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4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 #include <ev.h> 11 #include <ev.h>
12 12
13 ev_io stdin_watcher; 13 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 14 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
65You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event 65You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event
66watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the 66watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the
67details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 67details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
68watcher. 68watcher.
69 69
70=head1 FEATURES 70=head2 FEATURES
71 71
72Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the 72Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
73BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms 73BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
74for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface 74for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
75(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers 75(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
82 82
83It also is quite fast (see this 83It also is quite fast (see this
84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 84L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
85for example). 85for example).
86 86
87=head1 CONVENTIONS 87=head2 CONVENTIONS
88 88
89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will 89Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will
90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about 90be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about
91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in 91various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in
92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event 92this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event
93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop> 93loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop>
94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument. 94(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument.
95 95
96=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 96=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
97 97
98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 98Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 99(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 100the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 101called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
115 115
116Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 116Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
117C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 117C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
118you actually want to know. 118you actually want to know.
119 119
120=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
121
122Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
123either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
124this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>.
125
120=item int ev_version_major () 126=item int ev_version_major ()
121 127
122=item int ev_version_minor () 128=item int ev_version_minor ()
123 129
124You can find out the major and minor ABI version numbers of the library 130You can find out the major and minor ABI version numbers of the library
254flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 260flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
255 261
256If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 262If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
257function. 263function.
258 264
265The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
266C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
267for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your app you can either
268create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
269can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
270C<ev_default_init>.
271
259The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 272The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
260backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 273backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
261 274
262The following flags are supported: 275The following flags are supported:
263 276
300=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 313=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
301 314
302This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 315This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
303libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 316libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
304but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 317but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
305using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its usually 318using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
306the fastest backend for a low number of fds. 319usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
320
321To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
322parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
323writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
324connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
325a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
326readyness notifications you get per iteration.
307 327
308=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 328=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
309 329
310And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated than 330And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
311select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial limit on the 331than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
312number of fds you can use (except it will slow down considerably with a 332limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
313lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds). 333considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
334i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
335performance tips.
314 336
315=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 337=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
316 338
317For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 339For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
318but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 340but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
319like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 341like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
320epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 342epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
321of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 343of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
322cases and rewuiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad 344cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad
323support for dup: 345support for dup.
324 346
325While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 347While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
326will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 348will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident
327(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 349(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
328best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 350best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
330 352
331Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 353Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
332need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data 354need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
333(or space) is available. 355(or space) is available.
334 356
357Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
358watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.
359keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.
360
361While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in
362all kernel versions tested so far.
363
335=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 364=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
336 365
337Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 366Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
338was broken on I<all> BSDs (usually it doesn't work with anything but 367was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
339sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course it's completely 368with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
340useless. On NetBSD, it seems to work for all the FD types I tested, so it
341is used by default there). For this reason it's not being "autodetected" 369it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected"
342unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 370unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
343C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 371C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
344system like NetBSD. 372system like NetBSD.
345 373
374You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
375only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
376the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
377
346It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 378It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
347kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, 379kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
348of course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does 380course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
349never cause an extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to two event 381cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
350changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it drops fds 382two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
351silently in similarly hard-to-detetc cases. 383drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
384
385This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
386
387While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
388everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
389almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
390(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
391(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for
392sockets.
352 393
353=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 394=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
354 395
355This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 396This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
397implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
398and is not embeddable, which would limit the usefulness of this backend
399immensely.
356 400
357=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 401=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
358 402
359This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 403This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
360it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 404it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
361 405
362Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious 406Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
363notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 407notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
364blocking when no data (or space) is available. 408blocking when no data (or space) is available.
365 409
410While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
411file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
412descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
413might perform better.
414
415On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this
416backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully
417embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends.
418
366=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 419=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
367 420
368Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 421Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
369with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 422with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
370C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 423C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
371 424
425It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
426
372=back 427=back
373 428
374If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 429If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these
375backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are 430backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
376specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse 431specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
377order of their flag values :)
378 432
379The most typical usage is like this: 433The most typical usage is like this:
380 434
381 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 435 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
382 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 436 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
429Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 483Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
430earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 484earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
431 485
432=item ev_default_fork () 486=item ev_default_fork ()
433 487
488This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations
434This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 489to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
435one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense 490name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
436after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that 491the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little
437again makes little sense). 492sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev
493functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
438 494
439You I<must> call this function in the child process after forking if and 495On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
440only if you want to use the event library in both processes. If you just 496process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If
441fork+exec, you don't have to call it. 497you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all.
442 498
443The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 499The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
444it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 500it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
445quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 501quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
446 502
447 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 503 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
448 504
449At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
450without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
451do not need to care.
452
453=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 505=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
454 506
455Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 507Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
456C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 508C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
457after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 509after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
510
511=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
512
513Returns true when the given loop actually is the default loop, false otherwise.
458 514
459=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 515=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
460 516
461Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 517Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
462the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 518the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
507usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 563usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
508 564
509Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 565Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
510 566
511 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 567 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
512 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 568 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
513 - Queue all prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 569 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers.
570 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
514 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 571 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
515 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 572 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
516 - Update the "event loop time". 573 - Update the "event loop time".
517 - Calculate for how long to block. 574 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
575 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
576 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
577 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
518 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 578 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
519 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 579 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
520 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 580 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling.
521 - Queue all outstanding timers. 581 - Queue all outstanding timers.
522 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 582 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
523 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 583 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
524 - Queue all check watchers. 584 - Queue all check watchers.
525 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 585 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
526 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 586 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
527 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 587 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
528 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 588 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
529 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 589 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise
590 continue with step *.
530 591
531Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 592Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
532anymore. 593anymore.
533 594
534 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 595 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
535 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 596 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
536 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 597 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
540 601
541Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 602Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
542has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 603has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
543C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 604C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
544C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 605C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
606
607This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
545 608
546=item ev_ref (loop) 609=item ev_ref (loop)
547 610
548=item ev_unref (loop) 611=item ev_unref (loop)
549 612
554returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 617returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For
555example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 618example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not
556visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 619visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
557no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 620no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
558way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 621way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
559libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 622libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>
623(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before,
624respectively).
560 625
561Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 626Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
562running when nothing else is active. 627running when nothing else is active.
563 628
564 struct ev_signal exitsig; 629 struct ev_signal exitsig;
568 633
569Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 634Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
570 635
571 ev_ref (loop); 636 ev_ref (loop);
572 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 637 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
638
639=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
640
641=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
642
643These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
644for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to
645invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency.
646
647Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
648allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to
649increase efficiency of loop iterations.
650
651The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
652handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
653the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
654events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
655overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
656
657By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
658time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
659at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
660C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
661introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
662
663Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
664to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
665latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
666will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
667any overhead in libev.
668
669Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect
670interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
671interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
672usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
673as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems.
573 674
574=back 675=back
575 676
576 677
577=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 678=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
676 777
677=item C<EV_FORK> 778=item C<EV_FORK>
678 779
679The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 780The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
680C<ev_fork>). 781C<ev_fork>).
782
783=item C<EV_ASYNC>
784
785The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
681 786
682=item C<EV_ERROR> 787=item C<EV_ERROR>
683 788
684An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 789An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
685happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 790happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
903In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1008In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
904fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1009fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
905descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1010descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
906required if you know what you are doing). 1011required if you know what you are doing).
907 1012
908You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
909(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
910descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
911to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
912the same underlying "file open").
913
914If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1013If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
915(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1014(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
916C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1015C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
917 1016
918Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1017Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
949 1048
950This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that 1049This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
951the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave 1050the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
952optimisations to libev. 1051optimisations to libev.
953 1052
954=head3 Ths special problem of dup'ed file descriptors 1053=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
955 1054
956Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors, 1055Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
957but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That menas when you 1056but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That means when you
958have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors and register events for them, only one 1057have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or weirder constellations, and register
959file descriptor might actually receive events. 1058events for them, only one file descriptor might actually receive events.
960 1059
961There is no workaorund possible except not registering events 1060There is no workaround possible except not registering events
962for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or to resort to 1061for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
963C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1062C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
964 1063
965=head3 The special problem of fork 1064=head3 The special problem of fork
966 1065
967Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit 1066Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
993=item int events [read-only] 1092=item int events [read-only]
994 1093
995The events being watched. 1094The events being watched.
996 1095
997=back 1096=back
1097
1098=head3 Examples
998 1099
999Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1100Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1000readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1101readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1001attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1102attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1002 1103
1055configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1156configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at
1056exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1157exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with
1057the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1158the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the
1058timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1159timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1059 1160
1060=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1161=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1061 1162
1062This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1163This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1063repeating. The exact semantics are: 1164repeating. The exact semantics are:
1064 1165
1065If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1166If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1100or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1201or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
1101which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1202which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1102 1203
1103=back 1204=back
1104 1205
1206=head3 Examples
1207
1105Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1208Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1106 1209
1107 static void 1210 static void
1108 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1211 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1109 { 1212 {
1172In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1275In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
1173C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1276C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs,
1174that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1277that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
1175system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1278system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1176 1279
1177=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1280=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1178 1281
1179In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1282In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1180C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 1283C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1181and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1284and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1182 1285
1265 1368
1266When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to 1369When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1267trigger next. 1370trigger next.
1268 1371
1269=back 1372=back
1373
1374=head3 Examples
1270 1375
1271Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1376Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1272system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1377system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1273potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1378potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1274 1379
1331 1436
1332The signal the watcher watches out for. 1437The signal the watcher watches out for.
1333 1438
1334=back 1439=back
1335 1440
1441=head3 Examples
1442
1443Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1444
1445 static void
1446 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1447 {
1448 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1449 }
1450
1451 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1452 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1453 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1454
1336 1455
1337=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1456=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1338 1457
1339Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1458Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1340some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1459some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). It
1460is 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
1462loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher).
1463
1464Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1465you can only rgeister child watchers in the default event loop.
1466
1467=head3 Process Interaction
1468
1469Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1470initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1471the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurance
1472of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1473synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1474children, even ones not watched.
1475
1476=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1477
1478Libev offers no special support for overriding the built-in child
1479processing, but if your application collides with libev's default child
1480handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1481C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1482default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1483event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1484that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1341 1485
1342=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1486=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1343 1487
1344=over 4 1488=over 4
1345 1489
1346=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1490=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid, int trace)
1347 1491
1348=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 1492=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid, int trace)
1349 1493
1350Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or 1494Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or
1351I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look 1495I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look
1352at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 1496at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
1353the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems 1497the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
1354C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 1498C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1355process causing the status change. 1499process causing the status change. C<trace> must be either C<0> (only
1500activate the watcher when the process terminates) or C<1> (additionally
1501activate the watcher when the process is stopped or continued).
1356 1502
1357=item int pid [read-only] 1503=item int pid [read-only]
1358 1504
1359The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id. 1505The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1360 1506
1367The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1513The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1368C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1514C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1369 1515
1370=back 1516=back
1371 1517
1372Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1518=head3 Examples
1519
1520Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1521its completion.
1522
1523 ev_child cw;
1373 1524
1374 static void 1525 static void
1375 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1526 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1376 { 1527 {
1377 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1528 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1529 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1378 } 1530 }
1379 1531
1380 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1532 pid_t pid = fork ();
1381 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1533
1382 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1534 if (pid < 0)
1535 // error
1536 else if (pid == 0)
1537 {
1538 // the forked child executes here
1539 exit (1);
1540 }
1541 else
1542 {
1543 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1544 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1545 }
1383 1546
1384 1547
1385=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1548=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1386 1549
1387This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1550This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1416semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1579semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1417to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are 1580to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1418usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1581usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1419polling. 1582polling.
1420 1583
1584=head3 Inotify
1585
1586When 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
1588change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1589when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1590
1591Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1592except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1593making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support
1594there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.
1595
1596(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1597implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1598descriptor open on the object at all times).
1599
1600=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1601
1602The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1603even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still
1604only support whole seconds.
1605
1606That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might
1607miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls
1608your callback, which does something. When there is another update within
1609the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it.
1610
1611The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till
1612the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer>
1613(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01>
1614is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating
1615systems.
1616
1421=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1617=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1422 1618
1423=over 4 1619=over 4
1424 1620
1425=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1621=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1434 1630
1435The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 1631The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected,
1436relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 1632relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1437last change was detected). 1633last change was detected).
1438 1634
1439=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *) 1635=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1440 1636
1441Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 1637Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1442watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 1638watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid
1443detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 1639detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be
1444useful simply to find out the new values. 1640useful simply to find out the new values.
1462=item const char *path [read-only] 1658=item const char *path [read-only]
1463 1659
1464The filesystem path that is being watched. 1660The filesystem path that is being watched.
1465 1661
1466=back 1662=back
1663
1664=head3 Examples
1467 1665
1468Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1666Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1469 1667
1470 static void 1668 static void
1471 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1669 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1484 } 1682 }
1485 1683
1486 ... 1684 ...
1487 ev_stat passwd; 1685 ev_stat passwd;
1488 1686
1489 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd"); 1687 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1490 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1688 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1689
1690Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1691miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1692one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1693C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1694
1695 static ev_stat passwd;
1696 static ev_timer timer;
1697
1698 static void
1699 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1700 {
1701 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1702
1703 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1704 }
1705
1706 static void
1707 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1708 {
1709 /* reset the one-second timer */
1710 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1711 }
1712
1713 ...
1714 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1715 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1716 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01);
1491 1717
1492 1718
1493=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1719=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1494 1720
1495Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 1721Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1521kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1747kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1522believe me. 1748believe me.
1523 1749
1524=back 1750=back
1525 1751
1752=head3 Examples
1753
1526Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 1754Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1527callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1755callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1528 1756
1529 static void 1757 static void
1530 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1758 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1531 { 1759 {
1532 free (w); 1760 free (w);
1533 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1761 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1534 // no longer asnything immediate to do. 1762 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1535 } 1763 }
1536 1764
1537 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1765 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1538 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1766 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1539 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1767 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1581 1809
1582It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 1810It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1583priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 1811priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1584after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 1812after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1585too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 1813too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1586supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers did 1814supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers
1587their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other event 1815did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1588loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their 1816(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1589C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with 1817state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1590others). 1818coexist peacefully with others).
1591 1819
1592=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1820=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1593 1821
1594=over 4 1822=over 4
1595 1823
1600Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 1828Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
1601parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1829parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1602macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1830macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1603 1831
1604=back 1832=back
1833
1834=head3 Examples
1605 1835
1606There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules 1836There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1607into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev 1837into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1608(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could 1838(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1609use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> 1839use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib>
1734=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 1964=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1735 1965
1736This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 1966This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
1737into another (currently only C<ev_io> events are supported in the embedded 1967into another (currently only C<ev_io> events are supported in the embedded
1738loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect 1968loop, other types of watchers might be handled in a delayed or incorrect
1739fashion and must not be used). (See portability notes, below). 1969fashion and must not be used).
1740 1970
1741There are primarily two reasons you would want that: work around bugs and 1971There are primarily two reasons you would want that: work around bugs and
1742prioritise I/O. 1972prioritise I/O.
1743 1973
1744As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 1974As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
1778portable one. 2008portable one.
1779 2009
1780So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2010So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1781that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 2011that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1782this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 2012this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1783create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything: 2013create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
2014
2015=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2016
2017=over 4
2018
2019=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2020
2021=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2022
2023Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
2024embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
2025invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
2026to 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).
2028
2029=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2030
2031Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2032similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
2033apropriate way for embedded loops.
2034
2035=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2036
2037The embedded event loop.
2038
2039=back
2040
2041=head3 Examples
2042
2043Example: 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
2045loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in
2046C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be
2047used).
1784 2048
1785 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2049 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1786 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2050 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1787 struct ev_embed embed; 2051 struct ev_embed embed;
1788 2052
1799 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2063 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1800 } 2064 }
1801 else 2065 else
1802 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2066 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1803 2067
1804=head2 Portability notes 2068Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2069a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2070kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2071C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
1805 2072
1806Kqueue is nominally embeddable, but this is broken on all BSDs that I 2073 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1807tried, in various ways. Usually the embedded event loop will simply never 2074 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
1808receive events, sometimes it will only trigger a few times, sometimes in a 2075 struct ev_embed embed;
1809loop. Epoll is also nominally embeddable, but many Linux kernel versions 2076
1810will always eport the epoll fd as ready, even when no events are pending. 2077 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2078 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2079 {
2080 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2081 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2082 }
1811 2083
1812While libev allows embedding these backends (they are contained in 2084 if (!loop_socket)
1813C<ev_embeddable_backends ()>), take extreme care that it will actually 2085 loop_socket = loop;
1814work.
1815 2086
1816When in doubt, create a dynamic event loop forced to use sockets (this 2087 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
1817usually works) and possibly another thread and a pipe or so to report to
1818your main event loop.
1819
1820=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1821
1822=over 4
1823
1824=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1825
1826=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
1827
1828Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
1829embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1830invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1831to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1832if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1833
1834=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1835
1836Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1837similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1838apropriate way for embedded loops.
1839
1840=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
1841
1842The embedded event loop.
1843
1844=back
1845 2088
1846 2089
1847=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2090=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1848 2091
1849Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2092Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1865believe me. 2108believe me.
1866 2109
1867=back 2110=back
1868 2111
1869 2112
2113=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop
2114
2115In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
2116asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2117loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2118
2119Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not
2120control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what
2121C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you
2122can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal
2123safe.
2124
2125This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2126too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2127(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2128C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2129
2130Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
2131just the default loop.
2132
2133=head3 Queueing
2134
2135C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2136is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2137multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2138need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2139
2140That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2141queue. But at least I can tell you would implement locking around your
2142queue:
2143
2144=over 4
2145
2146=item queueing from a signal handler context
2147
2148To 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
2150some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler:
2151
2152 static ev_async mysig;
2153
2154 static void
2155 sigusr1_handler (void)
2156 {
2157 sometype data;
2158
2159 // no locking etc.
2160 queue_put (data);
2161 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2162 }
2163
2164 static void
2165 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2166 {
2167 sometype data;
2168 sigset_t block, prev;
2169
2170 sigemptyset (&block);
2171 sigaddset (&block, SIGUSR1);
2172 sigprocmask (SIG_BLOCK, &block, &prev);
2173
2174 while (queue_get (&data))
2175 process (data);
2176
2177 if (sigismember (&prev, SIGUSR1)
2178 sigprocmask (SIG_UNBLOCK, &block, 0);
2179 }
2180
2181(Note: pthreads in theory requires you to use C<pthread_setmask>
2182instead of C<sigprocmask> when you use threads, but libev doesn't do it
2183either...).
2184
2185=item queueing from a thread context
2186
2187The strategy for threads is different, as you cannot (easily) block
2188threads but you can easily preempt them, so to queue safely you need to
2189employ a traditional mutex lock, such as in this pthread example:
2190
2191 static ev_async mysig;
2192 static pthread_mutex_t mymutex = PTHREAD_MUTEX_INITIALIZER;
2193
2194 static void
2195 otherthread (void)
2196 {
2197 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation
2198 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2199 queue_put (data);
2200 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2201
2202 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2203 }
2204
2205 static void
2206 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2207 {
2208 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2209
2210 while (queue_get (&data))
2211 process (data);
2212
2213 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2214 }
2215
2216=back
2217
2218
2219=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2220
2221=over 4
2222
2223=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2224
2225Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2226kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2227believe me.
2228
2229=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2230
2231Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2232an 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
2234similar contexts (see the dicusssion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2235section below on what exactly this means).
2236
2237This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration,
2238so while the overhead might be noticable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2239calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2240
2241=back
2242
2243
1870=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2244=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1871 2245
1872There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 2246There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
1873 2247
1874=over 4 2248=over 4
2101Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2475Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2102the constructor. 2476the constructor.
2103 2477
2104 class myclass 2478 class myclass
2105 { 2479 {
2106 ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2480 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2107 ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2481 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2108 2482
2109 myclass (); 2483 myclass (int fd)
2110 }
2111
2112 myclass::myclass (int fd)
2113 { 2484 {
2114 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2485 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2115 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2486 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2116 2487
2117 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2488 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2489 }
2118 } 2490 };
2119 2491
2120 2492
2121=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2493=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2122 2494
2123Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 2495Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
2297runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2669runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
2298be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2670be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2299(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 2671(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2300note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2672note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2301 2673
2674=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2675
2676If 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 ()>.
2678
2302=item EV_USE_SELECT 2679=item EV_USE_SELECT
2303 2680
2304If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2681If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2305C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2682C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
2306other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 2683other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2323wants osf handles on win32 (this is the case when the select to 2700wants osf handles on win32 (this is the case when the select to
2324be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 2701be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
2325C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 2702C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
2326it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 2703it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
2327on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 2704on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
2705
2706=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE
2707
2708If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
2709file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
2710default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
2711correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
2712in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
2328 2713
2329=item EV_USE_POLL 2714=item EV_USE_POLL
2330 2715
2331If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 2716If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
2332backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 2717backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
2366 2751
2367If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 2752If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2368interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 2753interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2369be detected at runtime. 2754be detected at runtime.
2370 2755
2756=item EV_ATOMIC_T
2757
2758Libev 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
2760type 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"
2762as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2763
2764In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
2765(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2766
2371=item EV_H 2767=item EV_H
2372 2768
2373The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2769The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2374undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 2770undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
2375can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 2771used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
2376 2772
2377=item EV_CONFIG_H 2773=item EV_CONFIG_H
2378 2774
2379If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 2775If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
2380F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 2776F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
2381C<EV_H>, above. 2777C<EV_H>, above.
2382 2778
2383=item EV_EVENT_H 2779=item EV_EVENT_H
2384 2780
2385Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 2781Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
2386of how the F<event.h> header can be found. 2782of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
2387 2783
2388=item EV_PROTOTYPES 2784=item EV_PROTOTYPES
2389 2785
2390If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 2786If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
2391prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 2787prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
2442=item EV_FORK_ENABLE 2838=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2443 2839
2444If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If 2840If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2445defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2841defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2446 2842
2843=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
2844
2845If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
2846defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2847
2447=item EV_MINIMAL 2848=item EV_MINIMAL
2448 2849
2449If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 2850If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2450speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 2851speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override
2451some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 2852some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64.
2457than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 2858than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2458increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 2859increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2459 2860
2460=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 2861=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2461 2862
2462C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 2863C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2463inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 2864inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2464usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 2865usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2465watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 2866watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2466two). 2867two).
2467 2868
2563 2964
2564=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 2965=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2565 2966
2566This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and 2967This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
2567there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will 2968there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
2568have to skip those 100 watchers. 2969have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
2569 2970
2570=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 2971=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2571 2972
2572That means that for changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 2973That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2573as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for. 2974as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2574 2975
2575=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 2976=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2576 2977
2577These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list. 2978These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2979
2578=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 2980=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2579 2981
2580=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 2982=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2581 2983
2582These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the 2984These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2583correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 2985correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2584have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal). 2986have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
2585 2987
2586=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 2988=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
2989
2990By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the
2991beginning of the storage array.
2587 2992
2588=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 2993=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2589 2994
2590A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires 2995A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
2591libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel). 2996libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
2997on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used).
2592 2998
2593=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 2999=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
2594 3000
2595=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities) 3001=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2596 3002
2597Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each 3003Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2598priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to 3004priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2599linearly search all the priorities. 3005linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3006watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. priority handling.
3007
3008=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3009
3010=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3011
3012=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3013
3014Sending involves a syscall I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3015calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3016involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
2600 3017
2601=back 3018=back
2602 3019
2603 3020
3021=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds
3022
3023Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3024requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3025model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3026the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3027descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3028e.g. cygwin.
3029
3030There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3031embedding it into other applications.
3032
3033Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the
3034abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not
3035recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than
3036a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different
3037implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot
3038be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games).
3039
3040=over 4
3041
3042=item The winsocket select function
3043
3044The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires
3045socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select
3046very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors
3047to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>,
3048C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor
3049symbols for more info.
3050
3051The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime
3052libraries and raw winsocket select is:
3053
3054 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3055 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3056
3057Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3058complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3059
3060=item Limited number of file descriptors
3061
3062Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions
3063of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles
3064(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for
3065C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a
3066chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each).
3067
3068Newer 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
3070call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3071select emulation on windows).
3072
3073Another 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
3075or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3076C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3077arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime
3078libraries.
3079
3080This 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
3082wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3083calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3084
3085=back
3086
3087
2604=head1 AUTHOR 3088=head1 AUTHOR
2605 3089
2606Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3090Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
2607 3091

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