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Revision 1.134 by root, Sat Mar 8 07:04:56 2008 UTC vs.
Revision 1.172 by root, Wed Aug 6 07:01:25 2008 UTC

2 2
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required
11 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
12 13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type>
13 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15 18
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */ 19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
17 static void 21 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
19 { 23 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */ 24 puts ("stdin ready");
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */ 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */ 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
23 } 31 }
24 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
25 static void 34 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 { 36 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */ 37 puts ("timeout");
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */ 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
30 } 40 }
31 41
32 int 42 int
33 main (void) 43 main (void)
34 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36 47
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */ 48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40 52
53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */ 54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44 57
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */ 58 // now wait for events to arrive
46 ev_loop (loop, 0); 59 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47 60
61 // unloop was called, so exit
48 return 0; 62 return 0;
49 } 63 }
50 64
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 65=head1 DESCRIPTION
52 66
53The newest version of this document is also available as a html-formatted 67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
54web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first 68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
55time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>. 69time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
56 70
57Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 71Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
58file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
59these event sources and provide your program with events. 73these event sources and provide your program with events.
60 74
84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 98L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
85for example). 99for example).
86 100
87=head2 CONVENTIONS 101=head2 CONVENTIONS
88 102
89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will 103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about 104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in 105more info about various configuration options please have a look at
92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event 106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop> 107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument. 108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
109this argument.
95 110
96=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
97 112
98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
102to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
103it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name 118it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
104component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
105throughout libev. 120throughout libev.
121
122=head1 ERROR HANDLING
123
124Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
125and internal errors (bugs).
126
127When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
128a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
129set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
130abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
131()>.
132
133When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
134it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
135so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
136the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
137
138Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
139extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
140circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
141
106 142
107=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 143=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
108 144
109These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 145These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
110library in any way. 146library in any way.
119 155
120=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 156=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
121 157
122Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 158Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
123either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 159either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
124this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>. 160this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
125 161
126=item int ev_version_major () 162=item int ev_version_major ()
127 163
128=item int ev_version_minor () 164=item int ev_version_minor ()
129 165
142not a problem. 178not a problem.
143 179
144Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 180Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
145version. 181version.
146 182
147 assert (("libev version mismatch", 183 assert (("libev version mismatch",
148 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 184 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
149 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 185 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
150 186
151=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends () 187=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
152 188
153Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*> 189Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
154value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their 190value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
156a description of the set values. 192a description of the set values.
157 193
158Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and 194Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
159a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11 195a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
160 196
161 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 197 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
162 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 198 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
163 199
164=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 200=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
165 201
166Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 202Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
167recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 203recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
168returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 204returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
169most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it 205most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
170(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 206(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
171libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 207libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
172 208
173=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 209=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
174 210
181See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
182 218
183=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
184 220
185Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
186semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to 222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
187allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when 223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
188memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some 224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
189potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc 225or take some potentially destructive action.
190function. 226
227Since some systems (at least OpenBSD and Darwin) fail to implement
228correct C<realloc> semantics, libev will use a wrapper around the system
229C<realloc> and C<free> functions by default.
191 230
192You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 231You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
193free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 232free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
194or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 233or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
195 234
196Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 235Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
197retries). 236retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
198 237
199 static void * 238 static void *
200 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 239 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
201 { 240 {
202 for (;;) 241 for (;;)
213 ... 252 ...
214 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
215 254
216=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg));
217 256
218Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
219as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
220indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
221callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
222matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 261matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
223requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 262requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
224(such as abort). 263(such as abort).
225 264
226Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too. 265Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
240=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
241 280
242An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two
243types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 282types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child
244events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 283events, and dynamically created loops which do not.
245
246If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop
247in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you
248create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking
249whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
250threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
251done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
252 284
253=over 4 285=over 4
254 286
255=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 287=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
256 288
260flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 292flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
261 293
262If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 294If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
263function. 295function.
264 296
297Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
298from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
299as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway).
300
265The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 301The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
266C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 302C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
267for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your app you can either 303for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
268create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 304create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
269can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 305can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
270C<ev_default_init>. 306C<ev_default_init>.
271 307
272The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 308The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
281The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right 317The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
282thing, believe me). 318thing, believe me).
283 319
284=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 320=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
285 321
286If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 322If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
287or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 323or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
288C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 324C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
289override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 325override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
290useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 326useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
291around bugs. 327around bugs.
297enabling this flag. 333enabling this flag.
298 334
299This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 335This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
300and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 336and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
301iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 337iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
302Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 338GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
303without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has 339without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
304C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 340C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
305 341
306The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 342The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
307forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 343forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
308flag. 344flag.
309 345
310This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 346This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
311environment variable. 347environment variable.
312 348
313=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 349=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
314 350
315This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 351This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
317but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 353but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
318using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its 354using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
319usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds. 355usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
320 356
321To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of 357To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
322parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are 358parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
323writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many 359writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
324connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have 360connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
325a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of 361a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
326readyness notifications you get per iteration. 362readiness notifications you get per iteration.
327 363
328=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 364=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
329 365
330And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated 366And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
331than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial 367than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
339For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 375For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
340but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 376but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
341like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 377like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
342epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 378epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
343of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 379of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
344cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad 380cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad
345support for dup. 381support for dup.
346 382
347While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 383While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
348will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 384will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident
349(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 385(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
350best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 386best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
351very well if you register events for both fds. 387very well if you register events for both fds.
352 388
353Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 389Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
356 392
357Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 393Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
358watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e. 394watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.
359keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. 395keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.
360 396
361While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in 397While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
362all kernel versions tested so far. 398all kernel versions tested so far.
363 399
364=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 400=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
365 401
366Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 402Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
367was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 403was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
368with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 404with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
369it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected" 405it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected"
370unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 406unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
371C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 407C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
372system like NetBSD. 408system like NetBSD.
373 409
374You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 410You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
376the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 412the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
377 413
378It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 414It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
379kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 415kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
380course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 416course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
381cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 417cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
382two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it 418two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
383drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 419drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
384 420
385This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 421This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
386 422
401=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 437=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
402 438
403This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 439This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
404it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 440it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
405 441
406Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious 442Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
407notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 443notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
408blocking when no data (or space) is available. 444blocking when no data (or space) is available.
409 445
410While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 446While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
411file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 447file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
412descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 448descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
413might perform better. 449might perform better.
414 450
415On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this 451On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readiness notifications, this
416backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully 452backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully
417embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends. 453embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends.
418 454
419=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 455=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
420 456
424 460
425It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 461It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
426 462
427=back 463=back
428 464
429If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 465If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
430backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 466backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
431specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 467specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
432 468
433The most typical usage is like this: 469The most typical usage is like this:
434 470
435 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 471 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
436 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 472 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
437 473
438Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 474Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
439environment settings to be taken into account: 475environment settings to be taken into account:
440 476
441 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 477 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
442 478
443Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 479Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if
444available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 480available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private
445event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 481event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds):
446 482
447 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 483 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
448 484
449=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 485=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
450 486
451Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 487Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
452always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 488always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
453handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 489handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
454undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 490undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
455 491
492Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
493libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
494default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
495
456Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 496Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
457 497
458 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 498 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
459 if (!epoller) 499 if (!epoller)
460 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 500 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
461 501
462=item ev_default_destroy () 502=item ev_default_destroy ()
463 503
464Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 504Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
465etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 505etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
466sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 506sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
467responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 507responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
468calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 508calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
469the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 509the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
470for example). 510for example).
471 511
472Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 512Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
553A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 593A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
554those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 594those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in
555case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 595case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop.
556 596
557A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 597A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
558neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 598necessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block
559your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 599your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after
560one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 600one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some
561external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 601external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other
562libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 602libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
563usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 603usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
564 604
565Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 605Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
566 606
567 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 607 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
568 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 608 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
569 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers. 609 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
570 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 610 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
571 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 611 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
612 as to not disturb the other process.
572 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 613 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
573 - Update the "event loop time". 614 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
574 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 615 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
575 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 616 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
576 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 617 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
577 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 618 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
578 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 619 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
579 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 620 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
580 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 621 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
581 - Queue all outstanding timers. 622 - Queue all outstanding timers.
582 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 623 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
583 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 624 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
584 - Queue all check watchers. 625 - Queue all check watchers.
585 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 626 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
586 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 627 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
587 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 628 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
588 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 629 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
593anymore. 634anymore.
594 635
595 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 636 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
596 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 637 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
597 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 638 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
598 ... jobs done. yeah! 639 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
599 640
600=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 641=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
601 642
602Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 643Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
603has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 644has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
624respectively). 665respectively).
625 666
626Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 667Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
627running when nothing else is active. 668running when nothing else is active.
628 669
629 struct ev_signal exitsig; 670 struct ev_signal exitsig;
630 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 671 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
631 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 672 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
632 evf_unref (loop); 673 evf_unref (loop);
633 674
634Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 675Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
635 676
636 ev_ref (loop); 677 ev_ref (loop);
637 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 678 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
638 679
639=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 680=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
640 681
641=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 682=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
642 683
643These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting 684These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
644for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to 685for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
645invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency. 686will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
687latency.
646 688
647Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>) 689Setting 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 690allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
649increase efficiency of loop iterations. 691to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
692opportunities).
650 693
651The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to 694The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
652handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes 695handle 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 696the 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 697events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
664to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 707to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
665latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 708latency (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 709will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
667any overhead in libev. 710any overhead in libev.
668 711
669Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect 712Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
670interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for 713interval 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 714interactive 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>, 715usually 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. 716as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
717
718Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
719saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
720are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
721times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
722reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
723they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
724
725=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
726
727This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
728compiled in. It tries to go through all internal structures and checks
729them for validity. If anything is found to be inconsistent, it will print
730an error message to standard error and call C<abort ()>.
731
732This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
733circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
734data structures consistent.
674 735
675=back 736=back
676 737
677 738
678=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 739=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
679 740
680A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 741A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
681interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 742interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
682become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 743become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
683 744
684 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 745 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
685 { 746 {
686 ev_io_stop (w); 747 ev_io_stop (w);
687 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 748 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
688 } 749 }
689 750
690 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 751 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
691 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 752 struct ev_io stdin_watcher;
692 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 753 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
693 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 754 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
694 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 755 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
695 ev_loop (loop, 0); 756 ev_loop (loop, 0);
696 757
697As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 758As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
698watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 759watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack,
699although this can sometimes be quite valid). 760although this can sometimes be quite valid).
700 761
701Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 762Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
702(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 763(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
703callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 764callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
704watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 765watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
705is readable and/or writable). 766is readable and/or writable).
706 767
707Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 768Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro
708with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 769with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro
784 845
785The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 846The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
786 847
787=item C<EV_ERROR> 848=item C<EV_ERROR>
788 849
789An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 850An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
790happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 851happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
791ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 852ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
792problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 853problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping
793with the watcher being stopped. 854with the watcher being stopped.
794 855
795Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 856Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error,
796for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 857for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if
797your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 858your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope
798with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 859with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
799programs, though, so beware. 860programs, though, so beware.
800 861
801=back 862=back
802 863
803=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 864=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
833Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 894Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
834(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 895(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
835 896
836=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 897=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
837 898
838This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 899This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
839calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise 900calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
840a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 901a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
841 902
842=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 903=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
843 904
844Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 905Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
927to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 988to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
928don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 989don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
929member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 990member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
930data: 991data:
931 992
932 struct my_io 993 struct my_io
933 { 994 {
934 struct ev_io io; 995 struct ev_io io;
935 int otherfd; 996 int otherfd;
936 void *somedata; 997 void *somedata;
937 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 998 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
938 } 999 }
939 1000
940And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1001And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
941can cast it back to your own type: 1002can cast it back to your own type:
942 1003
943 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1004 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents)
944 { 1005 {
945 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1006 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
946 ... 1007 ...
947 } 1008 }
948 1009
949More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1010More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
950instead have been omitted. 1011instead have been omitted.
951 1012
952Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1013Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
953watchers: 1014watchers:
954 1015
955 struct my_biggy 1016 struct my_biggy
956 { 1017 {
957 int some_data; 1018 int some_data;
958 ev_timer t1; 1019 ev_timer t1;
959 ev_timer t2; 1020 ev_timer t2;
960 } 1021 }
961 1022
962In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated, 1023In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
963you need to use C<offsetof>: 1024you need to use C<offsetof>:
964 1025
965 #include <stddef.h> 1026 #include <stddef.h>
966 1027
967 static void 1028 static void
968 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1029 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
969 { 1030 {
970 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1031 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
971 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1032 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
972 } 1033 }
973 1034
974 static void 1035 static void
975 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1036 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
976 { 1037 {
977 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1038 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
978 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1039 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
979 } 1040 }
980 1041
981 1042
982=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1043=head1 WATCHER TYPES
983 1044
984This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1045This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1013If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1074If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
1014(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1075(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
1015C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1076C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
1016 1077
1017Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1078Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1018receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1079receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1019be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1080be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1020because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1081because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1021lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1082lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
1022this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1083this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
1023it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1084it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1024C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1085C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1025 1086
1026If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1087If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
1027play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1088play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately re-test
1028whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1089whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
1029such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1090such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
1030its own, so its quite safe to use). 1091its own, so its quite safe to use).
1031 1092
1032=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1093=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1070To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1131To 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, 1132C<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 1133enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1073C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1134C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1074 1135
1136=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1137
1138While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about SIGPIPE:
1139when reading from a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program
1140gets send a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most
1141programs this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually
1142undesirable.
1143
1144So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1145ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1146somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1147
1075 1148
1076=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1149=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1077 1150
1078=over 4 1151=over 4
1079 1152
1080=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1153=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1081 1154
1082=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1155=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1083 1156
1084Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1157Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
1085rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1158receive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1086C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1159C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
1087 1160
1088=item int fd [read-only] 1161=item int fd [read-only]
1089 1162
1090The file descriptor being watched. 1163The file descriptor being watched.
1099 1172
1100Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1173Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1101readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1174readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1102attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1175attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1103 1176
1104 static void 1177 static void
1105 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1178 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1106 { 1179 {
1107 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1180 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1108 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1181 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors
1109 } 1182 }
1110 1183
1111 ... 1184 ...
1112 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1185 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1113 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1186 struct ev_io stdin_readable;
1114 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1187 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1115 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1188 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1116 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1189 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1117 1190
1118 1191
1119=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1192=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1120 1193
1121Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1194Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1122given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1195given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1123 1196
1124The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1197The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
1125times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years 1198times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
1126time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1199year, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because
1127detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1200detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1128monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1201monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1129 1202
1130The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1203The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1131time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1204time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1133you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1206you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout
1134on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1207on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1135 1208
1136 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1209 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1137 1210
1138The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1211The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only after its timeout has passed,
1139but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1212but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
1140order of execution is undefined. 1213order of execution is undefined.
1141 1214
1142=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1215=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1143 1216
1145 1218
1146=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1219=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1147 1220
1148=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1221=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1149 1222
1150Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1223Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
1151C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped. If it is positive, then the 1224is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
1152timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1225reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
1153later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1226configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1227until stopped manually.
1154 1228
1155The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 1229The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
1156configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1230you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1157exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1231trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1158the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1232keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1159timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1233do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1160 1234
1161=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *) 1235=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1162 1236
1163This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1237This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1164repeating. The exact semantics are: 1238repeating. The exact semantics are:
1165 1239
1166If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1240If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1167 1241
1168If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1242If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1169 1243
1170If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1244If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1171C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1245C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1172 1246
1173This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1247This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
1174example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1248example: Imagine you have a TCP connection and you want a so-called idle
1175timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60 1249timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1176seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to 1250seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1177configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call 1251configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1178C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1252C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1179you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1253you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1205 1279
1206=head3 Examples 1280=head3 Examples
1207 1281
1208Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1282Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1209 1283
1210 static void 1284 static void
1211 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1285 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1212 { 1286 {
1213 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1287 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1214 } 1288 }
1215 1289
1216 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1290 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1217 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1291 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1218 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1292 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1219 1293
1220Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1294Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1221inactivity. 1295inactivity.
1222 1296
1223 static void 1297 static void
1224 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1298 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1225 { 1299 {
1226 .. ten seconds without any activity 1300 .. ten seconds without any activity
1227 } 1301 }
1228 1302
1229 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1303 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1230 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1304 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1231 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1305 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1232 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1306 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1233 1307
1234 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1308 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1235 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1309 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1236 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1310 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1237 1311
1238 1312
1239=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1313=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1240 1314
1241Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1315Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1242(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1316(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1243 1317
1244Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1318Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
1245but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1319but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
1246to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1320to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
1247periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1321periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now ()
1248+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1322+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system
1323clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year
1249take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1324to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1250roughly 10 seconds later). 1325roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1251 1326
1252They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1327C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
1253triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated, 1328such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1254rules. 1329complicated, rules.
1255 1330
1256As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1331As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1257time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1332time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1258during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1333during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1259 1334
1260=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1335=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1261 1336
1262=over 4 1337=over 4
1270 1345
1271=over 4 1346=over 4
1272 1347
1273=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1348=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1274 1349
1275In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1350In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1276C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1351time C<at> has passed and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time
1277that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1352jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
1278system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1353run when the system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1279 1354
1280=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1355=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1281 1356
1282In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1357In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1283C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 1358C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1284and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1359and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1285 1360
1286This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1361This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
1287time: 1362time, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each hour, on
1363the hour:
1288 1364
1289 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1365 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1290 1366
1291This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1367This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1292but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1368but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1293full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 1369full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1294by 3600. 1370by 3600.
1295 1371
1296Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1372Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1297C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1373C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1298time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1374time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1299 1375
1300For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1376For 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 1377C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1302this value. 1378this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1379
1380Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1381speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1382will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1383millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1303 1384
1304=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1385=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1305 1386
1306In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1387In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1307ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1388ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1308reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1389reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1309current time as second argument. 1390current time as second argument.
1310 1391
1311NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1392NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1312ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1393ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>.
1313return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1314starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1315 1394
1395If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1396it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1397only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1398
1316Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1399The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic
1317ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1400*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1318 1401
1319 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1402 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1320 { 1403 {
1321 return now + 60.; 1404 return now + 60.;
1322 } 1405 }
1324It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1407It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1325(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 1408(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
1326will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 1409will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1327might be called at other times, too. 1410might be called at other times, too.
1328 1411
1329NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the 1412NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
1330passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger. 1413equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1331 1414
1332This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 1415This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
1333triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the 1416triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the
1334next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 1417next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
1335you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 1418you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1336reason I omitted it as an example). 1419reason I omitted it as an example).
1337 1420
1338=back 1421=back
1342Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1425Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1343when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1426when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1344a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1427a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1345program when the crontabs have changed). 1428program when the crontabs have changed).
1346 1429
1430=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1431
1432When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1433trigger next.
1434
1347=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 1435=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1348 1436
1349When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 1437When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1350absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 1438absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1351 1439
1362 1450
1363The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1451The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1364switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1452switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1365the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1453the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1366 1454
1367=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1368
1369When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1370trigger next.
1371
1372=back 1455=back
1373 1456
1374=head3 Examples 1457=head3 Examples
1375 1458
1376Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1459Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1377system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1460system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1378potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1461potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1379 1462
1380 static void 1463 static void
1381 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1464 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1382 { 1465 {
1383 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1466 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1384 } 1467 }
1385 1468
1386 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1469 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1387 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1470 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1388 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1471 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1389 1472
1390Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1473Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1391 1474
1392 #include <math.h> 1475 #include <math.h>
1393 1476
1394 static ev_tstamp 1477 static ev_tstamp
1395 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1478 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1396 { 1479 {
1397 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1480 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1398 } 1481 }
1399 1482
1400 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1483 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1401 1484
1402Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1485Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1403 1486
1404 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1487 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1405 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1488 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1406 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1489 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1407 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1490 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1408 1491
1409 1492
1410=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1493=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1411 1494
1412Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1495Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1419with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1502with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
1420as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1503as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1421watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1504watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1422SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1505SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1423 1506
1507If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1508C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1509interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1510signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1511them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1512
1424=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1513=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1425 1514
1426=over 4 1515=over 4
1427 1516
1428=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1517=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1440 1529
1441=head3 Examples 1530=head3 Examples
1442 1531
1443Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1532Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1444 1533
1445 static void 1534 static void
1446 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1535 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1447 { 1536 {
1448 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1537 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1449 } 1538 }
1450 1539
1451 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1540 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1452 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1541 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1453 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1542 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1454 1543
1455 1544
1456=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1545=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1457 1546
1458Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1547Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1460is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been 1549is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been
1461forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event 1550forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event
1462loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher). 1551loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher).
1463 1552
1464Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 1553Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1465you can only rgeister child watchers in the default event loop. 1554you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1466 1555
1467=head3 Process Interaction 1556=head3 Process Interaction
1468 1557
1469Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 1558Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1470initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 1559initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1471the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurance 1560the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1472of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 1561of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1473synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 1562synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1474children, even ones not watched. 1563children, even ones not watched.
1475 1564
1476=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 1565=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1518=head3 Examples 1607=head3 Examples
1519 1608
1520Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for 1609Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1521its completion. 1610its completion.
1522 1611
1523 ev_child cw; 1612 ev_child cw;
1524 1613
1525 static void 1614 static void
1526 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents) 1615 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1527 { 1616 {
1528 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w); 1617 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1529 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus); 1618 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1530 } 1619 }
1531 1620
1532 pid_t pid = fork (); 1621 pid_t pid = fork ();
1533 1622
1534 if (pid < 0) 1623 if (pid < 0)
1535 // error 1624 // error
1536 else if (pid == 0) 1625 else if (pid == 0)
1537 { 1626 {
1538 // the forked child executes here 1627 // the forked child executes here
1539 exit (1); 1628 exit (1);
1540 } 1629 }
1541 else 1630 else
1542 { 1631 {
1543 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0); 1632 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1544 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw); 1633 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1545 } 1634 }
1546 1635
1547 1636
1548=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1637=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1549 1638
1550This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1639This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1551C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 1640C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1552compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 1641compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1553 1642
1554The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1643The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1555not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1644not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1573as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1662as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1574resource-intensive. 1663resource-intensive.
1575 1664
1576At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 1665At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1577implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 1666implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1667reader, note, however, that the author sees no way of implementing ev_stat
1578reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 1668semantics with kqueue). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should
1579semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1669not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev
1580to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are 1670sometimes needs to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify,
1581usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1671but changes are usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there
1582polling. 1672will be no polling.
1673
1674=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1675
1676Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1677compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1678support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1679structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1680use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1681compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1682obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1683most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support.
1684
1685The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1686file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1687optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1688to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1689default compilation environment.
1583 1690
1584=head3 Inotify 1691=head3 Inotify
1585 1692
1586When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1693When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1587available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 1694available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1588change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 1695change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1589when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 1696when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1590 1697
1591Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 1698Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1592except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 1699except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1593making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support 1700making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1594there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling. 1701there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.
1595 1702
1596(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 1703(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1597implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 1704implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1598descriptor open on the object at all times). 1705descriptor open on the object at all times).
1599 1706
1600=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 1707=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1601 1708
1602The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and 1709The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1603even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still 1710even on systems where the resolution is higher, many file systems still
1604only support whole seconds. 1711only support whole seconds.
1605 1712
1606That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might 1713That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1607miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls 1714easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1608your callback, which does something. When there is another update within 1715calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1609the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it. 1716within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it as the stat
1717data does not change.
1610 1718
1611The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till 1719The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1612the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer> 1720than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1613(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01> 1721a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1614is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating 1722ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1615systems. 1723
1724The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
1725of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
1726might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
1727C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
1728a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
1729update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
1730the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
1731the timer callback).
1616 1732
1617=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1733=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1618 1734
1619=over 4 1735=over 4
1620 1736
1626C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 1742C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1627be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose 1743be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1628a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same 1744a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1629path for as long as the watcher is active. 1745path for as long as the watcher is active.
1630 1746
1631The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 1747The callback will receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, relative
1632relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 1748to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the last change
1633last change was detected). 1749was detected).
1634 1750
1635=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *) 1751=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1636 1752
1637Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 1753Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1638watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 1754watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1639detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 1755detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1640useful simply to find out the new values. 1756the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
1757new values.
1641 1758
1642=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 1759=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1643 1760
1644The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 1761The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1645C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types 1762C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1646suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there 1763suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
1764members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1647was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 1765some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1648 1766
1649=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 1767=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1650 1768
1651The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 1769The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1652C<prev> != C<attr>. 1770C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
1771differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
1772C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1653 1773
1654=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 1774=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1655 1775
1656The specified interval. 1776The specified interval.
1657 1777
1658=item const char *path [read-only] 1778=item const char *path [read-only]
1659 1779
1660The filesystem path that is being watched. 1780The file system path that is being watched.
1661 1781
1662=back 1782=back
1663 1783
1664=head3 Examples 1784=head3 Examples
1665 1785
1666Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1786Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1667 1787
1668 static void 1788 static void
1669 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1789 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1670 { 1790 {
1671 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 1791 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1672 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 1792 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1673 { 1793 {
1674 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 1794 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1675 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1795 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1676 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1796 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1677 } 1797 }
1678 else 1798 else
1679 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 1799 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1680 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 1800 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1681 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 1801 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1682 } 1802 }
1683 1803
1684 ... 1804 ...
1685 ev_stat passwd; 1805 ev_stat passwd;
1686 1806
1687 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1807 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1688 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1808 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1689 1809
1690Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not 1810Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1691miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so 1811miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1692one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on 1812one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1693C<ev_timer> callback invocation). 1813C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1694 1814
1695 static ev_stat passwd; 1815 static ev_stat passwd;
1696 static ev_timer timer; 1816 static ev_timer timer;
1697 1817
1698 static void 1818 static void
1699 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1819 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1700 { 1820 {
1701 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w); 1821 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1702 1822
1703 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */ 1823 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1704 } 1824 }
1705 1825
1706 static void 1826 static void
1707 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents) 1827 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1708 { 1828 {
1709 /* reset the one-second timer */ 1829 /* reset the one-second timer */
1710 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer); 1830 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1711 } 1831 }
1712 1832
1713 ... 1833 ...
1714 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1834 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1715 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1835 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1716 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01); 1836 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1717 1837
1718 1838
1719=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1839=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1720 1840
1721Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 1841Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1752=head3 Examples 1872=head3 Examples
1753 1873
1754Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 1874Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1755callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1875callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1756 1876
1757 static void 1877 static void
1758 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1878 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1759 { 1879 {
1760 free (w); 1880 free (w);
1761 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1881 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1762 // no longer anything immediate to do. 1882 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1763 } 1883 }
1764 1884
1765 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1885 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1766 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1886 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1767 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1887 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1768 1888
1769 1889
1770=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 1890=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1771 1891
1772Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 1892Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:
1791 1911
1792This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 1912This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need
1793to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 1913to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for
1794them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 1914them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
1795provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 1915provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
1796any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 1916any events that occurred (by checking the pending status of all watchers
1797and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 1917and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer
1798callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 1918callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless,
1799because you never know, you know?). 1919because you never know, you know?).
1800 1920
1801As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 1921As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1809 1929
1810It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 1930It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1811priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 1931priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1812after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 1932after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1813too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 1933too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1814supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers 1934supports this, they might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers
1815did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other 1935did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1816(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable 1936(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1817state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to 1937state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1818coexist peacefully with others). 1938coexist peacefully with others).
1819 1939
1834=head3 Examples 1954=head3 Examples
1835 1955
1836There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules 1956There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1837into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev 1957into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1838(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could 1958(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1839use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> 1959use as a working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> embeds a
1840embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV 1960Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1841into the Glib event loop). 1961Glib event loop).
1842 1962
1843Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, 1963Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1844and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows 1964and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1845is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low 1965is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1846priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as 1966priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1847the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet. 1967the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1848 1968
1849 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1969 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1850 static ev_timer tw; 1970 static ev_timer tw;
1851 1971
1852 static void 1972 static void
1853 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1973 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1854 { 1974 {
1855 } 1975 }
1856 1976
1857 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1977 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1858 static void 1978 static void
1859 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1979 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1860 { 1980 {
1861 int timeout = 3600000; 1981 int timeout = 3600000;
1862 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1982 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1863 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1983 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1864 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1984 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1865 1985
1866 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1986 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1867 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1987 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1868 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1988 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1869 1989
1870 // create one ev_io per pollfd 1990 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1871 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1991 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1872 { 1992 {
1873 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1993 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1874 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1994 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1875 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1995 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1876 1996
1877 fds [i].revents = 0; 1997 fds [i].revents = 0;
1878 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1998 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1879 } 1999 }
1880 } 2000 }
1881 2001
1882 // stop all watchers after blocking 2002 // stop all watchers after blocking
1883 static void 2003 static void
1884 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2004 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1885 { 2005 {
1886 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2006 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1887 2007
1888 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2008 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1889 { 2009 {
1890 // set the relevant poll flags 2010 // set the relevant poll flags
1891 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 2011 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1892 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 2012 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1893 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 2013 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1894 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 2014 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1895 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 2015 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1896 2016
1897 // now stop the watcher 2017 // now stop the watcher
1898 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2018 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1899 } 2019 }
1900 2020
1901 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2021 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1902 } 2022 }
1903 2023
1904Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll> 2024Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1905in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher. 2025in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1906 2026
1907Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2027Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1908notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2028notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1909callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2029callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1910 2030
1911 static void 2031 static void
1912 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2032 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1913 { 2033 {
1914 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2034 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1915 update_now (EV_A); 2035 update_now (EV_A);
1916 2036
1917 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2037 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1918 } 2038 }
1919 2039
1920 static void 2040 static void
1921 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2041 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1922 { 2042 {
1923 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2043 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1924 update_now (EV_A); 2044 update_now (EV_A);
1925 2045
1926 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2046 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1927 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2047 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1928 } 2048 }
1929 2049
1930 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2050 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1931 2051
1932Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2052Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1933want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override 2053want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, you can override
1934their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2054their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1935loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does 2055loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1936this. 2056this.
1937 2057
1938 static gint 2058 static gint
1939 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2059 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1940 { 2060 {
1941 int got_events = 0; 2061 int got_events = 0;
1942 2062
1943 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2063 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1944 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events 2064 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1945 2065
1946 if (timeout >= 0) 2066 if (timeout >= 0)
1947 // create/start timer 2067 // create/start timer
1948 2068
1949 // poll 2069 // poll
1950 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2070 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1951 2071
1952 // stop timer again 2072 // stop timer again
1953 if (timeout >= 0) 2073 if (timeout >= 0)
1954 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2074 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1955 2075
1956 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2076 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1957 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2077 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1958 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2078 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1959 2079
1960 return got_events; 2080 return got_events;
1961 } 2081 }
1962 2082
1963 2083
1964=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2084=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1965 2085
1966This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2086This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
2022 2142
2023Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2143Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
2024embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2144embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
2025invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2145invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
2026to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2146to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
2027if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2147if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2028 2148
2029=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2149=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2030 2150
2031Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2151Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2032similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2152similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
2033apropriate way for embedded loops. 2153appropriate way for embedded loops.
2034 2154
2035=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2155=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2036 2156
2037The embedded event loop. 2157The embedded event loop.
2038 2158
2040 2160
2041=head3 Examples 2161=head3 Examples
2042 2162
2043Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default 2163Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
2044event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default 2164event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
2045loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in 2165loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
2046C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be 2166C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2047used). 2167used).
2048 2168
2049 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2169 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2050 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2170 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2051 struct ev_embed embed; 2171 struct ev_embed embed;
2052 2172
2053 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2173 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2054 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2174 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2055 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2175 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2056 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2176 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2057 : 0; 2177 : 0;
2058 2178
2059 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi 2179 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
2060 if (loop_lo) 2180 if (loop_lo)
2061 { 2181 {
2062 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 2182 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2063 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2183 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2064 } 2184 }
2065 else 2185 else
2066 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2186 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2067 2187
2068Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create 2188Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2069a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any 2189a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2070kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2190kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2071C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2191C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2072 2192
2073 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2193 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2074 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2194 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2075 struct ev_embed embed; 2195 struct ev_embed embed;
2076 2196
2077 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2197 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2078 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2198 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2079 { 2199 {
2080 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2200 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2081 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 2201 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2082 } 2202 }
2083 2203
2084 if (!loop_socket) 2204 if (!loop_socket)
2085 loop_socket = loop; 2205 loop_socket = loop;
2086 2206
2087 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else 2207 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2088 2208
2089 2209
2090=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2210=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2091 2211
2092Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2212Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2145 2265
2146=item queueing from a signal handler context 2266=item queueing from a signal handler context
2147 2267
2148To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal 2268To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2149handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for 2269handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for
2150some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler: 2270some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2151 2271
2152 static ev_async mysig; 2272 static ev_async mysig;
2153 2273
2154 static void 2274 static void
2155 sigusr1_handler (void) 2275 sigusr1_handler (void)
2229=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 2349=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2230 2350
2231Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 2351Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2232an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 2352an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2233C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or 2353C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or
2234similar contexts (see the dicusssion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 2354similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2235section below on what exactly this means). 2355section below on what exactly this means).
2236 2356
2237This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration, 2357This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration,
2238so while the overhead might be noticable, it doesn't apply to repeated 2358so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2239calls to C<ev_async_send>. 2359calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2360
2361=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2362
2363Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2364watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2365event loop.
2366
2367C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2368the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2369it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2370quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2371
2372Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2373whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
2240 2374
2241=back 2375=back
2242 2376
2243 2377
2244=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2378=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2255or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2389or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2256more watchers yourself. 2390more watchers yourself.
2257 2391
2258If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2392If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events
2259is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2393is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and
2260C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2394C<events> set will be created and started.
2261 2395
2262If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2396If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2263started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2397started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2264repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2398repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of
2265dubious value. 2399dubious value.
2267The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2401The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
2268passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2402passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2269C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2403C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2270value passed to C<ev_once>: 2404value passed to C<ev_once>:
2271 2405
2272 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2406 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2273 { 2407 {
2274 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 2408 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2275 /* doh, nothing entered */; 2409 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2276 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2410 else if (revents & EV_READ)
2277 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2411 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2278 } 2412 }
2279 2413
2280 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2414 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2281 2415
2282=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2416=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2283 2417
2284Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2418Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2285had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2419had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2290Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2424Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2291the given events it. 2425the given events it.
2292 2426
2293=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2427=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2294 2428
2295Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2429Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2296loop!). 2430loop!).
2297 2431
2298=back 2432=back
2299 2433
2300 2434
2316 2450
2317=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 2451=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2318will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 2452will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
2319is an ev_pri field. 2453is an ev_pri field.
2320 2454
2455=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2456first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
2457
2321=item * Other members are not supported. 2458=item * Other members are not supported.
2322 2459
2323=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 2460=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
2324to use the libev header file and library. 2461to use the libev header file and library.
2325 2462
2326=back 2463=back
2327 2464
2328=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2465=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2329 2466
2330Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2467Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2331you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 2468you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2332the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2469the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2333 2470
2334To use it, 2471To use it,
2335 2472
2336 #include <ev++.h> 2473 #include <ev++.h>
2337 2474
2338This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 2475This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2339of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 2476of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2340put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 2477put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2341options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2478options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
2408your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the 2545your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2409thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 2546thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2410 2547
2411Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 2548Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2412 2549
2413 struct myclass 2550 struct myclass
2414 { 2551 {
2415 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2552 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2416 } 2553 }
2417 2554
2418 myclass obj; 2555 myclass obj;
2419 ev::io iow; 2556 ev::io iow;
2420 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 2557 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2421 2558
2422=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 2559=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2423 2560
2424Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 2561Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2425callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 2562callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2429 2566
2430See the method-C<set> above for more details. 2567See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2431 2568
2432Example: 2569Example:
2433 2570
2434 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2571 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2435 iow.set <io_cb> (); 2572 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2436 2573
2437=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2574=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2438 2575
2439Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2576Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2440do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2577do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2441 2578
2442=item w->set ([args]) 2579=item w->set ([arguments])
2443 2580
2444Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2581Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
2445called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2582called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2446automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 2583automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2447method. 2584method.
2448 2585
2449=item w->start () 2586=item w->start ()
2473=back 2610=back
2474 2611
2475Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2612Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2476the constructor. 2613the constructor.
2477 2614
2478 class myclass 2615 class myclass
2479 { 2616 {
2480 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2617 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2481 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2618 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2482 2619
2483 myclass (int fd) 2620 myclass (int fd)
2484 { 2621 {
2485 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2622 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2486 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2623 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2487 2624
2488 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2625 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2489 } 2626 }
2490 }; 2627 };
2628
2629
2630=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2631
2632Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
2633number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2634any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2635me a note.
2636
2637=over 4
2638
2639=item Perl
2640
2641The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
2642libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2643there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2644to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the
2645C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>).
2646
2647It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2648L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2649
2650=item Python
2651
2652Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2653seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the
2654patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2655for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2656libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2657libev).
2658
2659=item Ruby
2660
2661Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2662of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2663more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2664L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2665
2666=item D
2667
2668Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2669be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2670
2671=back
2491 2672
2492 2673
2493=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2674=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2494 2675
2495Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 2676Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2496of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 2677of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2497functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2678functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2498 2679
2499To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2680To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2500following macros are defined: 2681following macros are defined:
2505 2686
2506This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2687This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2507loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 2688loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2508C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 2689C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2509 2690
2510 ev_unref (EV_A); 2691 ev_unref (EV_A);
2511 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 2692 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2512 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2693 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2513 2694
2514It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 2695It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2515which is often provided by the following macro. 2696which is often provided by the following macro.
2516 2697
2517=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 2698=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2518 2699
2519This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2700This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2520loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter, 2701loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2521C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example: 2702C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2522 2703
2523 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 2704 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2524 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 2705 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2525 2706
2526 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 2707 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2527 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2708 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2528 2709
2529It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 2710It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2530suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 2711suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2531 2712
2532=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 2713=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2533 2714
2534Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2715Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2535loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2716loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
2717
2718=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
2719
2720Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
2721default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
2722is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
2723execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
2724
2725It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
2726watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2536 2727
2537=back 2728=back
2538 2729
2539Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 2730Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2540macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 2731macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2541or not. 2732or not.
2542 2733
2543 static void 2734 static void
2544 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2735 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2545 { 2736 {
2546 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2737 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2547 } 2738 }
2548 2739
2549 ev_check check; 2740 ev_check check;
2550 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2741 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2551 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2742 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2552 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2743 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2553 2744
2554=head1 EMBEDDING 2745=head1 EMBEDDING
2555 2746
2556Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2747Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2557applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2748applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2564libev somewhere in your source tree). 2755libev somewhere in your source tree).
2565 2756
2566=head2 FILESETS 2757=head2 FILESETS
2567 2758
2568Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 2759Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2569in your app. 2760in your application.
2570 2761
2571=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 2762=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2572 2763
2573To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 2764To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2574configuration (no autoconf): 2765configuration (no autoconf):
2575 2766
2576 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2767 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2577 #include "ev.c" 2768 #include "ev.c"
2578 2769
2579This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 2770This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
2580single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use 2771single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
2581it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best 2772it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
2582done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and 2773done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2583where you can put other configuration options): 2774where you can put other configuration options):
2584 2775
2585 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2776 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2586 #include "ev.h" 2777 #include "ev.h"
2587 2778
2588Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 2779Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2589compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 2780compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2590as a bug). 2781as a bug).
2591 2782
2592You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 2783You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2593in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 2784in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2594 2785
2595 ev.h 2786 ev.h
2596 ev.c 2787 ev.c
2597 ev_vars.h 2788 ev_vars.h
2598 ev_wrap.h 2789 ev_wrap.h
2599 2790
2600 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2791 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2601 2792
2602 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 2793 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
2603 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2794 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2604 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2795 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2605 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2796 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2606 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2797 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2607 2798
2608F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 2799F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2609to compile this single file. 2800to compile this single file.
2610 2801
2611=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 2802=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2612 2803
2613To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 2804To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2614 2805
2615 #include "event.c" 2806 #include "event.c"
2616 2807
2617in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 2808in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2618 2809
2619 #include "event.h" 2810 #include "event.h"
2620 2811
2621in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 2812in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2622 2813
2623You need the following additional files for this: 2814You need the following additional files for this:
2624 2815
2625 event.h 2816 event.h
2626 event.c 2817 event.c
2627 2818
2628=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 2819=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2629 2820
2630Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 2821Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
2631whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 2822whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2632F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then 2823F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2633include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 2824include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2634 2825
2635For this of course you need the m4 file: 2826For this of course you need the m4 file:
2636 2827
2637 libev.m4 2828 libev.m4
2638 2829
2639=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 2830=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2640 2831
2641Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define 2832Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2642before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity 2833define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2643and only include the select backend. 2834autoconf is noted for every option.
2644 2835
2645=over 4 2836=over 4
2646 2837
2647=item EV_STANDALONE 2838=item EV_STANDALONE
2648 2839
2653F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 2844F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2654 2845
2655=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 2846=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2656 2847
2657If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2848If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2658monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2849monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
2659of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2850of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2660usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2851usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2661the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 2852the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2662to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2853to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2663function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2854function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2664 2855
2665=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2856=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2666 2857
2667If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2858If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2668realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2859real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
2669runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2860runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
2670be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2861be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2671(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 2862(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2672note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2863note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2673 2864
2674=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 2865=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2675 2866
2676If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available 2867If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2677and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>. 2868and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2678 2869
2870=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
2871
2872If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
2873available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
2874C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
2875If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
28762.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2877
2679=item EV_USE_SELECT 2878=item EV_USE_SELECT
2680 2879
2681If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2880If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2682C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2881C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
2683other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 2882other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2684will not be compiled in. 2883will not be compiled in.
2685 2884
2686=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 2885=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2687 2886
2688If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 2887If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2689structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 2888structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2690C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 2889C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on
2691exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 2890exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2692low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 2891low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2693allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 2892allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2694influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 2893influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2695 2894
2719 2918
2720=item EV_USE_EPOLL 2919=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2721 2920
2722If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 2921If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2723C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 2922C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2724otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 2923otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2725preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems. 2924backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
2925headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2726 2926
2727=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 2927=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2728 2928
2729If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 2929If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2730C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 2930C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2743otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 2943otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2744backend for Solaris 10 systems. 2944backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2745 2945
2746=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2946=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2747 2947
2748reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2948Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2749 2949
2750=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 2950=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2751 2951
2752If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 2952If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2753interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 2953interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2754be detected at runtime. 2954be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
2955indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2755 2956
2756=item EV_ATOMIC_T 2957=item EV_ATOMIC_T
2757 2958
2758Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose 2959Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
2759access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 2960access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
2760type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type 2961type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
2761that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking" 2962that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
2762as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 2963as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2763 2964
2764In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 2965In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
2765(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 2966(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2766 2967
2767=item EV_H 2968=item EV_H
2768 2969
2769The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2970The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2808When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 3009When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2809all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3010all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2810and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually 3011and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2811fine. 3012fine.
2812 3013
2813If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3014If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2814C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 3015C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2815 3016
2816=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3017=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2817 3018
2818If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3019If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2819defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3020defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2846defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3047defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2847 3048
2848=item EV_MINIMAL 3049=item EV_MINIMAL
2849 3050
2850If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3051If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2851speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 3052speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2852some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 3053inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3054much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2853 3055
2854=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3056=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2855 3057
2856C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3058C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2857pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 3059pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2864inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 3066inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2865usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 3067usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2866watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 3068watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2867two). 3069two).
2868 3070
3071=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3072
3073Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3074timer and periodics heap, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3075to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has
3076noticeably faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3077
3078The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3079(disabled).
3080
3081=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3082
3083Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3084timer and periodics heap, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3085the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3086which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3087but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3088noticeably with with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3089
3090The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3091(disabled).
3092
3093=item EV_VERIFY
3094
3095Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3096be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3097in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3098called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3099called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3100verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3101libev considerably.
3102
3103The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3104C<0.>
3105
2869=item EV_COMMON 3106=item EV_COMMON
2870 3107
2871By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3108By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2872this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 3109this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2873members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 3110members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2874though, and it must be identical each time. 3111though, and it must be identical each time.
2875 3112
2876For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3113For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2877 3114
2878 #define EV_COMMON \ 3115 #define EV_COMMON \
2879 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3116 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2880 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3117 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2881 3118
2882=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3119=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2883 3120
2884=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3121=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2885 3122
2892avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3129avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2893method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3130method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2894 3131
2895=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3132=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2896 3133
2897If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of 3134If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
2898exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list 3135exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2899all public symbols, one per line: 3136all public symbols, one per line:
2900 3137
2901 Symbols.ev for libev proper 3138 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2902 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation 3139 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2903 3140
2904This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with 3141This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2905multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in 3142multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2906itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this). 3143itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
2907 3144
2908A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to 3145A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2909include before including F<ev.h>: 3146include before including F<ev.h>:
2910 3147
2911 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h 3148 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2928file. 3165file.
2929 3166
2930The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3167The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2931that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 3168that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2932 3169
2933 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 3170 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2934 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3171 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2935 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3172 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2936 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 3173 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2937 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 3174 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2938 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 3175 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2939 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3176 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2940 #define EV_MINPRI 0 3177 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2941 #define EV_MAXPRI 0 3178 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2942 3179
2943 #include "ev++.h" 3180 #include "ev++.h"
2944 3181
2945And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3182And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2946 3183
2947 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3184 #include "ev_cpp.h"
2948 #include "ev.c" 3185 #include "ev.c"
3186
3187
3188=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3189
3190=head2 THREADS
3191
3192Libev itself is completely thread-safe, but it uses no locking. This
3193means that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as
3194only one thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop
3195parameter.
3196
3197Or put differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done in
3198parallel from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter must be
3199done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as only one
3200thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using a mutex
3201per loop).
3202
3203If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3204without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3205help you. I can give some generic advice however:
3206
3207=over 4
3208
3209=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3210in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
3211
3212This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3213themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3214
3215=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3216
3217Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3218exists, but it is always a good start.
3219
3220=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3221loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
3222
3223Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3224better than you currently do :-)
3225
3226=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3227event loop - C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other
3228threads safely (or from signal contexts...).
3229
3230=back
3231
3232=head2 COROUTINES
3233
3234Libev is much more accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3235libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different
3236coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3237different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3238loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3239you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3240
3241Care has been invested into making sure that libev does not keep local
3242state inside C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow coroutine
3243switches.
2949 3244
2950 3245
2951=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3246=head1 COMPLEXITIES
2952 3247
2953In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3248In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2985correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3280correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2986have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal). 3281have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2987 3282
2988=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1) 3283=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
2989 3284
2990By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the 3285By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
2991beginning of the storage array. 3286fixed position in the storage array.
2992 3287
2993=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 3288=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2994 3289
2995A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires 3290A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2996libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending 3291libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
2997on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used). 3292on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2998 3293
2999=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1) 3294=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3000 3295
3001=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities) 3296=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3002 3297
3009 3304
3010=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers) 3305=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3011 3306
3012=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number) 3307=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3013 3308
3014Sending involves a syscall I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send> 3309Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3015calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events 3310calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3016involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 3311involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3017 3312
3018=back 3313=back
3019 3314
3020 3315
3021=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds 3316=head1 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
3022 3317
3023Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 3318Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3024requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3319requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3025model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3320model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3026the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3321the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3027descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 3322descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3028e.g. cygwin. 3323e.g. cygwin.
3029 3324
3325Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3326re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
3327things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
3328way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3329
3030There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 3330There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3031embedding it into other applications. 3331embedding it into other applications.
3032 3332
3333Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3334accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3335either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3336so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3337megabyte seems safe, but thsi apparently depends on the amount of memory
3338available).
3339
3033Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the 3340Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
3034abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not 3341the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3035recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than 3342is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3036a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different 3343more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3037implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot 3344different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3038be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games). 3345notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3346(Microsoft monopoly games).
3347
3348A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3349section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3350of F<ev.h>:
3351
3352 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
3353 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3354
3355 #include "ev.h"
3356
3357And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3358you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded soruce files!):
3359
3360 #include "evwrap.h"
3361 #include "ev.c"
3039 3362
3040=over 4 3363=over 4
3041 3364
3042=item The winsocket select function 3365=item The winsocket select function
3043 3366
3044The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires 3367The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3045socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select 3368requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3046very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors 3369also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3047to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, 3370requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3048C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor 3371C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
3049symbols for more info. 3372discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3373C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
3050 3374
3051The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime 3375The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
3052libraries and raw winsocket select is: 3376libraries and raw winsocket select is:
3053 3377
3054 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1 3378 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3055 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 3379 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3056 3380
3057Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 3381Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3058complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 3382complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3059 3383
3060=item Limited number of file descriptors 3384=item Limited number of file descriptors
3061 3385
3062Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions 3386Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3063of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles 3387
3388Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3064(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for 3389of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3065C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a 3390can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3066chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each). 3391recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3392previous thread in each. Great).
3067 3393
3068Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 3394Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3069to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select 3395to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3070call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own 3396call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3071select emulation on windows). 3397select emulation on windows).
3072 3398
3073Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime 3399Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3074libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish 3400libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
3075or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling 3401or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3076C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 3402C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3077arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime 3403arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
3078libraries. 3404libraries.
3079 3405
3080This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 3406This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
3081windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to 3407windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
3082wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 3408wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3083calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 3409calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3084 3410
3085=back 3411=back
3086 3412
3087 3413
3414=head1 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3415
3416In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few
3417additional extensions:
3418
3419=over 4
3420
3421=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3422calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3423
3424Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3425structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3426assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3427callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3428calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3429
3430=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3431
3432The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3433C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different
3434threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3435believed to be sufficiently portable.
3436
3437=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3438
3439Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
3440allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
3441pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
3442thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
3443be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
3444C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
3445
3446The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
3447except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3448well.
3449
3450=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3451
3452To improve portability and simplify using libev, libev uses C<long>
3453internally instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On
3454non-POSIX systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but
3455is still at least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of
3456millions of watchers.
3457
3458=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3459
3460The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3461have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3462enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
3463implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
3464
3465=back
3466
3467If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3468
3469
3470=head1 COMPILER WARNINGS
3471
3472Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3473lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3474scared by this.
3475
3476However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3477has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3478warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3479targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3480
3481Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3482workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3483maintainable.
3484
3485And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3486wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3487seems to warn about).
3488
3489While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3490"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3491with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3492them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3493warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3494
3495
3496=head1 VALGRIND
3497
3498Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3499highly useful, but valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3500
3501If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3502in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3503
3504 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3505 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3506 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3507
3508Then there is no memory leak. Similarly, under some circumstances,
3509valgrind might report kernel bugs as if it were a bug in libev, or it
3510might be confused (it is a very good tool, but only a tool).
3511
3512If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3513with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this is
3514a bug in libev. However, don't be annoyed when you get a brisk "this is
3515no bug" answer and take the chance of learning how to interpret valgrind
3516properly.
3517
3518If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3519I suggest using suppression lists.
3520
3521
3088=head1 AUTHOR 3522=head1 AUTHOR
3089 3523
3090Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3524Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
3091 3525

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