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Revision 1.133 by root, Sun Feb 24 06:50:16 2008 UTC vs.
Revision 1.200 by root, Thu Oct 23 07:33:45 2008 UTC

…		…
2		2
3	libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C	3	libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4		4
5	=head1 SYNOPSIS	5	=head1 SYNOPSIS
6		6
7	#include <ev.h>	7	#include <ev.h>
8		8
9	=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM	9	=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10		10
		11	// a single header file is required
11	#include <ev.h>	12	#include <ev.h>
12		13
		14	// every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
		15	// with the name ev_TYPE
13	ev_io stdin_watcher;	16	ev_io stdin_watcher;
14	ev_timer timeout_watcher;	17	ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15		18
16	/* called when data readable on stdin */	19	// all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
		20	// this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
17	static void	21	static void
18	stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)	22	stdin_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
19	{	23	{
20	/* puts ("stdin ready"); */	24	puts ("stdin ready");
21	ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */	25	// for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
22	ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */	26	// with its corresponding stop function.
		27	ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
		28
		29	// this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
		30	ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
23	}	31	}
24		32
		33	// another callback, this time for a time-out
25	static void	34	static void
26	timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)	35	timeout_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
27	{	36	{
28	/* puts ("timeout"); */	37	puts ("timeout");
29	ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */	38	// this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
		39	ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
30	}	40	}
31		41
32	int	42	int
33	main (void)	43	main (void)
34	{	44	{
		45	// use the default event loop unless you have special needs
35	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);	46	ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36		47
37	/* initialise an io watcher, then start it */	48	// initialise an io watcher, then start it
		49	// this one will watch for stdin to become readable
38	ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);	50	ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39	ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);	51	ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40		52
		53	// initialise a timer watcher, then start it
41	/* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */	54	// simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
42	ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);	55	ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43	ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);	56	ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44		57
45	/* loop till timeout or data ready */	58	// now wait for events to arrive
46	ev_loop (loop, 0);	59	ev_loop (loop, 0);
47		60
		61	// unloop was called, so exit
48	return 0;	62	return 0;
49	}	63	}
50		64
51	=head1 DESCRIPTION	65	=head1 DESCRIPTION
52		66
53	The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted	67	The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
54	web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first	68	web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55	time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.	69	time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
56		70
57	Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a	71	Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
58	file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage	72	file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
59	these event sources and provide your program with events.	73	these event sources and provide your program with events.
60		74
…		…
84	L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent	98	L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
85	for example).	99	for example).
86		100
87	=head2 CONVENTIONS	101	=head2 CONVENTIONS
88		102
89	Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will	103	Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
90	be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about	104	configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
91	various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in	105	more info about various configuration options please have a look at
92	this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event	106	B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
93	loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop>	107	for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
94	(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument.	108	name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have
		109	this argument.
95		110
96	=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION	111	=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
97		112
98	Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the	113	Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
99	(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near	114	(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
100	the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is	115	the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
101	called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases	116	called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
102	to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on	117	to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
103	it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name	118	it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
104	component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences	119	component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105	throughout libev.	120	throughout libev.
		121
		122	=head1 ERROR HANDLING
		123
		124	Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
		125	and internal errors (bugs).
		126
		127	When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
		128	a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
		129	set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
		130	abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
		131	()>.
		132
		133	When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
		134	it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
		135	so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
		136	the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
		137
		138	Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
		139	extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
		140	circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
		141
106		142
107	=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS	143	=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
108		144
109	These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the	145	These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
110	library in any way.	146	library in any way.
…		…
119		155
120	=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)	156	=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
121		157
122	Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until	158	Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
123	either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically	159	either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
124	this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>.	160	this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
125		161
126	=item int ev_version_major ()	162	=item int ev_version_major ()
127		163
128	=item int ev_version_minor ()	164	=item int ev_version_minor ()
129		165
…		…
142	not a problem.	178	not a problem.
143		179
144	Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong	180	Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
145	version.	181	version.
146		182
147	assert (("libev version mismatch",	183	assert (("libev version mismatch",
148	ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR	184	ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
149	&& ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));	185	&& ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
150		186
151	=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()	187	=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
152		188
153	Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>	189	Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
154	value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their	190	value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
…		…
156	a description of the set values.	192	a description of the set values.
157		193
158	Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and	194	Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
159	a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11	195	a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
160		196
161	assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",	197	assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
162	ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));	198	ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
163		199
164	=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()	200	=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
165		201
166	Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also	202	Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
167	recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one	203	recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
168	returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on	204	returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
169	most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it	205	most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
170	(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that	206	(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
171	libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.	207	libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
172		208
173	=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()	209	=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
174		210
…		…
178	C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for	214	C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
179	recommended ones.	215	recommended ones.
180		216
181	See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.	217	See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
182		218
183	=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))	219	=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) [NOT REENTRANT]
184		220
185	Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the	221	Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
186	semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to	222	semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
187	allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when	223	used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
188	memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some	224	when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
189	potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc	225	or take some potentially destructive action.
190	function.	226
		227	Since some systems (at least OpenBSD and Darwin) fail to implement
		228	correct C<realloc> semantics, libev will use a wrapper around the system
		229	C<realloc> and C<free> functions by default.
191		230
192	You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,	231	You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
193	free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,	232	free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
194	or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.	233	or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
195		234
196	Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then	235	Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
197	retries).	236	retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
198		237
199	static void *	238	static void *
200	persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)	239	persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
201	{	240	{
202	for (;;)	241	for (;;)
…		…
211	}	250	}
212		251
213	...	252	...
214	ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);	253	ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
215		254
216	=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg));	255	=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); [NOT REENTRANT]
217		256
218	Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such	257	Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
219	as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string	258	as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
220	indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this	259	indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
221	callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no	260	callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
222	matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the	261	matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
223	requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff	262	requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
224	(such as abort).	263	(such as abort).
225		264
226	Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.	265	Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
…		…
237		276
238	=back	277	=back
239		278
240	=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP	279	=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
241		280
242	An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two	281	An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *> (the C<struct>
243	types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child	282	is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop>
244	events, and dynamically created loops which do not.	283	I<function>).
245		284
246	If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop	285	The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
247	in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you	286	supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do
248	create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking	287	not.
249	whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
250	threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
251	done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
252		288
253	=over 4	289	=over 4
254		290
255	=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)	291	=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
256		292
…		…
260	flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).	296	flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
261		297
262	If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this	298	If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
263	function.	299	function.
264		300
		301	Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
		302	from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
		303	as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway).
		304
265	The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and	305	The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
266	C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler	306	C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
267	for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your app you can either	307	for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
268	create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you	308	create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
269	can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling	309	can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
270	C<ev_default_init>.	310	C<ev_default_init>.
271		311
272	The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific	312	The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
…		…
281	The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right	321	The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
282	thing, believe me).	322	thing, believe me).
283		323
284	=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>	324	=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
285		325
286	If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid	326	If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
287	or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable	327	or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
288	C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will	328	C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
289	override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is	329	override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
290	useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work	330	useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
291	around bugs.	331	around bugs.
…		…
297	enabling this flag.	337	enabling this flag.
298		338
299	This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,	339	This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
300	and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop	340	and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
301	iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my	341	iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
302	Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence	342	GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
303	without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has	343	without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
304	C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).	344	C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
305		345
306	The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and	346	The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
307	forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this	347	forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
308	flag.	348	flag.
309		349
310	This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>	350	This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
311	environment variable.	351	environment variable.
312		352
313	=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)	353	=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
314		354
315	This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as	355	This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
…		…
317	but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when	357	but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
318	using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its	358	using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
319	usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.	359	usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
320		360
321	To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of	361	To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
322	parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are	362	parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
323	writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many	363	writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
324	connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have	364	connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
325	a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of	365	a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
326	readyness notifications you get per iteration.	366	readiness notifications you get per iteration.
		367
		368	This backend maps C<EV_READ> to the C<readfds> set and C<EV_WRITE> to the
		369	C<writefds> set (and to work around Microsoft Windows bugs, also onto the
		370	C<exceptfds> set on that platform).
327		371
328	=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)	372	=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
329		373
330	And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated	374	And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
331	than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial	375	than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
332	limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down	376	limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
333	considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,	377	considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
334	i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for	378	i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
335	performance tips.	379	performance tips.
336		380
		381	This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
		382	C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
		383
337	=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)	384	=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
338		385
339	For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,	386	For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
340	but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale	387	but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
341	like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),	388	like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
342	epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number	389	epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
343	of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect	390	of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
344	cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad	391	cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad
345	support for dup.	392	support for dup.
346		393
347	While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration	394	While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
348	will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident	395	will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident
349	(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its	396	(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
350	best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work	397	best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
351	very well if you register events for both fds.	398	very well if you register events for both fds.
352		399
353	Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you	400	Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
354	need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data	401	need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
355	(or space) is available.	402	(or space) is available.
356		403
357	Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all	404	Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
358	watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.	405	watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible,
359	keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.	406	i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and
		407	starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
		408	extra overhead.
360		409
361	While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in	410	While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
362	all kernel versions tested so far.	411	all kernel versions tested so far.
363		412
		413	This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
		414	C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
		415
364	=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)	416	=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
365		417
366	Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it	418	Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it was
367	was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably	419	broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably with
368	with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course	420	anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course it's
369	it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected"	421	completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected" unless
370	unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using	422	you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or
371	C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)	423	libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) system like NetBSD.
372	system like NetBSD.
373		424
374	You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it	425	You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
375	only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on	426	only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
376	the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.	427	the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
377		428
378	It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the	429	It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
379	kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of	430	kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
380	course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never	431	course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
381	cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to	432	cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
382	two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it	433	two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
383	drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.	434	drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
384		435
385	This backend usually performs well under most conditions.	436	This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
386		437
387	While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work	438	While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
388	everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken	439	everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
389	almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets	440	almost 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	441	(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	442	(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and, did I mention it,
392	sockets.	443	using it only for sockets.
		444
		445	This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with
		446	C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
		447	C<NOTE_EOF>.
393		448
394	=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)	449	=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
395		450
396	This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an	451	This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
397	implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets	452	implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
…		…
401	=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)	456	=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
402		457
403	This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,	458	This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
404	it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).	459	it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
405		460
406	Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious	461	Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
407	notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid	462	notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
408	blocking when no data (or space) is available.	463	blocking when no data (or space) is available.
409		464
410	While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active	465	While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
411	file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file	466	file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
412	descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend	467	descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
413	might perform better.	468	might perform better.
414		469
415	On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this	470	On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
416	backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully	471	notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
417	embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends.	472	in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the
		473	OS-specific backends.
		474
		475	This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
		476	C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
418		477
419	=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>	478	=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
420		479
421	Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried	480	Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
422	with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as	481	with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
…		…
424		483
425	It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.	484	It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
426		485
427	=back	486	=back
428		487
429	If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these	488	If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
430	backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are	489	backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
431	specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.	490	specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
432		491
433	The most typical usage is like this:	492	Example: This is the most typical usage.
434		493
435	if (!ev_default_loop (0))	494	if (!ev_default_loop (0))
436	fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");	495	fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
437		496
438	Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow	497	Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
439	environment settings to be taken into account:	498	environment settings to be taken into account:
440		499
441	ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);	500	ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
442		501
443	Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if	502	Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
444	available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private	503	used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
445	event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds):	504	private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
		505	fds):
446		506
447	ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);	507	ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
448		508
449	=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)	509	=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
450		510
451	Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is	511	Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
452	always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot	512	always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
453	handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by	513	handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
454	undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).	514	undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
455		515
		516	Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
		517	libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
		518	default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
		519
456	Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.	520	Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
457		521
458	struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);	522	struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
459	if (!epoller)	523	if (!epoller)
460	fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");	524	fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
461		525
462	=item ev_default_destroy ()	526	=item ev_default_destroy ()
463		527
464	Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state	528	Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
465	etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal	529	etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
466	sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your	530	sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
467	responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>	531	responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
468	calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually	532	calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
469	the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them	533	the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
470	for example).	534	for example).
471		535
472	Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by	536	Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
…		…
504		568
505	=item ev_loop_fork (loop)	569	=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
506		570
507	Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by	571	Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
508	C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop	572	C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
509	after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.	573	after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
		574	entirely your own problem.
510		575
511	=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)	576	=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
512		577
513	Returns true when the given loop actually is the default loop, false otherwise.	578	Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
		579	otherwise.
514		580
515	=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)	581	=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
516		582
517	Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to	583	Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
518	the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and	584	the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
…		…
533	received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not	599	received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
534	change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base	600	change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
535	time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the	601	time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
536	event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).	602	event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
537		603
		604	=item ev_now_update (loop)
		605
		606	Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
		607	returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
		608	is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>.
		609
		610	This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
		611	very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
		612	the current time is a good idea.
		613
		614	See also "The special problem of time updates" in the C<ev_timer> section.
		615
538	=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)	616	=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
539		617
540	Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called	618	Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
541	after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling	619	after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
542	events.	620	events.
…		…
544	If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until	622	If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until
545	either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.	623	either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
546		624
547	Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than	625	Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than
548	relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has	626	relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
549	finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program that	627	finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
550	automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue of	628	that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
551	relying on its watchers stopping correctly is a thing of beauty.	629	of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
		630	beauty.
552		631
553	A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle	632	A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
554	those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in	633	those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your
555	case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop.	634	process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of
		635	the loop.
556		636
557	A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if	637	A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
558	neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block	638	necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
559	your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after	639	will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
560	one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some	640	be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarentee that a
561	external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other	641	user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
		642	iteration of the loop.
		643
		644	This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
		645	with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
562	libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is	646	own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
563	usually a better approach for this kind of thing.	647	usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
564		648
565	Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:	649	Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
566		650
567	- Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.	651	- Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
568	* If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.	652	* If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
569	- If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers.	653	- If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
570	- Queue and call all prepare watchers.	654	- Queue and call all prepare watchers.
571	- If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.	655	- If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
		656	as to not disturb the other process.
572	- Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.	657	- Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
573	- Update the "event loop time".	658	- Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
574	- Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all	659	- Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
575	(active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having	660	(active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
576	any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).	661	any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
577	- Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.	662	- Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
578	- Block the process, waiting for any events.	663	- Block the process, waiting for any events.
579	- Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.	664	- Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
580	- Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling.	665	- Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
581	- Queue all outstanding timers.	666	- Queue all expired timers.
582	- Queue all outstanding periodics.	667	- Queue all expired periodics.
583	- If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.	668	- Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
584	- Queue all check watchers.	669	- Queue all check watchers.
585	- Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).	670	- Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
586	Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will	671	Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
587	be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.	672	be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
588	- If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK	673	- If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
…		…
593	anymore.	678	anymore.
594		679
595	... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long	680	... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
596	... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)	681	... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
597	ev_loop (my_loop, 0);	682	ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
598	... jobs done. yeah!	683	... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
599		684
600	=item ev_unloop (loop, how)	685	=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
601		686
602	Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it	687	Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
603	has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either	688	has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
604	C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or	689	C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
605	C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.	690	C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
606		691
607	This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.	692	This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
608		693
		694	It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls.
		695
609	=item ev_ref (loop)	696	=item ev_ref (loop)
610		697
611	=item ev_unref (loop)	698	=item ev_unref (loop)
612		699
613	Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event	700	Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
614	loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference	701	loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
615	count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. If you have	702	count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own.
		703
616	a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> from	704	If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop>
617	returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For	705	from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before
		706	stopping it.
		707
618	example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not	708	As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is
619	visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if	709	not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting
620	no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent	710	if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
621	way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party	711	way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
622	libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>	712	libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>
623	(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before,	713	(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before,
624	respectively).	714	respectively).
625		715
626	Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>	716	Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
627	running when nothing else is active.	717	running when nothing else is active.
628		718
629	struct ev_signal exitsig;	719	ev_signal exitsig;
630	ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);	720	ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
631	ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);	721	ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
632	evf_unref (loop);	722	evf_unref (loop);
633		723
634	Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.	724	Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
635		725
636	ev_ref (loop);	726	ev_ref (loop);
637	ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);	727	ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
638		728
639	=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)	729	=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
640		730
641	=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)	731	=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
642		732
643	These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting	733	These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
644	for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to	734	for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
645	invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency.	735	will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
		736	latency.
646		737
647	Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)	738	Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
648	allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to	739	allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
649	increase efficiency of loop iterations.	740	to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
		741	opportunities).
650		742
651	The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to	743	The idea is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to handle
652	handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes	744	one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes the
653	the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new	745	program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
654	events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high	746	events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
655	overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.	747	overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
656		748
657	By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more	749	By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
658	time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,	750	time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
…		…
660	C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will	752	C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
661	introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.	753	introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
662		754
663	Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev	755	Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
664	to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased	756	to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
665	latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers	757	latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
666	will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce	758	later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
667	any overhead in libev.	759	value will not introduce any overhead in libev.
668		760
669	Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect	761	Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
670	interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for	762	interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
671	interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It	763	interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
672	usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,	764	usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
673	as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems.	765	as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
		766
		767	Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
		768	saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
		769	are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
		770	times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
		771	reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
		772	they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
		773
		774	=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
		775
		776	This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
		777	compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
		778	through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
		779	is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
		780	error and call C<abort ()>.
		781
		782	This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
		783	circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
		784	data structures consistent.
674		785
675	=back	786	=back
676		787
677		788
678	=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER	789	=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
		790
		791	In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
		792	watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
		793	watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
679		794
680	A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your	795	A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
681	interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to	796	interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
682	become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:	797	become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
683		798
684	static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)	799	static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
685	{	800	{
686	ev_io_stop (w);	801	ev_io_stop (w);
687	ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);	802	ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
688	}	803	}
689		804
690	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);	805	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
		806
691	struct ev_io stdin_watcher;	807	ev_io stdin_watcher;
		808
692	ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);	809	ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
693	ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);	810	ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
694	ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);	811	ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
		812
695	ev_loop (loop, 0);	813	ev_loop (loop, 0);
696		814
697	As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your	815	As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
698	watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack,	816	watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
699	although this can sometimes be quite valid).	817	stack).
		818
		819	Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
		820	or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
700		821
701	Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init	822	Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
702	(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This	823	(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
703	callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io	824	callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
704	watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given	825	watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
705	is readable and/or writable).	826	is readable and/or writable).
706		827
707	Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro	828	Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
708	with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro	829	macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
709	to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< ev_<type>_init	830	is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
710	(watcher *, callback, ...) >>.	831	ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
711		832
712	To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it	833	To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it
713	with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_<type>_start (loop, watcher	834	with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_TYPE_start (loop, watcher
714	*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the	835	*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
715	corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.	836	corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
716		837
717	As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you	838	As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
718	must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never	839	must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
719	reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro.	840	reinitialise it or call its C<ev_TYPE_set> macro.
720		841
721	Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the	842	Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
722	registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as	843	registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
723	third argument.	844	third argument.
724		845
…		…
784		905
785	The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).	906	The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
786		907
787	=item C<EV_ERROR>	908	=item C<EV_ERROR>
788		909
789	An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might	910	An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
790	happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev	911	happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
791	ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other	912	ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
		913	problem. Libev considers these application bugs.
		914
792	problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping	915	You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping with the
793	with the watcher being stopped.	916	watcher being stopped. Note that well-written programs should not receive
		917	an error ever, so when your watcher receives it, this usually indicates a
		918	bug in your program.
794		919
795	Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error,	920	Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for
796	for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if	921	example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your
797	your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope	922	callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with
798	with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded	923	the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
799	programs, though, so beware.	924	programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
		925	thing, so beware.
800		926
801	=back	927	=back
802		928
803	=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS	929	=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
804
805	In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
806	e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
807		930
808	=over 4	931	=over 4
809		932
810	=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)	933	=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
811		934
…		…
817	which rolls both calls into one.	940	which rolls both calls into one.
818		941
819	You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped	942	You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
820	(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.	943	(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
821		944
822	The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,	945	The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
823	int revents)>.	946	int revents)>.
		947
		948	Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
		949
		950	ev_io w;
		951	ev_init (&w, my_cb);
		952	ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
824		953
825	=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])	954	=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
826		955
827	This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to	956	This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
828	call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can	957	call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
…		…
831	difference to the C<ev_init> macro).	960	difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
832		961
833	Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments	962	Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
834	(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.	963	(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
835		964
		965	See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
		966
836	=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])	967	=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
837		968
838	This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro	969	This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
839	calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise	970	calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
840	a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.	971	a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
		972
		973	Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
		974
		975	ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
841		976
842	=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)	977	=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
843		978
844	Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive	979	Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
845	events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.	980	events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
846		981
		982	Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
		983	whole section.
		984
		985	ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
		986
847	=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)	987	=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
848		988
849	Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending	989	Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
		990	the watcher was active or not).
		991
850	status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example,	992	It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
851	non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but	993	non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
852	C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If	994	calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
853	you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is therefore a	995	pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
854	good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.	996	therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
855		997
856	=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)	998	=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
857		999
858	Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started	1000	Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
859	and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify	1001	and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
…		…
907		1049
908	=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)	1050	=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
909		1051
910	Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither	1052	Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
911	C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback	1053	C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
912	can deal with that fact.	1054	can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
		1055	callback.
913		1056
914	=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)	1057	=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
915		1058
916	If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status	1059	If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
917	and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the	1060	returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
918	watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.	1061	watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
919		1062
		1063	Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
		1064	callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
		1065
920	=back	1066	=back
921		1067
922		1068
923	=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER	1069	=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
924		1070
925	Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change	1071	Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
926	and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used	1072	and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
927	to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and	1073	to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
928	don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data	1074	don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
929	member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own	1075	member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
930	data:	1076	data:
931		1077
932	struct my_io	1078	struct my_io
933	{	1079	{
934	struct ev_io io;	1080	ev_io io;
935	int otherfd;	1081	int otherfd;
936	void *somedata;	1082	void *somedata;
937	struct whatever *mostinteresting;	1083	struct whatever *mostinteresting;
938	}	1084	};
		1085
		1086	...
		1087	struct my_io w;
		1088	ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
939		1089
940	And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you	1090	And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
941	can cast it back to your own type:	1091	can cast it back to your own type:
942		1092
943	static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents)	1093	static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
944	{	1094	{
945	struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;	1095	struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
946	...	1096	...
947	}	1097	}
948		1098
949	More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type	1099	More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
950	instead have been omitted.	1100	instead have been omitted.
951		1101
952	Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple	1102	Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
953	watchers:	1103	embedded watchers:
954		1104
955	struct my_biggy	1105	struct my_biggy
956	{	1106	{
957	int some_data;	1107	int some_data;
958	ev_timer t1;	1108	ev_timer t1;
959	ev_timer t2;	1109	ev_timer t2;
960	}	1110	}
961		1111
962	In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,	1112	In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
963	you need to use C<offsetof>:	1113	complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
		1114	in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
		1115	some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
		1116	programmers):
964		1117
965	#include <stddef.h>	1118	#include <stddef.h>
966		1119
967	static void	1120	static void
968	t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)	1121	t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
969	{	1122	{
970	struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *	1123	struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
971	(((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));	1124	(((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
972	}	1125	}
973		1126
974	static void	1127	static void
975	t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)	1128	t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
976	{	1129	{
977	struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *	1130	struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
978	(((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));	1131	(((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
979	}	1132	}
980		1133
981		1134
982	=head1 WATCHER TYPES	1135	=head1 WATCHER TYPES
983		1136
984	This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat	1137	This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
…		…
1008	In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per	1161	In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
1009	fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file	1162	fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
1010	descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not	1163	descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1011	required if you know what you are doing).	1164	required if you know what you are doing).
1012		1165
1013	If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend	1166	If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1014	(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and	1167	known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1015	C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).	1168	C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
1016		1169
1017	Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to	1170	Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1018	receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might	1171	receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1019	be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block	1172	be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1020	because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a	1173	because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1021	lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into	1174	lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
1022	this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus	1175	this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
1023	it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning	1176	it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1024	C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.	1177	C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1025		1178
1026	If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not	1179	If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1027	play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test	1180	not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1028	whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface	1181	re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1029	such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on	1182	interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already
1030	its own, so its quite safe to use).	1183	does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
		1184	use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
		1185	indefinitely.
		1186
		1187	But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1031		1188
1032	=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors	1189	=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1033		1190
1034	Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file	1191	Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1035	descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,	1192	descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other means,
1036	such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file	1193	such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1037	descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop	1194	descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1038	this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is	1195	this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1039	registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in	1196	registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1040	fact, a different file descriptor.	1197	fact, a different file descriptor.
1041		1198
…		…
1070	To support fork in your programs, you either have to call	1227	To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1071	C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,	1228	C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1072	enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or	1229	enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1073	C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.	1230	C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1074		1231
		1232	=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
		1233
		1234	While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
		1235	when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
		1236	sent a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
		1237	this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
		1238
		1239	So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
		1240	ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
		1241	somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
		1242
1075		1243
1076	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions	1244	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1077		1245
1078	=over 4	1246	=over 4
1079		1247
1080	=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)	1248	=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1081		1249
1082	=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)	1250	=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1083		1251
1084	Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to	1252	Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
1085	rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or	1253	receive events for and C<events> is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1086	C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.	1254	C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE>, to express the desire to receive the given events.
1087		1255
1088	=item int fd [read-only]	1256	=item int fd [read-only]
1089		1257
1090	The file descriptor being watched.	1258	The file descriptor being watched.
1091		1259
…		…
1099		1267
1100	Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well	1268	Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1101	readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could	1269	readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1102	attempt to read a whole line in the callback.	1270	attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1103		1271
1104	static void	1272	static void
1105	stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)	1273	stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1106	{	1274	{
1107	ev_io_stop (loop, w);	1275	ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1108	.. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors	1276	.. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors
1109	}	1277	}
1110		1278
1111	...	1279	...
1112	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);	1280	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1113	struct ev_io stdin_readable;	1281	ev_io stdin_readable;
1114	ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);	1282	ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1115	ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);	1283	ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1116	ev_loop (loop, 0);	1284	ev_loop (loop, 0);
1117		1285
1118		1286
1119	=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts	1287	=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1120		1288
1121	Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a	1289	Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1122	given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.	1290	given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1123		1291
1124	The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that	1292	The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
1125	times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years	1293	times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
1126	time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because	1294	year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1127	detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the	1295	detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1128	monotonic clock option helps a lot here).	1296	monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
		1297
		1298	The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
		1299	passed, but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration
		1300	then order of execution is undefined.
		1301
		1302	=head3 Be smart about timeouts
		1303
		1304	Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
		1305	recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
		1306	you want to raise some error after a while.
		1307
		1308	What follows are some ways to handle this problem, from obvious and
		1309	inefficient to smart and efficient.
		1310
		1311	In the following, a 60 second activity timeout is assumed - a timeout that
		1312	gets reset to 60 seconds each time there is activity (e.g. each time some
		1313	data or other life sign was received).
		1314
		1315	=over 4
		1316
		1317	=item 1. Use a timer and stop, reinitialise and start it on activity.
		1318
		1319	This is the most obvious, but not the most simple way: In the beginning,
		1320	start the watcher:
		1321
		1322	ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 60., 0.);
		1323	ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
		1324
		1325	Then, each time there is some activity, C<ev_timer_stop> it, initialise it
		1326	and start it again:
		1327
		1328	ev_timer_stop (loop, timer);
		1329	ev_timer_set (timer, 60., 0.);
		1330	ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
		1331
		1332	This is relatively simple to implement, but means that each time there is
		1333	some activity, libev will first have to remove the timer from its internal
		1334	data structure and then add it again. Libev tries to be fast, but it's
		1335	still not a constant-time operation.
		1336
		1337	=item 2. Use a timer and re-start it with C<ev_timer_again> inactivity.
		1338
		1339	This is the easiest way, and involves using C<ev_timer_again> instead of
		1340	C<ev_timer_start>.
		1341
		1342	To implement this, configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value
		1343	of C<60> and then call C<ev_timer_again> at start and each time you
		1344	successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle state where
		1345	you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop>
		1346	the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will automatically restart it if need be.
		1347
		1348	That means you can ignore both the C<ev_timer_start> function and the
		1349	C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
		1350	member and C<ev_timer_again>.
		1351
		1352	At start:
		1353
		1354	ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
		1355	timer->repeat = 60.;
		1356	ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
		1357
		1358	Each time there is some activity:
		1359
		1360	ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
		1361
		1362	It is even possible to change the time-out on the fly, regardless of
		1363	whether the watcher is active or not:
		1364
		1365	timer->repeat = 30.;
		1366	ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
		1367
		1368	This is slightly more efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
		1369	you want to modify its timeout value, as libev does not have to completely
		1370	remove and re-insert the timer from/into its internal data structure.
		1371
		1372	It is, however, even simpler than the "obvious" way to do it.
		1373
		1374	=item 3. Let the timer time out, but then re-arm it as required.
		1375
		1376	This method is more tricky, but usually most efficient: Most timeouts are
		1377	relatively long compared to the intervals between other activity - in
		1378	our example, within 60 seconds, there are usually many I/O events with
		1379	associated activity resets.
		1380
		1381	In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
		1382	but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
		1383	within the callback:
		1384
		1385	ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
		1386
		1387	static void
		1388	callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
		1389	{
		1390	ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A);
		1391	ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
		1392
		1393	// if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
		1394	if (timeout < now)
		1395	{
		1396	// timeout occured, take action
		1397	}
		1398	else
		1399	{
		1400	// callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
		1401	// the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
		1402	// guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive:
		1403	w->again = timeout - now;
		1404	ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w);
		1405	}
		1406	}
		1407
		1408	To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined
		1409	as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has
		1410	been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise
		1411	the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so
		1412	re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
		1413	a timeout then.
		1414
		1415	Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the
		1416	C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running.
		1417
		1418	This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
		1419	minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
		1420	libev to change the timeout.
		1421
		1422	To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>
		1423	to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
		1424	callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
		1425
		1426	ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
		1427	last_activity = ev_now (loop);
		1428	callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT);
		1429
		1430	And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
		1431	C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
		1432
		1433	last_actiivty = ev_now (loop);
		1434
		1435	This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
		1436	time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
		1437
		1438	Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
		1439	callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
		1440	fix things for you.
		1441
		1442	=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
		1443
		1444	If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
		1445	employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
		1446	do even better:
		1447
		1448	When starting the timeout, calculate the timeout value and put the timeout
		1449	at the I<end> of the list.
		1450
		1451	Then use an C<ev_timer> to fire when the timeout at the I<beginning> of
		1452	the list is expected to fire (for example, using the technique #3).
		1453
		1454	When there is some activity, remove the timer from the list, recalculate
		1455	the timeout, append it to the end of the list again, and make sure to
		1456	update the C<ev_timer> if it was taken from the beginning of the list.
		1457
		1458	This way, one can manage an unlimited number of timeouts in O(1) time for
		1459	starting, stopping and updating the timers, at the expense of a major
		1460	complication, and having to use a constant timeout. The constant timeout
		1461	ensures that the list stays sorted.
		1462
		1463	=back
		1464
		1465	So which method the best?
		1466
		1467	Method #2 is a simple no-brain-required solution that is adequate in most
		1468	situations. Method #3 requires a bit more thinking, but handles many cases
		1469	better, and isn't very complicated either. In most case, choosing either
		1470	one is fine, with #3 being better in typical situations.
		1471
		1472	Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
		1473	rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
		1474	off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
		1475	overkill :)
		1476
		1477	=head3 The special problem of time updates
		1478
		1479	Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
		1480	least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
		1481	time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a
		1482	growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
		1483	lots of events in one iteration.
1129		1484
1130	The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>	1485	The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1131	time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time	1486	time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1132	of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If	1487	of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1133	you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout	1488	you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
1134	on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:	1489	timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1135		1490
1136	ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);	1491	ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1137		1492
1138	The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,	1493	If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1139	but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then	1494	update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1140	order of execution is undefined.	1495	()>.
1141		1496
1142	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	1497	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1143		1498
1144	=over 4	1499	=over 4
1145		1500
1146	=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)	1501	=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1147		1502
1148	=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)	1503	=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1149		1504
1150	Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is	1505	Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
1151	C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped. If it is positive, then the	1506	is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
1152	timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds	1507	reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
1153	later, again, and again, until stopped manually.	1508	configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
		1509	until stopped manually.
1154		1510
1155	The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you	1511	The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
1156	configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at	1512	you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1157	exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with	1513	trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1158	the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the	1514	keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1159	timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.	1515	do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1160		1516
1161	=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)	1517	=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1162		1518
1163	This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is	1519	This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1164	repeating. The exact semantics are:	1520	repeating. The exact semantics are:
1165		1521
1166	If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.	1522	If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1167		1523
1168	If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).	1524	If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1169		1525
1170	If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the	1526	If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1171	C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.	1527	C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1172		1528
1173	This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical	1529	This sounds a bit complicated, see "Be smart about timeouts", above, for a
1174	example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle	1530	usage example.
1175	timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1176	seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1177	configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1178	C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1179	you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1180	socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1181	automatically restart it if need be.
1182
1183	That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1184	altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1185
1186	ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1187	ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1188	...
1189	timer->again = 17.;
1190	ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1191	...
1192	timer->again = 10.;
1193	ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1194
1195	This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1196	you want to modify its timeout value.
1197		1531
1198	=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]	1532	=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1199		1533
1200	The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out	1534	The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1201	or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),	1535	or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1202	which is also when any modifications are taken into account.	1536	which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1203		1537
1204	=back	1538	=back
1205		1539
1206	=head3 Examples	1540	=head3 Examples
1207		1541
1208	Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.	1542	Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1209		1543
1210	static void	1544	static void
1211	one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)	1545	one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1212	{	1546	{
1213	.. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here	1547	.. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1214	}	1548	}
1215		1549
1216	struct ev_timer mytimer;	1550	ev_timer mytimer;
1217	ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);	1551	ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1218	ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);	1552	ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1219		1553
1220	Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of	1554	Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1221	inactivity.	1555	inactivity.
1222		1556
1223	static void	1557	static void
1224	timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)	1558	timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1225	{	1559	{
1226	.. ten seconds without any activity	1560	.. ten seconds without any activity
1227	}	1561	}
1228		1562
1229	struct ev_timer mytimer;	1563	ev_timer mytimer;
1230	ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */	1564	ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1231	ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */	1565	ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1232	ev_loop (loop, 0);	1566	ev_loop (loop, 0);
1233		1567
1234	// and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":	1568	// and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1235	// reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds	1569	// reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1236	ev_timer_again (&mytimer);	1570	ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1237		1571
1238		1572
1239	=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?	1573	=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1240		1574
1241	Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile	1575	Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1242	(and unfortunately a bit complex).	1576	(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1243		1577
1244	Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)	1578	Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
1245	but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher	1579	but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
1246	to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a	1580	to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
1247	periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now ()	1581	periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now ()
1248	+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will	1582	+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system
		1583	clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year
1249	take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger	1584	to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1250	roughly 10 seconds later).	1585	roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1251		1586
1252	They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as	1587	C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
1253	triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,	1588	such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1254	rules.	1589	complicated rules.
1255		1590
1256	As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the	1591	As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1257	time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready	1592	time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1258	during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.	1593	during the same loop iteration, then order of execution is undefined.
1259		1594
1260	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	1595	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1261		1596
1262	=over 4	1597	=over 4
1263		1598
1264	=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)	1599	=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1265		1600
1266	=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)	1601	=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
1267		1602
1268	Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of	1603	Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1269	operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:	1604	operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1270		1605
1271	=over 4	1606	=over 4
1272		1607
1273	=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)	1608	=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1274		1609
1275	In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time	1610	In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1276	C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs,	1611	time C<at> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a time
1277	that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the	1612	jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
1278	system time reaches or surpasses this time.	1613	only run when the system clock reaches or surpasses this time.
1279		1614
1280	=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)	1615	=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1281		1616
1282	In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next	1617	In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1283	C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)	1618	C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1284	and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.	1619	and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1285		1620
1286	This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system	1621	This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the
1287	time:	1622	system clock, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
		1623	hour, on the hour:
1288		1624
1289	ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);	1625	ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1290		1626
1291	This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,	1627	This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1292	but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a	1628	but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1293	full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible	1629	full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1294	by 3600.	1630	by 3600.
1295		1631
1296	Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that	1632	Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1297	C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible	1633	C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1298	time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.	1634	time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1299		1635
1300	For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near	1636	For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1301	C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for	1637	C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1302	this value.	1638	this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
		1639
		1640	Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
		1641	speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
		1642	will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
		1643	millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1303		1644
1304	=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)	1645	=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1305		1646
1306	In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being	1647	In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1307	ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the	1648	ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1308	reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the	1649	reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1309	current time as second argument.	1650	current time as second argument.
1310		1651
1311	NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,	1652	NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1312	ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,	1653	ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>.
1313	return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1314	starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1315		1654
		1655	If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
		1656	it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
		1657	only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
		1658
1316	Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,	1659	The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic
1317	ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:	1660	*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1318		1661
		1662	static ev_tstamp
1319	static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)	1663	my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1320	{	1664	{
1321	return now + 60.;	1665	return now + 60.;
1322	}	1666	}
1323		1667
1324	It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value	1668	It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1325	(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It	1669	(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
1326	will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but	1670	will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1327	might be called at other times, too.	1671	might be called at other times, too.
1328		1672
1329	NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the	1673	NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
1330	passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger.	1674	equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1331		1675
1332	This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that	1676	This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
1333	triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the	1677	triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the
1334	next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How	1678	next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
1335	you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main	1679	you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1336	reason I omitted it as an example).	1680	reason I omitted it as an example).
1337		1681
1338	=back	1682	=back
…		…
1342	Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful	1686	Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1343	when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return	1687	when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1344	a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like	1688	a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1345	program when the crontabs have changed).	1689	program when the crontabs have changed).
1346		1690
		1691	=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
		1692
		1693	When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
		1694	trigger next.
		1695
1347	=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]	1696	=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1348		1697
1349	When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the	1698	When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1350	absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).	1699	absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1351		1700
…		…
1356		1705
1357	The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only	1706	The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1358	take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being	1707	take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1359	called.	1708	called.
1360		1709
1361	=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]	1710	=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1362		1711
1363	The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is	1712	The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1364	switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when	1713	switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1365	the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.	1714	the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1366		1715
1367	=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1368
1369	When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1370	trigger next.
1371
1372	=back	1716	=back
1373		1717
1374	=head3 Examples	1718	=head3 Examples
1375		1719
1376	Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the	1720	Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1377	system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have	1721	system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1378	potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.	1722	potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1379		1723
1380	static void	1724	static void
1381	clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)	1725	clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1382	{	1726	{
1383	... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)	1727	... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1384	}	1728	}
1385		1729
1386	struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;	1730	ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1387	ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);	1731	ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1388	ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);	1732	ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1389		1733
1390	Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:	1734	Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1391		1735
1392	#include <math.h>	1736	#include <math.h>
1393		1737
1394	static ev_tstamp	1738	static ev_tstamp
1395	my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)	1739	my_scheduler_cb (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1396	{	1740	{
1397	return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;	1741	return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1398	}	1742	}
1399		1743
1400	ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);	1744	ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1401		1745
1402	Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:	1746	Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1403		1747
1404	struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;	1748	ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1405	ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,	1749	ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1406	fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);	1750	fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1407	ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);	1751	ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1408		1752
1409		1753
1410	=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!	1754	=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1411		1755
1412	Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific	1756	Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1413	signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev	1757	signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1414	will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the	1758	will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1415	normal event processing, like any other event.	1759	normal event processing, like any other event.
1416		1760
		1761	If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would
		1762	do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use
		1763	C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop.
		1764
1417	You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the	1765	You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the
1418	first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher	1766	first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler
1419	with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long	1767	with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1420	as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal	1768	you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when
1421	watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to	1769	the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1422	SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).	1770	signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
		1771
		1772	If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
		1773	C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
		1774	interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
		1775	signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
		1776	them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1423		1777
1424	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	1778	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1425		1779
1426	=over 4	1780	=over 4
1427		1781
…		…
1438		1792
1439	=back	1793	=back
1440		1794
1441	=head3 Examples	1795	=head3 Examples
1442		1796
1443	Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.	1797	Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1444		1798
1445	static void	1799	static void
1446	sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)	1800	sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1447	{	1801	{
1448	ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);	1802	ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1449	}	1803	}
1450		1804
1451	struct ev_signal signal_watcher;	1805	ev_signal signal_watcher;
1452	ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);	1806	ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1453	ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);	1807	ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1454		1808
1455		1809
1456	=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes	1810	=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1457		1811
1458	Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to	1812	Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1459	some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).	1813	some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
		1814	exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
		1815	has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
		1816	as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,
		1817	forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
		1818	but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later is
		1819	not.
		1820
		1821	Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
		1822	you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
		1823
		1824	=head3 Process Interaction
		1825
		1826	Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
		1827	initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
		1828	the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
		1829	of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
		1830	synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
		1831	children, even ones not watched.
		1832
		1833	=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
		1834
		1835	Libev offers no special support for overriding the built-in child
		1836	processing, but if your application collides with libev's default child
		1837	handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
		1838	C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
		1839	default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
		1840	event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
		1841	that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
		1842
		1843	=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
		1844
		1845	Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
		1846	child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
		1847	callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
		1848	when a child exit is detected.
1460		1849
1461	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	1850	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1462		1851
1463	=over 4	1852	=over 4
1464		1853
…		…
1488	The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems	1877	The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1489	C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).	1878	C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1490		1879
1491	=back	1880	=back
1492		1881
		1882	=head3 Examples
		1883
		1884	Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
		1885	its completion.
		1886
		1887	ev_child cw;
		1888
		1889	static void
		1890	child_cb (EV_P_ ev_child *w, int revents)
		1891	{
		1892	ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
		1893	printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
		1894	}
		1895
		1896	pid_t pid = fork ();
		1897
		1898	if (pid < 0)
		1899	// error
		1900	else if (pid == 0)
		1901	{
		1902	// the forked child executes here
		1903	exit (1);
		1904	}
		1905	else
		1906	{
		1907	ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
		1908	ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
		1909	}
		1910
1493		1911
1494	=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?	1912	=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1495		1913
1496	This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls	1914	This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1497	C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed	1915	C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1498	compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.	1916	compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1499		1917
1500	The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does	1918	The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1501	not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does	1919	not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
…		…
1504	the stat buffer having unspecified contents.	1922	the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1505		1923
1506	The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is	1924	The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1507	relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.	1925	relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1508		1926
1509	Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply	1927	Since there is no standard kernel interface to do this, the portable
1510	calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You	1928	implementation simply calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if
1511	can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify	1929	it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling interval for
1512	a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,	1930	this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!)
1513	unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around	1931	then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used (which
1514	five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also	1932	you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might change
1515	impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats	1933	dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is currently
1516	usually overkill.	1934	around C<0.1>, but thats usually overkill.
1517		1935
1518	This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,	1936	This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1519	as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be	1937	as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1520	resource-intensive.	1938	resource-intensive.
1521		1939
1522	At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is	1940	At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1523	implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the	1941	is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as
1524	reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the	1942	an exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way
1525	semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs	1943	of implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue).
1526	to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1527	usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1528	polling.
1529		1944
1530	=head3 Inotify	1945	=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1531		1946
		1947	Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
		1948	compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
		1949	support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
		1950	structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
		1951	use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
		1952	compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
		1953	obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
		1954	most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support.
		1955
		1956	The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
		1957	file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
		1958	optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
		1959	to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
		1960	default compilation environment.
		1961
		1962	=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
		1963
1532	When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only	1964	When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally
		1965	only available with Linux 2.6.25 or above due to bugs in earlier
1533	available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up	1966	implementations) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1534	change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily	1967	change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created
1535	when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.	1968	lazily when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1536		1969
1537	Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers	1970	Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1538	except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid	1971	except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1539	making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support	1972	making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1540	there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.	1973	there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling,
		1974	but as long as the path exists, libev usually gets away without polling.
1541		1975
1542	(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to	1976	There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1543	implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file	1977	implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1544	descriptor open on the object at all times).	1978	descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
		1979	etc. is difficult.
1545		1980
1546	=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution	1981	=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1547		1982
1548	The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and	1983	The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1549	even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still	1984	even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems still
1550	only support whole seconds.	1985	only support whole seconds.
1551		1986
1552	That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might	1987	That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1553	miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls	1988	easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1554	your callback, which does something. When there is another update within	1989	calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1555	the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it.	1990	within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the
		1991	stat data does change in other ways (e.g. file size).
1556		1992
1557	The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till	1993	The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1558	the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer>	1994	than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1559	(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01>	1995	a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1560	is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating	1996	ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1561	systems.	1997
		1998	The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
		1999	of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
		2000	might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
		2001	C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
		2002	a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
		2003	update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
		2004	the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
		2005	the timer callback).
1562		2006
1563	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	2007	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1564		2008
1565	=over 4	2009	=over 4
1566		2010
…		…
1572	C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to	2016	C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1573	be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose	2017	be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1574	a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same	2018	a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1575	path for as long as the watcher is active.	2019	path for as long as the watcher is active.
1576		2020
1577	The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected,	2021	The callback will receive an C<EV_STAT> event when a change was detected,
1578	relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the	2022	relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1579	last change was detected).	2023	last change was detected).
1580		2024
1581	=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)	2025	=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1582		2026
1583	Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the	2027	Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1584	watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid	2028	watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1585	detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be	2029	detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1586	useful simply to find out the new values.	2030	the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
		2031	new values.
1587		2032
1588	=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]	2033	=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1589		2034
1590	The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of	2035	The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1591	C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types	2036	C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1592	suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there	2037	suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
		2038	members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1593	was some error while C<stat>ing the file.	2039	some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1594		2040
1595	=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]	2041	=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1596		2042
1597	The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever	2043	The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1598	C<prev> != C<attr>.	2044	C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
		2045	differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
		2046	C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1599		2047
1600	=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]	2048	=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1601		2049
1602	The specified interval.	2050	The specified interval.
1603		2051
1604	=item const char *path [read-only]	2052	=item const char *path [read-only]
1605		2053
1606	The filesystem path that is being watched.	2054	The file system path that is being watched.
1607		2055
1608	=back	2056	=back
1609		2057
1610	=head3 Examples	2058	=head3 Examples
1611		2059
1612	Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.	2060	Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1613		2061
1614	static void	2062	static void
1615	passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)	2063	passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1616	{	2064	{
1617	/* /etc/passwd changed in some way */	2065	/* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1618	if (w->attr.st_nlink)	2066	if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1619	{	2067	{
1620	printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);	2068	printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1621	printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);	2069	printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1622	printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);	2070	printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1623	}	2071	}
1624	else	2072	else
1625	/* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */	2073	/* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1626	puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "	2074	puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1627	"if this is windows, they already arrived\n");	2075	"if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1628	}	2076	}
1629		2077
1630	...	2078	...
1631	ev_stat passwd;	2079	ev_stat passwd;
1632		2080
1633	ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);	2081	ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1634	ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);	2082	ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1635		2083
1636	Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not	2084	Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1637	miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so	2085	miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1638	one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on	2086	one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1639	C<ev_timer> callback invocation).	2087	C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1640		2088
1641	static ev_stat passwd;	2089	static ev_stat passwd;
1642	static ev_timer timer;	2090	static ev_timer timer;
1643		2091
1644	static void	2092	static void
1645	timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)	2093	timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1646	{	2094	{
1647	ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);	2095	ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1648		2096
1649	/* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */	2097	/* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1650	}	2098	}
1651		2099
1652	static void	2100	static void
1653	stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)	2101	stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1654	{	2102	{
1655	/* reset the one-second timer */	2103	/* reset the one-second timer */
1656	ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);	2104	ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1657	}	2105	}
1658		2106
1659	...	2107	...
1660	ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);	2108	ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1661	ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);	2109	ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1662	ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01);	2110	ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1663		2111
1664		2112
1665	=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...	2113	=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1666		2114
1667	Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher	2115	Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1668	priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not	2116	priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count
1669	count).	2117	as receiving "events").
1670		2118
1671	That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts	2119	That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1672	(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be	2120	(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1673	triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers	2121	triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1674	are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop	2122	are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
…		…
1698	=head3 Examples	2146	=head3 Examples
1699		2147
1700	Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the	2148	Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1701	callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.	2149	callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1702		2150
1703	static void	2151	static void
1704	idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)	2152	idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
1705	{	2153	{
1706	free (w);	2154	free (w);
1707	// now do something you wanted to do when the program has	2155	// now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1708	// no longer anything immediate to do.	2156	// no longer anything immediate to do.
1709	}	2157	}
1710		2158
1711	struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));	2159	ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
1712	ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);	2160	ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1713	ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);	2161	ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1714		2162
1715		2163
1716	=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!	2164	=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1717		2165
1718	Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:	2166	Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
1719	prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers	2167	prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1720	afterwards.	2168	afterwards.
1721		2169
1722	You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter	2170	You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter
1723	the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>	2171	the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
…		…
1726	those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,	2174	those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
1727	C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be	2175	C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1728	called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.	2176	called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1729		2177
1730	Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and	2178	Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1731	their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track	2179	their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
1732	variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a	2180	variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1733	coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if	2181	coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1734	you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,	2182	you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1735	in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>	2183	in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1736	watcher).	2184	watcher).
1737		2185
1738	This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need	2186	This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors
1739	to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for	2187	need to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers
1740	them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries	2188	for them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many
1741	provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for	2189	libraries provide exactly this functionality). Then, in the check watcher,
1742	any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers	2190	you check for any events that occurred (by checking the pending status
1743	and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer	2191	of all watchers and stopping them) and call back into the library. The
1744	callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless,	2192	I/O and timer callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid
1745	because you never know, you know?).	2193	nevertheless, because you never know, you know?).
1746		2194
1747	As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate	2195	As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1748	coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines	2196	coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
1749	during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines	2197	during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
1750	are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines	2198	are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines
…		…
1753	loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping	2201	loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1754	low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).	2202	low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1755		2203
1756	It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)	2204	It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1757	priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers	2205	priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
		2206	after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers).
		2207
1758	after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,	2208	Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
1759	too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully	2209	activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
1760	supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers	2210	might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
1761	did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other	2211	C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
1762	(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable	2212	loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1763	state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to	2213	C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1764	coexist peacefully with others).	2214	others).
1765		2215
1766	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	2216	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1767		2217
1768	=over 4	2218	=over 4
1769		2219
…		…
1771		2221
1772	=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)	2222	=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1773		2223
1774	Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no	2224	Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
1775	parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>	2225	parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1776	macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.	2226	macros, but using them is utterly, utterly, utterly and completely
		2227	pointless.
1777		2228
1778	=back	2229	=back
1779		2230
1780	=head3 Examples	2231	=head3 Examples
1781		2232
1782	There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules	2233	There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1783	into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev	2234	into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1784	(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could	2235	(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1785	use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>	2236	use as a working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> embeds a
1786	embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV	2237	Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1787	into the Glib event loop).	2238	Glib event loop).
1788		2239
1789	Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,	2240	Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1790	and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows	2241	and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1791	is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low	2242	is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1792	priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as	2243	priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1793	the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.	2244	the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1794		2245
1795	static ev_io iow [nfd];	2246	static ev_io iow [nfd];
1796	static ev_timer tw;	2247	static ev_timer tw;
1797		2248
1798	static void	2249	static void
1799	io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)	2250	io_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1800	{	2251	{
1801	}	2252	}
1802		2253
1803	// create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking	2254	// create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1804	static void	2255	static void
1805	adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)	2256	adns_prepare_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1806	{	2257	{
1807	int timeout = 3600000;	2258	int timeout = 3600000;
1808	struct pollfd fds [nfd];	2259	struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1809	// actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.	2260	// actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1810	adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));	2261	adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1811		2262
1812	/* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */	2263	/* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1813	ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);	2264	ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1814	ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);	2265	ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1815		2266
1816	// create one ev_io per pollfd	2267	// create one ev_io per pollfd
1817	for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)	2268	for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1818	{	2269	{
1819	ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,	2270	ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1820	((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)	2271	((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1821	| (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));	2272	| (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1822		2273
1823	fds [i].revents = 0;	2274	fds [i].revents = 0;
1824	ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);	2275	ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1825	}	2276	}
1826	}	2277	}
1827		2278
1828	// stop all watchers after blocking	2279	// stop all watchers after blocking
1829	static void	2280	static void
1830	adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)	2281	adns_check_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1831	{	2282	{
1832	ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);	2283	ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1833		2284
1834	for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)	2285	for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1835	{	2286	{
1836	// set the relevant poll flags	2287	// set the relevant poll flags
1837	// could also call adns_processreadable etc. here	2288	// could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1838	struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;	2289	struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1839	int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);	2290	int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1840	if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;	2291	if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1841	if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;	2292	if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1842		2293
1843	// now stop the watcher	2294	// now stop the watcher
1844	ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);	2295	ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1845	}	2296	}
1846		2297
1847	adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));	2298	adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1848	}	2299	}
1849		2300
1850	Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>	2301	Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1851	in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.	2302	in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1852		2303
1853	Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event	2304	Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1854	notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher	2305	notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1855	callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.	2306	callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1856		2307
1857	static void	2308	static void
1858	timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)	2309	timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1859	{	2310	{
1860	adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;	2311	adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1861	update_now (EV_A);	2312	update_now (EV_A);
1862		2313
1863	adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);	2314	adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1864	}	2315	}
1865		2316
1866	static void	2317	static void
1867	io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)	2318	io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1868	{	2319	{
1869	adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;	2320	adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1870	update_now (EV_A);	2321	update_now (EV_A);
1871		2322
1872	if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);	2323	if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1873	if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);	2324	if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1874	}	2325	}
1875		2326
1876	// do not ever call adns_afterpoll	2327	// do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1877		2328
1878	Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you	2329	Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1879	want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override	2330	want to embed is not flexible enough to support it. Instead, you can
1880	their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main	2331	override their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the
1881	loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does	2332	main loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module uses
1882	this.	2333	this approach, effectively embedding EV as a client into the horrible
		2334	libglib event loop.
1883		2335
1884	static gint	2336	static gint
1885	event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)	2337	event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1886	{	2338	{
1887	int got_events = 0;	2339	int got_events = 0;
1888		2340
1889	for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)	2341	for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1890	// create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events	2342	// create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1891		2343
1892	if (timeout >= 0)	2344	if (timeout >= 0)
1893	// create/start timer	2345	// create/start timer
1894		2346
1895	// poll	2347	// poll
1896	ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);	2348	ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1897		2349
1898	// stop timer again	2350	// stop timer again
1899	if (timeout >= 0)	2351	if (timeout >= 0)
1900	ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);	2352	ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1901		2353
1902	// stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set	2354	// stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1903	for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)	2355	for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1904	ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);	2356	ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1905		2357
1906	return got_events;	2358	return got_events;
1907	}	2359	}
1908		2360
1909		2361
1910	=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...	2362	=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1911		2363
1912	This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop	2364	This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
…		…
1918	prioritise I/O.	2370	prioritise I/O.
1919		2371
1920	As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support	2372	As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
1921	sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you	2373	sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you
1922	still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales	2374	still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales
1923	so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed it	2375	so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed
1924	into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation will	2376	it into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation
1925	be a bit slower because first libev has to poll and then call kevent, but	2377	will be a bit slower because first libev has to call C<poll> and then
1926	at least you can use both at what they are best.	2378	C<kevent>, but at least you can use both mechanisms for what they are
		2379	best: C<kqueue> for scalable sockets and C<poll> if you want it to work :)
1927		2380
1928	As for prioritising I/O: rarely you have the case where some fds have	2381	As for prioritising I/O: under rare circumstances you have the case where
1929	to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even	2382	some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
1930	priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case	2383	and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
1931	you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all the rest in	2384	this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all
1932	a second one, and embed the second one in the first.	2385	the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
1933		2386
1934	As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time	2387	As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time
1935	there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then	2388	there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then
1936	call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke	2389	call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke
1937	their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded	2390	their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded
…		…
1945	interested in that.	2398	interested in that.
1946		2399
1947	Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking:	2400	Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking:
1948	when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops,	2401	when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops,
1949	but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers	2402	but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers
1950	yourself.	2403	yourself - but you can use a fork watcher to handle this automatically,
		2404	and future versions of libev might do just that.
1951		2405
1952	Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by	2406	Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
1953	C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any	2407	C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
1954	portable one.	2408	portable one.
1955		2409
1956	So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared	2410	So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1957	that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around	2411	that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1958	this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to	2412	this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1959	create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.	2413	create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
1960		2414
		2415	=head3 C<ev_embed> and fork
		2416
		2417	While the C<ev_embed> watcher is running, forks in the embedding loop will
		2418	automatically be applied to the embedded loop as well, so no special
		2419	fork handling is required in that case. When the watcher is not running,
		2420	however, it is still the task of the libev user to call C<ev_loop_fork ()>
		2421	as applicable.
		2422
1961	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members	2423	=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1962		2424
1963	=over 4	2425	=over 4
1964		2426
1965	=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)	2427	=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
…		…
1968		2430
1969	Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be	2431	Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1970	embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be	2432	embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1971	invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback	2433	invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1972	to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,	2434	to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1973	if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).	2435	if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1974		2436
1975	=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)	2437	=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1976		2438
1977	Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works	2439	Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1978	similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most	2440	similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1979	apropriate way for embedded loops.	2441	appropriate way for embedded loops.
1980		2442
1981	=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]	2443	=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1982		2444
1983	The embedded event loop.	2445	The embedded event loop.
1984		2446
…		…
1986		2448
1987	=head3 Examples	2449	=head3 Examples
1988		2450
1989	Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default	2451	Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
1990	event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default	2452	event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
1991	loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in	2453	loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
1992	C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be	2454	C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
1993	used).	2455	used).
1994		2456
1995	struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);	2457	struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1996	struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;	2458	struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1997	struct ev_embed embed;	2459	ev_embed embed;
1998		2460
1999	// see if there is a chance of getting one that works	2461	// see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2000	// (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)	2462	// (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2001	loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()	2463	loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2002	? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())	2464	? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2003	: 0;	2465	: 0;
2004		2466
2005	// if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi	2467	// if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
2006	if (loop_lo)	2468	if (loop_lo)
2007	{	2469	{
2008	ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);	2470	ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2009	ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);	2471	ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2010	}	2472	}
2011	else	2473	else
2012	loop_lo = loop_hi;	2474	loop_lo = loop_hi;
2013		2475
2014	Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create	2476	Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2015	a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any	2477	a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2016	kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in	2478	kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2017	C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).	2479	C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2018		2480
2019	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);	2481	struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2020	struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;	2482	struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2021	struct ev_embed embed;	2483	ev_embed embed;
2022		2484
2023	if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)	2485	if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2024	if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))	2486	if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2025	{	2487	{
2026	ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);	2488	ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2027	ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);	2489	ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2028	}	2490	}
2029		2491
2030	if (!loop_socket)	2492	if (!loop_socket)
2031	loop_socket = loop;	2493	loop_socket = loop;
2032		2494
2033	// now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else	2495	// now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2034		2496
2035		2497
2036	=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork	2498	=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2037		2499
2038	Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because	2500	Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
…		…
2082	is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a	2544	is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2083	multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't	2545	multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2084	need elaborate support such as pthreads.	2546	need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2085		2547
2086	That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own	2548	That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2087	queue. But at least I can tell you would implement locking around your	2549	queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2088	queue:	2550	queue:
2089		2551
2090	=over 4	2552	=over 4
2091		2553
2092	=item queueing from a signal handler context	2554	=item queueing from a signal handler context
2093		2555
2094	To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal	2556	To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2095	handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for	2557	handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is
2096	some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler:	2558	an example that does that for some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2097		2559
2098	static ev_async mysig;	2560	static ev_async mysig;
2099		2561
2100	static void	2562	static void
2101	sigusr1_handler (void)	2563	sigusr1_handler (void)
…		…
2168		2630
2169	=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)	2631	=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2170		2632
2171	Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any	2633	Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2172	kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,	2634	kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2173	believe me.	2635	trust me.
2174		2636
2175	=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)	2637	=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2176		2638
2177	Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds	2639	Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2178	an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike	2640	an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2179	C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or	2641	C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or
2180	similar contexts (see the dicusssion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding	2642	similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2181	section below on what exactly this means).	2643	section below on what exactly this means).
2182		2644
2183	This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration,	2645	This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration,
2184	so while the overhead might be noticable, it doesn't apply to repeated	2646	so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2185	calls to C<ev_async_send>.	2647	calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2186		2648
		2649	=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
		2650
		2651	Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
		2652	watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
		2653	event loop.
		2654
		2655	C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
		2656	the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
		2657	it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
		2658	quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
		2659
		2660	Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
		2661	whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
		2662
2187	=back	2663	=back
2188		2664
2189		2665
2190	=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS	2666	=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2191		2667
…		…
2194	=over 4	2670	=over 4
2195		2671
2196	=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)	2672	=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
2197		2673
2198	This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your	2674	This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
2199	callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both	2675	callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
2200	watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd	2676	watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
2201	or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or	2677	or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2202	more watchers yourself.	2678	more watchers yourself.
2203		2679
2204	If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events	2680	If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and the
2205	is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and	2681	C<events> argument is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for
2206	C<events> set will be craeted and started.	2682	the given C<fd> and C<events> set will be created and started.
2207		2683
2208	If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be	2684	If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2209	started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and	2685	started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2210	repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of	2686	repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2211	dubious value.
2212		2687
2213	The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets	2688	The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
2214	passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of	2689	passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2215	C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>	2690	C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2216	value passed to C<ev_once>:	2691	value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
		2692	a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
		2693	events precedence.
2217		2694
		2695	Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
		2696
2218	static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)	2697	static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2219	{	2698	{
2220	if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2221	/* doh, nothing entered */;
2222	else if (revents & EV_READ)	2699	if (revents & EV_READ)
2223	/* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;	2700	/* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
		2701	else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
		2702	/* doh, nothing entered */;
2224	}	2703	}
2225		2704
2226	ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);	2705	ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2227		2706
2228	=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)	2707	=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2229		2708
2230	Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event	2709	Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2231	had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an	2710	had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2232	initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).	2711	initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2233		2712
2234	=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)	2713	=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)
2235		2714
2236	Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected	2715	Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2237	the given events it.	2716	the given events it.
2238		2717
2239	=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)	2718	=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2240		2719
2241	Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default	2720	Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2242	loop!).	2721	loop!).
2243		2722
2244	=back	2723	=back
2245		2724
2246		2725
…		…
2262		2741
2263	=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities	2742	=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2264	will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there	2743	will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
2265	is an ev_pri field.	2744	is an ev_pri field.
2266		2745
		2746	=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
		2747	first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
		2748
2267	=item * Other members are not supported.	2749	=item * Other members are not supported.
2268		2750
2269	=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need	2751	=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
2270	to use the libev header file and library.	2752	to use the libev header file and library.
2271		2753
2272	=back	2754	=back
2273		2755
2274	=head1 C++ SUPPORT	2756	=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2275		2757
2276	Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow	2758	Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2277	you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change	2759	you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2278	the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.	2760	the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2279		2761
2280	To use it,	2762	To use it,
2281		2763
2282	#include <ev++.h>	2764	#include <ev++.h>
2283		2765
2284	This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many	2766	This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2285	of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are	2767	of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2286	put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding	2768	put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2287	options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.	2769	options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
…		…
2354	your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the	2836	your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2355	thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.	2837	thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2356		2838
2357	Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation	2839	Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2358		2840
2359	struct myclass	2841	struct myclass
2360	{	2842	{
2361	void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }	2843	void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2362	}	2844	}
2363		2845
2364	myclass obj;	2846	myclass obj;
2365	ev::io iow;	2847	ev::io iow;
2366	iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);	2848	iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2367		2849
2368	=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)	2850	=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2369		2851
2370	Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as	2852	Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2371	callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's	2853	callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
…		…
2373		2855
2374	The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.	2856	The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2375		2857
2376	See the method-C<set> above for more details.	2858	See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2377		2859
2378	Example:	2860	Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2379		2861
2380	static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }	2862	static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2381	iow.set <io_cb> ();	2863	iow.set <io_cb> ();
2382		2864
2383	=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)	2865	=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2384		2866
2385	Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only	2867	Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2386	do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).	2868	do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2387		2869
2388	=item w->set ([args])	2870	=item w->set ([arguments])
2389		2871
2390	Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be	2872	Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
2391	called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets	2873	called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2392	automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this	2874	automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2393	method.	2875	method.
2394		2876
2395	=item w->start ()	2877	=item w->start ()
…		…
2419	=back	2901	=back
2420		2902
2421	Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in	2903	Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2422	the constructor.	2904	the constructor.
2423		2905
2424	class myclass	2906	class myclass
2425	{	2907	{
2426	ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);	2908	ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2427	ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);	2909	ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2428		2910
2429	myclass (int fd)	2911	myclass (int fd)
2430	{	2912	{
2431	io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);	2913	io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2432	idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);	2914	idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2433		2915
2434	io.start (fd, ev::READ);	2916	io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2435	}	2917	}
2436	};	2918	};
		2919
		2920
		2921	=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
		2922
		2923	Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
		2924	number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
		2925	any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
		2926	me a note.
		2927
		2928	=over 4
		2929
		2930	=item Perl
		2931
		2932	The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
		2933	libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
		2934	there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
		2935	to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>, but C<AnyEvent::DNS> is preferred nowadays),
		2936	C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV>
		2937	and C<EV::Glib>).
		2938
		2939	It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
		2940	L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
		2941
		2942	=item Python
		2943
		2944	Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
		2945	seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the
		2946	patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
		2947	for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
		2948	libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
		2949	libev).
		2950
		2951	=item Ruby
		2952
		2953	Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
		2954	of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
		2955	more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
		2956	L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
		2957
		2958	=item D
		2959
		2960	Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
		2961	be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
		2962
		2963	=back
2437		2964
2438		2965
2439	=head1 MACRO MAGIC	2966	=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2440		2967
2441	Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal	2968	Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2442	of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)	2969	of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2443	functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.	2970	functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2444		2971
2445	To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the	2972	To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2446	following macros are defined:	2973	following macros are defined:
…		…
2451		2978
2452	This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev	2979	This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2453	loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,	2980	loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2454	C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:	2981	C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2455		2982
2456	ev_unref (EV_A);	2983	ev_unref (EV_A);
2457	ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);	2984	ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2458	ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);	2985	ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2459		2986
2460	It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,	2987	It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2461	which is often provided by the following macro.	2988	which is often provided by the following macro.
2462		2989
2463	=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>	2990	=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2464		2991
2465	This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev	2992	This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2466	loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,	2993	loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2467	C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:	2994	C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2468		2995
2469	// this is how ev_unref is being declared	2996	// this is how ev_unref is being declared
2470	static void ev_unref (EV_P);	2997	static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2471		2998
2472	// this is how you can declare your typical callback	2999	// this is how you can declare your typical callback
2473	static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)	3000	static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2474		3001
2475	It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite	3002	It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2476	suitable for use with C<EV_A>.	3003	suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2477		3004
2478	=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>	3005	=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2479		3006
2480	Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default	3007	Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2481	loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").	3008	loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
		3009
		3010	=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
		3011
		3012	Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
		3013	default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
		3014	is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
		3015	execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
		3016
		3017	It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
		3018	watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2482		3019
2483	=back	3020	=back
2484		3021
2485	Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above	3022	Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2486	macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported	3023	macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2487	or not.	3024	or not.
2488		3025
2489	static void	3026	static void
2490	check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)	3027	check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2491	{	3028	{
2492	ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);	3029	ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2493	}	3030	}
2494		3031
2495	ev_check check;	3032	ev_check check;
2496	ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);	3033	ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2497	ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);	3034	ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2498	ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);	3035	ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2499		3036
2500	=head1 EMBEDDING	3037	=head1 EMBEDDING
2501		3038
2502	Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host	3039	Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2503	applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra	3040	applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
…		…
2510	libev somewhere in your source tree).	3047	libev somewhere in your source tree).
2511		3048
2512	=head2 FILESETS	3049	=head2 FILESETS
2513		3050
2514	Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files	3051	Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2515	in your app.	3052	in your application.
2516		3053
2517	=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP	3054	=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2518		3055
2519	To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual	3056	To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2520	configuration (no autoconf):	3057	configuration (no autoconf):
2521		3058
2522	#define EV_STANDALONE 1	3059	#define EV_STANDALONE 1
2523	#include "ev.c"	3060	#include "ev.c"
2524		3061
2525	This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a	3062	This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
2526	single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use	3063	single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
2527	it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best	3064	it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
2528	done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and	3065	done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2529	where you can put other configuration options):	3066	where you can put other configuration options):
2530		3067
2531	#define EV_STANDALONE 1	3068	#define EV_STANDALONE 1
2532	#include "ev.h"	3069	#include "ev.h"
2533		3070
2534	Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++	3071	Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2535	compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated	3072	compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2536	as a bug).	3073	as a bug).
2537		3074
2538	You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory	3075	You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2539	in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):	3076	in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2540		3077
2541	ev.h	3078	ev.h
2542	ev.c	3079	ev.c
2543	ev_vars.h	3080	ev_vars.h
2544	ev_wrap.h	3081	ev_wrap.h
2545		3082
2546	ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only	3083	ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2547		3084
2548	ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)	3085	ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
2549	ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)	3086	ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2550	ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)	3087	ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2551	ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)	3088	ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2552	ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)	3089	ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2553		3090
2554	F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need	3091	F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2555	to compile this single file.	3092	to compile this single file.
2556		3093
2557	=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API	3094	=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2558		3095
2559	To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:	3096	To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2560		3097
2561	#include "event.c"	3098	#include "event.c"
2562		3099
2563	in the file including F<ev.c>, and:	3100	in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2564		3101
2565	#include "event.h"	3102	#include "event.h"
2566		3103
2567	in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.	3104	in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2568		3105
2569	You need the following additional files for this:	3106	You need the following additional files for this:
2570		3107
2571	event.h	3108	event.h
2572	event.c	3109	event.c
2573		3110
2574	=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT	3111	=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2575		3112
2576	Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in	3113	Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
2577	whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your	3114	whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2578	F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then	3115	F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2579	include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.	3116	include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2580		3117
2581	For this of course you need the m4 file:	3118	For this of course you need the m4 file:
2582		3119
2583	libev.m4	3120	libev.m4
2584		3121
2585	=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS	3122	=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2586		3123
2587	Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define	3124	Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2588	before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity	3125	define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2589	and only include the select backend.	3126	autoconf is documented for every option.
2590		3127
2591	=over 4	3128	=over 4
2592		3129
2593	=item EV_STANDALONE	3130	=item EV_STANDALONE
2594		3131
…		…
2599	F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.	3136	F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2600		3137
2601	=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC	3138	=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2602		3139
2603	If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the	3140	If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2604	monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use	3141	monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
2605	of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you	3142	of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2606	usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when	3143	usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2607	the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have	3144	the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2608	to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>	3145	to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2609	function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).	3146	function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2610		3147
2611	=item EV_USE_REALTIME	3148	=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2612		3149
2613	If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the	3150	If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2614	realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at	3151	real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
2615	runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will	3152	runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
2616	be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get	3153	be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2617	(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the	3154	(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2618	note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.	3155	note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2619		3156
2620	=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP	3157	=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2621		3158
2622	If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available	3159	If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2623	and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.	3160	and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2624		3161
		3162	=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
		3163
		3164	If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
		3165	available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
		3166	C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
		3167	If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
		3168	2.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
		3169
2625	=item EV_USE_SELECT	3170	=item EV_USE_SELECT
2626		3171
2627	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the	3172	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2628	C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no	3173	C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
2629	other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend	3174	other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2630	will not be compiled in.	3175	will not be compiled in.
2631		3176
2632	=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET	3177	=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2633		3178
2634	If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>	3179	If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2635	structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing	3180	structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2636	C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on	3181	C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on
2637	exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some	3182	exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2638	low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only	3183	low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2639	allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might	3184	allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2640	influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.	3185	influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2641		3186
…		…
2665		3210
2666	=item EV_USE_EPOLL	3211	=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2667		3212
2668	If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux	3213	If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2669	C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,	3214	C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2670	otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the	3215	otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2671	preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems.	3216	backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
		3217	headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2672		3218
2673	=item EV_USE_KQUEUE	3219	=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2674		3220
2675	If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style	3221	If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2676	C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,	3222	C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
…		…
2689	otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred	3235	otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2690	backend for Solaris 10 systems.	3236	backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2691		3237
2692	=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL	3238	=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2693		3239
2694	reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.	3240	Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2695		3241
2696	=item EV_USE_INOTIFY	3242	=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2697		3243
2698	If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify	3244	If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2699	interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will	3245	interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2700	be detected at runtime.	3246	be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
		3247	indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2701		3248
2702	=item EV_ATOMIC_T	3249	=item EV_ATOMIC_T
2703		3250
2704	Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose	3251	Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
2705	access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such	3252	access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
2706	type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type	3253	type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
2707	that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"	3254	that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
2708	as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.	3255	as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2709		3256
2710	In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>	3257	In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
2711	(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.	3258	(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2712		3259
2713	=item EV_H	3260	=item EV_H
2714		3261
2715	The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if	3262	The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
…		…
2754	When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search	3301	When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2755	all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space	3302	all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2756	and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually	3303	and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2757	fine.	3304	fine.
2758		3305
2759	If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to	3306	If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
2760	C<0> will save some memory and cpu.	3307	both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2761		3308
2762	=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE	3309	=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2763		3310
2764	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If	3311	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2765	defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of	3312	defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
…		…
2772	code.	3319	code.
2773		3320
2774	=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE	3321	=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2775		3322
2776	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If	3323	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2777	defined to be C<0>, then they are not.	3324	defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
		3325	watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
2778		3326
2779	=item EV_STAT_ENABLE	3327	=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2780		3328
2781	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If	3329	If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2782	defined to be C<0>, then they are not.	3330	defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
…		…
2792	defined to be C<0>, then they are not.	3340	defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2793		3341
2794	=item EV_MINIMAL	3342	=item EV_MINIMAL
2795		3343
2796	If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some	3344	If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2797	speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override	3345	speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2798	some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64.	3346	inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
		3347	much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2799		3348
2800	=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE	3349	=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2801		3350
2802	C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by	3351	C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2803	pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more	3352	pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
…		…
2810	inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),	3359	inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2811	usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>	3360	usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2812	watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of	3361	watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2813	two).	3362	two).
2814		3363
		3364	=item EV_USE_4HEAP
		3365
		3366	Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
		3367	timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
		3368	to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
		3369	faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
		3370
		3371	The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
		3372	(disabled).
		3373
		3374	=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
		3375
		3376	Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
		3377	timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
		3378	the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
		3379	which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
		3380	but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
		3381	noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
		3382
		3383	The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
		3384	(disabled).
		3385
		3386	=item EV_VERIFY
		3387
		3388	Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
		3389	be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
		3390	in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
		3391	called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
		3392	called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
		3393	verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
		3394	libev considerably.
		3395
		3396	The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
		3397	C<0>.
		3398
2815	=item EV_COMMON	3399	=item EV_COMMON
2816		3400
2817	By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining	3401	By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2818	this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of	3402	this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2819	members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,	3403	members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2820	though, and it must be identical each time.	3404	though, and it must be identical each time.
2821		3405
2822	For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:	3406	For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2823		3407
2824	#define EV_COMMON \	3408	#define EV_COMMON \
2825	SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \	3409	SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2826	SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */	3410	SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2827		3411
2828	=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)	3412	=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2829		3413
2830	=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)	3414	=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2831		3415
…		…
2836	definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for	3420	definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2837	their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to	3421	their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2838	avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use	3422	avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2839	method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.	3423	method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2840		3424
		3425	=back
		3426
2841	=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS	3427	=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2842		3428
2843	If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of	3429	If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
2844	exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list	3430	exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2845	all public symbols, one per line:	3431	all public symbols, one per line:
2846		3432
2847	Symbols.ev for libev proper	3433	Symbols.ev for libev proper
2848	Symbols.event for the libevent emulation	3434	Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2849		3435
2850	This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with	3436	This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2851	multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in	3437	multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2852	itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this).	3438	itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
2853		3439
2854	A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to	3440	A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2855	include before including F<ev.h>:	3441	include before including F<ev.h>:
2856		3442
2857	<Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h	3443	<Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
…		…
2874	file.	3460	file.
2875		3461
2876	The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file	3462	The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2877	that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:	3463	that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2878		3464
2879	#define EV_MINIMAL 1	3465	#define EV_MINIMAL 1
2880	#define EV_USE_POLL 0	3466	#define EV_USE_POLL 0
2881	#define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0	3467	#define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2882	#define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0	3468	#define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2883	#define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0	3469	#define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2884	#define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0	3470	#define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2885	#define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>	3471	#define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2886	#define EV_MINPRI 0	3472	#define EV_MINPRI 0
2887	#define EV_MAXPRI 0	3473	#define EV_MAXPRI 0
2888		3474
2889	#include "ev++.h"	3475	#include "ev++.h"
2890		3476
2891	And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:	3477	And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2892		3478
2893	#include "ev_cpp.h"	3479	#include "ev_cpp.h"
2894	#include "ev.c"	3480	#include "ev.c"
2895		3481
		3482	=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES
2896		3483
2897	=head1 COMPLEXITIES	3484	=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
2898		3485
2899	In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside	3486	=head3 THREADS
2900	libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2901	documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2902		3487
2903	All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be	3488	All libev functions are reentrant and thread-safe unless explicitly
2904	extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this	3489	documented otherwise, but libev implements no locking itself. This means
2905	happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might	3490	that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as there
2906	mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average	3491	are no concurrent calls into any libev function with the same loop
2907	it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.	3492	parameter (C<ev_default_*> calls have an implicit default loop parameter,
		3493	of course): libev guarantees that different event loops share no data
		3494	structures that need any locking.
		3495
		3496	Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
		3497	concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
		3498	must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as
		3499	only one thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using
		3500	a mutex per loop).
		3501
		3502	Specifically to support threads (and signal handlers), libev implements
		3503	so-called C<ev_async> watchers, which allow some limited form of
		3504	concurrency on the same event loop, namely waking it up "from the
		3505	outside".
		3506
		3507	If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
		3508	without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
		3509	help you, but here is some generic advice:
2908		3510
2909	=over 4	3511	=over 4
2910		3512
2911	=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)	3513	=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
		3514	in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
2912		3515
2913	This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and	3516	This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
2914	there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will	3517	themselves and don't care/know about threading.
2915	have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2916		3518
2917	=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)	3519	=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
2918		3520
2919	That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them	3521	Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
2920	as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.	3522	exists, but it is always a good start.
2921		3523
2922	=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)	3524	=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
		3525	loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
2923		3526
2924	These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.	3527	Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
		3528	better than you currently do :-)
2925		3529
2926	=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)	3530	=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
		3531	event loop.
2927		3532
2928	=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))	3533	C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other threads safely
		3534	(or from signal contexts...).
2929		3535
2930	These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the	3536	An example use would be to communicate signals or other events that only
2931	correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually	3537	work in the default loop by registering the signal watcher with the
2932	have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).	3538	default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
2933		3539	watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
2934	=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
2935
2936	By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the
2937	beginning of the storage array.
2938
2939	=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2940
2941	A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2942	libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
2943	on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2944
2945	=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
2946
2947	=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2948
2949	Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2950	priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2951	linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
2952	watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. priority handling.
2953
2954	=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
2955
2956	=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
2957
2958	=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
2959
2960	Sending involves a syscall I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
2961	calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
2962	involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
2963		3540
2964	=back	3541	=back
2965		3542
		3543	=head3 COROUTINES
2966		3544
2967	=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds	3545	Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
		3546	libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
		3547	coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
		3548	different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the
		3549	loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
		3550	you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
		3551
		3552	Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
		3553	C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
		3554	they do not clal any callbacks.
		3555
		3556	=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
		3557
		3558	Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
		3559	lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
		3560	scared by this.
		3561
		3562	However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
		3563	has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
		3564	warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
		3565	targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
		3566
		3567	Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
		3568	workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
		3569	maintainable.
		3570
		3571	And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
		3572	wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
		3573	seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
		3574	warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have
		3575	been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
		3576	such buggy versions.
		3577
		3578	While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
		3579	"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
		3580	with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
		3581	them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
		3582	warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
		3583
		3584
		3585	=head2 VALGRIND
		3586
		3587	Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
		3588	highly useful. Unfortunately, valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
		3589
		3590	If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
		3591	in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
		3592
		3593	==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
		3594	==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
		3595	==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
		3596
		3597	Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables
		3598	is not a memleak - the memory is still being refernced, and didn't leak.
		3599
		3600	Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs
		3601	as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend,
		3602	although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
		3603	confused.
		3604
		3605	Keep in mind that valgrind is a very good tool, but only a tool. Don't
		3606	make it into some kind of religion.
		3607
		3608	If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
		3609	with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this
		3610	is a bug in libev (best check the archives, too :). However, don't be
		3611	annoyed when you get a brisk "this is no bug" answer and take the chance
		3612	of learning how to interpret valgrind properly.
		3613
		3614	If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
		3615	I suggest using suppression lists.
		3616
		3617
		3618	=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
		3619
		3620	=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
2968		3621
2969	Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev	3622	Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
2970	requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX	3623	requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
2971	model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in	3624	model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
2972	the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket	3625	the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
2973	descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using	3626	descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
2974	e.g. cygwin.	3627	e.g. cygwin.
2975		3628
		3629	Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
		3630	re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
		3631	things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
		3632	way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
		3633
2976	There is no supported compilation method available on windows except	3634	There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
2977	embedding it into other applications.	3635	embedding it into other applications.
2978		3636
		3637	Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
		3638	accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
		3639	either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
		3640	so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
		3641	megabyte seems safe, but this apparently depends on the amount of memory
		3642	available).
		3643
2979	Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the	3644	Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
2980	abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not	3645	the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
2981	recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than	3646	is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
2982	a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different	3647	more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
2983	implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot	3648	different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
2984	be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games).	3649	notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
		3650	(Microsoft monopoly games).
		3651
		3652	A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
		3653	section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
		3654	of F<ev.h>:
		3655
		3656	#define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
		3657	#define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
		3658
		3659	#include "ev.h"
		3660
		3661	And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
		3662	you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
		3663
		3664	#include "evwrap.h"
		3665	#include "ev.c"
2985		3666
2986	=over 4	3667	=over 4
2987		3668
2988	=item The winsocket select function	3669	=item The winsocket select function
2989		3670
2990	The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires	3671	The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
2991	socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select	3672	requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
2992	very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors	3673	also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
2993	to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>,	3674	requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
2994	C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor	3675	C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
2995	symbols for more info.	3676	discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
		3677	C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
2996		3678
2997	The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime	3679	The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
2998	libraries and raw winsocket select is:	3680	libraries and raw winsocket select is:
2999		3681
3000	#define EV_USE_SELECT 1	3682	#define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3001	#define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */	3683	#define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3002		3684
3003	Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a	3685	Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3004	complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.	3686	complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3005		3687
3006	=item Limited number of file descriptors	3688	=item Limited number of file descriptors
3007		3689
3008	Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions	3690	Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3009	of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles	3691
		3692	Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3010	(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for	3693	of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3011	C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a	3694	can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3012	chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each).	3695	recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
		3696	previous thread in each. Great).
3013		3697
3014	Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>	3698	Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3015	to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select	3699	to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3016	call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own	3700	call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3017	select emulation on windows).	3701	select emulation on windows).
3018		3702
3019	Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime	3703	Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3020	libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish	3704	libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
3021	or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling	3705	or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3022	C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another	3706	C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3023	arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime	3707	arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
3024	libraries.	3708	libraries.
3025		3709
3026	This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on	3710	This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
3027	windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to	3711	windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
3028	wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of	3712	wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3029	calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.	3713	calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3030		3714
3031	=back	3715	=back
3032		3716
		3717	=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
		3718
		3719	In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
		3720	backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
		3721
		3722	=over 4
		3723
		3724	=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
		3725	calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
		3726
		3727	Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
		3728	structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
		3729	assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
		3730	callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
		3731	calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
		3732
		3733	=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
		3734
		3735	The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
		3736	C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
		3737	threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
		3738	believed to be sufficiently portable.
		3739
		3740	=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
		3741
		3742	Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
		3743	allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
		3744	pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
		3745	thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
		3746	be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
		3747	C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
		3748
		3749	The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
		3750	except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
		3751	well.
		3752
		3753	=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
		3754
		3755	To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
		3756	instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
		3757	systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but is still at
		3758	least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of millions of
		3759	watchers.
		3760
		3761	=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
		3762
		3763	The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
		3764	have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
		3765	enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
		3766	implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
		3767
		3768	=back
		3769
		3770	If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
		3771
		3772
		3773	=head1 ALGORITHMIC COMPLEXITIES
		3774
		3775	In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
		3776	libev will be documented. For complexity discussions about backends see
		3777	the documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
		3778
		3779	All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
		3780	extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
		3781	happens asymptotically rarer with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
		3782	mean that libev does a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on
		3783	average it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
		3784
		3785	=over 4
		3786
		3787	=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
		3788
		3789	This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
		3790	there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that, then inserting will
		3791	have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
		3792
		3793	=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
		3794
		3795	That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them,
		3796	as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
		3797
		3798	=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
		3799
		3800	These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
		3801
		3802	=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
		3803
		3804	=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
		3805
		3806	These watchers are stored in lists, so they need to be walked to find the
		3807	correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
		3808	have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal: one is typical, two
		3809	is rare).
		3810
		3811	=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
		3812
		3813	By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
		3814	fixed position in the storage array.
		3815
		3816	=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
		3817
		3818	A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
		3819	libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
		3820	on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
		3821
		3822	=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
		3823
		3824	=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
		3825
		3826	Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
		3827	priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
		3828	linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
		3829	watchers becomes O(1) with respect to priority handling.
		3830
		3831	=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
		3832
		3833	=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
		3834
		3835	=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
		3836
		3837	Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
		3838	calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
		3839	involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
		3840
		3841	=back
		3842
3033		3843
3034	=head1 AUTHOR	3844	=head1 AUTHOR
3035		3845
3036	Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.	3846	Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
3037		3847

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