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4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10
11 #include <ev.h>
12
13 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */
17 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
19 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */
23 }
24
25 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */
30 }
31
32 int
33 main (void)
34 {
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */
46 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47
48 return 0;
49 }
50
9=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
10 52
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
56
11Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
12file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
13these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
14 60
15To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process 61To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process
16(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then 62(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then
17communicate events via a callback mechanism. 63communicate events via a callback mechanism.
19You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event 65You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event
20watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the 66watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the
21details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 67details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
22watcher. 68watcher.
23 69
24=head1 FEATURES 70=head2 FEATURES
25 71
26Libev supports select, poll, the linux-specific epoll and the bsd-specific 72Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
27kqueue mechanisms for file descriptor events, relative timers, absolute 73BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
28timers with customised rescheduling, signal events, process status change 74for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
29events (related to SIGCHLD), and event watchers dealing with the event 75(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
30loop mechanism itself (idle, prepare and check watchers). It also is quite 76with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals
77(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event
78watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,
79C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as
80file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events
81(C<ev_fork>).
82
83It also is quite fast (see this
31fast (see this L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing 84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
32it to libevent for example). 85for example).
33 86
34=head1 CONVENTIONS 87=head2 CONVENTIONS
35 88
36Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration 89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will
37will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info 90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about
38about various configuration options please have a look at the file 91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in
39F<README.embed> in the libev distribution. If libev was configured without 92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event
40support for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial 93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop>
41argument of name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) 94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument.
42will not have this argument.
43 95
44=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 96=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
45 97
46Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
47(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
48the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
49called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
50to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
51it, you should treat it as such. 103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name
52 104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev.
53 106
54=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
55 108
56These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
57library in any way. 110library in any way.
62 115
63Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 116Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
64C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 117C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
65you actually want to know. 118you actually want to know.
66 119
120=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
121
122Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
123either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
124this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>.
125
67=item int ev_version_major () 126=item int ev_version_major ()
68 127
69=item int ev_version_minor () 128=item int ev_version_minor ()
70 129
71You can find out the major and minor version numbers of the library 130You can find out the major and minor ABI version numbers of the library
72you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 131you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
73C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 132C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global
74symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the 133symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
75version of the library your program was compiled against. 134version of the library your program was compiled against.
76 135
136These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
137release version.
138
77Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 139Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
78as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 140as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
79compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 141compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
80not a problem. 142not a problem.
81 143
82Example: make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 144Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
83version: 145version.
84 146
85 assert (("libev version mismatch", 147 assert (("libev version mismatch",
86 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 148 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
87 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 149 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
88 150
118 180
119See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 181See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
120 182
121=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 183=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
122 184
123Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar to the 185Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
124realloc C function, the semantics are identical). It is used to allocate 186semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
125and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory 187allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
126needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially 188memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
127destructive action. The default is your system realloc function. 189potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
190function.
128 191
129You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 192You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
130free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 193free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
131or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 194or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
132 195
133Example: replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 196Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
134retries: better than mine). 197retries).
135 198
136 static void * 199 static void *
137 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, long size) 200 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
138 { 201 {
139 for (;;) 202 for (;;)
140 { 203 {
141 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size); 204 void *newptr = realloc (ptr, size);
142 205
158callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 221callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no
159matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 222matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
160requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 223requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
161(such as abort). 224(such as abort).
162 225
163Example: do the same thing as libev does internally: 226Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
164 227
165 static void 228 static void
166 fatal_error (const char *msg) 229 fatal_error (const char *msg)
167 { 230 {
168 perror (msg); 231 perror (msg);
197flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 260flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
198 261
199If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 262If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
200function. 263function.
201 264
265The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
266C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
267for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your app you can either
268create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
269can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
270C<ev_default_init>.
271
202The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 272The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
203backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 273backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
204 274
205The following flags are supported: 275The following flags are supported:
206 276
218C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 288C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
219override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 289override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
220useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 290useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
221around bugs. 291around bugs.
222 292
293=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
294
295Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
296a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
297enabling this flag.
298
299This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
300and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
301iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
302Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
303without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has
304C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
305
306The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
307forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
308flag.
309
310This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
311environment variable.
312
223=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 313=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
224 314
225This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 315This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
226libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 316libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
227but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 317but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
228using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its usually 318using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
229the fastest backend for a low number of fds. 319usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
320
321To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
322parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
323writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
324connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
325a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
326readyness notifications you get per iteration.
230 327
231=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 328=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
232 329
233And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated than 330And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
234select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial limit on the 331than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
235number of fds you can use (except it will slow down considerably with a 332limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
236lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds). 333considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
334i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
335performance tips.
237 336
238=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 337=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
239 338
240For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 339For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
241but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 340but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
242O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), epoll scales 341like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
243either O(1) or O(active_fds). 342epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
343of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
344cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad
345support for dup.
244 346
245While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 347While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
246result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 348will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident
247(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 349(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
248best to avoid that. Also, dup()ed file descriptors might not work very 350best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
249well if you register events for both fds. 351very well if you register events for both fds.
250 352
251Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 353Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
252need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data 354need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
253(or space) is available. 355(or space) is available.
254 356
357Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
358watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.
359keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.
360
361While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in
362all kernel versions tested so far.
363
255=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 364=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
256 365
257Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 366Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
258was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 367was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
259anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 368with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
260completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 369it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected"
261unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 370unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
262C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>). 371C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
372system like NetBSD.
373
374You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
375only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
376the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
263 377
264It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 378It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
265kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 379kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
266course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 380course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
267extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per 381cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
268incident, so its best to avoid that. 382two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
383drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
384
385This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
386
387While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
388everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
389almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
390(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
391(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for
392sockets.
269 393
270=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 394=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
271 395
272This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 396This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
397implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
398and is not embeddable, which would limit the usefulness of this backend
399immensely.
273 400
274=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 401=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
275 402
276This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 403This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
277it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 404it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
278 405
279Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 406Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
280notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 407notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
281blocking when no data (or space) is available. 408blocking when no data (or space) is available.
409
410While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
411file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
412descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
413might perform better.
414
415On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this
416backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully
417embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends.
282 418
283=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 419=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
284 420
285Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 421Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
286with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 422with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
287C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 423C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
288 424
425It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
426
289=back 427=back
290 428
291If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 429If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these
292backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are 430backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
293specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse 431specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
294order of their flag values :)
295 432
296The most typical usage is like this: 433The most typical usage is like this:
297 434
298 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 435 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
299 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 436 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
314Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 451Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
315always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 452always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
316handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 453handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
317undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 454undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
318 455
319Example: try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 456Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
320 457
321 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 458 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
322 if (!epoller) 459 if (!epoller)
323 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 460 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
324 461
327Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 464Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
328etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 465etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
329sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 466sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
330responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 467responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
331calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 468calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
332the easiest thing, youc na just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 469the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
333for example). 470for example).
471
472Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
473this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
474would need to be stopped manually.
475
476In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
477rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
478pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
479C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
334 480
335=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 481=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
336 482
337Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 483Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
338earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 484earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
339 485
340=item ev_default_fork () 486=item ev_default_fork ()
341 487
488This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations
342This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 489to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
343one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense 490name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
344after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that 491the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little
345again makes little sense). 492sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev
493functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
346 494
347You I<must> call this function in the child process after forking if and 495On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
348only if you want to use the event library in both processes. If you just 496process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If
349fork+exec, you don't have to call it. 497you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all.
350 498
351The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 499The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
352it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 500it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
353quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 501quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
354 502
355 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 503 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
356 504
357At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
358without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
359do not need to care.
360
361=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 505=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
362 506
363Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 507Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
364C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 508C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
365after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 509after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
510
511=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
512
513Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
514the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
515happily wraps around with enough iterations.
516
517This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
518"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
519C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
366 520
367=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 521=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
368 522
369Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 523Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
370use. 524use.
373 527
374Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 528Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
375received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 529received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
376change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 530change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
377time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 531time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
378event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 532event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
379 533
380=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 534=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
381 535
382Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 536Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
383after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 537after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
404libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 558libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
405usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 559usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
406 560
407Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 561Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
408 562
409 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 563 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
410 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 564 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
565 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers.
566 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
411 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 567 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
412 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 568 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
413 - Update the "event loop time". 569 - Update the "event loop time".
414 - Calculate for how long to block. 570 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
571 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
572 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
573 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
415 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 574 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
416 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 575 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
417 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 576 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling.
418 - Queue all outstanding timers. 577 - Queue all outstanding timers.
419 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 578 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
420 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 579 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
421 - Queue all check watchers. 580 - Queue all check watchers.
422 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 581 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
423 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 582 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
424 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 583 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
425 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 584 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
426 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 585 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise
586 continue with step *.
427 587
428Example: queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 588Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
429anymore. 589anymore.
430 590
431 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 591 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
432 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 592 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
433 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 593 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
437 597
438Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 598Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
439has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 599has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
440C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 600C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
441C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 601C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
602
603This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
442 604
443=item ev_ref (loop) 605=item ev_ref (loop)
444 606
445=item ev_unref (loop) 607=item ev_unref (loop)
446 608
451returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 613returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For
452example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 614example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not
453visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 615visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
454no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 616no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
455way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 617way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
456libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 618libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>
619(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before,
620respectively).
457 621
458Example: create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 622Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
459running when nothing else is active. 623running when nothing else is active.
460 624
461 struct dv_signal exitsig; 625 struct ev_signal exitsig;
462 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 626 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
463 ev_signal_start (myloop, &exitsig); 627 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
464 evf_unref (myloop); 628 evf_unref (loop);
465 629
466Example: for some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 630Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
467 631
468 ev_ref (myloop); 632 ev_ref (loop);
469 ev_signal_stop (myloop, &exitsig); 633 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
634
635=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
636
637=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
638
639These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
640for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to
641invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency.
642
643Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
644allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to
645increase efficiency of loop iterations.
646
647The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
648handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
649the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
650events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
651overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
652
653By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
654time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
655at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
656C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
657introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
658
659Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
660to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
661latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
662will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
663any overhead in libev.
664
665Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect
666interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
667interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
668usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
669as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems.
470 670
471=back 671=back
472 672
473 673
474=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 674=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
544The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread. 744The signal specified in the C<ev_signal> watcher has been received by a thread.
545 745
546=item C<EV_CHILD> 746=item C<EV_CHILD>
547 747
548The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change. 748The pid specified in the C<ev_child> watcher has received a status change.
749
750=item C<EV_STAT>
751
752The path specified in the C<ev_stat> watcher changed its attributes somehow.
549 753
550=item C<EV_IDLE> 754=item C<EV_IDLE>
551 755
552The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do. 756The C<ev_idle> watcher has determined that you have nothing better to do.
553 757
561received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as 765received events. Callbacks of both watcher types can start and stop as
562many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account 766many watchers as they want, and all of them will be taken into account
563(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep 767(for example, a C<ev_prepare> watcher might start an idle watcher to keep
564C<ev_loop> from blocking). 768C<ev_loop> from blocking).
565 769
770=item C<EV_EMBED>
771
772The embedded event loop specified in the C<ev_embed> watcher needs attention.
773
774=item C<EV_FORK>
775
776The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
777C<ev_fork>).
778
779=item C<EV_ASYNC>
780
781The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
782
566=item C<EV_ERROR> 783=item C<EV_ERROR>
567 784
568An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 785An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
569happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 786happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
570ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 787ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
641=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 858=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
642 859
643Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 860Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
644events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher 861events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
645is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but 862is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
646C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 863C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
647libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 864make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
865it).
648 866
649=item callback = ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 867=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
650 868
651Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 869Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
652 870
653=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 871=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
654 872
655Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 873Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
656(modulo threads). 874(modulo threads).
875
876=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
877
878=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
879
880Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
881integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
882(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
883before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
884from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
885
886This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
887invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
888example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
889watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
890
891If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
892you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
893
894You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
895pending.
896
897The 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 :).
899
900Setting 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
902or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
903
904=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
905
906Invoke 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
908can deal with that fact.
909
910=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
911
912If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
913and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
914watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
657 915
658=back 916=back
659 917
660 918
661=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 919=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
682 { 940 {
683 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 941 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
684 ... 942 ...
685 } 943 }
686 944
687More interesting and less C-conformant ways of catsing your callback type 945More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
688have been omitted.... 946instead have been omitted.
947
948Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
949watchers:
950
951 struct my_biggy
952 {
953 int some_data;
954 ev_timer t1;
955 ev_timer t2;
956 }
957
958In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
959you need to use C<offsetof>:
960
961 #include <stddef.h>
962
963 static void
964 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
965 {
966 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
967 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
968 }
969
970 static void
971 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
972 {
973 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
974 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
975 }
689 976
690 977
691=head1 WATCHER TYPES 978=head1 WATCHER TYPES
692 979
693This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 980This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
694information given in the last section. 981information given in the last section. Any initialisation/set macros,
982functions and members specific to the watcher type are explained.
983
984Members are additionally marked with either I<[read-only]>, meaning that,
985while the watcher is active, you can look at the member and expect some
986sensible content, but you must not modify it (you can modify it while the
987watcher is stopped to your hearts content), or I<[read-write]>, which
988means you can expect it to have some sensible content while the watcher
989is active, but you can also modify it. Modifying it may not do something
990sensible or take immediate effect (or do anything at all), but libev will
991not crash or malfunction in any way.
695 992
696 993
697=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable? 994=head2 C<ev_io> - is this file descriptor readable or writable?
698 995
699I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable 996I/O watchers check whether a file descriptor is readable or writable
706 1003
707In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1004In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
708fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1005fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
709descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1006descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
710required if you know what you are doing). 1007required if you know what you are doing).
711
712You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
713(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
714descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
715to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
716the same underlying "file open").
717 1008
718If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1009If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
719(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1010(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
720C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1011C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
721 1012
728it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1019it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
729C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1020C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
730 1021
731If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1022If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
732play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1023play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
733wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1024whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
734such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1025such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
735its own, so its quite safe to use). 1026its own, so its quite safe to use).
1027
1028=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1029
1030Some 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,
1032such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1033descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1034this 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
1036fact, a different file descriptor.
1037
1038To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
1039the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
1040will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
1041it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
1042you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
1043descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
1044
1045This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
1046the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
1047optimisations to libev.
1048
1049=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
1050
1051Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
1052but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That means when you
1053have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or weirder constellations, and register
1054events for them, only one file descriptor might actually receive events.
1055
1056There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1057for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1058C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1059
1060=head3 The special problem of fork
1061
1062Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1063useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1064it in the child.
1065
1066To 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,
1068enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1069C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1070
1071
1072=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
736 1073
737=over 4 1074=over 4
738 1075
739=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1076=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
740 1077
742 1079
743Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1080Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
744rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1081rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
745C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1082C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
746 1083
1084=item int fd [read-only]
1085
1086The file descriptor being watched.
1087
1088=item int events [read-only]
1089
1090The events being watched.
1091
747=back 1092=back
748 1093
1094=head3 Examples
1095
749Example: call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1096Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
750readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1097readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
751attempt to read a whole line in the callback: 1098attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
752 1099
753 static void 1100 static void
754 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1101 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
755 { 1102 {
756 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1103 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
786 1133
787The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1134The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
788but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1135but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
789order of execution is undefined. 1136order of execution is undefined.
790 1137
1138=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1139
791=over 4 1140=over 4
792 1141
793=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1142=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
794 1143
795=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1144=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
808=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1157=item ev_timer_again (loop)
809 1158
810This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1159This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
811repeating. The exact semantics are: 1160repeating. The exact semantics are:
812 1161
1162If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1163
813If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1164If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
814 1165
815If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1166If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
816value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1167C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
817 1168
818This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1169This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
819example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1170example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
820timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60 1171timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
821seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to 1172seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
822configure an C<ev_timer> with after=repeat=60 and calling ev_timer_again each 1173configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
823time you successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle 1174C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
824state where you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can stop 1175you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
825the timer, and again will automatically restart it if need be. 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
1194=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1195
1196The 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),
1198which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
826 1199
827=back 1200=back
828 1201
1202=head3 Examples
1203
829Example: create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1204Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
830 1205
831 static void 1206 static void
832 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1207 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
833 { 1208 {
834 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1209 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
836 1211
837 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1212 struct ev_timer mytimer;
838 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1213 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
839 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1214 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
840 1215
841Example: create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1216Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
842inactivity. 1217inactivity.
843 1218
844 static void 1219 static void
845 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1220 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
846 { 1221 {
866but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1241but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
867to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1242to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
868periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1243periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now ()
869+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1244+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will
870take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1245take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger
871roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1246roughly 10 seconds later).
872again).
873 1247
874They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1248They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
875triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1249triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1250rules.
876 1251
877As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1252As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the
878time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1253time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
879during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1254during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
880 1255
1256=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1257
881=over 4 1258=over 4
882 1259
883=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1260=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
884 1261
885=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1262=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
887Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1264Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
888operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1265operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
889 1266
890=over 4 1267=over 4
891 1268
892=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1269=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
893 1270
894In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1271In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
895C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1272C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs,
896that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1273that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
897system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1274system time reaches or surpasses this time.
898 1275
899=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1276=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
900 1277
901In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1278In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
902C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat, regardless 1279C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
903of any time jumps. 1280and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
904 1281
905This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1282This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
906time: 1283time:
907 1284
908 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1285 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
914 1291
915Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1292Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
916C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1293C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
917time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1294time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
918 1295
1296For 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
1298this value.
1299
919=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1300=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
920 1301
921In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1302In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
922ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1303ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
923reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1304reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
924current time as second argument. 1305current time as second argument.
925 1306
926NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1307NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
927ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1308ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,
928return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by 1309return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
929starting a prepare watcher). 1310starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
930 1311
931Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1312Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
932ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1313ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
933 1314
934 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1315 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
957Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1338Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
958when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1339when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
959a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1340a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
960program when the crontabs have changed). 1341program when the crontabs have changed).
961 1342
1343=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1344
1345When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1346absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1347
1348Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1349timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1350
1351=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1352
1353The 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
1355called.
1356
1357=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1358
1359The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1360switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1361the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1362
1363=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1364
1365When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1366trigger next.
1367
962=back 1368=back
963 1369
1370=head3 Examples
1371
964Example: call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1372Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
965system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1373system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
966potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1374potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
967 1375
968 static void 1376 static void
969 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1377 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
973 1381
974 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1382 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
975 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1383 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
976 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1384 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
977 1385
978Example: the same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1386Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
979 1387
980 #include <math.h> 1388 #include <math.h>
981 1389
982 static ev_tstamp 1390 static ev_tstamp
983 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1391 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
985 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1393 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
986 } 1394 }
987 1395
988 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1396 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
989 1397
990Example: call a callback every hour, starting now: 1398Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
991 1399
992 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1400 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
993 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1401 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
994 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1402 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
995 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1403 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1007with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1415with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
1008as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1416as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1009watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1417watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1010SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1418SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1011 1419
1420=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1421
1012=over 4 1422=over 4
1013 1423
1014=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1424=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1015 1425
1016=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1426=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1017 1427
1018Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one 1428Configures the watcher to trigger on the given signal number (usually one
1019of the C<SIGxxx> constants). 1429of the C<SIGxxx> constants).
1020 1430
1431=item int signum [read-only]
1432
1433The signal the watcher watches out for.
1434
1021=back 1435=back
1022 1436
1023 1437
1024=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1438=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1025 1439
1026Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1440Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1027some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1441some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
1028 1442
1443=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1444
1029=over 4 1445=over 4
1030 1446
1031=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1447=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid, int trace)
1032 1448
1033=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 1449=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid, int trace)
1034 1450
1035Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or 1451Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or
1036I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look 1452I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look
1037at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 1453at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
1038the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems 1454the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
1039C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 1455C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1040process causing the status change. 1456process causing the status change. C<trace> must be either C<0> (only
1457activate the watcher when the process terminates) or C<1> (additionally
1458activate the watcher when the process is stopped or continued).
1459
1460=item int pid [read-only]
1461
1462The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1463
1464=item int rpid [read-write]
1465
1466The process id that detected a status change.
1467
1468=item int rstatus [read-write]
1469
1470The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1471C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1041 1472
1042=back 1473=back
1043 1474
1475=head3 Examples
1476
1044Example: try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1477Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1045 1478
1046 static void 1479 static void
1047 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1480 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1048 { 1481 {
1049 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1482 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1052 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1485 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1053 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1486 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1054 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1487 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1055 1488
1056 1489
1490=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1491
1492This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1493C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1494compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1495
1496The 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
1498not 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
1500the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1501
1502The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1503relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1504
1505Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1506calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1507can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1508a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1509unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around
1510five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also
1511impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats
1512usually overkill.
1513
1514This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1515as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1516resource-intensive.
1517
1518At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1519implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1520reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the
1521semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
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
1526=head3 Inotify
1527
1528When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1529available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1530change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1531when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1532
1533Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1534except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1535making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support
1536there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.
1537
1538(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1539implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1540descriptor open on the object at all times).
1541
1542=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1543
1544The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1545even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still
1546only support whole seconds.
1547
1548That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might
1549miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls
1550your callback, which does something. When there is another update within
1551the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it.
1552
1553The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till
1554the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer>
1555(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01>
1556is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating
1557systems.
1558
1559=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1560
1561=over 4
1562
1563=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1564
1565=item ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1566
1567Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of the given
1568C<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
1570a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1571path for as long as the watcher is active.
1572
1573The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected,
1574relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1575last change was detected).
1576
1577=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *)
1578
1579Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1580watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid
1581detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be
1582useful simply to find out the new values.
1583
1584=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1585
1586The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of
1587C<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
1589was some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1590
1591=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1592
1593The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1594C<prev> != C<attr>.
1595
1596=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1597
1598The specified interval.
1599
1600=item const char *path [read-only]
1601
1602The filesystem path that is being watched.
1603
1604=back
1605
1606=head3 Examples
1607
1608Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1609
1610 static void
1611 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1612 {
1613 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1614 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1615 {
1616 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1617 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1618 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1619 }
1620 else
1621 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1622 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1623 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1624 }
1625
1626 ...
1627 ev_stat passwd;
1628
1629 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1630 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1631
1632Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1633miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1634one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1635C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1636
1637 static ev_stat passwd;
1638 static ev_timer timer;
1639
1640 static void
1641 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1642 {
1643 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1644
1645 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1646 }
1647
1648 static void
1649 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1650 {
1651 /* reset the one-second timer */
1652 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1653 }
1654
1655 ...
1656 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1657 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1658 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01);
1659
1660
1057=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1661=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1058 1662
1059Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1663Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1060(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1664priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1061as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1665count).
1062imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1666
1063watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1667That 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
1669triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1670are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1064until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1671iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1065busy. 1672and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1066 1673
1067The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1674The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1068active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1675active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1069 1676
1070Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1677Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1071effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1678effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1072"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1679"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1073event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1680event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1074 1681
1682=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1683
1075=over 4 1684=over 4
1076 1685
1077=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1686=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1078 1687
1079Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1688Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1080kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1689kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1081believe me. 1690believe me.
1082 1691
1083=back 1692=back
1084 1693
1694=head3 Examples
1695
1085Example: dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle>, start it, and in the 1696Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1086callback, free it. Alos, use no error checking, as usual. 1697callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1087 1698
1088 static void 1699 static void
1089 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1700 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1090 { 1701 {
1091 free (w); 1702 free (w);
1092 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1703 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1093 // no longer asnything immediate to do. 1704 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1094 } 1705 }
1095 1706
1096 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1707 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1097 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1708 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1098 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1709 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1102 1713
1103Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 1714Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:
1104prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 1715prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1105afterwards. 1716afterwards.
1106 1717
1718You 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>
1720watchers. Other loops than the current one are fine, however. The
1721rationale behind this is that you do not need to check for recursion in
1722those 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
1724called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1725
1107Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 1726Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1108their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track 1727their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track
1109variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 1728variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1110coroutine library and lots more. 1729coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1730you 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>
1732watcher).
1111 1733
1112This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 1734This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need
1113to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 1735to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for
1114them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 1736them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
1115provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 1737provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
1125with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1747with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1126of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 1748of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1127loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1749loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1128low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1750low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1129 1751
1752It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1753priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1754after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1755too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1756supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers
1757did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1758(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1759state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1760coexist peacefully with others).
1761
1762=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1763
1130=over 4 1764=over 4
1131 1765
1132=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1766=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1133 1767
1134=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1768=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1137parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1771parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1138macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1772macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1139 1773
1140=back 1774=back
1141 1775
1142Example: *TODO*. 1776=head3 Examples
1777
1778There 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
1780(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>
1782embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1783into the Glib event loop).
1784
1785Method 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
1787is 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
1789the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1790
1791 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1792 static ev_timer tw;
1793
1794 static void
1795 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1796 {
1797 }
1798
1799 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1800 static void
1801 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1802 {
1803 int timeout = 3600000;
1804 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1805 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1806 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1807
1808 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1809 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1810 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1811
1812 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1813 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1814 {
1815 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1816 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1817 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1818
1819 fds [i].revents = 0;
1820 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1821 }
1822 }
1823
1824 // stop all watchers after blocking
1825 static void
1826 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1827 {
1828 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1829
1830 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1831 {
1832 // set the relevant poll flags
1833 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1834 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1835 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1836 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1837 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1838
1839 // now stop the watcher
1840 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1841 }
1842
1843 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1844 }
1845
1846Method 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.
1848
1849Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1850notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1851callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1852
1853 static void
1854 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1855 {
1856 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1857 update_now (EV_A);
1858
1859 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1860 }
1861
1862 static void
1863 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1864 {
1865 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1866 update_now (EV_A);
1867
1868 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1869 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1870 }
1871
1872 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1873
1874Method 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
1876their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1877loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1878this.
1879
1880 static gint
1881 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1882 {
1883 int got_events = 0;
1884
1885 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1886 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1887
1888 if (timeout >= 0)
1889 // create/start timer
1890
1891 // poll
1892 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1893
1894 // stop timer again
1895 if (timeout >= 0)
1896 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1897
1898 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1899 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1900 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1901
1902 return got_events;
1903 }
1143 1904
1144 1905
1145=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1906=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1146 1907
1147This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 1908This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1189portable one. 1950portable one.
1190 1951
1191So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 1952So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1192that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 1953that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1193this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 1954this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1194create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything: 1955create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
1956
1957=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1958
1959=over 4
1960
1961=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1962
1963=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1964
1965Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1966embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1967invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1968to 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).
1970
1971=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1972
1973Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1974similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1975apropriate way for embedded loops.
1976
1977=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1978
1979The embedded event loop.
1980
1981=back
1982
1983=head3 Examples
1984
1985Example: 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
1987loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in
1988C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be
1989used).
1195 1990
1196 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 1991 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1197 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 1992 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1198 struct ev_embed embed; 1993 struct ev_embed embed;
1199 1994
1210 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2005 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1211 } 2006 }
1212 else 2007 else
1213 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2008 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1214 2009
2010Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2011a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2012kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2013C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2014
2015 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2016 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2017 struct ev_embed embed;
2018
2019 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2020 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2021 {
2022 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2023 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2024 }
2025
2026 if (!loop_socket)
2027 loop_socket = loop;
2028
2029 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2030
2031
2032=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2033
2034Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2035whoever is a good citizen cared to tell libev about it by calling
2036C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork>). The invocation is done before the
2037event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
2038and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
2039C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
2040handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
2041
2042=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2043
1215=over 4 2044=over 4
1216 2045
1217=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2046=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1218 2047
1219=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2048Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
2049kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2050believe me.
1220 2051
1221Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2052=back
1222embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1223invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1224to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1225if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1226 2053
1227=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1228 2054
1229Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2055=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop
1230similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2056
1231apropriate way for embedded loops. 2057In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
2058asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2059loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2060
2061Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not
2062control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what
2063C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you
2064can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal
2065safe.
2066
2067This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2068too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2069(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2070C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2071
2072Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
2073just the default loop.
2074
2075=head3 Queueing
2076
2077C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2078is 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
2080need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2081
2082That 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
2084queue:
2085
2086=over 4
2087
2088=item queueing from a signal handler context
2089
2090To 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
2092some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler:
2093
2094 static ev_async mysig;
2095
2096 static void
2097 sigusr1_handler (void)
2098 {
2099 sometype data;
2100
2101 // no locking etc.
2102 queue_put (data);
2103 ev_async_send (DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2104 }
2105
2106 static void
2107 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2108 {
2109 sometype data;
2110 sigset_t block, prev;
2111
2112 sigemptyset (&block);
2113 sigaddset (&block, SIGUSR1);
2114 sigprocmask (SIG_BLOCK, &block, &prev);
2115
2116 while (queue_get (&data))
2117 process (data);
2118
2119 if (sigismember (&prev, SIGUSR1)
2120 sigprocmask (SIG_UNBLOCK, &block, 0);
2121 }
2122
2123(Note: pthreads in theory requires you to use C<pthread_setmask>
2124instead of C<sigprocmask> when you use threads, but libev doesn't do it
2125either...).
2126
2127=item queueing from a thread context
2128
2129The strategy for threads is different, as you cannot (easily) block
2130threads but you can easily preempt them, so to queue safely you need to
2131employ a traditional mutex lock, such as in this pthread example:
2132
2133 static ev_async mysig;
2134 static pthread_mutex_t mymutex = PTHREAD_MUTEX_INITIALIZER;
2135
2136 static void
2137 otherthread (void)
2138 {
2139 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation
2140 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2141 queue_put (data);
2142 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2143
2144 ev_async_send (DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2145 }
2146
2147 static void
2148 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2149 {
2150 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2151
2152 while (queue_get (&data))
2153 process (data);
2154
2155 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2156 }
2157
2158=back
2159
2160
2161=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2162
2163=over 4
2164
2165=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2166
2167Initialises 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,
2169believe me.
2170
2171=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2172
2173Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2174an 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
2176similar contexts (see the dicusssion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2177section below on what exactly this means).
2178
2179This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration,
2180so while the overhead might be noticable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2181calls to C<ev_async_send>.
1232 2182
1233=back 2183=back
1234 2184
1235 2185
1236=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2186=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1325 2275
1326To use it, 2276To use it,
1327 2277
1328 #include <ev++.h> 2278 #include <ev++.h>
1329 2279
1330(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 2280This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1331and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 2281of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1332namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 2282put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2283options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1333 2284
1334It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 2285Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1335C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2286classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
2287that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
2288you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
2289
2290Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
2291used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
2292need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
2293types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
2294it).
1336 2295
1337Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 2296Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1338 2297
1339=over 4 2298=over 4
1340 2299
1356 2315
1357All of those classes have these methods: 2316All of those classes have these methods:
1358 2317
1359=over 4 2318=over 4
1360 2319
1361=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 2320=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1362 2321
1363=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 2322=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1364 2323
1365=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 2324=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1366 2325
1367The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 2326The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1368the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 2327with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1369C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 2328
1370before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 2329The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1371automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 2330C<set> method before starting it.
2331
2332It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
2333method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
2334
2335(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
2336not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1372 2337
1373The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 2338The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
2339
2340=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
2341
2342This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
2343signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
2344first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
2345parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
2346
2347This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
2348the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
2349callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
2350your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2351thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2352
2353Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2354
2355 struct myclass
2356 {
2357 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2358 }
2359
2360 myclass obj;
2361 ev::io iow;
2362 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2363
2364=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2365
2366Also 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
2368C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2369
2370The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2371
2372See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2373
2374Example:
2375
2376 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2377 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1374 2378
1375=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2379=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1376 2380
1377Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2381Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1378do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2382do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1379 2383
1380=item w->set ([args]) 2384=item w->set ([args])
1381 2385
1382Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2386Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
1383called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2387called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1384automatically stopped and restarted. 2388automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2389method.
1385 2390
1386=item w->start () 2391=item w->start ()
1387 2392
1388Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2393Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1389constructor already takes the loop. 2394constructor already stores the event loop.
1390 2395
1391=item w->stop () 2396=item w->stop ()
1392 2397
1393Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2398Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1394 2399
1395=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2400=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1396 2401
1397For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2402For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1398C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2403C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1399 2404
1400=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2405=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1401 2406
1402Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2407Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
2408
2409=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
2410
2411Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1403 2412
1404=back 2413=back
1405 2414
1406=back 2415=back
1407 2416
1408Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2417Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
1409the constructor. 2418the constructor.
1410 2419
1411 class myclass 2420 class myclass
1412 { 2421 {
1413 ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2422 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
1414 ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2423 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
1415 2424
1416 myclass (); 2425 myclass (int fd)
2426 {
2427 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2428 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2429
2430 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2431 }
2432 };
2433
2434
2435=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2436
2437Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
2438of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2439functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2440
2441To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2442following macros are defined:
2443
2444=over 4
2445
2446=item C<EV_A>, C<EV_A_>
2447
2448This 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,
2450C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2451
2452 ev_unref (EV_A);
2453 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2454 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2455
2456It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2457which is often provided by the following macro.
2458
2459=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2460
2461This 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,
2463C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2464
2465 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2466 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2467
2468 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2469 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2470
2471It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2472suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2473
2474=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2475
2476Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2477loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
2478
2479=back
2480
2481Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2482macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2483or not.
2484
2485 static void
2486 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2487 {
2488 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1417 } 2489 }
1418 2490
1419 myclass::myclass (int fd) 2491 ev_check check;
1420 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb), 2492 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1421 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb) 2493 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1422 { 2494 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1423 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
1424 }
1425 2495
1426=head1 EMBEDDING 2496=head1 EMBEDDING
1427 2497
1428Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2498Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1429applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2499applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1430Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2500Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1431and rxvt-unicode. 2501and rxvt-unicode.
1432 2502
1433The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2503The goal is to enable you to just copy the necessary files into your
1434source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so 2504source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
1435you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of 2505you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1436libev somewhere in your source tree). 2506libev somewhere in your source tree).
1437 2507
1438=head2 FILESETS 2508=head2 FILESETS
1469 ev_vars.h 2539 ev_vars.h
1470 ev_wrap.h 2540 ev_wrap.h
1471 2541
1472 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2542 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1473 2543
1474 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is is by default) 2544 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
1475 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2545 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1476 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2546 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1477 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2547 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1478 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2548 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1479 2549
1480F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 2550F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
1481to compile a single file. 2551to compile this single file.
1482 2552
1483=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 2553=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
1484 2554
1485To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 2555To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
1486 2556
1499 2569
1500=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 2570=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
1501 2571
1502Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 2572Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in
1503whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 2573whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
1504F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> off. F<ev.c> will then include 2574F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
1505F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 2575include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
1506 2576
1507For this of course you need the m4 file: 2577For this of course you need the m4 file:
1508 2578
1509 libev.m4 2579 libev.m4
1510 2580
1528 2598
1529If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2599If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1530monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2600monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
1531of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2601of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1532usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2602usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1533the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2603the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
1534to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2604to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1535function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2605function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1536 2606
1537=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2607=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1538 2608
1539If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2609If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1540realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2610realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
1541runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2611runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
1542be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2612be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1543(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2613(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
1544in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2614note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2615
2616=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2617
2618If 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 ()>.
1545 2620
1546=item EV_USE_SELECT 2621=item EV_USE_SELECT
1547 2622
1548If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2623If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
1549C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2624C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
1567wants osf handles on win32 (this is the case when the select to 2642wants osf handles on win32 (this is the case when the select to
1568be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 2643be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
1569C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 2644C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
1570it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 2645it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
1571on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 2646on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
2647
2648=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE
2649
2650If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
2651file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
2652default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
2653correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
2654in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
1572 2655
1573=item EV_USE_POLL 2656=item EV_USE_POLL
1574 2657
1575If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 2658If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
1576backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 2659backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
1604 2687
1605=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2688=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
1606 2689
1607reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2690reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
1608 2691
2692=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2693
2694If 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
2696be detected at runtime.
2697
2698=item EV_ATOMIC_T
2699
2700Libev 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
2702type 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"
2704as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2705
2706In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
2707(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2708
1609=item EV_H 2709=item EV_H
1610 2710
1611The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2711The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
1612undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 2712undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
1613can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 2713used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
1614 2714
1615=item EV_CONFIG_H 2715=item EV_CONFIG_H
1616 2716
1617If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 2717If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
1618F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 2718F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
1619C<EV_H>, above. 2719C<EV_H>, above.
1620 2720
1621=item EV_EVENT_H 2721=item EV_EVENT_H
1622 2722
1623Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 2723Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
1624of how the F<event.h> header can be found. 2724of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
1625 2725
1626=item EV_PROTOTYPES 2726=item EV_PROTOTYPES
1627 2727
1628If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 2728If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
1629prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 2729prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
1636will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2736will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
1637additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2737additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
1638for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2738for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
1639argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2739argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
1640 2740
2741=item EV_MINPRI
2742
2743=item EV_MAXPRI
2744
2745The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2746C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2747provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2748to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2749
2750When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2751all 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
2753fine.
2754
2755If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2756C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2757
1641=item EV_PERIODICS 2758=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
1642 2759
1643If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported, 2760If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
1644otherwise not. This saves a few kb of code. 2761defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2762code.
2763
2764=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2765
2766If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2767defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2768code.
2769
2770=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2771
2772If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2773defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2774
2775=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2776
2777If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2778defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2779
2780=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2781
2782If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2783defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2784
2785=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
2786
2787If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
2788defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2789
2790=item EV_MINIMAL
2791
2792If 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
2794some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64.
2795
2796=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2797
2798C<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
2800than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2801increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2802
2803=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2804
2805C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2806inotify 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>
2808watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2809two).
1645 2810
1646=item EV_COMMON 2811=item EV_COMMON
1647 2812
1648By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 2813By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
1649this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 2814this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
1654 2819
1655 #define EV_COMMON \ 2820 #define EV_COMMON \
1656 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 2821 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
1657 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 2822 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
1658 2823
1659=item EV_CB_DECLARE(type) 2824=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
1660 2825
1661=item EV_CB_INVOKE(watcher,revents) 2826=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
1662 2827
1663=item ev_set_cb(ev,cb) 2828=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
1664 2829
1665Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 2830Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
1666and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 2831and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
1667definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for 2832definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
1668their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 2833their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
1669avoid the ev_loop pointer as first argument in all cases, or to use method 2834avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
1670calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 2835method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2836
2837=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2838
2839If 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
2841all public symbols, one per line:
2842
2843 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2844 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2845
2846This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2847multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2848itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this).
2849
2850A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2851include before including F<ev.h>:
2852
2853 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2854
2855This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
2856
2857 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
2858 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
2859 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
2860 ...
1671 2861
1672=head2 EXAMPLES 2862=head2 EXAMPLES
1673 2863
1674For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 2864For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
1675verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 2865verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
1678interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2868interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
1679will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header 2869will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
1680file. 2870file.
1681 2871
1682The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2872The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
1683that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2873that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
1684 2874
2875 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
1685 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2876 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
1686 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2877 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
1687 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2878 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2879 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2880 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
1688 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2881 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2882 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2883 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
1689 2884
1690 #include "ev++.h" 2885 #include "ev++.h"
1691 2886
1692And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2887And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
1693 2888
1694 #include "ev_cpp.h" 2889 #include "ev_cpp.h"
1695 #include "ev.c" 2890 #include "ev.c"
1696 2891
2892
2893=head1 COMPLEXITIES
2894
2895In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2896libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2897documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2898
2899All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2900extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2901happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2902mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2903it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2904
2905=over 4
2906
2907=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2908
2909This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2910there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2911have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2912
2913=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2914
2915That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2916as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2917
2918=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2919
2920These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2921
2922=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2923
2924=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2925
2926These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2927correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2928have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2929
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
2960=back
2961
2962
2963=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds
2964
2965Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
2966requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
2967model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
2968the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
2969descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
2970e.g. cygwin.
2971
2972There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
2973embedding it into other applications.
2974
2975Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the
2976abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not
2977recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than
2978a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different
2979implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot
2980be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games).
2981
2982=over 4
2983
2984=item The winsocket select function
2985
2986The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires
2987socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select
2988very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors
2989to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>,
2990C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor
2991symbols for more info.
2992
2993The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime
2994libraries and raw winsocket select is:
2995
2996 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
2997 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
2998
2999Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3000complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3001
3002=item Limited number of file descriptors
3003
3004Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions
3005of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles
3006(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for
3007C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a
3008chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each).
3009
3010Newer 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
3012call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3013select emulation on windows).
3014
3015Another 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
3017or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3018C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3019arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime
3020libraries.
3021
3022This 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
3024wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3025calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3026
3027=back
3028
3029
1697=head1 AUTHOR 3030=head1 AUTHOR
1698 3031
1699Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3032Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
1700 3033

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