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4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head1 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required
11 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
12 13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type>
13 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
14 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
15 18
19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
16 /* called when data readable on stdin */ 20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
17 static void 21 static void
18 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
19 { 23 {
20 /* puts ("stdin ready"); */ 24 puts ("stdin ready");
21 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); /* just a syntax example */ 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
22 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); /* leave all loop calls */ 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
23 } 31 }
24 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
25 static void 34 static void
26 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
27 { 36 {
28 /* puts ("timeout"); */ 37 puts ("timeout");
29 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); /* leave one loop call */ 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
30 } 40 }
31 41
32 int 42 int
33 main (void) 43 main (void)
34 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
35 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
36 47
37 /* initialise an io watcher, then start it */ 48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
38 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
39 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
40 52
53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
41 /* simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout */ 54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
42 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
43 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
44 57
45 /* loop till timeout or data ready */ 58 // now wait for events to arrive
46 ev_loop (loop, 0); 59 ev_loop (loop, 0);
47 60
61 // unloop was called, so exit
48 return 0; 62 return 0;
49 } 63 }
50 64
51=head1 DESCRIPTION 65=head1 DESCRIPTION
52 66
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
69time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>.
70
53Libev 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
54file descriptor being readable or a timeout occuring), and it will manage 72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
55these event sources and provide your program with events. 73these event sources and provide your program with events.
56 74
57To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process 75To do this, it must take more or less complete control over your process
58(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then 76(or thread) by executing the I<event loop> handler, and will then
59communicate events via a callback mechanism. 77communicate events via a callback mechanism.
61You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event 79You register interest in certain events by registering so-called I<event
62watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the 80watchers>, which are relatively small C structures you initialise with the
63details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the 81details of the event, and then hand it over to libev by I<starting> the
64watcher. 82watcher.
65 83
66=head1 FEATURES 84=head2 FEATURES
67 85
68Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the 86Libev supports C<select>, C<poll>, the Linux-specific C<epoll>, the
69BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms 87BSD-specific C<kqueue> and the Solaris-specific event port mechanisms
70for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface 88for file descriptor events (C<ev_io>), the Linux C<inotify> interface
71(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers 89(for C<ev_stat>), relative timers (C<ev_timer>), absolute timers
78 96
79It also is quite fast (see this 97It also is quite fast (see this
80L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent 98L<benchmark|http://libev.schmorp.de/bench.html> comparing it to libevent
81for example). 99for example).
82 100
83=head1 CONVENTIONS 101=head2 CONVENTIONS
84 102
85Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default configuration will 103Libev is very configurable. In this manual the default (and most common)
86be described, which supports multiple event loops. For more info about 104configuration will be described, which supports multiple event loops. For
87various configuration options please have a look at B<EMBED> section in 105more info about various configuration options please have a look at
88this manual. If libev was configured without support for multiple event 106B<EMBED> section in this manual. If libev was configured without support
89loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of name C<loop> 107for multiple event loops, then all functions taking an initial argument of
90(which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have this argument. 108name C<loop> (which is always of type C<struct ev_loop *>) will not have
109this argument.
91 110
92=head1 TIME REPRESENTATION 111=head2 TIME REPRESENTATION
93 112
94Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
95(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
96the 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
97called 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
98to 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
99it, you should treat it as such. 118it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name
119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
120throughout libev.
100 121
101=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 122=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
102 123
103These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 124These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
104library in any way. 125library in any way.
109 130
110Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the 131Returns the current time as libev would use it. Please note that the
111C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp 132C<ev_now> function is usually faster and also often returns the timestamp
112you actually want to know. 133you actually want to know.
113 134
135=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
136
137Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
138either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
139this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>.
140
114=item int ev_version_major () 141=item int ev_version_major ()
115 142
116=item int ev_version_minor () 143=item int ev_version_minor ()
117 144
118You can find out the major and minor version numbers of the library 145You can find out the major and minor ABI version numbers of the library
119you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and 146you linked against by calling the functions C<ev_version_major> and
120C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global 147C<ev_version_minor>. If you want, you can compare against the global
121symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the 148symbols C<EV_VERSION_MAJOR> and C<EV_VERSION_MINOR>, which specify the
122version of the library your program was compiled against. 149version of the library your program was compiled against.
123 150
151These version numbers refer to the ABI version of the library, not the
152release version.
153
124Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch, 154Usually, it's a good idea to terminate if the major versions mismatch,
125as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually 155as this indicates an incompatible change. Minor versions are usually
126compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually 156compatible to older versions, so a larger minor version alone is usually
127not a problem. 157not a problem.
128 158
129Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 159Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
130version. 160version.
245flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards). 275flags. If that is troubling you, check C<ev_backend ()> afterwards).
246 276
247If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this 277If you don't know what event loop to use, use the one returned from this
248function. 278function.
249 279
280The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
281C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
282for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your app you can either
283create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
284can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
285C<ev_default_init>.
286
250The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 287The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
251backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). 288backends to use, and is usually specified as C<0> (or C<EVFLAG_AUTO>).
252 289
253The following flags are supported: 290The following flags are supported:
254 291
266C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 303C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
267override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 304override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
268useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 305useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
269around bugs. 306around bugs.
270 307
308=item C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>
309
310Instead of calling C<ev_default_fork> or C<ev_loop_fork> manually after
311a fork, you can also make libev check for a fork in each iteration by
312enabling this flag.
313
314This 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
316iterations 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
318without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
319C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
320
321The 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
323flag.
324
325This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
326environment variable.
327
271=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 328=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
272 329
273This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 330This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
274libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds, 331libev tries to roll its own fd_set with no limits on the number of fds,
275but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 332but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
276using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its usually 333using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
277the fastest backend for a low number of fds. 334usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
335
336To 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
338writing 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
340a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
341readyness notifications you get per iteration.
278 342
279=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 343=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
280 344
281And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated than 345And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
282select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial limit on the 346than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
283number of fds you can use (except it will slow down considerably with a 347limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
284lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, i.e. O(total_fds). 348considerably 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
350performance tips.
285 351
286=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 352=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
287 353
288For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 354For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
289but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale like 355but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
290O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), epoll scales 356like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
291either O(1) or O(active_fds). 357epoll 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
359cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad
360support for dup.
292 361
293While stopping and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration will 362While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
294result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 363will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident
295(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 364(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
296best to avoid that. Also, dup()ed file descriptors might not work very 365best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
297well if you register events for both fds. 366very well if you register events for both fds.
298 367
299Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 368Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
300need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data 369need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid blocking when no data
301(or space) is available. 370(or space) is available.
302 371
372Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
373watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.
374keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.
375
376While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in
377all kernel versions tested so far.
378
303=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 379=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
304 380
305Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 381Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
306was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work with 382was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
307anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course its 383with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
308completely useless). For this reason its not being "autodetected" 384it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected"
309unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 385unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
310C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>). 386C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
387system like NetBSD.
388
389You 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
391the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
311 392
312It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 393It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
313kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 394kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
314course). While starting and stopping an I/O watcher does not cause an 395course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
315extra syscall as with epoll, it still adds up to four event changes per 396cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
316incident, so its best to avoid that. 397two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
398drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
399
400This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
401
402While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this doesn't work
403everywhere, 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
405(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
407sockets.
317 408
318=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 409=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
319 410
320This is not implemented yet (and might never be). 411This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
412implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
413and is not embeddable, which would limit the usefulness of this backend
414immensely.
321 415
322=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 416=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
323 417
324This uses the Solaris 10 port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 418This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
325it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 419it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
326 420
327Please note that solaris ports can result in a lot of spurious 421Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
328notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 422notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
329blocking when no data (or space) is available. 423blocking when no data (or space) is available.
424
425While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
426file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
427descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
428might perform better.
429
430On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this
431backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully
432embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends.
330 433
331=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 434=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
332 435
333Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 436Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
334with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 437with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
335C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>. 438C<EVBACKEND_ALL & ~EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>.
336 439
440It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
441
337=back 442=back
338 443
339If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 444If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these
340backends will be tried (in the reverse order as given here). If none are 445backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
341specified, most compiled-in backend will be tried, usually in reverse 446specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
342order of their flag values :)
343 447
344The most typical usage is like this: 448The most typical usage is like this:
345 449
346 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 450 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
347 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 451 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
375Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 479Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
376etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 480etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
377sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 481sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
378responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 482responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before>
379calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 483calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
380the easiest thing, youc na just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 484the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
381for example). 485for example).
486
487Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
488this function, and related watchers (such as signal and child watchers)
489would need to be stopped manually.
490
491In general it is not advisable to call this function except in the
492rare occasion where you really need to free e.g. the signal handling
493pipe fds. If you need dynamically allocated loops it is better to use
494C<ev_loop_new> and C<ev_loop_destroy>).
382 495
383=item ev_loop_destroy (loop) 496=item ev_loop_destroy (loop)
384 497
385Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an 498Like C<ev_default_destroy>, but destroys an event loop created by an
386earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>. 499earlier call to C<ev_loop_new>.
387 500
388=item ev_default_fork () 501=item ev_default_fork ()
389 502
503This function sets a flag that causes subsequent C<ev_loop> iterations
390This function reinitialises the kernel state for backends that have 504to reinitialise the kernel state for backends that have one. Despite the
391one. Despite the name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense 505name, you can call it anytime, but it makes most sense after forking, in
392after forking, in either the parent or child process (or both, but that 506the child process (or both child and parent, but that again makes little
393again makes little sense). 507sense). You I<must> call it in the child before using any of the libev
508functions, and it will only take effect at the next C<ev_loop> iteration.
394 509
395You I<must> call this function in the child process after forking if and 510On the other hand, you only need to call this function in the child
396only if you want to use the event library in both processes. If you just 511process if and only if you want to use the event library in the child. If
397fork+exec, you don't have to call it. 512you just fork+exec, you don't have to call it at all.
398 513
399The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call 514The function itself is quite fast and it's usually not a problem to call
400it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in 515it just in case after a fork. To make this easy, the function will fit in
401quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>: 516quite nicely into a call to C<pthread_atfork>:
402 517
403 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork); 518 pthread_atfork (0, 0, ev_default_fork);
404 519
405At the moment, C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and C<EVBACKEND_POLL> are safe to use
406without calling this function, so if you force one of those backends you
407do not need to care.
408
409=item ev_loop_fork (loop) 520=item ev_loop_fork (loop)
410 521
411Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by 522Like C<ev_default_fork>, but acts on an event loop created by
412C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop 523C<ev_loop_new>. Yes, you have to call this on every allocated event loop
413after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem. 524after fork, and how you do this is entirely your own problem.
525
526=item int ev_is_default_loop (loop)
527
528Returns true when the given loop actually is the default loop, false otherwise.
529
530=item unsigned int ev_loop_count (loop)
531
532Returns 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
534happily wraps around with enough iterations.
535
536This value can sometimes be useful as a generation counter of sorts (it
537"ticks" the number of loop iterations), as it roughly corresponds with
538C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> calls.
414 539
415=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop) 540=item unsigned int ev_backend (loop)
416 541
417Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in 542Returns one of the C<EVBACKEND_*> flags indicating the event backend in
418use. 543use.
421 546
422Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop 547Returns the current "event loop time", which is the time the event loop
423received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 548received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
424change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 549change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
425time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 550time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
426event occuring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 551event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
427 552
428=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 553=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
429 554
430Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 555Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
431after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 556after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
452libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 577libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
453usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 578usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
454 579
455Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 580Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
456 581
457 * If there are no active watchers (reference count is zero), return. 582 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
458 - Queue prepare watchers and then call all outstanding watchers. 583 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
584 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers.
585 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
459 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 586 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state.
460 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 587 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
461 - Update the "event loop time". 588 - Update the "event loop time".
462 - Calculate for how long to block. 589 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
590 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
591 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
592 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
463 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 593 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
464 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 594 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
465 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 595 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling.
466 - Queue all outstanding timers. 596 - Queue all outstanding timers.
467 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 597 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
468 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 598 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
469 - Queue all check watchers. 599 - Queue all check watchers.
470 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 600 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
471 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 601 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
472 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 602 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
473 - If ev_unloop has been called or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 603 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
474 were used, return, otherwise continue with step *. 604 were used, or there are no active watchers, return, otherwise
605 continue with step *.
475 606
476Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outsanding 607Example: Queue some jobs and then loop until no events are outstanding
477anymore. 608anymore.
478 609
479 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 610 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
480 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 611 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
481 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 612 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
485 616
486Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 617Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
487has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 618has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
488C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or 619C<EVUNLOOP_ONE>, which will make the innermost C<ev_loop> call return, or
489C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return. 620C<EVUNLOOP_ALL>, which will make all nested C<ev_loop> calls return.
621
622This "unloop state" will be cleared when entering C<ev_loop> again.
490 623
491=item ev_ref (loop) 624=item ev_ref (loop)
492 625
493=item ev_unref (loop) 626=item ev_unref (loop)
494 627
499returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For 632returning, ev_unref() after starting, and ev_ref() before stopping it. For
500example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not 633example, libev itself uses this for its internal signal pipe: It is not
501visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if 634visible to the libev user and should not keep C<ev_loop> from exiting if
502no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent 635no event watchers registered by it are active. It is also an excellent
503way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party 636way to do this for generic recurring timers or from within third-party
504libraries. Just remember to I<unref after start> and I<ref before stop>. 637libraries. 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,
639respectively).
505 640
506Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 641Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
507running when nothing else is active. 642running when nothing else is active.
508 643
509 struct ev_signal exitsig; 644 struct ev_signal exitsig;
513 648
514Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 649Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
515 650
516 ev_ref (loop); 651 ev_ref (loop);
517 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 652 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
653
654=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
655
656=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
657
658These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
659for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to
660invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency.
661
662Setting 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
664increase efficiency of loop iterations.
665
666The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
667handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
668the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
669events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
670overhead for the actual polling but can deliver many events at once.
671
672By 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,
674at the cost of increasing latency. Timeouts (both C<ev_periodic> and
675C<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.
677
678Likewise, by setting a higher I<timeout collect interval> you allow libev
679to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
680latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
681will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
682any overhead in libev.
683
684Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect
685interval 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
687usually 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.
518 689
519=back 690=back
520 691
521 692
522=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 693=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
622=item C<EV_FORK> 793=item C<EV_FORK>
623 794
624The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see 795The event loop has been resumed in the child process after fork (see
625C<ev_fork>). 796C<ev_fork>).
626 797
798=item C<EV_ASYNC>
799
800The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
801
627=item C<EV_ERROR> 802=item C<EV_ERROR>
628 803
629An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 804An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might
630happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 805happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
631ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 806ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
702=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher) 877=item bool ev_is_pending (ev_TYPE *watcher)
703 878
704Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding 879Returns a true value iff the watcher is pending, (i.e. it has outstanding
705events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher 880events but its callback has not yet been invoked). As long as a watcher
706is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but 881is pending (but not active) you must not call an init function on it (but
707C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe) and you must make sure the watcher is available to 882C<ev_TYPE_set> is safe), you must not change its priority, and you must
708libev (e.g. you cnanot C<free ()> it). 883make sure the watcher is available to libev (e.g. you cannot C<free ()>
884it).
709 885
710=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher) 886=item callback ev_cb (ev_TYPE *watcher)
711 887
712Returns the callback currently set on the watcher. 888Returns the callback currently set on the watcher.
713 889
714=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback) 890=item ev_cb_set (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback)
715 891
716Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time 892Change the callback. You can change the callback at virtually any time
717(modulo threads). 893(modulo threads).
894
895=item ev_set_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher, priority)
896
897=item int ev_priority (ev_TYPE *watcher)
898
899Set and query the priority of the watcher. The priority is a small
900integer between C<EV_MAXPRI> (default: C<2>) and C<EV_MINPRI>
901(default: C<-2>). Pending watchers with higher priority will be invoked
902before watchers with lower priority, but priority will not keep watchers
903from being executed (except for C<ev_idle> watchers).
904
905This means that priorities are I<only> used for ordering callback
906invocation after new events have been received. This is useful, for
907example, to reduce latency after idling, or more often, to bind two
908watchers on the same event and make sure one is called first.
909
910If you need to suppress invocation when higher priority events are pending
911you need to look at C<ev_idle> watchers, which provide this functionality.
912
913You I<must not> change the priority of a watcher as long as it is active or
914pending.
915
916The default priority used by watchers when no priority has been set is
917always C<0>, which is supposed to not be too high and not be too low :).
918
919Setting a priority outside the range of C<EV_MINPRI> to C<EV_MAXPRI> is
920fine, as long as you do not mind that the priority value you query might
921or might not have been adjusted to be within valid range.
922
923=item ev_invoke (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher, int revents)
924
925Invoke 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
927can deal with that fact.
928
929=item int ev_clear_pending (loop, ev_TYPE *watcher)
930
931If the watcher is pending, this function returns clears its pending status
932and returns its C<revents> bitset (as if its callback was invoked). If the
933watcher isn't pending it does nothing and returns C<0>.
718 934
719=back 935=back
720 936
721 937
722=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER 938=head2 ASSOCIATING CUSTOM DATA WITH A WATCHER
807In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per 1023In general you can register as many read and/or write event watchers per
808fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file 1024fd as you want (as long as you don't confuse yourself). Setting all file
809descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not 1025descriptors to non-blocking mode is also usually a good idea (but not
810required if you know what you are doing). 1026required if you know what you are doing).
811 1027
812You have to be careful with dup'ed file descriptors, though. Some backends
813(the linux epoll backend is a notable example) cannot handle dup'ed file
814descriptors correctly if you register interest in two or more fds pointing
815to the same underlying file/socket/etc. description (that is, they share
816the same underlying "file open").
817
818If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1028If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
819(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1029(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
820C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1030C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
821 1031
822Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1032Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
828it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1038it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
829C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1039C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
830 1040
831If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1041If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
832play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1042play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test
833wether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1043whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
834such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1044such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
835its own, so its quite safe to use). 1045its own, so its quite safe to use).
1046
1047=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1048
1049Some 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,
1051such as C<dup>). The reason is that you register interest in some file
1052descriptor, but when it goes away, the operating system will silently drop
1053this 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
1055fact, a different file descriptor.
1056
1057To avoid having to explicitly tell libev about such cases, libev follows
1058the following policy: Each time C<ev_io_set> is being called, libev
1059will assume that this is potentially a new file descriptor, otherwise
1060it is assumed that the file descriptor stays the same. That means that
1061you I<have> to call C<ev_io_set> (or C<ev_io_init>) when you change the
1062descriptor even if the file descriptor number itself did not change.
1063
1064This is how one would do it normally anyway, the important point is that
1065the libev application should not optimise around libev but should leave
1066optimisations to libev.
1067
1068=head3 The special problem of dup'ed file descriptors
1069
1070Some backends (e.g. epoll), cannot register events for file descriptors,
1071but only events for the underlying file descriptions. That means when you
1072have C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors or weirder constellations, and register
1073events for them, only one file descriptor might actually receive events.
1074
1075There is no workaround possible except not registering events
1076for potentially C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors, or to resort to
1077C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1078
1079=head3 The special problem of fork
1080
1081Some backends (epoll, kqueue) do not support C<fork ()> at all or exhibit
1082useless behaviour. Libev fully supports fork, but needs to be told about
1083it in the child.
1084
1085To support fork in your programs, you either have to call
1086C<ev_default_fork ()> or C<ev_loop_fork ()> after a fork in the child,
1087enable C<EVFLAG_FORKCHECK>, or resort to C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or
1088C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1089
1090=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1091
1092While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about SIGPIPE:
1093when reading from a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program
1094gets send a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most
1095programs this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually
1096undesirable.
1097
1098So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1099ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1100somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1101
1102
1103=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions
836 1104
837=over 4 1105=over 4
838 1106
839=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1107=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
840 1108
851=item int events [read-only] 1119=item int events [read-only]
852 1120
853The events being watched. 1121The events being watched.
854 1122
855=back 1123=back
1124
1125=head3 Examples
856 1126
857Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1127Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
858readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1128readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
859attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1129attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
860 1130
894 1164
895The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1165The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
896but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1166but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
897order of execution is undefined. 1167order of execution is undefined.
898 1168
1169=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1170
899=over 4 1171=over 4
900 1172
901=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1173=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
902 1174
903=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1175=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
911configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1183configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at
912exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1184exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with
913the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1185the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the
914timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1186timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
915 1187
916=item ev_timer_again (loop) 1188=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
917 1189
918This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1190This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
919repeating. The exact semantics are: 1191repeating. The exact semantics are:
920 1192
921If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1193If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
956or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any), 1228or C<ev_timer_again> is called and determines the next timeout (if any),
957which is also when any modifications are taken into account. 1229which is also when any modifications are taken into account.
958 1230
959=back 1231=back
960 1232
1233=head3 Examples
1234
961Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1235Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
962 1236
963 static void 1237 static void
964 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1238 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
965 { 1239 {
998but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1272but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
999to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1273to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
1000periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1274periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now ()
1001+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1275+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will
1002take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1276take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger
1003roughly 10 seconds later and of course not if you reset your system time 1277roughly 10 seconds later).
1004again).
1005 1278
1006They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1279They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as
1007triggering an event on eahc midnight, local time. 1280triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated,
1281rules.
1008 1282
1009As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1283As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the
1010time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1284time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1011during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1285during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1012 1286
1287=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1288
1013=over 4 1289=over 4
1014 1290
1015=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb) 1291=item ev_periodic_init (ev_periodic *, callback, ev_tstamp at, ev_tstamp interval, reschedule_cb)
1016 1292
1017=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb) 1293=item ev_periodic_set (ev_periodic *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat, reschedule_cb)
1019Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of 1295Lots of arguments, lets sort it out... There are basically three modes of
1020operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex: 1296operation, and we will explain them from simplest to complex:
1021 1297
1022=over 4 1298=over 4
1023 1299
1024=item * absolute timer (interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1300=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1025 1301
1026In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1302In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time
1027C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1303C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs,
1028that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1304that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the
1029system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1305system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1030 1306
1031=item * non-repeating interval timer (interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1307=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1032 1308
1033In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1309In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1034C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N) and then repeat, regardless 1310C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1035of any time jumps. 1311and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1036 1312
1037This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1313This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
1038time: 1314time:
1039 1315
1040 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1316 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1046 1322
1047Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1323Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1048C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1324C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1049time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1325time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1050 1326
1327For 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
1329this value.
1330
1051=item * manual reschedule mode (reschedule_cb = callback) 1331=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1052 1332
1053In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1333In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1054ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1334ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1055reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1335reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1056current time as second argument. 1336current time as second argument.
1057 1337
1058NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1338NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1059ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1339ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it,
1060return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by 1340return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1061starting a prepare watcher). 1341starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1062 1342
1063Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1343Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w,
1064ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1344ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1065 1345
1066 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1346 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1089Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1369Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1090when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1370when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1091a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1371a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1092program when the crontabs have changed). 1372program when the crontabs have changed).
1093 1373
1374=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1375
1376When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1377absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1378
1379Can be modified any time, but changes only take effect when the periodic
1380timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1381
1094=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write] 1382=item ev_tstamp interval [read-write]
1095 1383
1096The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only 1384The current interval value. Can be modified any time, but changes only
1097take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being 1385take effect when the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being
1098called. 1386called.
1101 1389
1102The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1390The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1103switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1391switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1104the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1392the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1105 1393
1394=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1395
1396When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1397trigger next.
1398
1106=back 1399=back
1400
1401=head3 Examples
1107 1402
1108Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1403Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1109system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1404system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1110potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1405potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability.
1111 1406
1151with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long 1446with the kernel (thus it coexists with your own signal handlers as long
1152as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1447as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1153watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1448watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1154SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1449SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1155 1450
1451If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1452C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so syscalls should not be unduly
1453interrupted. If you have a problem with syscalls getting interrupted by
1454signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1455them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1456
1457=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1458
1156=over 4 1459=over 4
1157 1460
1158=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum) 1461=item ev_signal_init (ev_signal *, callback, int signum)
1159 1462
1160=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum) 1463=item ev_signal_set (ev_signal *, int signum)
1166 1469
1167The signal the watcher watches out for. 1470The signal the watcher watches out for.
1168 1471
1169=back 1472=back
1170 1473
1474=head3 Examples
1475
1476Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1477
1478 static void
1479 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1480 {
1481 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1482 }
1483
1484 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1485 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1486 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1487
1171 1488
1172=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1489=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1173 1490
1174Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1491Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1175some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). 1492some child status changes (most typically when a child of yours dies). It
1493is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been
1494forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event
1495loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher).
1496
1497Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1498you can only rgeister child watchers in the default event loop.
1499
1500=head3 Process Interaction
1501
1502Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1503initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1504the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurance
1505of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1506synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1507children, even ones not watched.
1508
1509=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1510
1511Libev offers no special support for overriding the built-in child
1512processing, but if your application collides with libev's default child
1513handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1514C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1515default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1516event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1517that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1518
1519=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1176 1520
1177=over 4 1521=over 4
1178 1522
1179=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid) 1523=item ev_child_init (ev_child *, callback, int pid, int trace)
1180 1524
1181=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid) 1525=item ev_child_set (ev_child *, int pid, int trace)
1182 1526
1183Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or 1527Configures the watcher to wait for status changes of process C<pid> (or
1184I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look 1528I<any> process if C<pid> is specified as C<0>). The callback can look
1185at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see 1529at the C<rstatus> member of the C<ev_child> watcher structure to see
1186the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems 1530the status word (use the macros from C<sys/wait.h> and see your systems
1187C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the 1531C<waitpid> documentation). The C<rpid> member contains the pid of the
1188process causing the status change. 1532process causing the status change. C<trace> must be either C<0> (only
1533activate the watcher when the process terminates) or C<1> (additionally
1534activate the watcher when the process is stopped or continued).
1189 1535
1190=item int pid [read-only] 1536=item int pid [read-only]
1191 1537
1192The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id. 1538The process id this watcher watches out for, or C<0>, meaning any process id.
1193 1539
1200The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems 1546The process exit/trace status caused by C<rpid> (see your systems
1201C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details). 1547C<waitpid> and C<sys/wait.h> documentation for details).
1202 1548
1203=back 1549=back
1204 1550
1205Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1551=head3 Examples
1552
1553Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1554its completion.
1555
1556 ev_child cw;
1206 1557
1207 static void 1558 static void
1208 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1559 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1209 { 1560 {
1210 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1561 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1562 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1211 } 1563 }
1212 1564
1213 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1565 pid_t pid = fork ();
1214 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1566
1215 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1567 if (pid < 0)
1568 // error
1569 else if (pid == 0)
1570 {
1571 // the forked child executes here
1572 exit (1);
1573 }
1574 else
1575 {
1576 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1577 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1578 }
1216 1579
1217 1580
1218=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1581=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1219 1582
1220This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1583This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1249semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1612semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs
1250to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are 1613to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are
1251usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1614usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no
1252polling. 1615polling.
1253 1616
1617=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1618
1619Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1620compilation environment, which means that on systems with optionally
1621disabled large file support, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1622structure. 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
1624compile 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
1626most noticably with ev_stat and largefile support.
1627
1628=head3 Inotify
1629
1630When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1631available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1632change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1633when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1634
1635Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1636except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1637making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support
1638there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.
1639
1640(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1641implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1642descriptor open on the object at all times).
1643
1644=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1645
1646The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1647even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still
1648only support whole seconds.
1649
1650That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might
1651miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls
1652your callback, which does something. When there is another update within
1653the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it.
1654
1655The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till
1656the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer>
1657(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01>
1658is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating
1659systems.
1660
1661=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1662
1254=over 4 1663=over 4
1255 1664
1256=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1665=item ev_stat_init (ev_stat *, callback, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1257 1666
1258=item ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval) 1667=item ev_stat_set (ev_stat *, const char *path, ev_tstamp interval)
1265 1674
1266The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 1675The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected,
1267relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 1676relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the
1268last change was detected). 1677last change was detected).
1269 1678
1270=item ev_stat_stat (ev_stat *) 1679=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1271 1680
1272Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 1681Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1273watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 1682watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid
1274detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 1683detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be
1275useful simply to find out the new values. 1684useful simply to find out the new values.
1293=item const char *path [read-only] 1702=item const char *path [read-only]
1294 1703
1295The filesystem path that is being watched. 1704The filesystem path that is being watched.
1296 1705
1297=back 1706=back
1707
1708=head3 Examples
1298 1709
1299Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1710Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1300 1711
1301 static void 1712 static void
1302 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1713 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1315 } 1726 }
1316 1727
1317 ... 1728 ...
1318 ev_stat passwd; 1729 ev_stat passwd;
1319 1730
1320 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd"); 1731 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1321 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1732 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1322 1733
1734Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1735miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1736one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1737C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1738
1739 static ev_stat passwd;
1740 static ev_timer timer;
1741
1742 static void
1743 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1744 {
1745 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1746
1747 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1748 }
1749
1750 static void
1751 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1752 {
1753 /* reset the one-second timer */
1754 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1755 }
1756
1757 ...
1758 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1759 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1760 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01);
1761
1323 1762
1324=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1763=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1325 1764
1326Idle watchers trigger events when there are no other events are pending 1765Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1327(prepare, check and other idle watchers do not count). That is, as long 1766priority are pending (prepare, check and other idle watchers do not
1328as your process is busy handling sockets or timeouts (or even signals, 1767count).
1329imagine) it will not be triggered. But when your process is idle all idle 1768
1330watchers are being called again and again, once per event loop iteration - 1769That 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
1771triggered. But when your process is idle (or only lower-priority watchers
1772are pending), the idle watchers are being called once per event loop
1331until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events and becomes 1773iteration - until stopped, that is, or your process receives more events
1332busy. 1774and becomes busy again with higher priority stuff.
1333 1775
1334The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are 1776The most noteworthy effect is that as long as any idle watchers are
1335active, the process will not block when waiting for new events. 1777active, the process will not block when waiting for new events.
1336 1778
1337Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful 1779Apart from keeping your process non-blocking (which is a useful
1338effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do 1780effect on its own sometimes), idle watchers are a good place to do
1339"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the 1781"pseudo-background processing", or delay processing stuff to after the
1340event loop has handled all outstanding events. 1782event loop has handled all outstanding events.
1341 1783
1784=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1785
1342=over 4 1786=over 4
1343 1787
1344=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback) 1788=item ev_idle_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1345 1789
1346Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any 1790Initialises and configures the idle watcher - it has no parameters of any
1347kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 1791kind. There is a C<ev_idle_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1348believe me. 1792believe me.
1349 1793
1350=back 1794=back
1795
1796=head3 Examples
1351 1797
1352Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 1798Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1353callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1799callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1354 1800
1355 static void 1801 static void
1356 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1802 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1357 { 1803 {
1358 free (w); 1804 free (w);
1359 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1805 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1360 // no longer asnything immediate to do. 1806 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1361 } 1807 }
1362 1808
1363 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1809 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1364 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1810 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1365 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1811 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1403with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine 1849with priority higher than or equal to the event loop and one coroutine
1404of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event 1850of lower priority, but only once, using idle watchers to keep the event
1405loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping 1851loop from blocking if lower-priority coroutines are active, thus mapping
1406low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks). 1852low-priority coroutines to idle/background tasks).
1407 1853
1854It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1855priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1856after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1857too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1858supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers
1859did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1860(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1861state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1862coexist peacefully with others).
1863
1864=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1865
1408=over 4 1866=over 4
1409 1867
1410=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback) 1868=item ev_prepare_init (ev_prepare *, callback)
1411 1869
1412=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback) 1870=item ev_check_init (ev_check *, callback)
1415parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set> 1873parameters of any kind. There are C<ev_prepare_set> and C<ev_check_set>
1416macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless. 1874macros, but using them is utterly, utterly and completely pointless.
1417 1875
1418=back 1876=back
1419 1877
1420Example: To include a library such as adns, you would add IO watchers 1878=head3 Examples
1421and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, as required by libadns, and 1879
1880There 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
1882(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>
1884embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV
1885into the Glib event loop).
1886
1887Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1422in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows is 1888and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1423pseudo-code only of course: 1889is 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
1891the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1424 1892
1425 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1893 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1426 static ev_timer tw; 1894 static ev_timer tw;
1427 1895
1428 static void 1896 static void
1429 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1897 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1430 { 1898 {
1431 // set the relevant poll flags
1432 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1433 struct pollfd *fd = (struct pollfd *)w->data;
1434 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1435 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1436 } 1899 }
1437 1900
1438 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1901 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1439 static void 1902 static void
1440 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1903 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1441 { 1904 {
1442 int timeout = 3600000;truct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1905 int timeout = 3600000;
1906 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1443 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1907 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1444 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1908 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1445 1909
1446 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1910 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1447 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1911 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1448 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1912 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1449 1913
1450 // create on ev_io per pollfd 1914 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1451 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1915 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1452 { 1916 {
1453 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 1917 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1454 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 1918 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1455 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 1919 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1456 1920
1457 fds [i].revents = 0; 1921 fds [i].revents = 0;
1458 iow [i].data = fds + i;
1459 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 1922 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1460 } 1923 }
1461 } 1924 }
1462 1925
1463 // stop all watchers after blocking 1926 // stop all watchers after blocking
1465 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 1928 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1466 { 1929 {
1467 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 1930 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1468 1931
1469 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1932 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1933 {
1934 // set the relevant poll flags
1935 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1936 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1937 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1938 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1939 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1940
1941 // now stop the watcher
1470 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 1942 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1943 }
1471 1944
1472 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 1945 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1946 }
1947
1948Method 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.
1950
1951Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1952notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1953callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1954
1955 static void
1956 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1957 {
1958 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1959 update_now (EV_A);
1960
1961 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1962 }
1963
1964 static void
1965 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1966 {
1967 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1968 update_now (EV_A);
1969
1970 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1971 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1972 }
1973
1974 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1975
1976Method 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
1978their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1979loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1980this.
1981
1982 static gint
1983 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1984 {
1985 int got_events = 0;
1986
1987 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1988 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1989
1990 if (timeout >= 0)
1991 // create/start timer
1992
1993 // poll
1994 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1995
1996 // stop timer again
1997 if (timeout >= 0)
1998 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
1999
2000 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
2001 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2002 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
2003
2004 return got_events;
1473 } 2005 }
1474 2006
1475 2007
1476=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2008=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
1477 2009
1520portable one. 2052portable one.
1521 2053
1522So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared 2054So when you want to use this feature you will always have to be prepared
1523that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around 2055that you cannot get an embeddable loop. The recommended way to get around
1524this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to 2056this is to have a separate variables for your embeddable loop, try to
1525create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything: 2057create it, and if that fails, use the normal loop for everything.
2058
2059=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2060
2061=over 4
2062
2063=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2064
2065=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop)
2066
2067Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
2068embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
2069invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
2070to 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).
2072
2073=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2074
2075Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2076similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
2077apropriate way for embedded loops.
2078
2079=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2080
2081The embedded event loop.
2082
2083=back
2084
2085=head3 Examples
2086
2087Example: 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
2089loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in
2090C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be
2091used).
1526 2092
1527 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2093 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
1528 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2094 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
1529 struct ev_embed embed; 2095 struct ev_embed embed;
1530 2096
1541 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2107 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
1542 } 2108 }
1543 else 2109 else
1544 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2110 loop_lo = loop_hi;
1545 2111
1546=over 4 2112Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2113a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2114kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2115C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
1547 2116
1548=item ev_embed_init (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2117 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2118 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2119 struct ev_embed embed;
2120
2121 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2122 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2123 {
2124 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2125 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2126 }
1549 2127
1550=item ev_embed_set (ev_embed *, callback, struct ev_loop *embedded_loop) 2128 if (!loop_socket)
2129 loop_socket = loop;
1551 2130
1552Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2131 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
1553embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
1554invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
1555to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
1556if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
1557
1558=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
1559
1560Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
1561similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
1562apropriate way for embedded loops.
1563
1564=item struct ev_loop *loop [read-only]
1565
1566The embedded event loop.
1567
1568=back
1569 2132
1570 2133
1571=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2134=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
1572 2135
1573Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2136Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
1576event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called, 2139event loop blocks next and before C<ev_check> watchers are being called,
1577and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling 2140and only in the child after the fork. If whoever good citizen calling
1578C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork 2141C<ev_default_fork> cheats and calls it in the wrong process, the fork
1579handlers will be invoked, too, of course. 2142handlers will be invoked, too, of course.
1580 2143
2144=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2145
1581=over 4 2146=over 4
1582 2147
1583=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback) 2148=item ev_fork_init (ev_signal *, callback)
1584 2149
1585Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any 2150Initialises and configures the fork watcher - it has no parameters of any
1586kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless, 2151kind. There is a C<ev_fork_set> macro, but using it is utterly pointless,
1587believe me. 2152believe me.
2153
2154=back
2155
2156
2157=head2 C<ev_async> - how to wake up another event loop
2158
2159In general, you cannot use an C<ev_loop> from multiple threads or other
2160asynchronous sources such as signal handlers (as opposed to multiple event
2161loops - those are of course safe to use in different threads).
2162
2163Sometimes, however, you need to wake up another event loop you do not
2164control, for example because it belongs to another thread. This is what
2165C<ev_async> watchers do: as long as the C<ev_async> watcher is active, you
2166can signal it by calling C<ev_async_send>, which is thread- and signal
2167safe.
2168
2169This functionality is very similar to C<ev_signal> watchers, as signals,
2170too, are asynchronous in nature, and signals, too, will be compressed
2171(i.e. the number of callback invocations may be less than the number of
2172C<ev_async_sent> calls).
2173
2174Unlike C<ev_signal> watchers, C<ev_async> works with any event loop, not
2175just the default loop.
2176
2177=head3 Queueing
2178
2179C<ev_async> does not support queueing of data in any way. The reason
2180is 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
2182need elaborate support such as pthreads.
2183
2184That 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
2186queue:
2187
2188=over 4
2189
2190=item queueing from a signal handler context
2191
2192To 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
2194some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler:
2195
2196 static ev_async mysig;
2197
2198 static void
2199 sigusr1_handler (void)
2200 {
2201 sometype data;
2202
2203 // no locking etc.
2204 queue_put (data);
2205 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2206 }
2207
2208 static void
2209 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2210 {
2211 sometype data;
2212 sigset_t block, prev;
2213
2214 sigemptyset (&block);
2215 sigaddset (&block, SIGUSR1);
2216 sigprocmask (SIG_BLOCK, &block, &prev);
2217
2218 while (queue_get (&data))
2219 process (data);
2220
2221 if (sigismember (&prev, SIGUSR1)
2222 sigprocmask (SIG_UNBLOCK, &block, 0);
2223 }
2224
2225(Note: pthreads in theory requires you to use C<pthread_setmask>
2226instead of C<sigprocmask> when you use threads, but libev doesn't do it
2227either...).
2228
2229=item queueing from a thread context
2230
2231The strategy for threads is different, as you cannot (easily) block
2232threads but you can easily preempt them, so to queue safely you need to
2233employ a traditional mutex lock, such as in this pthread example:
2234
2235 static ev_async mysig;
2236 static pthread_mutex_t mymutex = PTHREAD_MUTEX_INITIALIZER;
2237
2238 static void
2239 otherthread (void)
2240 {
2241 // only need to lock the actual queueing operation
2242 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2243 queue_put (data);
2244 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2245
2246 ev_async_send (EV_DEFAULT_ &mysig);
2247 }
2248
2249 static void
2250 mysig_cb (EV_P_ ev_async *w, int revents)
2251 {
2252 pthread_mutex_lock (&mymutex);
2253
2254 while (queue_get (&data))
2255 process (data);
2256
2257 pthread_mutex_unlock (&mymutex);
2258 }
2259
2260=back
2261
2262
2263=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
2264
2265=over 4
2266
2267=item ev_async_init (ev_async *, callback)
2268
2269Initialises 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,
2271believe me.
2272
2273=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2274
2275Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2276an 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
2278similar contexts (see the dicusssion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2279section below on what exactly this means).
2280
2281This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration,
2282so while the overhead might be noticable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2283calls to C<ev_async_send>.
1588 2284
1589=back 2285=back
1590 2286
1591 2287
1592=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2288=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
1681 2377
1682To use it, 2378To use it,
1683 2379
1684 #include <ev++.h> 2380 #include <ev++.h>
1685 2381
1686(it is not installed by default). This automatically includes F<ev.h> 2382This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
1687and puts all of its definitions (many of them macros) into the global 2383of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
1688namespace. All C++ specific things are put into the C<ev> namespace. 2384put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2385options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
1689 2386
1690It should support all the same embedding options as F<ev.h>, most notably 2387Care has been taken to keep the overhead low. The only data member the C++
1691C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2388classes add (compared to plain C-style watchers) is the event loop pointer
2389that the watcher is associated with (or no additional members at all if
2390you disable C<EV_MULTIPLICITY> when embedding libev).
2391
2392Currently, functions, and static and non-static member functions can be
2393used as callbacks. Other types should be easy to add as long as they only
2394need one additional pointer for context. If you need support for other
2395types of functors please contact the author (preferably after implementing
2396it).
1692 2397
1693Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace: 2398Here is a list of things available in the C<ev> namespace:
1694 2399
1695=over 4 2400=over 4
1696 2401
1712 2417
1713All of those classes have these methods: 2418All of those classes have these methods:
1714 2419
1715=over 4 2420=over 4
1716 2421
1717=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *) 2422=item ev::TYPE::TYPE ()
1718 2423
1719=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (object *, object::method *, struct ev_loop *) 2424=item ev::TYPE::TYPE (struct ev_loop *)
1720 2425
1721=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE 2426=item ev::TYPE::~TYPE
1722 2427
1723The constructor takes a pointer to an object and a method pointer to 2428The constructor (optionally) takes an event loop to associate the watcher
1724the event handler callback to call in this class. The constructor calls 2429with. If it is omitted, it will use C<EV_DEFAULT>.
1725C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the C<set> method 2430
1726before starting it. If you do not specify a loop then the constructor 2431The constructor calls C<ev_init> for you, which means you have to call the
1727automatically associates the default loop with this watcher. 2432C<set> method before starting it.
2433
2434It will not set a callback, however: You have to call the templated C<set>
2435method to set a callback before you can start the watcher.
2436
2437(The reason why you have to use a method is a limitation in C++ which does
2438not allow explicit template arguments for constructors).
1728 2439
1729The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active. 2440The destructor automatically stops the watcher if it is active.
2441
2442=item w->set<class, &class::method> (object *)
2443
2444This method sets the callback method to call. The method has to have a
2445signature of C<void (*)(ev_TYPE &, int)>, it receives the watcher as
2446first argument and the C<revents> as second. The object must be given as
2447parameter and is stored in the C<data> member of the watcher.
2448
2449This method synthesizes efficient thunking code to call your method from
2450the C callback that libev requires. If your compiler can inline your
2451callback (i.e. it is visible to it at the place of the C<set> call and
2452your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2453thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2454
2455Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2456
2457 struct myclass
2458 {
2459 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2460 }
2461
2462 myclass obj;
2463 ev::io iow;
2464 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2465
2466=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2467
2468Also 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
2470C<data> member and is free for you to use.
2471
2472The prototype of the C<function> must be C<void (*)(ev::TYPE &w, int)>.
2473
2474See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2475
2476Example:
2477
2478 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2479 iow.set <io_cb> ();
1730 2480
1731=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2481=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
1732 2482
1733Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2483Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
1734do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2484do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
1735 2485
1736=item w->set ([args]) 2486=item w->set ([args])
1737 2487
1738Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2488Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be
1739called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2489called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
1740automatically stopped and restarted. 2490automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2491method.
1741 2492
1742=item w->start () 2493=item w->start ()
1743 2494
1744Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument as the 2495Starts the watcher. Note that there is no C<loop> argument, as the
1745constructor already takes the loop. 2496constructor already stores the event loop.
1746 2497
1747=item w->stop () 2498=item w->stop ()
1748 2499
1749Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument. 2500Stops the watcher if it is active. Again, no C<loop> argument.
1750 2501
1751=item w->again () C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only 2502=item w->again () (C<ev::timer>, C<ev::periodic> only)
1752 2503
1753For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding 2504For C<ev::timer> and C<ev::periodic>, this invokes the corresponding
1754C<ev_TYPE_again> function. 2505C<ev_TYPE_again> function.
1755 2506
1756=item w->sweep () C<ev::embed> only 2507=item w->sweep () (C<ev::embed> only)
1757 2508
1758Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>. 2509Invokes C<ev_embed_sweep>.
1759 2510
1760=item w->update () C<ev::stat> only 2511=item w->update () (C<ev::stat> only)
1761 2512
1762Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>. 2513Invokes C<ev_stat_stat>.
1763 2514
1764=back 2515=back
1765 2516
1768Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2519Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
1769the constructor. 2520the constructor.
1770 2521
1771 class myclass 2522 class myclass
1772 { 2523 {
1773 ev_io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2524 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
1774 ev_idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2525 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
1775 2526
1776 myclass (); 2527 myclass (int fd)
1777 }
1778
1779 myclass::myclass (int fd)
1780 : io (this, &myclass::io_cb),
1781 idle (this, &myclass::idle_cb)
1782 { 2528 {
2529 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2530 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2531
1783 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2532 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2533 }
1784 } 2534 };
2535
2536
2537=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2538
2539Libev 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
2541any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2542me a note.
2543
2544=over 4
2545
2546=item Perl
2547
2548The 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,
2550there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2551to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the
2552C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>).
2553
2554It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is found at
2555L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2556
2557=item Ruby
2558
2559Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2560of the libev API and adds filehandle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2561more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2562L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2563
2564=item D
2565
2566Leandro 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>.
2568
2569=back
1785 2570
1786 2571
1787=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2572=head1 MACRO MAGIC
1788 2573
1789Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundemantal is 2574Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal
1790C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines wether (most) functions and 2575of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
1791callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2576functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
1792 2577
1793To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2578To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
1794following macros are defined: 2579following macros are defined:
1795 2580
1796=over 4 2581=over 4
1828Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2613Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
1829loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2614loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
1830 2615
1831=back 2616=back
1832 2617
1833Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, working regardless of 2618Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
1834wether multiple loops are supported or not. 2619macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2620or not.
1835 2621
1836 static void 2622 static void
1837 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2623 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1838 { 2624 {
1839 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2625 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
1842 ev_check check; 2628 ev_check check;
1843 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2629 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
1844 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2630 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
1845 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2631 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
1846 2632
1847
1848=head1 EMBEDDING 2633=head1 EMBEDDING
1849 2634
1850Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2635Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
1851applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2636applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
1852Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe) 2637Game Server, the EV perl module, the GNU Virtual Private Ethernet (gvpe)
1853and rxvt-unicode. 2638and rxvt-unicode.
1854 2639
1855The goal is to enable you to just copy the neecssary files into your 2640The goal is to enable you to just copy the necessary files into your
1856source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so 2641source directory without having to change even a single line in them, so
1857you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of 2642you can easily upgrade by simply copying (or having a checked-out copy of
1858libev somewhere in your source tree). 2643libev somewhere in your source tree).
1859 2644
1860=head2 FILESETS 2645=head2 FILESETS
1891 ev_vars.h 2676 ev_vars.h
1892 ev_wrap.h 2677 ev_wrap.h
1893 2678
1894 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2679 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
1895 2680
1896 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is by default) 2681 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
1897 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2682 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1898 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2683 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1899 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2684 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1900 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2685 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
1901 2686
1950 2735
1951If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2736If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1952monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2737monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use
1953of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2738of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
1954usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2739usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
1955the functionality isn't available is safe, though, althoguh you have 2740the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
1956to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2741to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
1957function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2742function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
1958 2743
1959=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2744=item EV_USE_REALTIME
1960 2745
1961If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2746If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
1962realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2747realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at
1963runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2748runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will
1964be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2749be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
1965(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See tzhe note about libraries 2750(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
1966in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2751note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2752
2753=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2754
2755If 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 ()>.
1967 2757
1968=item EV_USE_SELECT 2758=item EV_USE_SELECT
1969 2759
1970If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2760If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
1971C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2761C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no
1989wants osf handles on win32 (this is the case when the select to 2779wants osf handles on win32 (this is the case when the select to
1990be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call 2780be used is the winsock select). This means that it will call
1991C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise, 2781C<_get_osfhandle> on the fd to convert it to an OS handle. Otherwise,
1992it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even 2782it is assumed that all these functions actually work on fds, even
1993on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms. 2783on win32. Should not be defined on non-win32 platforms.
2784
2785=item EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE
2786
2787If C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> is enabled, then libev needs a way to map
2788file descriptors to socket handles. When not defining this symbol (the
2789default), then libev will call C<_get_osfhandle>, which is usually
2790correct. In some cases, programs use their own file descriptor management,
2791in which case they can provide this function to map fds to socket handles.
1994 2792
1995=item EV_USE_POLL 2793=item EV_USE_POLL
1996 2794
1997If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2) 2795If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the C<poll>(2)
1998backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It 2796backend. Otherwise it will be enabled on non-win32 platforms. It
2032 2830
2033If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 2831If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2034interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 2832interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2035be detected at runtime. 2833be detected at runtime.
2036 2834
2835=item EV_ATOMIC_T
2836
2837Libev 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
2839type 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"
2841as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2842
2843In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
2844(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2845
2037=item EV_H 2846=item EV_H
2038 2847
2039The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2848The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2040undefined is C<< <ev.h> >> in F<event.h> and C<"ev.h"> in F<ev.c>. This 2849undefined is C<"ev.h"> in F<event.h>, F<ev.c> and F<ev++.h>. This can be
2041can be used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts. 2850used to virtually rename the F<ev.h> header file in case of conflicts.
2042 2851
2043=item EV_CONFIG_H 2852=item EV_CONFIG_H
2044 2853
2045If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override 2854If C<EV_STANDALONE> isn't C<1>, this variable can be used to override
2046F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to 2855F<ev.c>'s idea of where to find the F<config.h> file, similarly to
2047C<EV_H>, above. 2856C<EV_H>, above.
2048 2857
2049=item EV_EVENT_H 2858=item EV_EVENT_H
2050 2859
2051Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea 2860Similarly to C<EV_H>, this macro can be used to override F<event.c>'s idea
2052of how the F<event.h> header can be found. 2861of how the F<event.h> header can be found, the default is C<"event.h">.
2053 2862
2054=item EV_PROTOTYPES 2863=item EV_PROTOTYPES
2055 2864
2056If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function 2865If defined to be C<0>, then F<ev.h> will not define any function
2057prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is 2866prototypes, but still define all the structs and other symbols. This is
2064will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create 2873will have the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument, and you can create
2065additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support 2874additional independent event loops. Otherwise there will be no support
2066for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer 2875for multiple event loops and there is no first event loop pointer
2067argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop. 2876argument. Instead, all functions act on the single default loop.
2068 2877
2878=item EV_MINPRI
2879
2880=item EV_MAXPRI
2881
2882The range of allowed priorities. C<EV_MINPRI> must be smaller or equal to
2883C<EV_MAXPRI>, but otherwise there are no non-obvious limitations. You can
2884provide for more priorities by overriding those symbols (usually defined
2885to be C<-2> and C<2>, respectively).
2886
2887When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2888all 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
2890fine.
2891
2892If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2893C<0> will save some memory and cpu.
2894
2069=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 2895=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2070 2896
2071If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 2897If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2072defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 2898defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2073code. 2899code.
2074 2900
2901=item EV_IDLE_ENABLE
2902
2903If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then idle watchers are supported. If
2904defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2905code.
2906
2075=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE 2907=item EV_EMBED_ENABLE
2076 2908
2077If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If 2909If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then embed watchers are supported. If
2078defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2910defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2079 2911
2083defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2915defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2084 2916
2085=item EV_FORK_ENABLE 2917=item EV_FORK_ENABLE
2086 2918
2087If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If 2919If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then fork watchers are supported. If
2920defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2921
2922=item EV_ASYNC_ENABLE
2923
2924If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then async watchers are supported. If
2088defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 2925defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2089 2926
2090=item EV_MINIMAL 2927=item EV_MINIMAL
2091 2928
2092If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 2929If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2100than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to 2937than enough. If you need to manage thousands of children you might want to
2101increase this value (I<must> be a power of two). 2938increase this value (I<must> be a power of two).
2102 2939
2103=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE 2940=item EV_INOTIFY_HASHSIZE
2104 2941
2105C<ev_staz> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 2942C<ev_stat> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2106inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 2943inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2107usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 2944usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2108watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 2945watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2109two). 2946two).
2110 2947
2127 2964
2128=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb) 2965=item ev_set_cb (ev, cb)
2129 2966
2130Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher, 2967Can be used to change the callback member declaration in each watcher,
2131and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member 2968and the way callbacks are invoked and set. Must expand to a struct member
2132definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.v> header file for 2969definition and a statement, respectively. See the F<ev.h> header file for
2133their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to 2970their default definitions. One possible use for overriding these is to
2134avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 2971avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2135method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 2972method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2973
2974=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2975
2976If 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
2978all public symbols, one per line:
2979
2980 Symbols.ev for libev proper
2981 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
2982
2983This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
2984multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
2985itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this).
2986
2987A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
2988include before including F<ev.h>:
2989
2990 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
2991
2992This would create a file F<wrap.h> which essentially looks like this:
2993
2994 #define ev_backend myprefix_ev_backend
2995 #define ev_check_start myprefix_ev_check_start
2996 #define ev_check_stop myprefix_ev_check_stop
2997 ...
2136 2998
2137=head2 EXAMPLES 2999=head2 EXAMPLES
2138 3000
2139For a real-world example of a program the includes libev 3001For a real-world example of a program the includes libev
2140verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module 3002verbatim, you can have a look at the EV perl module
2143interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file 3005interface) and F<EV.xs> (implementation) files. Only the F<EV.xs> file
2144will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header 3006will be compiled. It is pretty complex because it provides its own header
2145file. 3007file.
2146 3008
2147The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3009The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
2148that everybody includes and which overrides some autoconf choices: 3010that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
2149 3011
3012 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
2150 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3013 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
2151 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3014 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
2152 #define EV_PERIODICS 0 3015 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
3016 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
3017 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
2153 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3018 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3019 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3020 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
2154 3021
2155 #include "ev++.h" 3022 #include "ev++.h"
2156 3023
2157And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3024And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
2158 3025
2164 3031
2165In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3032In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
2166libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the 3033libev will be explained. For complexity discussions about backends see the
2167documentation for C<ev_default_init>. 3034documentation for C<ev_default_init>.
2168 3035
3036All of the following are about amortised time: If an array needs to be
3037extended, libev needs to realloc and move the whole array, but this
3038happens asymptotically never with higher number of elements, so O(1) might
3039mean it might do a lengthy realloc operation in rare cases, but on average
3040it is much faster and asymptotically approaches constant time.
3041
2169=over 4 3042=over 4
2170 3043
2171=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers) 3044=item Starting and stopping timer/periodic watchers: O(log skipped_other_timers)
2172 3045
3046This means that, when you have a watcher that triggers in one hour and
3047there are 100 watchers that would trigger before that then inserting will
3048have to skip roughly seven (C<ld 100>) of these watchers.
3049
2173=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat, again): O(log skipped_other_timers) 3050=item Changing timer/periodic watchers (by autorepeat or calling again): O(log skipped_other_timers)
2174 3051
3052That means that changing a timer costs less than removing/adding them
3053as only the relative motion in the event queue has to be paid for.
3054
2175=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child watchers: O(1) 3055=item Starting io/check/prepare/idle/signal/child/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2176 3056
3057These just add the watcher into an array or at the head of a list.
3058
2177=item Stopping check/prepare/idle watchers: O(1) 3059=item Stopping check/prepare/idle/fork/async watchers: O(1)
2178 3060
2179=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE)) 3061=item Stopping an io/signal/child watcher: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_(fd/signal/pid % EV_PID_HASHSIZE))
2180 3062
3063These watchers are stored in lists then need to be walked to find the
3064correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
3065have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
3066
2181=item Finding the next timer per loop iteration: O(1) 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.
2182 3071
2183=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 3072=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
2184 3073
2185=item Activating one watcher: O(1) 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.
2186 3096
2187=back 3097=back
2188 3098
2189 3099
3100=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds
3101
3102Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3103requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3104model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3105the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3106descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3107e.g. cygwin.
3108
3109There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3110embedding it into other applications.
3111
3112Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the
3113abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not
3114recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than
3115a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different
3116implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot
3117be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games).
3118
3119=over 4
3120
3121=item The winsocket select function
3122
3123The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires
3124socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select
3125very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors
3126to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>,
3127C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor
3128symbols for more info.
3129
3130The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime
3131libraries and raw winsocket select is:
3132
3133 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3134 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3135
3136Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3137complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3138
3139=item Limited number of file descriptors
3140
3141Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions
3142of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles
3143(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for
3144C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a
3145chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each).
3146
3147Newer 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
3149call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3150select emulation on windows).
3151
3152Another 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
3154or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3155C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3156arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime
3157libraries.
3158
3159This 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
3161wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3162calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3163
3164=back
3165
3166
2190=head1 AUTHOR 3167=head1 AUTHOR
2191 3168
2192Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3169Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
2193 3170

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