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

Comparing libev/ev.pod (file contents):
Revision 1.130 by root, Wed Feb 6 18:34:24 2008 UTC vs.
Revision 1.165 by root, Sun Jun 1 01:13:59 2008 UTC

2 2
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required
11 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
12 13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type>
13 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15 18
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */ 19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
17 static void 21 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
19 { 23 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */ 24 puts ("stdin ready");
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */ 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */ 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
23 } 31 }
24 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
25 static void 34 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 { 36 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */ 37 puts ("timeout");
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */ 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
30 } 40 }
31 41
32 int 42 int
33 main (void) 43 main (void)
34 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36 47
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */ 48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40 52
53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */ 54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44 57
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */ 58 // now wait for events to arrive
46 ev_loop (loop, 0); 59 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47 60
61 // unloop was called, so exit
48 return 0; 62 return 0;
49 } 63 }
50 64
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 65=head1 DESCRIPTION
52 66
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted 67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first 68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>. 69time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
56 70
57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 71Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
59these event sources and provide your program with events. 73these event sources and provide your program with events.
60 74
84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 98L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
85for example). 99for example).
86 100
87=head2 CONVENTIONS 101=head2 CONVENTIONS
88 102
89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will 103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about 104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in 105more info about various configuration options please have a look at
92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event 106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop> 107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument. 108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
109this argument.
95 110
96=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
97 112
98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name 118it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev. 120throughout libev.
121
122=head1 ERROR HANDLING
123
124Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
125and internal errors (bugs).
126
127When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
128a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
129set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
130abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
131()>.
132
133When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
134it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
135so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
136the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
137
138Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
139extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
140circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
141
106 142
107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 143=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
108 144
109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 145These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
110library in any way. 146library in any way.
119 155
120=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 156=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
121 157
122Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 158Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
123either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 159either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
124this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>. 160this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
125 161
126=item int ev_version_major () 162=item int ev_version_major ()
127 163
128=item int ev_version_minor () 164=item int ev_version_minor ()
129 165
142not a problem. 178not a problem.
143 179
144Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 180Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
145version. 181version.
146 182
147 assert (("libev version mismatch", 183 assert (("libev version mismatch",
148 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 184 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
149 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 185 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
150 186
151=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends () 187=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
152 188
153Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*> 189Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
154value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their 190value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
156a description of the set values. 192a description of the set values.
157 193
158Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and 194Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
159a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11 195a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
160 196
161 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 197 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
162 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 198 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
163 199
164=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 200=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
165 201
166Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 202Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
167recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 203recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
168returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 204returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
169most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it 205most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
170(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 206(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
171libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 207libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
172 208
173=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 209=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
174 210
181See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
182 218
183=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
184 220
185Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
186semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to 222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
187allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when 223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
188memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some 224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
189potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc 225or take some potentially destructive action.
190function. 226
227Since some systems (at least OpenBSD and Darwin) fail to implement
228correct C<realloc> semantics, libev will use a wrapper around the system
229C<realloc> and C<free> functions by default.
191 230
192You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 231You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
193free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 232free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
194or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 233or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
195 234
196Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 235Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
197retries). 236retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
198 237
199 static void * 238 static void *
200 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 239 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
201 { 240 {
202 for (;;) 241 for (;;)
213 ... 252 ...
214 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
215 254
216=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg));
217 256
218Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
219as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
220indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
221callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
222matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 261matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
223requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 262requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
224(such as abort). 263(such as abort).
225 264
226Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too. 265Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
240=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
241 280
242An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two
243types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 282types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child
244events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 283events, and dynamically created loops which do not.
245
246If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop
247in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you
248create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking
249whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
250threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
251done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
252 284
253=over 4 285=over 4
254 286
255=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 287=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
256 288
260flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 292flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
261 293
262If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 294If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
263function. 295function.
264 296
297Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
298from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
299as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway).
300
265The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 301The 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 302C<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 303for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
268create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 304create 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 305can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
270C<ev_default_init>. 306C<ev_default_init>.
271 307
272The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 308The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
281The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right 317The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
282thing, believe me). 318thing, believe me).
283 319
284=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 320=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
285 321
286If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 322If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
287or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 323or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
288C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 324C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
289override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 325override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
290useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 326useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
291around bugs. 327around bugs.
297enabling this flag. 333enabling this flag.
298 334
299This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 335This 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 336and 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 337iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
302Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 338GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
303without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has 339without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
304C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 340C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
305 341
306The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 342The 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 343forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
308flag. 344flag.
309 345
310This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 346This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
311environment variable. 347environment variable.
312 348
313=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 349=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
314 350
315This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 351This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
317but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 353but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
318using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its 354using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
319usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds. 355usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
320 356
321To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of 357To 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 358parallelism (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 359writing 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 360connections 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 361a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
326readyness notifications you get per iteration. 362readiness notifications you get per iteration.
327 363
328=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 364=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
329 365
330And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated 366And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
331than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial 367than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
339For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 375For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
340but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 376but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
341like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 377like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
342epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 378epoll 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 379of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
344cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad 380cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad
345support for dup. 381support for dup.
346 382
347While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 383While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
348will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 384will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident
349(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 385(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
350best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 386best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
351very well if you register events for both fds. 387very well if you register events for both fds.
352 388
353Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 389Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
356 392
357Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 393Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
358watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e. 394watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.
359keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. 395keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.
360 396
361While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in 397While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
362all kernel versions tested so far. 398all kernel versions tested so far.
363 399
364=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 400=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
365 401
366Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 402Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
367was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 403was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
368with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 404with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
369it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected" 405it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected"
370unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 406unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
371C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 407C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
372system like NetBSD. 408system like NetBSD.
373 409
374You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 410You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
376the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 412the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
377 413
378It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 414It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
379kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 415kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
380course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 416course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
381cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 417cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
382two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it 418two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
383drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 419drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
384 420
385This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 421This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
386 422
401=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 437=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
402 438
403This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 439This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
404it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 440it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
405 441
406Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious 442Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
407notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 443notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
408blocking when no data (or space) is available. 444blocking when no data (or space) is available.
409 445
410While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 446While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
411file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 447file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
412descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 448descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
413might perform better. 449might perform better.
414 450
415On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this 451On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readiness notifications, this
416backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully 452backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully
417embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends. 453embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends.
418 454
419=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 455=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
420 456
424 460
425It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 461It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
426 462
427=back 463=back
428 464
429If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 465If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
430backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 466backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
431specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 467specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
432 468
433The most typical usage is like this: 469The most typical usage is like this:
434 470
435 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 471 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
436 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 472 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
437 473
438Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 474Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
439environment settings to be taken into account: 475environment settings to be taken into account:
440 476
441 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 477 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
442 478
443Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 479Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if
444available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 480available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private
445event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 481event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds):
446 482
447 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 483 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
448 484
449=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 485=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
450 486
451Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 487Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
452always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 488always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
453handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 489handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
454undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 490undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
455 491
492Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
493libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
494default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
495
456Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 496Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
457 497
458 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 498 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
459 if (!epoller) 499 if (!epoller)
460 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 500 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
461 501
462=item ev_default_destroy () 502=item ev_default_destroy ()
463 503
464Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 504Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
465etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 505etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
466sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 506sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
467responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 507responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
468calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 508calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
469the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 509the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
470for example). 510for example).
471 511
472Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 512Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
506 546
507Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 547Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
508C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 548C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
509after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 549after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
510 550
551=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
552
553Returns true when the given loop actually is the default loop, false otherwise.
554
511=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 555=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
512 556
513Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 557Returns 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 558the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
515happily wraps around with enough iterations. 559happily wraps around with enough iterations.
549A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 593A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
550those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 594those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in
551case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 595case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop.
552 596
553A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 597A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
554neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 598necessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block
555your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 599your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after
556one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 600one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some
557external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 601external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other
558libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 602libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
559usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 603usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
620respectively). 664respectively).
621 665
622Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 666Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
623running when nothing else is active. 667running when nothing else is active.
624 668
625 struct ev_signal exitsig; 669 struct ev_signal exitsig;
626 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 670 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
627 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 671 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
628 evf_unref (loop); 672 evf_unref (loop);
629 673
630Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 674Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
631 675
632 ev_ref (loop); 676 ev_ref (loop);
633 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 677 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
634 678
635=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 679=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
636 680
637=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 681=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
638 682
660to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 704to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
661latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 705latency (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 706will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
663any overhead in libev. 707any overhead in libev.
664 708
665Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect 709Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
666interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for 710interval 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 711interactive 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>, 712usually 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. 713as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
714
715=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
716
717This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
718compiled in. It tries to go through all internal structures and checks
719them for validity. If anything is found to be inconsistent, it will print
720an error message to standard error and call C<abort ()>.
721
722This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
723circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
724data structures consistent.
670 725
671=back 726=back
672 727
673 728
674=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 729=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
675 730
676A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 731A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
677interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 732interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
678become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 733become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
679 734
680 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 735 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
681 { 736 {
682 ev_io_stop (w); 737 ev_io_stop (w);
683 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 738 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
684 } 739 }
685 740
686 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 741 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
687 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 742 struct ev_io stdin_watcher;
688 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 743 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
689 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 744 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
690 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 745 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
691 ev_loop (loop, 0); 746 ev_loop (loop, 0);
692 747
693As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 748As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
694watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 749watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack,
695although this can sometimes be quite valid). 750although this can sometimes be quite valid).
696 751
697Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 752Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
698(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 753(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
699callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 754callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
700watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 755watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
701is readable and/or writable). 756is readable and/or writable).
702 757
703Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 758Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro
704with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 759with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro
780 835
781The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 836The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
782 837
783=item C<EV_ERROR> 838=item C<EV_ERROR>
784 839
785An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 840An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
786happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 841happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
787ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 842ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
788problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 843problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping
789with the watcher being stopped. 844with the watcher being stopped.
790 845
791Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 846Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error,
792for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 847for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if
793your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 848your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope
794with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 849with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
795programs, though, so beware. 850programs, though, so beware.
796 851
797=back 852=back
798 853
799=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 854=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
829Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 884Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
830(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 885(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
831 886
832=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 887=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
833 888
834This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 889This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
835calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise 890calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
836a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 891a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
837 892
838=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 893=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
839 894
840Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 895Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
923to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 978to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
924don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 979don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
925member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 980member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
926data: 981data:
927 982
928 struct my_io 983 struct my_io
929 { 984 {
930 struct ev_io io; 985 struct ev_io io;
931 int otherfd; 986 int otherfd;
932 void *somedata; 987 void *somedata;
933 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 988 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
934 } 989 }
935 990
936And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 991And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
937can cast it back to your own type: 992can cast it back to your own type:
938 993
939 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 994 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents)
940 { 995 {
941 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 996 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
942 ... 997 ...
943 } 998 }
944 999
945More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1000More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
946instead have been omitted. 1001instead have been omitted.
947 1002
948Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1003Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
949watchers: 1004watchers:
950 1005
951 struct my_biggy 1006 struct my_biggy
952 { 1007 {
953 int some_data; 1008 int some_data;
954 ev_timer t1; 1009 ev_timer t1;
955 ev_timer t2; 1010 ev_timer t2;
956 } 1011 }
957 1012
958In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated, 1013In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
959you need to use C<offsetof>: 1014you need to use C<offsetof>:
960 1015
961 #include <stddef.h> 1016 #include <stddef.h>
962 1017
963 static void 1018 static void
964 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1019 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
965 { 1020 {
966 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1021 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
967 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1022 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
968 } 1023 }
969 1024
970 static void 1025 static void
971 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1026 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
972 { 1027 {
973 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1028 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
974 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1029 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
975 } 1030 }
976 1031
977 1032
978=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1033=head1 WATCHER TYPES
979 1034
980This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1035This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1009If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1064If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
1010(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1065(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
1011C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1066C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
1012 1067
1013Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1068Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1014receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1069receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1015be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1070be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1016because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1071because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1017lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1072lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
1018this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1073this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
1019it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1074it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1020C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1075C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1021 1076
1022If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1077If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
1023play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1078play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately re-test
1024whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1079whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
1025such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1080such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
1026its own, so its quite safe to use). 1081its own, so its quite safe to use).
1027 1082
1028=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1083=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1066To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1121To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1067C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child, 1122C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1068enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1123enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1069C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1124C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1070 1125
1126=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1127
1128While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about SIGPIPE:
1129when reading from a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program
1130gets send a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most
1131programs this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually
1132undesirable.
1133
1134So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1135ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1136somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1137
1071 1138
1072=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1139=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1073 1140
1074=over 4 1141=over 4
1075 1142
1076=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1143=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1077 1144
1078=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1145=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1079 1146
1080Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1147Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
1081rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1148receive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1082C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1149C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
1083 1150
1084=item int fd [read-only] 1151=item int fd [read-only]
1085 1152
1086The file descriptor being watched. 1153The file descriptor being watched.
1095 1162
1096Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1163Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1097readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1164readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1098attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1165attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1099 1166
1100 static void 1167 static void
1101 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1168 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1102 { 1169 {
1103 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1170 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1104 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1171 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors
1105 } 1172 }
1106 1173
1107 ... 1174 ...
1108 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1175 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1109 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1176 struct ev_io stdin_readable;
1110 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1177 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1111 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1178 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1112 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1179 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1113 1180
1114 1181
1115=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1182=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1116 1183
1117Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1184Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1118given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1185given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1119 1186
1120The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1187The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
1121times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years 1188times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
1122time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1189year, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because
1123detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1190detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1124monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1191monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1125 1192
1126The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1193The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1127time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1194time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1129you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1196you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout
1130on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1197on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1131 1198
1132 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1199 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1133 1200
1134The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1201The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only after its timeout has passed,
1135but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1202but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
1136order of execution is undefined. 1203order of execution is undefined.
1137 1204
1138=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1205=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1139 1206
1141 1208
1142=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1209=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1143 1210
1144=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1211=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1145 1212
1146Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1213Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
1147C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped. If it is positive, then the 1214is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
1148timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1215reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
1149later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1216configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1217until stopped manually.
1150 1218
1151The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 1219The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
1152configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1220you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1153exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1221trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1154the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1222keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1155timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1223do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1156 1224
1157=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1225=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1158 1226
1159This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1227This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1160repeating. The exact semantics are: 1228repeating. The exact semantics are:
1161 1229
1162If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1230If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1163 1231
1164If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1232If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1165 1233
1166If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1234If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1167C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1235C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1168 1236
1169This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1237This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
1170example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1238example: Imagine you have a TCP connection and you want a so-called idle
1171timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60 1239timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1172seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to 1240seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1173configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call 1241configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1174C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1242C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1175you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1243you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1201 1269
1202=head3 Examples 1270=head3 Examples
1203 1271
1204Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1272Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1205 1273
1206 static void 1274 static void
1207 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1275 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1208 { 1276 {
1209 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1277 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1210 } 1278 }
1211 1279
1212 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1280 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1213 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1281 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1214 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1282 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1215 1283
1216Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1284Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1217inactivity. 1285inactivity.
1218 1286
1219 static void 1287 static void
1220 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1288 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1221 { 1289 {
1222 .. ten seconds without any activity 1290 .. ten seconds without any activity
1223 } 1291 }
1224 1292
1225 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1293 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1226 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1294 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1227 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1295 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1228 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1296 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1229 1297
1230 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1298 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1231 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1299 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1232 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1300 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1233 1301
1234 1302
1235=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1303=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1236 1304
1237Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1305Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1238(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1306(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1239 1307
1240Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1308Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
1241but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1309but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
1242to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1310to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
1243periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1311periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now ()
1244+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1312+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system
1313clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year
1245take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1314to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1246roughly 10 seconds later). 1315roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1247 1316
1248They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1317C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
1249triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated, 1318such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1250rules. 1319complicated, rules.
1251 1320
1252As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1321As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1253time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1322time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1254during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1323during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1255 1324
1256=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1325=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1257 1326
1258=over 4 1327=over 4
1266 1335
1267=over 4 1336=over 4
1268 1337
1269=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1338=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1270 1339
1271In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1340In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1272C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1341time C<at> has passed and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time
1273that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1342jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
1274system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1343run when the system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1275 1344
1276=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1345=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1277 1346
1278In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1347In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1279C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 1348C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1280and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1349and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1281 1350
1282This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1351This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
1283time: 1352time, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each hour, on
1353the hour:
1284 1354
1285 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1355 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1286 1356
1287This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1357This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1288but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1358but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1289full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 1359full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1290by 3600. 1360by 3600.
1291 1361
1292Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1362Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1293C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1363C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1294time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1364time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1295 1365
1296For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1366For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1297C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 1367C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1298this value. 1368this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1369
1370Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1371speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1372will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1373millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1299 1374
1300=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1375=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1301 1376
1302In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1377In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1303ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1378ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1304reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1379reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1305current time as second argument. 1380current time as second argument.
1306 1381
1307NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1382NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1308ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1383ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>.
1309return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1310starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1311 1384
1385If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1386it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1387only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1388
1312Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1389The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic
1313ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1390*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1314 1391
1315 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1392 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1316 { 1393 {
1317 return now + 60.; 1394 return now + 60.;
1318 } 1395 }
1320It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1397It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1321(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 1398(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
1322will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 1399will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1323might be called at other times, too. 1400might be called at other times, too.
1324 1401
1325NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the 1402NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
1326passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger. 1403equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1327 1404
1328This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 1405This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
1329triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the 1406triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the
1330next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 1407next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
1331you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 1408you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1332reason I omitted it as an example). 1409reason I omitted it as an example).
1333 1410
1334=back 1411=back
1338Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1415Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1339when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1416when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1340a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1417a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1341program when the crontabs have changed). 1418program when the crontabs have changed).
1342 1419
1420=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1421
1422When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1423trigger next.
1424
1343=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 1425=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1344 1426
1345When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 1427When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1346absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 1428absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1347 1429
1358 1440
1359The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1441The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1360switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1442switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1361the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1443the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1362 1444
1363=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1364
1365When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1366trigger next.
1367
1368=back 1445=back
1369 1446
1370=head3 Examples 1447=head3 Examples
1371 1448
1372Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1449Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1373system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1450system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1374potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1451potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1375 1452
1376 static void 1453 static void
1377 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1454 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1378 { 1455 {
1379 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1456 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1380 } 1457 }
1381 1458
1382 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1459 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1383 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1460 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1384 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1461 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1385 1462
1386Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1463Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1387 1464
1388 #include <math.h> 1465 #include <math.h>
1389 1466
1390 static ev_tstamp 1467 static ev_tstamp
1391 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1468 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1392 { 1469 {
1393 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1470 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1394 } 1471 }
1395 1472
1396 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1473 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1397 1474
1398Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1475Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1399 1476
1400 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1477 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1401 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1478 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1402 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1479 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1403 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1480 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1404 1481
1405 1482
1406=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1483=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1407 1484
1408Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1485Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1415with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1492with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
1416as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1493as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1417watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1494watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1418SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1495SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1419 1496
1497If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1498C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1499interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1500signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1501them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1502
1420=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1503=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1421 1504
1422=over 4 1505=over 4
1423 1506
1424=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1507=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1432 1515
1433The signal the watcher watches out for. 1516The signal the watcher watches out for.
1434 1517
1435=back 1518=back
1436 1519
1520=head3 Examples
1521
1522Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1523
1524 static void
1525 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1526 {
1527 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1528 }
1529
1530 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1531 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1532 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1533
1437 1534
1438=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1535=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1439 1536
1440Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1537Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1441some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1538some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). It
1539is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been
1540forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event
1541loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher).
1542
1543Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1544you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1545
1546=head3 Process Interaction
1547
1548Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1549initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1550the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1551of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1552synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1553children, even ones not watched.
1554
1555=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1556
1557Libev offers no special support for overriding the built-in child
1558processing, but if your application collides with libev's default child
1559handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1560C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1561default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1562event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1563that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1442 1564
1443=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1565=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1444 1566
1445=over 4 1567=over 4
1446 1568
1472 1594
1473=back 1595=back
1474 1596
1475=head3 Examples 1597=head3 Examples
1476 1598
1477Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1599Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1600its completion.
1478 1601
1602 ev_child cw;
1603
1479 static void 1604 static void
1480 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1605 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1481 { 1606 {
1482 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1607 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1608 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1483 } 1609 }
1484 1610
1485 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1611 pid_t pid = fork ();
1486 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1612
1487 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1613 if (pid < 0)
1614 // error
1615 else if (pid == 0)
1616 {
1617 // the forked child executes here
1618 exit (1);
1619 }
1620 else
1621 {
1622 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1623 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1624 }
1488 1625
1489 1626
1490=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1627=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1491 1628
1492This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1629This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1493C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 1630C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1494compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 1631compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1495 1632
1496The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1633The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1497not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1634not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1515as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1652as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1516resource-intensive. 1653resource-intensive.
1517 1654
1518At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 1655At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1519implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 1656implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1657reader, note, however, that the author sees no way of implementing ev_stat
1520reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 1658semantics with kqueue). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should
1521semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1659not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev
1522to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are 1660sometimes needs to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify,
1523usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1661but changes are usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there
1524polling. 1662will be no polling.
1663
1664=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1665
1666Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1667compilation environment, which means that on systems with optionally
1668disabled large file support, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1669structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1670use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1671compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1672obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1673most noticeably with ev_stat and large file support.
1525 1674
1526=head3 Inotify 1675=head3 Inotify
1527 1676
1528When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1677When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1529available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 1678available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1530change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 1679change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1531when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 1680when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1532 1681
1533Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 1682Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1534except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 1683except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1535making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support 1684making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1536there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling. 1685there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.
1537 1686
1538(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 1687(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1539implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 1688implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1540descriptor open on the object at all times). 1689descriptor open on the object at all times).
1541 1690
1542=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 1691=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1543 1692
1544The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and 1693The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1545even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still 1694even on systems where the resolution is higher, many file systems still
1546only support whole seconds. 1695only support whole seconds.
1547 1696
1548That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might 1697That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1549miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls 1698easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1550your callback, which does something. When there is another update within 1699calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1551the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it. 1700within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it as the stat
1701data does not change.
1552 1702
1553The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till 1703The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1554the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer> 1704than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1555(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01> 1705a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1556is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating 1706ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1557systems. 1707
1708The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
1709of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
1710might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
1711C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
1712a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
1713update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
1714the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
1715the timer callback).
1558 1716
1559=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1717=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1560 1718
1561=over 4 1719=over 4
1562 1720
1568C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 1726C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1569be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose 1727be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1570a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same 1728a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1571path for as long as the watcher is active. 1729path for as long as the watcher is active.
1572 1730
1573The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 1731The callback will receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, relative
1574relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 1732to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the last change
1575last change was detected). 1733was detected).
1576 1734
1577=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *) 1735=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1578 1736
1579Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 1737Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1580watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 1738watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1581detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 1739detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1582useful simply to find out the new values. 1740the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
1741new values.
1583 1742
1584=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 1743=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1585 1744
1586The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 1745The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1587C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types 1746C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1588suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there 1747suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
1748members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1589was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 1749some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1590 1750
1591=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 1751=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1592 1752
1593The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 1753The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1594C<prev> != C<attr>. 1754C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
1755differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
1756C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1595 1757
1596=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 1758=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1597 1759
1598The specified interval. 1760The specified interval.
1599 1761
1600=item const char *path [read-only] 1762=item const char *path [read-only]
1601 1763
1602The filesystem path that is being watched. 1764The file system path that is being watched.
1603 1765
1604=back 1766=back
1605 1767
1606=head3 Examples 1768=head3 Examples
1607 1769
1608Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1770Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1609 1771
1610 static void 1772 static void
1611 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1773 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1612 { 1774 {
1613 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 1775 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1614 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 1776 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1615 { 1777 {
1616 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 1778 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1617 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1779 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1618 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1780 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1619 } 1781 }
1620 else 1782 else
1621 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 1783 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1622 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 1784 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1623 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 1785 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1624 } 1786 }
1625 1787
1626 ... 1788 ...
1627 ev_stat passwd; 1789 ev_stat passwd;
1628 1790
1629 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1791 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1630 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1792 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1631 1793
1632Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not 1794Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1633miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so 1795miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1634one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on 1796one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1635C<ev_timer> callback invocation). 1797C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1636 1798
1637 static ev_stat passwd; 1799 static ev_stat passwd;
1638 static ev_timer timer; 1800 static ev_timer timer;
1639 1801
1640 static void 1802 static void
1641 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1803 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1642 { 1804 {
1643 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w); 1805 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1644 1806
1645 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */ 1807 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1646 } 1808 }
1647 1809
1648 static void 1810 static void
1649 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents) 1811 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1650 { 1812 {
1651 /* reset the one-second timer */ 1813 /* reset the one-second timer */
1652 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer); 1814 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1653 } 1815 }
1654 1816
1655 ... 1817 ...
1656 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1818 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1657 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1819 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1658 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01); 1820 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1659 1821
1660 1822
1661=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1823=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1662 1824
1663Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 1825Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1694=head3 Examples 1856=head3 Examples
1695 1857
1696Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 1858Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1697callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1859callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1698 1860
1699 static void 1861 static void
1700 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1862 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1701 { 1863 {
1702 free (w); 1864 free (w);
1703 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1865 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1704 // no longer anything immediate to do. 1866 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1705 } 1867 }
1706 1868
1707 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1869 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1708 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1870 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1709 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1871 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1710 1872
1711 1873
1712=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 1874=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1713 1875
1714Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 1876Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:
1733 1895
1734This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 1896This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need
1735to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 1897to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for
1736them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 1898them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
1737provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 1899provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
1738any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 1900any events that occurred (by checking the pending status of all watchers
1739and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 1901and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer
1740callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 1902callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless,
1741because you never know, you know?). 1903because you never know, you know?).
1742 1904
1743As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 1905As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1751 1913
1752It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 1914It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1753priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 1915priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1754after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 1916after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1755too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 1917too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1756supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers 1918supports this, they might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers
1757did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other 1919did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1758(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable 1920(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1759state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to 1921state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1760coexist peacefully with others). 1922coexist peacefully with others).
1761 1923
1776=head3 Examples 1938=head3 Examples
1777 1939
1778There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules 1940There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1779into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev 1941into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1780(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could 1942(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1781use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> 1943use as a working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> embeds a
1782embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV 1944Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1783into the Glib event loop). 1945Glib event loop).
1784 1946
1785Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, 1947Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1786and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows 1948and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1787is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low 1949is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1788priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as 1950priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1789the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet. 1951the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1790 1952
1791 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1953 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1792 static ev_timer tw; 1954 static ev_timer tw;
1793 1955
1794 static void 1956 static void
1795 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1957 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1796 { 1958 {
1797 } 1959 }
1798 1960
1799 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1961 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1800 static void 1962 static void
1801 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1963 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1802 { 1964 {
1803 int timeout = 3600000; 1965 int timeout = 3600000;
1804 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1966 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1805 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1967 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1806 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1968 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1807 1969
1808 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1970 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1809 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1971 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1810 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1972 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1811 1973
1812 // create one ev_io per pollfd 1974 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1813 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1975 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1814 { 1976 {
1815 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1977 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1816 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1978 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1817 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1979 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1818 1980
1819 fds [i].revents = 0; 1981 fds [i].revents = 0;
1820 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1982 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1821 } 1983 }
1822 } 1984 }
1823 1985
1824 // stop all watchers after blocking 1986 // stop all watchers after blocking
1825 static void 1987 static void
1826 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1988 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1827 { 1989 {
1828 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1990 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1829 1991
1830 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1992 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1831 { 1993 {
1832 // set the relevant poll flags 1994 // set the relevant poll flags
1833 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 1995 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1834 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 1996 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1835 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 1997 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1836 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 1998 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1837 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 1999 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1838 2000
1839 // now stop the watcher 2001 // now stop the watcher
1840 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2002 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1841 } 2003 }
1842 2004
1843 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2005 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1844 } 2006 }
1845 2007
1846Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll> 2008Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1847in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher. 2009in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1848 2010
1849Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2011Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1850notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2012notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1851callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2013callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1852 2014
1853 static void 2015 static void
1854 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2016 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1855 { 2017 {
1856 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2018 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1857 update_now (EV_A); 2019 update_now (EV_A);
1858 2020
1859 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2021 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1860 } 2022 }
1861 2023
1862 static void 2024 static void
1863 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2025 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1864 { 2026 {
1865 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2027 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1866 update_now (EV_A); 2028 update_now (EV_A);
1867 2029
1868 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2030 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1869 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2031 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1870 } 2032 }
1871 2033
1872 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2034 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1873 2035
1874Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2036Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1875want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override 2037want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, you can override
1876their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2038their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1877loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does 2039loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1878this. 2040this.
1879 2041
1880 static gint 2042 static gint
1881 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2043 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1882 { 2044 {
1883 int got_events = 0; 2045 int got_events = 0;
1884 2046
1885 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2047 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1886 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events 2048 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1887 2049
1888 if (timeout >= 0) 2050 if (timeout >= 0)
1889 // create/start timer 2051 // create/start timer
1890 2052
1891 // poll 2053 // poll
1892 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2054 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1893 2055
1894 // stop timer again 2056 // stop timer again
1895 if (timeout >= 0) 2057 if (timeout >= 0)
1896 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2058 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1897 2059
1898 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2060 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1899 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2061 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1900 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2062 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1901 2063
1902 return got_events; 2064 return got_events;
1903 } 2065 }
1904 2066
1905 2067
1906=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2068=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1907 2069
1908This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2070This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1964 2126
1965Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2127Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1966embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2128embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1967invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2129invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1968to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2130to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1969if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2131if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1970 2132
1971=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2133=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1972 2134
1973Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2135Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1974similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2136similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1975apropriate way for embedded loops. 2137appropriate way for embedded loops.
1976 2138
1977=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2139=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1978 2140
1979The embedded event loop. 2141The embedded event loop.
1980 2142
1982 2144
1983=head3 Examples 2145=head3 Examples
1984 2146
1985Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default 2147Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
1986event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default 2148event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
1987loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in 2149loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
1988C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be 2150C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
1989used). 2151used).
1990 2152
1991 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2153 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1992 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2154 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1993 struct ev_embed embed; 2155 struct ev_embed embed;
1994 2156
1995 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2157 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
1996 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2158 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
1997 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2159 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
1998 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2160 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
1999 : 0; 2161 : 0;
2000 2162
2001 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi 2163 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
2002 if (loop_lo) 2164 if (loop_lo)
2003 { 2165 {
2004 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 2166 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2005 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2167 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2006 } 2168 }
2007 else 2169 else
2008 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2170 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2009 2171
2010Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create 2172Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2011a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any 2173a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2012kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2174kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2013C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2175C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2014 2176
2015 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2177 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2016 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2178 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2017 struct ev_embed embed; 2179 struct ev_embed embed;
2018 2180
2019 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2181 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2020 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2182 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2021 { 2183 {
2022 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2184 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2023 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 2185 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2024 } 2186 }
2025 2187
2026 if (!loop_socket) 2188 if (!loop_socket)
2027 loop_socket = loop; 2189 loop_socket = loop;
2028 2190
2029 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else 2191 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2030 2192
2031 2193
2032=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2194=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2033 2195
2034Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2196Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2087 2249
2088=item queueing from a signal handler context 2250=item queueing from a signal handler context
2089 2251
2090To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal 2252To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2091handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for 2253handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for
2092some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler: 2254some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2093 2255
2094 static ev_async mysig; 2256 static ev_async mysig;
2095 2257
2096 static void 2258 static void
2097 sigusr1_handler (void) 2259 sigusr1_handler (void)
2098 { 2260 {
2099 sometype data; 2261 sometype data;
2100 2262
2101 // no locking etc. 2263 // no locking etc.
2102 queue_put (data); 2264 queue_put (data);
2103 ev_async_send (DEFAULT_ &mysig); 2265 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2104 } 2266 }
2105 2267
2106 static void 2268 static void
2107 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents) 2269 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2108 { 2270 {
2139 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation 2301 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation
2140 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex); 2302 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2141 queue_put (data); 2303 queue_put (data);
2142 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex); 2304 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2143 2305
2144 ev_async_send (DEFAULT_ &mysig); 2306 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2145 } 2307 }
2146 2308
2147 static void 2309 static void
2148 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents) 2310 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2149 { 2311 {
2171=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 2333=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2172 2334
2173Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 2335Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2174an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 2336an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2175C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or 2337C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or
2176similar contexts (see the dicusssion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 2338similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2177section below on what exactly this means). 2339section below on what exactly this means).
2178 2340
2179This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration, 2341This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration,
2180so while the overhead might be noticable, it doesn't apply to repeated 2342so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2181calls to C<ev_async_send>. 2343calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2344
2345=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2346
2347Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2348watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2349event loop.
2350
2351C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2352the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2353it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2354quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2355
2356Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2357whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
2182 2358
2183=back 2359=back
2184 2360
2185 2361
2186=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2362=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2197or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2373or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2198more watchers yourself. 2374more watchers yourself.
2199 2375
2200If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2376If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events
2201is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2377is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and
2202C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2378C<events> set will be created and started.
2203 2379
2204If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2380If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2205started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2381started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2206repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2382repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of
2207dubious value. 2383dubious value.
2209The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2385The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
2210passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2386passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2211C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2387C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2212value passed to C<ev_once>: 2388value passed to C<ev_once>:
2213 2389
2214 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2390 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2215 { 2391 {
2216 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 2392 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2217 /* doh, nothing entered */; 2393 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2218 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2394 else if (revents & EV_READ)
2219 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2395 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2220 } 2396 }
2221 2397
2222 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2398 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2223 2399
2224=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2400=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2225 2401
2226Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2402Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2227had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2403had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2232Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2408Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2233the given events it. 2409the given events it.
2234 2410
2235=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2411=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2236 2412
2237Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2413Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2238loop!). 2414loop!).
2239 2415
2240=back 2416=back
2241 2417
2242 2418
2258 2434
2259=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 2435=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2260will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 2436will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
2261is an ev_pri field. 2437is an ev_pri field.
2262 2438
2439=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2440first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
2441
2263=item * Other members are not supported. 2442=item * Other members are not supported.
2264 2443
2265=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 2444=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
2266to use the libev header file and library. 2445to use the libev header file and library.
2267 2446
2268=back 2447=back
2269 2448
2270=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2449=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2271 2450
2272Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2451Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2273you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 2452you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2274the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2453the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2275 2454
2276To use it, 2455To use it,
2277 2456
2278 #include <ev++.h> 2457 #include <ev++.h>
2279 2458
2280This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 2459This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2281of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 2460of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2282put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 2461put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2283options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2462options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
2350your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the 2529your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2351thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 2530thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2352 2531
2353Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 2532Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2354 2533
2355 struct myclass 2534 struct myclass
2356 { 2535 {
2357 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2536 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2358 } 2537 }
2359 2538
2360 myclass obj; 2539 myclass obj;
2361 ev::io iow; 2540 ev::io iow;
2362 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 2541 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2363 2542
2364=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 2543=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2365 2544
2366Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 2545Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2367callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 2546callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2371 2550
2372See the method-C<set> above for more details. 2551See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2373 2552
2374Example: 2553Example:
2375 2554
2376 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2555 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2377 iow.set <io_cb> (); 2556 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2378 2557
2379=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2558=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2380 2559
2381Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2560Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2382do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2561do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2383 2562
2384=item w->set ([args]) 2563=item w->set ([arguments])
2385 2564
2386Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2565Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
2387called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2566called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2388automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 2567automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2389method. 2568method.
2390 2569
2391=item w->start () 2570=item w->start ()
2415=back 2594=back
2416 2595
2417Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2596Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2418the constructor. 2597the constructor.
2419 2598
2420 class myclass 2599 class myclass
2421 { 2600 {
2422 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2601 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2423 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2602 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2424 2603
2425 myclass (int fd) 2604 myclass (int fd)
2426 { 2605 {
2427 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2606 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2428 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2607 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2429 2608
2430 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2609 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2431 } 2610 }
2432 }; 2611 };
2612
2613
2614=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2615
2616Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
2617number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2618any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2619me a note.
2620
2621=over 4
2622
2623=item Perl
2624
2625The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
2626libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2627there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2628to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the
2629C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>).
2630
2631It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is found at
2632L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2633
2634=item Ruby
2635
2636Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2637of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2638more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2639L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2640
2641=item D
2642
2643Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2644be found at L<http://git.llucax.com.ar/?p=software/ev.d.git;a=summary>.
2645
2646=back
2433 2647
2434 2648
2435=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2649=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2436 2650
2437Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 2651Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2438of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 2652of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2439functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2653functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2440 2654
2441To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2655To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2442following macros are defined: 2656following macros are defined:
2447 2661
2448This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2662This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2449loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 2663loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2450C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 2664C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2451 2665
2452 ev_unref (EV_A); 2666 ev_unref (EV_A);
2453 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 2667 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2454 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2668 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2455 2669
2456It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 2670It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2457which is often provided by the following macro. 2671which is often provided by the following macro.
2458 2672
2459=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 2673=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2460 2674
2461This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2675This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2462loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter, 2676loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2463C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example: 2677C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2464 2678
2465 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 2679 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2466 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 2680 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2467 2681
2468 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 2682 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2469 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2683 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2470 2684
2471It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 2685It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2472suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 2686suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2473 2687
2474=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 2688=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2475 2689
2476Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2690Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2477loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2691loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
2692
2693=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
2694
2695Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
2696default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
2697is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
2698execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
2699
2700It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
2701watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2478 2702
2479=back 2703=back
2480 2704
2481Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 2705Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2482macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 2706macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2483or not. 2707or not.
2484 2708
2485 static void 2709 static void
2486 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2710 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2487 { 2711 {
2488 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2712 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2489 } 2713 }
2490 2714
2491 ev_check check; 2715 ev_check check;
2492 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2716 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2493 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2717 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2494 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2718 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2495 2719
2496=head1 EMBEDDING 2720=head1 EMBEDDING
2497 2721
2498Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2722Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2499applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2723applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2506libev somewhere in your source tree). 2730libev somewhere in your source tree).
2507 2731
2508=head2 FILESETS 2732=head2 FILESETS
2509 2733
2510Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 2734Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2511in your app. 2735in your application.
2512 2736
2513=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 2737=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2514 2738
2515To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 2739To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2516configuration (no autoconf): 2740configuration (no autoconf):
2517 2741
2518 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2742 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2519 #include "ev.c" 2743 #include "ev.c"
2520 2744
2521This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 2745This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
2522single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use 2746single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
2523it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best 2747it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
2524done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and 2748done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2525where you can put other configuration options): 2749where you can put other configuration options):
2526 2750
2527 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2751 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2528 #include "ev.h" 2752 #include "ev.h"
2529 2753
2530Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 2754Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2531compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 2755compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2532as a bug). 2756as a bug).
2533 2757
2534You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 2758You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2535in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 2759in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2536 2760
2537 ev.h 2761 ev.h
2538 ev.c 2762 ev.c
2539 ev_vars.h 2763 ev_vars.h
2540 ev_wrap.h 2764 ev_wrap.h
2541 2765
2542 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2766 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2543 2767
2544 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 2768 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
2545 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2769 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2546 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2770 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2547 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2771 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2548 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2772 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2549 2773
2550F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 2774F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2551to compile this single file. 2775to compile this single file.
2552 2776
2553=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 2777=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2554 2778
2555To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 2779To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2556 2780
2557 #include "event.c" 2781 #include "event.c"
2558 2782
2559in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 2783in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2560 2784
2561 #include "event.h" 2785 #include "event.h"
2562 2786
2563in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 2787in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2564 2788
2565You need the following additional files for this: 2789You need the following additional files for this:
2566 2790
2567 event.h 2791 event.h
2568 event.c 2792 event.c
2569 2793
2570=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 2794=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2571 2795
2572Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 2796Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
2573whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 2797whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2574F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then 2798F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2575include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 2799include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2576 2800
2577For this of course you need the m4 file: 2801For this of course you need the m4 file:
2578 2802
2579 libev.m4 2803 libev.m4
2580 2804
2581=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 2805=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2582 2806
2583Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define 2807Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2584before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity 2808define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2585and only include the select backend. 2809autoconf is noted for every option.
2586 2810
2587=over 4 2811=over 4
2588 2812
2589=item EV_STANDALONE 2813=item EV_STANDALONE
2590 2814
2595F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 2819F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2596 2820
2597=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 2821=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2598 2822
2599If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2823If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2600monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2824monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
2601of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2825of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2602usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2826usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2603the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 2827the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2604to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2828to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2605function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2829function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2606 2830
2607=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2831=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2608 2832
2609If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2833If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2610realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2834real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
2611runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2835runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
2612be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2836be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2613(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 2837(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2614note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2838note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2615 2839
2616=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 2840=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2617 2841
2618If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available 2842If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2619and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>. 2843and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2620 2844
2845=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
2846
2847If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
2848available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
2849C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
2850If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
28512.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2852
2621=item EV_USE_SELECT 2853=item EV_USE_SELECT
2622 2854
2623If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2855If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2624C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2856C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
2625other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 2857other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2626will not be compiled in. 2858will not be compiled in.
2627 2859
2628=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 2860=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2629 2861
2630If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 2862If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2631structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 2863structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2632C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 2864C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on
2633exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 2865exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2634low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 2866low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2635allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 2867allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2636influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 2868influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2637 2869
2661 2893
2662=item EV_USE_EPOLL 2894=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2663 2895
2664If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 2896If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2665C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 2897C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2666otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 2898otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2667preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems. 2899backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
2900headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2668 2901
2669=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 2902=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2670 2903
2671If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 2904If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2672C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 2905C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2685otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 2918otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2686backend for Solaris 10 systems. 2919backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2687 2920
2688=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2921=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2689 2922
2690reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2923Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2691 2924
2692=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 2925=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2693 2926
2694If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 2927If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2695interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 2928interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2696be detected at runtime. 2929be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
2930indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2697 2931
2698=item EV_ATOMIC_T 2932=item EV_ATOMIC_T
2699 2933
2700Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose 2934Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
2701access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 2935access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
2702type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type 2936type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
2703that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking" 2937that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
2704as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 2938as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2705 2939
2706In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 2940In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
2707(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 2941(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2708 2942
2709=item EV_H 2943=item EV_H
2710 2944
2711The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2945The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2750When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 2984When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2751all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 2985all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2752and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually 2986and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2753fine. 2987fine.
2754 2988
2755If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 2989If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2756C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 2990C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2757 2991
2758=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2992=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2759 2993
2760If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2994If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2761defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2995defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2788defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3022defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2789 3023
2790=item EV_MINIMAL 3024=item EV_MINIMAL
2791 3025
2792If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3026If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2793speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 3027speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2794some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 3028inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3029much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2795 3030
2796=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3031=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2797 3032
2798C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3033C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2799pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 3034pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2806inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 3041inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2807usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 3042usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2808watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 3043watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2809two). 3044two).
2810 3045
3046=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3047
3048Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3049timer and periodics heap, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3050to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has
3051noticeably faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3052
3053The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3054(disabled).
3055
3056=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3057
3058Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3059timer and periodics heap, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3060the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3061which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3062but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3063noticeably with with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3064
3065The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3066(disabled).
3067
3068=item EV_VERIFY
3069
3070Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3071be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3072in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3073called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3074called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3075verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3076libev considerably.
3077
3078The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3079C<0.>
3080
2811=item EV_COMMON 3081=item EV_COMMON
2812 3082
2813By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3083By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2814this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 3084this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2815members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 3085members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2816though, and it must be identical each time. 3086though, and it must be identical each time.
2817 3087
2818For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3088For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2819 3089
2820 #define EV_COMMON \ 3090 #define EV_COMMON \
2821 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3091 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2822 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3092 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2823 3093
2824=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3094=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2825 3095
2826=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3096=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2827 3097
2834avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3104avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2835method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3105method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2836 3106
2837=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3107=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2838 3108
2839If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of 3109If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
2840exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list 3110exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2841all public symbols, one per line: 3111all public symbols, one per line:
2842 3112
2843 Symbols.ev for libev proper 3113 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2844 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation 3114 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2845 3115
2846This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with 3116This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2847multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in 3117multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2848itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this). 3118itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
2849 3119
2850A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to 3120A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2851include before including F<ev.h>: 3121include before including F<ev.h>:
2852 3122
2853 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h 3123 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2870file. 3140file.
2871 3141
2872The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3142The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2873that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 3143that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2874 3144
2875 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 3145 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2876 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3146 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2877 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3147 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2878 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 3148 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2879 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 3149 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2880 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 3150 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2881 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3151 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2882 #define EV_MINPRI 0 3152 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2883 #define EV_MAXPRI 0 3153 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2884 3154
2885 #include "ev++.h" 3155 #include "ev++.h"
2886 3156
2887And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3157And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2888 3158
2889 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3159 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2890 #include "ev.c" 3160 #include "ev.c"
3161
3162
3163=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3164
3165=head2 THREADS
3166
3167Libev itself is completely thread-safe, but it uses no locking. This
3168means that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as
3169only one thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop
3170parameter.
3171
3172Or put differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done in
3173parallel from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter must be
3174done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as only one
3175thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using a mutex
3176per loop).
3177
3178If you want to know which design is best for your problem, then I cannot
3179help you but by giving some generic advice:
3180
3181=over 4
3182
3183=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3184in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
3185
3186This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3187themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3188
3189=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3190
3191Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3192exists, but it is always a good start.
3193
3194=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3195loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
3196
3197Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3198better than you currently do :-)
3199
3200=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3201event loop - C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other
3202threads safely (or from signal contexts...).
3203
3204=back
3205
3206=head2 COROUTINES
3207
3208Libev is much more accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3209libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different
3210coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3211different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3212loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3213you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3214
3215Care has been invested into making sure that libev does not keep local
3216state inside C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow coroutine
3217switches.
2891 3218
2892 3219
2893=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3220=head1 COMPLEXITIES
2894 3221
2895In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3222In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2927correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3254correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2928have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal). 3255have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2929 3256
2930=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1) 3257=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
2931 3258
2932By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the 3259By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
2933beginning of the storage array. 3260fixed position in the storage array.
2934 3261
2935=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 3262=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2936 3263
2937A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires 3264A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2938libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending 3265libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
2939on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used). 3266on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2940 3267
2941=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1) 3268=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
2942 3269
2943=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities) 3270=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2944 3271
2951 3278
2952=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers) 3279=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
2953 3280
2954=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number) 3281=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
2955 3282
2956Sending involves a syscall I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send> 3283Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
2957calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events 3284calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
2958involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 3285involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
2959 3286
2960=back 3287=back
2961 3288
2962 3289
2963=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds 3290=head1 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
2964 3291
2965Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 3292Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
2966requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3293requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
2967model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3294model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
2968the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3295the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
2969descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 3296descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
2970e.g. cygwin. 3297e.g. cygwin.
2971 3298
3299Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3300re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
3301things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
3302way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3303
2972There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 3304There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
2973embedding it into other applications. 3305embedding it into other applications.
2974 3306
3307Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3308accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3309either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3310so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3311megabyte seems safe, but thsi apparently depends on the amount of memory
3312available).
3313
2975Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the 3314Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
2976abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not 3315the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
2977recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than 3316is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
2978a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different 3317more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
2979implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot 3318different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
2980be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games). 3319notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3320(Microsoft monopoly games).
2981 3321
2982=over 4 3322=over 4
2983 3323
2984=item The winsocket select function 3324=item The winsocket select function
2985 3325
2986The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires 3326The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
2987socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select 3327requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
2988very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors 3328also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
2989to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, 3329requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles. See the
2990C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor 3330discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
2991symbols for more info. 3331C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
2992 3332
2993The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime 3333The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
2994libraries and raw winsocket select is: 3334libraries and raw winsocket select is:
2995 3335
2996 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1 3336 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
2997 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 3337 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
2998 3338
2999Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 3339Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3000complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 3340complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3001 3341
3002=item Limited number of file descriptors 3342=item Limited number of file descriptors
3003 3343
3004Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions 3344Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3005of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles 3345
3346Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3006(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for 3347of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3007C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a 3348can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3008chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each). 3349recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3350previous thread in each. Great).
3009 3351
3010Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 3352Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3011to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select 3353to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3012call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own 3354call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3013select emulation on windows). 3355select emulation on windows).
3014 3356
3015Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime 3357Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3016libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish 3358libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
3017or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling 3359or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3018C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 3360C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3019arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime 3361arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
3020libraries. 3362libraries.
3021 3363
3022This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 3364This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
3023windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to 3365windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
3024wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 3366wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3025calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 3367calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3026 3368
3027=back 3369=back
3028 3370
3029 3371
3372=head1 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3373
3374In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few
3375additional extensions:
3376
3377=over 4
3378
3379=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3380calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3381
3382Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3383structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3384assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3385callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3386calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3387
3388=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3389
3390The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3391C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different
3392threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3393believed to be sufficiently portable.
3394
3395=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3396
3397Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
3398allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
3399pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
3400thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
3401be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
3402C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
3403
3404The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
3405except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3406well.
3407
3408=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3409
3410To improve portability and simplify using libev, libev uses C<long>
3411internally instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On
3412non-POSIX systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but
3413is still at least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of
3414millions of watchers.
3415
3416=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3417
3418The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3419have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3420enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
3421implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
3422
3423=back
3424
3425If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3426
3427
3428=head1 COMPILER WARNINGS
3429
3430Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3431lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3432scared by this.
3433
3434However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3435has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3436warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3437targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3438
3439Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3440workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3441maintainable.
3442
3443And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3444wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3445seems to warn about).
3446
3447While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3448"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3449with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3450them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3451warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3452
3453
3454=head1 VALGRIND
3455
3456Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3457highly useful, but valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3458
3459If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3460in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3461
3462 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3463 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3464 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3465
3466Then there is no memory leak. Similarly, under some circumstances,
3467valgrind might report kernel bugs as if it were a bug in libev, or it
3468might be confused (it is a very good tool, but only a tool).
3469
3470If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3471with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this is
3472a bug in libev. However, don't be annoyed when you get a brisk "this is
3473no bug" answer and take the chance of learning how to interpret valgrind
3474properly.
3475
3476If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3477I suggest using suppression lists.
3478
3479
3030=head1 AUTHOR 3480=head1 AUTHOR
3031 3481
3032Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3482Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
3033 3483

Diff Legend

Removed lines
+ Added lines
< Changed lines
> Changed lines