ViewVC Help
View File | Revision Log | Show Annotations | Download File
/cvs/libev/ev.pod
(Generate patch)

Comparing libev/ev.pod (file contents):
Revision 1.58 by root, Wed Nov 28 11:31:34 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.121 by root, Mon Jan 28 12:13:54 2008 UTC

4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 #include <ev.h> 11 #include <ev.h>
12 12
13 ev_io stdin_watcher; 13 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 14 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
48 return 0; 48 return 0;
49 } 49 }
50 50
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
52 52
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
56
53Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
54file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
55these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
56 60
57To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process 61To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process
58(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then 62(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then
59communicate events via a callback mechanism. 63communicate events via a callback mechanism.
61You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event 65You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event
62watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the 66watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the
63details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 67details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
64watcher. 68watcher.
65 69
66=head1 FEATURES 70=head2 FEATURES
67 71
68Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the 72Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
69BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms 73BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
70for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface 74for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
71(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers 75(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
78 82
79It also is quite fast (see this 83It also is quite fast (see this
80L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
81for example). 85for example).
82 86
83=head1 CONVENTIONS 87=head2 CONVENTIONS
84 88
85Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will 89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will
86be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about 90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about
87various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in 91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in
88this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event 92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event
89loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop> 93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop>
90(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument. 94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument.
91 95
92=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 96=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
93 97
94Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
95(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
96the 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
97called 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
98to 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
99it, you should treat it as such. 103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name
104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev.
100 106
101=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
102 108
103These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
104library in any way. 110library in any way.
109 115
110Returns 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
111C<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
112you actually want to know. 118you actually want to know.
113 119
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
114=item int ev_version_major () 126=item int ev_version_major ()
115 127
116=item int ev_version_minor () 128=item int ev_version_minor ()
117 129
118You 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
119you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 131you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
120C<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
121symbols 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
122version of the library your program was compiled against. 134version of the library your program was compiled against.
123 135
136These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
137release version.
138
124Usually, 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,
125as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 140as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
126compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 141compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
127not a problem. 142not a problem.
128 143
129Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 144Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
130version. 145version.
163C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 178C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
164recommended ones. 179recommended ones.
165 180
166See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 181See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
167 182
168=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, size_t size)) 183=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
169 184
170Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype and semantics are 185Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
171identical to the realloc C function). It is used to allocate and free 186semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
172memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory needs to be 187allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
173allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially destructive 188memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
174action. The default is your system realloc function. 189potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
190function.
175 191
176You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 192You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
177free 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,
178or 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.
179 195
244flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 260flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
245 261
246If 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
247function. 263function.
248 264
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
249The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 272The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
250backends 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>).
251 274
252The following flags are supported: 275The following flags are supported:
253 276
265C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 288C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
266override 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
267useful 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
268around bugs. 291around bugs.
269 292
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
270=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 313=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
271 314
272This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 315This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
273libev 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,
274but 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
275using 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
276the 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.
277 327
278=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)
279 329
280And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated than 330And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
281select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial limit on the 331than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
282number 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
283lot 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.
284 336
285=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 337=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
286 338
287For 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,
288but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 340but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
289O(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),
290either 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.
291 346
292While 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
293result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 348will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident
294(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
295best 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
296well if you register events for both fds. 351very well if you register events for both fds.
297 352
298Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 353Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
299need 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
300(or space) is available. 355(or space) is available.
301 356
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
302=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 364=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
303 365
304Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 366Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
305was 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
306anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 368with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
307completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 369it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected"
308unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 370unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
309C<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.
310 377
311It 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
312kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 379kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
313course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 380course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
314extra 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
315incident, 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.
316 393
317=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 394=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
318 395
319This 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.
320 400
321=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 401=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
322 402
323This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 403This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
324it'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)).
325 405
326Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 406Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
327notifications, 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
328blocking 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.
329 418
330=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 419=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
331 420
332Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 421Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
333with 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
334C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 423C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
335 424
425It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
426
336=back 427=back
337 428
338If 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
339backends 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
340specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse 431specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
341order of their flag values :)
342 432
343The most typical usage is like this: 433The most typical usage is like this:
344 434
345 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 435 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
346 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 436 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
374Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 464Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
375etc.). 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
376sense, 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
377responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 467responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
378calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 468calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
379the 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
380for 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>).
381 480
382=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 481=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
383 482
384Like 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
385earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 484earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
386 485
387=item ev_default_fork () 486=item ev_default_fork ()
388 487
488This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations
389This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 489to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
390one. 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
391after 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
392again 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.
393 494
394You 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
395only 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
396fork+exec, you don't have to call it. 497you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all.
397 498
398The 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
399it 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
400quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 501quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
401 502
402 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 503 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
403 504
404At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
405without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
406do not need to care.
407
408=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 505=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
409 506
410Like 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
411C<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
412after 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.
413 520
414=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 521=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
415 522
416Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 523Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
417use. 524use.
420 527
421Returns 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
422received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 529received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
423change 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
424time 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
425event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 532event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
426 533
427=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 534=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
428 535
429Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 536Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
430after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 537after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
451libev 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
452usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 559usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
453 560
454Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 561Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
455 562
456 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 563 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
457 - 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.
458 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 567 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
459 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 568 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
460 - Update the "event loop time". 569 - Update the "event loop time".
461 - 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.
462 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 574 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
463 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 575 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
464 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 576 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling.
465 - Queue all outstanding timers. 577 - Queue all outstanding timers.
466 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 578 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
467 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 579 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
468 - Queue all check watchers. 580 - Queue all check watchers.
469 - 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).
470 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
471 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 583 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
472 - 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
473 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 585 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise
586 continue with step *.
474 587
475Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 588Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
476anymore. 589anymore.
477 590
478 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 591 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
479 ... 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..)
480 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 593 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
484 597
485Can 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
486has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 599has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
487C<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
488C<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.
489 604
490=item ev_ref (loop) 605=item ev_ref (loop)
491 606
492=item ev_unref (loop) 607=item ev_unref (loop)
493 608
498returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 613returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For
499example, 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
500visible 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
501no 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
502way 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
503libraries. 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).
504 621
505Example: 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>
506running when nothing else is active. 623running when nothing else is active.
507 624
508 struct ev_signal exitsig; 625 struct ev_signal exitsig;
512 629
513Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 630Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
514 631
515 ev_ref (loop); 632 ev_ref (loop);
516 ev_signal_stop (loop, &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.
517 670
518=back 671=back
519 672
520 673
521=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 674=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
701=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 854=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
702 855
703Returns 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
704events 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
705is 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
706C<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
707libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 860make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
861it).
708 862
709=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 863=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
710 864
711Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 865Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
712 866
713=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 867=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
714 868
715Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 869Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
716(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>.
717 911
718=back 912=back
719 913
720 914
721=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 915=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
806In 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
807fd 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
808descriptors 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
809required if you know what you are doing). 1003required if you know what you are doing).
810 1004
811You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
812(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
813descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
814to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
815the same underlying "file open").
816
817If 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
818(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
819C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1007C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
820 1008
821Another 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
827it 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
828C<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.
829 1017
830If 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
831play 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
832wether 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
833such 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
834its 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
835 1069
836=over 4 1070=over 4
837 1071
838=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1072=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
839 1073
850=item int events [read-only] 1084=item int events [read-only]
851 1085
852The events being watched. 1086The events being watched.
853 1087
854=back 1088=back
1089
1090=head3 Examples
855 1091
856Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1092Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
857readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1093readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
858attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1094attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
859 1095
893 1129
894The 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,
895but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1131but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
896order of execution is undefined. 1132order of execution is undefined.
897 1133
1134=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1135
898=over 4 1136=over 4
899 1137
900=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)
901 1139
902=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)
915=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1153=item ev_timer_again (loop)
916 1154
917This 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
918repeating. The exact semantics are: 1156repeating. The exact semantics are:
919 1157
1158If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1159
920If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1160If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
921 1161
922If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1162If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
923value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1163C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
924 1164
925This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1165This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
926example: 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
927idle 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
928say, 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
929this 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
930C<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
931you 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
932socket, 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
933need be. 1173automatically restart it if need be.
934 1174
935You 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>
936and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 1176altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
937 1177
938 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1178 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
939 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1179 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
940 ... 1180 ...
941 timer->again = 17.; 1181 timer->again = 17.;
942 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1182 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
943 ... 1183 ...
944 timer->again = 10.; 1184 timer->again = 10.;
945 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1185 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
946 1186
947This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1187This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
948to modify its timeout value. 1188you want to modify its timeout value.
949 1189
950=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1190=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
951 1191
952The 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
953or 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),
954which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1194which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
955 1195
956=back 1196=back
1197
1198=head3 Examples
957 1199
958Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1200Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
959 1201
960 static void 1202 static void
961 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)
995but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1237but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
996to 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
997periodic 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 ()
998+ 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
999take 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
1000roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1242roughly 10 seconds later).
1001again).
1002 1243
1003They 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
1004triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1245triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1246rules.
1005 1247
1006As 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
1007time (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
1008during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1250during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1009 1251
1252=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1253
1010=over 4 1254=over 4
1011 1255
1012=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)
1013 1257
1014=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)
1016Lots 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
1017operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1261operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
1018 1262
1019=over 4 1263=over 4
1020 1264
1021=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1265=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1022 1266
1023In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1267In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
1024C<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,
1025that 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
1026system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1270system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1027 1271
1028=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1272=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1029 1273
1030In 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
1031C<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)
1032of any time jumps. 1276and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1033 1277
1034This 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
1035time: 1279time:
1036 1280
1037 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1281 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1043 1287
1044Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1288Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1045C<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
1046time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1290time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1047 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
1048=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1296=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1049 1297
1050In 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
1051ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1299ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1052reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1300reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1053current time as second argument. 1301current time as second argument.
1054 1302
1055NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1303NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1056ever, 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,
1057return 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
1058starting a prepare watcher). 1306starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1059 1307
1060Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1308Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
1061ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1309ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1062 1310
1063 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)
1086Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1334Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1087when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1335when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1088a 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
1089program when the crontabs have changed). 1337program when the crontabs have changed).
1090 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
1091=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1347=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1092 1348
1093The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1349The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1094take 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
1095called. 1351called.
1098 1354
1099The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1355The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1100switched 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
1101the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1357the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1102 1358
1359=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1360
1361When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1362trigger next.
1363
1103=back 1364=back
1365
1366=head3 Examples
1104 1367
1105Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1368Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1106system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1369system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1107potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1370potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1108 1371
1148with 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
1149as 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
1150watcher 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
1151SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1414SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1152 1415
1416=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1417
1153=over 4 1418=over 4
1154 1419
1155=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1420=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1156 1421
1157=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1422=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1169=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1434=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1170 1435
1171Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1436Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1172some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1437some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
1173 1438
1439=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1440
1174=over 4 1441=over 4
1175 1442
1176=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1443=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid, int trace)
1177 1444
1178=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 1445=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid, int trace)
1179 1446
1180Configures 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
1181I<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
1182at 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
1183the 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
1184C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 1451C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1185process 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).
1186 1455
1187=item int pid [read-only] 1456=item int pid [read-only]
1188 1457
1189The 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.
1190 1459
1196 1465
1197The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1466The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1198C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1467C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1199 1468
1200=back 1469=back
1470
1471=head3 Examples
1201 1472
1202Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1473Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1203 1474
1204 static void 1475 static void
1205 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)
1221The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1492The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1222not 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
1223not 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
1224otherwise 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
1225the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1496the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
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.
1226 1500
1227Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1501Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1228calls C<stat (2)> regularly 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
1229can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1503can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1230a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1504a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1243semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1517semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1244to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are 1518to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1245usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1519usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1246polling. 1520polling.
1247 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
1556
1248=over 4 1557=over 4
1249 1558
1250=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)
1251 1560
1252=item ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1561=item ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1287=item const char *path [read-only] 1596=item const char *path [read-only]
1288 1597
1289The filesystem path that is being watched. 1598The filesystem path that is being watched.
1290 1599
1291=back 1600=back
1601
1602=head3 Examples
1292 1603
1293Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1604Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1294 1605
1295 static void 1606 static void
1296 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1607 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1309 } 1620 }
1310 1621
1311 ... 1622 ...
1312 ev_stat passwd; 1623 ev_stat passwd;
1313 1624
1314 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd"); 1625 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1315 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1626 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1316 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
1317 1656
1318=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...
1319 1658
1320Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1659Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1321(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1660priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1322as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1661count).
1323imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1662
1324watchers 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
1325until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1667iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1326busy. 1668and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1327 1669
1328The 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
1329active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1671active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1330 1672
1331Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1673Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1332effect 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
1333"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1675"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1334event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1676event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1335 1677
1678=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1679
1336=over 4 1680=over 4
1337 1681
1338=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1682=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1339 1683
1340Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1684Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1341kind. 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,
1342believe me. 1686believe me.
1343 1687
1344=back 1688=back
1689
1690=head3 Examples
1345 1691
1346Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 1692Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1347callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1693callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1348 1694
1349 static void 1695 static void
1350 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)
1351 { 1697 {
1352 free (w); 1698 free (w);
1353 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1699 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1354 // no longer asnything immediate to do. 1700 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1355 } 1701 }
1356 1702
1357 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1703 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1358 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1704 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1359 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1705 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1397with 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
1398of 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
1399loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1745loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1400low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1746low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1401 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
1402=over 4 1760=over 4
1403 1761
1404=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1762=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1405 1763
1406=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1764=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1409parameters 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>
1410macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1768macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1411 1769
1412=back 1770=back
1413 1771
1414Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1772=head3 Examples
1415and 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,
1416in 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
1417pseudo-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.
1418 1786
1419 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1787 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1420 static ev_timer tw; 1788 static ev_timer tw;
1421 1789
1422 static void 1790 static void
1423 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1791 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1424 { 1792 {
1425 // set the relevant poll flags
1426 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1427 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1428 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1429 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1430 } 1793 }
1431 1794
1432 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1795 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1433 static void 1796 static void
1434 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1797 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1435 { 1798 {
1436 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1799 int timeout = 3600000;
1800 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1437 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1801 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1438 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1802 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1439 1803
1440 /* 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 */
1441 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1805 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1442 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1806 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1443 1807
1444 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1808 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1445 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1809 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1446 { 1810 {
1447 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1811 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1448 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1812 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1449 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1813 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1450 1814
1451 fds [i].revents = 0; 1815 fds [i].revents = 0;
1452 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1453 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1816 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1454 } 1817 }
1455 } 1818 }
1456 1819
1457 // stop all watchers after blocking 1820 // stop all watchers after blocking
1459 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1822 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1460 { 1823 {
1461 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1824 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1462 1825
1463 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
1464 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1836 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1837 }
1465 1838
1466 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;
1467 } 1899 }
1468 1900
1469 1901
1470=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1902=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1471 1903
1514portable one. 1946portable one.
1515 1947
1516So 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
1517that 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
1518this 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
1519create 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).
1520 1986
1521 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 1987 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1522 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 1988 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1523 struct ev_embed embed; 1989 struct ev_embed embed;
1524 1990
1535 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2001 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1536 } 2002 }
1537 else 2003 else
1538 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2004 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1539 2005
1540=over 4 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).
1541 2010
1542=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 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 }
1543 2021
1544=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2022 if (!loop_socket)
2023 loop_socket = loop;
1545 2024
1546Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2025 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
1547embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1548invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1549to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1550if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1551
1552=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1553
1554Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1555similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1556apropriate way for embedded loops.
1557
1558=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only]
1559
1560The embedded event loop.
1561
1562=back
1563 2026
1564 2027
1565=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2028=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1566 2029
1567Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2030Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1570event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 2033event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1571and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 2034and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1572C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 2035C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1573handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 2036handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1574 2037
2038=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2039
1575=over 4 2040=over 4
1576 2041
1577=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2042=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1578 2043
1579Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 2044Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1675 2140
1676To use it, 2141To use it,
1677 2142
1678 #include <ev++.h> 2143 #include <ev++.h>
1679 2144
1680(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
1681and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 2146of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1682namespace. 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>.
1683 2149
1684It 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++
1685C<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).
1686 2160
1687Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 2161Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1688 2162
1689=over 4 2163=over 4
1690 2164
1706 2180
1707All of those classes have these methods: 2181All of those classes have these methods:
1708 2182
1709=over 4 2183=over 4
1710 2184
1711=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 2185=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1712 2186
1713=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 2187=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1714 2188
1715=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 2189=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1716 2190
1717The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 2191The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1718the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 2192with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1719C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 2193
1720before 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
1721automatically 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).
1722 2202
1723The 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> ();
1724 2243
1725=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2244=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1726 2245
1727Associates 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
1728do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2247do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1729 2248
1730=item w->set ([args]) 2249=item w->set ([args])
1731 2250
1732Basically 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
1733called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2252called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1734automatically stopped and restarted. 2253automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2254method.
1735 2255
1736=item w->start () 2256=item w->start ()
1737 2257
1738Starts 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
1739constructor already takes the loop. 2259constructor already stores the event loop.
1740 2260
1741=item w->stop () 2261=item w->stop ()
1742 2262
1743Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2263Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1744 2264
1745=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2265=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1746 2266
1747For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2267For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1748C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2268C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1749 2269
1750=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2270=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1751 2271
1752Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2272Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1753 2273
1754=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only 2274=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
1755 2275
1756Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>. 2276Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1757 2277
1758=back 2278=back
1759 2279
1762Example: 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
1763the constructor. 2283the constructor.
1764 2284
1765 class myclass 2285 class myclass
1766 { 2286 {
1767 ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2287 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
1768 ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2288 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
1769 2289
1770 myclass (); 2290 myclass (int fd)
1771 }
1772
1773 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1774 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1775 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1776 { 2291 {
2292 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2293 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2294
1777 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2295 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2296 }
1778 } 2297 };
1779 2298
1780 2299
1781=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2300=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1782 2301
1783Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2302Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
1784C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 2303of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
1785callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2304functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1786 2305
1787To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2306To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1788following macros are defined: 2307following macros are defined:
1789 2308
1790=over 4 2309=over 4
1822Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2341Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1823loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2342loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1824 2343
1825=back 2344=back
1826 2345
1827Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of 2346Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1828wether multiple loops are supported or not. 2347macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2348or not.
1829 2349
1830 static void 2350 static void
1831 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2351 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1832 { 2352 {
1833 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2353 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1836 ev_check check; 2356 ev_check check;
1837 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2357 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1838 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2358 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1839 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2359 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1840 2360
1841
1842=head1 EMBEDDING 2361=head1 EMBEDDING
1843 2362
1844Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2363Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1845applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2364applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1846Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2365Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1847and rxvt-unicode. 2366and rxvt-unicode.
1848 2367
1849The 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
1850source 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
1851you 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
1852libev somewhere in your source tree). 2371libev somewhere in your source tree).
1853 2372
1854=head2 FILESETS 2373=head2 FILESETS
1885 ev_vars.h 2404 ev_vars.h
1886 ev_wrap.h 2405 ev_wrap.h
1887 2406
1888 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2407 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1889 2408
1890 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)
1891 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)
1892 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)
1893 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)
1894 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)
1895 2414
1944 2463
1945If 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
1946monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2465monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
1947of 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
1948usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2467usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1949the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2468the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
1950to 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>
1951function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2470function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1952 2471
1953=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2472=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1954 2473
1955If 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
1956realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2475realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
1957runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2476runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
1958be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2477be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1959(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2478(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
1960in 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 ()>.
1961 2485
1962=item EV_USE_SELECT 2486=item EV_USE_SELECT
1963 2487
1964If 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
1965C<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
1983wants 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
1984be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 2508be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
1985C<_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,
1986it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 2510it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
1987on 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.
1988 2520
1989=item EV_USE_POLL 2521=item EV_USE_POLL
1990 2522
1991If 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)
1992backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 2524backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
2029be detected at runtime. 2561be detected at runtime.
2030 2562
2031=item EV_H 2563=item EV_H
2032 2564
2033The 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
2034undefined 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
2035can 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.
2036 2568
2037=item EV_CONFIG_H 2569=item EV_CONFIG_H
2038 2570
2039If 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
2040F<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
2041C<EV_H>, above. 2573C<EV_H>, above.
2042 2574
2043=item EV_EVENT_H 2575=item EV_EVENT_H
2044 2576
2045Similarly 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
2046of 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">.
2047 2579
2048=item EV_PROTOTYPES 2580=item EV_PROTOTYPES
2049 2581
2050If 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
2051prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 2583prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
2058will 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
2059additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2591additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2060for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2592for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2061argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2593argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2062 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
2063=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2612=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2064 2613
2065If 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
2615defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2616code.
2617
2618=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2619
2620If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2066defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2621defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2067code. 2622code.
2068 2623
2069=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2624=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2070 2625
2094than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 2649than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2095increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 2650increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2096 2651
2097=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 2652=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2098 2653
2099C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 2654C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2100inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 2655inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2101usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 2656usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2102watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 2657watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2103two). 2658two).
2104 2659
2121 2676
2122=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 2677=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
2123 2678
2124Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 2679Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
2125and 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
2126definition 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
2127their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 2682their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2128avoid 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
2129method 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 ...
2130 2710
2131=head2 EXAMPLES 2711=head2 EXAMPLES
2132 2712
2133For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 2713For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2134verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 2714verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
2137interface) 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
2138will 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
2139file. 2719file.
2140 2720
2141The 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
2142that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2722that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2143 2723
2724 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2144 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2725 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2145 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2726 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2146 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2727 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2728 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2729 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2147 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2730 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2731 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2732 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2148 2733
2149 #include "ev++.h" 2734 #include "ev++.h"
2150 2735
2151And 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:
2152 2737
2158 2743
2159In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2744In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2160libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2745libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2161documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2746documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2162 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
2163=over 4 2754=over 4
2164 2755
2165=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)
2166 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
2167=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.
2168 2766
2169=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2767=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1)
2170 2768
2769These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2770
2171=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2771=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1)
2172 2772
2173=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 2773=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2174 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
2175=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.
2176 2783
2177=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)
2178 2785
2179=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.
2180 2798
2181=back 2799=back
2182 2800
2183 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
2184=head1 AUTHOR 2869=head1 AUTHOR
2185 2870
2186Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 2871Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
2187 2872

Diff Legend

Removed lines
+ Added lines
< Changed lines
> Changed lines