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Revision 1.142 by root, Sun Apr 6 09:53:18 2008 UTC vs.
Revision 1.173 by root, Thu Aug 7 19:24:56 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.
346 363
347=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows) 364=item C<EVBACKEND_POLL> (value 2, poll backend, available everywhere except on windows)
348 365
349And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated 366And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
350than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial 367than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
358For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select, 375For few fds, this backend is a bit little slower than poll and select,
359but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 376but 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), 377like 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 378epoll 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 379of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
363cases and requiring a syscall per fd change, no fork support and bad 380cases and requiring a system call per fd change, no fork support and bad
364support for dup. 381support for dup.
365 382
366While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration 383While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher in the same iteration
367will result in some caching, there is still a syscall per such incident 384will result in some caching, there is still a system call per such incident
368(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its 385(because the fd could point to a different file description now), so its
369best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work 386best to avoid that. Also, C<dup ()>'ed file descriptors might not work
370very well if you register events for both fds. 387very well if you register events for both fds.
371 388
372Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 389Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
375 392
376Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 393Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
377watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e. 394watchers for a file descriptor until it has been closed, if possible, i.e.
378keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. 395keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.
379 396
380While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in 397While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
381all kernel versions tested so far. 398all kernel versions tested so far.
382 399
383=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 400=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
384 401
385Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 402Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
386was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably 403was broken on all BSDs except NetBSD (usually it doesn't work reliably
387with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 404with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
388it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected" 405it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected"
389unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 406unless 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) 407C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE>) or libev was compiled on a known-to-be-good (-enough)
391system like NetBSD. 408system like NetBSD.
392 409
393You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it 410You still can embed kqueue into a normal poll or select backend and use it
395the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 412the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
396 413
397It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the 414It scales in the same way as the epoll backend, but the interface to the
398kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 415kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
399course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 416course). 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 417cause 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 418two event changes per incident, support for C<fork ()> is very bad and it
402drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 419drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
403 420
404This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 421This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
405 422
420=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 437=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
421 438
422This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris, 439This uses the Solaris 10 event port mechanism. As with everything on Solaris,
423it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)). 440it's really slow, but it still scales very well (O(active_fds)).
424 441
425Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious 442Please 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 443notifications, so you need to use non-blocking I/O or other means to avoid
427blocking when no data (or space) is available. 444blocking when no data (or space) is available.
428 445
429While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 446While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
430file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 447file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
431descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 448descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
432might perform better. 449might perform better.
433 450
434On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this 451On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readiness notifications, this
435backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully 452backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully
436embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends. 453embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends.
437 454
438=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 455=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
439 456
443 460
444It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 461It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
445 462
446=back 463=back
447 464
448If one or more of these are ored into the flags value, then only these 465If one or more of these are or'ed into the flags value, then only these
449backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are 466backends will be tried (in the reverse order as listed here). If none are
450specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 467specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
451 468
452The most typical usage is like this: 469The most typical usage is like this:
453 470
454 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 471 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
455 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 472 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
456 473
457Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 474Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
458environment settings to be taken into account: 475environment settings to be taken into account:
459 476
460 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 477 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
461 478
462Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if 479Use whatever libev has to offer, but make sure that kqueue is used if
463available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 480available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private
464event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds): 481event loop and only if you know the OS supports your types of fds):
465 482
466 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 483 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
467 484
468=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 485=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
469 486
470Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is 487Similar to C<ev_default_loop>, but always creates a new event loop that is
471always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 488always 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 493libev with threads is indeed to create one loop per thread, and using the
477default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread. 494default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
478 495
479Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else. 496Example: Try to create a event loop that uses epoll and nothing else.
480 497
481 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 498 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
482 if (!epoller) 499 if (!epoller)
483 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 500 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
484 501
485=item ev_default_destroy () 502=item ev_default_destroy ()
486 503
487Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 504Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
488etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal 505etc.). None of the active event watchers will be stopped in the normal
489sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your 506sense, so e.g. C<ev_is_active> might still return true. It is your
490responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 507responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
491calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 508calling 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 509the easiest thing, you can just ignore the watchers and/or C<free ()> them
493for example). 510for example).
494 511
495Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by 512Note that certain global state, such as signal state, will not be freed by
576A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle 593A flags value of C<EVLOOP_NONBLOCK> will look for new events, will handle
577those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in 594those events and any outstanding ones, but will not block your process in
578case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop. 595case there are no events and will return after one iteration of the loop.
579 596
580A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if 597A flags value of C<EVLOOP_ONESHOT> will look for new events (waiting if
581neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 598necessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block
582your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after 599your process until at least one new event arrives, and will return after
583one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some 600one iteration of the loop. This is useful if you are waiting for some
584external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 601external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other
585libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is 602libev watchers. However, a pair of C<ev_prepare>/C<ev_check> watchers is
586usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 603usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
587 604
588Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 605Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
589 606
590 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 607 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
591 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 608 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
592 - If a fork was detected, queue and call all fork watchers. 609 - If a fork was detected (by any means), queue and call all fork watchers.
593 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 610 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
594 - If we have been forked, recreate the kernel state. 611 - If we have been forked, detach and recreate the kernel state
612 as to not disturb the other process.
595 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 613 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
596 - Update the "event loop time". 614 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
597 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 615 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
598 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 616 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
599 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 617 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
600 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 618 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
601 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 619 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
602 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 620 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
603 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 621 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
604 - Queue all outstanding timers. 622 - Queue all outstanding timers.
605 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 623 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
606 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 624 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
607 - Queue all check watchers. 625 - Queue all check watchers.
608 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first). 626 - Call all queued watchers in reverse order (i.e. check watchers first).
609 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will 627 Signals and child watchers are implemented as I/O watchers, and will
610 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 628 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
611 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK 629 - If ev_unloop has been called, or EVLOOP_ONESHOT or EVLOOP_NONBLOCK
616anymore. 634anymore.
617 635
618 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 636 ... 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..) 637 ... as they still have work to do (even an idle watcher will do..)
620 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 638 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
621 ... jobs done. yeah! 639 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
622 640
623=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 641=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
624 642
625Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it 643Can be used to make a call to C<ev_loop> return early (but only after it
626has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 644has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
647respectively). 665respectively).
648 666
649Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop> 667Example: Create a signal watcher, but keep it from keeping C<ev_loop>
650running when nothing else is active. 668running when nothing else is active.
651 669
652 struct ev_signal exitsig; 670 struct ev_signal exitsig;
653 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 671 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
654 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 672 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
655 evf_unref (loop); 673 evf_unref (loop);
656 674
657Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 675Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
658 676
659 ev_ref (loop); 677 ev_ref (loop);
660 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 678 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
661 679
662=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 680=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
663 681
664=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 682=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
665 683
666These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting 684These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
667for events. Both are by default C<0>, meaning that libev will try to 685for events. Both time intervals are by default C<0>, meaning that libev
668invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency. 686will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
687latency.
669 688
670Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>) 689Setting these to a higher value (the C<interval> I<must> be >= C<0>)
671allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to 690allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
672increase efficiency of loop iterations. 691to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
692opportunities).
673 693
674The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to 694The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
675handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes 695handle one (or very few) event(s) per loop iteration. While this makes
676the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new 696the program responsive, it also wastes a lot of CPU time to poll for new
677events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high 697events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
687to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 707to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
688latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 708latency (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 709will not be affected. Setting this to a non-null value will not introduce
690any overhead in libev. 710any overhead in libev.
691 711
692Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect 712Many (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 713interval 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 714interactive 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>, 715usually 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. 716as this approaches the timing granularity of most systems.
717
718Setting the I<timeout collect interval> can improve the opportunity for
719saving power, as the program will "bundle" timer callback invocations that
720are "near" in time together, by delaying some, thus reducing the number of
721times the process sleeps and wakes up again. Another useful technique to
722reduce iterations/wake-ups is to use C<ev_periodic> watchers and make sure
723they fire on, say, one-second boundaries only.
724
725=item ev_loop_verify (loop)
726
727This function only does something when C<EV_VERIFY> support has been
728compiled in. It tries to go through all internal structures and checks
729them for validity. If anything is found to be inconsistent, it will print
730an error message to standard error and call C<abort ()>.
731
732This can be used to catch bugs inside libev itself: under normal
733circumstances, this function will never abort as of course libev keeps its
734data structures consistent.
697 735
698=back 736=back
699 737
700 738
701=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 739=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
702 740
703A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your 741A watcher is a structure that you create and register to record your
704interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to 742interest in some event. For instance, if you want to wait for STDIN to
705become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 743become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
706 744
707 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 745 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
708 { 746 {
709 ev_io_stop (w); 747 ev_io_stop (w);
710 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 748 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
711 } 749 }
712 750
713 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 751 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
714 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 752 struct ev_io stdin_watcher;
715 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 753 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
716 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 754 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
717 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 755 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
718 ev_loop (loop, 0); 756 ev_loop (loop, 0);
719 757
720As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your 758As you can see, you are responsible for allocating the memory for your
721watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack, 759watcher structures (and it is usually a bad idea to do this on the stack,
722although this can sometimes be quite valid). 760although this can sometimes be quite valid).
723 761
724Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init 762Each watcher structure must be initialised by a call to C<ev_init
725(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 763(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
726callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of io 764callback gets invoked each time the event occurs (or, in the case of I/O
727watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 765watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
728is readable and/or writable). 766is readable and/or writable).
729 767
730Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 768Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro
731with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 769with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro
807 845
808The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 846The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
809 847
810=item C<EV_ERROR> 848=item C<EV_ERROR>
811 849
812An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 850An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
813happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 851happen 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 852ran 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 853problem. You best act on it by reporting the problem and somehow coping
816with the watcher being stopped. 854with the watcher being stopped.
817 855
818Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 856Libev 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 857for 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 858your 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 859with the error from read() or write(). This will not work in multi-threaded
822programs, though, so beware. 860programs, though, so beware.
823 861
824=back 862=back
825 863
826=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 864=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
856Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 894Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
857(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro. 895(e.g. C<ev_prepare>) you still need to call its C<set> macro.
858 896
859=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 897=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
860 898
861This convinience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro 899This convenience macro rolls both C<ev_init> and C<ev_TYPE_set> macro
862calls into a single call. This is the most convinient method to initialise 900calls into a single call. This is the most convenient method to initialise
863a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 901a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
864 902
865=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 903=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
866 904
867Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 905Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
950to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and 988to associate arbitrary data with your watcher. If you need more data and
951don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data 989don't want to allocate memory and store a pointer to it in that data
952member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 990member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
953data: 991data:
954 992
955 struct my_io 993 struct my_io
956 { 994 {
957 struct ev_io io; 995 struct ev_io io;
958 int otherfd; 996 int otherfd;
959 void *somedata; 997 void *somedata;
960 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 998 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
961 } 999 }
962 1000
963And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you 1001And since your callback will be called with a pointer to the watcher, you
964can cast it back to your own type: 1002can cast it back to your own type:
965 1003
966 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents) 1004 static void my_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w_, int revents)
967 { 1005 {
968 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1006 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
969 ... 1007 ...
970 } 1008 }
971 1009
972More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1010More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
973instead have been omitted. 1011instead have been omitted.
974 1012
975Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1013Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
976watchers: 1014watchers:
977 1015
978 struct my_biggy 1016 struct my_biggy
979 { 1017 {
980 int some_data; 1018 int some_data;
981 ev_timer t1; 1019 ev_timer t1;
982 ev_timer t2; 1020 ev_timer t2;
983 } 1021 }
984 1022
985In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated, 1023In this case getting the pointer to C<my_biggy> is a bit more complicated,
986you need to use C<offsetof>: 1024you need to use C<offsetof>:
987 1025
988 #include <stddef.h> 1026 #include <stddef.h>
989 1027
990 static void 1028 static void
991 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1029 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
992 { 1030 {
993 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1031 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
994 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1032 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
995 } 1033 }
996 1034
997 static void 1035 static void
998 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1036 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
999 { 1037 {
1000 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1038 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
1001 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1039 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
1002 } 1040 }
1003 1041
1004 1042
1005=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1043=head1 WATCHER TYPES
1006 1044
1007This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1045This 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 1074If 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 1075(at the time of this writing, this includes only C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> and
1038C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1076C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
1039 1077
1040Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to 1078Another thing you have to watch out for is that it is quite easy to
1041receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1079receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1042be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block 1080be called with C<EV_READ> but a subsequent C<read>(2) will actually block
1043because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a 1081because there is no data. Not only are some backends known to create a
1044lot of those (for example solaris ports), it is very easy to get into 1082lot of those (for example Solaris ports), it is very easy to get into
1045this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1083this 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 1084it 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. 1085C<EAGAIN> is far preferable to a program hanging until some data arrives.
1048 1086
1049If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not 1087If you cannot run the fd in non-blocking mode (for example you should not
1050play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to seperately re-test 1088play around with an Xlib connection), then you have to separately re-test
1051whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface 1089whether a file descriptor is really ready with a known-to-be good interface
1052such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on 1090such as poll (fortunately in our Xlib example, Xlib already does this on
1053its own, so its quite safe to use). 1091its own, so its quite safe to use).
1054 1092
1055=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1093=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1115=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1153=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1116 1154
1117=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1155=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1118 1156
1119Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1157Configures 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 1158receive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1121C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1159C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
1122 1160
1123=item int fd [read-only] 1161=item int fd [read-only]
1124 1162
1125The file descriptor being watched. 1163The file descriptor being watched.
1134 1172
1135Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1173Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1136readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1174readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1137attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1175attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1138 1176
1139 static void 1177 static void
1140 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1178 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1141 { 1179 {
1142 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1180 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1143 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1181 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors
1144 } 1182 }
1145 1183
1146 ... 1184 ...
1147 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1185 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1148 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1186 struct ev_io stdin_readable;
1149 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1187 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1150 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1188 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1151 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1189 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1152 1190
1153 1191
1154=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1192=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1155 1193
1156Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1194Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1157given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1195given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1158 1196
1159The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1197The 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 1198times 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 1199year, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because
1162detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1200detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1163monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1201monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1164 1202
1165The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1203The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1166time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1204time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1168you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1206you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout
1169on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1207on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1170 1208
1171 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1209 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1172 1210
1173The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed, 1211The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only after its timeout has passed,
1174but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then 1212but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
1175order of execution is undefined. 1213order of execution is undefined.
1176 1214
1177=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1215=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1178 1216
1180 1218
1181=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1219=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1182 1220
1183=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1221=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1184 1222
1185Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1223Configure 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 1224is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
1187timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1225reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
1188later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1226configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1227until stopped manually.
1189 1228
1190The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 1229The 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 1230you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1192exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1231trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1193the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1232keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1194timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1233do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1195 1234
1196=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *) 1235=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1197 1236
1198This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1237This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1199repeating. The exact semantics are: 1238repeating. The exact semantics are:
1200 1239
1201If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1240If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1202 1241
1203If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1242If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1204 1243
1205If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1244If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1206C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1245C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1207 1246
1208This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1247This 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 1248example: 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 1249timeout, 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 1250seconds 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 1251configure 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 1252C<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 1253you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1240 1279
1241=head3 Examples 1280=head3 Examples
1242 1281
1243Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1282Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1244 1283
1245 static void 1284 static void
1246 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1285 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1247 { 1286 {
1248 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1287 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1249 } 1288 }
1250 1289
1251 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1290 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1252 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1291 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1253 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1292 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1254 1293
1255Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1294Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1256inactivity. 1295inactivity.
1257 1296
1258 static void 1297 static void
1259 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1298 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1260 { 1299 {
1261 .. ten seconds without any activity 1300 .. ten seconds without any activity
1262 } 1301 }
1263 1302
1264 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1303 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1265 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1304 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1266 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1305 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1267 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1306 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1268 1307
1269 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1308 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1270 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1309 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1271 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1310 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1272 1311
1273 1312
1274=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1313=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1275 1314
1276Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1315Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1277(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1316(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1278 1317
1279Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1318Unlike 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 1319but 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 1320to 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 () 1321periodic 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 1322+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system
1323clock 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 1324to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1285roughly 10 seconds later). 1325roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1286 1326
1287They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1327C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
1288triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated, 1328such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1289rules. 1329complicated, rules.
1290 1330
1291As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1331As 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 1332time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1293during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1333during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1294 1334
1295=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1335=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1296 1336
1297=over 4 1337=over 4
1305 1345
1306=over 4 1346=over 4
1307 1347
1308=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1348=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1309 1349
1310In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1350In 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, 1351time 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 1352jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
1313system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1353run when the system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1314 1354
1315=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1355=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1316 1356
1317In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1357In 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) 1358C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1319and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1359and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1320 1360
1321This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1361This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
1322time: 1362time, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each hour, on
1363the hour:
1323 1364
1324 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1365 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1325 1366
1326This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1367This 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 1368but 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 1369full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1329by 3600. 1370by 3600.
1330 1371
1331Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1372Another 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 1373C<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. 1374time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1334 1375
1335For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1376For 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 1377C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1337this value. 1378this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1379
1380Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1381speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1382will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1383millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1338 1384
1339=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1385=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1340 1386
1341In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1387In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1342ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1388ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1343reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1389reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1344current time as second argument. 1390current time as second argument.
1345 1391
1346NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1392NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1347ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1393ever, 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 1394
1395If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1396it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1397only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1398
1351Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1399The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic
1352ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1400*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1353 1401
1354 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1402 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1355 { 1403 {
1356 return now + 60.; 1404 return now + 60.;
1357 } 1405 }
1359It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1407It 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 1408(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 1409will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1362might be called at other times, too. 1410might be called at other times, too.
1363 1411
1364NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the 1412NOTE: 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. 1413equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1366 1414
1367This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 1415This 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 1416triggers 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 1417next 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 1418you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1371reason I omitted it as an example). 1419reason I omitted it as an example).
1372 1420
1373=back 1421=back
1377Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1425Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1378when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1426when 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 1427a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1380program when the crontabs have changed). 1428program when the crontabs have changed).
1381 1429
1430=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1431
1432When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1433trigger next.
1434
1382=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 1435=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1383 1436
1384When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 1437When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1385absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 1438absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1386 1439
1397 1450
1398The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1451The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1399switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1452switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1400the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1453the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1401 1454
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 1455=back
1408 1456
1409=head3 Examples 1457=head3 Examples
1410 1458
1411Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1459Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1412system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1460system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1413potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1461potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1414 1462
1415 static void 1463 static void
1416 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1464 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1417 { 1465 {
1418 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1466 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1419 } 1467 }
1420 1468
1421 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1469 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1422 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1470 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1423 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1471 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1424 1472
1425Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1473Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1426 1474
1427 #include <math.h> 1475 #include <math.h>
1428 1476
1429 static ev_tstamp 1477 static ev_tstamp
1430 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1478 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1431 { 1479 {
1432 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1480 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1433 } 1481 }
1434 1482
1435 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1483 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1436 1484
1437Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1485Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1438 1486
1439 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1487 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1440 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1488 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1441 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1489 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1442 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1490 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1443 1491
1444 1492
1445=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1493=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1446 1494
1447Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1495Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1455as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1503as 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 1504watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1457SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1505SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1458 1506
1459If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 1507If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1460C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so syscalls should not be unduly 1508C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1461interrupted. If you have a problem with syscalls getting interrupted by 1509interrupted. 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 1510signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1463them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 1511them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1464 1512
1465=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1513=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1466 1514
1481 1529
1482=head3 Examples 1530=head3 Examples
1483 1531
1484Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1532Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1485 1533
1486 static void 1534 static void
1487 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1535 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1488 { 1536 {
1489 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1537 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1490 } 1538 }
1491 1539
1492 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1540 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1493 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1541 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1494 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1542 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1495 1543
1496 1544
1497=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1545=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1498 1546
1499Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1547Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1501is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been 1549is 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 1550forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event
1503loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher). 1551loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher).
1504 1552
1505Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 1553Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1506you can only rgeister child watchers in the default event loop. 1554you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1507 1555
1508=head3 Process Interaction 1556=head3 Process Interaction
1509 1557
1510Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 1558Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1511initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 1559initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1512the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurance 1560the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1513of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 1561of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1514synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 1562synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1515children, even ones not watched. 1563children, even ones not watched.
1516 1564
1517=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 1565=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1521handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for 1569handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1522C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the 1570C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1523default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an 1571default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1524event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for 1572event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1525that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely. 1573that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1574
1575=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1576
1577Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1578child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1579callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1580when a child exit is detected.
1526 1581
1527=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1582=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1528 1583
1529=over 4 1584=over 4
1530 1585
1559=head3 Examples 1614=head3 Examples
1560 1615
1561Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for 1616Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1562its completion. 1617its completion.
1563 1618
1564 ev_child cw; 1619 ev_child cw;
1565 1620
1566 static void 1621 static void
1567 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents) 1622 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1568 { 1623 {
1569 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w); 1624 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1570 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus); 1625 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1571 } 1626 }
1572 1627
1573 pid_t pid = fork (); 1628 pid_t pid = fork ();
1574 1629
1575 if (pid < 0) 1630 if (pid < 0)
1576 // error 1631 // error
1577 else if (pid == 0) 1632 else if (pid == 0)
1578 { 1633 {
1579 // the forked child executes here 1634 // the forked child executes here
1580 exit (1); 1635 exit (1);
1581 } 1636 }
1582 else 1637 else
1583 { 1638 {
1584 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0); 1639 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1585 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw); 1640 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1586 } 1641 }
1587 1642
1588 1643
1589=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1644=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1590 1645
1591This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1646This 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 1647C<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. 1648compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1594 1649
1595The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1650The 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 1651not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1614as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1669as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1615resource-intensive. 1670resource-intensive.
1616 1671
1617At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 1672At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1618implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 1673implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1674reader, 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 1675semantics with kqueue). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should
1620semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1676not 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 1677sometimes needs to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify,
1622usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1678but changes are usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there
1623polling. 1679will be no polling.
1624 1680
1625=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support) 1681=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1626 1682
1627Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default 1683Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1628compilation environment, which means that on systems with optionally 1684compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1629disabled large file support, you get the 32 bit version of the stat 1685support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1630structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to 1686structure. 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 1687use 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 1688compile 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 1689obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1634most noticably with ev_stat and largefile support. 1690most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support.
1691
1692The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1693file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1694optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1695to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1696default compilation environment.
1635 1697
1636=head3 Inotify 1698=head3 Inotify
1637 1699
1638When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1700When 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 1701available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1640change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 1702change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1641when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 1703when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1642 1704
1643Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 1705Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1644except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 1706except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1645making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support 1707making 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. 1708there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.
1647 1709
1648(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 1710(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1649implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 1711implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1650descriptor open on the object at all times). 1712descriptor open on the object at all times).
1651 1713
1652=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 1714=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1653 1715
1654The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and 1716The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1655even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still 1717even on systems where the resolution is higher, many file systems still
1656only support whole seconds. 1718only support whole seconds.
1657 1719
1658That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might 1720That 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 1721easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1660your callback, which does something. When there is another update within 1722calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1661the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it. 1723within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it as the stat
1724data does not change.
1662 1725
1663The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till 1726The 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> 1727than 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> 1728a 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 1729ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1667systems. 1730
1731The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
1732of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
1733might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
1734C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
1735a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
1736update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
1737the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
1738the timer callback).
1668 1739
1669=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1740=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1670 1741
1671=over 4 1742=over 4
1672 1743
1678C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 1749C<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 1750be 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 1751a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1681path for as long as the watcher is active. 1752path for as long as the watcher is active.
1682 1753
1683The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 1754The 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 1755to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the last change
1685last change was detected). 1756was detected).
1686 1757
1687=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *) 1758=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1688 1759
1689Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 1760Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1690watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 1761watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1691detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 1762detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1692useful simply to find out the new values. 1763the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
1764new values.
1693 1765
1694=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 1766=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1695 1767
1696The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 1768The 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 1769C<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 1770suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
1771members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1699was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 1772some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1700 1773
1701=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 1774=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1702 1775
1703The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 1776The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1704C<prev> != C<attr>. 1777C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
1778differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
1779C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1705 1780
1706=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 1781=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1707 1782
1708The specified interval. 1783The specified interval.
1709 1784
1710=item const char *path [read-only] 1785=item const char *path [read-only]
1711 1786
1712The filesystem path that is being watched. 1787The file system path that is being watched.
1713 1788
1714=back 1789=back
1715 1790
1716=head3 Examples 1791=head3 Examples
1717 1792
1718Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1793Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1719 1794
1720 static void 1795 static void
1721 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1796 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1722 { 1797 {
1723 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 1798 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1724 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 1799 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1725 { 1800 {
1726 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 1801 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1727 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1802 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1728 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1803 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1729 } 1804 }
1730 else 1805 else
1731 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 1806 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1732 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 1807 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1733 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 1808 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1734 } 1809 }
1735 1810
1736 ... 1811 ...
1737 ev_stat passwd; 1812 ev_stat passwd;
1738 1813
1739 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1814 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1740 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1815 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1741 1816
1742Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not 1817Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1743miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so 1818miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1744one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on 1819one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1745C<ev_timer> callback invocation). 1820C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1746 1821
1747 static ev_stat passwd; 1822 static ev_stat passwd;
1748 static ev_timer timer; 1823 static ev_timer timer;
1749 1824
1750 static void 1825 static void
1751 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1826 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1752 { 1827 {
1753 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w); 1828 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1754 1829
1755 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */ 1830 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1756 } 1831 }
1757 1832
1758 static void 1833 static void
1759 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents) 1834 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1760 { 1835 {
1761 /* reset the one-second timer */ 1836 /* reset the one-second timer */
1762 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer); 1837 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1763 } 1838 }
1764 1839
1765 ... 1840 ...
1766 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1841 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1767 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1842 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1768 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01); 1843 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1769 1844
1770 1845
1771=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1846=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1772 1847
1773Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 1848Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1804=head3 Examples 1879=head3 Examples
1805 1880
1806Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 1881Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1807callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1882callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1808 1883
1809 static void 1884 static void
1810 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1885 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1811 { 1886 {
1812 free (w); 1887 free (w);
1813 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1888 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1814 // no longer anything immediate to do. 1889 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1815 } 1890 }
1816 1891
1817 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1892 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1818 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1893 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1819 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1894 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1820 1895
1821 1896
1822=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 1897=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1823 1898
1824Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 1899Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:
1843 1918
1844This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 1919This 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 1920to 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 1921them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
1847provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 1922provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
1848any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 1923any 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 1924and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer
1850callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 1925callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless,
1851because you never know, you know?). 1926because you never know, you know?).
1852 1927
1853As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 1928As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1861 1936
1862It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 1937It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1863priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 1938priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1864after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 1939after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1865too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 1940too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1866supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers 1941supports 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 1942did 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 1943(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 1944state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1870coexist peacefully with others). 1945coexist peacefully with others).
1871 1946
1886=head3 Examples 1961=head3 Examples
1887 1962
1888There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules 1963There 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 1964into 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 1965(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> 1966use 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 1967Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1893into the Glib event loop). 1968Glib event loop).
1894 1969
1895Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, 1970Method 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 1971and 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 1972is 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 1973priority 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. 1974the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1900 1975
1901 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1976 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1902 static ev_timer tw; 1977 static ev_timer tw;
1903 1978
1904 static void 1979 static void
1905 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1980 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1906 { 1981 {
1907 } 1982 }
1908 1983
1909 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1984 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1910 static void 1985 static void
1911 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1986 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1912 { 1987 {
1913 int timeout = 3600000; 1988 int timeout = 3600000;
1914 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1989 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1915 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1990 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1916 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1991 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1917 1992
1918 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1993 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1919 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 1994 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1920 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 1995 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1921 1996
1922 // create one ev_io per pollfd 1997 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1923 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 1998 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1924 { 1999 {
1925 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 2000 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1926 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 2001 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1927 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 2002 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1928 2003
1929 fds [i].revents = 0; 2004 fds [i].revents = 0;
1930 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 2005 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1931 } 2006 }
1932 } 2007 }
1933 2008
1934 // stop all watchers after blocking 2009 // stop all watchers after blocking
1935 static void 2010 static void
1936 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2011 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1937 { 2012 {
1938 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2013 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1939 2014
1940 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2015 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1941 { 2016 {
1942 // set the relevant poll flags 2017 // set the relevant poll flags
1943 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 2018 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1944 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 2019 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1945 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 2020 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1946 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 2021 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1947 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 2022 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1948 2023
1949 // now stop the watcher 2024 // now stop the watcher
1950 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2025 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1951 } 2026 }
1952 2027
1953 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2028 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1954 } 2029 }
1955 2030
1956Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll> 2031Method 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. 2032in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1958 2033
1959Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2034Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1960notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2035notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1961callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2036callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1962 2037
1963 static void 2038 static void
1964 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2039 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1965 { 2040 {
1966 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2041 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1967 update_now (EV_A); 2042 update_now (EV_A);
1968 2043
1969 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2044 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1970 } 2045 }
1971 2046
1972 static void 2047 static void
1973 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2048 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1974 { 2049 {
1975 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2050 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1976 update_now (EV_A); 2051 update_now (EV_A);
1977 2052
1978 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2053 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1979 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2054 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1980 } 2055 }
1981 2056
1982 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2057 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1983 2058
1984Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2059Method 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 2060want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, you can override
1986their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2061their 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 2062loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1988this. 2063this.
1989 2064
1990 static gint 2065 static gint
1991 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2066 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1992 { 2067 {
1993 int got_events = 0; 2068 int got_events = 0;
1994 2069
1995 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2070 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1996 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events 2071 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1997 2072
1998 if (timeout >= 0) 2073 if (timeout >= 0)
1999 // create/start timer 2074 // create/start timer
2000 2075
2001 // poll 2076 // poll
2002 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2077 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2003 2078
2004 // stop timer again 2079 // stop timer again
2005 if (timeout >= 0) 2080 if (timeout >= 0)
2006 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2081 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2007 2082
2008 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2083 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
2009 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2084 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2010 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2085 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
2011 2086
2012 return got_events; 2087 return got_events;
2013 } 2088 }
2014 2089
2015 2090
2016=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2091=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
2017 2092
2018This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2093This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
2074 2149
2075Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2150Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
2076embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2151embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
2077invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2152invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
2078to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2153to 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). 2154if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2080 2155
2081=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2156=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2082 2157
2083Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2158Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2084similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2159similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
2085apropriate way for embedded loops. 2160appropriate way for embedded loops.
2086 2161
2087=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2162=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2088 2163
2089The embedded event loop. 2164The embedded event loop.
2090 2165
2092 2167
2093=head3 Examples 2168=head3 Examples
2094 2169
2095Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default 2170Example: 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 2171event 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 2172loop 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 2173C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2099used). 2174used).
2100 2175
2101 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2176 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2102 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2177 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2103 struct ev_embed embed; 2178 struct ev_embed embed;
2104 2179
2105 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2180 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2106 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2181 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2107 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2182 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2108 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2183 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2109 : 0; 2184 : 0;
2110 2185
2111 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi 2186 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
2112 if (loop_lo) 2187 if (loop_lo)
2113 { 2188 {
2114 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 2189 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2115 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2190 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2116 } 2191 }
2117 else 2192 else
2118 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2193 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2119 2194
2120Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create 2195Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2121a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any 2196a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2122kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2197kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2123C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2198C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2124 2199
2125 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2200 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2126 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2201 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2127 struct ev_embed embed; 2202 struct ev_embed embed;
2128 2203
2129 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2204 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2130 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2205 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2131 { 2206 {
2132 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2207 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2133 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 2208 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2134 } 2209 }
2135 2210
2136 if (!loop_socket) 2211 if (!loop_socket)
2137 loop_socket = loop; 2212 loop_socket = loop;
2138 2213
2139 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else 2214 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2140 2215
2141 2216
2142=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2217=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2143 2218
2144Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2219Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2197 2272
2198=item queueing from a signal handler context 2273=item queueing from a signal handler context
2199 2274
2200To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal 2275To 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 2276handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for
2202some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler: 2277some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2203 2278
2204 static ev_async mysig; 2279 static ev_async mysig;
2205 2280
2206 static void 2281 static void
2207 sigusr1_handler (void) 2282 sigusr1_handler (void)
2281=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 2356=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2282 2357
2283Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 2358Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2284an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 2359an 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 2360C<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 2361similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2287section below on what exactly this means). 2362section below on what exactly this means).
2288 2363
2289This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration, 2364This 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 2365so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2291calls to C<ev_async_send>. 2366calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2292 2367
2293=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 2368=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2294 2369
2295Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 2370Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2297event loop. 2372event loop.
2298 2373
2299C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When 2374C<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, 2375the 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 2376it 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. 2377quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2303 2378
2304Not that this does I<not> check wether the watcher itself is pending, only 2379Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2305wether it has been requested to make this watcher pending. 2380whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
2306 2381
2307=back 2382=back
2308 2383
2309 2384
2310=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2385=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2321or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2396or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2322more watchers yourself. 2397more watchers yourself.
2323 2398
2324If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2399If 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 2400is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and
2326C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2401C<events> set will be created and started.
2327 2402
2328If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2403If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2329started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2404started. 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 2405repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of
2331dubious value. 2406dubious value.
2333The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2408The 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 2409passed 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> 2410C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2336value passed to C<ev_once>: 2411value passed to C<ev_once>:
2337 2412
2338 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2413 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2339 { 2414 {
2340 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 2415 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2341 /* doh, nothing entered */; 2416 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2342 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2417 else if (revents & EV_READ)
2343 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2418 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2344 } 2419 }
2345 2420
2346 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2421 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2347 2422
2348=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2423=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2349 2424
2350Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2425Feeds 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 2426had 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 2431Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2357the given events it. 2432the given events it.
2358 2433
2359=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2434=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2360 2435
2361Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2436Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2362loop!). 2437loop!).
2363 2438
2364=back 2439=back
2365 2440
2366 2441
2382 2457
2383=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 2458=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2384will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 2459will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
2385is an ev_pri field. 2460is an ev_pri field.
2386 2461
2462=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2463first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
2464
2387=item * Other members are not supported. 2465=item * Other members are not supported.
2388 2466
2389=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 2467=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
2390to use the libev header file and library. 2468to use the libev header file and library.
2391 2469
2392=back 2470=back
2393 2471
2394=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2472=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2395 2473
2396Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2474Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2397you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 2475you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2398the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2476the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2399 2477
2400To use it, 2478To use it,
2401 2479
2402 #include <ev++.h> 2480 #include <ev++.h>
2403 2481
2404This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 2482This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2405of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 2483of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2406put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 2484put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2407options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2485options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
2474your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the 2552your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2475thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 2553thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2476 2554
2477Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 2555Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2478 2556
2479 struct myclass 2557 struct myclass
2480 { 2558 {
2481 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2559 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2482 } 2560 }
2483 2561
2484 myclass obj; 2562 myclass obj;
2485 ev::io iow; 2563 ev::io iow;
2486 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 2564 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2487 2565
2488=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 2566=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2489 2567
2490Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 2568Also 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 2569callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2495 2573
2496See the method-C<set> above for more details. 2574See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2497 2575
2498Example: 2576Example:
2499 2577
2500 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2578 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2501 iow.set <io_cb> (); 2579 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2502 2580
2503=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2581=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2504 2582
2505Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2583Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2506do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2584do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2507 2585
2508=item w->set ([args]) 2586=item w->set ([arguments])
2509 2587
2510Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2588Basically 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 2589called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2512automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 2590automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2513method. 2591method.
2514 2592
2515=item w->start () 2593=item w->start ()
2539=back 2617=back
2540 2618
2541Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2619Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2542the constructor. 2620the constructor.
2543 2621
2544 class myclass 2622 class myclass
2545 { 2623 {
2546 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2624 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2547 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2625 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2548 2626
2549 myclass (int fd) 2627 myclass (int fd)
2550 { 2628 {
2551 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2629 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2552 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2630 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2553 2631
2554 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2632 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2555 } 2633 }
2556 }; 2634 };
2557 2635
2558 2636
2559=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 2637=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2560 2638
2561Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a 2639Libev 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 2640number 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 2641any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2564me a note. 2642me a note.
2565 2643
2566=over 4 2644=over 4
2567 2645
2571libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module, 2649libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2572there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces 2650there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2573to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the 2651to 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>). 2652C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>).
2575 2653
2576It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is found at 2654It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2577L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>. 2655L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2578 2656
2657=item Python
2658
2659Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2660seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the
2661patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2662for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2663libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2664libev).
2665
2579=item Ruby 2666=item Ruby
2580 2667
2581Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset 2668Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2582of the libev API and adds filehandle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and 2669of 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 2670more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2584L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>. 2671L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2585 2672
2586=item D 2673=item D
2587 2674
2588Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 2675Leandro 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>. 2676be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2590 2677
2591=back 2678=back
2592 2679
2593 2680
2594=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2681=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2595 2682
2596Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 2683Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2597of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 2684of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2598functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2685functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2599 2686
2600To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2687To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2601following macros are defined: 2688following macros are defined:
2606 2693
2607This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2694This 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, 2695loop 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: 2696C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2610 2697
2611 ev_unref (EV_A); 2698 ev_unref (EV_A);
2612 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 2699 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2613 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2700 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2614 2701
2615It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 2702It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2616which is often provided by the following macro. 2703which is often provided by the following macro.
2617 2704
2618=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 2705=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2619 2706
2620This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2707This 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, 2708loop 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: 2709C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2623 2710
2624 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 2711 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2625 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 2712 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2626 2713
2627 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 2714 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2628 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2715 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2629 2716
2630It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 2717It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2631suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 2718suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2632 2719
2633=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 2720=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2634 2721
2635Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default 2722Similar to the other two macros, this gives you the value of the default
2636loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default"). 2723loop, if multiple loops are supported ("ev loop default").
2724
2725=item C<EV_DEFAULT_UC>, C<EV_DEFAULT_UC_>
2726
2727Usage identical to C<EV_DEFAULT> and C<EV_DEFAULT_>, but requires that the
2728default loop has been initialised (C<UC> == unchecked). Their behaviour
2729is undefined when the default loop has not been initialised by a previous
2730execution of C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> or C<ev_default_init (...)>.
2731
2732It is often prudent to use C<EV_DEFAULT> when initialising the first
2733watcher in a function but use C<EV_DEFAULT_UC> afterwards.
2637 2734
2638=back 2735=back
2639 2736
2640Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 2737Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2641macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 2738macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2642or not. 2739or not.
2643 2740
2644 static void 2741 static void
2645 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2742 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2646 { 2743 {
2647 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2744 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2648 } 2745 }
2649 2746
2650 ev_check check; 2747 ev_check check;
2651 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2748 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2652 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2749 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2653 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2750 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2654 2751
2655=head1 EMBEDDING 2752=head1 EMBEDDING
2656 2753
2657Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2754Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2658applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2755applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2665libev somewhere in your source tree). 2762libev somewhere in your source tree).
2666 2763
2667=head2 FILESETS 2764=head2 FILESETS
2668 2765
2669Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 2766Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2670in your app. 2767in your application.
2671 2768
2672=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 2769=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2673 2770
2674To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 2771To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2675configuration (no autoconf): 2772configuration (no autoconf):
2676 2773
2677 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2774 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2678 #include "ev.c" 2775 #include "ev.c"
2679 2776
2680This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 2777This 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 2778single 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 2779it, 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 2780done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2684where you can put other configuration options): 2781where you can put other configuration options):
2685 2782
2686 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2783 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2687 #include "ev.h" 2784 #include "ev.h"
2688 2785
2689Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 2786Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2690compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 2787compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2691as a bug). 2788as a bug).
2692 2789
2693You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 2790You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2694in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 2791in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2695 2792
2696 ev.h 2793 ev.h
2697 ev.c 2794 ev.c
2698 ev_vars.h 2795 ev_vars.h
2699 ev_wrap.h 2796 ev_wrap.h
2700 2797
2701 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2798 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2702 2799
2703 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 2800 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) 2801 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) 2802 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) 2803 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) 2804 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2708 2805
2709F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 2806F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2710to compile this single file. 2807to compile this single file.
2711 2808
2712=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 2809=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2713 2810
2714To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 2811To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2715 2812
2716 #include "event.c" 2813 #include "event.c"
2717 2814
2718in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 2815in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2719 2816
2720 #include "event.h" 2817 #include "event.h"
2721 2818
2722in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 2819in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2723 2820
2724You need the following additional files for this: 2821You need the following additional files for this:
2725 2822
2726 event.h 2823 event.h
2727 event.c 2824 event.c
2728 2825
2729=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 2826=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2730 2827
2731Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 2828Instead 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 2829whatever 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 2830F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2734include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 2831include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2735 2832
2736For this of course you need the m4 file: 2833For this of course you need the m4 file:
2737 2834
2738 libev.m4 2835 libev.m4
2739 2836
2740=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 2837=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2741 2838
2742Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 2839Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2743define before including any of its files. The default in the absense of 2840define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2744autoconf is noted for every option. 2841autoconf is noted for every option.
2745 2842
2746=over 4 2843=over 4
2747 2844
2748=item EV_STANDALONE 2845=item EV_STANDALONE
2754F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 2851F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2755 2852
2756=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 2853=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2757 2854
2758If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2855If 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 2856monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
2760of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2857of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2761usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2858usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2762the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 2859the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2763to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2860to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2764function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2861function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2765 2862
2766=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2863=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2767 2864
2768If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2865If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2769realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2866real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
2770runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2867runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
2771be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2868be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2772(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 2869(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2773note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2870note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2774 2871
2775=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 2872=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
27862.7 or newer, otherwise disabled. 28832.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2787 2884
2788=item EV_USE_SELECT 2885=item EV_USE_SELECT
2789 2886
2790If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2887If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2791C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2888C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
2792other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 2889other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2793will not be compiled in. 2890will not be compiled in.
2794 2891
2795=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 2892=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2796 2893
2797If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 2894If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2798structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 2895structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2799C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 2896C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on
2800exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 2897exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2801low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 2898low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2802allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 2899allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2803influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 2900influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2804 2901
2853otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 2950otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2854backend for Solaris 10 systems. 2951backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2855 2952
2856=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2953=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2857 2954
2858reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2955Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2859 2956
2860=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 2957=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2861 2958
2862If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 2959If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2863interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 2960interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2870access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 2967access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
2871type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type 2968type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
2872that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking" 2969that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
2873as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 2970as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2874 2971
2875In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 2972In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
2876(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 2973(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2877 2974
2878=item EV_H 2975=item EV_H
2879 2976
2880The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2977The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2919When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 3016When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2920all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3017all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2921and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually 3018and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2922fine. 3019fine.
2923 3020
2924If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3021If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2925C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 3022C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2926 3023
2927=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3024=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2928 3025
2929If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3026If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2930defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3027defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2957defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3054defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2958 3055
2959=item EV_MINIMAL 3056=item EV_MINIMAL
2960 3057
2961If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3058If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2962speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 3059speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2963some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 3060inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3061much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2964 3062
2965=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3063=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2966 3064
2967C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3065C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2968pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 3066pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2975inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 3073inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2976usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 3074usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2977watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 3075watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2978two). 3076two).
2979 3077
3078=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3079
3080Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3081timer and periodics heap, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3082to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has
3083noticeably faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3084
3085The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3086(disabled).
3087
3088=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3089
3090Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3091timer and periodics heap, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3092the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3093which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3094but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3095noticeably with with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3096
3097The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3098(disabled).
3099
3100=item EV_VERIFY
3101
3102Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3103be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3104in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3105called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3106called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3107verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3108libev considerably.
3109
3110The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3111C<0.>
3112
2980=item EV_COMMON 3113=item EV_COMMON
2981 3114
2982By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3115By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2983this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 3116this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2984members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 3117members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2985though, and it must be identical each time. 3118though, and it must be identical each time.
2986 3119
2987For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3120For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2988 3121
2989 #define EV_COMMON \ 3122 #define EV_COMMON \
2990 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3123 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2991 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3124 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2992 3125
2993=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3126=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2994 3127
2995=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3128=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2996 3129
3003avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3136avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
3004method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3137method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
3005 3138
3006=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3139=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
3007 3140
3008If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of 3141If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
3009exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list 3142exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
3010all public symbols, one per line: 3143all public symbols, one per line:
3011 3144
3012 Symbols.ev for libev proper 3145 Symbols.ev for libev proper
3013 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation 3146 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
3014 3147
3015This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with 3148This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
3016multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in 3149multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
3017itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this). 3150itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
3018 3151
3019A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to 3152A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
3020include before including F<ev.h>: 3153include before including F<ev.h>:
3021 3154
3022 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h 3155 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
3039file. 3172file.
3040 3173
3041The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3174The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
3042that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 3175that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3043 3176
3044 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 3177 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
3045 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3178 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
3046 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3179 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
3047 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 3180 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
3048 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 3181 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
3049 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 3182 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
3050 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3183 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3051 #define EV_MINPRI 0 3184 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3052 #define EV_MAXPRI 0 3185 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
3053 3186
3054 #include "ev++.h" 3187 #include "ev++.h"
3055 3188
3056And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3189And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3057 3190
3058 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3191 #include "ev_cpp.h"
3059 #include "ev.c" 3192 #include "ev.c"
3193
3194
3195=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3196
3197=head2 THREADS
3198
3199Libev itself is completely thread-safe, but it uses no locking. This
3200means that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as
3201only one thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop
3202parameter.
3203
3204Or put differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done in
3205parallel from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter must be
3206done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as only one
3207thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using a mutex
3208per loop).
3209
3210If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3211without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3212help you. I can give some generic advice however:
3213
3214=over 4
3215
3216=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3217in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
3218
3219This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3220themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3221
3222=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3223
3224Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3225exists, but it is always a good start.
3226
3227=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3228loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
3229
3230Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3231better than you currently do :-)
3232
3233=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3234event loop - C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other
3235threads safely (or from signal contexts...).
3236
3237=back
3238
3239=head2 COROUTINES
3240
3241Libev is much more accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3242libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different
3243coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3244different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3245loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3246you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3247
3248Care has been invested into making sure that libev does not keep local
3249state inside C<ev_loop>, and other calls do not usually allow coroutine
3250switches.
3060 3251
3061 3252
3062=head1 COMPLEXITIES 3253=head1 COMPLEXITIES
3063 3254
3064In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside 3255In this section the complexities of (many of) the algorithms used inside
3096correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3287correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
3097have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal). 3288have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
3098 3289
3099=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1) 3290=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3100 3291
3101By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the 3292By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
3102beginning of the storage array. 3293fixed position in the storage array.
3103 3294
3104=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 3295=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3105 3296
3106A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires 3297A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
3107libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending 3298libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3108on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used). 3299on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3109 3300
3110=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1) 3301=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3111 3302
3112=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities) 3303=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3113 3304
3120 3311
3121=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers) 3312=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3122 3313
3123=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number) 3314=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3124 3315
3125Sending involves a syscall I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send> 3316Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3126calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events 3317calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3127involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 3318involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3128 3319
3129=back 3320=back
3130 3321
3131 3322
3132=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds 3323=head1 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
3133 3324
3134Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 3325Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3135requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3326requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3136model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3327model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3137the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3328the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3138descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 3329descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3139e.g. cygwin. 3330e.g. cygwin.
3140 3331
3332Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3333re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
3334things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
3335way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3336
3141There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 3337There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3142embedding it into other applications. 3338embedding it into other applications.
3143 3339
3340Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3341accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3342either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3343so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3344megabyte seems safe, but thsi apparently depends on the amount of memory
3345available).
3346
3144Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the 3347Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
3145abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not 3348the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3146recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than 3349is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3147a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different 3350more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3148implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot 3351different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3149be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games). 3352notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3353(Microsoft monopoly games).
3354
3355A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3356section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3357of F<ev.h>:
3358
3359 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
3360 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3361
3362 #include "ev.h"
3363
3364And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3365you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded soruce files!):
3366
3367 #include "evwrap.h"
3368 #include "ev.c"
3150 3369
3151=over 4 3370=over 4
3152 3371
3153=item The winsocket select function 3372=item The winsocket select function
3154 3373
3155The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires 3374The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3156socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select 3375requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3157very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors 3376also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3158to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, 3377requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3159C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor 3378C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
3160symbols for more info. 3379discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3380C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
3161 3381
3162The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime 3382The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
3163libraries and raw winsocket select is: 3383libraries and raw winsocket select is:
3164 3384
3165 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1 3385 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3166 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 3386 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3167 3387
3168Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 3388Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3169complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 3389complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3170 3390
3171=item Limited number of file descriptors 3391=item Limited number of file descriptors
3172 3392
3173Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions 3393Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3174of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles 3394
3395Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3175(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for 3396of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3176C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a 3397can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3177chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each). 3398recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3399previous thread in each. Great).
3178 3400
3179Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 3401Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3180to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select 3402to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3181call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own 3403call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3182select emulation on windows). 3404select emulation on windows).
3183 3405
3184Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime 3406Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3185libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish 3407libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
3186or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling 3408or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3187C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 3409C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3188arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime 3410arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
3189libraries. 3411libraries.
3190 3412
3191This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 3413This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
3192windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to 3414windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
3193wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 3415wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3194calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 3416calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3195 3417
3196=back 3418=back
3197 3419
3198 3420
3421=head1 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3422
3423In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few
3424additional extensions:
3425
3426=over 4
3427
3428=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3429calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3430
3431Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3432structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3433assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3434callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3435calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3436
3437=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3438
3439The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3440C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different
3441threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3442believed to be sufficiently portable.
3443
3444=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3445
3446Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
3447allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
3448pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
3449thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
3450be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
3451C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
3452
3453The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
3454except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3455well.
3456
3457=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3458
3459To improve portability and simplify using libev, libev uses C<long>
3460internally instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On
3461non-POSIX systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but
3462is still at least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of
3463millions of watchers.
3464
3465=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3466
3467The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3468have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3469enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
3470implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
3471
3472=back
3473
3474If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3475
3476
3477=head1 COMPILER WARNINGS
3478
3479Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3480lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3481scared by this.
3482
3483However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3484has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3485warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3486targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3487
3488Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3489workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3490maintainable.
3491
3492And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3493wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3494seems to warn about).
3495
3496While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3497"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3498with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3499them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3500warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3501
3502
3503=head1 VALGRIND
3504
3505Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3506highly useful, but valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3507
3508If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3509in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3510
3511 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3512 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3513 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3514
3515Then there is no memory leak. Similarly, under some circumstances,
3516valgrind might report kernel bugs as if it were a bug in libev, or it
3517might be confused (it is a very good tool, but only a tool).
3518
3519If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3520with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this is
3521a bug in libev. However, don't be annoyed when you get a brisk "this is
3522no bug" answer and take the chance of learning how to interpret valgrind
3523properly.
3524
3525If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3526I suggest using suppression lists.
3527
3528
3199=head1 AUTHOR 3529=head1 AUTHOR
3200 3530
3201Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3531Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
3202 3532

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