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Revision 1.136 by root, Thu Mar 13 13:06:16 2008 UTC vs.
Revision 1.174 by root, Mon Aug 18 23:23:45 2008 UTC

2 2
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required 11 // a single header file is required
12 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
13 13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct 14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type> 15 // with the name ev_<type>
16 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
17 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
18 18
19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature 19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin 20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
21 static void 21 static void
22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
23 { 23 {
24 puts ("stdin ready"); 24 puts ("stdin ready");
25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
26 // with its corresponding stop function. 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28 28
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating 29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
31 } 31 }
32 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out 33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
34 static void 34 static void
35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
36 { 36 {
37 puts ("timeout"); 37 puts ("timeout");
38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
40 } 40 }
41 41
42 int 42 int
43 main (void) 43 main (void)
44 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
47 47
48 // 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 49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
50 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);
51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
52 52
53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it 53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout 54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
57 57
58 // now wait for events to arrive 58 // now wait for events to arrive
59 ev_loop (loop, 0); 59 ev_loop (loop, 0);
60 60
61 // unloop was called, so exit 61 // unloop was called, so exit
62 return 0; 62 return 0;
63 } 63 }
64 64
65=head1 DESCRIPTION 65=head1 DESCRIPTION
66 66
67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted 67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
68web 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
69time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>. 69time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
70 70
71Libev 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
72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
73these event sources and provide your program with events. 73these event sources and provide your program with events.
74 74
113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
118it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name 118it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
120throughout libev. 120throughout libev.
121
122=head1 ERROR HANDLING
123
124Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
125and internal errors (bugs).
126
127When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
128a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
129set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
130abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
131()>.
132
133When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
134it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
135so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
136the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
137
138Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
139extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
140circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
141
121 142
122=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 143=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
123 144
124These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 145These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
125library in any way. 146library in any way.
134 155
135=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 156=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
136 157
137Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 158Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
138either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 159either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
139this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>. 160this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
140 161
141=item int ev_version_major () 162=item int ev_version_major ()
142 163
143=item int ev_version_minor () 164=item int ev_version_minor ()
144 165
157not a problem. 178not a problem.
158 179
159Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 180Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
160version. 181version.
161 182
162 assert (("libev version mismatch", 183 assert (("libev version mismatch",
163 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 184 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
164 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 185 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
165 186
166=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends () 187=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
167 188
168Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*> 189Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
169value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their 190value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
171a description of the set values. 192a description of the set values.
172 193
173Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and 194Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
174a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11 195a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
175 196
176 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 197 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
177 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 198 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
178 199
179=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 200=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
180 201
181Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 202Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
182recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 203recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
183returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 204returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
184most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it 205most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
185(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 206(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
186libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 207libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
187 208
188=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 209=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
189 210
196See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
197 218
198=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
199 220
200Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
201semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to 222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
202allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when 223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
203memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some 224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
204potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc 225or take some potentially destructive action.
205function. 226
227Since some systems (at least OpenBSD and Darwin) fail to implement
228correct C<realloc> semantics, libev will use a wrapper around the system
229C<realloc> and C<free> functions by default.
206 230
207You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 231You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
208free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 232free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
209or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 233or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
210 234
211Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 235Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
212retries). 236retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
213 237
214 static void * 238 static void *
215 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 239 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
216 { 240 {
217 for (;;) 241 for (;;)
228 ... 252 ...
229 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
230 254
231=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg));
232 256
233Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
234as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
235indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
236callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
237matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 261matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
238requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 262requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
239(such as abort). 263(such as abort).
240 264
241Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too. 265Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
255=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
256 280
257An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two
258types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 282types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child
259events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 283events, and dynamically created loops which do not.
260
261If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop
262in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you
263create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking
264whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
265threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
266done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
267 284
268=over 4 285=over 4
269 286
270=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 287=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
271 288
275flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 292flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
276 293
277If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 294If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
278function. 295function.
279 296
297Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
298from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
299as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway).
300
280The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 301The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
281C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 302C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
282for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your app you can either 303for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
283create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 304create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
284can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 305can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
285C<ev_default_init>. 306C<ev_default_init>.
286 307
287The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 308The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
296The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right 317The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
297thing, believe me). 318thing, believe me).
298 319
299=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 320=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
300 321
301If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 322If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
302or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 323or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
303C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 324C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
304override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 325override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
305useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 326useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
306around bugs. 327around bugs.
313 334
314This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 335This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
315and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 336and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
316iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 337iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
317GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 338GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
318without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has 339without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
319C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 340C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
320 341
321The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 342The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
322forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 343forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
323flag. 344flag.
324 345
325This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 346This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
326environment variable. 347environment variable.
327 348
328=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 349=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
329 350
330This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 351This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
332but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 353but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
333using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its 354using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
334usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds. 355usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
335 356
336To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of 357To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
337parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are 358parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
338writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many 359writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
339connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have 360connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
340a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of 361a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
341readyness notifications you get per iteration. 362readiness notifications you get per iteration.
342 363
343=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 364=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
344 365
345And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated 366And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
346than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial 367than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
354For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 375For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
355but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 376but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
356like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 377like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
357epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 378epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
358of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 379of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
359cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad 380cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad
360support for dup. 381support for dup.
361 382
362While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 383While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
363will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 384will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident
364(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 385(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
365best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 386best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
366very well if you register events for both fds. 387very well if you register events for both fds.
367 388
368Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 389Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
371 392
372Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 393Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
373watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e. 394watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.
374keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. 395keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.
375 396
376While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in 397While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
377all kernel versions tested so far. 398all kernel versions tested so far.
378 399
379=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 400=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
380 401
381Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 402Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
382was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 403was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
383with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 404with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
384it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected" 405it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected"
385unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 406unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
386C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 407C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
387system like NetBSD. 408system like NetBSD.
388 409
389You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 410You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
391the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 412the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
392 413
393It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 414It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
394kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 415kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
395course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 416course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
396cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 417cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
397two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it 418two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
398drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 419drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
399 420
400This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 421This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
401 422
416=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 437=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
417 438
418This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 439This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
419it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 440it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
420 441
421Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious 442Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
422notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 443notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
423blocking when no data (or space) is available. 444blocking when no data (or space) is available.
424 445
425While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 446While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
426file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 447file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
427descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 448descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
428might perform better. 449might perform better.
429 450
430On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this 451On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readiness notifications, this
431backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully 452backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully
432embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends. 453embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends.
433 454
434=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 455=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
435 456
439 460
440It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 461It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
441 462
442=back 463=back
443 464
444If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 465If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
445backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 466backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
446specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 467specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
447 468
448The most typical usage is like this: 469The most typical usage is like this:
449 470
450 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 471 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
451 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 472 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
452 473
453Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 474Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
454environment settings to be taken into account: 475environment settings to be taken into account:
455 476
456 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 477 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
457 478
458Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 479Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if
459available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 480available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private
460event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 481event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds):
461 482
462 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 483 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
463 484
464=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 485=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
465 486
466Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 487Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
467always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 488always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
468handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by 489handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
469undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 490undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
470 491
492Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
493libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
494default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
495
471Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 496Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
472 497
473 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 498 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
474 if (!epoller) 499 if (!epoller)
475 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 500 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
476 501
477=item ev_default_destroy () 502=item ev_default_destroy ()
478 503
479Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 504Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
480etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 505etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
481sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 506sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
482responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 507responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
483calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 508calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
484the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 509the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
485for example). 510for example).
486 511
487Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 512Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
568A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 593A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
569those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 594those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in
570case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 595case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop.
571 596
572A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 597A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
573neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 598necessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block
574your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 599your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after
575one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 600one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some
576external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 601external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other
577libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 602libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
578usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 603usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
579 604
580Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 605Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
581 606
582 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 607 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
583 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 608 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
584 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers. 609 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
585 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 610 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
586 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 611 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
612 as to not disturb the other process.
587 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 613 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
588 - Update the "event loop time". 614 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
589 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 615 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
590 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 616 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
591 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 617 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
592 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 618 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
593 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 619 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
594 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 620 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
595 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 621 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
596 - Queue all outstanding timers. 622 - Queue all outstanding timers.
597 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 623 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
598 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 624 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
599 - Queue all check watchers. 625 - Queue all check watchers.
600 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 626 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
601 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 627 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
602 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 628 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
603 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 629 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
608anymore. 634anymore.
609 635
610 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 636 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
611 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 637 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
612 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 638 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
613 ... jobs done. yeah! 639 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
614 640
615=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 641=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
616 642
617Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 643Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
618has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 644has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
639respectively). 665respectively).
640 666
641Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 667Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
642running when nothing else is active. 668running when nothing else is active.
643 669
644 struct ev_signal exitsig; 670 struct ev_signal exitsig;
645 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 671 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
646 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 672 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
647 evf_unref (loop); 673 evf_unref (loop);
648 674
649Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 675Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
650 676
651 ev_ref (loop); 677 ev_ref (loop);
652 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 678 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
653 679
654=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 680=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
655 681
656=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 682=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
657 683
658These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting 684These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
659for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to 685for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
660invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency. 686will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
687latency.
661 688
662Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>) 689Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
663allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to 690allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
664increase efficiency of loop iterations. 691to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
692opportunities).
665 693
666The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to 694The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
667handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes 695handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
668the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new 696the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
669events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high 697events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
679to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 707to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
680latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 708latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
681will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce 709will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
682any overhead in libev. 710any overhead in libev.
683 711
684Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect 712Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
685interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for 713interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
686interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 714interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
687usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 715usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
688as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems. 716as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
717
718Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
719saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
720are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
721times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
722reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
723they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
724
725=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
726
727This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
728compiled in. It tries to go through all internal structures and checks
729them for validity. If anything is found to be inconsistent, it will print
730an error message to standard error and call C<abort ()>.
731
732This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
733circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
734data structures consistent.
689 735
690=back 736=back
691 737
692 738
693=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 739=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
694 740
695A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 741A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
696interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 742interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
697become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 743become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
698 744
699 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 745 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
700 { 746 {
701 ev_io_stop (w); 747 ev_io_stop (w);
702 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 748 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
703 } 749 }
704 750
705 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 751 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
706 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 752 struct ev_io stdin_watcher;
707 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 753 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
708 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 754 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
709 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 755 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
710 ev_loop (loop, 0); 756 ev_loop (loop, 0);
711 757
712As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 758As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
713watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 759watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack,
714although this can sometimes be quite valid). 760although this can sometimes be quite valid).
715 761
716Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 762Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
717(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 763(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
718callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 764callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
719watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 765watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
720is readable and/or writable). 766is readable and/or writable).
721 767
722Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 768Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro
723with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 769with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro
799 845
800The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 846The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
801 847
802=item C<EV_ERROR> 848=item C<EV_ERROR>
803 849
804An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 850An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
805happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 851happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
806ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 852ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
807problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 853problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping
808with the watcher being stopped. 854with the watcher being stopped.
809 855
810Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 856Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error,
811for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 857for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if
812your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 858your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope
813with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 859with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
814programs, though, so beware. 860programs, though, so beware.
815 861
816=back 862=back
817 863
818=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 864=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
848Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 894Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
849(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 895(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
850 896
851=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 897=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
852 898
853This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 899This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
854calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise 900calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
855a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 901a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
856 902
857=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 903=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
858 904
859Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 905Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
942to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 988to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
943don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 989don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
944member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 990member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
945data: 991data:
946 992
947 struct my_io 993 struct my_io
948 { 994 {
949 struct ev_io io; 995 struct ev_io io;
950 int otherfd; 996 int otherfd;
951 void *somedata; 997 void *somedata;
952 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 998 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
953 } 999 }
954 1000
955And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1001And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
956can cast it back to your own type: 1002can cast it back to your own type:
957 1003
958 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1004 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents)
959 { 1005 {
960 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1006 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
961 ... 1007 ...
962 } 1008 }
963 1009
964More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1010More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
965instead have been omitted. 1011instead have been omitted.
966 1012
967Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1013Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
968watchers: 1014watchers:
969 1015
970 struct my_biggy 1016 struct my_biggy
971 { 1017 {
972 int some_data; 1018 int some_data;
973 ev_timer t1; 1019 ev_timer t1;
974 ev_timer t2; 1020 ev_timer t2;
975 } 1021 }
976 1022
977In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated, 1023In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
978you need to use C<offsetof>: 1024you need to use C<offsetof>:
979 1025
980 #include <stddef.h> 1026 #include <stddef.h>
981 1027
982 static void 1028 static void
983 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1029 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
984 { 1030 {
985 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1031 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
986 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1032 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
987 } 1033 }
988 1034
989 static void 1035 static void
990 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1036 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
991 { 1037 {
992 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1038 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
993 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1039 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
994 } 1040 }
995 1041
996 1042
997=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1043=head1 WATCHER TYPES
998 1044
999This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1045This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1028If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1074If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
1029(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1075(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
1030C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1076C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
1031 1077
1032Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1078Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1033receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1079receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1034be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1080be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1035because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1081because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1036lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1082lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
1037this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1083this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
1038it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1084it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1039C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1085C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1040 1086
1041If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1087If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
1042play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1088play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately re-test
1043whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1089whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
1044such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1090such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
1045its own, so its quite safe to use). 1091its own, so its quite safe to use).
1046 1092
1047=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1093=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1085To support fork in your programs, you either have to call 1131To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1086C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child, 1132C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1087enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1133enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1088C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1134C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1089 1135
1136=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1137
1138While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about SIGPIPE:
1139when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1140send a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
1141this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1142
1143So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1144ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1145somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1146
1090 1147
1091=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions 1148=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
1092 1149
1093=over 4 1150=over 4
1094 1151
1095=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1152=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1096 1153
1097=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1154=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1098 1155
1099Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1156Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
1100rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1157receive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1101C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1158C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
1102 1159
1103=item int fd [read-only] 1160=item int fd [read-only]
1104 1161
1105The file descriptor being watched. 1162The file descriptor being watched.
1114 1171
1115Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1172Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1116readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1173readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1117attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1174attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1118 1175
1119 static void 1176 static void
1120 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1177 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1121 { 1178 {
1122 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1179 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1123 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1180 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors
1124 } 1181 }
1125 1182
1126 ... 1183 ...
1127 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1184 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1128 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1185 struct ev_io stdin_readable;
1129 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1186 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1130 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1187 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1131 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1188 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1132 1189
1133 1190
1134=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1191=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1135 1192
1136Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1193Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1137given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1194given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1138 1195
1139The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1196The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
1140times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years 1197times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
1141time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1198year, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because
1142detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1199detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1143monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1200monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1144 1201
1145The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1202The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1146time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1203time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1148you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1205you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout
1149on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1206on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1150 1207
1151 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1208 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1152 1209
1153The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1210The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only after its timeout has passed,
1154but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1211but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
1155order of execution is undefined. 1212order of execution is undefined.
1156 1213
1157=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1214=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1158 1215
1160 1217
1161=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1218=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1162 1219
1163=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1220=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1164 1221
1165Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1222Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
1166C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped. If it is positive, then the 1223is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
1167timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1224reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
1168later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1225configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1226until stopped manually.
1169 1227
1170The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 1228The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
1171configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1229you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1172exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1230trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1173the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1231keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1174timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1232do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1175 1233
1176=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *) 1234=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1177 1235
1178This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1236This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1179repeating. The exact semantics are: 1237repeating. The exact semantics are:
1180 1238
1181If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1239If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1182 1240
1183If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1241If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1184 1242
1185If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1243If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1186C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1244C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1187 1245
1188This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1246This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
1189example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1247example: Imagine you have a TCP connection and you want a so-called idle
1190timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60 1248timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1191seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to 1249seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1192configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call 1250configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1193C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1251C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1194you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1252you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1220 1278
1221=head3 Examples 1279=head3 Examples
1222 1280
1223Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1281Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1224 1282
1225 static void 1283 static void
1226 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1284 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1227 { 1285 {
1228 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1286 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1229 } 1287 }
1230 1288
1231 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1289 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1232 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1290 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1233 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1291 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1234 1292
1235Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1293Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1236inactivity. 1294inactivity.
1237 1295
1238 static void 1296 static void
1239 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1297 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1240 { 1298 {
1241 .. ten seconds without any activity 1299 .. ten seconds without any activity
1242 } 1300 }
1243 1301
1244 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1302 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1245 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1303 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1246 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1304 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1247 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1305 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1248 1306
1249 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1307 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1250 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1308 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1251 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1309 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1252 1310
1253 1311
1254=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1312=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1255 1313
1256Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1314Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1257(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1315(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1258 1316
1259Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1317Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
1260but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1318but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
1261to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1319to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
1262periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1320periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now ()
1263+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1321+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system
1322clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year
1264take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1323to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1265roughly 10 seconds later). 1324roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1266 1325
1267They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1326C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
1268triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated, 1327such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1269rules. 1328complicated, rules.
1270 1329
1271As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1330As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1272time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1331time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1273during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1332during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1274 1333
1275=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1334=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1276 1335
1277=over 4 1336=over 4
1285 1344
1286=over 4 1345=over 4
1287 1346
1288=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1347=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1289 1348
1290In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1349In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1291C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1350time C<at> has passed and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time
1292that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1351jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
1293system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1352run when the system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1294 1353
1295=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1354=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1296 1355
1297In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1356In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1298C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 1357C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1299and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1358and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1300 1359
1301This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1360This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
1302time: 1361time, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each hour, on
1362the hour:
1303 1363
1304 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1364 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1305 1365
1306This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1366This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1307but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1367but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1308full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 1368full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1309by 3600. 1369by 3600.
1310 1370
1311Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1371Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1312C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1372C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1313time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1373time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1314 1374
1315For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1375For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1316C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 1376C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1317this value. 1377this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1378
1379Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1380speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1381will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1382millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1318 1383
1319=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1384=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1320 1385
1321In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1386In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1322ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1387ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1323reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1388reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1324current time as second argument. 1389current time as second argument.
1325 1390
1326NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1391NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1327ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1392ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>.
1328return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1329starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1330 1393
1394If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1395it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1396only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1397
1331Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1398The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic
1332ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1399*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1333 1400
1334 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1401 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1335 { 1402 {
1336 return now + 60.; 1403 return now + 60.;
1337 } 1404 }
1339It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1406It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1340(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 1407(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
1341will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 1408will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1342might be called at other times, too. 1409might be called at other times, too.
1343 1410
1344NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the 1411NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
1345passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger. 1412equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1346 1413
1347This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 1414This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
1348triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the 1415triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the
1349next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 1416next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
1350you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 1417you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1351reason I omitted it as an example). 1418reason I omitted it as an example).
1352 1419
1353=back 1420=back
1357Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1424Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1358when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1425when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1359a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1426a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1360program when the crontabs have changed). 1427program when the crontabs have changed).
1361 1428
1429=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1430
1431When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1432trigger next.
1433
1362=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 1434=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1363 1435
1364When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 1436When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1365absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 1437absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1366 1438
1377 1449
1378The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1450The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1379switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1451switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1380the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1452the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1381 1453
1382=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1383
1384When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1385trigger next.
1386
1387=back 1454=back
1388 1455
1389=head3 Examples 1456=head3 Examples
1390 1457
1391Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1458Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1392system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1459system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1393potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1460potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1394 1461
1395 static void 1462 static void
1396 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1463 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1397 { 1464 {
1398 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1465 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1399 } 1466 }
1400 1467
1401 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1468 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1402 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1469 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1403 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1470 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1404 1471
1405Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1472Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1406 1473
1407 #include <math.h> 1474 #include <math.h>
1408 1475
1409 static ev_tstamp 1476 static ev_tstamp
1410 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1477 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1411 { 1478 {
1412 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1479 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1413 } 1480 }
1414 1481
1415 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1482 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1416 1483
1417Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1484Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1418 1485
1419 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1486 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1420 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1487 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1421 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1488 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1422 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1489 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1423 1490
1424 1491
1425=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1492=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1426 1493
1427Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1494Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1435as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1502as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1436watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1503watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1437SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1504SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1438 1505
1439If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 1506If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1440C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so syscalls should not be unduly 1507C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1441interrupted. If you have a problem with syscalls getting interrupted by 1508interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1442signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock 1509signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1443them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 1510them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1444 1511
1445=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1512=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1446 1513
1461 1528
1462=head3 Examples 1529=head3 Examples
1463 1530
1464Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1531Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1465 1532
1466 static void 1533 static void
1467 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1534 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1468 { 1535 {
1469 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1536 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1470 } 1537 }
1471 1538
1472 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1539 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1473 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1540 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1474 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1541 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1475 1542
1476 1543
1477=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1544=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1478 1545
1479Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1546Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1481is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been 1548is 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 1549forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event
1483loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher). 1550loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher).
1484 1551
1485Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 1552Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1486you can only rgeister child watchers in the default event loop. 1553you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1487 1554
1488=head3 Process Interaction 1555=head3 Process Interaction
1489 1556
1490Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 1557Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1491initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 1558initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1492the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurance 1559the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1493of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 1560of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1494synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 1561synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1495children, even ones not watched. 1562children, even ones not watched.
1496 1563
1497=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 1564=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1501handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for 1568handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1502C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the 1569C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1503default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an 1570default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1504event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for 1571event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1505that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely. 1572that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1573
1574=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1575
1576Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1577child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1578callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1579when a child exit is detected.
1506 1580
1507=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1581=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1508 1582
1509=over 4 1583=over 4
1510 1584
1539=head3 Examples 1613=head3 Examples
1540 1614
1541Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for 1615Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1542its completion. 1616its completion.
1543 1617
1544 ev_child cw; 1618 ev_child cw;
1545 1619
1546 static void 1620 static void
1547 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents) 1621 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1548 { 1622 {
1549 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w); 1623 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1550 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus); 1624 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1551 } 1625 }
1552 1626
1553 pid_t pid = fork (); 1627 pid_t pid = fork ();
1554 1628
1555 if (pid < 0) 1629 if (pid < 0)
1556 // error 1630 // error
1557 else if (pid == 0) 1631 else if (pid == 0)
1558 { 1632 {
1559 // the forked child executes here 1633 // the forked child executes here
1560 exit (1); 1634 exit (1);
1561 } 1635 }
1562 else 1636 else
1563 { 1637 {
1564 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0); 1638 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1565 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw); 1639 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1566 } 1640 }
1567 1641
1568 1642
1569=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1643=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1570 1644
1571This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1645This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1572C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 1646C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1573compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 1647compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1574 1648
1575The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1649The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1576not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1650not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1594as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1668as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1595resource-intensive. 1669resource-intensive.
1596 1670
1597At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 1671At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1598implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 1672implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1673reader, note, however, that the author sees no way of implementing ev_stat
1599reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 1674semantics with kqueue). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should
1600semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1675not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev
1601to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are 1676sometimes needs to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify,
1602usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1677but changes are usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there
1603polling. 1678will be no polling.
1679
1680=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1681
1682Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1683compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1684support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1685structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1686use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1687compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1688obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1689most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support.
1690
1691The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1692file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1693optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1694to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1695default compilation environment.
1604 1696
1605=head3 Inotify 1697=head3 Inotify
1606 1698
1607When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1699When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1608available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 1700available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1609change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 1701change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1610when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 1702when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1611 1703
1612Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 1704Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1613except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 1705except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1614making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support 1706making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1615there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling. 1707there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.
1616 1708
1617(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 1709(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1618implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 1710implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1619descriptor open on the object at all times). 1711descriptor open on the object at all times).
1620 1712
1621=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 1713=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1622 1714
1623The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and 1715The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1624even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still 1716even on systems where the resolution is higher, many file systems still
1625only support whole seconds. 1717only support whole seconds.
1626 1718
1627That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might 1719That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1628miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls 1720easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1629your callback, which does something. When there is another update within 1721calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1630the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it. 1722within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it as the stat
1723data does not change.
1631 1724
1632The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till 1725The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1633the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer> 1726than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1634(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01> 1727a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1635is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating 1728ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1636systems. 1729
1730The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
1731of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
1732might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
1733C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
1734a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
1735update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
1736the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
1737the timer callback).
1637 1738
1638=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1739=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1639 1740
1640=over 4 1741=over 4
1641 1742
1647C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 1748C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1648be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose 1749be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1649a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same 1750a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1650path for as long as the watcher is active. 1751path for as long as the watcher is active.
1651 1752
1652The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 1753The callback will receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, relative
1653relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 1754to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the last change
1654last change was detected). 1755was detected).
1655 1756
1656=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *) 1757=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1657 1758
1658Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 1759Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1659watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 1760watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1660detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 1761detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1661useful simply to find out the new values. 1762the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
1763new values.
1662 1764
1663=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 1765=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1664 1766
1665The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 1767The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1666C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types 1768C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1667suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there 1769suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
1770members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1668was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 1771some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1669 1772
1670=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 1773=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1671 1774
1672The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 1775The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1673C<prev> != C<attr>. 1776C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
1777differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
1778C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1674 1779
1675=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 1780=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1676 1781
1677The specified interval. 1782The specified interval.
1678 1783
1679=item const char *path [read-only] 1784=item const char *path [read-only]
1680 1785
1681The filesystem path that is being watched. 1786The file system path that is being watched.
1682 1787
1683=back 1788=back
1684 1789
1685=head3 Examples 1790=head3 Examples
1686 1791
1687Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1792Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1688 1793
1689 static void 1794 static void
1690 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1795 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1691 { 1796 {
1692 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 1797 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1693 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 1798 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1694 { 1799 {
1695 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 1800 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1696 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1801 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1697 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1802 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1698 } 1803 }
1699 else 1804 else
1700 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 1805 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1701 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 1806 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1702 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 1807 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1703 } 1808 }
1704 1809
1705 ... 1810 ...
1706 ev_stat passwd; 1811 ev_stat passwd;
1707 1812
1708 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1813 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1709 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1814 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1710 1815
1711Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not 1816Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1712miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so 1817miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1713one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on 1818one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1714C<ev_timer> callback invocation). 1819C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1715 1820
1716 static ev_stat passwd; 1821 static ev_stat passwd;
1717 static ev_timer timer; 1822 static ev_timer timer;
1718 1823
1719 static void 1824 static void
1720 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1825 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1721 { 1826 {
1722 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w); 1827 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1723 1828
1724 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */ 1829 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1725 } 1830 }
1726 1831
1727 static void 1832 static void
1728 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents) 1833 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1729 { 1834 {
1730 /* reset the one-second timer */ 1835 /* reset the one-second timer */
1731 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer); 1836 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1732 } 1837 }
1733 1838
1734 ... 1839 ...
1735 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1840 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1736 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1841 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1737 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01); 1842 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1738 1843
1739 1844
1740=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1845=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1741 1846
1742Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 1847Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1773=head3 Examples 1878=head3 Examples
1774 1879
1775Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 1880Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1776callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1881callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1777 1882
1778 static void 1883 static void
1779 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1884 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1780 { 1885 {
1781 free (w); 1886 free (w);
1782 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1887 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1783 // no longer anything immediate to do. 1888 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1784 } 1889 }
1785 1890
1786 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1891 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1787 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1892 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1788 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1893 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1789 1894
1790 1895
1791=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 1896=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1792 1897
1793Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 1898Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:
1812 1917
1813This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 1918This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need
1814to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 1919to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for
1815them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 1920them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
1816provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 1921provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
1817any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 1922any events that occurred (by checking the pending status of all watchers
1818and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 1923and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer
1819callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 1924callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless,
1820because you never know, you know?). 1925because you never know, you know?).
1821 1926
1822As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 1927As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1830 1935
1831It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 1936It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1832priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 1937priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1833after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 1938after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1834too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 1939too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1835supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers 1940supports this, they might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers
1836did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other 1941did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1837(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable 1942(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1838state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to 1943state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1839coexist peacefully with others). 1944coexist peacefully with others).
1840 1945
1855=head3 Examples 1960=head3 Examples
1856 1961
1857There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules 1962There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1858into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev 1963into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1859(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could 1964(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1860use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> 1965use as a working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> embeds a
1861embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV 1966Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1862into the Glib event loop). 1967Glib event loop).
1863 1968
1864Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, 1969Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1865and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows 1970and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1866is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low 1971is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1867priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as 1972priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1868the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet. 1973the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1869 1974
1870 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1975 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1871 static ev_timer tw; 1976 static ev_timer tw;
1872 1977
1873 static void 1978 static void
1874 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1979 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1875 { 1980 {
1876 } 1981 }
1877 1982
1878 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1983 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1879 static void 1984 static void
1880 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1985 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1881 { 1986 {
1882 int timeout = 3600000; 1987 int timeout = 3600000;
1883 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1988 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1884 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1989 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1885 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1990 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1886 1991
1887 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1992 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1888 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1993 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1889 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1994 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1890 1995
1891 // create one ev_io per pollfd 1996 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1892 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1997 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1893 { 1998 {
1894 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1999 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1895 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 2000 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1896 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 2001 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1897 2002
1898 fds [i].revents = 0; 2003 fds [i].revents = 0;
1899 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 2004 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1900 } 2005 }
1901 } 2006 }
1902 2007
1903 // stop all watchers after blocking 2008 // stop all watchers after blocking
1904 static void 2009 static void
1905 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2010 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1906 { 2011 {
1907 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2012 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1908 2013
1909 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2014 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1910 { 2015 {
1911 // set the relevant poll flags 2016 // set the relevant poll flags
1912 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 2017 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1913 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 2018 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1914 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 2019 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1915 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 2020 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1916 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 2021 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1917 2022
1918 // now stop the watcher 2023 // now stop the watcher
1919 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2024 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1920 } 2025 }
1921 2026
1922 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2027 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1923 } 2028 }
1924 2029
1925Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll> 2030Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1926in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher. 2031in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1927 2032
1928Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2033Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1929notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2034notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1930callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2035callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1931 2036
1932 static void 2037 static void
1933 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2038 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1934 { 2039 {
1935 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2040 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1936 update_now (EV_A); 2041 update_now (EV_A);
1937 2042
1938 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2043 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1939 } 2044 }
1940 2045
1941 static void 2046 static void
1942 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2047 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1943 { 2048 {
1944 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2049 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1945 update_now (EV_A); 2050 update_now (EV_A);
1946 2051
1947 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2052 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1948 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2053 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1949 } 2054 }
1950 2055
1951 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2056 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1952 2057
1953Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2058Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1954want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override 2059want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, you can override
1955their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2060their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1956loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does 2061loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1957this. 2062this.
1958 2063
1959 static gint 2064 static gint
1960 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2065 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1961 { 2066 {
1962 int got_events = 0; 2067 int got_events = 0;
1963 2068
1964 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2069 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1965 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events 2070 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1966 2071
1967 if (timeout >= 0) 2072 if (timeout >= 0)
1968 // create/start timer 2073 // create/start timer
1969 2074
1970 // poll 2075 // poll
1971 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2076 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1972 2077
1973 // stop timer again 2078 // stop timer again
1974 if (timeout >= 0) 2079 if (timeout >= 0)
1975 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2080 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1976 2081
1977 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2082 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
1978 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2083 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1979 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2084 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
1980 2085
1981 return got_events; 2086 return got_events;
1982 } 2087 }
1983 2088
1984 2089
1985=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2090=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1986 2091
1987This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2092This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
2043 2148
2044Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2149Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
2045embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2150embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
2046invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2151invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
2047to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2152to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
2048if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2153if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2049 2154
2050=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2155=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2051 2156
2052Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2157Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2053similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2158similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
2054apropriate way for embedded loops. 2159appropriate way for embedded loops.
2055 2160
2056=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2161=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2057 2162
2058The embedded event loop. 2163The embedded event loop.
2059 2164
2061 2166
2062=head3 Examples 2167=head3 Examples
2063 2168
2064Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default 2169Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
2065event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default 2170event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
2066loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in 2171loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
2067C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be 2172C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2068used). 2173used).
2069 2174
2070 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2175 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2071 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2176 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2072 struct ev_embed embed; 2177 struct ev_embed embed;
2073 2178
2074 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2179 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2075 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2180 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2076 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2181 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2077 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2182 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2078 : 0; 2183 : 0;
2079 2184
2080 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi 2185 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
2081 if (loop_lo) 2186 if (loop_lo)
2082 { 2187 {
2083 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 2188 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2084 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2189 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2085 } 2190 }
2086 else 2191 else
2087 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2192 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2088 2193
2089Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create 2194Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2090a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any 2195a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2091kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2196kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2092C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2197C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2093 2198
2094 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2199 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2095 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2200 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2096 struct ev_embed embed; 2201 struct ev_embed embed;
2097 2202
2098 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2203 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2099 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2204 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2100 { 2205 {
2101 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2206 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2102 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 2207 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2103 } 2208 }
2104 2209
2105 if (!loop_socket) 2210 if (!loop_socket)
2106 loop_socket = loop; 2211 loop_socket = loop;
2107 2212
2108 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else 2213 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2109 2214
2110 2215
2111=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2216=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2112 2217
2113Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2218Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2166 2271
2167=item queueing from a signal handler context 2272=item queueing from a signal handler context
2168 2273
2169To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal 2274To 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 2275handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for
2171some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler: 2276some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2172 2277
2173 static ev_async mysig; 2278 static ev_async mysig;
2174 2279
2175 static void 2280 static void
2176 sigusr1_handler (void) 2281 sigusr1_handler (void)
2250=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 2355=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2251 2356
2252Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 2357Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2253an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 2358an 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 2359C<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 2360similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2256section below on what exactly this means). 2361section below on what exactly this means).
2257 2362
2258This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration, 2363This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration,
2259so while the overhead might be noticable, it doesn't apply to repeated 2364so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2260calls to C<ev_async_send>. 2365calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2366
2367=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2368
2369Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2370watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2371event loop.
2372
2373C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2374the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2375it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2376quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2377
2378Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2379whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
2261 2380
2262=back 2381=back
2263 2382
2264 2383
2265=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2384=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2276or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2395or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2277more watchers yourself. 2396more watchers yourself.
2278 2397
2279If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2398If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events
2280is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2399is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and
2281C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2400C<events> set will be created and started.
2282 2401
2283If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2402If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2284started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2403started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2285repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2404repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of
2286dubious value. 2405dubious value.
2288The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2407The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
2289passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2408passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2290C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2409C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2291value passed to C<ev_once>: 2410value passed to C<ev_once>:
2292 2411
2293 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2412 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2294 { 2413 {
2295 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 2414 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2296 /* doh, nothing entered */; 2415 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2297 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2416 else if (revents & EV_READ)
2298 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2417 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2299 } 2418 }
2300 2419
2301 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2420 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2302 2421
2303=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2422=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2304 2423
2305Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2424Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2306had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2425had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2311Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2430Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2312the given events it. 2431the given events it.
2313 2432
2314=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2433=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2315 2434
2316Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2435Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2317loop!). 2436loop!).
2318 2437
2319=back 2438=back
2320 2439
2321 2440
2337 2456
2338=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 2457=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2339will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 2458will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
2340is an ev_pri field. 2459is an ev_pri field.
2341 2460
2461=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2462first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
2463
2342=item * Other members are not supported. 2464=item * Other members are not supported.
2343 2465
2344=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 2466=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
2345to use the libev header file and library. 2467to use the libev header file and library.
2346 2468
2347=back 2469=back
2348 2470
2349=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2471=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2350 2472
2351Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2473Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2352you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 2474you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2353the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2475the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2354 2476
2355To use it, 2477To use it,
2356 2478
2357 #include <ev++.h> 2479 #include <ev++.h>
2358 2480
2359This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 2481This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2360of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 2482of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2361put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 2483put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2362options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2484options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
2429your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the 2551your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2430thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 2552thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2431 2553
2432Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 2554Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2433 2555
2434 struct myclass 2556 struct myclass
2435 { 2557 {
2436 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2558 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2437 } 2559 }
2438 2560
2439 myclass obj; 2561 myclass obj;
2440 ev::io iow; 2562 ev::io iow;
2441 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 2563 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2442 2564
2443=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 2565=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2444 2566
2445Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 2567Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2446callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 2568callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2450 2572
2451See the method-C<set> above for more details. 2573See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2452 2574
2453Example: 2575Example:
2454 2576
2455 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2577 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2456 iow.set <io_cb> (); 2578 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2457 2579
2458=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2580=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2459 2581
2460Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2582Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2461do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2583do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2462 2584
2463=item w->set ([args]) 2585=item w->set ([arguments])
2464 2586
2465Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2587Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
2466called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2588called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2467automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 2589automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2468method. 2590method.
2469 2591
2470=item w->start () 2592=item w->start ()
2494=back 2616=back
2495 2617
2496Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2618Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2497the constructor. 2619the constructor.
2498 2620
2499 class myclass 2621 class myclass
2500 { 2622 {
2501 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2623 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2502 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2624 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2503 2625
2504 myclass (int fd) 2626 myclass (int fd)
2505 { 2627 {
2506 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2628 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2507 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2629 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2508 2630
2509 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2631 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2510 } 2632 }
2511 }; 2633 };
2512 2634
2513 2635
2514=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 2636=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2515 2637
2516Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a 2638Libev 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 2639number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2518any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop 2640any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2519me a note. 2641me a note.
2520 2642
2521=over 4 2643=over 4
2522 2644
2526libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module, 2648libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2527there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces 2649there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2528to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the 2650to 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>). 2651C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>).
2530 2652
2531It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is found at 2653It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2532L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>. 2654L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2533 2655
2656=item Python
2657
2658Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2659seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the
2660patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2661for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2662libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2663libev).
2664
2534=item Ruby 2665=item Ruby
2535 2666
2536Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset 2667Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2537of the libev API and adds filehandle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and 2668of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2538more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at 2669more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2539L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>. 2670L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2540 2671
2541=item D 2672=item D
2542 2673
2543Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 2674Leandro 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>. 2675be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2545 2676
2546=back 2677=back
2547 2678
2548 2679
2549=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2680=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2550 2681
2551Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 2682Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2552of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 2683of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2553functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2684functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2554 2685
2555To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2686To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2556following macros are defined: 2687following macros are defined:
2561 2692
2562This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2693This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2563loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 2694loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2564C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 2695C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2565 2696
2566 ev_unref (EV_A); 2697 ev_unref (EV_A);
2567 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 2698 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2568 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2699 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2569 2700
2570It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 2701It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2571which is often provided by the following macro. 2702which is often provided by the following macro.
2572 2703
2573=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 2704=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2574 2705
2575This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2706This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2576loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter, 2707loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2577C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example: 2708C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2578 2709
2579 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 2710 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2580 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 2711 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2581 2712
2582 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 2713 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2583 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2714 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2584 2715
2585It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 2716It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2586suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 2717suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2587 2718
2588=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 2719=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2589 2720
2590Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2721Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2591loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2722loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
2723
2724=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
2725
2726Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
2727default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
2728is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
2729execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
2730
2731It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
2732watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2592 2733
2593=back 2734=back
2594 2735
2595Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 2736Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2596macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 2737macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2597or not. 2738or not.
2598 2739
2599 static void 2740 static void
2600 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2741 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2601 { 2742 {
2602 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2743 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2603 } 2744 }
2604 2745
2605 ev_check check; 2746 ev_check check;
2606 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2747 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2607 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2748 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2608 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2749 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2609 2750
2610=head1 EMBEDDING 2751=head1 EMBEDDING
2611 2752
2612Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2753Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2613applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2754applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2620libev somewhere in your source tree). 2761libev somewhere in your source tree).
2621 2762
2622=head2 FILESETS 2763=head2 FILESETS
2623 2764
2624Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 2765Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2625in your app. 2766in your application.
2626 2767
2627=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 2768=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2628 2769
2629To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 2770To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2630configuration (no autoconf): 2771configuration (no autoconf):
2631 2772
2632 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2773 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2633 #include "ev.c" 2774 #include "ev.c"
2634 2775
2635This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 2776This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
2636single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use 2777single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
2637it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best 2778it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
2638done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and 2779done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2639where you can put other configuration options): 2780where you can put other configuration options):
2640 2781
2641 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2782 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2642 #include "ev.h" 2783 #include "ev.h"
2643 2784
2644Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 2785Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2645compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 2786compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2646as a bug). 2787as a bug).
2647 2788
2648You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 2789You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2649in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 2790in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2650 2791
2651 ev.h 2792 ev.h
2652 ev.c 2793 ev.c
2653 ev_vars.h 2794 ev_vars.h
2654 ev_wrap.h 2795 ev_wrap.h
2655 2796
2656 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2797 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2657 2798
2658 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 2799 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
2659 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2800 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2660 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2801 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2661 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2802 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2662 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2803 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2663 2804
2664F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 2805F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2665to compile this single file. 2806to compile this single file.
2666 2807
2667=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 2808=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2668 2809
2669To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 2810To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2670 2811
2671 #include "event.c" 2812 #include "event.c"
2672 2813
2673in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 2814in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2674 2815
2675 #include "event.h" 2816 #include "event.h"
2676 2817
2677in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 2818in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2678 2819
2679You need the following additional files for this: 2820You need the following additional files for this:
2680 2821
2681 event.h 2822 event.h
2682 event.c 2823 event.c
2683 2824
2684=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 2825=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2685 2826
2686Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 2827Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
2687whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 2828whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2688F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then 2829F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2689include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 2830include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2690 2831
2691For this of course you need the m4 file: 2832For this of course you need the m4 file:
2692 2833
2693 libev.m4 2834 libev.m4
2694 2835
2695=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 2836=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2696 2837
2697Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define 2838Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2698before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity 2839define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2699and only include the select backend. 2840autoconf is noted for every option.
2700 2841
2701=over 4 2842=over 4
2702 2843
2703=item EV_STANDALONE 2844=item EV_STANDALONE
2704 2845
2709F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 2850F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2710 2851
2711=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 2852=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2712 2853
2713If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2854If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2714monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2855monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
2715of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2856of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2716usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2857usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2717the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 2858the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2718to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2859to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2719function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2860function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2720 2861
2721=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2862=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2722 2863
2723If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2864If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2724realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2865real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
2725runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2866runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
2726be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2867be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2727(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 2868(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2728note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2869note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2729 2870
2730=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 2871=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2731 2872
2732If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available 2873If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2733and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>. 2874and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2734 2875
2876=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
2877
2878If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
2879available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
2880C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
2881If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
28822.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2883
2735=item EV_USE_SELECT 2884=item EV_USE_SELECT
2736 2885
2737If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2886If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2738C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2887C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
2739other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 2888other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2740will not be compiled in. 2889will not be compiled in.
2741 2890
2742=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 2891=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2743 2892
2744If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 2893If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2745structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 2894structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2746C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 2895C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on
2747exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 2896exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2748low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 2897low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2749allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 2898allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2750influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 2899influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2751 2900
2775 2924
2776=item EV_USE_EPOLL 2925=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2777 2926
2778If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 2927If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2779C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 2928C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2780otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 2929otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2781preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems. 2930backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
2931headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2782 2932
2783=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 2933=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2784 2934
2785If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 2935If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2786C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 2936C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2799otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 2949otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2800backend for Solaris 10 systems. 2950backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2801 2951
2802=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2952=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2803 2953
2804reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2954Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2805 2955
2806=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 2956=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2807 2957
2808If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 2958If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2809interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 2959interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2810be detected at runtime. 2960be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
2961indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2811 2962
2812=item EV_ATOMIC_T 2963=item EV_ATOMIC_T
2813 2964
2814Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose 2965Libev 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 2966access 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 2967type 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" 2968that 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. 2969as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2819 2970
2820In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 2971In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
2821(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 2972(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2822 2973
2823=item EV_H 2974=item EV_H
2824 2975
2825The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2976The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2864When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 3015When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2865all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3016all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2866and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually 3017and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2867fine. 3018fine.
2868 3019
2869If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3020If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2870C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 3021C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2871 3022
2872=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3023=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2873 3024
2874If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3025If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2875defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3026defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2902defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3053defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2903 3054
2904=item EV_MINIMAL 3055=item EV_MINIMAL
2905 3056
2906If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3057If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2907speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 3058speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2908some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 3059inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3060much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2909 3061
2910=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3062=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2911 3063
2912C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3064C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2913pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 3065pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2920inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 3072inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2921usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 3073usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2922watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 3074watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2923two). 3075two).
2924 3076
3077=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3078
3079Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3080timer and periodics heap, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3081to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has
3082noticeably faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3083
3084The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3085(disabled).
3086
3087=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3088
3089Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3090timer and periodics heap, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3091the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3092which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3093but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3094noticeably with with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3095
3096The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3097(disabled).
3098
3099=item EV_VERIFY
3100
3101Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3102be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3103in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3104called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3105called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3106verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3107libev considerably.
3108
3109The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3110C<0.>
3111
2925=item EV_COMMON 3112=item EV_COMMON
2926 3113
2927By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3114By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2928this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 3115this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2929members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 3116members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2930though, and it must be identical each time. 3117though, and it must be identical each time.
2931 3118
2932For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3119For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2933 3120
2934 #define EV_COMMON \ 3121 #define EV_COMMON \
2935 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3122 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2936 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3123 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2937 3124
2938=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3125=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2939 3126
2940=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3127=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2941 3128
2948avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3135avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2949method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3136method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2950 3137
2951=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3138=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2952 3139
2953If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of 3140If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
2954exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list 3141exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2955all public symbols, one per line: 3142all public symbols, one per line:
2956 3143
2957 Symbols.ev for libev proper 3144 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2958 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation 3145 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2959 3146
2960This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with 3147This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2961multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in 3148multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2962itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this). 3149itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
2963 3150
2964A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to 3151A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2965include before including F<ev.h>: 3152include before including F<ev.h>:
2966 3153
2967 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h 3154 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2984file. 3171file.
2985 3172
2986The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3173The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2987that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 3174that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2988 3175
2989 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 3176 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2990 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3177 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2991 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3178 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2992 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 3179 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
2993 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 3180 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
2994 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 3181 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2995 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3182 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
2996 #define EV_MINPRI 0 3183 #define EV_MINPRI 0
2997 #define EV_MAXPRI 0 3184 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2998 3185
2999 #include "ev++.h" 3186 #include "ev++.h"
3000 3187
3001And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3188And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3002 3189
3003 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3190 #include "ev_cpp.h"
3004 #include "ev.c" 3191 #include "ev.c"
3192
3193
3194=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3195
3196=head2 THREADS
3197
3198Libev itself is completely thread-safe, but it uses no locking. This
3199means that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as
3200only one thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop
3201parameter.
3202
3203Or put differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done in
3204parallel from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter must be
3205done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as only one
3206thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using a mutex
3207per loop).
3208
3209If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3210without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3211help you. I can give some generic advice however:
3212
3213=over 4
3214
3215=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3216in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
3217
3218This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3219themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3220
3221=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3222
3223Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3224exists, but it is always a good start.
3225
3226=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3227loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
3228
3229Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3230better than you currently do :-)
3231
3232=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3233event loop - C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other
3234threads safely (or from signal contexts...).
3235
3236=back
3237
3238=head2 COROUTINES
3239
3240Libev is much more accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3241libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different
3242coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3243different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3244loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3245you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3246
3247Care has been invested into making sure that libev does not keep local
3248state inside C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow coroutine
3249switches.
3005 3250
3006 3251
3007=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3252=head1 COMPLEXITIES
3008 3253
3009In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3254In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
3041correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3286correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
3042have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal). 3287have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
3043 3288
3044=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1) 3289=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3045 3290
3046By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the 3291By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
3047beginning of the storage array. 3292fixed position in the storage array.
3048 3293
3049=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 3294=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3050 3295
3051A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires 3296A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
3052libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending 3297libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3053on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used). 3298on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3054 3299
3055=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1) 3300=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3056 3301
3057=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities) 3302=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3058 3303
3065 3310
3066=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers) 3311=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3067 3312
3068=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number) 3313=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3069 3314
3070Sending involves a syscall I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send> 3315Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3071calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events 3316calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3072involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 3317involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3073 3318
3074=back 3319=back
3075 3320
3076 3321
3077=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds 3322=head1 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
3078 3323
3079Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 3324Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3080requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3325requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3081model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3326model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3082the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3327the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3083descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 3328descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3084e.g. cygwin. 3329e.g. cygwin.
3085 3330
3331Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3332re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
3333things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
3334way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3335
3086There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 3336There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3087embedding it into other applications. 3337embedding it into other applications.
3088 3338
3339Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3340accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3341either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3342so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3343megabyte seems safe, but thsi apparently depends on the amount of memory
3344available).
3345
3089Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the 3346Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
3090abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not 3347the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3091recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than 3348is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3092a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different 3349more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3093implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot 3350different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3094be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games). 3351notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3352(Microsoft monopoly games).
3353
3354A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3355section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3356of F<ev.h>:
3357
3358 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
3359 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3360
3361 #include "ev.h"
3362
3363And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3364you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded soruce files!):
3365
3366 #include "evwrap.h"
3367 #include "ev.c"
3095 3368
3096=over 4 3369=over 4
3097 3370
3098=item The winsocket select function 3371=item The winsocket select function
3099 3372
3100The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires 3373The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3101socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select 3374requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3102very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors 3375also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3103to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, 3376requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3104C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor 3377C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
3105symbols for more info. 3378discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3379C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
3106 3380
3107The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime 3381The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
3108libraries and raw winsocket select is: 3382libraries and raw winsocket select is:
3109 3383
3110 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1 3384 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3111 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 3385 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3112 3386
3113Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 3387Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3114complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 3388complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3115 3389
3116=item Limited number of file descriptors 3390=item Limited number of file descriptors
3117 3391
3118Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions 3392Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3119of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles 3393
3394Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3120(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for 3395of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3121C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a 3396can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3122chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each). 3397recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3398previous thread in each. Great).
3123 3399
3124Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 3400Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3125to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select 3401to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3126call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own 3402call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3127select emulation on windows). 3403select emulation on windows).
3128 3404
3129Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime 3405Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3130libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish 3406libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
3131or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling 3407or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3132C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 3408C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3133arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime 3409arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
3134libraries. 3410libraries.
3135 3411
3136This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 3412This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
3137windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to 3413windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
3138wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 3414wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3139calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 3415calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3140 3416
3141=back 3417=back
3142 3418
3143 3419
3420=head1 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3421
3422In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few
3423additional extensions:
3424
3425=over 4
3426
3427=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3428calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3429
3430Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3431structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3432assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3433callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3434calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3435
3436=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3437
3438The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3439C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different
3440threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3441believed to be sufficiently portable.
3442
3443=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3444
3445Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
3446allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
3447pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
3448thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
3449be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
3450C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
3451
3452The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
3453except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3454well.
3455
3456=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3457
3458To improve portability and simplify using libev, libev uses C<long>
3459internally instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On
3460non-POSIX systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but
3461is still at least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of
3462millions of watchers.
3463
3464=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3465
3466The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3467have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3468enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
3469implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
3470
3471=back
3472
3473If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3474
3475
3476=head1 COMPILER WARNINGS
3477
3478Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3479lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3480scared by this.
3481
3482However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3483has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3484warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3485targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3486
3487Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3488workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3489maintainable.
3490
3491And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3492wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3493seems to warn about).
3494
3495While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3496"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3497with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3498them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3499warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3500
3501
3502=head1 VALGRIND
3503
3504Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3505highly useful, but valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3506
3507If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3508in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3509
3510 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3511 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3512 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3513
3514Then there is no memory leak. Similarly, under some circumstances,
3515valgrind might report kernel bugs as if it were a bug in libev, or it
3516might be confused (it is a very good tool, but only a tool).
3517
3518If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3519with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this is
3520a bug in libev. However, don't be annoyed when you get a brisk "this is
3521no bug" answer and take the chance of learning how to interpret valgrind
3522properly.
3523
3524If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3525I suggest using suppression lists.
3526
3527
3144=head1 AUTHOR 3528=head1 AUTHOR
3145 3529
3146Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3530Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
3147 3531

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