682their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
1925avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 2683avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
1926method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 2684method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2685
2686=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2687
2688If 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
2690all public symbols, one per line:
2691
2692 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2693 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2694
2695This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2696multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2697itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this).
2698
2699A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2700include before including F<ev.h>:
2701
2702 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2703
2704This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
2705
2706 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
2707 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
2708 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
2709 ...
1927 2710
1928=head2 EXAMPLES 2711=head2 EXAMPLES
1929 2712
1930For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 2713For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
1931verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 2714verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
1934interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2717interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
1935will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header 2718will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
1936file. 2719file.
1937 2720
1938The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2721The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
1939that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2722that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
1940 2723
2724 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
1941 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2725 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
1942 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2726 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
1943 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2727 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2728 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2729 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
1944 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2730 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2731 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2732 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
1945 2733
1946 #include "ev++.h" 2734 #include "ev++.h"
1947 2735
1948And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2736And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
1949 2737
1955 2743
1956In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2744In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
1957libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2745libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
1958documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2746documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
1959 2747
2748All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2749extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2750happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2751mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2752it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2753
1960=over 4 2754=over 4
1961 2755
1962=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2756=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
1963 2757
2758This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2759there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2760have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2761
1964=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2762=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2763
2764That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2765as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
1965 2766
1966=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2767=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
1967 2768
2769These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2770
1968=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2771=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
1969 2772
1970=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % 16)) 2773=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
1971 2774
2775These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2776correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2777have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2778
1972=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 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.
1973 2783
1974=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2784=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
1975 2785
1976=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 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.
1977 2798
1978=back 2799=back
1979 2800
1980 2801
2802=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds
2803
2804Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
2805requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
2806model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
2807the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
2808descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
2809e.g. cygwin.
2810
2811There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
2812embedding it into other applications.
2813
2814Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the
2815abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not
2816recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than
2817a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different
2818implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot
2819be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games).
2820
2821=over 4
2822
2823=item The winsocket select function
2824
2825The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires
2826socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select
2827very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors
2828to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>,
2829C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor
2830symbols for more info.
2831
2832The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime
2833libraries and raw winsocket select is:
2834
2835 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
2836 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
2837
2838Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
2839complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
2840
2841=item Limited number of file descriptors
2842
2843Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions
2844of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles
2845(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for
2846C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a
2847chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each).
2848
2849Newer 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
2851call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
2852select emulation on windows).
2853
2854Another 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
2856or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling
2857C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
2858arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime
2859libraries.
2860
2861This 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
2863wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
2864calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
2865
2866=back
2867
2868
1981=head1 AUTHOR 2869=head1 AUTHOR
1982 2870
1983Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 2871Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
1984 2872

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