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Revision 1.117 by root, Wed Jan 9 04:15:39 2008 UTC vs.
Revision 1.136 by root, Thu Mar 13 13:06:16 2008 UTC

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
19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */ 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://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
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
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
260flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 275flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
261 276
262If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 277If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
263function. 278function.
264 279
280The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
281C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
282for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your app you can either
283create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
284can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
285C<ev_default_init>.
286
265The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 287The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
266backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 288backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
267 289
268The following flags are supported: 290The following flags are supported:
269 291
290enabling this flag. 312enabling this flag.
291 313
292This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 314This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
293and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 315and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
294iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 316iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
295Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 317GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
296without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my Linux system also has 318without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
297C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 319C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
298 320
299The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 321The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
300forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 322forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
301flag. 323flag.
476Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 498Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
477earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 499earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
478 500
479=item ev_default_fork () 501=item ev_default_fork ()
480 502
503This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations
481This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 504to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
482one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense 505name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
483after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that 506the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little
484again makes little sense). 507sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev
508functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
485 509
486You I<must> call this function in the child process after forking if and 510On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
487only if you want to use the event library in both processes. If you just 511process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If
488fork+exec, you don't have to call it. 512you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all.
489 513
490The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 514The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
491it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 515it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
492quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 516quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
493 517
494 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 518 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
495 519
496At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
497without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
498do not need to care.
499
500=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 520=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
501 521
502Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 522Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
503C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 523C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
504after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 524after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
525
526=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
527
528Returns true when the given loop actually is the default loop, false otherwise.
505 529
506=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 530=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
507 531
508Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 532Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
509the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 533the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
769=item C<EV_FORK> 793=item C<EV_FORK>
770 794
771The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 795The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
772C<ev_fork>). 796C<ev_fork>).
773 797
798=item C<EV_ASYNC>
799
800The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
801
774=item C<EV_ERROR> 802=item C<EV_ERROR>
775 803
776An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 804An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
777happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 805happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
778ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 806ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
1143configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1171configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at
1144exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1172exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with
1145the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1173the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the
1146timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1174timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1147 1175
1148=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1176=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1149 1177
1150This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1178This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1151repeating. The exact semantics are: 1179repeating. The exact semantics are:
1152 1180
1153If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1181If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1262In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1290In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
1263C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1291C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs,
1264that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1292that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
1265system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1293system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1266 1294
1267=item * non-repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1295=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1268 1296
1269In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1297In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1270C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 1298C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1271and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1299and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1272 1300
1406with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1434with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
1407as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1435as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1408watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1436watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1409SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1437SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1410 1438
1439If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1440C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so syscalls should not be unduly
1441interrupted. If you have a problem with syscalls getting interrupted by
1442signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1443them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1444
1411=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1445=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1412 1446
1413=over 4 1447=over 4
1414 1448
1415=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1449=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1423 1457
1424The signal the watcher watches out for. 1458The signal the watcher watches out for.
1425 1459
1426=back 1460=back
1427 1461
1462=head3 Examples
1463
1464Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1465
1466 static void
1467 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1468 {
1469 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1470 }
1471
1472 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1473 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1474 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1475
1428 1476
1429=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1477=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1430 1478
1431Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1479Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1432some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1480some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). It
1481is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been
1482forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event
1483loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher).
1484
1485Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1486you can only rgeister child watchers in the default event loop.
1487
1488=head3 Process Interaction
1489
1490Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1491initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1492the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurance
1493of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1494synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1495children, even ones not watched.
1496
1497=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1498
1499Libev offers no special support for overriding the built-in child
1500processing, but if your application collides with libev's default child
1501handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1502C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1503default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1504event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1505that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1433 1506
1434=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1507=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1435 1508
1436=over 4 1509=over 4
1437 1510
1438=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1511=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid, int trace)
1439 1512
1440=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 1513=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid, int trace)
1441 1514
1442Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or 1515Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or
1443I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look 1516I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look
1444at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 1517at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
1445the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems 1518the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
1446C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 1519C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1447process causing the status change. 1520process causing the status change. C<trace> must be either C<0> (only
1521activate the watcher when the process terminates) or C<1> (additionally
1522activate the watcher when the process is stopped or continued).
1448 1523
1449=item int pid [read-only] 1524=item int pid [read-only]
1450 1525
1451The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id. 1526The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1452 1527
1461 1536
1462=back 1537=back
1463 1538
1464=head3 Examples 1539=head3 Examples
1465 1540
1466Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1541Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1542its completion.
1543
1544 ev_child cw;
1467 1545
1468 static void 1546 static void
1469 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1547 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1470 { 1548 {
1471 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1549 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1550 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1472 } 1551 }
1473 1552
1474 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1553 pid_t pid = fork ();
1475 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1554
1476 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1555 if (pid < 0)
1556 // error
1557 else if (pid == 0)
1558 {
1559 // the forked child executes here
1560 exit (1);
1561 }
1562 else
1563 {
1564 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1565 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1566 }
1477 1567
1478 1568
1479=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1569=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1480 1570
1481This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1571This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1561 1651
1562The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 1652The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected,
1563relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 1653relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1564last change was detected). 1654last change was detected).
1565 1655
1566=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *) 1656=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1567 1657
1568Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 1658Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1569watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 1659watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid
1570detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 1660detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be
1571useful simply to find out the new values. 1661useful simply to find out the new values.
1688 static void 1778 static void
1689 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1779 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1690 { 1780 {
1691 free (w); 1781 free (w);
1692 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1782 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1693 // no longer asnything immediate to do. 1783 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1694 } 1784 }
1695 1785
1696 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1786 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1697 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1787 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1698 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1788 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
2039believe me. 2129believe me.
2040 2130
2041=back 2131=back
2042 2132
2043 2133
2134=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop
2135
2136In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
2137asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2138loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2139
2140Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not
2141control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what
2142C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you
2143can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal
2144safe.
2145
2146This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2147too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2148(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2149C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2150
2151Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
2152just the default loop.
2153
2154=head3 Queueing
2155
2156C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2157is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2158multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2159need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2160
2161That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2162queue. But at least I can tell you would implement locking around your
2163queue:
2164
2165=over 4
2166
2167=item queueing from a signal handler context
2168
2169To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2170handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for
2171some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler:
2172
2173 static ev_async mysig;
2174
2175 static void
2176 sigusr1_handler (void)
2177 {
2178 sometype data;
2179
2180 // no locking etc.
2181 queue_put (data);
2182 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2183 }
2184
2185 static void
2186 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2187 {
2188 sometype data;
2189 sigset_t block, prev;
2190
2191 sigemptyset (&block);
2192 sigaddset (&block, SIGUSR1);
2193 sigprocmask (SIG_BLOCK, &block, &prev);
2194
2195 while (queue_get (&data))
2196 process (data);
2197
2198 if (sigismember (&prev, SIGUSR1)
2199 sigprocmask (SIG_UNBLOCK, &block, 0);
2200 }
2201
2202(Note: pthreads in theory requires you to use C<pthread_setmask>
2203instead of C<sigprocmask> when you use threads, but libev doesn't do it
2204either...).
2205
2206=item queueing from a thread context
2207
2208The strategy for threads is different, as you cannot (easily) block
2209threads but you can easily preempt them, so to queue safely you need to
2210employ a traditional mutex lock, such as in this pthread example:
2211
2212 static ev_async mysig;
2213 static pthread_mutex_t mymutex = PTHREAD_MUTEX_INITIALIZER;
2214
2215 static void
2216 otherthread (void)
2217 {
2218 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation
2219 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2220 queue_put (data);
2221 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2222
2223 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2224 }
2225
2226 static void
2227 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2228 {
2229 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2230
2231 while (queue_get (&data))
2232 process (data);
2233
2234 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2235 }
2236
2237=back
2238
2239
2240=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2241
2242=over 4
2243
2244=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2245
2246Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2247kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2248believe me.
2249
2250=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2251
2252Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2253an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2254C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or
2255similar contexts (see the dicusssion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2256section below on what exactly this means).
2257
2258This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration,
2259so while the overhead might be noticable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2260calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2261
2262=back
2263
2264
2044=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2265=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2045 2266
2046There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now. 2267There are some other functions of possible interest. Described. Here. Now.
2047 2268
2048=over 4 2269=over 4
2275Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2496Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2276the constructor. 2497the constructor.
2277 2498
2278 class myclass 2499 class myclass
2279 { 2500 {
2280 ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2501 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2281 ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2502 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2282 2503
2283 myclass (); 2504 myclass (int fd)
2284 }
2285
2286 myclass::myclass (int fd)
2287 { 2505 {
2288 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2506 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2289 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2507 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2290 2508
2291 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2509 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2510 }
2292 } 2511 };
2512
2513
2514=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2515
2516Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
2517numbe rof languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2518any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2519me a note.
2520
2521=over 4
2522
2523=item Perl
2524
2525The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
2526libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2527there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2528to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the
2529C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>).
2530
2531It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is found at
2532L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2533
2534=item Ruby
2535
2536Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2537of the libev API and adds filehandle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2538more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2539L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2540
2541=item D
2542
2543Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2544be found at L<http://git.llucax.com.ar/?p=software/ev.d.git;a=summary>.
2545
2546=back
2293 2547
2294 2548
2295=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2549=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2296 2550
2297Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 2551Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
2553 2807
2554If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 2808If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2555interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 2809interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2556be detected at runtime. 2810be detected at runtime.
2557 2811
2812=item EV_ATOMIC_T
2813
2814Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
2815access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
2816type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
2817that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
2818as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2819
2820In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
2821(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2822
2558=item EV_H 2823=item EV_H
2559 2824
2560The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2825The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2561undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h> and F<ev.c>. This can be used to 2826undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
2562virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 2827used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
2563 2828
2564=item EV_CONFIG_H 2829=item EV_CONFIG_H
2565 2830
2566If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 2831If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
2567F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 2832F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
2568C<EV_H>, above. 2833C<EV_H>, above.
2569 2834
2570=item EV_EVENT_H 2835=item EV_EVENT_H
2571 2836
2572Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 2837Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
2573of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the dfeault is C<"event.h">. 2838of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
2574 2839
2575=item EV_PROTOTYPES 2840=item EV_PROTOTYPES
2576 2841
2577If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 2842If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
2578prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 2843prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
2627defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2892defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2628 2893
2629=item EV_FORK_ENABLE 2894=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2630 2895
2631If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If 2896If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2897defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2898
2899=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
2900
2901If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
2632defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2902defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2633 2903
2634=item EV_MINIMAL 2904=item EV_MINIMAL
2635 2905
2636If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 2906If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2757=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 3027=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2758 3028
2759That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 3029That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
2760as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for. 3030as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
2761 3031
2762=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 3032=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2763 3033
2764These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list. 3034These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
2765 3035
2766=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 3036=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2767 3037
2768=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 3038=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2769 3039
2770These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the 3040These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
2771correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3041correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
2787=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities) 3057=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
2788 3058
2789Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each 3059Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
2790priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to 3060priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
2791linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating 3061linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
2792watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. prioritiy handling. 3062watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. priority handling.
3063
3064=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3065
3066=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3067
3068=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3069
3070Sending involves a syscall I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3071calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3072involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
2793 3073
2794=back 3074=back
2795 3075
2796 3076
2797=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds 3077=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds

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