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Revision 1.177 by root, Mon Sep 8 17:27:42 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.
529received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 573received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
530change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 574change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
531time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 575time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
532event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 576event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
533 577
578=item ev_now_update (loop)
579
580Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
581returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
582is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>.
583
584This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
585very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
586the current time is a good idea.
587
588See also "The special problem of time updates" in the C<ev_timer> section.
589
534=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 590=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
535 591
536Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 592Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
537after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 593after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
538events. 594events.
549A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 605A 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 606those 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. 607case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop.
552 608
553A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 609A 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 610necessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block
555your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 611your 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 612one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some
557external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 613external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other
558libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 614libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
559usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 615usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
560 616
561Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 617Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
562 618
563 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 619 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
564 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 620 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
565 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers. 621 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
566 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 622 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
567 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 623 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
624 as to not disturb the other process.
568 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 625 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
569 - Update the "event loop time". 626 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
570 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 627 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
571 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 628 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
572 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 629 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
573 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 630 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
574 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 631 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
575 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 632 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
576 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 633 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
577 - Queue all outstanding timers. 634 - Queue all outstanding timers.
578 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 635 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
579 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 636 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
580 - Queue all check watchers. 637 - Queue all check watchers.
581 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 638 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
582 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 639 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
583 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 640 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
584 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 641 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
589anymore. 646anymore.
590 647
591 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 648 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
592 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 649 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
593 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 650 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
594 ... jobs done. yeah! 651 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
595 652
596=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 653=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
597 654
598Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 655Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
599has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 656has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
620respectively). 677respectively).
621 678
622Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 679Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
623running when nothing else is active. 680running when nothing else is active.
624 681
625 struct ev_signal exitsig; 682 struct ev_signal exitsig;
626 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 683 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
627 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 684 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
628 evf_unref (loop); 685 evf_unref (loop);
629 686
630Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 687Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
631 688
632 ev_ref (loop); 689 ev_ref (loop);
633 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 690 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
634 691
635=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 692=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
636 693
637=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 694=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
638 695
639These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting 696These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
640for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to 697for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
641invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency. 698will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
699latency.
642 700
643Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>) 701Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
644allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to 702allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
645increase efficiency of loop iterations. 703to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
704opportunities).
646 705
647The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to 706The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
648handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes 707handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
649the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new 708the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
650events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high 709events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
660to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 719to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
661latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 720latency (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 721will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
663any overhead in libev. 722any overhead in libev.
664 723
665Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect 724Many (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 725interval 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 726interactive 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>, 727usually 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. 728as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
729
730Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
731saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
732are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
733times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
734reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
735they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
736
737=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
738
739This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
740compiled in. It tries to go through all internal structures and checks
741them for validity. If anything is found to be inconsistent, it will print
742an error message to standard error and call C<abort ()>.
743
744This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
745circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
746data structures consistent.
670 747
671=back 748=back
672 749
673 750
674=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 751=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
675 752
676A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 753A 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 754interest 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: 755become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
679 756
680 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 757 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
681 { 758 {
682 ev_io_stop (w); 759 ev_io_stop (w);
683 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 760 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
684 } 761 }
685 762
686 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 763 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
687 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 764 struct ev_io stdin_watcher;
688 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 765 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
689 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 766 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
690 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 767 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
691 ev_loop (loop, 0); 768 ev_loop (loop, 0);
692 769
693As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 770As 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, 771watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack,
695although this can sometimes be quite valid). 772although this can sometimes be quite valid).
696 773
697Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 774Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
698(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 775(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
699callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 776callback 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 777watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
701is readable and/or writable). 778is readable and/or writable).
702 779
703Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 780Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro
704with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 781with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro
780 857
781The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 858The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
782 859
783=item C<EV_ERROR> 860=item C<EV_ERROR>
784 861
785An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 862An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
786happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 863happen 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 864ran 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 865problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping
789with the watcher being stopped. 866with the watcher being stopped.
790 867
791Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 868Libev 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 869for 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 870your 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 871with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
795programs, though, so beware. 872programs, though, so beware.
796 873
797=back 874=back
798 875
799=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 876=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
829Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 906Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
830(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 907(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
831 908
832=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 909=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
833 910
834This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 911This 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 912calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
836a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 913a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
837 914
838=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 915=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
839 916
840Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 917Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
923to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 1000to 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 1001don'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 1002member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
926data: 1003data:
927 1004
928 struct my_io 1005 struct my_io
929 { 1006 {
930 struct ev_io io; 1007 struct ev_io io;
931 int otherfd; 1008 int otherfd;
932 void *somedata; 1009 void *somedata;
933 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1010 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
934 } 1011 }
935 1012
936And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1013And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
937can cast it back to your own type: 1014can cast it back to your own type:
938 1015
939 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1016 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents)
940 { 1017 {
941 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1018 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
942 ... 1019 ...
943 } 1020 }
944 1021
945More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1022More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
946instead have been omitted. 1023instead have been omitted.
947 1024
948Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1025Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
949watchers: 1026watchers:
950 1027
951 struct my_biggy 1028 struct my_biggy
952 { 1029 {
953 int some_data; 1030 int some_data;
954 ev_timer t1; 1031 ev_timer t1;
955 ev_timer t2; 1032 ev_timer t2;
956 } 1033 }
957 1034
958In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated, 1035In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
959you need to use C<offsetof>: 1036you need to use C<offsetof>:
960 1037
961 #include <stddef.h> 1038 #include <stddef.h>
962 1039
963 static void 1040 static void
964 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1041 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
965 { 1042 {
966 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1043 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
967 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1044 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
968 } 1045 }
969 1046
970 static void 1047 static void
971 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1048 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
972 { 1049 {
973 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1050 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
974 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1051 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
975 } 1052 }
976 1053
977 1054
978=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1055=head1 WATCHER TYPES
979 1056
980This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1057This 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 1086If 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 1087(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
1011C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1088C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
1012 1089
1013Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1090Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1014receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1091receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1015be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1092be 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 1093because 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 1094lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
1018this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1095this 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 1096it 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. 1097C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1021 1098
1022If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1099If 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 1100play 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 1101whether 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 1102such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
1026its own, so its quite safe to use). 1103its own, so its quite safe to use).
1027 1104
1028=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1105=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1066To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1143To 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, 1144C<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 1145enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1069C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1146C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1070 1147
1148=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1149
1150While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about SIGPIPE:
1151when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1152send a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
1153this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1154
1155So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1156ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1157somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1158
1071 1159
1072=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1160=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1073 1161
1074=over 4 1162=over 4
1075 1163
1076=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1164=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1077 1165
1078=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1166=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1079 1167
1080Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1168Configures 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 1169receive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1082C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1170C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
1083 1171
1084=item int fd [read-only] 1172=item int fd [read-only]
1085 1173
1086The file descriptor being watched. 1174The file descriptor being watched.
1095 1183
1096Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1184Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1097readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1185readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1098attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1186attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1099 1187
1100 static void 1188 static void
1101 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1189 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1102 { 1190 {
1103 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1191 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1104 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1192 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors
1105 } 1193 }
1106 1194
1107 ... 1195 ...
1108 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1196 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1109 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1197 struct ev_io stdin_readable;
1110 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1198 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1111 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1199 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1112 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1200 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1113 1201
1114 1202
1115=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1203=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1116 1204
1117Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1205Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1118given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1206given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1119 1207
1120The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1208The 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 1209times 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 1210year, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because
1123detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1211detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1124monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1212monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1213
1214The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only after its timeout has passed,
1215but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
1216order of execution is undefined.
1217
1218=head3 The special problem of time updates
1219
1220Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1221least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1222time only before and after C<ev_loop> polls for new events, which causes
1223a growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1224lots of events.
1125 1225
1126The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1226The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1127time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1227time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1128of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 1228of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1129you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1229you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
1130on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1230timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1131 1231
1132 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1232 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1133 1233
1134The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1234If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1135but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1235update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1136order of execution is undefined. 1236()>.
1137 1237
1138=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1238=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1139 1239
1140=over 4 1240=over 4
1141 1241
1142=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1242=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1143 1243
1144=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1244=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1145 1245
1146Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1246Configure 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 1247is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
1148timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1248reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
1149later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1249configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1250until stopped manually.
1150 1251
1151The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 1252The 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 1253you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1153exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1254trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1154the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1255keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1155timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1256do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1156 1257
1157=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1258=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1158 1259
1159This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1260This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1160repeating. The exact semantics are: 1261repeating. The exact semantics are:
1161 1262
1162If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1263If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1163 1264
1164If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1265If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1165 1266
1166If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1267If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1167C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1268C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1168 1269
1169This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1270This 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 1271example: 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 1272timeout, 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 1273seconds 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 1274configure 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 1275C<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 1276you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1201 1302
1202=head3 Examples 1303=head3 Examples
1203 1304
1204Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1305Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1205 1306
1206 static void 1307 static void
1207 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1308 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1208 { 1309 {
1209 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1310 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1210 } 1311 }
1211 1312
1212 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1313 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1213 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1314 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1214 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1315 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1215 1316
1216Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1317Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1217inactivity. 1318inactivity.
1218 1319
1219 static void 1320 static void
1220 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1321 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1221 { 1322 {
1222 .. ten seconds without any activity 1323 .. ten seconds without any activity
1223 } 1324 }
1224 1325
1225 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1326 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1226 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1327 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1227 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1328 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1228 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1329 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1229 1330
1230 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1331 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1231 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1332 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1232 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1333 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1233 1334
1234 1335
1235=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1336=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1236 1337
1237Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1338Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1238(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1339(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1239 1340
1240Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1341Unlike 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 1342but 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 1343to 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 () 1344periodic 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 1345+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system
1346clock 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 1347to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1246roughly 10 seconds later). 1348roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1247 1349
1248They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1350C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
1249triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated, 1351such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1250rules. 1352complicated, rules.
1251 1353
1252As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1354As 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 1355time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1254during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1356during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1255 1357
1256=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1358=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1257 1359
1258=over 4 1360=over 4
1266 1368
1267=over 4 1369=over 4
1268 1370
1269=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1371=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1270 1372
1271In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1373In 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, 1374time 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 1375jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
1274system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1376run when the system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1275 1377
1276=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1378=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1277 1379
1278In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1380In 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) 1381C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1280and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1382and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1281 1383
1282This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1384This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
1283time: 1385time, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each hour, on
1386the hour:
1284 1387
1285 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1388 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1286 1389
1287This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1390This 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 1391but 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 1392full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1290by 3600. 1393by 3600.
1291 1394
1292Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1395Another 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 1396C<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. 1397time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1295 1398
1296For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1399For 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 1400C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1298this value. 1401this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1402
1403Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1404speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1405will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1406millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1299 1407
1300=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1408=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1301 1409
1302In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1410In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1303ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1411ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1304reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1412reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1305current time as second argument. 1413current time as second argument.
1306 1414
1307NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1415NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1308ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1416ever, 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 1417
1418If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1419it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1420only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1421
1312Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1422The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic
1313ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1423*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1314 1424
1315 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1425 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1316 { 1426 {
1317 return now + 60.; 1427 return now + 60.;
1318 } 1428 }
1320It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1430It 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 1431(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 1432will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1323might be called at other times, too. 1433might be called at other times, too.
1324 1434
1325NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the 1435NOTE: 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. 1436equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1327 1437
1328This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 1438This 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 1439triggers 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 1440next 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 1441you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1332reason I omitted it as an example). 1442reason I omitted it as an example).
1333 1443
1334=back 1444=back
1338Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1448Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1339when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1449when 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 1450a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1341program when the crontabs have changed). 1451program when the crontabs have changed).
1342 1452
1453=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1454
1455When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1456trigger next.
1457
1343=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 1458=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1344 1459
1345When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 1460When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1346absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 1461absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1347 1462
1358 1473
1359The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1474The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1360switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1475switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1361the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1476the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1362 1477
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 1478=back
1369 1479
1370=head3 Examples 1480=head3 Examples
1371 1481
1372Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1482Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1373system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1483system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1374potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1484potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1375 1485
1376 static void 1486 static void
1377 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1487 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1378 { 1488 {
1379 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1489 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1380 } 1490 }
1381 1491
1382 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1492 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1383 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1493 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1384 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1494 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1385 1495
1386Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1496Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1387 1497
1388 #include <math.h> 1498 #include <math.h>
1389 1499
1390 static ev_tstamp 1500 static ev_tstamp
1391 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1501 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1392 { 1502 {
1393 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1503 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1394 } 1504 }
1395 1505
1396 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1506 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1397 1507
1398Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1508Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1399 1509
1400 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1510 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1401 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1511 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1402 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1512 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1403 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1513 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1404 1514
1405 1515
1406=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1516=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1407 1517
1408Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1518Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1415with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1525with 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 1526as 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 1527watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1418SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1528SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1419 1529
1530If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1531C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1532interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1533signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1534them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1535
1420=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1536=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1421 1537
1422=over 4 1538=over 4
1423 1539
1424=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1540=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1432 1548
1433The signal the watcher watches out for. 1549The signal the watcher watches out for.
1434 1550
1435=back 1551=back
1436 1552
1553=head3 Examples
1554
1555Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1556
1557 static void
1558 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1559 {
1560 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1561 }
1562
1563 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1564 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1565 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1566
1437 1567
1438=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1568=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1439 1569
1440Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1570Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1441some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1571some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). It
1572is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been
1573forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event
1574loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher).
1575
1576Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1577you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1578
1579=head3 Process Interaction
1580
1581Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1582initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1583the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1584of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1585synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1586children, even ones not watched.
1587
1588=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1589
1590Libev offers no special support for overriding the built-in child
1591processing, but if your application collides with libev's default child
1592handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1593C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1594default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1595event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1596that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1597
1598=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1599
1600Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1601child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1602callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1603when a child exit is detected.
1442 1604
1443=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1605=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1444 1606
1445=over 4 1607=over 4
1446 1608
1472 1634
1473=back 1635=back
1474 1636
1475=head3 Examples 1637=head3 Examples
1476 1638
1477Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1639Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1640its completion.
1478 1641
1642 ev_child cw;
1643
1479 static void 1644 static void
1480 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1645 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1481 { 1646 {
1482 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1647 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1648 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1483 } 1649 }
1484 1650
1485 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1651 pid_t pid = fork ();
1486 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1652
1487 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1653 if (pid < 0)
1654 // error
1655 else if (pid == 0)
1656 {
1657 // the forked child executes here
1658 exit (1);
1659 }
1660 else
1661 {
1662 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1663 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1664 }
1488 1665
1489 1666
1490=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1667=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1491 1668
1492This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1669This 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 1670C<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. 1671compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1495 1672
1496The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1673The 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 1674not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1515as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1692as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1516resource-intensive. 1693resource-intensive.
1517 1694
1518At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 1695At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1519implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 1696implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1697reader, 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 1698semantics with kqueue). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should
1521semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1699not 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 1700sometimes needs to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify,
1523usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1701but changes are usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there
1524polling. 1702will be no polling.
1703
1704=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1705
1706Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1707compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1708support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1709structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1710use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1711compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1712obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1713most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support.
1714
1715The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1716file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1717optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1718to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1719default compilation environment.
1525 1720
1526=head3 Inotify 1721=head3 Inotify
1527 1722
1528When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1723When 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 1724available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1530change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 1725change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1531when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 1726when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1532 1727
1533Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 1728Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1534except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 1729except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1535making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support 1730making 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. 1731there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.
1537 1732
1538(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 1733(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1539implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 1734implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1540descriptor open on the object at all times). 1735descriptor open on the object at all times).
1541 1736
1542=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 1737=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1543 1738
1544The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and 1739The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1545even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still 1740even on systems where the resolution is higher, many file systems still
1546only support whole seconds. 1741only support whole seconds.
1547 1742
1548That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might 1743That 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 1744easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1550your callback, which does something. When there is another update within 1745calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1551the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it. 1746within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it as the stat
1747data does not change.
1552 1748
1553The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till 1749The 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> 1750than 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> 1751a 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 1752ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1557systems. 1753
1754The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
1755of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
1756might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
1757C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
1758a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
1759update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
1760the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
1761the timer callback).
1558 1762
1559=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1763=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1560 1764
1561=over 4 1765=over 4
1562 1766
1568C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 1772C<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 1773be 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 1774a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1571path for as long as the watcher is active. 1775path for as long as the watcher is active.
1572 1776
1573The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 1777The 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 1778to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the last change
1575last change was detected). 1779was detected).
1576 1780
1577=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *) 1781=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1578 1782
1579Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 1783Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1580watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 1784watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1581detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 1785detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1582useful simply to find out the new values. 1786the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
1787new values.
1583 1788
1584=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 1789=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1585 1790
1586The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 1791The 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 1792C<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 1793suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
1794members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1589was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 1795some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1590 1796
1591=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 1797=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1592 1798
1593The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 1799The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1594C<prev> != C<attr>. 1800C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
1801differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
1802C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1595 1803
1596=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 1804=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1597 1805
1598The specified interval. 1806The specified interval.
1599 1807
1600=item const char *path [read-only] 1808=item const char *path [read-only]
1601 1809
1602The filesystem path that is being watched. 1810The file system path that is being watched.
1603 1811
1604=back 1812=back
1605 1813
1606=head3 Examples 1814=head3 Examples
1607 1815
1608Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1816Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1609 1817
1610 static void 1818 static void
1611 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1819 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1612 { 1820 {
1613 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 1821 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1614 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 1822 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1615 { 1823 {
1616 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 1824 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1617 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1825 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1618 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1826 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1619 } 1827 }
1620 else 1828 else
1621 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 1829 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1622 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 1830 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1623 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 1831 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1624 } 1832 }
1625 1833
1626 ... 1834 ...
1627 ev_stat passwd; 1835 ev_stat passwd;
1628 1836
1629 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1837 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1630 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1838 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1631 1839
1632Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not 1840Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1633miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so 1841miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1634one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on 1842one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1635C<ev_timer> callback invocation). 1843C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1636 1844
1637 static ev_stat passwd; 1845 static ev_stat passwd;
1638 static ev_timer timer; 1846 static ev_timer timer;
1639 1847
1640 static void 1848 static void
1641 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1849 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1642 { 1850 {
1643 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w); 1851 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1644 1852
1645 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */ 1853 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1646 } 1854 }
1647 1855
1648 static void 1856 static void
1649 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents) 1857 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1650 { 1858 {
1651 /* reset the one-second timer */ 1859 /* reset the one-second timer */
1652 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer); 1860 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1653 } 1861 }
1654 1862
1655 ... 1863 ...
1656 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1864 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1657 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1865 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1658 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01); 1866 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1659 1867
1660 1868
1661=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1869=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1662 1870
1663Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 1871Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1694=head3 Examples 1902=head3 Examples
1695 1903
1696Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 1904Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1697callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1905callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1698 1906
1699 static void 1907 static void
1700 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1908 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1701 { 1909 {
1702 free (w); 1910 free (w);
1703 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1911 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1704 // no longer anything immediate to do. 1912 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1705 } 1913 }
1706 1914
1707 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1915 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1708 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1916 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1709 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1917 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1710 1918
1711 1919
1712=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 1920=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1713 1921
1714Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 1922Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:
1733 1941
1734This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 1942This 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 1943to 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 1944them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
1737provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 1945provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
1738any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 1946any 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 1947and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer
1740callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 1948callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless,
1741because you never know, you know?). 1949because you never know, you know?).
1742 1950
1743As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 1951As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1751 1959
1752It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 1960It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1753priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 1961priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1754after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 1962after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1755too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 1963too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1756supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers 1964supports 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 1965did 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 1966(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 1967state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1760coexist peacefully with others). 1968coexist peacefully with others).
1761 1969
1776=head3 Examples 1984=head3 Examples
1777 1985
1778There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules 1986There 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 1987into 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 1988(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> 1989use 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 1990Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1783into the Glib event loop). 1991Glib event loop).
1784 1992
1785Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, 1993Method 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 1994and 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 1995is 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 1996priority 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. 1997the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1790 1998
1791 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1999 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1792 static ev_timer tw; 2000 static ev_timer tw;
1793 2001
1794 static void 2002 static void
1795 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2003 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1796 { 2004 {
1797 } 2005 }
1798 2006
1799 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2007 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1800 static void 2008 static void
1801 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2009 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1802 { 2010 {
1803 int timeout = 3600000; 2011 int timeout = 3600000;
1804 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2012 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1805 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2013 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1806 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2014 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1807 2015
1808 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2016 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1809 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2017 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1810 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2018 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1811 2019
1812 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2020 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1813 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2021 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1814 { 2022 {
1815 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 2023 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1816 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 2024 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1817 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 2025 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1818 2026
1819 fds [i].revents = 0; 2027 fds [i].revents = 0;
1820 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 2028 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1821 } 2029 }
1822 } 2030 }
1823 2031
1824 // stop all watchers after blocking 2032 // stop all watchers after blocking
1825 static void 2033 static void
1826 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2034 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1827 { 2035 {
1828 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2036 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1829 2037
1830 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2038 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1831 { 2039 {
1832 // set the relevant poll flags 2040 // set the relevant poll flags
1833 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 2041 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1834 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 2042 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1835 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 2043 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1836 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 2044 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1837 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 2045 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1838 2046
1839 // now stop the watcher 2047 // now stop the watcher
1840 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2048 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1841 } 2049 }
1842 2050
1843 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2051 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1844 } 2052 }
1845 2053
1846Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll> 2054Method 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. 2055in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1848 2056
1849Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2057Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1850notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2058notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1851callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2059callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1852 2060
1853 static void 2061 static void
1854 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2062 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1855 { 2063 {
1856 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2064 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1857 update_now (EV_A); 2065 update_now (EV_A);
1858 2066
1859 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2067 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1860 } 2068 }
1861 2069
1862 static void 2070 static void
1863 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2071 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1864 { 2072 {
1865 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2073 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1866 update_now (EV_A); 2074 update_now (EV_A);
1867 2075
1868 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2076 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1869 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2077 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1870 } 2078 }
1871 2079
1872 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2080 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1873 2081
1874Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2082Method 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 2083want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, you can override
1876their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2084their 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 2085loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1878this. 2086this.
1879 2087
1880 static gint 2088 static gint
1881 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2089 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1882 { 2090 {
1883 int got_events = 0; 2091 int got_events = 0;
1884 2092
1885 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2093 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1886 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events 2094 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1887 2095
1888 if (timeout >= 0) 2096 if (timeout >= 0)
1889 // create/start timer 2097 // create/start timer
1890 2098
1891 // poll 2099 // poll
1892 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2100 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1893 2101
1894 // stop timer again 2102 // stop timer again
1895 if (timeout >= 0) 2103 if (timeout >= 0)
1896 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2104 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1897 2105
1898 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2106 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1899 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2107 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1900 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2108 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1901 2109
1902 return got_events; 2110 return got_events;
1903 } 2111 }
1904 2112
1905 2113
1906=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2114=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1907 2115
1908This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2116This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1964 2172
1965Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2173Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1966embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2174embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1967invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2175invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1968to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2176to 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). 2177if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1970 2178
1971=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2179=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1972 2180
1973Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2181Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1974similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2182similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1975apropriate way for embedded loops. 2183appropriate way for embedded loops.
1976 2184
1977=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2185=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1978 2186
1979The embedded event loop. 2187The embedded event loop.
1980 2188
1982 2190
1983=head3 Examples 2191=head3 Examples
1984 2192
1985Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default 2193Example: 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 2194event 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 2195loop 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 2196C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
1989used). 2197used).
1990 2198
1991 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2199 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1992 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2200 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1993 struct ev_embed embed; 2201 struct ev_embed embed;
1994 2202
1995 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2203 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
1996 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2204 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
1997 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2205 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
1998 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2206 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
1999 : 0; 2207 : 0;
2000 2208
2001 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi 2209 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
2002 if (loop_lo) 2210 if (loop_lo)
2003 { 2211 {
2004 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 2212 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2005 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2213 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2006 } 2214 }
2007 else 2215 else
2008 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2216 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2009 2217
2010Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create 2218Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2011a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any 2219a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2012kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2220kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2013C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2221C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2014 2222
2015 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2223 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2016 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2224 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2017 struct ev_embed embed; 2225 struct ev_embed embed;
2018 2226
2019 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2227 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2020 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2228 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2021 { 2229 {
2022 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2230 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2023 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 2231 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2024 } 2232 }
2025 2233
2026 if (!loop_socket) 2234 if (!loop_socket)
2027 loop_socket = loop; 2235 loop_socket = loop;
2028 2236
2029 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else 2237 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2030 2238
2031 2239
2032=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2240=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2033 2241
2034Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2242Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2087 2295
2088=item queueing from a signal handler context 2296=item queueing from a signal handler context
2089 2297
2090To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal 2298To 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 2299handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for
2092some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler: 2300some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2093 2301
2094 static ev_async mysig; 2302 static ev_async mysig;
2095 2303
2096 static void 2304 static void
2097 sigusr1_handler (void) 2305 sigusr1_handler (void)
2098 { 2306 {
2099 sometype data; 2307 sometype data;
2100 2308
2101 // no locking etc. 2309 // no locking etc.
2102 queue_put (data); 2310 queue_put (data);
2103 ev_async_send (DEFAULT_ &mysig); 2311 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2104 } 2312 }
2105 2313
2106 static void 2314 static void
2107 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents) 2315 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2108 { 2316 {
2139 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation 2347 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation
2140 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex); 2348 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2141 queue_put (data); 2349 queue_put (data);
2142 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex); 2350 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2143 2351
2144 ev_async_send (DEFAULT_ &mysig); 2352 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2145 } 2353 }
2146 2354
2147 static void 2355 static void
2148 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents) 2356 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2149 { 2357 {
2171=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 2379=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2172 2380
2173Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 2381Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2174an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 2382an 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 2383C<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 2384similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2177section below on what exactly this means). 2385section below on what exactly this means).
2178 2386
2179This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration, 2387This 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 2388so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2181calls to C<ev_async_send>. 2389calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2390
2391=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2392
2393Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2394watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2395event loop.
2396
2397C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2398the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2399it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2400quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2401
2402Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2403whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
2182 2404
2183=back 2405=back
2184 2406
2185 2407
2186=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2408=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2197or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2419or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2198more watchers yourself. 2420more watchers yourself.
2199 2421
2200If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2422If 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 2423is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and
2202C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2424C<events> set will be created and started.
2203 2425
2204If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2426If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2205started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2427started. 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 2428repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of
2207dubious value. 2429dubious value.
2209The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2431The 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 2432passed 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> 2433C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2212value passed to C<ev_once>: 2434value passed to C<ev_once>:
2213 2435
2214 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2436 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2215 { 2437 {
2216 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 2438 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2217 /* doh, nothing entered */; 2439 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2218 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2440 else if (revents & EV_READ)
2219 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2441 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2220 } 2442 }
2221 2443
2222 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2444 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2223 2445
2224=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2446=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2225 2447
2226Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2448Feeds 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 2449had 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 2454Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2233the given events it. 2455the given events it.
2234 2456
2235=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2457=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2236 2458
2237Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2459Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2238loop!). 2460loop!).
2239 2461
2240=back 2462=back
2241 2463
2242 2464
2258 2480
2259=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 2481=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2260will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 2482will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
2261is an ev_pri field. 2483is an ev_pri field.
2262 2484
2485=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2486first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
2487
2263=item * Other members are not supported. 2488=item * Other members are not supported.
2264 2489
2265=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 2490=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
2266to use the libev header file and library. 2491to use the libev header file and library.
2267 2492
2268=back 2493=back
2269 2494
2270=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2495=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2271 2496
2272Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2497Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2273you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 2498you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2274the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2499the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2275 2500
2276To use it, 2501To use it,
2277 2502
2278 #include <ev++.h> 2503 #include <ev++.h>
2279 2504
2280This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 2505This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2281of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 2506of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2282put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 2507put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2283options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2508options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
2350your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the 2575your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2351thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 2576thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2352 2577
2353Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 2578Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2354 2579
2355 struct myclass 2580 struct myclass
2356 { 2581 {
2357 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2582 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2358 } 2583 }
2359 2584
2360 myclass obj; 2585 myclass obj;
2361 ev::io iow; 2586 ev::io iow;
2362 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 2587 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2363 2588
2364=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 2589=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2365 2590
2366Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 2591Also 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 2592callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2371 2596
2372See the method-C<set> above for more details. 2597See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2373 2598
2374Example: 2599Example:
2375 2600
2376 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2601 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2377 iow.set <io_cb> (); 2602 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2378 2603
2379=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2604=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2380 2605
2381Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2606Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2382do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2607do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2383 2608
2384=item w->set ([args]) 2609=item w->set ([arguments])
2385 2610
2386Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2611Basically 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 2612called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2388automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 2613automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2389method. 2614method.
2390 2615
2391=item w->start () 2616=item w->start ()
2415=back 2640=back
2416 2641
2417Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2642Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2418the constructor. 2643the constructor.
2419 2644
2420 class myclass 2645 class myclass
2421 { 2646 {
2422 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2647 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2423 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2648 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2424 2649
2425 myclass (int fd) 2650 myclass (int fd)
2426 { 2651 {
2427 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2652 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2428 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2653 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2429 2654
2430 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2655 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2431 } 2656 }
2432 }; 2657 };
2658
2659
2660=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2661
2662Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
2663number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2664any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2665me a note.
2666
2667=over 4
2668
2669=item Perl
2670
2671The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
2672libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2673there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2674to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the
2675C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>).
2676
2677It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2678L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2679
2680=item Python
2681
2682Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2683seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the
2684patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2685for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2686libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2687libev).
2688
2689=item Ruby
2690
2691Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2692of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2693more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2694L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2695
2696=item D
2697
2698Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2699be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2700
2701=back
2433 2702
2434 2703
2435=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2704=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2436 2705
2437Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 2706Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2438of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 2707of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2439functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2708functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2440 2709
2441To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2710To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2442following macros are defined: 2711following macros are defined:
2447 2716
2448This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2717This 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, 2718loop 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: 2719C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2451 2720
2452 ev_unref (EV_A); 2721 ev_unref (EV_A);
2453 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 2722 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2454 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2723 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2455 2724
2456It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 2725It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2457which is often provided by the following macro. 2726which is often provided by the following macro.
2458 2727
2459=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 2728=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2460 2729
2461This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2730This 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, 2731loop 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: 2732C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2464 2733
2465 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 2734 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2466 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 2735 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2467 2736
2468 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 2737 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2469 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2738 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2470 2739
2471It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 2740It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2472suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 2741suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2473 2742
2474=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 2743=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2475 2744
2476Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2745Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2477loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2746loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
2747
2748=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
2749
2750Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
2751default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
2752is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
2753execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
2754
2755It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
2756watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2478 2757
2479=back 2758=back
2480 2759
2481Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 2760Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2482macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 2761macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2483or not. 2762or not.
2484 2763
2485 static void 2764 static void
2486 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2765 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2487 { 2766 {
2488 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2767 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2489 } 2768 }
2490 2769
2491 ev_check check; 2770 ev_check check;
2492 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2771 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2493 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2772 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2494 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2773 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2495 2774
2496=head1 EMBEDDING 2775=head1 EMBEDDING
2497 2776
2498Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2777Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2499applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2778applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2506libev somewhere in your source tree). 2785libev somewhere in your source tree).
2507 2786
2508=head2 FILESETS 2787=head2 FILESETS
2509 2788
2510Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 2789Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2511in your app. 2790in your application.
2512 2791
2513=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 2792=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2514 2793
2515To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 2794To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2516configuration (no autoconf): 2795configuration (no autoconf):
2517 2796
2518 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2797 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2519 #include "ev.c" 2798 #include "ev.c"
2520 2799
2521This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 2800This 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 2801single 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 2802it, 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 2803done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2525where you can put other configuration options): 2804where you can put other configuration options):
2526 2805
2527 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2806 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2528 #include "ev.h" 2807 #include "ev.h"
2529 2808
2530Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 2809Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2531compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 2810compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2532as a bug). 2811as a bug).
2533 2812
2534You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 2813You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2535in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 2814in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2536 2815
2537 ev.h 2816 ev.h
2538 ev.c 2817 ev.c
2539 ev_vars.h 2818 ev_vars.h
2540 ev_wrap.h 2819 ev_wrap.h
2541 2820
2542 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2821 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2543 2822
2544 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 2823 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) 2824 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) 2825 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) 2826 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) 2827 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2549 2828
2550F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 2829F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2551to compile this single file. 2830to compile this single file.
2552 2831
2553=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 2832=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2554 2833
2555To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 2834To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2556 2835
2557 #include "event.c" 2836 #include "event.c"
2558 2837
2559in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 2838in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2560 2839
2561 #include "event.h" 2840 #include "event.h"
2562 2841
2563in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 2842in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2564 2843
2565You need the following additional files for this: 2844You need the following additional files for this:
2566 2845
2567 event.h 2846 event.h
2568 event.c 2847 event.c
2569 2848
2570=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 2849=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2571 2850
2572Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 2851Instead 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 2852whatever 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 2853F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2575include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 2854include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2576 2855
2577For this of course you need the m4 file: 2856For this of course you need the m4 file:
2578 2857
2579 libev.m4 2858 libev.m4
2580 2859
2581=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 2860=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2582 2861
2583Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define 2862Libev 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 2863define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2585and only include the select backend. 2864autoconf is noted for every option.
2586 2865
2587=over 4 2866=over 4
2588 2867
2589=item EV_STANDALONE 2868=item EV_STANDALONE
2590 2869
2595F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 2874F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2596 2875
2597=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 2876=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2598 2877
2599If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2878If 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 2879monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
2601of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2880of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2602usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2881usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2603the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 2882the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2604to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2883to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2605function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2884function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2606 2885
2607=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2886=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2608 2887
2609If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2888If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2610realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2889real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
2611runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2890runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
2612be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2891be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2613(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 2892(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2614note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2893note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2615 2894
2616=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 2895=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2617 2896
2618If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available 2897If 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 ()>. 2898and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2620 2899
2900=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
2901
2902If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
2903available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
2904C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
2905If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
29062.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2907
2621=item EV_USE_SELECT 2908=item EV_USE_SELECT
2622 2909
2623If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2910If 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 2911C<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 2912other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2626will not be compiled in. 2913will not be compiled in.
2627 2914
2628=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 2915=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2629 2916
2630If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 2917If 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 2918structure. 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 2919C<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 2920exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2634low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 2921low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2635allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 2922allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2636influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 2923influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2637 2924
2661 2948
2662=item EV_USE_EPOLL 2949=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2663 2950
2664If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 2951If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2665C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 2952C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2666otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 2953otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2667preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems. 2954backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
2955headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2668 2956
2669=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 2957=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2670 2958
2671If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 2959If 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, 2960C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2685otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 2973otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2686backend for Solaris 10 systems. 2974backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2687 2975
2688=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2976=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2689 2977
2690reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2978Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2691 2979
2692=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 2980=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2693 2981
2694If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 2982If 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 2983interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2696be detected at runtime. 2984be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
2985indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2697 2986
2698=item EV_ATOMIC_T 2987=item EV_ATOMIC_T
2699 2988
2700Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose 2989Libev 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 2990access 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 2991type 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" 2992that 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. 2993as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2705 2994
2706In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 2995In 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. 2996(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2708 2997
2709=item EV_H 2998=item EV_H
2710 2999
2711The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 3000The 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 3039When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2751all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3040all 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 3041and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2753fine. 3042fine.
2754 3043
2755If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3044If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2756C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 3045C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2757 3046
2758=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3047=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2759 3048
2760If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3049If 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 3050defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2788defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3077defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2789 3078
2790=item EV_MINIMAL 3079=item EV_MINIMAL
2791 3080
2792If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3081If 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 3082speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2794some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 3083inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3084much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2795 3085
2796=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3086=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2797 3087
2798C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3088C<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 3089pid. 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>), 3096inotify 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> 3097usually 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 3098watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2809two). 3099two).
2810 3100
3101=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3102
3103Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3104timer and periodics heap, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3105to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has
3106noticeably faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3107
3108The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3109(disabled).
3110
3111=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3112
3113Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3114timer and periodics heap, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3115the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3116which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3117but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3118noticeably with with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3119
3120The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3121(disabled).
3122
3123=item EV_VERIFY
3124
3125Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3126be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3127in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3128called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3129called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3130verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3131libev considerably.
3132
3133The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3134C<0.>
3135
2811=item EV_COMMON 3136=item EV_COMMON
2812 3137
2813By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3138By 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 3139this 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, 3140members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2816though, and it must be identical each time. 3141though, and it must be identical each time.
2817 3142
2818For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3143For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2819 3144
2820 #define EV_COMMON \ 3145 #define EV_COMMON \
2821 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3146 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2822 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3147 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2823 3148
2824=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3149=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2825 3150
2826=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3151=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2827 3152
2834avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3159avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2835method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3160method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2836 3161
2837=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3162=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2838 3163
2839If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of 3164If 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 3165exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2841all public symbols, one per line: 3166all public symbols, one per line:
2842 3167
2843 Symbols.ev for libev proper 3168 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2844 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation 3169 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2845 3170
2846This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with 3171This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2847multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in 3172multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2848itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this). 3173itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
2849 3174
2850A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to 3175A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2851include before including F<ev.h>: 3176include before including F<ev.h>:
2852 3177
2853 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h 3178 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2870file. 3195file.
2871 3196
2872The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3197The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2873that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 3198that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2874 3199
2875 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 3200 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2876 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3201 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2877 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3202 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2878 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 3203 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2879 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 3204 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2880 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 3205 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2881 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3206 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2882 #define EV_MINPRI 0 3207 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2883 #define EV_MAXPRI 0 3208 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2884 3209
2885 #include "ev++.h" 3210 #include "ev++.h"
2886 3211
2887And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3212And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2888 3213
2889 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3214 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2890 #include "ev.c" 3215 #include "ev.c"
3216
3217
3218=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3219
3220=head2 THREADS
3221
3222Libev itself is completely thread-safe, but it uses no locking. This
3223means that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as
3224only one thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop
3225parameter.
3226
3227Or put differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done in
3228parallel from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter must be
3229done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as only one
3230thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using a mutex
3231per loop).
3232
3233If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3234without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3235help you. I can give some generic advice however:
3236
3237=over 4
3238
3239=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3240in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
3241
3242This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3243themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3244
3245=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3246
3247Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3248exists, but it is always a good start.
3249
3250=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3251loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
3252
3253Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3254better than you currently do :-)
3255
3256=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3257event loop - C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other
3258threads safely (or from signal contexts...).
3259
3260=back
3261
3262=head2 COROUTINES
3263
3264Libev is much more accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3265libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different
3266coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3267different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3268loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3269you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3270
3271Care has been invested into making sure that libev does not keep local
3272state inside C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow coroutine
3273switches.
2891 3274
2892 3275
2893=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3276=head1 COMPLEXITIES
2894 3277
2895In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3278In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2927correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3310correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2928have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal). 3311have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2929 3312
2930=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1) 3313=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
2931 3314
2932By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the 3315By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
2933beginning of the storage array. 3316fixed position in the storage array.
2934 3317
2935=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 3318=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2936 3319
2937A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires 3320A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2938libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending 3321libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
2939on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used). 3322on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2940 3323
2941=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1) 3324=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
2942 3325
2943=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities) 3326=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2944 3327
2951 3334
2952=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers) 3335=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
2953 3336
2954=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number) 3337=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
2955 3338
2956Sending involves a syscall I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send> 3339Sending 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 3340calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
2958involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 3341involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
2959 3342
2960=back 3343=back
2961 3344
2962 3345
2963=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds 3346=head1 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
2964 3347
2965Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 3348Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
2966requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3349requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
2967model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3350model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
2968the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3351the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
2969descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 3352descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
2970e.g. cygwin. 3353e.g. cygwin.
2971 3354
3355Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3356re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
3357things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
3358way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3359
2972There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 3360There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
2973embedding it into other applications. 3361embedding it into other applications.
2974 3362
3363Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3364accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3365either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3366so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3367megabyte seems safe, but thsi apparently depends on the amount of memory
3368available).
3369
2975Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the 3370Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
2976abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not 3371the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
2977recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than 3372is 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 3373more 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 3374different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
2980be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games). 3375notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3376(Microsoft monopoly games).
3377
3378A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3379section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3380of F<ev.h>:
3381
3382 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
3383 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3384
3385 #include "ev.h"
3386
3387And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3388you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded soruce files!):
3389
3390 #include "evwrap.h"
3391 #include "ev.c"
2981 3392
2982=over 4 3393=over 4
2983 3394
2984=item The winsocket select function 3395=item The winsocket select function
2985 3396
2986The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires 3397The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
2987socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select 3398requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
2988very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors 3399also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
2989to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, 3400requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
2990C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor 3401C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
2991symbols for more info. 3402discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3403C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
2992 3404
2993The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime 3405The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
2994libraries and raw winsocket select is: 3406libraries and raw winsocket select is:
2995 3407
2996 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1 3408 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
2997 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 3409 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
2998 3410
2999Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 3411Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3000complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 3412complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3001 3413
3002=item Limited number of file descriptors 3414=item Limited number of file descriptors
3003 3415
3004Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions 3416Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3005of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles 3417
3418Early 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 3419of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3007C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a 3420can 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). 3421recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3422previous thread in each. Great).
3009 3423
3010Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 3424Newer 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 3425to 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 3426call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3013select emulation on windows). 3427select emulation on windows).
3014 3428
3015Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime 3429Another 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 3430libraries, 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 3431or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3018C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 3432C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3019arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime 3433arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
3020libraries. 3434libraries.
3021 3435
3022This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 3436This 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 3437windows 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 3438wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3025calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 3439calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3026 3440
3027=back 3441=back
3028 3442
3029 3443
3444=head1 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3445
3446In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few
3447additional extensions:
3448
3449=over 4
3450
3451=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3452calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3453
3454Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3455structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3456assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3457callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3458calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3459
3460=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3461
3462The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3463C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different
3464threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3465believed to be sufficiently portable.
3466
3467=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3468
3469Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
3470allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
3471pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
3472thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
3473be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
3474C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
3475
3476The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
3477except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3478well.
3479
3480=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3481
3482To improve portability and simplify using libev, libev uses C<long>
3483internally instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On
3484non-POSIX systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but
3485is still at least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of
3486millions of watchers.
3487
3488=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3489
3490The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3491have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3492enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
3493implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
3494
3495=back
3496
3497If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3498
3499
3500=head1 COMPILER WARNINGS
3501
3502Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3503lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3504scared by this.
3505
3506However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3507has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3508warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3509targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3510
3511Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3512workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3513maintainable.
3514
3515And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3516wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3517seems to warn about).
3518
3519While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3520"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3521with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3522them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3523warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3524
3525
3526=head1 VALGRIND
3527
3528Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3529highly useful, but valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3530
3531If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3532in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3533
3534 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3535 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3536 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3537
3538Then there is no memory leak. Similarly, under some circumstances,
3539valgrind might report kernel bugs as if it were a bug in libev, or it
3540might be confused (it is a very good tool, but only a tool).
3541
3542If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3543with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this is
3544a bug in libev. However, don't be annoyed when you get a brisk "this is
3545no bug" answer and take the chance of learning how to interpret valgrind
3546properly.
3547
3548If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3549I suggest using suppression lists.
3550
3551
3030=head1 AUTHOR 3552=head1 AUTHOR
3031 3553
3032Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3554Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
3033 3555

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