ViewVC Help
View File | Revision Log | Show Annotations | Download File
/cvs/libev/ev.pod
(Generate patch)

Comparing libev/ev.pod (file contents):
Revision 1.138 by root, Mon Mar 31 01:14:12 2008 UTC vs.
Revision 1.201 by root, Fri Oct 24 08:26:04 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_ 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_ 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 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
103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common) 103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For 104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
105more info about various configuration options please have a look at 105more info about various configuration options please have a look at
106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support 106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of 107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have 108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<ev_loop *>) will not have
109this argument. 109this argument.
110 110
111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION 111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
112 112
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
193C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for 214C<ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_supported_backends ()>, likewise for
194recommended ones. 215recommended ones.
195 216
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)) [NOT REENTRANT]
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 (;;)
226 } 250 }
227 251
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)); [NOT REENTRANT]
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.
252 276
253=back 277=back
254 278
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 C<struct>
258types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 282is I<not> optional in this case, as there is also an C<ev_loop>
259events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 283I<function>).
260 284
261If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop 285The library knows two types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which
262in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you 286supports signals and child events, and dynamically created loops which do
263create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking 287not.
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).
267 288
268=over 4 289=over 4
269 290
270=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 291=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
271 292
275flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 296flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
276 297
277If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 298If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
278function. 299function.
279 300
301Note that this function is I<not> thread-safe, so if you want to use it
302from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
303as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway).
304
280The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 305The 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 306C<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 307for 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 308create 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 309can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
285C<ev_default_init>. 310C<ev_default_init>.
286 311
287The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 312The 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 321The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
297thing, believe me). 322thing, believe me).
298 323
299=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 324=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
300 325
301If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 326If 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 327or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
303C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 328C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
304override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 329override 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 330useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
306around bugs. 331around bugs.
313 338
314This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 339This 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 340and 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 341iterations 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 342GNU/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 343without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
319C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 344C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
320 345
321The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 346The 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 347forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
323flag. 348flag.
324 349
325This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 350This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
326environment variable. 351environment variable.
327 352
328=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 353=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
329 354
330This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 355This 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 357but 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 358using 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. 359usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
335 360
336To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of 361To 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 362parallelism (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 363writing 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 364connections 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 365a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
341readyness notifications you get per iteration. 366readiness notifications you get per iteration.
367
368This backend maps C<EV_READ> to the C<readfds> set and C<EV_WRITE> to the
369C<writefds> set (and to work around Microsoft Windows bugs, also onto the
370C<exceptfds> set on that platform).
342 371
343=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 372=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
344 373
345And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated 374And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
346than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial 375than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
347limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down 376limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
348considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, 377considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
349i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for 378i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
350performance tips. 379performance tips.
351 380
381This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
382C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
383
352=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 384=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
353 385
354For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 386For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
355but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 387but 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), 388like 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 389epoll 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 390of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
359cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad 391cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad
360support for dup. 392support for dup.
361 393
362While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 394While 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 395will 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 396(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 397best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
366very well if you register events for both fds. 398very well if you register events for both fds.
367 399
368Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 400Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
369need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data 401need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
370(or space) is available. 402(or space) is available.
371 403
372Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 404Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
373watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e. 405watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible,
374keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. 406i.e. keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. Stopping and
407starting a watcher (without re-setting it) also usually doesn't cause
408extra overhead.
375 409
376While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in 410While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
377all kernel versions tested so far. 411all kernel versions tested so far.
378 412
413This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
414C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
415
379=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 416=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
380 417
381Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 418Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it was
382was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 419broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably with
383with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 420anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course it's
384it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected" 421completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected" unless
385unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 422you explicitly specify it in the flags (i.e. using C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or
386C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 423libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) system like NetBSD.
387system like NetBSD.
388 424
389You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 425You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
390only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on 426only for sockets (after having made sure that sockets work with kqueue on
391the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 427the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
392 428
393It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 429It 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 430kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
395course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 431course). 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 432cause 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 433two event changes per incident. Support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
398drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 434drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
399 435
400This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 436This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
401 437
402While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work 438While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
403everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken 439everywhere, so you might need to test for this. And since it is broken
404almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets 440almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
405(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop 441(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
406(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for 442(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and, did I mention it,
407sockets. 443using it only for sockets.
444
445This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with
446C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
447C<NOTE_EOF>.
408 448
409=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 449=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
410 450
411This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an 451This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
412implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets 452implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
416=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 456=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
417 457
418This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 458This 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)). 459it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
420 460
421Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious 461Please 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 462notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
423blocking when no data (or space) is available. 463blocking when no data (or space) is available.
424 464
425While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 465While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
426file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 466file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
427descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 467descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
428might perform better. 468might perform better.
429 469
430On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this 470On the positive side, with the exception of the spurious readiness
431backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully 471notifications, this backend actually performed fully to specification
432embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends. 472in all tests and is fully embeddable, which is a rare feat among the
473OS-specific backends.
474
475This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
476C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
433 477
434=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 478=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
435 479
436Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 480Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
437with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 481with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
439 483
440It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 484It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
441 485
442=back 486=back
443 487
444If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 488If 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 489backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
446specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 490specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
447 491
448The most typical usage is like this: 492Example: This is the most typical usage.
449 493
450 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 494 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
451 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 495 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
452 496
453Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 497Example: Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
454environment settings to be taken into account: 498environment settings to be taken into account:
455 499
456 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 500 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
457 501
458Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 502Example: Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is
459available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 503used if available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own
460event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 504private event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of
505fds):
461 506
462 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 507 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
463 508
464=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 509=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
465 510
466Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 511Similar 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 512always 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 513handle signal and child watchers, and attempts to do so will be greeted by
469undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled). 514undefined behaviour (or a failed assertion if assertions are enabled).
470 515
516Note that this function I<is> thread-safe, and the recommended way to use
517libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
518default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
519
471Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 520Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
472 521
473 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 522 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
474 if (!epoller) 523 if (!epoller)
475 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 524 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
476 525
477=item ev_default_destroy () 526=item ev_default_destroy ()
478 527
479Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 528Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
480etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 529etc.). 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 530sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
482responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 531responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
483calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 532calling 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 533the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
485for example). 534for example).
486 535
487Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 536Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
519 568
520=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 569=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
521 570
522Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 571Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
523C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 572C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
524after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 573after fork that you want to re-use in the child, and how you do this is
574entirely your own problem.
525 575
526=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop) 576=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
527 577
528Returns true when the given loop actually is the default loop, false otherwise. 578Returns true when the given loop is, in fact, the default loop, and false
579otherwise.
529 580
530=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop) 581=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
531 582
532Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to 583Returns the count of loop iterations for the loop, which is identical to
533the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and 584the number of times libev did poll for new events. It starts at C<0> and
548received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 599received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
549change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 600change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
550time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 601time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
551event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 602event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
552 603
604=item ev_now_update (loop)
605
606Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
607returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
608is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>.
609
610This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
611very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
612the current time is a good idea.
613
614See also "The special problem of time updates" in the C<ev_timer> section.
615
553=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 616=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
554 617
555Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 618Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
556after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 619after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
557events. 620events.
559If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until 622If the flags argument is specified as C<0>, it will not return until
560either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called. 623either no event watchers are active anymore or C<ev_unloop> was called.
561 624
562Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than 625Please note that an explicit C<ev_unloop> is usually better than
563relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has 626relying on all watchers to be stopped when deciding when a program has
564finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program that 627finished (especially in interactive programs), but having a program
565automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue of 628that automatically loops as long as it has to and no longer by virtue
566relying on its watchers stopping correctly is a thing of beauty. 629of relying on its watchers stopping correctly, that is truly a thing of
630beauty.
567 631
568A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 632A 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 633those events and any already outstanding ones, but will not block your
570case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 634process in case there are no events and will return after one iteration of
635the loop.
571 636
572A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 637A 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 638necessary) and will handle those and any already outstanding ones. It
574your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 639will block your process until at least one new event arrives (which could
575one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 640be an event internal to libev itself, so there is no guarentee that a
576external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 641user-registered callback will be called), and will return after one
642iteration of the loop.
643
644This is useful if you are waiting for some external event in conjunction
645with something not expressible using other libev watchers (i.e. "roll your
577libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 646own C<ev_loop>"). However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
578usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 647usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
579 648
580Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 649Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
581 650
582 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 651 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
583 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 652 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
584 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers. 653 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
585 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 654 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
586 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 655 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
656 as to not disturb the other process.
587 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 657 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
588 - Update the "event loop time". 658 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
589 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 659 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
590 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 660 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
591 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 661 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
592 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 662 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
593 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 663 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
594 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 664 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
595 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 665 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
596 - Queue all outstanding timers. 666 - Queue all expired timers.
597 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 667 - Queue all expired periodics.
598 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 668 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
599 - Queue all check watchers. 669 - Queue all check watchers.
600 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 670 - 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 671 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
602 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 672 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
603 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 673 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
608anymore. 678anymore.
609 679
610 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 680 ... 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..) 681 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
612 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 682 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
613 ... jobs done. yeah! 683 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
614 684
615=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 685=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
616 686
617Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 687Can 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 688has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
619C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 689C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
620C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 690C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
621 691
622This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again. 692This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
623 693
694It is safe to call C<ev_unloop> from otuside any C<ev_loop> calls.
695
624=item ev_ref (loop) 696=item ev_ref (loop)
625 697
626=item ev_unref (loop) 698=item ev_unref (loop)
627 699
628Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event 700Ref/unref can be used to add or remove a reference count on the event
629loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference 701loop: Every watcher keeps one reference, and as long as the reference
630count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own. If you have 702count is nonzero, C<ev_loop> will not return on its own.
703
631a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop> from 704If you have a watcher you never unregister that should not keep C<ev_loop>
632returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 705from returning, call ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before
706stopping it.
707
633example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 708As an example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is
634visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 709not visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting
635no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 710if no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
636way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 711way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
637libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop> 712libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>
638(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before, 713(but only if the watcher wasn't active before, or was active before,
639respectively). 714respectively).
640 715
641Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 716Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
642running when nothing else is active. 717running when nothing else is active.
643 718
644 struct ev_signal exitsig; 719 ev_signal exitsig;
645 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 720 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
646 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 721 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
647 evf_unref (loop); 722 evf_unref (loop);
648 723
649Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 724Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
650 725
651 ev_ref (loop); 726 ev_ref (loop);
652 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 727 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
653 728
654=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 729=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
655 730
656=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 731=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
657 732
658These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting 733These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
659for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to 734for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
660invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency. 735will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
736latency.
661 737
662Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>) 738Setting 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 739allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
664increase efficiency of loop iterations. 740to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
741opportunities).
665 742
666The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to 743The idea is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to handle
667handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes 744one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes the
668the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new 745program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
669events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high 746events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
670overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once. 747overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
671 748
672By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more 749By setting a higher I<io collect interval> you allow libev to spend more
673time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration, 750time collecting I/O events, so you can handle more events per iteration,
675C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will 752C<ev_timer>) will be not affected. Setting this to a non-null value will
676introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations. 753introduce an additional C<ev_sleep ()> call into most loop iterations.
677 754
678Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev 755Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
679to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 756to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
680latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 757latency/jitter/inexactness (the watcher callback will be called
681will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce 758later). C<ev_io> watchers will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null
682any overhead in libev. 759value will not introduce any overhead in libev.
683 760
684Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect 761Many (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 762interval 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 763interactive 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>, 764usually 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. 765as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
766
767Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
768saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
769are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
770times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
771reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
772they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
773
774=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
775
776This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
777compiled in, which is the default for non-minimal builds. It tries to go
778through all internal structures and checks them for validity. If anything
779is found to be inconsistent, it will print an error message to standard
780error and call C<abort ()>.
781
782This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
783circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
784data structures consistent.
689 785
690=back 786=back
691 787
692 788
693=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 789=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
790
791In the following description, uppercase C<TYPE> in names stands for the
792watcher type, e.g. C<ev_TYPE_start> can mean C<ev_timer_start> for timer
793watchers and C<ev_io_start> for I/O watchers.
694 794
695A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 795A 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 796interest 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: 797become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
698 798
699 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 799 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
700 { 800 {
701 ev_io_stop (w); 801 ev_io_stop (w);
702 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 802 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
703 } 803 }
704 804
705 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 805 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
806
706 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 807 ev_io stdin_watcher;
808
707 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 809 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
708 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 810 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
709 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 811 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
812
710 ev_loop (loop, 0); 813 ev_loop (loop, 0);
711 814
712As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 815As 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, 816watcher structures (and it is I<usually> a bad idea to do this on the
714although this can sometimes be quite valid). 817stack).
818
819Each watcher has an associated watcher structure (called C<struct ev_TYPE>
820or simply C<ev_TYPE>, as typedefs are provided for all watcher structs).
715 821
716Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 822Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
717(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 823(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
718callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 824callback 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 825watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
720is readable and/or writable). 826is readable and/or writable).
721 827
722Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 828Each watcher type further has its own C<< ev_TYPE_set (watcher *, ...) >>
723with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 829macro to configure it, with arguments specific to the watcher type. There
724to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<< ev_<type>_init 830is also a macro to combine initialisation and setting in one call: C<<
725(watcher *, callback, ...) >>. 831ev_TYPE_init (watcher *, callback, ...) >>.
726 832
727To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it 833To make the watcher actually watch out for events, you have to start it
728with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_<type>_start (loop, watcher 834with a watcher-specific start function (C<< ev_TYPE_start (loop, watcher
729*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the 835*) >>), and you can stop watching for events at any time by calling the
730corresponding stop function (C<< ev_<type>_stop (loop, watcher *) >>. 836corresponding stop function (C<< ev_TYPE_stop (loop, watcher *) >>.
731 837
732As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you 838As long as your watcher is active (has been started but not stopped) you
733must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never 839must not touch the values stored in it. Most specifically you must never
734reinitialise it or call its C<set> macro. 840reinitialise it or call its C<ev_TYPE_set> macro.
735 841
736Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the 842Each and every callback receives the event loop pointer as first, the
737registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as 843registered watcher structure as second, and a bitset of received events as
738third argument. 844third argument.
739 845
799 905
800The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 906The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
801 907
802=item C<EV_ERROR> 908=item C<EV_ERROR>
803 909
804An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 910An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
805happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 911happen 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 912ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
913problem. Libev considers these application bugs.
914
807problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 915You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping with the
808with the watcher being stopped. 916watcher being stopped. Note that well-written programs should not receive
917an error ever, so when your watcher receives it, this usually indicates a
918bug in your program.
809 919
810Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 920Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, for
811for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 921example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if your
812your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 922callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope with
813with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 923the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
814programs, though, so beware. 924programs, though, as the fd could already be closed and reused for another
925thing, so beware.
815 926
816=back 927=back
817 928
818=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 929=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
819
820In the following description, C<TYPE> stands for the watcher type,
821e.g. C<timer> for C<ev_timer> watchers and C<io> for C<ev_io> watchers.
822 930
823=over 4 931=over 4
824 932
825=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 933=item C<ev_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
826 934
832which rolls both calls into one. 940which rolls both calls into one.
833 941
834You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped 942You can reinitialise a watcher at any time as long as it has been stopped
835(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding. 943(or never started) and there are no pending events outstanding.
836 944
837The callback is always of type C<void (*)(ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, 945The callback is always of type C<void (*)(struct ev_loop *loop, ev_TYPE *watcher,
838int revents)>. 946int revents)>.
947
948Example: Initialise an C<ev_io> watcher in two steps.
949
950 ev_io w;
951 ev_init (&w, my_cb);
952 ev_io_set (&w, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
839 953
840=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args]) 954=item C<ev_TYPE_set> (ev_TYPE *, [args])
841 955
842This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to 956This macro initialises the type-specific parts of a watcher. You need to
843call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can 957call C<ev_init> at least once before you call this macro, but you can
846difference to the C<ev_init> macro). 960difference to the C<ev_init> macro).
847 961
848Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 962Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
849(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 963(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
850 964
965See C<ev_init>, above, for an example.
966
851=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 967=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
852 968
853This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 969This 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 970calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
855a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 971a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
972
973Example: Initialise and set an C<ev_io> watcher in one step.
974
975 ev_io_init (&w, my_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
856 976
857=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 977=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
858 978
859Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 979Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
860events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen. 980events. If the watcher is already active nothing will happen.
861 981
982Example: Start the C<ev_io> watcher that is being abused as example in this
983whole section.
984
985 ev_io_start (EV_DEFAULT_UC, &w);
986
862=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 987=item C<ev_TYPE_stop> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
863 988
864Stops the given watcher again (if active) and clears the pending 989Stops the given watcher if active, and clears the pending status (whether
990the watcher was active or not).
991
865status. It is possible that stopped watchers are pending (for example, 992It is possible that stopped watchers are pending - for example,
866non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending), but 993non-repeating timers are being stopped when they become pending - but
867C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor pending. If 994calling C<ev_TYPE_stop> ensures that the watcher is neither active nor
868you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is therefore a 995pending. If you want to free or reuse the memory used by the watcher it is
869good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function. 996therefore a good idea to always call its C<ev_TYPE_stop> function.
870 997
871=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher) 998=item bool ev_is_active (ev_TYPE *watcher)
872 999
873Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started 1000Returns a true value iff the watcher is active (i.e. it has been started
874and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify 1001and not yet been stopped). As long as a watcher is active you must not modify
922 1049
923=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents) 1050=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
924 1051
925Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither 1052Invoke the C<watcher> with the given C<loop> and C<revents>. Neither
926C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback 1053C<loop> nor C<revents> need to be valid as long as the watcher callback
927can deal with that fact. 1054can deal with that fact, as both are simply passed through to the
1055callback.
928 1056
929=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher) 1057=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
930 1058
931If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status 1059If the watcher is pending, this function clears its pending status and
932and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the 1060returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
933watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>. 1061watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
934 1062
1063Sometimes it can be useful to "poll" a watcher instead of waiting for its
1064callback to be invoked, which can be accomplished with this function.
1065
935=back 1066=back
936 1067
937 1068
938=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 1069=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
939 1070
940Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change 1071Each watcher has, by default, a member C<void *data> that you can change
941and read at any time, libev will completely ignore it. This can be used 1072and read at any time: libev will completely ignore it. This can be used
942to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 1073to 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 1074don'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 1075member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
945data: 1076data:
946 1077
947 struct my_io 1078 struct my_io
948 { 1079 {
949 struct ev_io io; 1080 ev_io io;
950 int otherfd; 1081 int otherfd;
951 void *somedata; 1082 void *somedata;
952 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1083 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
953 } 1084 };
1085
1086 ...
1087 struct my_io w;
1088 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
954 1089
955And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1090And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
956can cast it back to your own type: 1091can cast it back to your own type:
957 1092
958 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1093 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w_, int revents)
959 { 1094 {
960 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1095 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
961 ... 1096 ...
962 } 1097 }
963 1098
964More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1099More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
965instead have been omitted. 1100instead have been omitted.
966 1101
967Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1102Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
968watchers: 1103embedded watchers:
969 1104
970 struct my_biggy 1105 struct my_biggy
971 { 1106 {
972 int some_data; 1107 int some_data;
973 ev_timer t1; 1108 ev_timer t1;
974 ev_timer t2; 1109 ev_timer t2;
975 } 1110 }
976 1111
977In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated, 1112In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
978you need to use C<offsetof>: 1113complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1114in the C<data> member of the watcher (for woozies), or you need to use
1115some pointer arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers (for real
1116programmers):
979 1117
980 #include <stddef.h> 1118 #include <stddef.h>
981 1119
982 static void 1120 static void
983 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1121 t1_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
984 { 1122 {
985 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1123 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
986 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1124 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
987 } 1125 }
988 1126
989 static void 1127 static void
990 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1128 t2_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
991 { 1129 {
992 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1130 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
993 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1131 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
994 } 1132 }
995 1133
996 1134
997=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1135=head1 WATCHER TYPES
998 1136
999This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1137This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1023In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1161In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
1024fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1162fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
1025descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1163descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
1026required if you know what you are doing). 1164required if you know what you are doing).
1027 1165
1028If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1166If you cannot use non-blocking mode, then force the use of a
1029(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1167known-to-be-good backend (at the time of this writing, this includes only
1030C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1168C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
1031 1169
1032Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1170Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1033receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1171receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1034be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1172be 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 1173because 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 1174lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
1037this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1175this 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 1176it 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. 1177C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1040 1178
1041If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1179If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should
1042play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1180not play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately
1043whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1181re-test whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good
1044such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1182interface such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already
1045its own, so its quite safe to use). 1183does this on its own, so its quite safe to use). Some people additionally
1184use C<SIGALRM> and an interval timer, just to be sure you won't block
1185indefinitely.
1186
1187But really, best use non-blocking mode.
1046 1188
1047=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1189=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1048 1190
1049Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file 1191Some backends (e.g. kqueue, epoll) need to be told about closing a file
1050descriptor (either by calling C<close> explicitly or by any other means, 1192descriptor (either due to calling C<close> explicitly or any other means,
1051such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file 1193such as C<dup2>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1052descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop 1194descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1053this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is 1195this interest. If another file descriptor with the same number then is
1054registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in 1196registered with libev, there is no efficient way to see that this is, in
1055fact, a different file descriptor. 1197fact, a different file descriptor.
1056 1198
1087enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or 1229enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1088C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1230C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1089 1231
1090=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE 1232=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1091 1233
1092While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about SIGPIPE: 1234While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about C<SIGPIPE>:
1093when reading from a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program 1235when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1094gets send a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most 1236sent a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
1095programs this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually 1237this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1096undesirable.
1097 1238
1098So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1239So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1099ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1240ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1100somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1241somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1101 1242
1107=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1248=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1108 1249
1109=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1250=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1110 1251
1111Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1252Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
1112rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1253receive events for and C<events> is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1113C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1254C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE>, to express the desire to receive the given events.
1114 1255
1115=item int fd [read-only] 1256=item int fd [read-only]
1116 1257
1117The file descriptor being watched. 1258The file descriptor being watched.
1118 1259
1126 1267
1127Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1268Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1128readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1269readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1129attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1270attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1130 1271
1131 static void 1272 static void
1132 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1273 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1133 { 1274 {
1134 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1275 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1135 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1276 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and handle any I/O errors
1136 } 1277 }
1137 1278
1138 ... 1279 ...
1139 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1280 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1140 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1281 ev_io stdin_readable;
1141 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1282 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1142 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1283 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1143 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1284 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1144 1285
1145 1286
1146=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1287=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1147 1288
1148Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1289Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1149given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1290given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1150 1291
1151The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1292The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
1152times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years 1293times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
1153time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1294year, it will still time out after (roughly) one hour. "Roughly" because
1154detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1295detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1155monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1296monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1297
1298The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only I<after> its timeout has
1299passed, but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration
1300then order of execution is undefined.
1301
1302=head3 Be smart about timeouts
1303
1304Many real-world problems involve some kind of timeout, usually for error
1305recovery. A typical example is an HTTP request - if the other side hangs,
1306you want to raise some error after a while.
1307
1308What follows are some ways to handle this problem, from obvious and
1309inefficient to smart and efficient.
1310
1311In the following, a 60 second activity timeout is assumed - a timeout that
1312gets reset to 60 seconds each time there is activity (e.g. each time some
1313data or other life sign was received).
1314
1315=over 4
1316
1317=item 1. Use a timer and stop, reinitialise and start it on activity.
1318
1319This is the most obvious, but not the most simple way: In the beginning,
1320start the watcher:
1321
1322 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 60., 0.);
1323 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1324
1325Then, each time there is some activity, C<ev_timer_stop> it, initialise it
1326and start it again:
1327
1328 ev_timer_stop (loop, timer);
1329 ev_timer_set (timer, 60., 0.);
1330 ev_timer_start (loop, timer);
1331
1332This is relatively simple to implement, but means that each time there is
1333some activity, libev will first have to remove the timer from its internal
1334data structure and then add it again. Libev tries to be fast, but it's
1335still not a constant-time operation.
1336
1337=item 2. Use a timer and re-start it with C<ev_timer_again> inactivity.
1338
1339This is the easiest way, and involves using C<ev_timer_again> instead of
1340C<ev_timer_start>.
1341
1342To implement this, configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value
1343of C<60> and then call C<ev_timer_again> at start and each time you
1344successfully read or write some data. If you go into an idle state where
1345you do not expect data to travel on the socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop>
1346the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will automatically restart it if need be.
1347
1348That means you can ignore both the C<ev_timer_start> function and the
1349C<after> argument to C<ev_timer_set>, and only ever use the C<repeat>
1350member and C<ev_timer_again>.
1351
1352At start:
1353
1354 ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
1355 timer->repeat = 60.;
1356 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1357
1358Each time there is some activity:
1359
1360 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1361
1362It is even possible to change the time-out on the fly, regardless of
1363whether the watcher is active or not:
1364
1365 timer->repeat = 30.;
1366 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1367
1368This is slightly more efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1369you want to modify its timeout value, as libev does not have to completely
1370remove and re-insert the timer from/into its internal data structure.
1371
1372It is, however, even simpler than the "obvious" way to do it.
1373
1374=item 3. Let the timer time out, but then re-arm it as required.
1375
1376This method is more tricky, but usually most efficient: Most timeouts are
1377relatively long compared to the intervals between other activity - in
1378our example, within 60 seconds, there are usually many I/O events with
1379associated activity resets.
1380
1381In this case, it would be more efficient to leave the C<ev_timer> alone,
1382but remember the time of last activity, and check for a real timeout only
1383within the callback:
1384
1385 ev_tstamp last_activity; // time of last activity
1386
1387 static void
1388 callback (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1389 {
1390 ev_tstamp now = ev_now (EV_A);
1391 ev_tstamp timeout = last_activity + 60.;
1392
1393 // if last_activity + 60. is older than now, we did time out
1394 if (timeout < now)
1395 {
1396 // timeout occured, take action
1397 }
1398 else
1399 {
1400 // callback was invoked, but there was some activity, re-arm
1401 // the watcher to fire in last_activity + 60, which is
1402 // guaranteed to be in the future, so "again" is positive:
1403 w->again = timeout - now;
1404 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ w);
1405 }
1406 }
1407
1408To summarise the callback: first calculate the real timeout (defined
1409as "60 seconds after the last activity"), then check if that time has
1410been reached, which means something I<did>, in fact, time out. Otherwise
1411the callback was invoked too early (C<timeout> is in the future), so
1412re-schedule the timer to fire at that future time, to see if maybe we have
1413a timeout then.
1414
1415Note how C<ev_timer_again> is used, taking advantage of the
1416C<ev_timer_again> optimisation when the timer is already running.
1417
1418This scheme causes more callback invocations (about one every 60 seconds
1419minus half the average time between activity), but virtually no calls to
1420libev to change the timeout.
1421
1422To start the timer, simply initialise the watcher and set C<last_activity>
1423to the current time (meaning we just have some activity :), then call the
1424callback, which will "do the right thing" and start the timer:
1425
1426 ev_timer_init (timer, callback);
1427 last_activity = ev_now (loop);
1428 callback (loop, timer, EV_TIMEOUT);
1429
1430And when there is some activity, simply store the current time in
1431C<last_activity>, no libev calls at all:
1432
1433 last_actiivty = ev_now (loop);
1434
1435This technique is slightly more complex, but in most cases where the
1436time-out is unlikely to be triggered, much more efficient.
1437
1438Changing the timeout is trivial as well (if it isn't hard-coded in the
1439callback :) - just change the timeout and invoke the callback, which will
1440fix things for you.
1441
1442=item 4. Wee, just use a double-linked list for your timeouts.
1443
1444If there is not one request, but many thousands (millions...), all
1445employing some kind of timeout with the same timeout value, then one can
1446do even better:
1447
1448When starting the timeout, calculate the timeout value and put the timeout
1449at the I<end> of the list.
1450
1451Then use an C<ev_timer> to fire when the timeout at the I<beginning> of
1452the list is expected to fire (for example, using the technique #3).
1453
1454When there is some activity, remove the timer from the list, recalculate
1455the timeout, append it to the end of the list again, and make sure to
1456update the C<ev_timer> if it was taken from the beginning of the list.
1457
1458This way, one can manage an unlimited number of timeouts in O(1) time for
1459starting, stopping and updating the timers, at the expense of a major
1460complication, and having to use a constant timeout. The constant timeout
1461ensures that the list stays sorted.
1462
1463=back
1464
1465So which method the best?
1466
1467Method #2 is a simple no-brain-required solution that is adequate in most
1468situations. Method #3 requires a bit more thinking, but handles many cases
1469better, and isn't very complicated either. In most case, choosing either
1470one is fine, with #3 being better in typical situations.
1471
1472Method #1 is almost always a bad idea, and buys you nothing. Method #4 is
1473rather complicated, but extremely efficient, something that really pays
1474off after the first million or so of active timers, i.e. it's usually
1475overkill :)
1476
1477=head3 The special problem of time updates
1478
1479Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1480least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1481time only before and after C<ev_loop> collects new events, which causes a
1482growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1483lots of events in one iteration.
1156 1484
1157The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1485The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1158time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1486time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1159of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 1487of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1160you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1488you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
1161on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1489timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1162 1490
1163 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1491 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1164 1492
1165The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1493If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1166but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1494update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1167order of execution is undefined. 1495()>.
1168 1496
1169=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1497=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1170 1498
1171=over 4 1499=over 4
1172 1500
1173=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1501=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1174 1502
1175=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1503=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1176 1504
1177Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1505Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
1178C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped. If it is positive, then the 1506is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
1179timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1507reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
1180later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1508configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1509until stopped manually.
1181 1510
1182The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 1511The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
1183configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1512you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1184exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1513trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1185the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1514keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1186timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1515do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1187 1516
1188=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *) 1517=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1189 1518
1190This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1519This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1191repeating. The exact semantics are: 1520repeating. The exact semantics are:
1192 1521
1193If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1522If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1194 1523
1195If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1524If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1196 1525
1197If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1526If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1198C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1527C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1199 1528
1200This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1529This sounds a bit complicated, see "Be smart about timeouts", above, for a
1201example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1530usage example.
1202timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1203seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1204configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1205C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1206you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1207socket, you can C<ev_timer_stop> the timer, and C<ev_timer_again> will
1208automatically restart it if need be.
1209
1210That means you can ignore the C<after> value and C<ev_timer_start>
1211altogether and only ever use the C<repeat> value and C<ev_timer_again>:
1212
1213 ev_timer_init (timer, callback, 0., 5.);
1214 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1215 ...
1216 timer->again = 17.;
1217 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1218 ...
1219 timer->again = 10.;
1220 ev_timer_again (loop, timer);
1221
1222This is more slightly efficient then stopping/starting the timer each time
1223you want to modify its timeout value.
1224 1531
1225=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write] 1532=item ev_tstamp repeat [read-write]
1226 1533
1227The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out 1534The current C<repeat> value. Will be used each time the watcher times out
1228or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1535or C<ev_timer_again> is called, and determines the next timeout (if any),
1229which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1536which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
1230 1537
1231=back 1538=back
1232 1539
1233=head3 Examples 1540=head3 Examples
1234 1541
1235Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1542Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1236 1543
1237 static void 1544 static void
1238 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1545 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1239 { 1546 {
1240 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1547 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1241 } 1548 }
1242 1549
1243 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1550 ev_timer mytimer;
1244 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1551 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1245 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1552 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1246 1553
1247Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1554Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1248inactivity. 1555inactivity.
1249 1556
1250 static void 1557 static void
1251 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1558 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_timer *w, int revents)
1252 { 1559 {
1253 .. ten seconds without any activity 1560 .. ten seconds without any activity
1254 } 1561 }
1255 1562
1256 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1563 ev_timer mytimer;
1257 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1564 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1258 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1565 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1259 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1566 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1260 1567
1261 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1568 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1262 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1569 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1263 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1570 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1264 1571
1265 1572
1266=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1573=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1267 1574
1268Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1575Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1269(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1576(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1270 1577
1271Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1578Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
1272but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1579but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
1273to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1580to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
1274periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1581periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now ()
1275+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1582+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system
1583clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year
1276take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1584to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1277roughly 10 seconds later). 1585roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1278 1586
1279They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1587C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
1280triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated, 1588such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1281rules. 1589complicated rules.
1282 1590
1283As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1591As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1284time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1592time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1285during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1593during the same loop iteration, then order of execution is undefined.
1286 1594
1287=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1595=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1288 1596
1289=over 4 1597=over 4
1290 1598
1291=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1599=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1292 1600
1293=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1601=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
1294 1602
1295Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1603Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1296operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1604operation, and we will explain them from simplest to most complex:
1297 1605
1298=over 4 1606=over 4
1299 1607
1300=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1608=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1301 1609
1302In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1610In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1303C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1611time C<at> has passed. It will not repeat and will not adjust when a time
1304that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1612jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
1305system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1613only run when the system clock reaches or surpasses this time.
1306 1614
1307=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1615=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1308 1616
1309In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1617In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1310C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 1618C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1311and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1619and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1312 1620
1313This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1621This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to the
1314time: 1622system clock, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each
1623hour, on the hour:
1315 1624
1316 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1625 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1317 1626
1318This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1627This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1319but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1628but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1320full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 1629full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1321by 3600. 1630by 3600.
1322 1631
1323Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1632Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1324C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1633C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1325time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1634time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1326 1635
1327For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1636For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1328C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 1637C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1329this value. 1638this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1639
1640Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1641speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1642will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1643millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1330 1644
1331=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1645=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1332 1646
1333In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1647In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1334ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1648ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1335reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1649reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1336current time as second argument. 1650current time as second argument.
1337 1651
1338NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1652NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1339ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1653ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>.
1340return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1341starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1342 1654
1655If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1656it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1657only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1658
1343Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1659The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic
1344ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1660*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1345 1661
1662 static ev_tstamp
1346 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1663 my_rescheduler (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1347 { 1664 {
1348 return now + 60.; 1665 return now + 60.;
1349 } 1666 }
1350 1667
1351It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1668It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1352(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 1669(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
1353will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 1670will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1354might be called at other times, too. 1671might be called at other times, too.
1355 1672
1356NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the 1673NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
1357passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger. 1674equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1358 1675
1359This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 1676This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
1360triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the 1677triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the
1361next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 1678next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
1362you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 1679you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1363reason I omitted it as an example). 1680reason I omitted it as an example).
1364 1681
1365=back 1682=back
1369Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1686Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1370when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1687when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1371a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1688a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1372program when the crontabs have changed). 1689program when the crontabs have changed).
1373 1690
1691=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1692
1693When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1694trigger next.
1695
1374=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 1696=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1375 1697
1376When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 1698When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1377absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 1699absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1378 1700
1383 1705
1384The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1706The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1385take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1707take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1386called. 1708called.
1387 1709
1388=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write] 1710=item ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) [read-write]
1389 1711
1390The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1712The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1391switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1713switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1392the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1714the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1393 1715
1394=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1395
1396When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1397trigger next.
1398
1399=back 1716=back
1400 1717
1401=head3 Examples 1718=head3 Examples
1402 1719
1403Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1720Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1404system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1721system time is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1405potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1722potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1406 1723
1407 static void 1724 static void
1408 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1725 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1409 { 1726 {
1410 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1727 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1411 } 1728 }
1412 1729
1413 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1730 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1414 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1731 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1415 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1732 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1416 1733
1417Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1734Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1418 1735
1419 #include <math.h> 1736 #include <math.h>
1420 1737
1421 static ev_tstamp 1738 static ev_tstamp
1422 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1739 my_scheduler_cb (ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1423 { 1740 {
1424 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1741 return now + (3600. - fmod (now, 3600.));
1425 } 1742 }
1426 1743
1427 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1744 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1428 1745
1429Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1746Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1430 1747
1431 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1748 ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1432 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1749 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1433 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1750 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1434 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1751 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1435 1752
1436 1753
1437=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1754=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1438 1755
1439Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1756Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1440signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev 1757signal one or more times. Even though signals are very asynchronous, libev
1441will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the 1758will try it's best to deliver signals synchronously, i.e. as part of the
1442normal event processing, like any other event. 1759normal event processing, like any other event.
1443 1760
1761If you want signals asynchronously, just use C<sigaction> as you would
1762do without libev and forget about sharing the signal. You can even use
1763C<ev_async> from a signal handler to synchronously wake up an event loop.
1764
1444You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the 1765You can configure as many watchers as you like per signal. Only when the
1445first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal watcher 1766first watcher gets started will libev actually register a signal handler
1446with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1767with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long as
1447as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1768you don't register any with libev for the same signal). Similarly, when
1448watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1769the last signal watcher for a signal is stopped, libev will reset the
1449SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1770signal handler to SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1450 1771
1451If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 1772If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1452C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so syscalls should not be unduly 1773C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1453interrupted. If you have a problem with syscalls getting interrupted by 1774interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1454signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock 1775signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1455them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 1776them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1456 1777
1457=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1778=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1458 1779
1471 1792
1472=back 1793=back
1473 1794
1474=head3 Examples 1795=head3 Examples
1475 1796
1476Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1797Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT.
1477 1798
1478 static void 1799 static void
1479 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1800 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_signal *w, int revents)
1480 { 1801 {
1481 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1802 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1482 } 1803 }
1483 1804
1484 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1805 ev_signal signal_watcher;
1485 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1806 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1486 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1807 ev_signal_start (loop, &signal_watcher);
1487 1808
1488 1809
1489=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1810=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1490 1811
1491Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1812Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1492some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). It 1813some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies or
1493is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been 1814exits). It is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child
1494forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event 1815has been forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long
1495loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher). 1816as the event loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher), i.e.,
1817forking and then immediately registering a watcher for the child is fine,
1818but forking and registering a watcher a few event loop iterations later is
1819not.
1496 1820
1497Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 1821Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1498you can only rgeister child watchers in the default event loop. 1822you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1499 1823
1500=head3 Process Interaction 1824=head3 Process Interaction
1501 1825
1502Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 1826Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1503initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 1827initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1504the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurance 1828the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1505of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 1829of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1506synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 1830synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1507children, even ones not watched. 1831children, even ones not watched.
1508 1832
1509=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 1833=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1513handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for 1837handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1514C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the 1838C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1515default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an 1839default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1516event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for 1840event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1517that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely. 1841that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1842
1843=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1844
1845Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1846child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1847callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1848when a child exit is detected.
1518 1849
1519=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1850=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1520 1851
1521=over 4 1852=over 4
1522 1853
1551=head3 Examples 1882=head3 Examples
1552 1883
1553Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for 1884Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1554its completion. 1885its completion.
1555 1886
1556 ev_child cw; 1887 ev_child cw;
1557 1888
1558 static void 1889 static void
1559 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents) 1890 child_cb (EV_P_ ev_child *w, int revents)
1560 { 1891 {
1561 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w); 1892 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1562 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus); 1893 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1563 } 1894 }
1564 1895
1565 pid_t pid = fork (); 1896 pid_t pid = fork ();
1566 1897
1567 if (pid < 0) 1898 if (pid < 0)
1568 // error 1899 // error
1569 else if (pid == 0) 1900 else if (pid == 0)
1570 { 1901 {
1571 // the forked child executes here 1902 // the forked child executes here
1572 exit (1); 1903 exit (1);
1573 } 1904 }
1574 else 1905 else
1575 { 1906 {
1576 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0); 1907 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1577 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw); 1908 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1578 } 1909 }
1579 1910
1580 1911
1581=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1912=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1582 1913
1583This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1914This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1584C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 1915C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1585compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 1916compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1586 1917
1587The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1918The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1588not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1919not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1591the stat buffer having unspecified contents. 1922the stat buffer having unspecified contents.
1592 1923
1593The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is 1924The path I<should> be absolute and I<must not> end in a slash. If it is
1594relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined. 1925relative and your working directory changes, the behaviour is undefined.
1595 1926
1596Since there is no standard to do this, the portable implementation simply 1927Since there is no standard kernel interface to do this, the portable
1597calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if it changed somehow. You 1928implementation simply calls C<stat (2)> regularly on the path to see if
1598can specify a recommended polling interval for this case. If you specify 1929it changed somehow. You can specify a recommended polling interval for
1599a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!) then a I<suitable, 1930this case. If you specify a polling interval of C<0> (highly recommended!)
1600unspecified default> value will be used (which you can expect to be around 1931then a I<suitable, unspecified default> value will be used (which
1601five seconds, although this might change dynamically). Libev will also 1932you can expect to be around five seconds, although this might change
1602impose a minimum interval which is currently around C<0.1>, but thats 1933dynamically). Libev will also impose a minimum interval which is currently
1603usually overkill. 1934around C<0.1>, but thats usually overkill.
1604 1935
1605This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers, 1936This watcher type is not meant for massive numbers of stat watchers,
1606as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1937as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1607resource-intensive. 1938resource-intensive.
1608 1939
1609At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 1940At the time of this writing, the only OS-specific interface implemented
1610implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 1941is the Linux inotify interface (implementing kqueue support is left as
1611reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 1942an exercise for the reader. Note, however, that the author sees no way
1612semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1943of implementing C<ev_stat> semantics with kqueue).
1613to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1614usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1615polling.
1616 1944
1617=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support) 1945=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1618 1946
1619Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default 1947Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1620compilation environment, which means that on systems with optionally 1948compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1621disabled large file support, you get the 32 bit version of the stat 1949support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1622structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to 1950structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1623use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to 1951use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1624compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is 1952compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1625obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is 1953obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1626most noticably with ev_stat and largefile support. 1954most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support.
1627 1955
1628=head3 Inotify 1956The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1957file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1958optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1959to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1960default compilation environment.
1629 1961
1962=head3 Inotify and Kqueue
1963
1630When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1964When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally
1965only available with Linux 2.6.25 or above due to bugs in earlier
1631available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 1966implementations) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1632change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 1967change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created
1633when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 1968lazily when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1634 1969
1635Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 1970Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1636except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 1971except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1637making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support 1972making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1638there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling. 1973there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling,
1974but as long as the path exists, libev usually gets away without polling.
1639 1975
1640(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 1976There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1641implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 1977implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1642descriptor open on the object at all times). 1978descriptor open on the object at all times, and detecting renames, unlinks
1979etc. is difficult.
1643 1980
1644=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 1981=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1645 1982
1646The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and 1983The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1647even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still 1984even on systems where the resolution is higher, most file systems still
1648only support whole seconds. 1985only support whole seconds.
1649 1986
1650That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might 1987That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1651miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls 1988easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1652your callback, which does something. When there is another update within 1989calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1653the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it. 1990within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect unless the
1991stat data does change in other ways (e.g. file size).
1654 1992
1655The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till 1993The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1656the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer> 1994than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1657(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01> 1995a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1658is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating 1996ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1659systems. 1997
1998The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
1999of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
2000might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
2001C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
2002a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
2003update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
2004the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
2005the timer callback).
1660 2006
1661=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2007=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1662 2008
1663=over 4 2009=over 4
1664 2010
1670C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 2016C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1671be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose 2017be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1672a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same 2018a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1673path for as long as the watcher is active. 2019path for as long as the watcher is active.
1674 2020
1675The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 2021The callback will receive an C<EV_STAT> event when a change was detected,
1676relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 2022relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1677last change was detected). 2023last change was detected).
1678 2024
1679=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *) 2025=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1680 2026
1681Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 2027Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1682watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 2028watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1683detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 2029detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1684useful simply to find out the new values. 2030the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
2031new values.
1685 2032
1686=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 2033=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1687 2034
1688The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 2035The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1689C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types 2036C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1690suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there 2037suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
2038members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1691was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 2039some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1692 2040
1693=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 2041=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1694 2042
1695The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 2043The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1696C<prev> != C<attr>. 2044C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
2045differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
2046C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1697 2047
1698=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 2048=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1699 2049
1700The specified interval. 2050The specified interval.
1701 2051
1702=item const char *path [read-only] 2052=item const char *path [read-only]
1703 2053
1704The filesystem path that is being watched. 2054The file system path that is being watched.
1705 2055
1706=back 2056=back
1707 2057
1708=head3 Examples 2058=head3 Examples
1709 2059
1710Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 2060Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1711 2061
1712 static void 2062 static void
1713 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 2063 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1714 { 2064 {
1715 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 2065 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1716 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 2066 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1717 { 2067 {
1718 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 2068 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1719 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 2069 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1720 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 2070 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1721 } 2071 }
1722 else 2072 else
1723 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 2073 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1724 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 2074 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1725 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 2075 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1726 } 2076 }
1727 2077
1728 ... 2078 ...
1729 ev_stat passwd; 2079 ev_stat passwd;
1730 2080
1731 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 2081 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1732 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 2082 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1733 2083
1734Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not 2084Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1735miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so 2085miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1736one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on 2086one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1737C<ev_timer> callback invocation). 2087C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1738 2088
1739 static ev_stat passwd; 2089 static ev_stat passwd;
1740 static ev_timer timer; 2090 static ev_timer timer;
1741 2091
1742 static void 2092 static void
1743 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2093 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1744 { 2094 {
1745 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w); 2095 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1746 2096
1747 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */ 2097 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1748 } 2098 }
1749 2099
1750 static void 2100 static void
1751 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents) 2101 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1752 { 2102 {
1753 /* reset the one-second timer */ 2103 /* reset the one-second timer */
1754 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer); 2104 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1755 } 2105 }
1756 2106
1757 ... 2107 ...
1758 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 2108 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1759 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 2109 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1760 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01); 2110 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1761 2111
1762 2112
1763=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 2113=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1764 2114
1765Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 2115Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1766priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not 2116priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count
1767count). 2117as receiving "events").
1768 2118
1769That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts 2119That is, as long as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts
1770(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be 2120(or even signals, imagine) of the same or higher priority it will not be
1771triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers 2121triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1772are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop 2122are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1796=head3 Examples 2146=head3 Examples
1797 2147
1798Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 2148Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1799callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 2149callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1800 2150
1801 static void 2151 static void
1802 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 2152 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_idle *w, int revents)
1803 { 2153 {
1804 free (w); 2154 free (w);
1805 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 2155 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1806 // no longer anything immediate to do. 2156 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1807 } 2157 }
1808 2158
1809 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 2159 ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (ev_idle));
1810 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 2160 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1811 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 2161 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1812 2162
1813 2163
1814=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 2164=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1815 2165
1816Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 2166Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in pairs:
1817prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers 2167prepare watchers get invoked before the process blocks and check watchers
1818afterwards. 2168afterwards.
1819 2169
1820You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter 2170You I<must not> call C<ev_loop> or similar functions that enter
1821the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check> 2171the current event loop from either C<ev_prepare> or C<ev_check>
1824those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking, 2174those watchers, i.e. the sequence will always be C<ev_prepare>, blocking,
1825C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be 2175C<ev_check> so if you have one watcher of each kind they will always be
1826called in pairs bracketing the blocking call. 2176called in pairs bracketing the blocking call.
1827 2177
1828Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and 2178Their main purpose is to integrate other event mechanisms into libev and
1829their use is somewhat advanced. This could be used, for example, to track 2179their use is somewhat advanced. They could be used, for example, to track
1830variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a 2180variable changes, implement your own watchers, integrate net-snmp or a
1831coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if 2181coroutine library and lots more. They are also occasionally useful if
1832you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example, 2182you cache some data and want to flush it before blocking (for example,
1833in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare> 2183in X programs you might want to do an C<XFlush ()> in an C<ev_prepare>
1834watcher). 2184watcher).
1835 2185
1836This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 2186This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors
1837to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 2187need to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers
1838them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 2188for them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many
1839provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 2189libraries provide exactly this functionality). Then, in the check watcher,
1840any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 2190you check for any events that occurred (by checking the pending status
1841and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 2191of all watchers and stopping them) and call back into the library. The
1842callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 2192I/O and timer callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid
1843because you never know, you know?). 2193nevertheless, because you never know, you know?).
1844 2194
1845As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 2195As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1846coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines 2196coroutines into libev programs, by yielding to other active coroutines
1847during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines 2197during each prepare and only letting the process block if no coroutines
1848are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines 2198are ready to run (it's actually more complicated: it only runs coroutines
1851loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 2201loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1852low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 2202low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1853 2203
1854It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 2204It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1855priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 2205priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
2206after the poll (this doesn't matter for C<ev_prepare> watchers).
2207
1856after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 2208Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, too) should not
1857too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 2209activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully supports this, they
1858supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers 2210might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers did their job. As
1859did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other 2211C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other (non-libev) event
1860(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable 2212loops those other event loops might be in an unusable state until their
1861state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to 2213C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to coexist peacefully with
1862coexist peacefully with others). 2214others).
1863 2215
1864=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2216=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1865 2217
1866=over 4 2218=over 4
1867 2219
1869 2221
1870=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 2222=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1871 2223
1872Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no 2224Initialises and configures the prepare or check watcher - they have no
1873parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 2225parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1874macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 2226macros, but using them is utterly, utterly, utterly and completely
2227pointless.
1875 2228
1876=back 2229=back
1877 2230
1878=head3 Examples 2231=head3 Examples
1879 2232
1880There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules 2233There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1881into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev 2234into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1882(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could 2235(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1883use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> 2236use as a working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> embeds a
1884embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV 2237Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1885into the Glib event loop). 2238Glib event loop).
1886 2239
1887Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, 2240Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1888and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows 2241and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1889is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low 2242is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1890priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as 2243priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1891the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet. 2244the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1892 2245
1893 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2246 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1894 static ev_timer tw; 2247 static ev_timer tw;
1895 2248
1896 static void 2249 static void
1897 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2250 io_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1898 { 2251 {
1899 } 2252 }
1900 2253
1901 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2254 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1902 static void 2255 static void
1903 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2256 adns_prepare_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1904 { 2257 {
1905 int timeout = 3600000; 2258 int timeout = 3600000;
1906 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2259 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1907 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2260 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1908 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2261 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1909 2262
1910 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2263 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1911 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2264 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1912 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2265 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1913 2266
1914 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2267 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1915 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2268 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1916 { 2269 {
1917 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 2270 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1918 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 2271 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1919 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 2272 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1920 2273
1921 fds [i].revents = 0; 2274 fds [i].revents = 0;
1922 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 2275 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1923 } 2276 }
1924 } 2277 }
1925 2278
1926 // stop all watchers after blocking 2279 // stop all watchers after blocking
1927 static void 2280 static void
1928 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2281 adns_check_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1929 { 2282 {
1930 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2283 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1931 2284
1932 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2285 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1933 { 2286 {
1934 // set the relevant poll flags 2287 // set the relevant poll flags
1935 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 2288 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1936 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 2289 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1937 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 2290 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1938 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 2291 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1939 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 2292 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1940 2293
1941 // now stop the watcher 2294 // now stop the watcher
1942 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2295 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1943 } 2296 }
1944 2297
1945 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2298 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1946 } 2299 }
1947 2300
1948Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll> 2301Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1949in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher. 2302in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1950 2303
1951Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2304Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1952notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2305notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1953callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2306callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1954 2307
1955 static void 2308 static void
1956 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2309 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1957 { 2310 {
1958 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2311 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1959 update_now (EV_A); 2312 update_now (EV_A);
1960 2313
1961 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2314 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1962 } 2315 }
1963 2316
1964 static void 2317 static void
1965 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2318 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1966 { 2319 {
1967 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2320 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1968 update_now (EV_A); 2321 update_now (EV_A);
1969 2322
1970 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2323 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1971 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2324 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1972 } 2325 }
1973 2326
1974 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2327 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1975 2328
1976Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2329Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1977want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override 2330want to embed is not flexible enough to support it. Instead, you can
1978their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2331override their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the
1979loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does 2332main loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module uses
1980this. 2333this approach, effectively embedding EV as a client into the horrible
2334libglib event loop.
1981 2335
1982 static gint 2336 static gint
1983 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2337 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1984 { 2338 {
1985 int got_events = 0; 2339 int got_events = 0;
1986 2340
1987 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2341 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1988 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events 2342 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1989 2343
1990 if (timeout >= 0) 2344 if (timeout >= 0)
1991 // create/start timer 2345 // create/start timer
1992 2346
1993 // poll 2347 // poll
1994 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2348 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1995 2349
1996 // stop timer again 2350 // stop timer again
1997 if (timeout >= 0) 2351 if (timeout >= 0)
1998 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2352 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1999 2353
2000 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2354 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
2001 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2355 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2002 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2356 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
2003 2357
2004 return got_events; 2358 return got_events;
2005 } 2359 }
2006 2360
2007 2361
2008=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2362=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
2009 2363
2010This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2364This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
2016prioritise I/O. 2370prioritise I/O.
2017 2371
2018As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support 2372As an example for a bug workaround, the kqueue backend might only support
2019sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you 2373sockets on some platform, so it is unusable as generic backend, but you
2020still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales 2374still want to make use of it because you have many sockets and it scales
2021so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed it 2375so nicely. In this case, you would create a kqueue-based loop and embed
2022into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation will 2376it into your default loop (which might use e.g. poll). Overall operation
2023be a bit slower because first libev has to poll and then call kevent, but 2377will be a bit slower because first libev has to call C<poll> and then
2024at least you can use both at what they are best. 2378C<kevent>, but at least you can use both mechanisms for what they are
2379best: C<kqueue> for scalable sockets and C<poll> if you want it to work :)
2025 2380
2026As for prioritising I/O: rarely you have the case where some fds have 2381As for prioritising I/O: under rare circumstances you have the case where
2027to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency), and even 2382some fds have to be watched and handled very quickly (with low latency),
2028priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In this case 2383and even priorities and idle watchers might have too much overhead. In
2029you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all the rest in 2384this case you would put all the high priority stuff in one loop and all
2030a second one, and embed the second one in the first. 2385the rest in a second one, and embed the second one in the first.
2031 2386
2032As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time 2387As long as the watcher is active, the callback will be invoked every time
2033there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then 2388there might be events pending in the embedded loop. The callback must then
2034call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke 2389call C<ev_embed_sweep (mainloop, watcher)> to make a single sweep and invoke
2035their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded 2390their callbacks (you could also start an idle watcher to give the embedded
2043interested in that. 2398interested in that.
2044 2399
2045Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking: 2400Also, there have not currently been made special provisions for forking:
2046when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops, 2401when you fork, you not only have to call C<ev_loop_fork> on both loops,
2047but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers 2402but you will also have to stop and restart any C<ev_embed> watchers
2048yourself. 2403yourself - but you can use a fork watcher to handle this automatically,
2404and future versions of libev might do just that.
2049 2405
2050Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable, only the ones returned by 2406Unfortunately, not all backends are embeddable: only the ones returned by
2051C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any 2407C<ev_embeddable_backends> are, which, unfortunately, does not include any
2052portable one. 2408portable one.
2053 2409
2054So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2410So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
2055that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 2411that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
2056this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 2412this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
2057create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything. 2413create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
2058 2414
2415=head3 C<ev_embed> and fork
2416
2417While the C<ev_embed> watcher is running, forks in the embedding loop will
2418automatically be applied to the embedded loop as well, so no special
2419fork handling is required in that case. When the watcher is not running,
2420however, it is still the task of the libev user to call C<ev_loop_fork ()>
2421as applicable.
2422
2059=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 2423=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2060 2424
2061=over 4 2425=over 4
2062 2426
2063=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2427=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2066 2430
2067Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2431Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
2068embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2432embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
2069invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2433invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
2070to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2434to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
2071if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2435if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2072 2436
2073=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2437=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2074 2438
2075Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2439Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2076similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2440similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
2077apropriate way for embedded loops. 2441appropriate way for embedded loops.
2078 2442
2079=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2443=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2080 2444
2081The embedded event loop. 2445The embedded event loop.
2082 2446
2084 2448
2085=head3 Examples 2449=head3 Examples
2086 2450
2087Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default 2451Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
2088event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default 2452event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
2089loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in 2453loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
2090C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be 2454C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2091used). 2455used).
2092 2456
2093 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2457 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2094 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2458 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2095 struct ev_embed embed; 2459 ev_embed embed;
2096 2460
2097 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2461 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2098 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2462 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2099 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2463 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2100 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2464 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2101 : 0; 2465 : 0;
2102 2466
2103 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi 2467 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
2104 if (loop_lo) 2468 if (loop_lo)
2105 { 2469 {
2106 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 2470 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2107 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2471 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2108 } 2472 }
2109 else 2473 else
2110 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2474 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2111 2475
2112Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create 2476Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2113a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any 2477a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2114kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2478kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2115C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2479C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2116 2480
2117 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2481 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2118 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2482 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2119 struct ev_embed embed; 2483 ev_embed embed;
2120 2484
2121 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2485 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2122 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2486 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2123 { 2487 {
2124 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2488 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2125 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 2489 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2126 } 2490 }
2127 2491
2128 if (!loop_socket) 2492 if (!loop_socket)
2129 loop_socket = loop; 2493 loop_socket = loop;
2130 2494
2131 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else 2495 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2132 2496
2133 2497
2134=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2498=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2135 2499
2136Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2500Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2180is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a 2544is that the author does not know of a simple (or any) algorithm for a
2181multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't 2545multiple-writer-single-reader queue that works in all cases and doesn't
2182need elaborate support such as pthreads. 2546need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2183 2547
2184That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own 2548That means that if you want to queue data, you have to provide your own
2185queue. But at least I can tell you would implement locking around your 2549queue. But at least I can tell you how to implement locking around your
2186queue: 2550queue:
2187 2551
2188=over 4 2552=over 4
2189 2553
2190=item queueing from a signal handler context 2554=item queueing from a signal handler context
2191 2555
2192To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal 2556To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2193handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for 2557handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is
2194some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler: 2558an example that does that for some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2195 2559
2196 static ev_async mysig; 2560 static ev_async mysig;
2197 2561
2198 static void 2562 static void
2199 sigusr1_handler (void) 2563 sigusr1_handler (void)
2266 2630
2267=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback) 2631=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2268 2632
2269Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any 2633Initialises and configures the async watcher - it has no parameters of any
2270kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2634kind. There is a C<ev_asynd_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
2271believe me. 2635trust me.
2272 2636
2273=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 2637=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2274 2638
2275Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 2639Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2276an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 2640an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2277C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or 2641C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do from other threads, signal or
2278similar contexts (see the dicusssion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 2642similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2279section below on what exactly this means). 2643section below on what exactly this means).
2280 2644
2281This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration, 2645This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration,
2282so while the overhead might be noticable, it doesn't apply to repeated 2646so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2283calls to C<ev_async_send>. 2647calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2284 2648
2649=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2650
2651Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2652watcher but the event has not yet been processed (or even noted) by the
2653event loop.
2654
2655C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2656the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2657it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2658quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2659
2660Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2661whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
2662
2285=back 2663=back
2286 2664
2287 2665
2288=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2666=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2289 2667
2292=over 4 2670=over 4
2293 2671
2294=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback) 2672=item ev_once (loop, int fd, int events, ev_tstamp timeout, callback)
2295 2673
2296This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your 2674This function combines a simple timer and an I/O watcher, calls your
2297callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stop both 2675callback on whichever event happens first and automatically stops both
2298watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd 2676watchers. This is useful if you want to wait for a single event on an fd
2299or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2677or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2300more watchers yourself. 2678more watchers yourself.
2301 2679
2302If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2680If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and the
2303is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2681C<events> argument is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for
2304C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2682the given C<fd> and C<events> set will be created and started.
2305 2683
2306If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2684If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2307started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2685started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2308repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2686repeat = 0) will be started. C<0> is a valid timeout.
2309dubious value.
2310 2687
2311The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2688The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
2312passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2689passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2313C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2690C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2314value passed to C<ev_once>: 2691value passed to C<ev_once>. Note that it is possible to receive I<both>
2692a timeout and an io event at the same time - you probably should give io
2693events precedence.
2315 2694
2695Example: wait up to ten seconds for data to appear on STDIN_FILENO.
2696
2316 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2697 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2317 { 2698 {
2318 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2319 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2320 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2699 if (revents & EV_READ)
2321 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2700 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2701 else if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2702 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2322 } 2703 }
2323 2704
2324 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2705 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2325 2706
2326=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2707=item ev_feed_event (struct ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2327 2708
2328Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2709Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2329had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2710had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2330initialised but not necessarily started event watcher). 2711initialised but not necessarily started event watcher).
2331 2712
2332=item ev_feed_fd_event (ev_loop *, int fd, int revents) 2713=item ev_feed_fd_event (struct ev_loop *, int fd, int revents)
2333 2714
2334Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2715Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2335the given events it. 2716the given events it.
2336 2717
2337=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2718=item ev_feed_signal_event (struct ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2338 2719
2339Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2720Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2340loop!). 2721loop!).
2341 2722
2342=back 2723=back
2343 2724
2344 2725
2360 2741
2361=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 2742=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2362will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 2743will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
2363is an ev_pri field. 2744is an ev_pri field.
2364 2745
2746=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2747first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
2748
2365=item * Other members are not supported. 2749=item * Other members are not supported.
2366 2750
2367=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 2751=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
2368to use the libev header file and library. 2752to use the libev header file and library.
2369 2753
2370=back 2754=back
2371 2755
2372=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2756=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2373 2757
2374Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2758Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2375you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 2759you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2376the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2760the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2377 2761
2378To use it, 2762To use it,
2379 2763
2380 #include <ev++.h> 2764 #include <ev++.h>
2381 2765
2382This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 2766This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2383of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 2767of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2384put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 2768put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2385options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2769options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
2452your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the 2836your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2453thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 2837thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2454 2838
2455Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 2839Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2456 2840
2457 struct myclass 2841 struct myclass
2458 { 2842 {
2459 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2843 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2460 } 2844 }
2461 2845
2462 myclass obj; 2846 myclass obj;
2463 ev::io iow; 2847 ev::io iow;
2464 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 2848 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2465 2849
2466=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 2850=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2467 2851
2468Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 2852Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2469callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 2853callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2471 2855
2472The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>. 2856The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2473 2857
2474See the method-C<set> above for more details. 2858See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2475 2859
2476Example: 2860Example: Use a plain function as callback.
2477 2861
2478 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2862 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2479 iow.set <io_cb> (); 2863 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2480 2864
2481=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2865=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2482 2866
2483Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2867Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2484do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2868do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2485 2869
2486=item w->set ([args]) 2870=item w->set ([arguments])
2487 2871
2488Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2872Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
2489called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2873called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2490automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 2874automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2491method. 2875method.
2492 2876
2493=item w->start () 2877=item w->start ()
2517=back 2901=back
2518 2902
2519Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2903Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2520the constructor. 2904the constructor.
2521 2905
2522 class myclass 2906 class myclass
2523 { 2907 {
2524 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2908 ev::io io ; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2525 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2909 ev::idle idle; void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2526 2910
2527 myclass (int fd) 2911 myclass (int fd)
2528 { 2912 {
2529 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2913 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2530 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2914 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2531 2915
2532 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2916 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2533 } 2917 }
2534 }; 2918 };
2535 2919
2536 2920
2537=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 2921=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2538 2922
2539Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a 2923Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
2540numbe rof languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know 2924number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2541any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop 2925any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2542me a note. 2926me a note.
2543 2927
2544=over 4 2928=over 4
2545 2929
2546=item Perl 2930=item Perl
2547 2931
2548The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test 2932The EV module implements the full libev API and is actually used to test
2549libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module, 2933libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2550there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces 2934there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2551to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the 2935to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>, but C<AnyEvent::DNS> is preferred nowadays),
2552C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>). 2936C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV>
2937and C<EV::Glib>).
2553 2938
2554It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is found at 2939It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2555L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>. 2940L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2556 2941
2942=item Python
2943
2944Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2945seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the
2946patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2947for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2948libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2949libev).
2950
2557=item Ruby 2951=item Ruby
2558 2952
2559Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset 2953Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2560of the libev API and adds filehandle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and 2954of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2561more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at 2955more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2562L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>. 2956L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2563 2957
2564=item D 2958=item D
2565 2959
2566Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 2960Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2567be found at L<http://git.llucax.com.ar/?p=software/ev.d.git;a=summary>. 2961be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2962
2963=item Ocaml
2964
2965Erkki Seppala has written Ocaml bindings for libev, to be found at
2966L<http://modeemi.cs.tut.fi/~flux/software/ocaml-ev/>.
2568 2967
2569=back 2968=back
2570 2969
2571 2970
2572=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2971=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2573 2972
2574Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 2973Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2575of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 2974of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2576functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2975functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2577 2976
2578To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2977To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2579following macros are defined: 2978following macros are defined:
2584 2983
2585This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2984This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2586loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 2985loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2587C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 2986C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2588 2987
2589 ev_unref (EV_A); 2988 ev_unref (EV_A);
2590 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 2989 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2591 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2990 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2592 2991
2593It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 2992It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2594which is often provided by the following macro. 2993which is often provided by the following macro.
2595 2994
2596=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 2995=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2597 2996
2598This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2997This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2599loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter, 2998loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2600C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example: 2999C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2601 3000
2602 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 3001 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2603 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 3002 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2604 3003
2605 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 3004 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2606 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 3005 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2607 3006
2608It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 3007It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2609suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 3008suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2610 3009
2611=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 3010=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2612 3011
2613Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 3012Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2614loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 3013loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
3014
3015=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
3016
3017Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
3018default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
3019is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
3020execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
3021
3022It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
3023watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2615 3024
2616=back 3025=back
2617 3026
2618Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 3027Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2619macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 3028macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2620or not. 3029or not.
2621 3030
2622 static void 3031 static void
2623 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 3032 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2624 { 3033 {
2625 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 3034 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2626 } 3035 }
2627 3036
2628 ev_check check; 3037 ev_check check;
2629 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 3038 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2630 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 3039 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2631 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 3040 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2632 3041
2633=head1 EMBEDDING 3042=head1 EMBEDDING
2634 3043
2635Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 3044Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2636applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 3045applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2643libev somewhere in your source tree). 3052libev somewhere in your source tree).
2644 3053
2645=head2 FILESETS 3054=head2 FILESETS
2646 3055
2647Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 3056Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2648in your app. 3057in your application.
2649 3058
2650=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 3059=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2651 3060
2652To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 3061To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2653configuration (no autoconf): 3062configuration (no autoconf):
2654 3063
2655 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3064 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2656 #include "ev.c" 3065 #include "ev.c"
2657 3066
2658This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 3067This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
2659single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use 3068single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
2660it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best 3069it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
2661done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and 3070done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2662where you can put other configuration options): 3071where you can put other configuration options):
2663 3072
2664 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 3073 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2665 #include "ev.h" 3074 #include "ev.h"
2666 3075
2667Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 3076Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2668compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 3077compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2669as a bug). 3078as a bug).
2670 3079
2671You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 3080You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2672in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 3081in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2673 3082
2674 ev.h 3083 ev.h
2675 ev.c 3084 ev.c
2676 ev_vars.h 3085 ev_vars.h
2677 ev_wrap.h 3086 ev_wrap.h
2678 3087
2679 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 3088 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2680 3089
2681 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 3090 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
2682 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3091 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2683 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3092 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2684 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3093 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2685 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 3094 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2686 3095
2687F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 3096F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2688to compile this single file. 3097to compile this single file.
2689 3098
2690=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 3099=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2691 3100
2692To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 3101To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2693 3102
2694 #include "event.c" 3103 #include "event.c"
2695 3104
2696in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 3105in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2697 3106
2698 #include "event.h" 3107 #include "event.h"
2699 3108
2700in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 3109in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2701 3110
2702You need the following additional files for this: 3111You need the following additional files for this:
2703 3112
2704 event.h 3113 event.h
2705 event.c 3114 event.c
2706 3115
2707=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 3116=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2708 3117
2709Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 3118Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
2710whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 3119whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2711F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then 3120F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2712include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 3121include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2713 3122
2714For this of course you need the m4 file: 3123For this of course you need the m4 file:
2715 3124
2716 libev.m4 3125 libev.m4
2717 3126
2718=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 3127=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2719 3128
2720Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define 3129Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2721before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity 3130define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2722and only include the select backend. 3131autoconf is documented for every option.
2723 3132
2724=over 4 3133=over 4
2725 3134
2726=item EV_STANDALONE 3135=item EV_STANDALONE
2727 3136
2732F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 3141F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2733 3142
2734=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 3143=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2735 3144
2736If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3145If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2737monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 3146monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
2738of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 3147of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2739usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 3148usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2740the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 3149the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2741to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 3150to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2742function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 3151function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2743 3152
2744=item EV_USE_REALTIME 3153=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2745 3154
2746If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 3155If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2747realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 3156real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
2748runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 3157runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
2749be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 3158be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2750(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 3159(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2751note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 3160note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2752 3161
2753=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 3162=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2754 3163
2755If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available 3164If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2756and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>. 3165and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2757 3166
3167=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
3168
3169If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
3170available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
3171C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
3172If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
31732.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
3174
2758=item EV_USE_SELECT 3175=item EV_USE_SELECT
2759 3176
2760If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 3177If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2761C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 3178C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
2762other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 3179other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2763will not be compiled in. 3180will not be compiled in.
2764 3181
2765=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 3182=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2766 3183
2767If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 3184If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2768structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 3185structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2769C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 3186C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on
2770exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 3187exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2771low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 3188low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2772allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 3189allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2773influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 3190influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2774 3191
2798 3215
2799=item EV_USE_EPOLL 3216=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2800 3217
2801If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 3218If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2802C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 3219C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2803otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 3220otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2804preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems. 3221backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
3222headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2805 3223
2806=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 3224=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2807 3225
2808If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 3226If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2809C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 3227C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2822otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 3240otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2823backend for Solaris 10 systems. 3241backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2824 3242
2825=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 3243=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2826 3244
2827reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 3245Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2828 3246
2829=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 3247=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2830 3248
2831If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 3249If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2832interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 3250interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2833be detected at runtime. 3251be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
3252indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2834 3253
2835=item EV_ATOMIC_T 3254=item EV_ATOMIC_T
2836 3255
2837Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose 3256Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
2838access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 3257access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
2839type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type 3258type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
2840that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking" 3259that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
2841as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 3260as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2842 3261
2843In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 3262In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
2844(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 3263(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2845 3264
2846=item EV_H 3265=item EV_H
2847 3266
2848The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 3267The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2887When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 3306When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2888all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3307all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2889and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually 3308and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2890fine. 3309fine.
2891 3310
2892If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3311If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these
2893C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 3312both to C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2894 3313
2895=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3314=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2896 3315
2897If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3316If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2898defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3317defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2905code. 3324code.
2906 3325
2907=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 3326=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2908 3327
2909If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 3328If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2910defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3329defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Embed watchers rely on most other
3330watcher types, which therefore must not be disabled.
2911 3331
2912=item EV_STAT_ENABLE 3332=item EV_STAT_ENABLE
2913 3333
2914If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If 3334If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then stat watchers are supported. If
2915defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3335defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2925defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3345defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2926 3346
2927=item EV_MINIMAL 3347=item EV_MINIMAL
2928 3348
2929If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3349If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2930speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 3350speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2931some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 3351inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3352much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2932 3353
2933=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3354=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2934 3355
2935C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3356C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2936pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 3357pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2943inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 3364inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2944usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 3365usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2945watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 3366watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2946two). 3367two).
2947 3368
3369=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3370
3371Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3372timer and periodics heaps, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3373to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has noticeably
3374faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3375
3376The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3377(disabled).
3378
3379=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3380
3381Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3382timer and periodics heaps, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3383the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3384which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3385but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3386noticeably with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3387
3388The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3389(disabled).
3390
3391=item EV_VERIFY
3392
3393Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3394be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3395in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3396called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3397called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3398verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3399libev considerably.
3400
3401The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3402C<0>.
3403
2948=item EV_COMMON 3404=item EV_COMMON
2949 3405
2950By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3406By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2951this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 3407this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2952members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 3408members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2953though, and it must be identical each time. 3409though, and it must be identical each time.
2954 3410
2955For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3411For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2956 3412
2957 #define EV_COMMON \ 3413 #define EV_COMMON \
2958 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3414 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2959 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3415 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2960 3416
2961=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3417=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2962 3418
2963=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3419=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2964 3420
2969definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for 3425definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2970their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 3426their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2971avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3427avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2972method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3428method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2973 3429
3430=back
3431
2974=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3432=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2975 3433
2976If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of 3434If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
2977exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list 3435exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
2978all public symbols, one per line: 3436all public symbols, one per line:
2979 3437
2980 Symbols.ev for libev proper 3438 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2981 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation 3439 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2982 3440
2983This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with 3441This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2984multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in 3442multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2985itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this). 3443itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
2986 3444
2987A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to 3445A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2988include before including F<ev.h>: 3446include before including F<ev.h>:
2989 3447
2990 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h 3448 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
3007file. 3465file.
3008 3466
3009The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3467The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
3010that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 3468that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3011 3469
3012 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 3470 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
3013 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3471 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
3014 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3472 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
3015 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 3473 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
3016 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 3474 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
3017 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 3475 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
3018 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3476 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3019 #define EV_MINPRI 0 3477 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3020 #define EV_MAXPRI 0 3478 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
3021 3479
3022 #include "ev++.h" 3480 #include "ev++.h"
3023 3481
3024And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3482And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3025 3483
3026 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3484 #include "ev_cpp.h"
3027 #include "ev.c" 3485 #include "ev.c"
3028 3486
3487=head1 INTERACTION WITH OTHER PROGRAMS OR LIBRARIES
3029 3488
3030=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3489=head2 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3031 3490
3032In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3491=head3 THREADS
3033libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
3034documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
3035 3492
3036All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be 3493All libev functions are reentrant and thread-safe unless explicitly
3037extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this 3494documented otherwise, but libev implements no locking itself. This means
3038happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might 3495that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as there
3039mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average 3496are no concurrent calls into any libev function with the same loop
3040it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time. 3497parameter (C<ev_default_*> calls have an implicit default loop parameter,
3498of course): libev guarantees that different event loops share no data
3499structures that need any locking.
3500
3501Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
3502concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
3503must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as
3504only one thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using
3505a mutex per loop).
3506
3507Specifically to support threads (and signal handlers), libev implements
3508so-called C<ev_async> watchers, which allow some limited form of
3509concurrency on the same event loop, namely waking it up "from the
3510outside".
3511
3512If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3513without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3514help you, but here is some generic advice:
3041 3515
3042=over 4 3516=over 4
3043 3517
3044=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 3518=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3519in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
3045 3520
3046This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and 3521This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3047there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will 3522themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3048have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3049 3523
3050=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 3524=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3051 3525
3052That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them 3526Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3053as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for. 3527exists, but it is always a good start.
3054 3528
3055=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1) 3529=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3530loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
3056 3531
3057These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list. 3532Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3533better than you currently do :-)
3058 3534
3059=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1) 3535=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3536event loop.
3060 3537
3061=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 3538C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other threads safely
3539(or from signal contexts...).
3062 3540
3063These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the 3541An example use would be to communicate signals or other events that only
3064correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3542work in the default loop by registering the signal watcher with the
3065have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal). 3543default loop and triggering an C<ev_async> watcher from the default loop
3066 3544watcher callback into the event loop interested in the signal.
3067=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3068
3069By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the
3070beginning of the storage array.
3071
3072=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3073
3074A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
3075libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3076on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3077
3078=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3079
3080=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3081
3082Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3083priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3084linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3085watchers becomes O(1) w.r.t. priority handling.
3086
3087=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3088
3089=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3090
3091=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3092
3093Sending involves a syscall I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3094calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3095involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3096 3545
3097=back 3546=back
3098 3547
3548=head3 COROUTINES
3099 3549
3100=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds 3550Libev is very accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3551libev fully supports nesting calls to its functions from different
3552coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3553different coroutines, and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3554loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3555you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3556
3557Care has been taken to ensure that libev does not keep local state inside
3558C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow for coroutine switches as
3559they do not clal any callbacks.
3560
3561=head2 COMPILER WARNINGS
3562
3563Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3564lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3565scared by this.
3566
3567However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3568has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3569warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3570targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3571
3572Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3573workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3574maintainable.
3575
3576And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3577wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3578seems to warn about). For example, certain older gcc versions had some
3579warnings that resulted an extreme number of false positives. These have
3580been fixed, but some people still insist on making code warn-free with
3581such buggy versions.
3582
3583While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3584"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3585with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3586them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3587warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3588
3589
3590=head2 VALGRIND
3591
3592Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3593highly useful. Unfortunately, valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3594
3595If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3596in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3597
3598 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3599 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3600 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3601
3602Then there is no memory leak, just as memory accounted to global variables
3603is not a memleak - the memory is still being refernced, and didn't leak.
3604
3605Similarly, under some circumstances, valgrind might report kernel bugs
3606as if it were a bug in libev (e.g. in realloc or in the poll backend,
3607although an acceptable workaround has been found here), or it might be
3608confused.
3609
3610Keep in mind that valgrind is a very good tool, but only a tool. Don't
3611make it into some kind of religion.
3612
3613If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3614with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this
3615is a bug in libev (best check the archives, too :). However, don't be
3616annoyed when you get a brisk "this is no bug" answer and take the chance
3617of learning how to interpret valgrind properly.
3618
3619If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3620I suggest using suppression lists.
3621
3622
3623=head1 PORTABILITY NOTES
3624
3625=head2 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
3101 3626
3102Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 3627Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3103requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3628requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3104model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3629model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3105the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3630the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3106descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 3631descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3107e.g. cygwin. 3632e.g. cygwin.
3108 3633
3634Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3635re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
3636things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
3637way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3638
3109There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 3639There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3110embedding it into other applications. 3640embedding it into other applications.
3111 3641
3642Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3643accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3644either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3645so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3646megabyte seems safe, but this apparently depends on the amount of memory
3647available).
3648
3112Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the 3649Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
3113abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not 3650the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3114recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than 3651is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3115a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different 3652more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3116implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot 3653different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3117be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games). 3654notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3655(Microsoft monopoly games).
3656
3657A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3658section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3659of F<ev.h>:
3660
3661 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
3662 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3663
3664 #include "ev.h"
3665
3666And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3667you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded source files!):
3668
3669 #include "evwrap.h"
3670 #include "ev.c"
3118 3671
3119=over 4 3672=over 4
3120 3673
3121=item The winsocket select function 3674=item The winsocket select function
3122 3675
3123The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires 3676The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3124socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select 3677requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3125very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors 3678also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3126to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, 3679requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3127C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor 3680C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
3128symbols for more info. 3681discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3682C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
3129 3683
3130The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime 3684The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
3131libraries and raw winsocket select is: 3685libraries and raw winsocket select is:
3132 3686
3133 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1 3687 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3134 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 3688 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3135 3689
3136Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 3690Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3137complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 3691complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3138 3692
3139=item Limited number of file descriptors 3693=item Limited number of file descriptors
3140 3694
3141Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions 3695Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3142of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles 3696
3697Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3143(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for 3698of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3144C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a 3699can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3145chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each). 3700recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3701previous thread in each. Great).
3146 3702
3147Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 3703Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3148to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select 3704to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3149call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own 3705call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3150select emulation on windows). 3706select emulation on windows).
3151 3707
3152Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime 3708Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3153libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish 3709libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
3154or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling 3710or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3155C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 3711C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3156arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime 3712arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
3157libraries. 3713libraries.
3158 3714
3159This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 3715This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
3160windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to 3716windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
3161wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 3717wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3162calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 3718calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3163 3719
3164=back 3720=back
3165 3721
3722=head2 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3723
3724In addition to a working ISO-C implementation and of course the
3725backend-specific APIs, libev relies on a few additional extensions:
3726
3727=over 4
3728
3729=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3730calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3731
3732Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3733structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3734assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3735callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3736calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3737
3738=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3739
3740The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3741C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic with respect to accesses from different
3742threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3743believed to be sufficiently portable.
3744
3745=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3746
3747Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
3748allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
3749pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
3750thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
3751be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
3752C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
3753
3754The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
3755except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3756well.
3757
3758=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3759
3760To improve portability and simplify its API, libev uses C<long> internally
3761instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On non-POSIX
3762systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but is still at
3763least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of millions of
3764watchers.
3765
3766=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3767
3768The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3769have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3770enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
3771implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
3772
3773=back
3774
3775If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3776
3777
3778=head1 ALGORITHMIC COMPLEXITIES
3779
3780In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
3781libev will be documented. For complexity discussions about backends see
3782the documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
3783
3784All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
3785extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
3786happens asymptotically rarer with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
3787mean that libev does a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on
3788average it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3789
3790=over 4
3791
3792=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
3793
3794This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3795there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that, then inserting will
3796have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3797
3798=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
3799
3800That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them,
3801as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
3802
3803=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3804
3805These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
3806
3807=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
3808
3809=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
3810
3811These watchers are stored in lists, so they need to be walked to find the
3812correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
3813have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal: one is typical, two
3814is rare).
3815
3816=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3817
3818By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
3819fixed position in the storage array.
3820
3821=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3822
3823A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
3824libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3825on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3826
3827=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3828
3829=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3830
3831Priorities are implemented by allocating some space for each
3832priority. When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to
3833linearly search all the priorities, but starting/stopping and activating
3834watchers becomes O(1) with respect to priority handling.
3835
3836=item Sending an ev_async: O(1)
3837
3838=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3839
3840=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3841
3842Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3843calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3844involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3845
3846=back
3847
3166 3848
3167=head1 AUTHOR 3849=head1 AUTHOR
3168 3850
3169Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3851Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
3170 3852

Diff Legend

Removed lines
+ Added lines
< Changed lines
> Changed lines