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4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 #include <ev.h> 11 #include <ev.h>
12 12
13 ev_io stdin_watcher; 13 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 14 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
48 return 0; 48 return 0;
49 } 49 }
50 50
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 51=head1 DESCRIPTION
52 52
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
56
53Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
54file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
55these event sources and provide your program with events. 59these event sources and provide your program with events.
56 60
57To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process 61To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process
58(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then 62(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then
59communicate events via a callback mechanism. 63communicate events via a callback mechanism.
61You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event 65You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event
62watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the 66watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the
63details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 67details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
64watcher. 68watcher.
65 69
66=head1 FEATURES 70=head2 FEATURES
67 71
68Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the linux-specific C<epoll>, the 72Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
69bsd-specific C<kqueue> and the solaris-specific event port mechanisms 73BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
70for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), 74for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
75(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
71absolute timers with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous 76with customised rescheduling (C<ev_periodic>), synchronous signals
72signals (C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and 77(C<ev_signal>), process status change events (C<ev_child>), and event
73event watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>, 78watchers dealing with the event loop mechanism itself (C<ev_idle>,
74C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as 79C<ev_embed>, C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> watchers) as well as
75file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events 80file watchers (C<ev_stat>) and even limited support for fork events
76(C<ev_fork>). 81(C<ev_fork>).
77 82
78It also is quite fast (see this 83It also is quite fast (see this
79L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
80for example). 85for example).
81 86
82=head1 CONVENTIONS 87=head2 CONVENTIONS
83 88
84Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will 89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will
85be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about 90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about
86various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in 91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in
87this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event 92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event
88loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop> 93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop>
89(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument. 94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument.
90 95
91=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 96=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
92 97
93Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
94(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
95the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
96called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
97to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
98it, you should treat it as such. 103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name
104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev.
99 106
100=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
101 108
102These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
103library in any way. 110library in any way.
108 115
109Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 116Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
110C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 117C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
111you actually want to know. 118you actually want to know.
112 119
120=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
121
122Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
123either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
124this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>.
125
113=item int ev_version_major () 126=item int ev_version_major ()
114 127
115=item int ev_version_minor () 128=item int ev_version_minor ()
116 129
117You can find out the major and minor version numbers of the library 130You can find out the major and minor ABI version numbers of the library
118you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 131you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
119C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 132C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global
120symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the 133symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
121version of the library your program was compiled against. 134version of the library your program was compiled against.
122 135
136These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
137release version.
138
123Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 139Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
124as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 140as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
125compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 141compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
126not a problem. 142not a problem.
127 143
128Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 144Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
129version. 145version.
162C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 178C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
163recommended ones. 179recommended ones.
164 180
165See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 181See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
166 182
167=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, size_t size)) 183=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
168 184
169Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype and semantics are 185Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
170identical to the realloc C function). It is used to allocate and free 186semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to
171memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when memory needs to be 187allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when
172allocated, the library might abort or take some potentially destructive 188memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some
173action. The default is your system realloc function. 189potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc
190function.
174 191
175You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 192You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
176free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 193free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
177or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 194or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
178 195
243flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 260flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
244 261
245If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 262If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
246function. 263function.
247 264
265The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
266C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
267for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your app you can either
268create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
269can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
270C<ev_default_init>.
271
248The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 272The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
249backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 273backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
250 274
251The following flags are supported: 275The following flags are supported:
252 276
264C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 288C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
265override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 289override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
266useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 290useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
267around bugs. 291around bugs.
268 292
293=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
294
295Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
296a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
297enabling this flag.
298
299This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
300and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
301iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
302Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
303without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has
304C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
305
306The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
307forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
308flag.
309
310This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
311environment variable.
312
269=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 313=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
270 314
271This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 315This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
272libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 316libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
273but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 317but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
274using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its usually 318using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
275the fastest backend for a low number of fds. 319usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
320
321To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
322parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
323writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
324connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
325a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
326readyness notifications you get per iteration.
276 327
277=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 328=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
278 329
279And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated than 330And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
280select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial limit on the 331than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
281number of fds you can use (except it will slow down considerably with a 332limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
282lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds). 333considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
334i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
335performance tips.
283 336
284=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 337=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
285 338
286For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 339For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
287but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 340but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
288O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), epoll scales 341like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
289either O(1) or O(active_fds). 342epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
343of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
344cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad
345support for dup.
290 346
291While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 347While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
292result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 348will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident
293(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 349(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
294best to avoid that. Also, dup()ed file descriptors might not work very 350best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
295well if you register events for both fds. 351very well if you register events for both fds.
296 352
297Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 353Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
298need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data 354need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
299(or space) is available. 355(or space) is available.
300 356
357Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
358watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.
359keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.
360
361While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in
362all kernel versions tested so far.
363
301=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 364=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
302 365
303Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 366Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
304was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 367was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
305anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 368with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
306completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 369it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected"
307unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 370unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
308C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>). 371C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
372system like NetBSD.
373
374You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
375only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
376the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
309 377
310It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 378It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
311kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 379kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
312course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 380course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
313extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per 381cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
314incident, so its best to avoid that. 382two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
383drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
384
385This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
386
387While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
388everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
389almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
390(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
391(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for
392sockets.
315 393
316=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 394=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
317 395
318This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 396This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
397implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
398and is not embeddable, which would limit the usefulness of this backend
399immensely.
319 400
320=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 401=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
321 402
322This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 403This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
323it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 404it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
324 405
325Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 406Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
326notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 407notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
327blocking when no data (or space) is available. 408blocking when no data (or space) is available.
409
410While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
411file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
412descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
413might perform better.
414
415On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this
416backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully
417embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends.
328 418
329=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 419=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
330 420
331Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 421Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
332with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 422with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
333C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 423C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
334 424
425It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
426
335=back 427=back
336 428
337If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 429If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these
338backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are 430backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
339specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse 431specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
340order of their flag values :)
341 432
342The most typical usage is like this: 433The most typical usage is like this:
343 434
344 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 435 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
345 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 436 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
373Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 464Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
374etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 465etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
375sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 466sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
376responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 467responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
377calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 468calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
378the easiest thing, youc na just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 469the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
379for example). 470for example).
471
472Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
473this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
474would need to be stopped manually.
475
476In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
477rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
478pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
479C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
380 480
381=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 481=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
382 482
383Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 483Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
384earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 484earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
385 485
386=item ev_default_fork () 486=item ev_default_fork ()
387 487
488This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations
388This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 489to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
389one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense 490name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
390after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that 491the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little
391again makes little sense). 492sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev
493functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
392 494
393You I<must> call this function in the child process after forking if and 495On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
394only if you want to use the event library in both processes. If you just 496process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If
395fork+exec, you don't have to call it. 497you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all.
396 498
397The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 499The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
398it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 500it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
399quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 501quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
400 502
401 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 503 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
402 504
403At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
404without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
405do not need to care.
406
407=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 505=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
408 506
409Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 507Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
410C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 508C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
411after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 509after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
510
511=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
512
513Returns true when the given loop actually is the default loop, false otherwise.
514
515=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
516
517Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
518the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
519happily wraps around with enough iterations.
520
521This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
522"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
523C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
412 524
413=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 525=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
414 526
415Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 527Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
416use. 528use.
419 531
420Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 532Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
421received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 533received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
422change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 534change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
423time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 535time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
424event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 536event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
425 537
426=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 538=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
427 539
428Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 540Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
429after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 541after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
450libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 562libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
451usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 563usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
452 564
453Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 565Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
454 566
455 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 567 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
456 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 568 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
569 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers.
570 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
457 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 571 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
458 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 572 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
459 - Update the "event loop time". 573 - Update the "event loop time".
460 - Calculate for how long to block. 574 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
575 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
576 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
577 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
461 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 578 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
462 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 579 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
463 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 580 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling.
464 - Queue all outstanding timers. 581 - Queue all outstanding timers.
465 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 582 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
466 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 583 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
467 - Queue all check watchers. 584 - Queue all check watchers.
468 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 585 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
469 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 586 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
470 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 587 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
471 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 588 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
472 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 589 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise
590 continue with step *.
473 591
474Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 592Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
475anymore. 593anymore.
476 594
477 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 595 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
478 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 596 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
479 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 597 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
483 601
484Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 602Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
485has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 603has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
486C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 604C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
487C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 605C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
606
607This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
488 608
489=item ev_ref (loop) 609=item ev_ref (loop)
490 610
491=item ev_unref (loop) 611=item ev_unref (loop)
492 612
497returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 617returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For
498example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 618example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not
499visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 619visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
500no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 620no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
501way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 621way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
502libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 622libraries. 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,
624respectively).
503 625
504Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 626Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
505running when nothing else is active. 627running when nothing else is active.
506 628
507 struct ev_signal exitsig; 629 struct ev_signal exitsig;
511 633
512Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 634Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
513 635
514 ev_ref (loop); 636 ev_ref (loop);
515 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 637 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
638
639=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
640
641=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
642
643These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
644for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to
645invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency.
646
647Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
648allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to
649increase efficiency of loop iterations.
650
651The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
652handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
653the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
654events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
655overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
656
657By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
658time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
659at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
660C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
661introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
662
663Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
664to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
665latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
666will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
667any overhead in libev.
668
669Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect
670interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
671interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
672usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
673as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems.
516 674
517=back 675=back
518 676
519 677
520=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 678=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
620=item C<EV_FORK> 778=item C<EV_FORK>
621 779
622The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 780The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
623C<ev_fork>). 781C<ev_fork>).
624 782
783=item C<EV_ASYNC>
784
785The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
786
625=item C<EV_ERROR> 787=item C<EV_ERROR>
626 788
627An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 789An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
628happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 790happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
629ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 791ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
700=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 862=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
701 863
702Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 864Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
703events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher 865events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
704is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but 866is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
705C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 867C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
706libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 868make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
869it).
707 870
708=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 871=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
709 872
710Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 873Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
711 874
712=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 875=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
713 876
714Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 877Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
715(modulo threads). 878(modulo threads).
879
880=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
881
882=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
883
884Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
885integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
886(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
887before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
888from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
889
890This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
891invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
892example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
893watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
894
895If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
896you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
897
898You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
899pending.
900
901The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
902always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
903
904Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
905fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
906or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
907
908=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
909
910Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
911C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
912can deal with that fact.
913
914=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
915
916If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
917and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
918watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
716 919
717=back 920=back
718 921
719 922
720=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 923=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
805In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1008In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
806fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1009fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
807descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1010descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
808required if you know what you are doing). 1011required if you know what you are doing).
809 1012
810You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
811(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
812descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
813to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
814the same underlying "file open").
815
816If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1013If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
817(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1014(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
818C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1015C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
819 1016
820Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1017Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
826it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1023it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
827C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1024C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
828 1025
829If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1026If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
830play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1027play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
831wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1028whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
832such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1029such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
833its own, so its quite safe to use). 1030its own, so its quite safe to use).
1031
1032=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1033
1034Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1035descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means,
1036such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1037descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1038this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1039registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1040fact, a different file descriptor.
1041
1042To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
1043the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
1044will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
1045it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
1046you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
1047descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
1048
1049This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
1050the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
1051optimisations to libev.
1052
1053=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
1054
1055Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
1056but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That means when you
1057have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or weirder constellations, and register
1058events for them, only one file descriptor might actually receive events.
1059
1060There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1061for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1062C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1063
1064=head3 The special problem of fork
1065
1066Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1067useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1068it in the child.
1069
1070To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1071C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1072enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1073C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1074
1075
1076=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
834 1077
835=over 4 1078=over 4
836 1079
837=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1080=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
838 1081
849=item int events [read-only] 1092=item int events [read-only]
850 1093
851The events being watched. 1094The events being watched.
852 1095
853=back 1096=back
1097
1098=head3 Examples
854 1099
855Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1100Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
856readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1101readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
857attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1102attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
858 1103
892 1137
893The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1138The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
894but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1139but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
895order of execution is undefined. 1140order of execution is undefined.
896 1141
1142=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1143
897=over 4 1144=over 4
898 1145
899=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1146=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
900 1147
901=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1148=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
909configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1156configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at
910exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1157exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with
911the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1158the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the
912timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1159timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
913 1160
914=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1161=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
915 1162
916This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1163This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
917repeating. The exact semantics are: 1164repeating. The exact semantics are:
918 1165
1166If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1167
919If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it. 1168If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
920 1169
921If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the repeat 1170If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
922value), or reset the running timer to the repeat value. 1171C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
923 1172
924This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1173This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
925example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called 1174example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle
926idle timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, 1175timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
927say, 60 seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do 1176seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
928this is to configure an C<ev_timer> with C<after>=C<repeat>=C<60> and calling 1177configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
929C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1178C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
930you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1179you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
931socket, you can stop the timer, and again will automatically restart it if 1180socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
932need be. 1181automatically restart it if need be.
933 1182
934You can also ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start> altogether 1183That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
935and only ever use the C<repeat> value: 1184altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
936 1185
937 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.); 1186 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
938 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1187 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
939 ... 1188 ...
940 timer->again = 17.; 1189 timer->again = 17.;
941 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1190 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
942 ... 1191 ...
943 timer->again = 10.; 1192 timer->again = 10.;
944 ev_timer_again (loop, timer); 1193 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
945 1194
946This is more efficient then stopping/starting the timer eahc time you want 1195This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
947to modify its timeout value. 1196you want to modify its timeout value.
948 1197
949=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1198=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
950 1199
951The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1200The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
952or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1201or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
953which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1202which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
954 1203
955=back 1204=back
1205
1206=head3 Examples
956 1207
957Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1208Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
958 1209
959 static void 1210 static void
960 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1211 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
994but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1245but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
995to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1246to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
996periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1247periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now ()
997+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1248+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will
998take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1249take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger
999roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1250roughly 10 seconds later).
1000again).
1001 1251
1002They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1252They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
1003triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1253triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1254rules.
1004 1255
1005As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1256As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the
1006time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1257time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1007during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1258during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1008 1259
1260=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1261
1009=over 4 1262=over 4
1010 1263
1011=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1264=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1012 1265
1013=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1266=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
1015Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1268Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1016operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1269operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
1017 1270
1018=over 4 1271=over 4
1019 1272
1020=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1273=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1021 1274
1022In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1275In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
1023C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1276C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs,
1024that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1277that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
1025system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1278system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1026 1279
1027=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1280=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1028 1281
1029In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1282In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1030C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat, regardless 1283C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1031of any time jumps. 1284and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1032 1285
1033This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1286This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
1034time: 1287time:
1035 1288
1036 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1289 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1042 1295
1043Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1296Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1044C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1297C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1045time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1298time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1046 1299
1300For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1301C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1302this value.
1303
1047=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1304=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1048 1305
1049In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1306In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1050ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1307ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1051reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1308reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1052current time as second argument. 1309current time as second argument.
1053 1310
1054NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1311NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1055ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1312ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,
1056return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by 1313return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1057starting a prepare watcher). 1314starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1058 1315
1059Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1316Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
1060ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1317ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1061 1318
1062 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1319 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1085Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1342Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1086when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1343when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1087a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1344a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1088program when the crontabs have changed). 1345program when the crontabs have changed).
1089 1346
1347=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1348
1349When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1350absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1351
1352Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1353timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1354
1090=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1355=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1091 1356
1092The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1357The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1093take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1358take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1094called. 1359called.
1097 1362
1098The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1363The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1099switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1364switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1100the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1365the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1101 1366
1367=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1368
1369When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1370trigger next.
1371
1102=back 1372=back
1373
1374=head3 Examples
1103 1375
1104Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1376Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1105system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1377system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1106potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1378potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1107 1379
1147with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1419with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
1148as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1420as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1149watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1421watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1150SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1422SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1151 1423
1424=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1425
1152=over 4 1426=over 4
1153 1427
1154=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1428=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1155 1429
1156=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1430=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1162 1436
1163The signal the watcher watches out for. 1437The signal the watcher watches out for.
1164 1438
1165=back 1439=back
1166 1440
1441=head3 Examples
1442
1443Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1444
1445 static void
1446 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1447 {
1448 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1449 }
1450
1451 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1452 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1453 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1454
1167 1455
1168=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1456=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1169 1457
1170Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1458Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1171some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1459some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies).
1172 1460
1461=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1462
1173=over 4 1463=over 4
1174 1464
1175=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1465=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid, int trace)
1176 1466
1177=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 1467=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid, int trace)
1178 1468
1179Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or 1469Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or
1180I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look 1470I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look
1181at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 1471at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
1182the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems 1472the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
1183C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 1473C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1184process causing the status change. 1474process causing the status change. C<trace> must be either C<0> (only
1475activate the watcher when the process terminates) or C<1> (additionally
1476activate the watcher when the process is stopped or continued).
1185 1477
1186=item int pid [read-only] 1478=item int pid [read-only]
1187 1479
1188The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id. 1480The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1189 1481
1195 1487
1196The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1488The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1197C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1489C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1198 1490
1199=back 1491=back
1200
1201Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1202
1203 static void
1204 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1205 {
1206 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1207 }
1208
1209 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1210 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1211 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1212 1492
1213 1493
1214=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1494=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1215 1495
1216This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1496This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1220The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1500The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1221not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1501not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1222not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is 1502not exist" is signified by the C<st_nlink> field being zero (which is
1223otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of 1503otherwise always forced to be at least one) and all the other fields of
1224the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1504the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1505
1506The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1507relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1225 1508
1226Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1509Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply
1227calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1510calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You
1228can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1511can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify
1229a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1512a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable,
1242semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1525semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1243to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are 1526to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1244usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1527usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1245polling. 1528polling.
1246 1529
1530=head3 Inotify
1531
1532When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1533available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1534change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1535when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1536
1537Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1538except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1539making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support
1540there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.
1541
1542(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1543implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1544descriptor open on the object at all times).
1545
1546=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1547
1548The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1549even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still
1550only support whole seconds.
1551
1552That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might
1553miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls
1554your callback, which does something. When there is another update within
1555the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it.
1556
1557The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till
1558the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer>
1559(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01>
1560is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating
1561systems.
1562
1563=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1564
1247=over 4 1565=over 4
1248 1566
1249=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1567=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1250 1568
1251=item ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1569=item ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1258 1576
1259The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 1577The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected,
1260relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 1578relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1261last change was detected). 1579last change was detected).
1262 1580
1263=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *) 1581=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1264 1582
1265Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 1583Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1266watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 1584watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid
1267detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 1585detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be
1268useful simply to find out the new values. 1586useful simply to find out the new values.
1286=item const char *path [read-only] 1604=item const char *path [read-only]
1287 1605
1288The filesystem path that is being watched. 1606The filesystem path that is being watched.
1289 1607
1290=back 1608=back
1609
1610=head3 Examples
1291 1611
1292Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1612Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1293 1613
1294 static void 1614 static void
1295 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1615 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1308 } 1628 }
1309 1629
1310 ... 1630 ...
1311 ev_stat passwd; 1631 ev_stat passwd;
1312 1632
1313 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd"); 1633 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1314 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1634 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1315 1635
1636Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1637miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1638one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1639C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1640
1641 static ev_stat passwd;
1642 static ev_timer timer;
1643
1644 static void
1645 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1646 {
1647 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1648
1649 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1650 }
1651
1652 static void
1653 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1654 {
1655 /* reset the one-second timer */
1656 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1657 }
1658
1659 ...
1660 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1661 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1662 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01);
1663
1316 1664
1317=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1665=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1318 1666
1319Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1667Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1320(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1668priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1321as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1669count).
1322imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1670
1323watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1671That 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
1673triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1674are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1324until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1675iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1325busy. 1676and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1326 1677
1327The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1678The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1328active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1679active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1329 1680
1330Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1681Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1331effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1682effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1332"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1683"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1333event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1684event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1334 1685
1686=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1687
1335=over 4 1688=over 4
1336 1689
1337=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1690=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1338 1691
1339Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1692Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1340kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1693kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1341believe me. 1694believe me.
1342 1695
1343=back 1696=back
1697
1698=head3 Examples
1344 1699
1345Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 1700Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1346callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1701callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1347 1702
1348 static void 1703 static void
1349 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1704 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1350 { 1705 {
1351 free (w); 1706 free (w);
1352 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1707 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1353 // no longer asnything immediate to do. 1708 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1354 } 1709 }
1355 1710
1356 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1711 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1357 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1712 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1358 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1713 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1396with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1751with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1397of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 1752of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1398loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1753loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1399low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1754low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1400 1755
1756It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1757priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1758after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1759too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1760supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers
1761did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1762(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1763state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1764coexist peacefully with others).
1765
1766=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1767
1401=over 4 1768=over 4
1402 1769
1403=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1770=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1404 1771
1405=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1772=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1408parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1775parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1409macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1776macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1410 1777
1411=back 1778=back
1412 1779
1413Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1780=head3 Examples
1414and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1781
1782There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1783into 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
1785use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1786embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1787into the Glib event loop).
1788
1789Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1415in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows is 1790and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1416pseudo-code only of course: 1791is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1792priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1793the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1417 1794
1418 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1795 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1419 static ev_timer tw; 1796 static ev_timer tw;
1420 1797
1421 static void 1798 static void
1422 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1799 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1423 { 1800 {
1424 // set the relevant poll flags
1425 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1426 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1427 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1428 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1429 } 1801 }
1430 1802
1431 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1803 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1432 static void 1804 static void
1433 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1805 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1434 { 1806 {
1435 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1807 int timeout = 3600000;
1808 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1436 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1809 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1437 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1810 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1438 1811
1439 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1812 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1440 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1813 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1441 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1814 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1442 1815
1443 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1816 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1444 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1817 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1445 { 1818 {
1446 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1819 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1447 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1820 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1448 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1821 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1449 1822
1450 fds [i].revents = 0; 1823 fds [i].revents = 0;
1451 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1452 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1824 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1453 } 1825 }
1454 } 1826 }
1455 1827
1456 // stop all watchers after blocking 1828 // stop all watchers after blocking
1458 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1830 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1459 { 1831 {
1460 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1832 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1461 1833
1462 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1834 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1835 {
1836 // set the relevant poll flags
1837 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1838 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1839 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1840 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1841 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1842
1843 // now stop the watcher
1463 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1844 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1845 }
1464 1846
1465 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1847 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1848 }
1849
1850Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1851in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1852
1853Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1854notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1855callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1856
1857 static void
1858 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1859 {
1860 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1861 update_now (EV_A);
1862
1863 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1864 }
1865
1866 static void
1867 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1868 {
1869 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1870 update_now (EV_A);
1871
1872 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1873 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1874 }
1875
1876 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1877
1878Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1879want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override
1880their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1881loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1882this.
1883
1884 static gint
1885 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1886 {
1887 int got_events = 0;
1888
1889 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1890 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1891
1892 if (timeout >= 0)
1893 // create/start timer
1894
1895 // poll
1896 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1897
1898 // stop timer again
1899 if (timeout >= 0)
1900 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1901
1902 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1903 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1904 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1905
1906 return got_events;
1466 } 1907 }
1467 1908
1468 1909
1469=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1910=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1470 1911
1513portable one. 1954portable one.
1514 1955
1515So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 1956So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1516that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 1957that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1517this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 1958this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1518create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything: 1959create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
1960
1961=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1962
1963=over 4
1964
1965=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1966
1967=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1968
1969Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1970embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1971invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1972to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1973if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1974
1975=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1976
1977Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1978similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1979apropriate way for embedded loops.
1980
1981=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1982
1983The embedded event loop.
1984
1985=back
1986
1987=head3 Examples
1988
1989Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
1990event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
1991loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in
1992C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be
1993used).
1519 1994
1520 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 1995 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1521 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 1996 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1522 struct ev_embed embed; 1997 struct ev_embed embed;
1523 1998
1534 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2009 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1535 } 2010 }
1536 else 2011 else
1537 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2012 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1538 2013
1539=over 4 2014Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2015a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2016kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2017C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
1540 2018
1541=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2019 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2020 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2021 struct ev_embed embed;
2022
2023 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2024 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2025 {
2026 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2027 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2028 }
1542 2029
1543=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2030 if (!loop_socket)
2031 loop_socket = loop;
1544 2032
1545Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2033 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
1546embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1547invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1548to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1549if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1550
1551=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1552
1553Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1554similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1555apropriate way for embedded loops.
1556
1557=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only]
1558
1559The embedded event loop.
1560
1561=back
1562 2034
1563 2035
1564=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2036=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1565 2037
1566Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2038Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1569event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 2041event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1570and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 2042and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1571C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 2043C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1572handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 2044handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1573 2045
2046=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2047
1574=over 4 2048=over 4
1575 2049
1576=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2050=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1577 2051
1578Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 2052Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1579kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2053kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1580believe me. 2054believe me.
2055
2056=back
2057
2058
2059=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop
2060
2061In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
2062asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2063loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2064
2065Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not
2066control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what
2067C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you
2068can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal
2069safe.
2070
2071This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2072too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2073(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2074C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2075
2076Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
2077just the default loop.
2078
2079=head3 Queueing
2080
2081C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2082is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2083multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2084need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2085
2086That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2087queue. But at least I can tell you would implement locking around your
2088queue:
2089
2090=over 4
2091
2092=item queueing from a signal handler context
2093
2094To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2095handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for
2096some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler:
2097
2098 static ev_async mysig;
2099
2100 static void
2101 sigusr1_handler (void)
2102 {
2103 sometype data;
2104
2105 // no locking etc.
2106 queue_put (data);
2107 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2108 }
2109
2110 static void
2111 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2112 {
2113 sometype data;
2114 sigset_t block, prev;
2115
2116 sigemptyset (&block);
2117 sigaddset (&block, SIGUSR1);
2118 sigprocmask (SIG_BLOCK, &block, &prev);
2119
2120 while (queue_get (&data))
2121 process (data);
2122
2123 if (sigismember (&prev, SIGUSR1)
2124 sigprocmask (SIG_UNBLOCK, &block, 0);
2125 }
2126
2127(Note: pthreads in theory requires you to use C<pthread_setmask>
2128instead of C<sigprocmask> when you use threads, but libev doesn't do it
2129either...).
2130
2131=item queueing from a thread context
2132
2133The strategy for threads is different, as you cannot (easily) block
2134threads but you can easily preempt them, so to queue safely you need to
2135employ a traditional mutex lock, such as in this pthread example:
2136
2137 static ev_async mysig;
2138 static pthread_mutex_t mymutex = PTHREAD_MUTEX_INITIALIZER;
2139
2140 static void
2141 otherthread (void)
2142 {
2143 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation
2144 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2145 queue_put (data);
2146 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2147
2148 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2149 }
2150
2151 static void
2152 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2153 {
2154 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2155
2156 while (queue_get (&data))
2157 process (data);
2158
2159 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2160 }
2161
2162=back
2163
2164
2165=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2166
2167=over 4
2168
2169=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2170
2171Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2172kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2173believe me.
2174
2175=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2176
2177Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2178an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2179C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or
2180similar contexts (see the dicusssion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2181section below on what exactly this means).
2182
2183This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration,
2184so while the overhead might be noticable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2185calls to C<ev_async_send>.
1581 2186
1582=back 2187=back
1583 2188
1584 2189
1585=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2190=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1674 2279
1675To use it, 2280To use it,
1676 2281
1677 #include <ev++.h> 2282 #include <ev++.h>
1678 2283
1679(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 2284This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1680and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 2285of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1681namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 2286put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2287options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1682 2288
1683It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 2289Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1684C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2290classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
2291that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
2292you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
2293
2294Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
2295used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
2296need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
2297types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
2298it).
1685 2299
1686Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 2300Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1687 2301
1688=over 4 2302=over 4
1689 2303
1705 2319
1706All of those classes have these methods: 2320All of those classes have these methods:
1707 2321
1708=over 4 2322=over 4
1709 2323
1710=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 2324=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1711 2325
1712=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 2326=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1713 2327
1714=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 2328=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1715 2329
1716The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 2330The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1717the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 2331with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1718C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 2332
1719before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 2333The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1720automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 2334C<set> method before starting it.
2335
2336It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
2337method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
2338
2339(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
2340not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1721 2341
1722The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 2342The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
2343
2344=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
2345
2346This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
2347signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
2348first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
2349parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
2350
2351This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
2352the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
2353callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
2354your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2355thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2356
2357Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2358
2359 struct myclass
2360 {
2361 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2362 }
2363
2364 myclass obj;
2365 ev::io iow;
2366 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2367
2368=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2369
2370Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2371callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2372C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2373
2374The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2375
2376See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2377
2378Example:
2379
2380 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2381 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1723 2382
1724=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2383=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1725 2384
1726Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2385Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1727do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2386do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1728 2387
1729=item w->set ([args]) 2388=item w->set ([args])
1730 2389
1731Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2390Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
1732called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2391called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1733automatically stopped and restarted. 2392automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2393method.
1734 2394
1735=item w->start () 2395=item w->start ()
1736 2396
1737Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2397Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1738constructor already takes the loop. 2398constructor already stores the event loop.
1739 2399
1740=item w->stop () 2400=item w->stop ()
1741 2401
1742Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2402Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1743 2403
1744=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2404=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1745 2405
1746For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2406For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1747C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2407C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1748 2408
1749=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2409=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1750 2410
1751Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2411Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1752 2412
1753=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only 2413=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
1754 2414
1755Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>. 2415Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1756 2416
1757=back 2417=back
1758 2418
1761Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2421Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
1762the constructor. 2422the constructor.
1763 2423
1764 class myclass 2424 class myclass
1765 { 2425 {
1766 ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2426 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
1767 ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2427 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
1768 2428
1769 myclass (); 2429 myclass (int fd)
1770 }
1771
1772 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1773 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1774 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1775 { 2430 {
2431 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2432 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2433
1776 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2434 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2435 }
1777 } 2436 };
1778 2437
1779 2438
1780=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2439=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1781 2440
1782Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2441Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
1783C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 2442of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
1784callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2443functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1785 2444
1786To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2445To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1787following macros are defined: 2446following macros are defined:
1788 2447
1789=over 4 2448=over 4
1821Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2480Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1822loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2481loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1823 2482
1824=back 2483=back
1825 2484
1826Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of 2485Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1827wether multiple loops are supported or not. 2486macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2487or not.
1828 2488
1829 static void 2489 static void
1830 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2490 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1831 { 2491 {
1832 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2492 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1835 ev_check check; 2495 ev_check check;
1836 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2496 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1837 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2497 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1838 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2498 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1839 2499
1840
1841=head1 EMBEDDING 2500=head1 EMBEDDING
1842 2501
1843Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2502Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1844applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2503applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1845Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2504Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1846and rxvt-unicode. 2505and rxvt-unicode.
1847 2506
1848The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2507The goal is to enable you to just copy the necessary files into your
1849source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so 2508source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
1850you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of 2509you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1851libev somewhere in your source tree). 2510libev somewhere in your source tree).
1852 2511
1853=head2 FILESETS 2512=head2 FILESETS
1884 ev_vars.h 2543 ev_vars.h
1885 ev_wrap.h 2544 ev_wrap.h
1886 2545
1887 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2546 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1888 2547
1889 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2548 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
1890 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2549 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1891 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2550 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1892 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2551 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1893 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2552 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1894 2553
1943 2602
1944If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2603If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1945monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2604monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
1946of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2605of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1947usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2606usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1948the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2607the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
1949to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2608to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1950function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2609function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1951 2610
1952=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2611=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1953 2612
1954If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2613If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1955realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2614realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
1956runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2615runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
1957be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2616be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1958(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2617(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
1959in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2618note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2619
2620=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2621
2622If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2623and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
1960 2624
1961=item EV_USE_SELECT 2625=item EV_USE_SELECT
1962 2626
1963If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2627If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
1964C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2628C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
1982wants osf handles on win32 (this is the case when the select to 2646wants osf handles on win32 (this is the case when the select to
1983be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 2647be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
1984C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 2648C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
1985it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 2649it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
1986on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 2650on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
2651
2652=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE
2653
2654If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
2655file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
2656default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
2657correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
2658in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
1987 2659
1988=item EV_USE_POLL 2660=item EV_USE_POLL
1989 2661
1990If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 2662If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
1991backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 2663backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
2025 2697
2026If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 2698If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2027interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 2699interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2028be detected at runtime. 2700be detected at runtime.
2029 2701
2702=item EV_ATOMIC_T
2703
2704Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
2705access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
2706type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
2707that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
2708as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2709
2710In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
2711(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2712
2030=item EV_H 2713=item EV_H
2031 2714
2032The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2715The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2033undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 2716undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
2034can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 2717used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
2035 2718
2036=item EV_CONFIG_H 2719=item EV_CONFIG_H
2037 2720
2038If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 2721If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
2039F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 2722F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
2040C<EV_H>, above. 2723C<EV_H>, above.
2041 2724
2042=item EV_EVENT_H 2725=item EV_EVENT_H
2043 2726
2044Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 2727Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
2045of how the F<event.h> header can be found. 2728of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
2046 2729
2047=item EV_PROTOTYPES 2730=item EV_PROTOTYPES
2048 2731
2049If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 2732If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
2050prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 2733prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
2057will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2740will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2058additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2741additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2059for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2742for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2060argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2743argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2061 2744
2745=item EV_MINPRI
2746
2747=item EV_MAXPRI
2748
2749The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2750C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2751provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2752to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2753
2754When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2755all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2756and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2757fine.
2758
2759If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2760C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2761
2062=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2762=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2063 2763
2064If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2764If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2065defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2765defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2066code. 2766code.
2067 2767
2768=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2769
2770If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2771defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2772code.
2773
2068=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2774=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2069 2775
2070If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 2776If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2071defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2777defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2072 2778
2076defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2782defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2077 2783
2078=item EV_FORK_ENABLE 2784=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2079 2785
2080If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If 2786If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2787defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2788
2789=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
2790
2791If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
2081defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2792defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2082 2793
2083=item EV_MINIMAL 2794=item EV_MINIMAL
2084 2795
2085If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 2796If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2093than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 2804than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2094increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 2805increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2095 2806
2096=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 2807=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2097 2808
2098C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 2809C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2099inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 2810inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2100usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 2811usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2101watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 2812watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2102two). 2813two).
2103 2814
2120 2831
2121=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 2832=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
2122 2833
2123Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 2834Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
2124and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 2835and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
2125definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for 2836definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2126their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 2837their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2127avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 2838avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2128method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 2839method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2840
2841=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2842
2843If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of
2844exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2845all public symbols, one per line:
2846
2847 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2848 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2849
2850This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2851multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2852itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this).
2853
2854A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2855include before including F<ev.h>:
2856
2857 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2858
2859This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
2860
2861 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
2862 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
2863 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
2864 ...
2129 2865
2130=head2 EXAMPLES 2866=head2 EXAMPLES
2131 2867
2132For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 2868For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2133verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 2869verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
2136interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 2872interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
2137will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header 2873will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
2138file. 2874file.
2139 2875
2140The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 2876The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2141that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 2877that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2142 2878
2879 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2143 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 2880 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2144 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 2881 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2145 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 2882 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2883 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2884 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2146 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 2885 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2886 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2887 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2147 2888
2148 #include "ev++.h" 2889 #include "ev++.h"
2149 2890
2150And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 2891And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2151 2892
2157 2898
2158In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 2899In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2159libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 2900libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2160documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 2901documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2161 2902
2903All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
2904extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
2905happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
2906mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
2907it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
2908
2162=over 4 2909=over 4
2163 2910
2164=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2911=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2165 2912
2913This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2914there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2915have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2916
2166=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2917=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2167 2918
2919That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2920as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2921
2168=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2922=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2169 2923
2924These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2925
2170=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2926=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2171 2927
2172=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 2928=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2173 2929
2930These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2931correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2932have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2933
2174=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2934=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
2935
2936By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the
2937beginning of the storage array.
2175 2938
2176=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2939=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2177 2940
2178=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2941A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2942libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
2943on 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
2949Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2950priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2951linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
2952watchers 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
2960Sending involves a syscall I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
2961calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
2962involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
2179 2963
2180=back 2964=back
2181 2965
2182 2966
2967=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds
2968
2969Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
2970requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
2971model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
2972the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
2973descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
2974e.g. cygwin.
2975
2976There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
2977embedding it into other applications.
2978
2979Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the
2980abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not
2981recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than
2982a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different
2983implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot
2984be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games).
2985
2986=over 4
2987
2988=item The winsocket select function
2989
2990The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires
2991socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select
2992very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors
2993to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>,
2994C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor
2995symbols for more info.
2996
2997The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime
2998libraries and raw winsocket select is:
2999
3000 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3001 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3002
3003Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3004complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3005
3006=item Limited number of file descriptors
3007
3008Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions
3009of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles
3010(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for
3011C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a
3012chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each).
3013
3014Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3015to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3016call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3017select emulation on windows).
3018
3019Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime
3020libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
3021or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3022C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3023arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime
3024libraries.
3025
3026This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
3027windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
3028wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3029calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3030
3031=back
3032
3033
2183=head1 AUTHOR 3034=head1 AUTHOR
2184 3035
2185Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3036Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
2186 3037

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