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Revision 1.210 by root, Thu Oct 30 08:09:30 2008 UTC

2 2
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required
11 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
12 13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_TYPE
13 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15 18
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */ 19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
17 static void 21 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
19 { 23 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */ 24 puts ("stdin ready");
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */ 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */ 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
23 } 31 }
24 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
25 static void 34 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 { 36 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */ 37 puts ("timeout");
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */ 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
30 } 40 }
31 41
32 int 42 int
33 main (void) 43 main (void)
34 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36 47
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */ 48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40 52
53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */ 54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44 57
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */ 58 // now wait for events to arrive
46 ev_loop (loop, 0); 59 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47 60
61 // unloop was called, so exit
48 return 0; 62 return 0;
49 } 63 }
50 64
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 65=head1 DESCRIPTION
52 66
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted 67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first 68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>. 69time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
56 70
57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 71Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
59these event sources and provide your program with events. 73these event sources and provide your program with events.
60 74
84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 98L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
85for example). 99for example).
86 100
87=head2 CONVENTIONS 101=head2 CONVENTIONS
88 102
89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will 103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about 104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in 105more info about various configuration options please have a look at
92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event 106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop> 107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument. 108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have
109this argument.
95 110
96=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
97 112
98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name 118it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev. 120throughout libev.
121
122=head1 ERROR HANDLING
123
124Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
125and internal errors (bugs).
126
127When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
128a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
129set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
130abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
131()>.
132
133When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
134it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
135so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
136the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
137
138Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
139extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
140circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
141
106 142
107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 143=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
108 144
109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 145These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
110library in any way. 146library in any way.
119 155
120=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 156=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
121 157
122Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 158Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
123either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 159either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
124this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>. 160this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
125 161
126=item int ev_version_major () 162=item int ev_version_major ()
127 163
128=item int ev_version_minor () 164=item int ev_version_minor ()
129 165
142not a problem. 178not a problem.
143 179
144Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 180Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
145version. 181version.
146 182
147 assert (("libev version mismatch", 183 assert (("libev version mismatch",
148 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 184 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
149 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 185 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
150 186
151=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends () 187=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
152 188
153Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*> 189Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
154value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their 190value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
156a description of the set values. 192a description of the set values.
157 193
158Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and 194Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
159a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11 195a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
160 196
161 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 197 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
162 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 198 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
163 199
164=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 200=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
165 201
166Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 202Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
167recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 203recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
168returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 204returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
169most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it 205most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
170(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 206(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
171libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 207libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
172 208
173=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 209=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
174 210
178C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 214C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
179recommended ones. 215recommended ones.
180 216
181See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
182 218
183=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT]
184 220
185Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
186semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to 222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
187allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when 223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
188memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some 224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
189potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc 225or take some potentially destructive action.
190function. 226
227Since some systems (at least OpenBSD and Darwin) fail to implement
228correct C<realloc> semantics, libev will use a wrapper around the system
229C<realloc> and C<free> functions by default.
191 230
192You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 231You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
193free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 232free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
194or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 233or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
195 234
196Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 235Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
197retries). 236retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
198 237
199 static void * 238 static void *
200 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 239 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
201 { 240 {
202 for (;;) 241 for (;;)
211 } 250 }
212 251
213 ... 252 ...
214 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
215 254
216=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT]
217 256
218Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
219as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
220indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
221callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
222matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 261matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
223requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 262requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
224(such as abort). 263(such as abort).
225 264
226Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too. 265Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
237 276
238=back 277=back
239 278
240=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
241 280
242An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct>
243types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 282is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop>
244events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 283I<function>).
245 284
246If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop 285The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
247in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you 286supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do
248create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking 287not.
249whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
250threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
251done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
252 288
253=over 4 289=over 4
254 290
255=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 291=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
256 292
260flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 296flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
261 297
262If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 298If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
263function. 299function.
264 300
301Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
302from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
303as loops cannot be shared easily between threads anyway).
304
265The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 305The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
266C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 306C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
267for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your app you can either 307for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
268create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 308create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
269can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 309can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
270C<ev_default_init>. 310C<ev_default_init>.
271 311
272The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 312The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
281The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right 321The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
282thing, believe me). 322thing, believe me).
283 323
284=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 324=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
285 325
286If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 326If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
287or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 327or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
288C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 328C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
289override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 329override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
290useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 330useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
291around bugs. 331around bugs.
297enabling this flag. 337enabling this flag.
298 338
299This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 339This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
300and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 340and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
301iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 341iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
302Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 342GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
303without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has 343without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
304C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 344C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
305 345
306The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 346The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
307forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 347forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
308flag. 348flag.
309 349
310This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 350This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
311environment variable. 351environment variable.
312 352
313=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 353=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
314 354
315This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 355This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
317but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 357but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
318using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its 358using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
319usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds. 359usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
320 360
321To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of 361To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
322parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are 362parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
323writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many 363writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
324connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have 364connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
325a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of 365a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
326readyness notifications you get per iteration. 366readiness notifications you get per iteration.
367
368This backend maps C<EV_READ> to the C<readfds> set and C<EV_WRITE> to the
369C<writefds> set (and to work around Microsoft Windows bugs, also onto the
370C<exceptfds> set on that platform).
327 371
328=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 372=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
329 373
330And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated 374And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
331than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial 375than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
332limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down 376limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
333considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, 377considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
334i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for 378i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
335performance tips. 379performance tips.
336 380
381This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
382C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
383
337=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 384=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
338 385
339For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 386For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
340but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 387but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
341like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 388like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
342epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 389epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds).
343of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 390
344cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad 391The epoll mechanism deserves honorable mention as the most misdesigned
345support for dup. 392of the more advanced event mechanisms: mere annoyances include silently
393dropping file descriptors, requiring a system call per change per file
394descriptor (and unnecessary guessing of parameters), problems with dup and
395so on. The biggest issue is fork races, however - if a program forks then
396I<both> parent and child process have to recreate the epoll set, which can
397take considerable time (one syscall per file descriptor) and is of course
398hard to detect.
399
400Epoll is also notoriously buggy - embedding epoll fds I<should> work, but
401of course I<doesn't>, and epoll just loves to report events for totally
402I<different> file descriptors (even already closed ones, so one cannot
403even remove them from the set) than registered in the set (especially
404on SMP systems). Libev tries to counter these spurious notifications by
405employing an additional generation counter and comparing that against the
406events to filter out spurious ones, recreating the set when required.
346 407
347While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 408While 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 409will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such
349(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 410incident (because the same I<file descriptor> could point to a different
350best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 411I<file description> now), so its best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed
351very well if you register events for both fds. 412file descriptors might not work very well if you register events for both
352 413file descriptors.
353Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
354need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
355(or space) is available.
356 414
357Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 415Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
358watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e. 416watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible,
359keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. 417i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and
418starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
419extra overhead. A fork can both result in spurious notifications as well
420as in libev having to destroy and recreate the epoll object, which can
421take considerable time and thus should be avoided.
360 422
361While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in 423While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
362all kernel versions tested so far. 424all kernel versions tested so far.
425
426This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
427C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
363 428
364=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 429=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
365 430
366Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 431Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
367was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 432was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
368with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 433with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
369it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected" 434it's completely useless). Unlike epoll, however, whose brokenness
435is by design, these kqueue bugs can (and eventually will) be fixed
436without API changes to existing programs. For this reason it's not being
370unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 437"auto-detected" unless you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using
371C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 438C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
372system like NetBSD. 439system like NetBSD.
373 440
374You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 441You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
375only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on 442only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
376the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 443the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
377 444
378It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 445It 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 446kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
380course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 447course). 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 448cause 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 449two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad (but
383drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 450sane, unlike epoll) and it drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect
451cases
384 452
385This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 453This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
386 454
387While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 455While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
388everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 456everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
389almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets 457almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
390(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop 458(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
391(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for 459(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and, did I mention it,
392sockets. 460using it only for sockets.
461
462This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with
463C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
464C<NOTE_EOF>.
393 465
394=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 466=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
395 467
396This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an 468This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
397implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets 469implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
401=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 473=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
402 474
403This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 475This 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)). 476it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
405 477
406Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious 478Please 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 479notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
408blocking when no data (or space) is available. 480blocking when no data (or space) is available.
409 481
410While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 482While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
411file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 483file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
412descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 484descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
413might perform better. 485might perform better.
414 486
415On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this 487On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
416backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully 488notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
417embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends. 489in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the
490OS-specific backends (I vastly prefer correctness over speed hacks).
491
492This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
493C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
418 494
419=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 495=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
420 496
421Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 497Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
422with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 498with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
424 500
425It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 501It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
426 502
427=back 503=back
428 504
429If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 505If 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 506backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
431specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 507specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
432 508
433The most typical usage is like this: 509Example: This is the most typical usage.
434 510
435 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 511 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
436 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 512 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
437 513
438Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 514Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
439environment settings to be taken into account: 515environment settings to be taken into account:
440 516
441 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 517 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
442 518
443Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 519Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
444available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 520used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
445event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 521private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
522fds):
446 523
447 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 524 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
448 525
449=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 526=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
450 527
451Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 528Similar 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 529always 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 530handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
454undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 531undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
455 532
533Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
534libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
535default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
536
456Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 537Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
457 538
458 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 539 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
459 if (!epoller) 540 if (!epoller)
460 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 541 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
461 542
462=item ev_default_destroy () 543=item ev_default_destroy ()
463 544
464Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 545Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
465etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 546etc.). 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 547sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
467responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 548responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
468calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 549calling 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 550the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
470for example). 551for example).
471 552
472Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 553Note that certain global state, such as signal state (and installed signal
473this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers) 554handlers), will not be freed by this function, and related watchers (such
474would need to be stopped manually. 555as signal and child watchers) would need to be stopped manually.
475 556
476In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the 557In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
477rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling 558rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
478pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use 559pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
479C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>). 560C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
504 585
505=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 586=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
506 587
507Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 588Like 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 589C<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. 590after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
591entirely your own problem.
592
593=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
594
595Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
596otherwise.
510 597
511=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 598=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
512 599
513Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 600Returns 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 601the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
529received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 616received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
530change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 617change 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 618time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
532event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 619event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
533 620
621=item ev_now_update (loop)
622
623Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
624returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
625is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>.
626
627This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
628very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
629the current time is a good idea.
630
631See also "The special problem of time updates" in the C<ev_timer> section.
632
534=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 633=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
535 634
536Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 635Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
537after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 636after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
538events. 637events.
540If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 639If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until
541either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 640either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
542 641
543Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 642Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than
544relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 643relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
545finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program that 644finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
546automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue of 645that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
547relying on its watchers stopping correctly is a thing of beauty. 646of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
647beauty.
548 648
549A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 649A 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 650those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your
551case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 651process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of
652the loop.
552 653
553A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 654A 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 655necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
555your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 656will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
556one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 657be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarantee that a
557external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 658user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
659iteration of the loop.
660
661This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
662with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
558libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 663own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
559usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 664usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
560 665
561Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 666Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
562 667
563 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 668 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
564 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 669 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
565 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers. 670 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
566 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 671 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
567 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 672 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
673 as to not disturb the other process.
568 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 674 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
569 - Update the "event loop time". 675 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
570 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 676 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
571 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 677 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
572 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 678 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
573 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 679 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
574 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 680 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
575 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 681 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
576 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 682 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
577 - Queue all outstanding timers. 683 - Queue all expired timers.
578 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 684 - Queue all expired periodics.
579 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 685 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
580 - Queue all check watchers. 686 - Queue all check watchers.
581 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 687 - 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 688 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
583 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 689 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
584 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 690 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
589anymore. 695anymore.
590 696
591 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 697 ... 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..) 698 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
593 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 699 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
594 ... jobs done. yeah! 700 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
595 701
596=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 702=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
597 703
598Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 704Can 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 705has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
600C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 706C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
601C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 707C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
602 708
603This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 709This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
604 710
711It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls.
712
605=item ev_ref (loop) 713=item ev_ref (loop)
606 714
607=item ev_unref (loop) 715=item ev_unref (loop)
608 716
609Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 717Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
610loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 718loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
611count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. If you have 719count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own.
720
612a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> from 721If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop>
613returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 722from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before
723stopping it.
724
614example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 725As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is
615visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 726not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting
616no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 727if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
617way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 728way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
618libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop> 729libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>
619(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before, 730(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before,
620respectively). 731respectively).
621 732
622Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 733Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
623running when nothing else is active. 734running when nothing else is active.
624 735
625 struct ev_signal exitsig; 736 ev_signal exitsig;
626 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 737 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
627 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 738 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
628 evf_unref (loop); 739 evf_unref (loop);
629 740
630Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 741Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
631 742
632 ev_ref (loop); 743 ev_ref (loop);
633 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 744 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
634 745
635=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 746=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
636 747
637=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 748=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
638 749
639These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting 750These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
640for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to 751for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
641invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency. 752will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
753latency.
642 754
643Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>) 755Setting 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 756allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
645increase efficiency of loop iterations. 757to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
758opportunities).
646 759
647The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to 760The idea is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to handle
648handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes 761one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes the
649the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new 762program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
650events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high 763events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
651overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 764overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
652 765
653By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 766By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
654time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 767time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
656C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 769C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
657introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. 770introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
658 771
659Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 772Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
660to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 773to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
661latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 774latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
662will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce 775later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
663any overhead in libev. 776value will not introduce any overhead in libev.
664 777
665Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect 778Many (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 779interval 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 780interactive 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>, 781usually 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. 782as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
783
784Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
785saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
786are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
787times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
788reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
789they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
790
791=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
792
793This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
794compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
795through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
796is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
797error and call C<abort ()>.
798
799This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
800circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
801data structures consistent.
670 802
671=back 803=back
672 804
673 805
674=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 806=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
807
808In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
809watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
810watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
675 811
676A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 812A 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 813interest 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: 814become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
679 815
680 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 816 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
681 { 817 {
682 ev_io_stop (w); 818 ev_io_stop (w);
683 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 819 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
684 } 820 }
685 821
686 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 822 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
823
687 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 824 ev_io stdin_watcher;
825
688 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 826 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
689 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 827 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
690 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 828 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
829
691 ev_loop (loop, 0); 830 ev_loop (loop, 0);
692 831
693As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 832As 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, 833watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
695although this can sometimes be quite valid). 834stack).
835
836Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
837or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
696 838
697Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 839Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
698(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 840(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
699callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 841callback 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 842watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
701is readable and/or writable). 843is readable and/or writable).
702 844
703Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 845Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
704with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 846macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
705to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< ev_<type>_init 847is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
706(watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 848ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
707 849
708To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it 850To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it
709with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_<type>_start (loop, watcher 851with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_TYPE_start (loop, watcher
710*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the 852*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
711corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 853corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
712 854
713As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 855As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
714must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never 856must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
715reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro. 857reinitialise it or call its C<ev_TYPE_set> macro.
716 858
717Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 859Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
718registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 860registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
719third argument. 861third argument.
720 862
780 922
781The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 923The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
782 924
783=item C<EV_ERROR> 925=item C<EV_ERROR>
784 926
785An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 927An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
786happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 928happen 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 929ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
930problem. Libev considers these application bugs.
931
788problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 932You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping with the
789with the watcher being stopped. 933watcher being stopped. Note that well-written programs should not receive
934an error ever, so when your watcher receives it, this usually indicates a
935bug in your program.
790 936
791Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 937Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for
792for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 938example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your
793your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 939callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with
794with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 940the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
795programs, though, so beware. 941programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
942thing, so beware.
796 943
797=back 944=back
798 945
799=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 946=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
800
801In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
802e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
803 947
804=over 4 948=over 4
805 949
806=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 950=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
807 951
813which rolls both calls into one. 957which rolls both calls into one.
814 958
815You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped 959You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
816(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 960(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
817 961
818The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 962The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
819int revents)>. 963int revents)>.
964
965Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
966
967 ev_io w;
968 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
969 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
820 970
821=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 971=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
822 972
823This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 973This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
824call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 974call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
827difference to the C<ev_init> macro). 977difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
828 978
829Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 979Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
830(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 980(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
831 981
982See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
983
832=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 984=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
833 985
834This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 986This 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 987calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
836a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 988a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
989
990Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
991
992 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
837 993
838=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 994=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
839 995
840Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 996Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
841events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 997events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
842 998
999Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
1000whole section.
1001
1002 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
1003
843=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1004=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
844 1005
845Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending 1006Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
1007the watcher was active or not).
1008
846status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example, 1009It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
847non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but 1010non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
848C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If 1011calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
849you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is therefore a 1012pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
850good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. 1013therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
851 1014
852=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher) 1015=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
853 1016
854Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started 1017Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
855and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify 1018and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
897The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is 1060The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
898always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :). 1061always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
899 1062
900Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is 1063Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
901fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might 1064fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
902or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range. 1065or might not have been clamped to the valid range.
903 1066
904=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1067=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
905 1068
906Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1069Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
907C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback 1070C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
908can deal with that fact. 1071can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1072callback.
909 1073
910=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1074=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
911 1075
912If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status 1076If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
913and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the 1077returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
914watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1078watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
915 1079
1080Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1081callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1082
916=back 1083=back
917 1084
918 1085
919=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1086=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
920 1087
921Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1088Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
922and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1089and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
923to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 1090to 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 1091don'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 1092member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
926data: 1093data:
927 1094
928 struct my_io 1095 struct my_io
929 { 1096 {
930 struct ev_io io; 1097 ev_io io;
931 int otherfd; 1098 int otherfd;
932 void *somedata; 1099 void *somedata;
933 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1100 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
934 } 1101 };
1102
1103 ...
1104 struct my_io w;
1105 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
935 1106
936And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1107And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
937can cast it back to your own type: 1108can cast it back to your own type:
938 1109
939 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1110 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
940 { 1111 {
941 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1112 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
942 ... 1113 ...
943 } 1114 }
944 1115
945More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1116More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
946instead have been omitted. 1117instead have been omitted.
947 1118
948Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1119Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
949watchers: 1120embedded watchers:
950 1121
951 struct my_biggy 1122 struct my_biggy
952 { 1123 {
953 int some_data; 1124 int some_data;
954 ev_timer t1; 1125 ev_timer t1;
955 ev_timer t2; 1126 ev_timer t2;
956 } 1127 }
957 1128
958In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated, 1129In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
959you need to use C<offsetof>: 1130complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1131in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
1132some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
1133programmers):
960 1134
961 #include <stddef.h> 1135 #include <stddef.h>
962 1136
963 static void 1137 static void
964 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1138 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
965 { 1139 {
966 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1140 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
967 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1141 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
968 } 1142 }
969 1143
970 static void 1144 static void
971 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1145 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
972 { 1146 {
973 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1147 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
974 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1148 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
975 } 1149 }
976 1150
977 1151
978=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1152=head1 WATCHER TYPES
979 1153
980This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1154This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1004In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1178In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
1005fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1179fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
1006descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1180descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1007required if you know what you are doing). 1181required if you know what you are doing).
1008 1182
1009If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1183If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1010(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1184known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1011C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1185C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
1012 1186
1013Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1187Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1014receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1188receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1015be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1189be 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 1190because 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 1191lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
1018this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1192this 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 1193it 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. 1194C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1021 1195
1022If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1196If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1023play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1197not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1024whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1198re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1025such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1199interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already
1026its own, so its quite safe to use). 1200does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1201use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1202indefinitely.
1203
1204But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1027 1205
1028=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1206=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1029 1207
1030Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file 1208Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1031descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means, 1209descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other means,
1032such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file 1210such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1033descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop 1211descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1034this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1212this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1035registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in 1213registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1036fact, a different file descriptor. 1214fact, a different file descriptor.
1037 1215
1066To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1244To 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, 1245C<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 1246enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1069C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1247C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1070 1248
1249=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1250
1251While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1252when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1253sent a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
1254this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1255
1256So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1257ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1258somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1259
1071 1260
1072=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1261=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1073 1262
1074=over 4 1263=over 4
1075 1264
1076=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1265=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1077 1266
1078=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1267=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1079 1268
1080Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1269Configures 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 1270receive events for and C<events> is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1082C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1271C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE>, to express the desire to receive the given events.
1083 1272
1084=item int fd [read-only] 1273=item int fd [read-only]
1085 1274
1086The file descriptor being watched. 1275The file descriptor being watched.
1087 1276
1095 1284
1096Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1285Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1097readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1286readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1098attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1287attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1099 1288
1100 static void 1289 static void
1101 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1290 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1102 { 1291 {
1103 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1292 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1104 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1293 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors
1105 } 1294 }
1106 1295
1107 ... 1296 ...
1108 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1297 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1109 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1298 ev_io stdin_readable;
1110 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1299 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1111 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1300 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1112 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1301 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1113 1302
1114 1303
1115=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1304=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1116 1305
1117Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1306Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1118given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1307given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1119 1308
1120The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1309The 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 1310times 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 1311year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1123detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1312detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1124monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1313monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1314
1315The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1316passed, but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration
1317then order of execution is undefined.
1318
1319=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1320
1321Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1322recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1323you want to raise some error after a while.
1324
1325What follows are some ways to handle this problem, from obvious and
1326inefficient to smart and efficient.
1327
1328In the following, a 60 second activity timeout is assumed - a timeout that
1329gets reset to 60 seconds each time there is activity (e.g. each time some
1330data or other life sign was received).
1331
1332=over 4
1333
1334=item 1. Use a timer and stop, reinitialise and start it on activity.
1335
1336This is the most obvious, but not the most simple way: In the beginning,
1337start the watcher:
1338
1339 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 60., 0.);
1340 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1341
1342Then, each time there is some activity, C<ev_timer_stop> it, initialise it
1343and start it again:
1344
1345 ev_timer_stop (loop, timer);
1346 ev_timer_set (timer, 60., 0.);
1347 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1348
1349This is relatively simple to implement, but means that each time there is
1350some activity, libev will first have to remove the timer from its internal
1351data structure and then add it again. Libev tries to be fast, but it's
1352still not a constant-time operation.
1353
1354=item 2. Use a timer and re-start it with C<ev_timer_again> inactivity.
1355
1356This is the easiest way, and involves using C<ev_timer_again> instead of
1357C<ev_timer_start>.
1358
1359To implement this, configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value
1360of C<60> and then call C<ev_timer_again> at start and each time you
1361successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle state where
1362you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop>
1363the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will automatically restart it if need be.
1364
1365That means you can ignore both the C<ev_timer_start> function and the
1366C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
1367member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1368
1369At start:
1370
1371 ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
1372 timer->repeat = 60.;
1373 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1374
1375Each time there is some activity:
1376
1377 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1378
1379It is even possible to change the time-out on the fly, regardless of
1380whether the watcher is active or not:
1381
1382 timer->repeat = 30.;
1383 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1384
1385This is slightly more efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1386you want to modify its timeout value, as libev does not have to completely
1387remove and re-insert the timer from/into its internal data structure.
1388
1389It is, however, even simpler than the "obvious" way to do it.
1390
1391=item 3. Let the timer time out, but then re-arm it as required.
1392
1393This method is more tricky, but usually most efficient: Most timeouts are
1394relatively long compared to the intervals between other activity - in
1395our example, within 60 seconds, there are usually many I/O events with
1396associated activity resets.
1397
1398In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1399but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1400within the callback:
1401
1402 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1403
1404 static void
1405 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1406 {
1407 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A);
1408 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1409
1410 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1411 if (timeout < now)
1412 {
1413 // timeout occured, take action
1414 }
1415 else
1416 {
1417 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1418 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1419 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive:
1420 w->again = timeout - now;
1421 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w);
1422 }
1423 }
1424
1425To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined
1426as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has
1427been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise
1428the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so
1429re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1430a timeout then.
1431
1432Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the
1433C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running.
1434
1435This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1436minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1437libev to change the timeout.
1438
1439To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>
1440to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1441callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1442
1443 ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
1444 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1445 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT);
1446
1447And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1448C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1449
1450 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop);
1451
1452This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1453time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1454
1455Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1456callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1457fix things for you.
1458
1459=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1460
1461If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1462employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1463do even better:
1464
1465When starting the timeout, calculate the timeout value and put the timeout
1466at the I<end> of the list.
1467
1468Then use an C<ev_timer> to fire when the timeout at the I<beginning> of
1469the list is expected to fire (for example, using the technique #3).
1470
1471When there is some activity, remove the timer from the list, recalculate
1472the timeout, append it to the end of the list again, and make sure to
1473update the C<ev_timer> if it was taken from the beginning of the list.
1474
1475This way, one can manage an unlimited number of timeouts in O(1) time for
1476starting, stopping and updating the timers, at the expense of a major
1477complication, and having to use a constant timeout. The constant timeout
1478ensures that the list stays sorted.
1479
1480=back
1481
1482So which method the best?
1483
1484Method #2 is a simple no-brain-required solution that is adequate in most
1485situations. Method #3 requires a bit more thinking, but handles many cases
1486better, and isn't very complicated either. In most case, choosing either
1487one is fine, with #3 being better in typical situations.
1488
1489Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1490rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1491off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1492overkill :)
1493
1494=head3 The special problem of time updates
1495
1496Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1497least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1498time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a
1499growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1500lots of events in one iteration.
1125 1501
1126The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1502The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1127time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1503time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1128of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 1504of 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 1505you 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: 1506timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1131 1507
1132 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1508 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1133 1509
1134The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1510If 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 1511update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1136order of execution is undefined. 1512()>.
1137 1513
1138=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1514=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1139 1515
1140=over 4 1516=over 4
1141 1517
1142=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1518=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1143 1519
1144=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1520=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1145 1521
1146Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1522Configure 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 1523is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
1148timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1524reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
1149later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1525configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1526until stopped manually.
1150 1527
1151The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 1528The 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 1529you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1153exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1530trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1154the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1531keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1155timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1532do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1156 1533
1157=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1534=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1158 1535
1159This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1536This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1160repeating. The exact semantics are: 1537repeating. The exact semantics are:
1161 1538
1162If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1539If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1163 1540
1164If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1541If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1165 1542
1166If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1543If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1167C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1544C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1168 1545
1169This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1546This sounds a bit complicated, see "Be smart about timeouts", above, for a
1170example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1547usage example.
1171timeout, 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
1173configure 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
1175you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1176socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1177automatically restart it if need be.
1178
1179That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1180altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1181
1182 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1183 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1184 ...
1185 timer->again = 17.;
1186 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1187 ...
1188 timer->again = 10.;
1189 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1190
1191This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1192you want to modify its timeout value.
1193 1548
1194=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1549=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1195 1550
1196The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1551The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1197or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1552or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1198which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1553which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1199 1554
1200=back 1555=back
1201 1556
1202=head3 Examples 1557=head3 Examples
1203 1558
1204Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1559Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1205 1560
1206 static void 1561 static void
1207 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1562 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1208 { 1563 {
1209 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1564 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1210 } 1565 }
1211 1566
1212 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1567 ev_timer mytimer;
1213 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1568 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1214 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1569 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1215 1570
1216Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1571Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1217inactivity. 1572inactivity.
1218 1573
1219 static void 1574 static void
1220 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1575 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1221 { 1576 {
1222 .. ten seconds without any activity 1577 .. ten seconds without any activity
1223 } 1578 }
1224 1579
1225 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1580 ev_timer mytimer;
1226 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1581 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1227 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1582 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1228 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1583 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1229 1584
1230 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1585 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1231 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1586 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1232 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1587 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1233 1588
1234 1589
1235=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1590=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1236 1591
1237Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1592Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1238(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1593(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1239 1594
1240Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1595Unlike 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 1596but 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 1597to 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 () 1598periodic 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 1599+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system
1600clock 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 1601to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1246roughly 10 seconds later). 1602roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1247 1603
1248They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1604C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
1249triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated, 1605such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1250rules. 1606complicated rules.
1251 1607
1252As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1608As 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 1609time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1254during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1610during the same loop iteration, then order of execution is undefined.
1255 1611
1256=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1612=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1257 1613
1258=over 4 1614=over 4
1259 1615
1260=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1616=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1261 1617
1262=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1618=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
1263 1619
1264Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1620Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1265operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1621operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1266 1622
1267=over 4 1623=over 4
1268 1624
1269=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1625=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1270 1626
1271In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1627In 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, 1628time C<at> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a time
1273that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1629jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
1274system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1630only run when the system clock reaches or surpasses this time.
1275 1631
1276=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1632=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1277 1633
1278In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1634In 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) 1635C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1280and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1636and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1281 1637
1282This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1638This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the
1283time: 1639system clock, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
1640hour, on the hour:
1284 1641
1285 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1642 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1286 1643
1287This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1644This 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 1645but 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 1646full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1290by 3600. 1647by 3600.
1291 1648
1292Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1649Another 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 1650C<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. 1651time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1295 1652
1296For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1653For 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 1654C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1298this value. 1655this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1656
1657Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1658speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1659will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1660millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1299 1661
1300=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1662=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1301 1663
1302In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1664In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1303ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1665ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1304reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1666reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1305current time as second argument. 1667current time as second argument.
1306 1668
1307NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1669NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1308ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1670ever, 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 1671
1672If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1673it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1674only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1675
1312Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1676The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic
1313ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1677*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1314 1678
1679 static ev_tstamp
1315 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1680 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1316 { 1681 {
1317 return now + 60.; 1682 return now + 60.;
1318 } 1683 }
1319 1684
1320It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1685It 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 1686(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 1687will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1323might be called at other times, too. 1688might be called at other times, too.
1324 1689
1325NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the 1690NOTE: 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. 1691equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1327 1692
1328This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 1693This 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 1694triggers 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 1695next 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 1696you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1332reason I omitted it as an example). 1697reason I omitted it as an example).
1333 1698
1334=back 1699=back
1338Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1703Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1339when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1704when 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 1705a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1341program when the crontabs have changed). 1706program when the crontabs have changed).
1342 1707
1708=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1709
1710When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1711trigger next.
1712
1343=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 1713=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1344 1714
1345When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 1715When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1346absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 1716absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1347 1717
1352 1722
1353The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1723The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1354take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1724take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1355called. 1725called.
1356 1726
1357=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 1727=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1358 1728
1359The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1729The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1360switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1730switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1361the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1731the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1362 1732
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 1733=back
1369 1734
1370=head3 Examples 1735=head3 Examples
1371 1736
1372Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1737Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1373system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1738system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1374potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1739potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1375 1740
1376 static void 1741 static void
1377 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1742 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1378 { 1743 {
1379 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1744 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1380 } 1745 }
1381 1746
1382 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1747 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1383 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1748 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1384 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1749 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1385 1750
1386Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1751Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1387 1752
1388 #include <math.h> 1753 #include <math.h>
1389 1754
1390 static ev_tstamp 1755 static ev_tstamp
1391 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1756 my_scheduler_cb (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1392 { 1757 {
1393 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1758 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1394 } 1759 }
1395 1760
1396 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1761 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1397 1762
1398Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1763Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1399 1764
1400 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1765 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1401 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1766 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1402 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1767 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1403 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1768 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1404 1769
1405 1770
1406=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1771=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1407 1772
1408Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1773Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1409signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 1774signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1410will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 1775will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1411normal event processing, like any other event. 1776normal event processing, like any other event.
1412 1777
1778If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would
1779do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use
1780C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop.
1781
1413You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 1782You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the
1414first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher 1783first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler
1415with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1784with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1416as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1785you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when
1417watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1786the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1418SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1787signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1788
1789If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1790C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1791interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1792signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1793them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1419 1794
1420=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1795=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1421 1796
1422=over 4 1797=over 4
1423 1798
1432 1807
1433The signal the watcher watches out for. 1808The signal the watcher watches out for.
1434 1809
1435=back 1810=back
1436 1811
1812=head3 Examples
1813
1814Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1815
1816 static void
1817 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1818 {
1819 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1820 }
1821
1822 ev_signal signal_watcher;
1823 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1824 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1825
1437 1826
1438=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1827=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1439 1828
1440Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1829Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1441some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1830some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
1831exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
1832has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
1833as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,
1834forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
1835but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later is
1836not.
1837
1838Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1839you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1840
1841=head3 Process Interaction
1842
1843Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1844initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1845the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1846of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1847synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1848children, even ones not watched.
1849
1850=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1851
1852Libev offers no special support for overriding the built-in child
1853processing, but if your application collides with libev's default child
1854handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1855C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1856default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1857event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1858that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1859
1860=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1861
1862Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1863child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1864callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1865when a child exit is detected.
1442 1866
1443=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1867=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1444 1868
1445=over 4 1869=over 4
1446 1870
1472 1896
1473=back 1897=back
1474 1898
1475=head3 Examples 1899=head3 Examples
1476 1900
1477Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1901Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1902its completion.
1478 1903
1904 ev_child cw;
1905
1479 static void 1906 static void
1480 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1907 child_cb (EV_P_ ev_child *w, int revents)
1481 { 1908 {
1482 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1909 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1910 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1483 } 1911 }
1484 1912
1485 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1913 pid_t pid = fork ();
1486 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1914
1487 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1915 if (pid < 0)
1916 // error
1917 else if (pid == 0)
1918 {
1919 // the forked child executes here
1920 exit (1);
1921 }
1922 else
1923 {
1924 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1925 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1926 }
1488 1927
1489 1928
1490=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1929=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1491 1930
1492This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1931This 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 1932C<stat> on that path in regular intervals (or when the OS says it changed)
1494compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 1933and sees if it changed compared to the last time, invoking the callback if
1934it did.
1495 1935
1496The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1936The 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 1937not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1498not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 1938not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1499otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 1939otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1500the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1940the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1501 1941
1502The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is 1942The path I<must not> end in a slash or contain special components such as
1943C<.> or C<..>. The path I<should> be absolute: If it is relative and
1503relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined. 1944your working directory changes, then the behaviour is undefined.
1504 1945
1505Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1946Since there is no portable change notification interface available, the
1506calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1947portable implementation simply calls C<stat(2)> regularly on the path
1507can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1948to see if it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling
1508a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1949interval for this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly
1509unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1950recommended!) then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used
1510five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1951(which you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might
1511impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1952change dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is
1512usually overkill. 1953currently around C<0.1>, but that's usually overkill.
1513 1954
1514This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1955This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1515as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1956as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1516resource-intensive. 1957resource-intensive.
1517 1958
1518At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 1959At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1519implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 1960is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as
1520reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 1961an exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way
1521semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1962of implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue).
1522to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1523usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1524polling.
1525 1963
1526=head3 Inotify 1964=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1527 1965
1966Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1967compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1968support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1969structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1970use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1971compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1972obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1973most noticeably displayed with ev_stat and large file support.
1974
1975The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1976file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1977optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1978to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1979default compilation environment.
1980
1981=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
1982
1528When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1983When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally
1984only available with Linux 2.6.25 or above due to bugs in earlier
1529available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 1985implementations) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1530change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 1986change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created
1531when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 1987lazily when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1532 1988
1533Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 1989Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1534except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 1990except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1535making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support 1991making 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. 1992there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling,
1993but as long as the path exists, libev usually gets away without polling.
1537 1994
1538(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 1995There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1539implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 1996implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1540descriptor open on the object at all times). 1997descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
1998etc. is difficult.
1541 1999
1542=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 2000=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1543 2001
1544The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and 2002The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably,
1545even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still 2003and even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems
1546only support whole seconds. 2004still only support whole seconds.
1547 2005
1548That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might 2006That 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 2007easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1550your callback, which does something. When there is another update within 2008calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1551the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it. 2009within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the
2010stat data does change in other ways (e.g. file size).
1552 2011
1553The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till 2012The 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> 2013than 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> 2014a 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 2015ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1557systems. 2016
2017The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
2018of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
2019might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
2020C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
2021a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
2022update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
2023the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
2024the timer callback).
1558 2025
1559=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2026=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1560 2027
1561=over 4 2028=over 4
1562 2029
1568C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 2035C<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 2036be 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 2037a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1571path for as long as the watcher is active. 2038path for as long as the watcher is active.
1572 2039
1573The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 2040The callback will receive an C<EV_STAT> event when a change was detected,
1574relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 2041relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1575last change was detected). 2042last change was detected).
1576 2043
1577=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *) 2044=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1578 2045
1579Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 2046Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1580watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 2047watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1581detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 2048detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1582useful simply to find out the new values. 2049the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
2050new values.
1583 2051
1584=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 2052=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1585 2053
1586The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 2054The 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 2055C<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 2056suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
2057members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1589was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 2058some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1590 2059
1591=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 2060=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1592 2061
1593The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 2062The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1594C<prev> != C<attr>. 2063C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
2064differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
2065C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1595 2066
1596=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 2067=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1597 2068
1598The specified interval. 2069The specified interval.
1599 2070
1600=item const char *path [read-only] 2071=item const char *path [read-only]
1601 2072
1602The filesystem path that is being watched. 2073The file system path that is being watched.
1603 2074
1604=back 2075=back
1605 2076
1606=head3 Examples 2077=head3 Examples
1607 2078
1608Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 2079Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1609 2080
1610 static void 2081 static void
1611 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 2082 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1612 { 2083 {
1613 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 2084 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1614 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 2085 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1615 { 2086 {
1616 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 2087 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1617 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 2088 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1618 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 2089 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1619 } 2090 }
1620 else 2091 else
1621 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 2092 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1622 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 2093 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1623 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 2094 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1624 } 2095 }
1625 2096
1626 ... 2097 ...
1627 ev_stat passwd; 2098 ev_stat passwd;
1628 2099
1629 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 2100 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1630 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 2101 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1631 2102
1632Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not 2103Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1633miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so 2104miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1634one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on 2105one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1635C<ev_timer> callback invocation). 2106C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1636 2107
1637 static ev_stat passwd; 2108 static ev_stat passwd;
1638 static ev_timer timer; 2109 static ev_timer timer;
1639 2110
1640 static void 2111 static void
1641 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2112 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1642 { 2113 {
1643 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w); 2114 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1644 2115
1645 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */ 2116 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1646 } 2117 }
1647 2118
1648 static void 2119 static void
1649 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents) 2120 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1650 { 2121 {
1651 /* reset the one-second timer */ 2122 /* reset the one-second timer */
1652 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer); 2123 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1653 } 2124 }
1654 2125
1655 ... 2126 ...
1656 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 2127 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1657 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 2128 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1658 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01); 2129 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1659 2130
1660 2131
1661=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 2132=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1662 2133
1663Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 2134Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1664priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not 2135priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count
1665count). 2136as receiving "events").
1666 2137
1667That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts 2138That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1668(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be 2139(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1669triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers 2140triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1670are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop 2141are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1694=head3 Examples 2165=head3 Examples
1695 2166
1696Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 2167Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1697callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2168callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1698 2169
1699 static void 2170 static void
1700 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 2171 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
1701 { 2172 {
1702 free (w); 2173 free (w);
1703 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2174 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1704 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2175 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1705 } 2176 }
1706 2177
1707 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 2178 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
1708 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2179 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1709 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2180 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1710 2181
1711 2182
1712=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2183=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1713 2184
1714Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 2185Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
1715prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2186prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1716afterwards. 2187afterwards.
1717 2188
1718You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2189You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter
1719the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2190the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
1722those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2193those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
1723C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2194C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1724called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 2195called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1725 2196
1726Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 2197Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1727their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track 2198their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
1728variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 2199variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1729coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 2200coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1730you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example, 2201you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1731in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare> 2202in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1732watcher). 2203watcher).
1733 2204
1734This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 2205This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors
1735to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 2206need to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers
1736them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 2207for them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many
1737provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 2208libraries provide exactly this functionality). Then, in the check watcher,
1738any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 2209you check for any events that occurred (by checking the pending status
1739and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 2210of all watchers and stopping them) and call back into the library. The
1740callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 2211I/O and timer callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid
1741because you never know, you know?). 2212nevertheless, because you never know, you know?).
1742 2213
1743As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 2214As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1744coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines 2215coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
1745during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines 2216during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
1746are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines 2217are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines
1749loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 2220loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1750low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 2221low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1751 2222
1752It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 2223It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1753priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 2224priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
2225after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers).
2226
1754after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 2227Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
1755too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 2228activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
1756supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers 2229might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
1757did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other 2230C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
1758(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable 2231loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1759state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to 2232C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1760coexist peacefully with others). 2233others).
1761 2234
1762=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2235=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1763 2236
1764=over 4 2237=over 4
1765 2238
1767 2240
1768=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 2241=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1769 2242
1770Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 2243Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
1771parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 2244parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1772macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 2245macros, but using them is utterly, utterly, utterly and completely
2246pointless.
1773 2247
1774=back 2248=back
1775 2249
1776=head3 Examples 2250=head3 Examples
1777 2251
1778There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules 2252There 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 2253into 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 2254(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> 2255use 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 2256Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1783into the Glib event loop). 2257Glib event loop).
1784 2258
1785Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, 2259Method 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 2260and 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 2261is 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 2262priority 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. 2263the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1790 2264
1791 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2265 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1792 static ev_timer tw; 2266 static ev_timer tw;
1793 2267
1794 static void 2268 static void
1795 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2269 io_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1796 { 2270 {
1797 } 2271 }
1798 2272
1799 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2273 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1800 static void 2274 static void
1801 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2275 adns_prepare_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1802 { 2276 {
1803 int timeout = 3600000; 2277 int timeout = 3600000;
1804 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2278 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1805 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2279 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1806 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2280 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1807 2281
1808 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2282 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1809 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2283 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1810 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2284 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1811 2285
1812 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2286 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1813 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2287 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1814 { 2288 {
1815 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 2289 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1816 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 2290 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1817 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 2291 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1818 2292
1819 fds [i].revents = 0; 2293 fds [i].revents = 0;
1820 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 2294 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1821 } 2295 }
1822 } 2296 }
1823 2297
1824 // stop all watchers after blocking 2298 // stop all watchers after blocking
1825 static void 2299 static void
1826 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2300 adns_check_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1827 { 2301 {
1828 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2302 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1829 2303
1830 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2304 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1831 { 2305 {
1832 // set the relevant poll flags 2306 // set the relevant poll flags
1833 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 2307 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1834 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 2308 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1835 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 2309 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1836 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 2310 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1837 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 2311 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1838 2312
1839 // now stop the watcher 2313 // now stop the watcher
1840 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2314 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1841 } 2315 }
1842 2316
1843 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2317 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1844 } 2318 }
1845 2319
1846Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll> 2320Method 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. 2321in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1848 2322
1849Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2323Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1850notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2324notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1851callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2325callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1852 2326
1853 static void 2327 static void
1854 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2328 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1855 { 2329 {
1856 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2330 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1857 update_now (EV_A); 2331 update_now (EV_A);
1858 2332
1859 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2333 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1860 } 2334 }
1861 2335
1862 static void 2336 static void
1863 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2337 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1864 { 2338 {
1865 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2339 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1866 update_now (EV_A); 2340 update_now (EV_A);
1867 2341
1868 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2342 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1869 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2343 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1870 } 2344 }
1871 2345
1872 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2346 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1873 2347
1874Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2348Method 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 2349want to embed is not flexible enough to support it. Instead, you can
1876their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2350override their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the
1877loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does 2351main loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module uses
1878this. 2352this approach, effectively embedding EV as a client into the horrible
2353libglib event loop.
1879 2354
1880 static gint 2355 static gint
1881 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2356 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1882 { 2357 {
1883 int got_events = 0; 2358 int got_events = 0;
1884 2359
1885 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2360 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1886 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events 2361 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1887 2362
1888 if (timeout >= 0) 2363 if (timeout >= 0)
1889 // create/start timer 2364 // create/start timer
1890 2365
1891 // poll 2366 // poll
1892 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2367 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1893 2368
1894 // stop timer again 2369 // stop timer again
1895 if (timeout >= 0) 2370 if (timeout >= 0)
1896 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2371 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1897 2372
1898 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2373 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1899 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2374 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1900 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2375 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1901 2376
1902 return got_events; 2377 return got_events;
1903 } 2378 }
1904 2379
1905 2380
1906=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2381=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1907 2382
1908This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2383This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1914prioritise I/O. 2389prioritise I/O.
1915 2390
1916As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 2391As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
1917sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you 2392sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you
1918still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales 2393still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales
1919so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed it 2394so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed
1920into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation will 2395it into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation
1921be a bit slower because first libev has to poll and then call kevent, but 2396will be a bit slower because first libev has to call C<poll> and then
1922at least you can use both at what they are best. 2397C<kevent>, but at least you can use both mechanisms for what they are
2398best: C<kqueue> for scalable sockets and C<poll> if you want it to work :)
1923 2399
1924As for prioritising I/O: rarely you have the case where some fds have 2400As for prioritising I/O: under rare circumstances you have the case where
1925to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even 2401some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
1926priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case 2402and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
1927you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all the rest in 2403this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all
1928a second one, and embed the second one in the first. 2404the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
1929 2405
1930As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time 2406As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time
1931there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then 2407there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then
1932call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke 2408call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke
1933their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded 2409their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded
1941interested in that. 2417interested in that.
1942 2418
1943Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking: 2419Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking:
1944when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops, 2420when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops,
1945but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers 2421but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers
1946yourself. 2422yourself - but you can use a fork watcher to handle this automatically,
2423and future versions of libev might do just that.
1947 2424
1948Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by 2425Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
1949C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 2426C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
1950portable one. 2427portable one.
1951 2428
1952So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2429So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1953that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 2430that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1954this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 2431this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1955create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything. 2432create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
1956 2433
2434=head3 C<ev_embed> and fork
2435
2436While the C<ev_embed> watcher is running, forks in the embedding loop will
2437automatically be applied to the embedded loop as well, so no special
2438fork handling is required in that case. When the watcher is not running,
2439however, it is still the task of the libev user to call C<ev_loop_fork ()>
2440as applicable.
2441
1957=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2442=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1958 2443
1959=over 4 2444=over 4
1960 2445
1961=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2446=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1964 2449
1965Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2450Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1966embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2451embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1967invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2452invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1968to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2453to 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). 2454if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1970 2455
1971=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2456=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1972 2457
1973Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2458Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1974similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2459similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1975apropriate way for embedded loops. 2460appropriate way for embedded loops.
1976 2461
1977=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2462=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1978 2463
1979The embedded event loop. 2464The embedded event loop.
1980 2465
1982 2467
1983=head3 Examples 2468=head3 Examples
1984 2469
1985Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default 2470Example: 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 2471event 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 2472loop 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 2473C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
1989used). 2474used).
1990 2475
1991 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2476 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1992 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2477 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1993 struct ev_embed embed; 2478 ev_embed embed;
1994 2479
1995 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2480 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
1996 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2481 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
1997 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2482 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
1998 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2483 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
1999 : 0; 2484 : 0;
2000 2485
2001 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi 2486 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
2002 if (loop_lo) 2487 if (loop_lo)
2003 { 2488 {
2004 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 2489 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2005 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2490 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2006 } 2491 }
2007 else 2492 else
2008 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2493 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2009 2494
2010Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create 2495Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2011a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any 2496a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2012kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2497kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2013C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2498C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2014 2499
2015 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2500 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2016 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2501 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2017 struct ev_embed embed; 2502 ev_embed embed;
2018 2503
2019 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2504 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2020 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2505 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2021 { 2506 {
2022 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2507 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2023 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 2508 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2024 } 2509 }
2025 2510
2026 if (!loop_socket) 2511 if (!loop_socket)
2027 loop_socket = loop; 2512 loop_socket = loop;
2028 2513
2029 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else 2514 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2030 2515
2031 2516
2032=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2517=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2033 2518
2034Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2519Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2078is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 2563is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2079multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't 2564multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2080need elaborate support such as pthreads. 2565need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2081 2566
2082That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own 2567That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2083queue. But at least I can tell you would implement locking around your 2568queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2084queue: 2569queue:
2085 2570
2086=over 4 2571=over 4
2087 2572
2088=item queueing from a signal handler context 2573=item queueing from a signal handler context
2089 2574
2090To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal 2575To 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 2576handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is
2092some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler: 2577an example that does that for some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2093 2578
2094 static ev_async mysig; 2579 static ev_async mysig;
2095 2580
2096 static void 2581 static void
2097 sigusr1_handler (void) 2582 sigusr1_handler (void)
2098 { 2583 {
2099 sometype data; 2584 sometype data;
2100 2585
2101 // no locking etc. 2586 // no locking etc.
2102 queue_put (data); 2587 queue_put (data);
2103 ev_async_send (DEFAULT_ &mysig); 2588 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2104 } 2589 }
2105 2590
2106 static void 2591 static void
2107 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents) 2592 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2108 { 2593 {
2139 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation 2624 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation
2140 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex); 2625 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2141 queue_put (data); 2626 queue_put (data);
2142 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex); 2627 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2143 2628
2144 ev_async_send (DEFAULT_ &mysig); 2629 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2145 } 2630 }
2146 2631
2147 static void 2632 static void
2148 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents) 2633 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2149 { 2634 {
2163=over 4 2648=over 4
2164 2649
2165=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback) 2650=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2166 2651
2167Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any 2652Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2168kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2653kind. There is a C<ev_async_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2169believe me. 2654trust me.
2170 2655
2171=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 2656=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2172 2657
2173Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 2658Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2174an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 2659an 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 2660C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or
2176similar contexts (see the dicusssion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 2661similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2177section below on what exactly this means). 2662section below on what exactly this means).
2178 2663
2179This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration, 2664This 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 2665so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2181calls to C<ev_async_send>. 2666calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2182 2667
2668=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2669
2670Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2671watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2672event loop.
2673
2674C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2675the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2676it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2677quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2678
2679Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2680whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
2681
2183=back 2682=back
2184 2683
2185 2684
2186=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2685=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2187 2686
2190=over 4 2689=over 4
2191 2690
2192=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 2691=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
2193 2692
2194This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 2693This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
2195callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 2694callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
2196watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 2695watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
2197or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2696or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2198more watchers yourself. 2697more watchers yourself.
2199 2698
2200If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2699If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and the
2201is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2700C<events> argument is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for
2202C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2701the given C<fd> and C<events> set will be created and started.
2203 2702
2204If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2703If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2205started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2704started. 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 2705repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2207dubious value.
2208 2706
2209The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2707The 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 2708passed 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> 2709C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2212value passed to C<ev_once>: 2710value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
2711a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
2712events precedence.
2213 2713
2714Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2715
2214 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2716 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2215 { 2717 {
2216 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2217 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2218 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2718 if (revents & EV_READ)
2219 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2719 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2720 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2721 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2220 } 2722 }
2221 2723
2222 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2724 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2223 2725
2224=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2726=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2225 2727
2226Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2728Feeds 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 2729had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2228initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). 2730initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2229 2731
2230=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 2732=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)
2231 2733
2232Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2734Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2233the given events it. 2735the given events it.
2234 2736
2235=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2737=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2236 2738
2237Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2739Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2238loop!). 2740loop!).
2239 2741
2240=back 2742=back
2241 2743
2242 2744
2258 2760
2259=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 2761=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2260will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 2762will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
2261is an ev_pri field. 2763is an ev_pri field.
2262 2764
2765=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2766first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
2767
2263=item * Other members are not supported. 2768=item * Other members are not supported.
2264 2769
2265=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 2770=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
2266to use the libev header file and library. 2771to use the libev header file and library.
2267 2772
2268=back 2773=back
2269 2774
2270=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2775=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2271 2776
2272Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2777Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2273you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 2778you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2274the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2779the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2275 2780
2276To use it, 2781To use it,
2277 2782
2278 #include <ev++.h> 2783 #include <ev++.h>
2279 2784
2280This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 2785This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2281of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 2786of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2282put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 2787put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2283options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2788options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
2350your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the 2855your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2351thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 2856thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2352 2857
2353Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 2858Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2354 2859
2355 struct myclass 2860 struct myclass
2356 { 2861 {
2357 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2862 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2358 } 2863 }
2359 2864
2360 myclass obj; 2865 myclass obj;
2361 ev::io iow; 2866 ev::io iow;
2362 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 2867 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2363 2868
2364=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 2869=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2365 2870
2366Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 2871Also 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 2872callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2369 2874
2370The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>. 2875The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2371 2876
2372See the method-C<set> above for more details. 2877See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2373 2878
2374Example: 2879Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2375 2880
2376 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2881 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2377 iow.set <io_cb> (); 2882 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2378 2883
2379=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2884=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2380 2885
2381Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2886Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2382do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2887do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2383 2888
2384=item w->set ([args]) 2889=item w->set ([arguments])
2385 2890
2386Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2891Basically 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 2892called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2388automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 2893automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2389method. 2894method.
2390 2895
2391=item w->start () 2896=item w->start ()
2415=back 2920=back
2416 2921
2417Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2922Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2418the constructor. 2923the constructor.
2419 2924
2420 class myclass 2925 class myclass
2421 { 2926 {
2422 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2927 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2423 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2928 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2424 2929
2425 myclass (int fd) 2930 myclass (int fd)
2426 { 2931 {
2427 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2932 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2428 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2933 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2429 2934
2430 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2935 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2431 } 2936 }
2432 }; 2937 };
2938
2939
2940=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2941
2942Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
2943number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2944any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2945me a note.
2946
2947=over 4
2948
2949=item Perl
2950
2951The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
2952libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2953there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2954to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>, but C<AnyEvent::DNS> is preferred nowadays),
2955C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV>
2956and C<EV::Glib>).
2957
2958It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2959L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2960
2961=item Python
2962
2963Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2964seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the
2965patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2966for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2967libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2968libev).
2969
2970=item Ruby
2971
2972Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2973of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2974more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2975L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2976
2977=item D
2978
2979Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2980be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2981
2982=item Ocaml
2983
2984Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
2985L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
2986
2987=back
2433 2988
2434 2989
2435=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2990=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2436 2991
2437Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 2992Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2438of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 2993of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2439functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2994functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2440 2995
2441To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2996To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2442following macros are defined: 2997following macros are defined:
2447 3002
2448This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 3003This 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, 3004loop 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: 3005C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2451 3006
2452 ev_unref (EV_A); 3007 ev_unref (EV_A);
2453 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 3008 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2454 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 3009 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2455 3010
2456It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 3011It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2457which is often provided by the following macro. 3012which is often provided by the following macro.
2458 3013
2459=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 3014=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2460 3015
2461This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 3016This 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, 3017loop 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: 3018C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2464 3019
2465 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 3020 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2466 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 3021 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2467 3022
2468 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 3023 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2469 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 3024 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2470 3025
2471It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 3026It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2472suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 3027suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2473 3028
2474=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 3029=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2475 3030
2476Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 3031Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2477loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 3032loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
3033
3034=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
3035
3036Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
3037default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
3038is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
3039execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
3040
3041It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
3042watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2478 3043
2479=back 3044=back
2480 3045
2481Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 3046Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2482macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 3047macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2483or not. 3048or not.
2484 3049
2485 static void 3050 static void
2486 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 3051 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2487 { 3052 {
2488 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 3053 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2489 } 3054 }
2490 3055
2491 ev_check check; 3056 ev_check check;
2492 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3057 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2493 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3058 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2494 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3059 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2495 3060
2496=head1 EMBEDDING 3061=head1 EMBEDDING
2497 3062
2498Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3063Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2499applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3064applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2506libev somewhere in your source tree). 3071libev somewhere in your source tree).
2507 3072
2508=head2 FILESETS 3073=head2 FILESETS
2509 3074
2510Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 3075Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2511in your app. 3076in your application.
2512 3077
2513=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 3078=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2514 3079
2515To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 3080To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2516configuration (no autoconf): 3081configuration (no autoconf):
2517 3082
2518 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3083 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2519 #include "ev.c" 3084 #include "ev.c"
2520 3085
2521This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 3086This 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 3087single 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 3088it, 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 3089done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2525where you can put other configuration options): 3090where you can put other configuration options):
2526 3091
2527 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3092 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2528 #include "ev.h" 3093 #include "ev.h"
2529 3094
2530Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 3095Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2531compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 3096compiler (at least, that's a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2532as a bug). 3097as a bug).
2533 3098
2534You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 3099You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2535in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 3100in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2536 3101
2537 ev.h 3102 ev.h
2538 ev.c 3103 ev.c
2539 ev_vars.h 3104 ev_vars.h
2540 ev_wrap.h 3105 ev_wrap.h
2541 3106
2542 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 3107 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2543 3108
2544 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 3109 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) 3110 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) 3111 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) 3112 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) 3113 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2549 3114
2550F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 3115F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2551to compile this single file. 3116to compile this single file.
2552 3117
2553=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 3118=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2554 3119
2555To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 3120To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2556 3121
2557 #include "event.c" 3122 #include "event.c"
2558 3123
2559in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 3124in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2560 3125
2561 #include "event.h" 3126 #include "event.h"
2562 3127
2563in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 3128in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2564 3129
2565You need the following additional files for this: 3130You need the following additional files for this:
2566 3131
2567 event.h 3132 event.h
2568 event.c 3133 event.c
2569 3134
2570=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 3135=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2571 3136
2572Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 3137Instead 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 3138whatever 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 3139F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2575include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 3140include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2576 3141
2577For this of course you need the m4 file: 3142For this of course you need the m4 file:
2578 3143
2579 libev.m4 3144 libev.m4
2580 3145
2581=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3146=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2582 3147
2583Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define 3148Libev 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 3149define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2585and only include the select backend. 3150autoconf is documented for every option.
2586 3151
2587=over 4 3152=over 4
2588 3153
2589=item EV_STANDALONE 3154=item EV_STANDALONE
2590 3155
2595F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 3160F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2596 3161
2597=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3162=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2598 3163
2599If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3164If 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 3165monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
2601of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 3166of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2602usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 3167usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2603the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 3168the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2604to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 3169to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2605function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 3170function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2606 3171
2607=item EV_USE_REALTIME 3172=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2608 3173
2609If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3174If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2610realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 3175real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
2611runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 3176runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
2612be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 3177be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2613(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 3178(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2614note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 3179note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2615 3180
2616=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 3181=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2617 3182
2618If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available 3183If 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 ()>. 3184and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2620 3185
3186=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
3187
3188If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
3189available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
3190C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
3191If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
31922.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3193
2621=item EV_USE_SELECT 3194=item EV_USE_SELECT
2622 3195
2623If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 3196If 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 3197C<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 3198other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2626will not be compiled in. 3199will not be compiled in.
2627 3200
2628=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 3201=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2629 3202
2630If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 3203If 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 3204structure. 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 3205C<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 3206exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2634low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 3207low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2635allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 3208allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2636influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 3209influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2637 3210
2661 3234
2662=item EV_USE_EPOLL 3235=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2663 3236
2664If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 3237If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2665C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 3238C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2666otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 3239otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2667preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems. 3240backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
3241headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2668 3242
2669=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 3243=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2670 3244
2671If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 3245If 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, 3246C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2685otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 3259otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2686backend for Solaris 10 systems. 3260backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2687 3261
2688=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 3262=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2689 3263
2690reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 3264Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2691 3265
2692=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 3266=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2693 3267
2694If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 3268If 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 3269interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2696be detected at runtime. 3270be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
3271indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2697 3272
2698=item EV_ATOMIC_T 3273=item EV_ATOMIC_T
2699 3274
2700Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose 3275Libev 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 3276access 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 3277type 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" 3278that 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. 3279as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2705 3280
2706In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 3281In 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. 3282(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2708 3283
2709=item EV_H 3284=item EV_H
2710 3285
2711The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 3286The 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 3325When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2751all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3326all 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 3327and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2753fine. 3328fine.
2754 3329
2755If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3330If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
2756C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 3331both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2757 3332
2758=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3333=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2759 3334
2760If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3335If 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 3336defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2768code. 3343code.
2769 3344
2770=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 3345=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2771 3346
2772If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 3347If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2773defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3348defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3349watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
2774 3350
2775=item EV_STAT_ENABLE 3351=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2776 3352
2777If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If 3353If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2778defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3354defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2788defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3364defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2789 3365
2790=item EV_MINIMAL 3366=item EV_MINIMAL
2791 3367
2792If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3368If 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 3369speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2794some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 3370inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3371much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2795 3372
2796=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3373=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2797 3374
2798C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3375C<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 3376pid. 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>), 3383inotify 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> 3384usually 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 3385watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2809two). 3386two).
2810 3387
3388=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3389
3390Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3391timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3392to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3393faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3394
3395The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3396(disabled).
3397
3398=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3399
3400Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3401timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3402the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3403which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3404but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3405noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3406
3407The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3408(disabled).
3409
3410=item EV_VERIFY
3411
3412Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3413be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3414in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3415called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3416called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3417verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3418libev considerably.
3419
3420The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3421C<0>.
3422
2811=item EV_COMMON 3423=item EV_COMMON
2812 3424
2813By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3425By 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 3426this 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, 3427members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2816though, and it must be identical each time. 3428though, and it must be identical each time.
2817 3429
2818For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3430For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2819 3431
2820 #define EV_COMMON \ 3432 #define EV_COMMON \
2821 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3433 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2822 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3434 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2823 3435
2824=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3436=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2825 3437
2826=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3438=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2827 3439
2832definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for 3444definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2833their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 3445their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2834avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3446avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2835method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3447method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2836 3448
3449=back
3450
2837=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3451=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2838 3452
2839If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of 3453If 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 3454exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2841all public symbols, one per line: 3455all public symbols, one per line:
2842 3456
2843 Symbols.ev for libev proper 3457 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2844 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation 3458 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2845 3459
2846This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with 3460This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2847multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in 3461multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2848itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this). 3462itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
2849 3463
2850A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to 3464A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2851include before including F<ev.h>: 3465include before including F<ev.h>:
2852 3466
2853 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h 3467 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2870file. 3484file.
2871 3485
2872The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3486The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2873that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 3487that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2874 3488
2875 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 3489 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2876 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3490 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2877 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3491 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2878 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 3492 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2879 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 3493 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2880 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 3494 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2881 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3495 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2882 #define EV_MINPRI 0 3496 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2883 #define EV_MAXPRI 0 3497 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2884 3498
2885 #include "ev++.h" 3499 #include "ev++.h"
2886 3500
2887And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3501And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2888 3502
2889 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3503 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2890 #include "ev.c" 3504 #include "ev.c"
2891 3505
3506=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES
2892 3507
2893=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3508=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
2894 3509
2895In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3510=head3 THREADS
2896libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2897documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2898 3511
2899All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be 3512All libev functions are reentrant and thread-safe unless explicitly
2900extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this 3513documented otherwise, but libev implements no locking itself. This means
2901happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might 3514that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as there
2902mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average 3515are no concurrent calls into any libev function with the same loop
2903it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time. 3516parameter (C<ev_default_*> calls have an implicit default loop parameter,
3517of course): libev guarantees that different event loops share no data
3518structures that need any locking.
3519
3520Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
3521concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
3522must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as
3523only one thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using
3524a mutex per loop).
3525
3526Specifically to support threads (and signal handlers), libev implements
3527so-called C<ev_async> watchers, which allow some limited form of
3528concurrency on the same event loop, namely waking it up "from the
3529outside".
3530
3531If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3532without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3533help you, but here is some generic advice:
2904 3534
2905=over 4 3535=over 4
2906 3536
2907=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 3537=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3538in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
2908 3539
2909This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and 3540This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
2910there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will 3541themselves and don't care/know about threading.
2911have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2912 3542
2913=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 3543=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
2914 3544
2915That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 3545Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
2916as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for. 3546exists, but it is always a good start.
2917 3547
2918=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1) 3548=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3549loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
2919 3550
2920These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list. 3551Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3552better than you currently do :-)
2921 3553
2922=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1) 3554=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3555event loop.
2923 3556
2924=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 3557C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other threads safely
3558(or from signal contexts...).
2925 3559
2926These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the 3560An example use would be to communicate signals or other events that only
2927correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3561work in the default loop by registering the signal watcher with the
2928have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal). 3562default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
2929 3563watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
2930=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
2931
2932By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the
2933beginning of the storage array.
2934
2935=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2936
2937A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2938libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
2939on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2940
2941=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
2942
2943=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2944
2945Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2946priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2947linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
2948watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. priority handling.
2949
2950=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
2951
2952=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
2953
2954=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
2955
2956Sending involves a syscall I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
2957calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
2958involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
2959 3564
2960=back 3565=back
2961 3566
3567=head3 COROUTINES
2962 3568
2963=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds 3569Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3570libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3571coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3572different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3573loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3574you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3575
3576Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3577C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3578they do not call any callbacks.
3579
3580=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3581
3582Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3583lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3584scared by this.
3585
3586However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3587has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3588warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3589targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3590
3591Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3592workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3593maintainable.
3594
3595And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3596wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3597seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3598warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have
3599been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3600such buggy versions.
3601
3602While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3603"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3604with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3605them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3606warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3607
3608
3609=head2 VALGRIND
3610
3611Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3612highly useful. Unfortunately, valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3613
3614If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3615in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3616
3617 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3618 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3619 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3620
3621Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables
3622is not a memleak - the memory is still being referenced, and didn't leak.
3623
3624Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs
3625as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend,
3626although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
3627confused.
3628
3629Keep in mind that valgrind is a very good tool, but only a tool. Don't
3630make it into some kind of religion.
3631
3632If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3633with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this
3634is a bug in libev (best check the archives, too :). However, don't be
3635annoyed when you get a brisk "this is no bug" answer and take the chance
3636of learning how to interpret valgrind properly.
3637
3638If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3639I suggest using suppression lists.
3640
3641
3642=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3643
3644=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
2964 3645
2965Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 3646Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
2966requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3647requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
2967model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3648model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
2968the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3649the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
2969descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 3650descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
2970e.g. cygwin. 3651e.g. cygwin.
2971 3652
3653Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3654re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
3655things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
3656way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3657
2972There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 3658There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
2973embedding it into other applications. 3659embedding it into other applications.
2974 3660
3661Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3662accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3663either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3664so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3665megabyte seems safe, but this apparently depends on the amount of memory
3666available).
3667
2975Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the 3668Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
2976abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not 3669the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
2977recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than 3670is 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 3671more 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 3672different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
2980be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games). 3673notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3674(Microsoft monopoly games).
3675
3676A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3677section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3678of F<ev.h>:
3679
3680 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
3681 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3682
3683 #include "ev.h"
3684
3685And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3686you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
3687
3688 #include "evwrap.h"
3689 #include "ev.c"
2981 3690
2982=over 4 3691=over 4
2983 3692
2984=item The winsocket select function 3693=item The winsocket select function
2985 3694
2986The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires 3695The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
2987socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select 3696requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
2988very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors 3697also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
2989to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, 3698requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
2990C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor 3699C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
2991symbols for more info. 3700discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3701C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
2992 3702
2993The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime 3703The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
2994libraries and raw winsocket select is: 3704libraries and raw winsocket select is:
2995 3705
2996 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1 3706 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
2997 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 3707 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
2998 3708
2999Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 3709Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3000complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 3710complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3001 3711
3002=item Limited number of file descriptors 3712=item Limited number of file descriptors
3003 3713
3004Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions 3714Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3005of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles 3715
3716Early 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 3717of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3007C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a 3718can 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). 3719recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3720previous thread in each. Great).
3009 3721
3010Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 3722Newer 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 3723to 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 3724call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3013select emulation on windows). 3725select emulation on windows).
3014 3726
3015Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime 3727Another 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 3728libraries, 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 3729or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3018C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 3730C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3019arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime 3731arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
3020libraries. 3732libraries.
3021 3733
3022This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 3734This 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 3735windows 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 3736wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3025calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 3737calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3026 3738
3027=back 3739=back
3028 3740
3741=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3742
3743In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
3744backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
3745
3746=over 4
3747
3748=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3749calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3750
3751Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3752structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3753assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3754callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3755calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3756
3757=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3758
3759The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3760C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
3761threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3762believed to be sufficiently portable.
3763
3764=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3765
3766Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
3767allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
3768pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
3769thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
3770be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
3771C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
3772
3773The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
3774except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3775well.
3776
3777=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3778
3779To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
3780instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
3781systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but is still at
3782least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of millions of
3783watchers.
3784
3785=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3786
3787The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3788have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3789enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
3790implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
3791
3792=back
3793
3794If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3795
3796
3797=head1 ALGORITHMIC COMPLEXITIES
3798
3799In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
3800libev will be documented. For complexity discussions about backends see
3801the documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
3802
3803All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
3804extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
3805happens asymptotically rarer with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
3806mean that libev does a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on
3807average it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3808
3809=over 4
3810
3811=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
3812
3813This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3814there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that, then inserting will
3815have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3816
3817=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
3818
3819That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them,
3820as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
3821
3822=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3823
3824These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
3825
3826=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3827
3828=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
3829
3830These watchers are stored in lists, so they need to be walked to find the
3831correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
3832have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal: one is typical, two
3833is rare).
3834
3835=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3836
3837By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
3838fixed position in the storage array.
3839
3840=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3841
3842A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
3843libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3844on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3845
3846=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3847
3848=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3849
3850Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3851priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3852linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3853watchers becomes O(1) with respect to priority handling.
3854
3855=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3856
3857=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3858
3859=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3860
3861Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3862calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3863involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3864
3865=back
3866
3029 3867
3030=head1 AUTHOR 3868=head1 AUTHOR
3031 3869
3032Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3870Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>, with repeated corrections by Mikael Magnusson.
3033 3871

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