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Revision 1.140 by root, Wed Apr 2 06:34:51 2008 UTC vs.
Revision 1.180 by root, Fri Sep 19 03:45:55 2008 UTC

2 2
3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C 3libev - a high performance full-featured event loop written in C
4 4
5=head1 SYNOPSIS 5=head1 SYNOPSIS
6 6
7 #include <ev.h> 7 #include <ev.h>
8 8
9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM 9=head2 EXAMPLE PROGRAM
10 10
11 // a single header file is required 11 // a single header file is required
12 #include <ev.h> 12 #include <ev.h>
13 13
14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct 14 // every watcher type has its own typedef'd struct
15 // with the name ev_<type> 15 // with the name ev_<type>
16 ev_io stdin_watcher; 16 ev_io stdin_watcher;
17 ev_timer timeout_watcher; 17 ev_timer timeout_watcher;
18 18
19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature 19 // all watcher callbacks have a similar signature
20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin 20 // this callback is called when data is readable on stdin
21 static void 21 static void
22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents) 22 stdin_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_io *w, int revents)
23 { 23 {
24 puts ("stdin ready"); 24 puts ("stdin ready");
25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher 25 // for one-shot events, one must manually stop the watcher
26 // with its corresponding stop function. 26 // with its corresponding stop function.
27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w); 27 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ w);
28 28
29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating 29 // this causes all nested ev_loop's to stop iterating
30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL); 30 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ALL);
31 } 31 }
32 32
33 // another callback, this time for a time-out 33 // another callback, this time for a time-out
34 static void 34 static void
35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 35 timeout_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
36 { 36 {
37 puts ("timeout"); 37 puts ("timeout");
38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating 38 // this causes the innermost ev_loop to stop iterating
39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE); 39 ev_unloop (EV_A_ EVUNLOOP_ONE);
40 } 40 }
41 41
42 int 42 int
43 main (void) 43 main (void)
44 { 44 {
45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs 45 // use the default event loop unless you have special needs
46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 46 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
47 47
48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it 48 // initialise an io watcher, then start it
49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable 49 // this one will watch for stdin to become readable
50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ); 50 ev_io_init (&stdin_watcher, stdin_cb, /*STDIN_FILENO*/ 0, EV_READ);
51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 51 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
52 52
53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it 53 // initialise a timer watcher, then start it
54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout 54 // simple non-repeating 5.5 second timeout
55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.); 55 ev_timer_init (&timeout_watcher, timeout_cb, 5.5, 0.);
56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher); 56 ev_timer_start (loop, &timeout_watcher);
57 57
58 // now wait for events to arrive 58 // now wait for events to arrive
59 ev_loop (loop, 0); 59 ev_loop (loop, 0);
60 60
61 // unloop was called, so exit 61 // unloop was called, so exit
62 return 0; 62 return 0;
63 } 63 }
64 64
65=head1 DESCRIPTION 65=head1 DESCRIPTION
66 66
67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted 67The newest version of this document is also available as an html-formatted
68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first 68web page you might find easier to navigate when reading it for the first
69time: L<http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.html>. 69time: L<http://pod.tst.eu/http://cvs.schmorp.de/libev/ev.pod>.
70 70
71Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a 71Libev is an event loop: you register interest in certain events (such as a
72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage 72file descriptor being readable or a timeout occurring), and it will manage
73these event sources and provide your program with events. 73these event sources and provide your program with events.
74 74
113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the 113Libev represents time as a single floating point number, representing the
114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near 114(fractional) number of seconds since the (POSIX) epoch (somewhere near
115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is 115the beginning of 1970, details are complicated, don't ask). This type is
116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases 116called C<ev_tstamp>, which is what you should use too. It usually aliases
117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on 117to the C<double> type in C, and when you need to do any calculations on
118it, you should treat it as some floatingpoint value. Unlike the name 118it, you should treat it as some floating point value. Unlike the name
119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences 119component C<stamp> might indicate, it is also used for time differences
120throughout libev. 120throughout libev.
121
122=head1 ERROR HANDLING
123
124Libev knows three classes of errors: operating system errors, usage errors
125and internal errors (bugs).
126
127When libev catches an operating system error it cannot handle (for example
128a system call indicating a condition libev cannot fix), it calls the callback
129set via C<ev_set_syserr_cb>, which is supposed to fix the problem or
130abort. The default is to print a diagnostic message and to call C<abort
131()>.
132
133When libev detects a usage error such as a negative timer interval, then
134it will print a diagnostic message and abort (via the C<assert> mechanism,
135so C<NDEBUG> will disable this checking): these are programming errors in
136the libev caller and need to be fixed there.
137
138Libev also has a few internal error-checking C<assert>ions, and also has
139extensive consistency checking code. These do not trigger under normal
140circumstances, as they indicate either a bug in libev or worse.
141
121 142
122=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS 143=head1 GLOBAL FUNCTIONS
123 144
124These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the 145These functions can be called anytime, even before initialising the
125library in any way. 146library in any way.
134 155
135=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval) 156=item ev_sleep (ev_tstamp interval)
136 157
137Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until 158Sleep for the given interval: The current thread will be blocked until
138either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically 159either it is interrupted or the given time interval has passed. Basically
139this is a subsecond-resolution C<sleep ()>. 160this is a sub-second-resolution C<sleep ()>.
140 161
141=item int ev_version_major () 162=item int ev_version_major ()
142 163
143=item int ev_version_minor () 164=item int ev_version_minor ()
144 165
157not a problem. 178not a problem.
158 179
159Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong 180Example: Make sure we haven't accidentally been linked against the wrong
160version. 181version.
161 182
162 assert (("libev version mismatch", 183 assert (("libev version mismatch",
163 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR 184 ev_version_major () == EV_VERSION_MAJOR
164 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR)); 185 && ev_version_minor () >= EV_VERSION_MINOR));
165 186
166=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends () 187=item unsigned int ev_supported_backends ()
167 188
168Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*> 189Return the set of all backends (i.e. their corresponding C<EV_BACKEND_*>
169value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their 190value) compiled into this binary of libev (independent of their
171a description of the set values. 192a description of the set values.
172 193
173Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and 194Example: make sure we have the epoll method, because yeah this is cool and
174a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11 195a must have and can we have a torrent of it please!!!11
175 196
176 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex", 197 assert (("sorry, no epoll, no sex",
177 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL)); 198 ev_supported_backends () & EVBACKEND_EPOLL));
178 199
179=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends () 200=item unsigned int ev_recommended_backends ()
180 201
181Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also 202Return the set of all backends compiled into this binary of libev and also
182recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one 203recommended for this platform. This set is often smaller than the one
183returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on 204returned by C<ev_supported_backends>, as for example kqueue is broken on
184most BSDs and will not be autodetected unless you explicitly request it 205most BSDs and will not be auto-detected unless you explicitly request it
185(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that 206(assuming you know what you are doing). This is the set of backends that
186libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly. 207libev will probe for if you specify no backends explicitly.
187 208
188=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends () 209=item unsigned int ev_embeddable_backends ()
189 210
196See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 217See the description of C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
197 218
198=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size)) 219=item ev_set_allocator (void *(*cb)(void *ptr, long size))
199 220
200Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the 221Sets the allocation function to use (the prototype is similar - the
201semantics is identical - to the realloc C function). It is used to 222semantics are identical to the C<realloc> C89/SuS/POSIX function). It is
202allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero when 223used to allocate and free memory (no surprises here). If it returns zero
203memory needs to be allocated, the library might abort or take some 224when memory needs to be allocated (C<size != 0>), the library might abort
204potentially destructive action. The default is your system realloc 225or take some potentially destructive action.
205function. 226
227Since some systems (at least OpenBSD and Darwin) fail to implement
228correct C<realloc> semantics, libev will use a wrapper around the system
229C<realloc> and C<free> functions by default.
206 230
207You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say, 231You could override this function in high-availability programs to, say,
208free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator, 232free some memory if it cannot allocate memory, to use a special allocator,
209or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available. 233or even to sleep a while and retry until some memory is available.
210 234
211Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then 235Example: Replace the libev allocator with one that waits a bit and then
212retries). 236retries (example requires a standards-compliant C<realloc>).
213 237
214 static void * 238 static void *
215 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size) 239 persistent_realloc (void *ptr, size_t size)
216 { 240 {
217 for (;;) 241 for (;;)
228 ... 252 ...
229 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc); 253 ev_set_allocator (persistent_realloc);
230 254
231=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg)); 255=item ev_set_syserr_cb (void (*cb)(const char *msg));
232 256
233Set the callback function to call on a retryable syscall error (such 257Set the callback function to call on a retryable system call error (such
234as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string 258as failed select, poll, epoll_wait). The message is a printable string
235indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this 259indicating the system call or subsystem causing the problem. If this
236callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the sitution, no 260callback is set, then libev will expect it to remedy the situation, no
237matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the 261matter what, when it returns. That is, libev will generally retry the
238requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff 262requested operation, or, if the condition doesn't go away, do bad stuff
239(such as abort). 263(such as abort).
240 264
241Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too. 265Example: This is basically the same thing that libev does internally, too.
255=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP 279=head1 FUNCTIONS CONTROLLING THE EVENT LOOP
256 280
257An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two 281An event loop is described by a C<struct ev_loop *>. The library knows two
258types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child 282types of such loops, the I<default> loop, which supports signals and child
259events, and dynamically created loops which do not. 283events, and dynamically created loops which do not.
260
261If you use threads, a common model is to run the default event loop
262in your main thread (or in a separate thread) and for each thread you
263create, you also create another event loop. Libev itself does no locking
264whatsoever, so if you mix calls to the same event loop in different
265threads, make sure you lock (this is usually a bad idea, though, even if
266done correctly, because it's hideous and inefficient).
267 284
268=over 4 285=over 4
269 286
270=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags) 287=item struct ev_loop *ev_default_loop (unsigned int flags)
271 288
281from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely, 298from multiple threads, you have to lock (note also that this is unlikely,
282as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway). 299as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway).
283 300
284The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and 301The default loop is the only loop that can handle C<ev_signal> and
285C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler 302C<ev_child> watchers, and to do this, it always registers a handler
286for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your app you can either 303for C<SIGCHLD>. If this is a problem for your application you can either
287create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you 304create a dynamic loop with C<ev_loop_new> that doesn't do that, or you
288can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 305can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
289C<ev_default_init>. 306C<ev_default_init>.
290 307
291The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 308The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
300The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right 317The default flags value. Use this if you have no clue (it's the right
301thing, believe me). 318thing, believe me).
302 319
303=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 320=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
304 321
305If this flag bit is ored into the flag value (or the program runs setuid 322If this flag bit is or'ed into the flag value (or the program runs setuid
306or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 323or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
307C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 324C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
308override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is 325override the flags completely if it is found in the environment. This is
309useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work 326useful to try out specific backends to test their performance, or to work
310around bugs. 327around bugs.
317 334
318This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 335This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
319and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop 336and thus this might slow down your event loop if you do a lot of loop
320iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 337iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
321GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence 338GNU/Linux system for example, C<getpid> is actually a simple 5-insn sequence
322without a syscall and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has 339without a system call and thus I<very> fast, but my GNU/Linux system also has
323C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 340C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
324 341
325The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and 342The big advantage of this flag is that you can forget about fork (and
326forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 343forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
327flag. 344flag.
328 345
329This flag setting cannot be overriden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS> 346This flag setting cannot be overridden or specified in the C<LIBEV_FLAGS>
330environment variable. 347environment variable.
331 348
332=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 349=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
333 350
334This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 351This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
336but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when 353but if that fails, expect a fairly low limit on the number of fds when
337using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its 354using this backend. It doesn't scale too well (O(highest_fd)), but its
338usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds. 355usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
339 356
340To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of 357To get good performance out of this backend you need a high amount of
341parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are 358parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
342writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many 359writing a server, you should C<accept ()> in a loop to accept as many
343connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have 360connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
344a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of 361a look at C<ev_set_io_collect_interval ()> to increase the amount of
345readyness notifications you get per iteration. 362readiness notifications you get per iteration.
363
364This backend maps C<EV_READ> to the C<readfds> set and C<EV_WRITE> to the
365C<writefds> set (and to work around Microsoft Windows bugs, also onto the
366C<exceptfds> set on that platform).
346 367
347=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 368=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
348 369
349And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated 370And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
350than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial 371than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
351limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down 372limit on the number of fds you can use (except it will slow down
352considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select, 373considerably with a lot of inactive fds). It scales similarly to select,
353i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for 374i.e. O(total_fds). See the entry for C<EVBACKEND_SELECT>, above, for
354performance tips. 375performance tips.
355 376
377This backend maps C<EV_READ> to C<POLLIN | POLLERR | POLLHUP>, and
378C<EV_WRITE> to C<POLLOUT | POLLERR | POLLHUP>.
379
356=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux) 380=item C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL> (value 4, Linux)
357 381
358For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 382For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
359but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 383but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
360like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd), 384like O(total_fds) where n is the total number of fds (or the highest fd),
361epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number 385epoll scales either O(1) or O(active_fds). The epoll design has a number
362of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 386of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
363cases and rewiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad 387cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad
364support for dup. 388support for dup.
365 389
366While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 390While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
367will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 391will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident
368(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 392(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
369best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 393best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
370very well if you register events for both fds. 394very well if you register events for both fds.
371 395
372Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 396Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
375 399
376Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 400Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
377watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e. 401watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.
378keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. 402keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.
379 403
380While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in 404While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
381all kernel versions tested so far. 405all kernel versions tested so far.
406
407This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
408C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
382 409
383=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 410=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
384 411
385Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 412Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
386was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 413was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
387with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 414with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
388it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected" 415it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected"
389unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 416unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
390C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough) 417C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
391system like NetBSD. 418system like NetBSD.
392 419
393You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 420You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
395the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 422the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
396 423
397It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 424It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
398kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 425kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
399course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 426course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
400cause an extra syscall as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to 427cause an extra system call as with C<EVBACKEND_EPOLL>, it still adds up to
401two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it 428two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
402drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 429drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
403 430
404This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 431This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
405 432
408almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets 435almost everywhere, you should only use it when you have a lot of sockets
409(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop 436(for which it usually works), by embedding it into another event loop
410(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for 437(e.g. C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL>) and using it only for
411sockets. 438sockets.
412 439
440This backend maps C<EV_READ> into an C<EVFILT_READ> kevent with
441C<NOTE_EOF>, and C<EV_WRITE> into an C<EVFILT_WRITE> kevent with
442C<NOTE_EOF>.
443
413=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8) 444=item C<EVBACKEND_DEVPOLL> (value 16, Solaris 8)
414 445
415This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an 446This is not implemented yet (and might never be, unless you send me an
416implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets 447implementation). According to reports, C</dev/poll> only supports sockets
417and is not embeddable, which would limit the usefulness of this backend 448and is not embeddable, which would limit the usefulness of this backend
420=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 451=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
421 452
422This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 453This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
423it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 454it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
424 455
425Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious 456Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
426notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid 457notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
427blocking when no data (or space) is available. 458blocking when no data (or space) is available.
428 459
429While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 460While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
430file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 461file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
431descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 462descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
432might perform better. 463might perform better.
433 464
434On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this 465On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readiness notifications, this
435backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully 466backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully
436embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends. 467embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends.
468
469This backend maps C<EV_READ> and C<EV_WRITE> in the same way as
470C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
437 471
438=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 472=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
439 473
440Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried 474Try all backends (even potentially broken ones that wouldn't be tried
441with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as 475with C<EVFLAG_AUTO>). Since this is a mask, you can do stuff such as
443 477
444It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 478It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
445 479
446=back 480=back
447 481
448If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 482If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
449backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 483backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
450specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 484specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
451 485
452The most typical usage is like this: 486The most typical usage is like this:
453 487
454 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 488 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
455 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 489 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
456 490
457Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 491Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
458environment settings to be taken into account: 492environment settings to be taken into account:
459 493
460 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 494 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
461 495
462Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 496Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if
463available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 497available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private
464event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 498event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds):
465 499
466 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 500 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
467 501
468=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 502=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
469 503
470Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 504Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
471always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 505always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
476libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the 510libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
477default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread. 511default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
478 512
479Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 513Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
480 514
481 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 515 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
482 if (!epoller) 516 if (!epoller)
483 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 517 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
484 518
485=item ev_default_destroy () 519=item ev_default_destroy ()
486 520
487Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 521Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
488etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 522etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
489sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 523sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
490responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 524responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
491calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 525calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
492the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them 526the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
493for example). 527for example).
494 528
495Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 529Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
556received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not 590received events and started processing them. This timestamp does not
557change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base 591change as long as callbacks are being processed, and this is also the base
558time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the 592time used for relative timers. You can treat it as the timestamp of the
559event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it). 593event occurring (or more correctly, libev finding out about it).
560 594
595=item ev_now_update (loop)
596
597Establishes the current time by querying the kernel, updating the time
598returned by C<ev_now ()> in the progress. This is a costly operation and
599is usually done automatically within C<ev_loop ()>.
600
601This function is rarely useful, but when some event callback runs for a
602very long time without entering the event loop, updating libev's idea of
603the current time is a good idea.
604
605See also "The special problem of time updates" in the C<ev_timer> section.
606
561=item ev_loop (loop, int flags) 607=item ev_loop (loop, int flags)
562 608
563Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called 609Finally, this is it, the event handler. This function usually is called
564after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling 610after you initialised all your watchers and you want to start handling
565events. 611events.
576A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 622A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
577those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 623those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in
578case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 624case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop.
579 625
580A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 626A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
581neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 627necessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block
582your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 628your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after
583one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 629one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some
584external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 630external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other
585libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 631libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
586usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 632usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
587 633
588Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 634Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
589 635
590 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 636 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
591 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 637 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
592 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers. 638 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
593 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 639 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
594 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 640 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
641 as to not disturb the other process.
595 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 642 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
596 - Update the "event loop time". 643 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
597 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 644 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
598 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 645 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
599 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 646 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
600 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 647 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
601 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 648 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
602 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 649 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
603 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 650 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
604 - Queue all outstanding timers. 651 - Queue all outstanding timers.
605 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 652 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
606 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 653 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
607 - Queue all check watchers. 654 - Queue all check watchers.
608 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 655 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
609 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 656 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
610 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 657 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
611 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 658 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
616anymore. 663anymore.
617 664
618 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 665 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
619 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..) 666 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
620 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 667 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
621 ... jobs done. yeah! 668 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
622 669
623=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 670=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
624 671
625Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 672Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
626has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 673has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
647respectively). 694respectively).
648 695
649Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 696Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
650running when nothing else is active. 697running when nothing else is active.
651 698
652 struct ev_signal exitsig; 699 struct ev_signal exitsig;
653 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 700 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
654 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 701 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
655 evf_unref (loop); 702 evf_unref (loop);
656 703
657Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 704Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
658 705
659 ev_ref (loop); 706 ev_ref (loop);
660 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 707 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
661 708
662=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 709=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
663 710
664=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 711=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
665 712
666These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting 713These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
667for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to 714for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
668invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency. 715will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
716latency.
669 717
670Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>) 718Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
671allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to 719allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
672increase efficiency of loop iterations. 720to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
721opportunities).
673 722
674The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to 723The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
675handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes 724handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
676the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new 725the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
677events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high 726events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
687to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 736to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
688latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 737latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
689will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce 738will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
690any overhead in libev. 739any overhead in libev.
691 740
692Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect 741Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
693interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for 742interval to a value near C<0.1> or so, which is often enough for
694interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 743interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
695usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>, 744usually doesn't make much sense to set it to a lower value than C<0.01>,
696as this approsaches the timing granularity of most systems. 745as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
746
747Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
748saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
749are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
750times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
751reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
752they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
753
754=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
755
756This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
757compiled in. It tries to go through all internal structures and checks
758them for validity. If anything is found to be inconsistent, it will print
759an error message to standard error and call C<abort ()>.
760
761This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
762circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
763data structures consistent.
697 764
698=back 765=back
699 766
700 767
701=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 768=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
702 769
703A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 770A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
704interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 771interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
705become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 772become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
706 773
707 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 774 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
708 { 775 {
709 ev_io_stop (w); 776 ev_io_stop (w);
710 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 777 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
711 } 778 }
712 779
713 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 780 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
714 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 781 struct ev_io stdin_watcher;
715 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 782 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
716 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 783 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
717 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 784 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
718 ev_loop (loop, 0); 785 ev_loop (loop, 0);
719 786
720As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 787As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
721watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 788watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack,
722although this can sometimes be quite valid). 789although this can sometimes be quite valid).
723 790
724Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 791Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
725(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 792(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
726callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 793callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
727watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 794watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
728is readable and/or writable). 795is readable and/or writable).
729 796
730Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 797Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro
731with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 798with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro
807 874
808The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 875The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
809 876
810=item C<EV_ERROR> 877=item C<EV_ERROR>
811 878
812An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 879An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
813happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 880happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
814ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other 881ran out of memory, a file descriptor was found to be closed or any other
815problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping 882problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping
816with the watcher being stopped. 883with the watcher being stopped.
817 884
818Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 885Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error,
819for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if 886for example it might indicate that a fd is readable or writable, and if
820your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope 887your callbacks is well-written it can just attempt the operation and cope
821with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multithreaded 888with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
822programs, though, so beware. 889programs, though, so beware.
823 890
824=back 891=back
825 892
826=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 893=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
856Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 923Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
857(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 924(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
858 925
859=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 926=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
860 927
861This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 928This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
862calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise 929calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
863a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 930a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
864 931
865=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 932=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
866 933
867Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 934Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
950to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 1017to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
951don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 1018don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
952member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 1019member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
953data: 1020data:
954 1021
955 struct my_io 1022 struct my_io
956 { 1023 {
957 struct ev_io io; 1024 struct ev_io io;
958 int otherfd; 1025 int otherfd;
959 void *somedata; 1026 void *somedata;
960 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 1027 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
961 } 1028 };
1029
1030 ...
1031 struct my_io w;
1032 ev_io_init (&w.io, my_cb, fd, EV_READ);
962 1033
963And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1034And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
964can cast it back to your own type: 1035can cast it back to your own type:
965 1036
966 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1037 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents)
967 { 1038 {
968 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1039 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
969 ... 1040 ...
970 } 1041 }
971 1042
972More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1043More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
973instead have been omitted. 1044instead have been omitted.
974 1045
975Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1046Another common scenario is to use some data structure with multiple
976watchers: 1047embedded watchers:
977 1048
978 struct my_biggy 1049 struct my_biggy
979 { 1050 {
980 int some_data; 1051 int some_data;
981 ev_timer t1; 1052 ev_timer t1;
982 ev_timer t2; 1053 ev_timer t2;
983 } 1054 }
984 1055
985In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated, 1056In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more
986you need to use C<offsetof>: 1057complicated: Either you store the address of your C<my_biggy> struct
1058in the C<data> member of the watcher, or you need to use some pointer
1059arithmetic using C<offsetof> inside your watchers:
987 1060
988 #include <stddef.h> 1061 #include <stddef.h>
989 1062
990 static void 1063 static void
991 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1064 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
992 { 1065 {
993 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1066 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
994 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1067 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
995 } 1068 }
996 1069
997 static void 1070 static void
998 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1071 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
999 { 1072 {
1000 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1073 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
1001 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1074 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1002 } 1075 }
1003 1076
1004 1077
1005=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1078=head1 WATCHER TYPES
1006 1079
1007This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1080This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1036If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend 1109If you must do this, then force the use of a known-to-be-good backend
1037(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and 1110(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
1038C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1111C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
1039 1112
1040Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1113Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1041receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1114receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1042be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1115be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1043because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1116because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1044lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1117lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
1045this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1118this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
1046it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning 1119it is best to always use non-blocking I/O: An extra C<read>(2) returning
1047C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives. 1120C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1048 1121
1049If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1122If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
1050play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1123play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately re-test
1051whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1124whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
1052such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1125such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
1053its own, so its quite safe to use). 1126its own, so its quite safe to use).
1054 1127
1055=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1128=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1096C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1169C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1097 1170
1098=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE 1171=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1099 1172
1100While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about SIGPIPE: 1173While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about SIGPIPE:
1101when reading from a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program 1174when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1102gets send a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most 1175send a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
1103programs this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually 1176this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1104undesirable.
1105 1177
1106So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1178So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1107ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1179ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1108somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1180somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1109 1181
1115=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1187=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1116 1188
1117=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1189=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1118 1190
1119Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1191Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
1120rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1192receive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1121C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1193C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
1122 1194
1123=item int fd [read-only] 1195=item int fd [read-only]
1124 1196
1125The file descriptor being watched. 1197The file descriptor being watched.
1134 1206
1135Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1207Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1136readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1208readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1137attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1209attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1138 1210
1139 static void 1211 static void
1140 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1212 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1141 { 1213 {
1142 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1214 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1143 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1215 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors
1144 } 1216 }
1145 1217
1146 ... 1218 ...
1147 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1219 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1148 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1220 struct ev_io stdin_readable;
1149 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1221 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1150 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1222 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1151 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1223 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1152 1224
1153 1225
1154=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1226=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1155 1227
1156Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1228Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1157given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1229given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1158 1230
1159The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1231The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
1160times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years 1232times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
1161time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1233year, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because
1162detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1234detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1163monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1235monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1236
1237The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only after its timeout has passed,
1238but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
1239order of execution is undefined.
1240
1241=head3 The special problem of time updates
1242
1243Establishing the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1244least two system calls): EV therefore updates its idea of the current
1245time only before and after C<ev_loop> polls for new events, which causes
1246a growing difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()> when handling
1247lots of events.
1164 1248
1165The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1249The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1166time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1250time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1167of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 1251of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1168you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1252you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
1169on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1253timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1170 1254
1171 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1255 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1172 1256
1173The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1257If the event loop is suspended for a long time, you can also force an
1174but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1258update of the time returned by C<ev_now ()> by calling C<ev_now_update
1175order of execution is undefined. 1259()>.
1176 1260
1177=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1261=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1178 1262
1179=over 4 1263=over 4
1180 1264
1181=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1265=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1182 1266
1183=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1267=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1184 1268
1185Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1269Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
1186C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped. If it is positive, then the 1270is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
1187timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1271reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
1188later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1272configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1273until stopped manually.
1189 1274
1190The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 1275The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
1191configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1276you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1192exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1277trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1193the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1278keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1194timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1279do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1195 1280
1196=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *) 1281=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1197 1282
1198This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1283This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1199repeating. The exact semantics are: 1284repeating. The exact semantics are:
1200 1285
1201If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1286If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1202 1287
1203If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1288If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1204 1289
1205If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1290If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1206C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1291C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1207 1292
1208This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1293This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
1209example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1294example: Imagine you have a TCP connection and you want a so-called idle
1210timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60 1295timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1211seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to 1296seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1212configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call 1297configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1213C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1298C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1214you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1299you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1240 1325
1241=head3 Examples 1326=head3 Examples
1242 1327
1243Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1328Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1244 1329
1245 static void 1330 static void
1246 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1331 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1247 { 1332 {
1248 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1333 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1249 } 1334 }
1250 1335
1251 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1336 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1252 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1337 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1253 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1338 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1254 1339
1255Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1340Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1256inactivity. 1341inactivity.
1257 1342
1258 static void 1343 static void
1259 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1344 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1260 { 1345 {
1261 .. ten seconds without any activity 1346 .. ten seconds without any activity
1262 } 1347 }
1263 1348
1264 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1349 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1265 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1350 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1266 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1351 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1267 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1352 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1268 1353
1269 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1354 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1270 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1355 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1271 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1356 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1272 1357
1273 1358
1274=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1359=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1275 1360
1276Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1361Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1277(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1362(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1278 1363
1279Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1364Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
1280but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1365but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
1281to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1366to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
1282periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1367periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now ()
1283+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1368+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system
1369clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year
1284take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1370to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1285roughly 10 seconds later). 1371roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1286 1372
1287They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1373C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
1288triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated, 1374such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1289rules. 1375complicated, rules.
1290 1376
1291As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1377As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1292time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1378time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1293during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1379during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1294 1380
1295=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1381=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1296 1382
1297=over 4 1383=over 4
1305 1391
1306=over 4 1392=over 4
1307 1393
1308=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1394=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1309 1395
1310In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1396In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1311C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1397time C<at> has passed and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time
1312that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1398jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
1313system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1399run when the system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1314 1400
1315=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1401=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1316 1402
1317In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1403In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1318C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 1404C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1319and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1405and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1320 1406
1321This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1407This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
1322time: 1408time, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each hour, on
1409the hour:
1323 1410
1324 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1411 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1325 1412
1326This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1413This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1327but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1414but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1328full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 1415full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1329by 3600. 1416by 3600.
1330 1417
1331Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1418Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1332C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1419C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1333time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1420time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1334 1421
1335For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1422For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1336C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 1423C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1337this value. 1424this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1425
1426Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1427speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1428will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1429millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1338 1430
1339=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1431=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1340 1432
1341In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1433In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1342ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1434ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1343reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1435reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1344current time as second argument. 1436current time as second argument.
1345 1437
1346NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1438NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1347ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1439ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>.
1348return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1349starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1350 1440
1441If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1442it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1443only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1444
1351Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1445The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic
1352ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1446*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1353 1447
1354 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1448 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1355 { 1449 {
1356 return now + 60.; 1450 return now + 60.;
1357 } 1451 }
1359It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1453It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1360(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 1454(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
1361will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 1455will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1362might be called at other times, too. 1456might be called at other times, too.
1363 1457
1364NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the 1458NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
1365passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger. 1459equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1366 1460
1367This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 1461This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
1368triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the 1462triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the
1369next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 1463next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
1370you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 1464you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1371reason I omitted it as an example). 1465reason I omitted it as an example).
1372 1466
1373=back 1467=back
1377Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1471Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1378when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1472when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1379a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1473a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1380program when the crontabs have changed). 1474program when the crontabs have changed).
1381 1475
1476=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1477
1478When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1479trigger next.
1480
1382=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 1481=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1383 1482
1384When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 1483When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1385absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 1484absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1386 1485
1397 1496
1398The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1497The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1399switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1498switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1400the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1499the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1401 1500
1402=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1403
1404When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1405trigger next.
1406
1407=back 1501=back
1408 1502
1409=head3 Examples 1503=head3 Examples
1410 1504
1411Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1505Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1412system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1506system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1413potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1507potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1414 1508
1415 static void 1509 static void
1416 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1510 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1417 { 1511 {
1418 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1512 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1419 } 1513 }
1420 1514
1421 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1515 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1422 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1516 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1423 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1517 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1424 1518
1425Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1519Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1426 1520
1427 #include <math.h> 1521 #include <math.h>
1428 1522
1429 static ev_tstamp 1523 static ev_tstamp
1430 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1524 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1431 { 1525 {
1432 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1526 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1433 } 1527 }
1434 1528
1435 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1529 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1436 1530
1437Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1531Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1438 1532
1439 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1533 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1440 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1534 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1441 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1535 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1442 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1536 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1443 1537
1444 1538
1445=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1539=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1446 1540
1447Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1541Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1455as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1549as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1456watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1550watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1457SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1551SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1458 1552
1459If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 1553If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1460C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so syscalls should not be unduly 1554C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1461interrupted. If you have a problem with syscalls getting interrupted by 1555interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1462signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock 1556signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1463them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 1557them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1464 1558
1465=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1559=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1466 1560
1481 1575
1482=head3 Examples 1576=head3 Examples
1483 1577
1484Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1578Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1485 1579
1486 static void 1580 static void
1487 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1581 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1488 { 1582 {
1489 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1583 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1490 } 1584 }
1491 1585
1492 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1586 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1493 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1587 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1494 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1588 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1495 1589
1496 1590
1497=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1591=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1498 1592
1499Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1593Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1501is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been 1595is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been
1502forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event 1596forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event
1503loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher). 1597loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher).
1504 1598
1505Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 1599Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1506you can only rgeister child watchers in the default event loop. 1600you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1507 1601
1508=head3 Process Interaction 1602=head3 Process Interaction
1509 1603
1510Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 1604Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1511initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 1605initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1512the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurance 1606the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1513of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 1607of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1514synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 1608synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1515children, even ones not watched. 1609children, even ones not watched.
1516 1610
1517=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 1611=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1521handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for 1615handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1522C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the 1616C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1523default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an 1617default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1524event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for 1618event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1525that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely. 1619that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1620
1621=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1622
1623Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1624child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1625callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1626when a child exit is detected.
1526 1627
1527=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1628=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1528 1629
1529=over 4 1630=over 4
1530 1631
1559=head3 Examples 1660=head3 Examples
1560 1661
1561Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for 1662Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1562its completion. 1663its completion.
1563 1664
1564 ev_child cw; 1665 ev_child cw;
1565 1666
1566 static void 1667 static void
1567 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents) 1668 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1568 { 1669 {
1569 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w); 1670 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1570 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus); 1671 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1571 } 1672 }
1572 1673
1573 pid_t pid = fork (); 1674 pid_t pid = fork ();
1574 1675
1575 if (pid < 0) 1676 if (pid < 0)
1576 // error 1677 // error
1577 else if (pid == 0) 1678 else if (pid == 0)
1578 { 1679 {
1579 // the forked child executes here 1680 // the forked child executes here
1580 exit (1); 1681 exit (1);
1581 } 1682 }
1582 else 1683 else
1583 { 1684 {
1584 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0); 1685 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1585 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw); 1686 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1586 } 1687 }
1587 1688
1588 1689
1589=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1690=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1590 1691
1591This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1692This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1592C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 1693C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1593compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 1694compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1594 1695
1595The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1696The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1596not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1697not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1614as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1715as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1615resource-intensive. 1716resource-intensive.
1616 1717
1617At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 1718At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1618implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 1719implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1720reader, note, however, that the author sees no way of implementing ev_stat
1619reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 1721semantics with kqueue). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should
1620semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1722not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev
1621to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are 1723sometimes needs to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify,
1622usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1724but changes are usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there
1623polling. 1725will be no polling.
1624 1726
1625=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support) 1727=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1626 1728
1627Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default 1729Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1628compilation environment, which means that on systems with optionally 1730compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1629disabled large file support, you get the 32 bit version of the stat 1731support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1630structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to 1732structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1631use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to 1733use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1632compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is 1734compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1633obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is 1735obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1634most noticably with ev_stat and largefile support. 1736most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support.
1737
1738The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1739file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1740optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1741to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1742default compilation environment.
1635 1743
1636=head3 Inotify 1744=head3 Inotify
1637 1745
1638When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1746When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1639available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 1747available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1640change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 1748change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1641when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 1749when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1642 1750
1643Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 1751Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1644except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 1752except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1645making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support 1753making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1646there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling. 1754there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.
1647 1755
1648(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 1756(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1649implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 1757implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1650descriptor open on the object at all times). 1758descriptor open on the object at all times).
1651 1759
1652=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 1760=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1653 1761
1654The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and 1762The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1655even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still 1763even on systems where the resolution is higher, many file systems still
1656only support whole seconds. 1764only support whole seconds.
1657 1765
1658That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might 1766That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1659miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls 1767easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1660your callback, which does something. When there is another update within 1768calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1661the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it. 1769within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it as the stat
1770data does not change.
1662 1771
1663The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till 1772The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1664the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer> 1773than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1665(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01> 1774a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1666is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating 1775ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1667systems. 1776
1777The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
1778of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
1779might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
1780C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
1781a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
1782update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
1783the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
1784the timer callback).
1668 1785
1669=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1786=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1670 1787
1671=over 4 1788=over 4
1672 1789
1678C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 1795C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1679be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose 1796be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1680a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same 1797a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1681path for as long as the watcher is active. 1798path for as long as the watcher is active.
1682 1799
1683The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 1800The callback will receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, relative
1684relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 1801to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the last change
1685last change was detected). 1802was detected).
1686 1803
1687=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *) 1804=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1688 1805
1689Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 1806Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1690watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 1807watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1691detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 1808detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1692useful simply to find out the new values. 1809the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
1810new values.
1693 1811
1694=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 1812=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1695 1813
1696The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 1814The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1697C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types 1815C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1698suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there 1816suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
1817members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1699was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 1818some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1700 1819
1701=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 1820=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1702 1821
1703The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 1822The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1704C<prev> != C<attr>. 1823C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
1824differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
1825C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1705 1826
1706=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 1827=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1707 1828
1708The specified interval. 1829The specified interval.
1709 1830
1710=item const char *path [read-only] 1831=item const char *path [read-only]
1711 1832
1712The filesystem path that is being watched. 1833The file system path that is being watched.
1713 1834
1714=back 1835=back
1715 1836
1716=head3 Examples 1837=head3 Examples
1717 1838
1718Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1839Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1719 1840
1720 static void 1841 static void
1721 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1842 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1722 { 1843 {
1723 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 1844 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1724 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 1845 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1725 { 1846 {
1726 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 1847 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1727 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1848 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1728 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1849 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1729 } 1850 }
1730 else 1851 else
1731 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 1852 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1732 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 1853 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1733 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 1854 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1734 } 1855 }
1735 1856
1736 ... 1857 ...
1737 ev_stat passwd; 1858 ev_stat passwd;
1738 1859
1739 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1860 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1740 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1861 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1741 1862
1742Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not 1863Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1743miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so 1864miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1744one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on 1865one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1745C<ev_timer> callback invocation). 1866C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1746 1867
1747 static ev_stat passwd; 1868 static ev_stat passwd;
1748 static ev_timer timer; 1869 static ev_timer timer;
1749 1870
1750 static void 1871 static void
1751 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1872 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1752 { 1873 {
1753 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w); 1874 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1754 1875
1755 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */ 1876 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1756 } 1877 }
1757 1878
1758 static void 1879 static void
1759 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents) 1880 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1760 { 1881 {
1761 /* reset the one-second timer */ 1882 /* reset the one-second timer */
1762 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer); 1883 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1763 } 1884 }
1764 1885
1765 ... 1886 ...
1766 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1887 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1767 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1888 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1768 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01); 1889 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1769 1890
1770 1891
1771=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1892=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1772 1893
1773Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 1894Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1804=head3 Examples 1925=head3 Examples
1805 1926
1806Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 1927Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1807callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1928callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1808 1929
1809 static void 1930 static void
1810 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1931 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1811 { 1932 {
1812 free (w); 1933 free (w);
1813 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1934 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1814 // no longer anything immediate to do. 1935 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1815 } 1936 }
1816 1937
1817 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1938 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1818 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1939 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1819 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1940 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1820 1941
1821 1942
1822=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 1943=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1823 1944
1824Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 1945Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:
1843 1964
1844This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 1965This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need
1845to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 1966to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for
1846them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 1967them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
1847provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 1968provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
1848any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 1969any events that occurred (by checking the pending status of all watchers
1849and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 1970and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer
1850callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 1971callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless,
1851because you never know, you know?). 1972because you never know, you know?).
1852 1973
1853As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 1974As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1861 1982
1862It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 1983It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1863priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 1984priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1864after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 1985after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1865too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 1986too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1866supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers 1987supports this, they might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers
1867did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other 1988did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1868(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable 1989(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1869state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to 1990state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1870coexist peacefully with others). 1991coexist peacefully with others).
1871 1992
1886=head3 Examples 2007=head3 Examples
1887 2008
1888There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules 2009There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1889into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev 2010into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1890(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could 2011(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1891use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> 2012use as a working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> embeds a
1892embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV 2013Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1893into the Glib event loop). 2014Glib event loop).
1894 2015
1895Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, 2016Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1896and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows 2017and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1897is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low 2018is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1898priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as 2019priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1899the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet. 2020the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1900 2021
1901 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 2022 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1902 static ev_timer tw; 2023 static ev_timer tw;
1903 2024
1904 static void 2025 static void
1905 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 2026 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1906 { 2027 {
1907 } 2028 }
1908 2029
1909 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 2030 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1910 static void 2031 static void
1911 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 2032 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1912 { 2033 {
1913 int timeout = 3600000; 2034 int timeout = 3600000;
1914 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 2035 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1915 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 2036 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1916 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 2037 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1917 2038
1918 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 2039 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1919 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2040 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1920 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2041 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1921 2042
1922 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2043 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1923 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2044 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1924 { 2045 {
1925 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 2046 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1926 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 2047 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1927 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 2048 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1928 2049
1929 fds [i].revents = 0; 2050 fds [i].revents = 0;
1930 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 2051 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1931 } 2052 }
1932 } 2053 }
1933 2054
1934 // stop all watchers after blocking 2055 // stop all watchers after blocking
1935 static void 2056 static void
1936 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2057 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1937 { 2058 {
1938 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2059 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1939 2060
1940 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2061 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1941 { 2062 {
1942 // set the relevant poll flags 2063 // set the relevant poll flags
1943 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 2064 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1944 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 2065 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1945 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 2066 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1946 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 2067 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1947 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 2068 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1948 2069
1949 // now stop the watcher 2070 // now stop the watcher
1950 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2071 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1951 } 2072 }
1952 2073
1953 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2074 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1954 } 2075 }
1955 2076
1956Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll> 2077Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1957in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher. 2078in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1958 2079
1959Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2080Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1960notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2081notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1961callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2082callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1962 2083
1963 static void 2084 static void
1964 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2085 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1965 { 2086 {
1966 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2087 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1967 update_now (EV_A); 2088 update_now (EV_A);
1968 2089
1969 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2090 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1970 } 2091 }
1971 2092
1972 static void 2093 static void
1973 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2094 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1974 { 2095 {
1975 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2096 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1976 update_now (EV_A); 2097 update_now (EV_A);
1977 2098
1978 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2099 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1979 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2100 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1980 } 2101 }
1981 2102
1982 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2103 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1983 2104
1984Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2105Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1985want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override 2106want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, you can override
1986their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2107their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1987loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does 2108loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1988this. 2109this.
1989 2110
1990 static gint 2111 static gint
1991 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2112 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1992 { 2113 {
1993 int got_events = 0; 2114 int got_events = 0;
1994 2115
1995 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2116 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1996 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events 2117 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1997 2118
1998 if (timeout >= 0) 2119 if (timeout >= 0)
1999 // create/start timer 2120 // create/start timer
2000 2121
2001 // poll 2122 // poll
2002 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2123 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2003 2124
2004 // stop timer again 2125 // stop timer again
2005 if (timeout >= 0) 2126 if (timeout >= 0)
2006 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2127 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2007 2128
2008 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2129 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
2009 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2130 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2010 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2131 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
2011 2132
2012 return got_events; 2133 return got_events;
2013 } 2134 }
2014 2135
2015 2136
2016=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2137=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
2017 2138
2018This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2139This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
2074 2195
2075Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2196Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
2076embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2197embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
2077invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2198invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
2078to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2199to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
2079if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2200if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2080 2201
2081=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2202=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2082 2203
2083Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2204Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2084similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2205similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
2085apropriate way for embedded loops. 2206appropriate way for embedded loops.
2086 2207
2087=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2208=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2088 2209
2089The embedded event loop. 2210The embedded event loop.
2090 2211
2092 2213
2093=head3 Examples 2214=head3 Examples
2094 2215
2095Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default 2216Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
2096event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default 2217event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
2097loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in 2218loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
2098C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be 2219C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2099used). 2220used).
2100 2221
2101 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2222 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2102 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2223 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2103 struct ev_embed embed; 2224 struct ev_embed embed;
2104 2225
2105 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2226 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2106 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2227 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2107 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2228 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2108 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2229 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2109 : 0; 2230 : 0;
2110 2231
2111 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi 2232 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
2112 if (loop_lo) 2233 if (loop_lo)
2113 { 2234 {
2114 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 2235 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2115 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2236 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2116 } 2237 }
2117 else 2238 else
2118 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2239 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2119 2240
2120Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create 2241Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2121a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any 2242a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2122kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2243kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2123C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2244C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2124 2245
2125 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2246 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2126 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2247 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2127 struct ev_embed embed; 2248 struct ev_embed embed;
2128 2249
2129 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2250 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2130 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2251 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2131 { 2252 {
2132 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2253 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2133 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 2254 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2134 } 2255 }
2135 2256
2136 if (!loop_socket) 2257 if (!loop_socket)
2137 loop_socket = loop; 2258 loop_socket = loop;
2138 2259
2139 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else 2260 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2140 2261
2141 2262
2142=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2263=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2143 2264
2144Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2265Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2197 2318
2198=item queueing from a signal handler context 2319=item queueing from a signal handler context
2199 2320
2200To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal 2321To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2201handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for 2322handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for
2202some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler: 2323some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2203 2324
2204 static ev_async mysig; 2325 static ev_async mysig;
2205 2326
2206 static void 2327 static void
2207 sigusr1_handler (void) 2328 sigusr1_handler (void)
2281=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 2402=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2282 2403
2283Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 2404Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2284an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 2405an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2285C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or 2406C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or
2286similar contexts (see the dicusssion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 2407similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2287section below on what exactly this means). 2408section below on what exactly this means).
2288 2409
2289This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration, 2410This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration,
2290so while the overhead might be noticable, it doesn't apply to repeated 2411so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2291calls to C<ev_async_send>. 2412calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2292 2413
2293=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 2414=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2294 2415
2295Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 2416Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2297event loop. 2418event loop.
2298 2419
2299C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When 2420C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2300the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active, 2421the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2301it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very 2422it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2302quickly check wether invoking the loop might be a good idea. 2423quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2303 2424
2304Not that this does I<not> check wether the watcher itself is pending, only 2425Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2305wether it has been requested to make this watcher pending. 2426whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
2306 2427
2307=back 2428=back
2308 2429
2309 2430
2310=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2431=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2321or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2442or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2322more watchers yourself. 2443more watchers yourself.
2323 2444
2324If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2445If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events
2325is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2446is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and
2326C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2447C<events> set will be created and started.
2327 2448
2328If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2449If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2329started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2450started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2330repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2451repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of
2331dubious value. 2452dubious value.
2333The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2454The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
2334passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2455passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2335C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2456C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2336value passed to C<ev_once>: 2457value passed to C<ev_once>:
2337 2458
2338 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2459 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2339 { 2460 {
2340 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 2461 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2341 /* doh, nothing entered */; 2462 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2342 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2463 else if (revents & EV_READ)
2343 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2464 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2344 } 2465 }
2345 2466
2346 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2467 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2347 2468
2348=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2469=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2349 2470
2350Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2471Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2351had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2472had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2356Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2477Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2357the given events it. 2478the given events it.
2358 2479
2359=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2480=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2360 2481
2361Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2482Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2362loop!). 2483loop!).
2363 2484
2364=back 2485=back
2365 2486
2366 2487
2382 2503
2383=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 2504=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2384will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 2505will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
2385is an ev_pri field. 2506is an ev_pri field.
2386 2507
2508=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2509first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
2510
2387=item * Other members are not supported. 2511=item * Other members are not supported.
2388 2512
2389=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 2513=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
2390to use the libev header file and library. 2514to use the libev header file and library.
2391 2515
2392=back 2516=back
2393 2517
2394=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2518=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2395 2519
2396Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2520Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2397you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 2521you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2398the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2522the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2399 2523
2400To use it, 2524To use it,
2401 2525
2402 #include <ev++.h> 2526 #include <ev++.h>
2403 2527
2404This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 2528This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2405of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 2529of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2406put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 2530put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2407options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2531options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
2474your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the 2598your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2475thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 2599thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2476 2600
2477Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 2601Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2478 2602
2479 struct myclass 2603 struct myclass
2480 { 2604 {
2481 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2605 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2482 } 2606 }
2483 2607
2484 myclass obj; 2608 myclass obj;
2485 ev::io iow; 2609 ev::io iow;
2486 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 2610 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2487 2611
2488=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 2612=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2489 2613
2490Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 2614Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2491callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 2615callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2495 2619
2496See the method-C<set> above for more details. 2620See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2497 2621
2498Example: 2622Example:
2499 2623
2500 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2624 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2501 iow.set <io_cb> (); 2625 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2502 2626
2503=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2627=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2504 2628
2505Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2629Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2506do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2630do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2507 2631
2508=item w->set ([args]) 2632=item w->set ([arguments])
2509 2633
2510Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2634Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
2511called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2635called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2512automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 2636automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2513method. 2637method.
2514 2638
2515=item w->start () 2639=item w->start ()
2539=back 2663=back
2540 2664
2541Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2665Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2542the constructor. 2666the constructor.
2543 2667
2544 class myclass 2668 class myclass
2545 { 2669 {
2546 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2670 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2547 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2671 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2548 2672
2549 myclass (int fd) 2673 myclass (int fd)
2550 { 2674 {
2551 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2675 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2552 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2676 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2553 2677
2554 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2678 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2555 } 2679 }
2556 }; 2680 };
2557 2681
2558 2682
2559=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 2683=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2560 2684
2561Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a 2685Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
2562numbe rof languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know 2686number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2563any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop 2687any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2564me a note. 2688me a note.
2565 2689
2566=over 4 2690=over 4
2567 2691
2571libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module, 2695libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2572there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces 2696there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2573to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the 2697to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the
2574C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>). 2698C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>).
2575 2699
2576It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is found at 2700It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2577L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>. 2701L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2578 2702
2703=item Python
2704
2705Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2706seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the
2707patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2708for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2709libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2710libev).
2711
2579=item Ruby 2712=item Ruby
2580 2713
2581Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset 2714Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2582of the libev API and adds filehandle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and 2715of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2583more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at 2716more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2584L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>. 2717L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2585 2718
2586=item D 2719=item D
2587 2720
2588Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 2721Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2589be found at L<http://git.llucax.com.ar/?p=software/ev.d.git;a=summary>. 2722be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2590 2723
2591=back 2724=back
2592 2725
2593 2726
2594=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2727=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2595 2728
2596Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 2729Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2597of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 2730of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2598functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2731functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2599 2732
2600To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2733To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2601following macros are defined: 2734following macros are defined:
2606 2739
2607This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2740This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2608loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 2741loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2609C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 2742C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2610 2743
2611 ev_unref (EV_A); 2744 ev_unref (EV_A);
2612 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 2745 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2613 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2746 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2614 2747
2615It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 2748It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2616which is often provided by the following macro. 2749which is often provided by the following macro.
2617 2750
2618=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 2751=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2619 2752
2620This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2753This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2621loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter, 2754loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2622C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example: 2755C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2623 2756
2624 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 2757 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2625 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 2758 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2626 2759
2627 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 2760 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2628 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2761 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2629 2762
2630It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 2763It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2631suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 2764suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2632 2765
2633=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 2766=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2634 2767
2635Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2768Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2636loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2769loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
2770
2771=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
2772
2773Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
2774default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
2775is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
2776execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
2777
2778It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
2779watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2637 2780
2638=back 2781=back
2639 2782
2640Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 2783Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2641macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 2784macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2642or not. 2785or not.
2643 2786
2644 static void 2787 static void
2645 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2788 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2646 { 2789 {
2647 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2790 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2648 } 2791 }
2649 2792
2650 ev_check check; 2793 ev_check check;
2651 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2794 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2652 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2795 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2653 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2796 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2654 2797
2655=head1 EMBEDDING 2798=head1 EMBEDDING
2656 2799
2657Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2800Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2658applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2801applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2665libev somewhere in your source tree). 2808libev somewhere in your source tree).
2666 2809
2667=head2 FILESETS 2810=head2 FILESETS
2668 2811
2669Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 2812Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2670in your app. 2813in your application.
2671 2814
2672=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 2815=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2673 2816
2674To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 2817To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2675configuration (no autoconf): 2818configuration (no autoconf):
2676 2819
2677 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2820 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2678 #include "ev.c" 2821 #include "ev.c"
2679 2822
2680This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 2823This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
2681single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use 2824single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
2682it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best 2825it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
2683done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and 2826done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2684where you can put other configuration options): 2827where you can put other configuration options):
2685 2828
2686 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2829 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2687 #include "ev.h" 2830 #include "ev.h"
2688 2831
2689Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 2832Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2690compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 2833compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2691as a bug). 2834as a bug).
2692 2835
2693You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 2836You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2694in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 2837in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2695 2838
2696 ev.h 2839 ev.h
2697 ev.c 2840 ev.c
2698 ev_vars.h 2841 ev_vars.h
2699 ev_wrap.h 2842 ev_wrap.h
2700 2843
2701 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2844 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2702 2845
2703 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 2846 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
2704 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2847 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2705 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2848 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2706 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2849 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2707 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2850 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2708 2851
2709F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 2852F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2710to compile this single file. 2853to compile this single file.
2711 2854
2712=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 2855=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2713 2856
2714To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 2857To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2715 2858
2716 #include "event.c" 2859 #include "event.c"
2717 2860
2718in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 2861in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2719 2862
2720 #include "event.h" 2863 #include "event.h"
2721 2864
2722in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 2865in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2723 2866
2724You need the following additional files for this: 2867You need the following additional files for this:
2725 2868
2726 event.h 2869 event.h
2727 event.c 2870 event.c
2728 2871
2729=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 2872=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2730 2873
2731Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 2874Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
2732whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 2875whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2733F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then 2876F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2734include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 2877include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2735 2878
2736For this of course you need the m4 file: 2879For this of course you need the m4 file:
2737 2880
2738 libev.m4 2881 libev.m4
2739 2882
2740=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 2883=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2741 2884
2742Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to define 2885Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2743before including any of its files. The default is not to build for multiplicity 2886define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2744and only include the select backend. 2887autoconf is noted for every option.
2745 2888
2746=over 4 2889=over 4
2747 2890
2748=item EV_STANDALONE 2891=item EV_STANDALONE
2749 2892
2754F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 2897F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2755 2898
2756=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 2899=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2757 2900
2758If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2901If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2759monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2902monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
2760of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2903of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2761usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2904usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2762the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 2905the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2763to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2906to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2764function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2907function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2765 2908
2766=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2909=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2767 2910
2768If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2911If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2769realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2912real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
2770runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2913runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
2771be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2914be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2772(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 2915(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2773note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2916note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2774 2917
2775=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 2918=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
2776 2919
2777If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available 2920If defined to be C<1>, libev will assume that C<nanosleep ()> is available
2778and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>. 2921and will use it for delays. Otherwise it will use C<select ()>.
2779 2922
2923=item EV_USE_EVENTFD
2924
2925If defined to be C<1>, then libev will assume that C<eventfd ()> is
2926available and will probe for kernel support at runtime. This will improve
2927C<ev_signal> and C<ev_async> performance and reduce resource consumption.
2928If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc
29292.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2930
2780=item EV_USE_SELECT 2931=item EV_USE_SELECT
2781 2932
2782If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2933If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2783C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2934C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
2784other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 2935other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2785will not be compiled in. 2936will not be compiled in.
2786 2937
2787=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 2938=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2788 2939
2789If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 2940If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2790structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 2941structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2791C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 2942C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on
2792exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 2943exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2793low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 2944low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2794allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 2945allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2795influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 2946influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2796 2947
2820 2971
2821=item EV_USE_EPOLL 2972=item EV_USE_EPOLL
2822 2973
2823If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux 2974If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux
2824C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime, 2975C<epoll>(7) backend. Its availability will be detected at runtime,
2825otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the 2976otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2826preferred backend for GNU/Linux systems. 2977backend for GNU/Linux systems. If undefined, it will be enabled if the
2978headers indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2827 2979
2828=item EV_USE_KQUEUE 2980=item EV_USE_KQUEUE
2829 2981
2830If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style 2982If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the BSD style
2831C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime, 2983C<kqueue>(2) backend. Its actual availability will be detected at runtime,
2844otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 2996otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2845backend for Solaris 10 systems. 2997backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2846 2998
2847=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2999=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2848 3000
2849reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 3001Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2850 3002
2851=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 3003=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2852 3004
2853If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 3005If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2854interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 3006interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2855be detected at runtime. 3007be detected at runtime. If undefined, it will be enabled if the headers
3008indicate GNU/Linux + Glibc 2.4 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2856 3009
2857=item EV_ATOMIC_T 3010=item EV_ATOMIC_T
2858 3011
2859Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose 3012Libev requires an integer type (suitable for storing C<0> or C<1>) whose
2860access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 3013access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
2861type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type 3014type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
2862that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking" 3015that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
2863as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 3016as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2864 3017
2865In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 3018In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
2866(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 3019(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2867 3020
2868=item EV_H 3021=item EV_H
2869 3022
2870The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 3023The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2909When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 3062When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2910all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3063all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2911and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually 3064and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2912fine. 3065fine.
2913 3066
2914If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3067If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2915C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 3068C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2916 3069
2917=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3070=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2918 3071
2919If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3072If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2920defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3073defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2947defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3100defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2948 3101
2949=item EV_MINIMAL 3102=item EV_MINIMAL
2950 3103
2951If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3104If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2952speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 3105speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2953some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 3106inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3107much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2954 3108
2955=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3109=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2956 3110
2957C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3111C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2958pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 3112pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2965inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 3119inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2966usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 3120usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2967watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 3121watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2968two). 3122two).
2969 3123
3124=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3125
3126Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3127timer and periodics heap, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3128to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has
3129noticeably faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3130
3131The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3132(disabled).
3133
3134=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3135
3136Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3137timer and periodics heap, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3138the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3139which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3140but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3141noticeably with with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3142
3143The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3144(disabled).
3145
3146=item EV_VERIFY
3147
3148Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3149be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3150in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3151called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3152called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3153verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3154libev considerably.
3155
3156The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3157C<0.>
3158
2970=item EV_COMMON 3159=item EV_COMMON
2971 3160
2972By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3161By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2973this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 3162this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2974members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 3163members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2975though, and it must be identical each time. 3164though, and it must be identical each time.
2976 3165
2977For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3166For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2978 3167
2979 #define EV_COMMON \ 3168 #define EV_COMMON \
2980 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3169 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2981 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3170 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2982 3171
2983=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3172=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2984 3173
2985=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3174=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2986 3175
2993avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3182avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
2994method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3183method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
2995 3184
2996=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3185=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
2997 3186
2998If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of 3187If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
2999exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list 3188exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
3000all public symbols, one per line: 3189all public symbols, one per line:
3001 3190
3002 Symbols.ev for libev proper 3191 Symbols.ev for libev proper
3003 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation 3192 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
3004 3193
3005This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with 3194This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
3006multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in 3195multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
3007itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this). 3196itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
3008 3197
3009A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to 3198A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
3010include before including F<ev.h>: 3199include before including F<ev.h>:
3011 3200
3012 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h 3201 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
3029file. 3218file.
3030 3219
3031The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3220The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
3032that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 3221that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3033 3222
3034 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 3223 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
3035 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3224 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
3036 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3225 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
3037 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 3226 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
3038 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 3227 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
3039 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 3228 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
3040 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3229 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3041 #define EV_MINPRI 0 3230 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3042 #define EV_MAXPRI 0 3231 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
3043 3232
3044 #include "ev++.h" 3233 #include "ev++.h"
3045 3234
3046And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3235And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3047 3236
3048 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3237 #include "ev_cpp.h"
3049 #include "ev.c" 3238 #include "ev.c"
3239
3240
3241=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3242
3243=head2 THREADS
3244
3245Libev itself is thread-safe (unless the opposite is specifically
3246documented for a function), but it uses no locking itself. This means that
3247you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as only one
3248thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop parameter:
3249libev guarentees that different event loops share no data structures that
3250need locking.
3251
3252Or to put it differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done
3253concurrently from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter
3254must be done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as
3255only one thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using
3256a mutex per loop).
3257
3258Specifically to support threads (and signal handlers), libev implements
3259so-called C<ev_async> watchers, which allow some limited form of
3260concurrency on the same event loop.
3261
3262If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3263without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3264help you. I can give some generic advice however:
3265
3266=over 4
3267
3268=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3269in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
3270
3271This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3272themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3273
3274=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3275
3276Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3277exists, but it is always a good start.
3278
3279=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3280loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
3281
3282Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3283better than you currently do :-)
3284
3285=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3286event loop - C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other
3287threads safely (or from signal contexts...).
3288
3289=item * some watcher types are only supported in the default loop - use
3290C<ev_async> watchers to tell your other loops about any such events.
3291
3292=back
3293
3294=head2 COROUTINES
3295
3296Libev is much more accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3297libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different
3298coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3299different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3300loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3301you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3302
3303Care has been invested into making sure that libev does not keep local
3304state inside C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow coroutine
3305switches.
3050 3306
3051 3307
3052=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3308=head1 COMPLEXITIES
3053 3309
3054In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3310In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
3086correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3342correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
3087have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal). 3343have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
3088 3344
3089=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1) 3345=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3090 3346
3091By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the 3347By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
3092beginning of the storage array. 3348fixed position in the storage array.
3093 3349
3094=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 3350=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3095 3351
3096A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires 3352A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
3097libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending 3353libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3098on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used). 3354on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3099 3355
3100=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1) 3356=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3101 3357
3102=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities) 3358=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3103 3359
3110 3366
3111=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers) 3367=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3112 3368
3113=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number) 3369=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3114 3370
3115Sending involves a syscall I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send> 3371Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3116calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events 3372calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3117involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 3373involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3118 3374
3119=back 3375=back
3120 3376
3121 3377
3122=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds 3378=head1 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
3123 3379
3124Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 3380Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3125requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3381requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3126model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3382model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3127the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3383the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3128descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 3384descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3129e.g. cygwin. 3385e.g. cygwin.
3130 3386
3387Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3388re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
3389things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
3390way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3391
3131There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 3392There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3132embedding it into other applications. 3393embedding it into other applications.
3133 3394
3395Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3396accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3397either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3398so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3399megabyte seems safe, but thsi apparently depends on the amount of memory
3400available).
3401
3134Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the 3402Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
3135abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not 3403the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3136recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than 3404is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3137a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different 3405more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3138implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot 3406different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3139be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games). 3407notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3408(Microsoft monopoly games).
3409
3410A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3411section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3412of F<ev.h>:
3413
3414 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
3415 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3416
3417 #include "ev.h"
3418
3419And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3420you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded soruce files!):
3421
3422 #include "evwrap.h"
3423 #include "ev.c"
3140 3424
3141=over 4 3425=over 4
3142 3426
3143=item The winsocket select function 3427=item The winsocket select function
3144 3428
3145The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires 3429The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3146socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select 3430requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3147very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors 3431also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3148to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, 3432requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3149C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor 3433C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
3150symbols for more info. 3434discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3435C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
3151 3436
3152The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime 3437The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
3153libraries and raw winsocket select is: 3438libraries and raw winsocket select is:
3154 3439
3155 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1 3440 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3156 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 3441 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3157 3442
3158Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 3443Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3159complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 3444complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3160 3445
3161=item Limited number of file descriptors 3446=item Limited number of file descriptors
3162 3447
3163Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions 3448Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3164of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles 3449
3450Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3165(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for 3451of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3166C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a 3452can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3167chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each). 3453recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3454previous thread in each. Great).
3168 3455
3169Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 3456Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3170to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select 3457to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3171call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own 3458call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3172select emulation on windows). 3459select emulation on windows).
3173 3460
3174Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime 3461Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3175libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish 3462libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
3176or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling 3463or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3177C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 3464C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3178arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime 3465arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
3179libraries. 3466libraries.
3180 3467
3181This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 3468This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
3182windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to 3469windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
3183wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 3470wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3184calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 3471calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3185 3472
3186=back 3473=back
3187 3474
3188 3475
3476=head1 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3477
3478In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few
3479additional extensions:
3480
3481=over 4
3482
3483=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3484calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3485
3486Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3487structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3488assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3489callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3490calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3491
3492=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3493
3494The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3495C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different
3496threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3497believed to be sufficiently portable.
3498
3499=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3500
3501Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
3502allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
3503pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
3504thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
3505be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
3506C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
3507
3508The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
3509except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3510well.
3511
3512=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3513
3514To improve portability and simplify using libev, libev uses C<long>
3515internally instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On
3516non-POSIX systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but
3517is still at least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of
3518millions of watchers.
3519
3520=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3521
3522The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3523have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3524enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
3525implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
3526
3527=back
3528
3529If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3530
3531
3532=head1 COMPILER WARNINGS
3533
3534Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3535lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3536scared by this.
3537
3538However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3539has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3540warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3541targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3542
3543Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3544workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3545maintainable.
3546
3547And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3548wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3549seems to warn about).
3550
3551While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3552"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3553with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3554them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3555warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3556
3557
3558=head1 VALGRIND
3559
3560Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3561highly useful, but valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3562
3563If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3564in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3565
3566 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3567 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3568 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3569
3570Then there is no memory leak. Similarly, under some circumstances,
3571valgrind might report kernel bugs as if it were a bug in libev, or it
3572might be confused (it is a very good tool, but only a tool).
3573
3574If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3575with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this is
3576a bug in libev. However, don't be annoyed when you get a brisk "this is
3577no bug" answer and take the chance of learning how to interpret valgrind
3578properly.
3579
3580If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3581I suggest using suppression lists.
3582
3583
3189=head1 AUTHOR 3584=head1 AUTHOR
3190 3585
3191Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3586Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
3192 3587

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