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Revision 1.144 by root, Mon Apr 7 12:33:29 2008 UTC vs.
Revision 1.175 by root, Mon Sep 8 16:36:14 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.
274from 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,
275as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway). 299as loops cannot bes hared easily between threads anyway).
276 300
277The 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
278C<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
279for 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
280create 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
281can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling 305can simply overwrite the C<SIGCHLD> signal handler I<after> calling
282C<ev_default_init>. 306C<ev_default_init>.
283 307
284The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific 308The flags argument can be used to specify special behaviour or specific
293The 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
294thing, believe me). 318thing, believe me).
295 319
296=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV> 320=item C<EVFLAG_NOENV>
297 321
298If 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
299or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable 323or setgid) then libev will I<not> look at the environment variable
300C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will 324C<LIBEV_FLAGS>. Otherwise (the default), this environment variable will
301override 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
302useful 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
303around bugs. 327around bugs.
310 334
311This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop, 335This works by calling C<getpid ()> on every iteration of the loop,
312and 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
313iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my 337iterations and little real work, but is usually not noticeable (on my
314GNU/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
315without 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
316C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster). 340C<pthread_atfork> which is even faster).
317 341
318The 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
319forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this 343forget about forgetting to tell libev about forking) when you use this
320flag. 344flag.
321 345
322This 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>
323environment variable. 347environment variable.
324 348
325=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend) 349=item C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> (value 1, portable select backend)
326 350
327This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as 351This is your standard select(2) backend. Not I<completely> standard, as
329but 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
330using 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
331usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds. 355usually the fastest backend for a low number of (low-numbered :) fds.
332 356
333To 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
334parallelity (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are 358parallelism (most of the file descriptors should be busy). If you are
335writing 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
336connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have 360connections as possible during one iteration. You might also want to have
337a 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
338readyness notifications you get per iteration. 362readiness notifications you get per iteration.
339 363
340=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)
341 365
342And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated 366And this is your standard poll(2) backend. It's more complicated
343than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial 367than select, but handles sparse fds better and has no artificial
351For 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,
352but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale 376but it scales phenomenally better. While poll and select usually scale
353like 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),
354epoll 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
355of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect 379of shortcomings, such as silently dropping events in some hard-to-detect
356cases 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
357support for dup. 381support for dup.
358 382
359While 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
360will 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
361(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
362best 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
363very well if you register events for both fds. 387very well if you register events for both fds.
364 388
365Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you 389Please note that epoll sometimes generates spurious notifications, so you
368 392
369Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all 393Best performance from this backend is achieved by not unregistering all
370watchers 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.
371keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times. 395keep at least one watcher active per fd at all times.
372 396
373While nominally embeddeble in other event loops, this feature is broken in 397While nominally embeddable in other event loops, this feature is broken in
374all kernel versions tested so far. 398all kernel versions tested so far.
375 399
376=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones) 400=item C<EVBACKEND_KQUEUE> (value 8, most BSD clones)
377 401
378Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it 402Kqueue deserves special mention, as at the time of this writing, it
379was 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
380with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course 404with anything but sockets and pipes, except on Darwin, where of course
381it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "autodetected" 405it's completely useless). For this reason it's not being "auto-detected"
382unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using 406unless you explicitly specify it explicitly in the flags (i.e. using
383C<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)
384system like NetBSD. 408system like NetBSD.
385 409
386You 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
388the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info. 412the target platform). See C<ev_embed> watchers for more info.
389 413
390It 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
391kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of 415kernel is more efficient (which says nothing about its actual speed, of
392course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never 416course). While stopping, setting and starting an I/O watcher does never
393cause 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
394two 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
395drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases. 419drops fds silently in similarly hard-to-detect cases.
396 420
397This backend usually performs well under most conditions. 421This backend usually performs well under most conditions.
398 422
413=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10) 437=item C<EVBACKEND_PORT> (value 32, Solaris 10)
414 438
415This 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,
416it'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)).
417 441
418Please note that solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious 442Please note that Solaris event ports can deliver a lot of spurious
419notifications, 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
420blocking when no data (or space) is available. 444blocking when no data (or space) is available.
421 445
422While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active 446While this backend scales well, it requires one system call per active
423file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file 447file descriptor per loop iteration. For small and medium numbers of file
424descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend 448descriptors a "slow" C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> or C<EVBACKEND_POLL> backend
425might perform better. 449might perform better.
426 450
427On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readyness notifications, this 451On the positive side, ignoring the spurious readiness notifications, this
428backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully 452backend actually performed to specification in all tests and is fully
429embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends. 453embeddable, which is a rare feat among the OS-specific backends.
430 454
431=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL> 455=item C<EVBACKEND_ALL>
432 456
436 460
437It is definitely not recommended to use this flag. 461It is definitely not recommended to use this flag.
438 462
439=back 463=back
440 464
441If 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
442backends 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
443specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried. 467specified, all backends in C<ev_recommended_backends ()> will be tried.
444 468
445The most typical usage is like this: 469The most typical usage is like this:
446 470
447 if (!ev_default_loop (0)) 471 if (!ev_default_loop (0))
448 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?"); 472 fatal ("could not initialise libev, bad $LIBEV_FLAGS in environment?");
449 473
450Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow 474Restrict libev to the select and poll backends, and do not allow
451environment settings to be taken into account: 475environment settings to be taken into account:
452 476
453 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV); 477 ev_default_loop (EVBACKEND_POLL | EVBACKEND_SELECT | EVFLAG_NOENV);
454 478
455Use 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
456available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private 480available (warning, breaks stuff, best use only with your own private
457event 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):
458 482
459 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE); 483 ev_default_loop (ev_recommended_backends () | EVBACKEND_KQUEUE);
460 484
461=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags) 485=item struct ev_loop *ev_loop_new (unsigned int flags)
462 486
463Similar 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
464always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot 488always distinct from the default loop. Unlike the default loop, it cannot
469libev 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
470default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread. 494default loop in the "main" or "initial" thread.
471 495
472Example: 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.
473 497
474 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV); 498 struct ev_loop *epoller = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_EPOLL | EVFLAG_NOENV);
475 if (!epoller) 499 if (!epoller)
476 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair"); 500 fatal ("no epoll found here, maybe it hides under your chair");
477 501
478=item ev_default_destroy () 502=item ev_default_destroy ()
479 503
480Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state 504Destroys the default loop again (frees all memory and kernel state
481etc.). 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
482sense, 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
483responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yoursef I<before> 507responsibility to either stop all watchers cleanly yourself I<before>
484calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually 508calling this function, or cope with the fact afterwards (which is usually
485the 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
486for example). 510for example).
487 511
488Note 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
569A 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
570those 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
571case 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.
572 596
573A 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
574neccessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block 598necessary) and will handle those and any outstanding ones. It will block
575your 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
576one 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
577external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other 601external event in conjunction with something not expressible using other
578libev 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
579usually a better approach for this kind of thing. 603usually a better approach for this kind of thing.
580 604
581Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does: 605Here are the gory details of what C<ev_loop> does:
582 606
583 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers. 607 - Before the first iteration, call any pending watchers.
584 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork. 608 * If EVFLAG_FORKCHECK was used, check for a fork.
585 - 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.
586 - Queue and call all prepare watchers. 610 - Queue and call all prepare watchers.
587 - 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.
588 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes. 613 - Update the kernel state with all outstanding changes.
589 - Update the "event loop time". 614 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()).
590 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all 615 - Calculate for how long to sleep or block, if at all
591 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having 616 (active idle watchers, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK or not having
592 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping). 617 any active watchers at all will result in not sleeping).
593 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so. 618 - Sleep if the I/O and timer collect interval say so.
594 - Block the process, waiting for any events. 619 - Block the process, waiting for any events.
595 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events. 620 - Queue all outstanding I/O (fd) events.
596 - Update the "event loop time" and do time jump handling. 621 - Update the "event loop time" (ev_now ()), and do time jump adjustments.
597 - Queue all outstanding timers. 622 - Queue all outstanding timers.
598 - Queue all outstanding periodics. 623 - Queue all outstanding periodics.
599 - If no events are pending now, queue all idle watchers. 624 - Unless any events are pending now, queue all idle watchers.
600 - Queue all check watchers. 625 - Queue all check watchers.
601 - 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).
602 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
603 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed. 628 be handled here by queueing them when their watcher gets executed.
604 - 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
609anymore. 634anymore.
610 635
611 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long 636 ... queue jobs here, make sure they register event watchers as long
612 ... 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..)
613 ev_loop (my_loop, 0); 638 ev_loop (my_loop, 0);
614 ... jobs done. yeah! 639 ... jobs done or somebody called unloop. yeah!
615 640
616=item ev_unloop (loop, how) 641=item ev_unloop (loop, how)
617 642
618Can 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
619has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either 644has processed all outstanding events). The C<how> argument must be either
640respectively). 665respectively).
641 666
642Example: 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>
643running when nothing else is active. 668running when nothing else is active.
644 669
645 struct ev_signal exitsig; 670 struct ev_signal exitsig;
646 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT); 671 ev_signal_init (&exitsig, sig_cb, SIGINT);
647 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig); 672 ev_signal_start (loop, &exitsig);
648 evf_unref (loop); 673 evf_unref (loop);
649 674
650Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again. 675Example: For some weird reason, unregister the above signal handler again.
651 676
652 ev_ref (loop); 677 ev_ref (loop);
653 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig); 678 ev_signal_stop (loop, &exitsig);
654 679
655=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 680=item ev_set_io_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
656 681
657=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval) 682=item ev_set_timeout_collect_interval (loop, ev_tstamp interval)
658 683
659These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting 684These advanced functions influence the time that libev will spend waiting
660for 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
661invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum latency. 686will try to invoke timer/periodic callbacks and I/O callbacks with minimum
687latency.
662 688
663Setting 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>)
664allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks to 690allows libev to delay invocation of I/O and timer/periodic callbacks
665increase efficiency of loop iterations. 691to increase efficiency of loop iterations (or to increase power-saving
692opportunities).
666 693
667The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to 694The background is that sometimes your program runs just fast enough to
668handle 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
669the 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
670events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high 697events, especially with backends like C<select ()> which have a high
680to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased 707to spend more time collecting timeouts, at the expense of increased
681latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers 708latency (the watcher callback will be called later). C<ev_io> watchers
682will 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
683any overhead in libev. 710any overhead in libev.
684 711
685Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the io collect 712Many (busy) programs can usually benefit by setting the I/O collect
686interval 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
687interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It 714interactive servers (of course not for games), likewise for timeouts. It
688usually 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>,
689as 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.
690 735
691=back 736=back
692 737
693 738
694=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER 739=head1 ANATOMY OF A WATCHER
695 740
696A 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
697interest 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
698become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that: 743become readable, you would create an C<ev_io> watcher for that:
699 744
700 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)
701 { 746 {
702 ev_io_stop (w); 747 ev_io_stop (w);
703 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 748 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
704 } 749 }
705 750
706 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0); 751 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_loop (0);
707 struct ev_io stdin_watcher; 752 struct ev_io stdin_watcher;
708 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb); 753 ev_init (&stdin_watcher, my_cb);
709 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 754 ev_io_set (&stdin_watcher, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
710 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher); 755 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_watcher);
711 ev_loop (loop, 0); 756 ev_loop (loop, 0);
712 757
713As 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
714watcher 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,
715although this can sometimes be quite valid). 760although this can sometimes be quite valid).
716 761
717Each 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
718(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This 763(watcher *, callback)>, which expects a callback to be provided. This
719callback 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
720watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given 765watchers, each time the event loop detects that the file descriptor given
721is readable and/or writable). 766is readable and/or writable).
722 767
723Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro 768Each watcher type has its own C<< ev_<type>_set (watcher *, ...) >> macro
724with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro 769with arguments specific to this watcher type. There is also a macro
800 845
801The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>). 846The given async watcher has been asynchronously notified (see C<ev_async>).
802 847
803=item C<EV_ERROR> 848=item C<EV_ERROR>
804 849
805An unspecified error has occured, the watcher has been stopped. This might 850An unspecified error has occurred, the watcher has been stopped. This might
806happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev 851happen because the watcher could not be properly started because libev
807ran 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
808problem. 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
809with the watcher being stopped. 854with the watcher being stopped.
810 855
811Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error, 856Libev will usually signal a few "dummy" events together with an error,
812for 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
813your 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
814with 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
815programs, though, so beware. 860programs, though, so beware.
816 861
817=back 862=back
818 863
819=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS 864=head2 GENERIC WATCHER FUNCTIONS
849Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments 894Although some watcher types do not have type-specific arguments
850(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.
851 896
852=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args]) 897=item C<ev_TYPE_init> (ev_TYPE *watcher, callback, [args])
853 898
854This 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
855calls 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
856a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course. 901a watcher. The same limitations apply, of course.
857 902
858=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher) 903=item C<ev_TYPE_start> (loop *, ev_TYPE *watcher)
859 904
860Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive 905Starts (activates) the given watcher. Only active watchers will receive
943to 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
944don'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
945member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own 990member, you can also "subclass" the watcher type and provide your own
946data: 991data:
947 992
948 struct my_io 993 struct my_io
949 { 994 {
950 struct ev_io io; 995 struct ev_io io;
951 int otherfd; 996 int otherfd;
952 void *somedata; 997 void *somedata;
953 struct whatever *mostinteresting; 998 struct whatever *mostinteresting;
954 } 999 }
955 1000
956And 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
957can cast it back to your own type: 1002can cast it back to your own type:
958 1003
959 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)
960 { 1005 {
961 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_; 1006 struct my_io *w = (struct my_io *)w_;
962 ... 1007 ...
963 } 1008 }
964 1009
965More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type 1010More interesting and less C-conformant ways of casting your callback type
966instead have been omitted. 1011instead have been omitted.
967 1012
968Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple 1013Another common scenario is having some data structure with multiple
969watchers: 1014watchers:
970 1015
971 struct my_biggy 1016 struct my_biggy
972 { 1017 {
973 int some_data; 1018 int some_data;
974 ev_timer t1; 1019 ev_timer t1;
975 ev_timer t2; 1020 ev_timer t2;
976 } 1021 }
977 1022
978In 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,
979you need to use C<offsetof>: 1024you need to use C<offsetof>:
980 1025
981 #include <stddef.h> 1026 #include <stddef.h>
982 1027
983 static void 1028 static void
984 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1029 t1_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
985 { 1030 {
986 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1031 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
987 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1)); 1032 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t1));
988 } 1033 }
989 1034
990 static void 1035 static void
991 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1036 t2_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
992 { 1037 {
993 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy * 1038 struct my_biggy big = (struct my_biggy *
994 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2)); 1039 (((char *)w) - offsetof (struct my_biggy, t2));
995 } 1040 }
996 1041
997 1042
998=head1 WATCHER TYPES 1043=head1 WATCHER TYPES
999 1044
1000This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat 1045This section describes each watcher in detail, but will not repeat
1029If 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
1030(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
1031C<EVBACKEND_POLL>). 1076C<EVBACKEND_POLL>).
1032 1077
1033Another 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
1034receive "spurious" readyness notifications, that is your callback might 1079receive "spurious" readiness notifications, that is your callback might
1035be 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
1036because 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
1037lot 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
1038this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus 1083this situation even with a relatively standard program structure. Thus
1039it 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
1040C<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.
1041 1086
1042If 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
1043play 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
1044whether 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
1045such 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
1046its own, so its quite safe to use). 1091its own, so its quite safe to use).
1047 1092
1048=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors 1093=head3 The special problem of disappearing file descriptors
1089C<EVBACKEND_POLL>. 1134C<EVBACKEND_POLL>.
1090 1135
1091=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE 1136=head3 The special problem of SIGPIPE
1092 1137
1093While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about SIGPIPE: 1138While not really specific to libev, it is easy to forget about SIGPIPE:
1094when reading from a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program 1139when writing to a pipe whose other end has been closed, your program gets
1095gets send a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most 1140send a SIGPIPE, which, by default, aborts your program. For most programs
1096programs this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually 1141this is sensible behaviour, for daemons, this is usually undesirable.
1097undesirable.
1098 1142
1099So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you 1143So when you encounter spurious, unexplained daemon exits, make sure you
1100ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon 1144ignore SIGPIPE (and maybe make sure you log the exit status of your daemon
1101somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue). 1145somewhere, as that would have given you a big clue).
1102 1146
1108=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events) 1152=item ev_io_init (ev_io *, callback, int fd, int events)
1109 1153
1110=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events) 1154=item ev_io_set (ev_io *, int fd, int events)
1111 1155
1112Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to 1156Configures an C<ev_io> watcher. The C<fd> is the file descriptor to
1113rceeive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or 1157receive events for and events is either C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or
1114C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events. 1158C<EV_READ | EV_WRITE> to receive the given events.
1115 1159
1116=item int fd [read-only] 1160=item int fd [read-only]
1117 1161
1118The file descriptor being watched. 1162The file descriptor being watched.
1127 1171
1128Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well 1172Example: Call C<stdin_readable_cb> when STDIN_FILENO has become, well
1129readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could 1173readable, but only once. Since it is likely line-buffered, you could
1130attempt to read a whole line in the callback. 1174attempt to read a whole line in the callback.
1131 1175
1132 static void 1176 static void
1133 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1177 stdin_readable_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1134 { 1178 {
1135 ev_io_stop (loop, w); 1179 ev_io_stop (loop, w);
1136 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors 1180 .. read from stdin here (or from w->fd) and haqndle any I/O errors
1137 } 1181 }
1138 1182
1139 ... 1183 ...
1140 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 1184 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
1141 struct ev_io stdin_readable; 1185 struct ev_io stdin_readable;
1142 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ); 1186 ev_io_init (&stdin_readable, stdin_readable_cb, STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ);
1143 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable); 1187 ev_io_start (loop, &stdin_readable);
1144 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1188 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1145 1189
1146 1190
1147=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts 1191=head2 C<ev_timer> - relative and optionally repeating timeouts
1148 1192
1149Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a 1193Timer watchers are simple relative timers that generate an event after a
1150given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that. 1194given time, and optionally repeating in regular intervals after that.
1151 1195
1152The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that 1196The timers are based on real time, that is, if you register an event that
1153times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to last years 1197times out after an hour and you reset your system clock to January last
1154time, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because 1198year, it will still time out after (roughly) and hour. "Roughly" because
1155detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the 1199detecting time jumps is hard, and some inaccuracies are unavoidable (the
1156monotonic clock option helps a lot here). 1200monotonic clock option helps a lot here).
1201
1202The callback is guaranteed to be invoked only after its timeout has passed,
1203but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
1204order of execution is undefined.
1205
1206=head3 The special problem of time updates
1207
1208Requesting the current time is a costly operation (it usually takes at
1209least two syscalls): EV therefore updates it's idea of the current time
1210only before and after C<ev_loop> polls for new events, which causes the
1211difference between C<ev_now ()> and C<ev_time ()>.
1157 1212
1158The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()> 1213The relative timeouts are calculated relative to the C<ev_now ()>
1159time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time 1214time. This is usually the right thing as this timestamp refers to the time
1160of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If 1215of the event triggering whatever timeout you are modifying/starting. If
1161you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the timeout 1216you suspect event processing to be delayed and you I<need> to base the
1162on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this: 1217timeout on the current time, use something like this to adjust for this:
1163 1218
1164 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.); 1219 ev_timer_set (&timer, after + ev_now () - ev_time (), 0.);
1165 1220
1166The callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when its timeout has passed,
1167but if multiple timers become ready during the same loop iteration then
1168order of execution is undefined.
1169
1170=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1221=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1171 1222
1172=over 4 1223=over 4
1173 1224
1174=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1225=item ev_timer_init (ev_timer *, callback, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1175 1226
1176=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat) 1227=item ev_timer_set (ev_timer *, ev_tstamp after, ev_tstamp repeat)
1177 1228
1178Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat> is 1229Configure the timer to trigger after C<after> seconds. If C<repeat>
1179C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped. If it is positive, then the 1230is C<0.>, then it will automatically be stopped once the timeout is
1180timer will automatically be configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds 1231reached. If it is positive, then the timer will automatically be
1181later, again, and again, until stopped manually. 1232configured to trigger again C<repeat> seconds later, again, and again,
1233until stopped manually.
1182 1234
1183The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if you 1235The timer itself will do a best-effort at avoiding drift, that is, if
1184configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will trigger at 1236you configure a timer to trigger every 10 seconds, then it will normally
1185exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot keep up with 1237trigger at exactly 10 second intervals. If, however, your program cannot
1186the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to do stuff) the 1238keep up with the timer (because it takes longer than those 10 seconds to
1187timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration. 1239do stuff) the timer will not fire more than once per event loop iteration.
1188 1240
1189=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *) 1241=item ev_timer_again (loop, ev_timer *)
1190 1242
1191This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is 1243This will act as if the timer timed out and restart it again if it is
1192repeating. The exact semantics are: 1244repeating. The exact semantics are:
1193 1245
1194If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared. 1246If the timer is pending, its pending status is cleared.
1195 1247
1196If the timer is started but nonrepeating, stop it (as if it timed out). 1248If the timer is started but non-repeating, stop it (as if it timed out).
1197 1249
1198If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the 1250If the timer is repeating, either start it if necessary (with the
1199C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value. 1251C<repeat> value), or reset the running timer to the C<repeat> value.
1200 1252
1201This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical 1253This sounds a bit complicated, but here is a useful and typical
1202example: Imagine you have a tcp connection and you want a so-called idle 1254example: Imagine you have a TCP connection and you want a so-called idle
1203timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60 1255timeout, that is, you want to be called when there have been, say, 60
1204seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to 1256seconds of inactivity on the socket. The easiest way to do this is to
1205configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call 1257configure an C<ev_timer> with a C<repeat> value of C<60> and then call
1206C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If 1258C<ev_timer_again> each time you successfully read or write some data. If
1207you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the 1259you go into an idle state where you do not expect data to travel on the
1233 1285
1234=head3 Examples 1286=head3 Examples
1235 1287
1236Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds. 1288Example: Create a timer that fires after 60 seconds.
1237 1289
1238 static void 1290 static void
1239 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1291 one_minute_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1240 { 1292 {
1241 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here 1293 .. one minute over, w is actually stopped right here
1242 } 1294 }
1243 1295
1244 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1296 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1245 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.); 1297 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, one_minute_cb, 60., 0.);
1246 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer); 1298 ev_timer_start (loop, &mytimer);
1247 1299
1248Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of 1300Example: Create a timeout timer that times out after 10 seconds of
1249inactivity. 1301inactivity.
1250 1302
1251 static void 1303 static void
1252 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents) 1304 timeout_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_timer *w, int revents)
1253 { 1305 {
1254 .. ten seconds without any activity 1306 .. ten seconds without any activity
1255 } 1307 }
1256 1308
1257 struct ev_timer mytimer; 1309 struct ev_timer mytimer;
1258 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */ 1310 ev_timer_init (&mytimer, timeout_cb, 0., 10.); /* note, only repeat used */
1259 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */ 1311 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); /* start timer */
1260 ev_loop (loop, 0); 1312 ev_loop (loop, 0);
1261 1313
1262 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity": 1314 // and in some piece of code that gets executed on any "activity":
1263 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds 1315 // reset the timeout to start ticking again at 10 seconds
1264 ev_timer_again (&mytimer); 1316 ev_timer_again (&mytimer);
1265 1317
1266 1318
1267=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron? 1319=head2 C<ev_periodic> - to cron or not to cron?
1268 1320
1269Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile 1321Periodic watchers are also timers of a kind, but they are very versatile
1270(and unfortunately a bit complex). 1322(and unfortunately a bit complex).
1271 1323
1272Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time) 1324Unlike C<ev_timer>'s, they are not based on real time (or relative time)
1273but on wallclock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher 1325but on wall clock time (absolute time). You can tell a periodic watcher
1274to trigger "at" some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a 1326to trigger after some specific point in time. For example, if you tell a
1275periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifiying e.g. C<ev_now () 1327periodic watcher to trigger in 10 seconds (by specifying e.g. C<ev_now ()
1276+ 10.>) and then reset your system clock to the last year, then it will 1328+ 10.>, that is, an absolute time not a delay) and then reset your system
1329clock to January of the previous year, then it will take more than year
1277take a year to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would trigger 1330to trigger the event (unlike an C<ev_timer>, which would still trigger
1278roughly 10 seconds later). 1331roughly 10 seconds later as it uses a relative timeout).
1279 1332
1280They can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers, such as 1333C<ev_periodic>s can also be used to implement vastly more complex timers,
1281triggering an event on each midnight, local time or other, complicated, 1334such as triggering an event on each "midnight, local time", or other
1282rules. 1335complicated, rules.
1283 1336
1284As with timers, the callback is guarenteed to be invoked only when the 1337As with timers, the callback is guaranteed to be invoked only when the
1285time (C<at>) has been passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready 1338time (C<at>) has passed, but if multiple periodic timers become ready
1286during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined. 1339during the same loop iteration then order of execution is undefined.
1287 1340
1288=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1341=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1289 1342
1290=over 4 1343=over 4
1298 1351
1299=over 4 1352=over 4
1300 1353
1301=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0) 1354=item * absolute timer (at = time, interval = reschedule_cb = 0)
1302 1355
1303In this configuration the watcher triggers an event at the wallclock time 1356In this configuration the watcher triggers an event after the wall clock
1304C<at> and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time jump occurs, 1357time C<at> has passed and doesn't repeat. It will not adjust when a time
1305that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will run when the 1358jump occurs, that is, if it is to be run at January 1st 2011 then it will
1306system time reaches or surpasses this time. 1359run when the system time reaches or surpasses this time.
1307 1360
1308=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0) 1361=item * repeating interval timer (at = offset, interval > 0, reschedule_cb = 0)
1309 1362
1310In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next 1363In this mode the watcher will always be scheduled to time out at the next
1311C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative) 1364C<at + N * interval> time (for some integer N, which can also be negative)
1312and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps. 1365and then repeat, regardless of any time jumps.
1313 1366
1314This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system 1367This can be used to create timers that do not drift with respect to system
1315time: 1368time, for example, here is a C<ev_periodic> that triggers each hour, on
1369the hour:
1316 1370
1317 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0); 1371 ev_periodic_set (&periodic, 0., 3600., 0);
1318 1372
1319This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers, 1373This doesn't mean there will always be 3600 seconds in between triggers,
1320but only that the the callback will be called when the system time shows a 1374but only that the callback will be called when the system time shows a
1321full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible 1375full hour (UTC), or more correctly, when the system time is evenly divisible
1322by 3600. 1376by 3600.
1323 1377
1324Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that 1378Another way to think about it (for the mathematically inclined) is that
1325C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible 1379C<ev_periodic> will try to run the callback in this mode at the next possible
1326time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps. 1380time where C<time = at (mod interval)>, regardless of any time jumps.
1327 1381
1328For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near 1382For numerical stability it is preferable that the C<at> value is near
1329C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for 1383C<ev_now ()> (the current time), but there is no range requirement for
1330this value. 1384this value, and in fact is often specified as zero.
1385
1386Note also that there is an upper limit to how often a timer can fire (CPU
1387speed for example), so if C<interval> is very small then timing stability
1388will of course deteriorate. Libev itself tries to be exact to be about one
1389millisecond (if the OS supports it and the machine is fast enough).
1331 1390
1332=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback) 1391=item * manual reschedule mode (at and interval ignored, reschedule_cb = callback)
1333 1392
1334In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being 1393In this mode the values for C<interval> and C<at> are both being
1335ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the 1394ignored. Instead, each time the periodic watcher gets scheduled, the
1336reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the 1395reschedule callback will be called with the watcher as first, and the
1337current time as second argument. 1396current time as second argument.
1338 1397
1339NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher, 1398NOTE: I<This callback MUST NOT stop or destroy any periodic watcher,
1340ever, or make any event loop modifications>. If you need to stop it, 1399ever, or make ANY event loop modifications whatsoever>.
1341return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop it afterwards (e.g. by
1342starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is legal).
1343 1400
1401If you need to stop it, return C<now + 1e30> (or so, fudge fudge) and stop
1402it afterwards (e.g. by starting an C<ev_prepare> watcher, which is the
1403only event loop modification you are allowed to do).
1404
1344Its prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic *w, 1405The callback prototype is C<ev_tstamp (*reschedule_cb)(struct ev_periodic
1345ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.: 1406*w, ev_tstamp now)>, e.g.:
1346 1407
1347 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1408 static ev_tstamp my_rescheduler (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1348 { 1409 {
1349 return now + 60.; 1410 return now + 60.;
1350 } 1411 }
1352It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value 1413It must return the next time to trigger, based on the passed time value
1353(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It 1414(that is, the lowest time value larger than to the second argument). It
1354will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but 1415will usually be called just before the callback will be triggered, but
1355might be called at other times, too. 1416might be called at other times, too.
1356 1417
1357NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is later than the 1418NOTE: I<< This callback must always return a time that is higher than or
1358passed C<now> value >>. Not even C<now> itself will do, it I<must> be larger. 1419equal to the passed C<now> value >>.
1359 1420
1360This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that 1421This can be used to create very complex timers, such as a timer that
1361triggers on each midnight, local time. To do this, you would calculate the 1422triggers on "next midnight, local time". To do this, you would calculate the
1362next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How 1423next midnight after C<now> and return the timestamp value for this. How
1363you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main 1424you do this is, again, up to you (but it is not trivial, which is the main
1364reason I omitted it as an example). 1425reason I omitted it as an example).
1365 1426
1366=back 1427=back
1370Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful 1431Simply stops and restarts the periodic watcher again. This is only useful
1371when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return 1432when you changed some parameters or the reschedule callback would return
1372a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like 1433a different time than the last time it was called (e.g. in a crond like
1373program when the crontabs have changed). 1434program when the crontabs have changed).
1374 1435
1436=item ev_tstamp ev_periodic_at (ev_periodic *)
1437
1438When active, returns the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1439trigger next.
1440
1375=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write] 1441=item ev_tstamp offset [read-write]
1376 1442
1377When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the 1443When repeating, this contains the offset value, otherwise this is the
1378absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>). 1444absolute point in time (the C<at> value passed to C<ev_periodic_set>).
1379 1445
1390 1456
1391The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is 1457The current reschedule callback, or C<0>, if this functionality is
1392switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when 1458switched off. Can be changed any time, but changes only take effect when
1393the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called. 1459the periodic timer fires or C<ev_periodic_again> is being called.
1394 1460
1395=item ev_tstamp at [read-only]
1396
1397When active, contains the absolute time that the watcher is supposed to
1398trigger next.
1399
1400=back 1461=back
1401 1462
1402=head3 Examples 1463=head3 Examples
1403 1464
1404Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the 1465Example: Call a callback every hour, or, more precisely, whenever the
1405system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have 1466system clock is divisible by 3600. The callback invocation times have
1406potentially a lot of jittering, but good long-term stability. 1467potentially a lot of jitter, but good long-term stability.
1407 1468
1408 static void 1469 static void
1409 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents) 1470 clock_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_io *w, int revents)
1410 { 1471 {
1411 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows) 1472 ... its now a full hour (UTC, or TAI or whatever your clock follows)
1412 } 1473 }
1413 1474
1414 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1475 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1415 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0); 1476 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 3600., 0);
1416 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1477 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1417 1478
1418Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it: 1479Example: The same as above, but use a reschedule callback to do it:
1419 1480
1420 #include <math.h> 1481 #include <math.h>
1421 1482
1422 static ev_tstamp 1483 static ev_tstamp
1423 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now) 1484 my_scheduler_cb (struct ev_periodic *w, ev_tstamp now)
1424 { 1485 {
1425 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.; 1486 return fmod (now, 3600.) + 3600.;
1426 } 1487 }
1427 1488
1428 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb); 1489 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 0., 0., my_scheduler_cb);
1429 1490
1430Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now: 1491Example: Call a callback every hour, starting now:
1431 1492
1432 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick; 1493 struct ev_periodic hourly_tick;
1433 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb, 1494 ev_periodic_init (&hourly_tick, clock_cb,
1434 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0); 1495 fmod (ev_now (loop), 3600.), 3600., 0);
1435 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick); 1496 ev_periodic_start (loop, &hourly_tick);
1436 1497
1437 1498
1438=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled! 1499=head2 C<ev_signal> - signal me when a signal gets signalled!
1439 1500
1440Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific 1501Signal watchers will trigger an event when the process receives a specific
1448as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal 1509as you don't register any with libev). Similarly, when the last signal
1449watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to 1510watcher for a signal is stopped libev will reset the signal handler to
1450SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before). 1511SIG_DFL (regardless of what it was set to before).
1451 1512
1452If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with 1513If possible and supported, libev will install its handlers with
1453C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so syscalls should not be unduly 1514C<SA_RESTART> behaviour enabled, so system calls should not be unduly
1454interrupted. If you have a problem with syscalls getting interrupted by 1515interrupted. If you have a problem with system calls getting interrupted by
1455signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock 1516signals you can block all signals in an C<ev_check> watcher and unblock
1456them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher. 1517them in an C<ev_prepare> watcher.
1457 1518
1458=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1519=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1459 1520
1474 1535
1475=head3 Examples 1536=head3 Examples
1476 1537
1477Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM. 1538Example: Try to exit cleanly on SIGINT and SIGTERM.
1478 1539
1479 static void 1540 static void
1480 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents) 1541 sigint_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_signal *w, int revents)
1481 { 1542 {
1482 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL); 1543 ev_unloop (loop, EVUNLOOP_ALL);
1483 } 1544 }
1484 1545
1485 struct ev_signal signal_watcher; 1546 struct ev_signal signal_watcher;
1486 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT); 1547 ev_signal_init (&signal_watcher, sigint_cb, SIGINT);
1487 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb); 1548 ev_signal_start (loop, &sigint_cb);
1488 1549
1489 1550
1490=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes 1551=head2 C<ev_child> - watch out for process status changes
1491 1552
1492Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to 1553Child watchers trigger when your process receives a SIGCHLD in response to
1494is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been 1555is permissible to install a child watcher I<after> the child has been
1495forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event 1556forked (which implies it might have already exited), as long as the event
1496loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher). 1557loop isn't entered (or is continued from a watcher).
1497 1558
1498Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore 1559Only the default event loop is capable of handling signals, and therefore
1499you can only rgeister child watchers in the default event loop. 1560you can only register child watchers in the default event loop.
1500 1561
1501=head3 Process Interaction 1562=head3 Process Interaction
1502 1563
1503Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is 1564Libev grabs C<SIGCHLD> as soon as the default event loop is
1504initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if 1565initialised. This is necessary to guarantee proper behaviour even if
1505the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurance 1566the first child watcher is started after the child exits. The occurrence
1506of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done 1567of C<SIGCHLD> is recorded asynchronously, but child reaping is done
1507synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all 1568synchronously as part of the event loop processing. Libev always reaps all
1508children, even ones not watched. 1569children, even ones not watched.
1509 1570
1510=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing 1571=head3 Overriding the Built-In Processing
1514handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for 1575handler, you can override it easily by installing your own handler for
1515C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the 1576C<SIGCHLD> after initialising the default loop, and making sure the
1516default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an 1577default loop never gets destroyed. You are encouraged, however, to use an
1517event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for 1578event-based approach to child reaping and thus use libev's support for
1518that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely. 1579that, so other libev users can use C<ev_child> watchers freely.
1580
1581=head3 Stopping the Child Watcher
1582
1583Currently, the child watcher never gets stopped, even when the
1584child terminates, so normally one needs to stop the watcher in the
1585callback. Future versions of libev might stop the watcher automatically
1586when a child exit is detected.
1519 1587
1520=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1588=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1521 1589
1522=over 4 1590=over 4
1523 1591
1552=head3 Examples 1620=head3 Examples
1553 1621
1554Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for 1622Example: C<fork()> a new process and install a child handler to wait for
1555its completion. 1623its completion.
1556 1624
1557 ev_child cw; 1625 ev_child cw;
1558 1626
1559 static void 1627 static void
1560 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents) 1628 child_cb (EV_P_ struct ev_child *w, int revents)
1561 { 1629 {
1562 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w); 1630 ev_child_stop (EV_A_ w);
1563 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus); 1631 printf ("process %d exited with status %x\n", w->rpid, w->rstatus);
1564 } 1632 }
1565 1633
1566 pid_t pid = fork (); 1634 pid_t pid = fork ();
1567 1635
1568 if (pid < 0) 1636 if (pid < 0)
1569 // error 1637 // error
1570 else if (pid == 0) 1638 else if (pid == 0)
1571 { 1639 {
1572 // the forked child executes here 1640 // the forked child executes here
1573 exit (1); 1641 exit (1);
1574 } 1642 }
1575 else 1643 else
1576 { 1644 {
1577 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0); 1645 ev_child_init (&cw, child_cb, pid, 0);
1578 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw); 1646 ev_child_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &cw);
1579 } 1647 }
1580 1648
1581 1649
1582=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change? 1650=head2 C<ev_stat> - did the file attributes just change?
1583 1651
1584This watches a filesystem path for attribute changes. That is, it calls 1652This watches a file system path for attribute changes. That is, it calls
1585C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed 1653C<stat> regularly (or when the OS says it changed) and sees if it changed
1586compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did. 1654compared to the last time, invoking the callback if it did.
1587 1655
1588The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does 1656The path does not need to exist: changing from "path exists" to "path does
1589not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does 1657not exist" is a status change like any other. The condition "path does
1607as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be 1675as even with OS-supported change notifications, this can be
1608resource-intensive. 1676resource-intensive.
1609 1677
1610At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is 1678At the time of this writing, only the Linux inotify interface is
1611implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the 1679implemented (implementing kqueue support is left as an exercise for the
1680reader, note, however, that the author sees no way of implementing ev_stat
1612reader). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should not change the 1681semantics with kqueue). Inotify will be used to give hints only and should
1613semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev sometimes needs 1682not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers, which means that libev
1614to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify, but changes are 1683sometimes needs to fall back to regular polling again even with inotify,
1615usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there will be no 1684but changes are usually detected immediately, and if the file exists there
1616polling. 1685will be no polling.
1617 1686
1618=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support) 1687=head3 ABI Issues (Largefile Support)
1619 1688
1620Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default 1689Libev by default (unless the user overrides this) uses the default
1621compilation environment, which means that on systems with optionally 1690compilation environment, which means that on systems with large file
1622disabled large file support, you get the 32 bit version of the stat 1691support disabled by default, you get the 32 bit version of the stat
1623structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to 1692structure. When using the library from programs that change the ABI to
1624use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to 1693use 64 bit file offsets the programs will fail. In that case you have to
1625compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is 1694compile libev with the same flags to get binary compatibility. This is
1626obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is 1695obviously the case with any flags that change the ABI, but the problem is
1627most noticably with ev_stat and largefile support. 1696most noticeably disabled with ev_stat and large file support.
1697
1698The solution for this is to lobby your distribution maker to make large
1699file interfaces available by default (as e.g. FreeBSD does) and not
1700optional. Libev cannot simply switch on large file support because it has
1701to exchange stat structures with application programs compiled using the
1702default compilation environment.
1628 1703
1629=head3 Inotify 1704=head3 Inotify
1630 1705
1631When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only 1706When C<inotify (7)> support has been compiled into libev (generally only
1632available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up 1707available on Linux) and present at runtime, it will be used to speed up
1633change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily 1708change detection where possible. The inotify descriptor will be created lazily
1634when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started. 1709when the first C<ev_stat> watcher is being started.
1635 1710
1636Inotify presense does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers 1711Inotify presence does not change the semantics of C<ev_stat> watchers
1637except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid 1712except that changes might be detected earlier, and in some cases, to avoid
1638making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presense of inotify support 1713making regular C<stat> calls. Even in the presence of inotify support
1639there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling. 1714there are many cases where libev has to resort to regular C<stat> polling.
1640 1715
1641(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to 1716(There is no support for kqueue, as apparently it cannot be used to
1642implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file 1717implement this functionality, due to the requirement of having a file
1643descriptor open on the object at all times). 1718descriptor open on the object at all times).
1644 1719
1645=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution 1720=head3 The special problem of stat time resolution
1646 1721
1647The C<stat ()> syscall only supports full-second resolution portably, and 1722The C<stat ()> system call only supports full-second resolution portably, and
1648even on systems where the resolution is higher, many filesystems still 1723even on systems where the resolution is higher, many file systems still
1649only support whole seconds. 1724only support whole seconds.
1650 1725
1651That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you might 1726That means that, if the time is the only thing that changes, you can
1652miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and calls 1727easily miss updates: on the first update, C<ev_stat> detects a change and
1653your callback, which does something. When there is another update within 1728calls your callback, which does something. When there is another update
1654the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it. 1729within the same second, C<ev_stat> will be unable to detect it as the stat
1730data does not change.
1655 1731
1656The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for a second (or till 1732The solution to this is to delay acting on a change for slightly more
1657the next second boundary), using a roughly one-second delay C<ev_timer> 1733than a second (or till slightly after the next full second boundary), using
1658(C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.01); ev_timer_again (loop, w)>). The C<.01> 1734a roughly one-second-delay C<ev_timer> (e.g. C<ev_timer_set (w, 0., 1.02);
1659is added to work around small timing inconsistencies of some operating 1735ev_timer_again (loop, w)>).
1660systems. 1736
1737The C<.02> offset is added to work around small timing inconsistencies
1738of some operating systems (where the second counter of the current time
1739might be be delayed. One such system is the Linux kernel, where a call to
1740C<gettimeofday> might return a timestamp with a full second later than
1741a subsequent C<time> call - if the equivalent of C<time ()> is used to
1742update file times then there will be a small window where the kernel uses
1743the previous second to update file times but libev might already execute
1744the timer callback).
1661 1745
1662=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members 1746=head3 Watcher-Specific Functions and Data Members
1663 1747
1664=over 4 1748=over 4
1665 1749
1671C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to 1755C<path>. The C<interval> is a hint on how quickly a change is expected to
1672be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose 1756be detected and should normally be specified as C<0> to let libev choose
1673a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same 1757a suitable value. The memory pointed to by C<path> must point to the same
1674path for as long as the watcher is active. 1758path for as long as the watcher is active.
1675 1759
1676The callback will be receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, 1760The callback will receive C<EV_STAT> when a change was detected, relative
1677relative to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the 1761to the attributes at the time the watcher was started (or the last change
1678last change was detected). 1762was detected).
1679 1763
1680=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *) 1764=item ev_stat_stat (loop, ev_stat *)
1681 1765
1682Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the 1766Updates the stat buffer immediately with new values. If you change the
1683watched path in your callback, you could call this fucntion to avoid 1767watched path in your callback, you could call this function to avoid
1684detecting this change (while introducing a race condition). Can also be 1768detecting this change (while introducing a race condition if you are not
1685useful simply to find out the new values. 1769the only one changing the path). Can also be useful simply to find out the
1770new values.
1686 1771
1687=item ev_statdata attr [read-only] 1772=item ev_statdata attr [read-only]
1688 1773
1689The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is of 1774The most-recently detected attributes of the file. Although the type is
1690C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types 1775C<ev_statdata>, this is usually the (or one of the) C<struct stat> types
1691suitable for your system. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there 1776suitable for your system, but you can only rely on the POSIX-standardised
1777members to be present. If the C<st_nlink> member is C<0>, then there was
1692was some error while C<stat>ing the file. 1778some error while C<stat>ing the file.
1693 1779
1694=item ev_statdata prev [read-only] 1780=item ev_statdata prev [read-only]
1695 1781
1696The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever 1782The previous attributes of the file. The callback gets invoked whenever
1697C<prev> != C<attr>. 1783C<prev> != C<attr>, or, more precisely, one or more of these members
1784differ: C<st_dev>, C<st_ino>, C<st_mode>, C<st_nlink>, C<st_uid>,
1785C<st_gid>, C<st_rdev>, C<st_size>, C<st_atime>, C<st_mtime>, C<st_ctime>.
1698 1786
1699=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only] 1787=item ev_tstamp interval [read-only]
1700 1788
1701The specified interval. 1789The specified interval.
1702 1790
1703=item const char *path [read-only] 1791=item const char *path [read-only]
1704 1792
1705The filesystem path that is being watched. 1793The file system path that is being watched.
1706 1794
1707=back 1795=back
1708 1796
1709=head3 Examples 1797=head3 Examples
1710 1798
1711Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes. 1799Example: Watch C</etc/passwd> for attribute changes.
1712 1800
1713 static void 1801 static void
1714 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents) 1802 passwd_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, ev_stat *w, int revents)
1715 { 1803 {
1716 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */ 1804 /* /etc/passwd changed in some way */
1717 if (w->attr.st_nlink) 1805 if (w->attr.st_nlink)
1718 { 1806 {
1719 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size); 1807 printf ("passwd current size %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_size);
1720 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1808 printf ("passwd current atime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1721 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime); 1809 printf ("passwd current mtime %ld\n", (long)w->attr.st_mtime);
1722 } 1810 }
1723 else 1811 else
1724 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */ 1812 /* you shalt not abuse printf for puts */
1725 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. " 1813 puts ("wow, /etc/passwd is not there, expect problems. "
1726 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n"); 1814 "if this is windows, they already arrived\n");
1727 } 1815 }
1728 1816
1729 ... 1817 ...
1730 ev_stat passwd; 1818 ev_stat passwd;
1731 1819
1732 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1820 ev_stat_init (&passwd, passwd_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1733 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1821 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1734 1822
1735Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not 1823Example: Like above, but additionally use a one-second delay so we do not
1736miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so 1824miss updates (however, frequent updates will delay processing, too, so
1737one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on 1825one might do the work both on C<ev_stat> callback invocation I<and> on
1738C<ev_timer> callback invocation). 1826C<ev_timer> callback invocation).
1739 1827
1740 static ev_stat passwd; 1828 static ev_stat passwd;
1741 static ev_timer timer; 1829 static ev_timer timer;
1742 1830
1743 static void 1831 static void
1744 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 1832 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1745 { 1833 {
1746 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w); 1834 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ w);
1747 1835
1748 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */ 1836 /* now it's one second after the most recent passwd change */
1749 } 1837 }
1750 1838
1751 static void 1839 static void
1752 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents) 1840 stat_cb (EV_P_ ev_stat *w, int revents)
1753 { 1841 {
1754 /* reset the one-second timer */ 1842 /* reset the one-second timer */
1755 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer); 1843 ev_timer_again (EV_A_ &timer);
1756 } 1844 }
1757 1845
1758 ... 1846 ...
1759 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.); 1847 ev_stat_init (&passwd, stat_cb, "/etc/passwd", 0.);
1760 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd); 1848 ev_stat_start (loop, &passwd);
1761 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.01); 1849 ev_timer_init (&timer, timer_cb, 0., 1.02);
1762 1850
1763 1851
1764=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do... 1852=head2 C<ev_idle> - when you've got nothing better to do...
1765 1853
1766Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher 1854Idle watchers trigger events when no other events of the same or higher
1797=head3 Examples 1885=head3 Examples
1798 1886
1799Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the 1887Example: Dynamically allocate an C<ev_idle> watcher, start it, and in the
1800callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual. 1888callback, free it. Also, use no error checking, as usual.
1801 1889
1802 static void 1890 static void
1803 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents) 1891 idle_cb (struct ev_loop *loop, struct ev_idle *w, int revents)
1804 { 1892 {
1805 free (w); 1893 free (w);
1806 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has 1894 // now do something you wanted to do when the program has
1807 // no longer anything immediate to do. 1895 // no longer anything immediate to do.
1808 } 1896 }
1809 1897
1810 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle)); 1898 struct ev_idle *idle_watcher = malloc (sizeof (struct ev_idle));
1811 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb); 1899 ev_idle_init (idle_watcher, idle_cb);
1812 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb); 1900 ev_idle_start (loop, idle_cb);
1813 1901
1814 1902
1815=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop! 1903=head2 C<ev_prepare> and C<ev_check> - customise your event loop!
1816 1904
1817Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem: 1905Prepare and check watchers are usually (but not always) used in tandem:
1836 1924
1837This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need 1925This is done by examining in each prepare call which file descriptors need
1838to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for 1926to be watched by the other library, registering C<ev_io> watchers for
1839them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries 1927them and starting an C<ev_timer> watcher for any timeouts (many libraries
1840provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for 1928provide just this functionality). Then, in the check watcher you check for
1841any events that occured (by checking the pending status of all watchers 1929any events that occurred (by checking the pending status of all watchers
1842and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer 1930and stopping them) and call back into the library. The I/O and timer
1843callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless, 1931callbacks will never actually be called (but must be valid nevertheless,
1844because you never know, you know?). 1932because you never know, you know?).
1845 1933
1846As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate 1934As another example, the Perl Coro module uses these hooks to integrate
1854 1942
1855It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>) 1943It is recommended to give C<ev_check> watchers highest (C<EV_MAXPRI>)
1856priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers 1944priority, to ensure that they are being run before any other watchers
1857after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers, 1945after the poll. Also, C<ev_check> watchers (and C<ev_prepare> watchers,
1858too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully 1946too) should not activate ("feed") events into libev. While libev fully
1859supports this, they will be called before other C<ev_check> watchers 1947supports this, they might get executed before other C<ev_check> watchers
1860did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other 1948did their job. As C<ev_check> watchers are often used to embed other
1861(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable 1949(non-libev) event loops those other event loops might be in an unusable
1862state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to 1950state until their C<ev_check> watcher ran (always remind yourself to
1863coexist peacefully with others). 1951coexist peacefully with others).
1864 1952
1879=head3 Examples 1967=head3 Examples
1880 1968
1881There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules 1969There are a number of principal ways to embed other event loops or modules
1882into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev 1970into libev. Here are some ideas on how to include libadns into libev
1883(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could 1971(there is a Perl module named C<EV::ADNS> that does this, which you could
1884use for an actually working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> 1972use as a working example. Another Perl module named C<EV::Glib> embeds a
1885embeds a Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV 1973Glib main context into libev, and finally, C<Glib::EV> embeds EV into the
1886into the Glib event loop). 1974Glib event loop).
1887 1975
1888Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler, 1976Method 1: Add IO watchers and a timeout watcher in a prepare handler,
1889and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows 1977and in a check watcher, destroy them and call into libadns. What follows
1890is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low 1978is pseudo-code only of course. This requires you to either use a low
1891priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as 1979priority for the check watcher or use C<ev_clear_pending> explicitly, as
1892the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet. 1980the callbacks for the IO/timeout watchers might not have been called yet.
1893 1981
1894 static ev_io iow [nfd]; 1982 static ev_io iow [nfd];
1895 static ev_timer tw; 1983 static ev_timer tw;
1896 1984
1897 static void 1985 static void
1898 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents) 1986 io_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_io *w, int revents)
1899 { 1987 {
1900 } 1988 }
1901 1989
1902 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking 1990 // create io watchers for each fd and a timer before blocking
1903 static void 1991 static void
1904 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents) 1992 adns_prepare_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_prepare *w, int revents)
1905 { 1993 {
1906 int timeout = 3600000; 1994 int timeout = 3600000;
1907 struct pollfd fds [nfd]; 1995 struct pollfd fds [nfd];
1908 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc. 1996 // actual code will need to loop here and realloc etc.
1909 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ())); 1997 adns_beforepoll (ads, fds, &nfd, &timeout, timeval_from (ev_time ()));
1910 1998
1911 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */ 1999 /* the callback is illegal, but won't be called as we stop during check */
1912 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3); 2000 ev_timer_init (&tw, 0, timeout * 1e-3);
1913 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw); 2001 ev_timer_start (loop, &tw);
1914 2002
1915 // create one ev_io per pollfd 2003 // create one ev_io per pollfd
1916 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2004 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1917 { 2005 {
1918 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd, 2006 ev_io_init (iow + i, io_cb, fds [i].fd,
1919 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0) 2007 ((fds [i].events & POLLIN ? EV_READ : 0)
1920 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0))); 2008 | (fds [i].events & POLLOUT ? EV_WRITE : 0)));
1921 2009
1922 fds [i].revents = 0; 2010 fds [i].revents = 0;
1923 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i); 2011 ev_io_start (loop, iow + i);
1924 } 2012 }
1925 } 2013 }
1926 2014
1927 // stop all watchers after blocking 2015 // stop all watchers after blocking
1928 static void 2016 static void
1929 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents) 2017 adns_check_cb (ev_loop *loop, ev_check *w, int revents)
1930 { 2018 {
1931 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw); 2019 ev_timer_stop (loop, &tw);
1932 2020
1933 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i) 2021 for (int i = 0; i < nfd; ++i)
1934 { 2022 {
1935 // set the relevant poll flags 2023 // set the relevant poll flags
1936 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here 2024 // could also call adns_processreadable etc. here
1937 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i; 2025 struct pollfd *fd = fds + i;
1938 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i); 2026 int revents = ev_clear_pending (iow + i);
1939 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN; 2027 if (revents & EV_READ ) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLIN;
1940 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT; 2028 if (revents & EV_WRITE) fd->revents |= fd->events & POLLOUT;
1941 2029
1942 // now stop the watcher 2030 // now stop the watcher
1943 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i); 2031 ev_io_stop (loop, iow + i);
1944 } 2032 }
1945 2033
1946 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop)); 2034 adns_afterpoll (adns, fds, nfd, timeval_from (ev_now (loop));
1947 } 2035 }
1948 2036
1949Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll> 2037Method 2: This would be just like method 1, but you run C<adns_afterpoll>
1950in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher. 2038in the prepare watcher and would dispose of the check watcher.
1951 2039
1952Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event 2040Method 3: If the module to be embedded supports explicit event
1953notification (adns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher 2041notification (libadns does), you can also make use of the actual watcher
1954callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher. 2042callbacks, and only destroy/create the watchers in the prepare watcher.
1955 2043
1956 static void 2044 static void
1957 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2045 timer_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
1958 { 2046 {
1959 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2047 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1960 update_now (EV_A); 2048 update_now (EV_A);
1961 2049
1962 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now); 2050 adns_processtimeouts (ads, &tv_now);
1963 } 2051 }
1964 2052
1965 static void 2053 static void
1966 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents) 2054 io_cb (EV_P_ ev_io *w, int revents)
1967 { 2055 {
1968 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data; 2056 adns_state ads = (adns_state)w->data;
1969 update_now (EV_A); 2057 update_now (EV_A);
1970 2058
1971 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2059 if (revents & EV_READ ) adns_processreadable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1972 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now); 2060 if (revents & EV_WRITE) adns_processwriteable (ads, w->fd, &tv_now);
1973 } 2061 }
1974 2062
1975 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll 2063 // do not ever call adns_afterpoll
1976 2064
1977Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you 2065Method 4: Do not use a prepare or check watcher because the module you
1978want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, youc na override 2066want to embed is too inflexible to support it. Instead, you can override
1979their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main 2067their poll function. The drawback with this solution is that the main
1980loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does 2068loop is now no longer controllable by EV. The C<Glib::EV> module does
1981this. 2069this.
1982 2070
1983 static gint 2071 static gint
1984 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout) 2072 event_poll_func (GPollFD *fds, guint nfds, gint timeout)
1985 { 2073 {
1986 int got_events = 0; 2074 int got_events = 0;
1987 2075
1988 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2076 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
1989 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events 2077 // create/start io watcher that sets the relevant bits in fds[n] and increment got_events
1990 2078
1991 if (timeout >= 0) 2079 if (timeout >= 0)
1992 // create/start timer 2080 // create/start timer
1993 2081
1994 // poll 2082 // poll
1995 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2083 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
1996 2084
1997 // stop timer again 2085 // stop timer again
1998 if (timeout >= 0) 2086 if (timeout >= 0)
1999 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to); 2087 ev_timer_stop (EV_A_ &to);
2000 2088
2001 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set 2089 // stop io watchers again - their callbacks should have set
2002 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n) 2090 for (n = 0; n < nfds; ++n)
2003 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]); 2091 ev_io_stop (EV_A_ iow [n]);
2004 2092
2005 return got_events; 2093 return got_events;
2006 } 2094 }
2007 2095
2008 2096
2009=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough... 2097=head2 C<ev_embed> - when one backend isn't enough...
2010 2098
2011This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop 2099This is a rather advanced watcher type that lets you embed one event loop
2067 2155
2068Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be 2156Configures the watcher to embed the given loop, which must be
2069embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be 2157embeddable. If the callback is C<0>, then C<ev_embed_sweep> will be
2070invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback 2158invoked automatically, otherwise it is the responsibility of the callback
2071to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done, 2159to invoke it (it will continue to be called until the sweep has been done,
2072if you do not want thta, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher). 2160if you do not want that, you need to temporarily stop the embed watcher).
2073 2161
2074=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *) 2162=item ev_embed_sweep (loop, ev_embed *)
2075 2163
2076Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works 2164Make a single, non-blocking sweep over the embedded loop. This works
2077similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most 2165similarly to C<ev_loop (embedded_loop, EVLOOP_NONBLOCK)>, but in the most
2078apropriate way for embedded loops. 2166appropriate way for embedded loops.
2079 2167
2080=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only] 2168=item struct ev_loop *other [read-only]
2081 2169
2082The embedded event loop. 2170The embedded event loop.
2083 2171
2085 2173
2086=head3 Examples 2174=head3 Examples
2087 2175
2088Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default 2176Example: Try to get an embeddable event loop and embed it into the default
2089event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default 2177event loop. If that is not possible, use the default loop. The default
2090loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the mebeddable loop is stored in 2178loop is stored in C<loop_hi>, while the embeddable loop is stored in
2091C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the acse no embeddable loop can be 2179C<loop_lo> (which is C<loop_hi> in the case no embeddable loop can be
2092used). 2180used).
2093 2181
2094 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0); 2182 struct ev_loop *loop_hi = ev_default_init (0);
2095 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0; 2183 struct ev_loop *loop_lo = 0;
2096 struct ev_embed embed; 2184 struct ev_embed embed;
2097 2185
2098 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works 2186 // see if there is a chance of getting one that works
2099 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection) 2187 // (remember that a flags value of 0 means autodetection)
2100 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends () 2188 loop_lo = ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()
2101 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ()) 2189 ? ev_loop_new (ev_embeddable_backends () & ev_recommended_backends ())
2102 : 0; 2190 : 0;
2103 2191
2104 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi 2192 // if we got one, then embed it, otherwise default to loop_hi
2105 if (loop_lo) 2193 if (loop_lo)
2106 { 2194 {
2107 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo); 2195 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_lo);
2108 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed); 2196 ev_embed_start (loop_hi, &embed);
2109 } 2197 }
2110 else 2198 else
2111 loop_lo = loop_hi; 2199 loop_lo = loop_hi;
2112 2200
2113Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create 2201Example: Check if kqueue is available but not recommended and create
2114a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any 2202a kqueue backend for use with sockets (which usually work with any
2115kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in 2203kqueue implementation). Store the kqueue/socket-only event loop in
2116C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too). 2204C<loop_socket>. (One might optionally use C<EVFLAG_NOENV>, too).
2117 2205
2118 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0); 2206 struct ev_loop *loop = ev_default_init (0);
2119 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0; 2207 struct ev_loop *loop_socket = 0;
2120 struct ev_embed embed; 2208 struct ev_embed embed;
2121 2209
2122 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE) 2210 if (ev_supported_backends () & ~ev_recommended_backends () & EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)
2123 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE)) 2211 if ((loop_socket = ev_loop_new (EVBACKEND_KQUEUE))
2124 { 2212 {
2125 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket); 2213 ev_embed_init (&embed, 0, loop_socket);
2126 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed); 2214 ev_embed_start (loop, &embed);
2127 } 2215 }
2128 2216
2129 if (!loop_socket) 2217 if (!loop_socket)
2130 loop_socket = loop; 2218 loop_socket = loop;
2131 2219
2132 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else 2220 // now use loop_socket for all sockets, and loop for everything else
2133 2221
2134 2222
2135=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork 2223=head2 C<ev_fork> - the audacity to resume the event loop after a fork
2136 2224
2137Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because 2225Fork watchers are called when a C<fork ()> was detected (usually because
2190 2278
2191=item queueing from a signal handler context 2279=item queueing from a signal handler context
2192 2280
2193To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal 2281To implement race-free queueing, you simply add to the queue in the signal
2194handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for 2282handler but you block the signal handler in the watcher callback. Here is an example that does that for
2195some fictitiuous SIGUSR1 handler: 2283some fictitious SIGUSR1 handler:
2196 2284
2197 static ev_async mysig; 2285 static ev_async mysig;
2198 2286
2199 static void 2287 static void
2200 sigusr1_handler (void) 2288 sigusr1_handler (void)
2274=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *) 2362=item ev_async_send (loop, ev_async *)
2275 2363
2276Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds 2364Sends/signals/activates the given C<ev_async> watcher, that is, feeds
2277an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike 2365an C<EV_ASYNC> event on the watcher into the event loop. Unlike
2278C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or 2366C<ev_feed_event>, this call is safe to do in other threads, signal or
2279similar contexts (see the dicusssion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding 2367similar contexts (see the discussion of C<EV_ATOMIC_T> in the embedding
2280section below on what exactly this means). 2368section below on what exactly this means).
2281 2369
2282This call incurs the overhead of a syscall only once per loop iteration, 2370This call incurs the overhead of a system call only once per loop iteration,
2283so while the overhead might be noticable, it doesn't apply to repeated 2371so while the overhead might be noticeable, it doesn't apply to repeated
2284calls to C<ev_async_send>. 2372calls to C<ev_async_send>.
2285 2373
2286=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *) 2374=item bool = ev_async_pending (ev_async *)
2287 2375
2288Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the 2376Returns a non-zero value when C<ev_async_send> has been called on the
2290event loop. 2378event loop.
2291 2379
2292C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When 2380C<ev_async_send> sets a flag in the watcher and wakes up the loop. When
2293the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active, 2381the loop iterates next and checks for the watcher to have become active,
2294it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very 2382it will reset the flag again. C<ev_async_pending> can be used to very
2295quickly check wether invoking the loop might be a good idea. 2383quickly check whether invoking the loop might be a good idea.
2296 2384
2297Not that this does I<not> check wether the watcher itself is pending, only 2385Not that this does I<not> check whether the watcher itself is pending, only
2298wether it has been requested to make this watcher pending. 2386whether it has been requested to make this watcher pending.
2299 2387
2300=back 2388=back
2301 2389
2302 2390
2303=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS 2391=head1 OTHER FUNCTIONS
2314or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or 2402or timeout without having to allocate/configure/start/stop/free one or
2315more watchers yourself. 2403more watchers yourself.
2316 2404
2317If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events 2405If C<fd> is less than 0, then no I/O watcher will be started and events
2318is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and 2406is being ignored. Otherwise, an C<ev_io> watcher for the given C<fd> and
2319C<events> set will be craeted and started. 2407C<events> set will be created and started.
2320 2408
2321If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be 2409If C<timeout> is less than 0, then no timeout watcher will be
2322started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and 2410started. Otherwise an C<ev_timer> watcher with after = C<timeout> (and
2323repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of 2411repeat = 0) will be started. While C<0> is a valid timeout, it is of
2324dubious value. 2412dubious value.
2326The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets 2414The callback has the type C<void (*cb)(int revents, void *arg)> and gets
2327passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of 2415passed an C<revents> set like normal event callbacks (a combination of
2328C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg> 2416C<EV_ERROR>, C<EV_READ>, C<EV_WRITE> or C<EV_TIMEOUT>) and the C<arg>
2329value passed to C<ev_once>: 2417value passed to C<ev_once>:
2330 2418
2331 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg) 2419 static void stdin_ready (int revents, void *arg)
2332 { 2420 {
2333 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT) 2421 if (revents & EV_TIMEOUT)
2334 /* doh, nothing entered */; 2422 /* doh, nothing entered */;
2335 else if (revents & EV_READ) 2423 else if (revents & EV_READ)
2336 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */; 2424 /* stdin might have data for us, joy! */;
2337 } 2425 }
2338 2426
2339 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0); 2427 ev_once (STDIN_FILENO, EV_READ, 10., stdin_ready, 0);
2340 2428
2341=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents) 2429=item ev_feed_event (ev_loop *, watcher *, int revents)
2342 2430
2343Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event 2431Feeds the given event set into the event loop, as if the specified event
2344had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an 2432had happened for the specified watcher (which must be a pointer to an
2349Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected 2437Feed an event on the given fd, as if a file descriptor backend detected
2350the given events it. 2438the given events it.
2351 2439
2352=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum) 2440=item ev_feed_signal_event (ev_loop *loop, int signum)
2353 2441
2354Feed an event as if the given signal occured (C<loop> must be the default 2442Feed an event as if the given signal occurred (C<loop> must be the default
2355loop!). 2443loop!).
2356 2444
2357=back 2445=back
2358 2446
2359 2447
2375 2463
2376=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities 2464=item * Priorities are not currently supported. Initialising priorities
2377will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there 2465will fail and all watchers will have the same priority, even though there
2378is an ev_pri field. 2466is an ev_pri field.
2379 2467
2468=item * In libevent, the last base created gets the signals, in libev, the
2469first base created (== the default loop) gets the signals.
2470
2380=item * Other members are not supported. 2471=item * Other members are not supported.
2381 2472
2382=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need 2473=item * The libev emulation is I<not> ABI compatible to libevent, you need
2383to use the libev header file and library. 2474to use the libev header file and library.
2384 2475
2385=back 2476=back
2386 2477
2387=head1 C++ SUPPORT 2478=head1 C++ SUPPORT
2388 2479
2389Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow 2480Libev comes with some simplistic wrapper classes for C++ that mainly allow
2390you to use some convinience methods to start/stop watchers and also change 2481you to use some convenience methods to start/stop watchers and also change
2391the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects. 2482the callback model to a model using method callbacks on objects.
2392 2483
2393To use it, 2484To use it,
2394 2485
2395 #include <ev++.h> 2486 #include <ev++.h>
2396 2487
2397This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many 2488This automatically includes F<ev.h> and puts all of its definitions (many
2398of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are 2489of them macros) into the global namespace. All C++ specific things are
2399put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding 2490put into the C<ev> namespace. It should support all the same embedding
2400options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. 2491options as F<ev.h>, most notably C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>.
2467your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the 2558your compiler is good :), then the method will be fully inlined into the
2468thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback. 2559thunking function, making it as fast as a direct C callback.
2469 2560
2470Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation 2561Example: simple class declaration and watcher initialisation
2471 2562
2472 struct myclass 2563 struct myclass
2473 { 2564 {
2474 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2565 void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2475 } 2566 }
2476 2567
2477 myclass obj; 2568 myclass obj;
2478 ev::io iow; 2569 ev::io iow;
2479 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj); 2570 iow.set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb> (&obj);
2480 2571
2481=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0) 2572=item w->set<function> (void *data = 0)
2482 2573
2483Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as 2574Also sets a callback, but uses a static method or plain function as
2484callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's 2575callback. The optional C<data> argument will be stored in the watcher's
2488 2579
2489See the method-C<set> above for more details. 2580See the method-C<set> above for more details.
2490 2581
2491Example: 2582Example:
2492 2583
2493 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { } 2584 static void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents) { }
2494 iow.set <io_cb> (); 2585 iow.set <io_cb> ();
2495 2586
2496=item w->set (struct ev_loop *) 2587=item w->set (struct ev_loop *)
2497 2588
2498Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only 2589Associates a different C<struct ev_loop> with this watcher. You can only
2499do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either). 2590do this when the watcher is inactive (and not pending either).
2500 2591
2501=item w->set ([args]) 2592=item w->set ([arguments])
2502 2593
2503Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same args. Must be 2594Basically the same as C<ev_TYPE_set>, with the same arguments. Must be
2504called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets 2595called at least once. Unlike the C counterpart, an active watcher gets
2505automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this 2596automatically stopped and restarted when reconfiguring it with this
2506method. 2597method.
2507 2598
2508=item w->start () 2599=item w->start ()
2532=back 2623=back
2533 2624
2534Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in 2625Example: Define a class with an IO and idle watcher, start one of them in
2535the constructor. 2626the constructor.
2536 2627
2537 class myclass 2628 class myclass
2538 { 2629 {
2539 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents); 2630 ev::io io; void io_cb (ev::io &w, int revents);
2540 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents); 2631 ev:idle idle void idle_cb (ev::idle &w, int revents);
2541 2632
2542 myclass (int fd) 2633 myclass (int fd)
2543 { 2634 {
2544 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this); 2635 io .set <myclass, &myclass::io_cb > (this);
2545 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this); 2636 idle.set <myclass, &myclass::idle_cb> (this);
2546 2637
2547 io.start (fd, ev::READ); 2638 io.start (fd, ev::READ);
2548 } 2639 }
2549 }; 2640 };
2550 2641
2551 2642
2552=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS 2643=head1 OTHER LANGUAGE BINDINGS
2553 2644
2554Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a 2645Libev does not offer other language bindings itself, but bindings for a
2555numbe rof languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know 2646number of languages exist in the form of third-party packages. If you know
2556any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop 2647any interesting language binding in addition to the ones listed here, drop
2557me a note. 2648me a note.
2558 2649
2559=over 4 2650=over 4
2560 2651
2564libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module, 2655libev. EV is developed together with libev. Apart from the EV core module,
2565there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces 2656there are additional modules that implement libev-compatible interfaces
2566to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the 2657to C<libadns> (C<EV::ADNS>), C<Net::SNMP> (C<Net::SNMP::EV>) and the
2567C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>). 2658C<libglib> event core (C<Glib::EV> and C<EV::Glib>).
2568 2659
2569It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is found at 2660It can be found and installed via CPAN, its homepage is at
2570L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>. 2661L<http://software.schmorp.de/pkg/EV>.
2571 2662
2663=item Python
2664
2665Python bindings can be found at L<http://code.google.com/p/pyev/>. It
2666seems to be quite complete and well-documented. Note, however, that the
2667patch they require for libev is outright dangerous as it breaks the ABI
2668for everybody else, and therefore, should never be applied in an installed
2669libev (if python requires an incompatible ABI then it needs to embed
2670libev).
2671
2572=item Ruby 2672=item Ruby
2573 2673
2574Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset 2674Tony Arcieri has written a ruby extension that offers access to a subset
2575of the libev API and adds filehandle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and 2675of the libev API and adds file handle abstractions, asynchronous DNS and
2576more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at 2676more on top of it. It can be found via gem servers. Its homepage is at
2577L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>. 2677L<http://rev.rubyforge.org/>.
2578 2678
2579=item D 2679=item D
2580 2680
2581Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to 2681Leandro Lucarella has written a D language binding (F<ev.d>) for libev, to
2582be found at L<http://git.llucax.com.ar/?p=software/ev.d.git;a=summary>. 2682be found at L<http://proj.llucax.com.ar/wiki/evd>.
2583 2683
2584=back 2684=back
2585 2685
2586 2686
2587=head1 MACRO MAGIC 2687=head1 MACRO MAGIC
2588 2688
2589Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamantal 2689Libev can be compiled with a variety of options, the most fundamental
2590of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most) 2690of which is C<EV_MULTIPLICITY>. This option determines whether (most)
2591functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument. 2691functions and callbacks have an initial C<struct ev_loop *> argument.
2592 2692
2593To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the 2693To make it easier to write programs that cope with either variant, the
2594following macros are defined: 2694following macros are defined:
2599 2699
2600This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2700This provides the loop I<argument> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2601loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument, 2701loop argument"). The C<EV_A> form is used when this is the sole argument,
2602C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example: 2702C<EV_A_> is used when other arguments are following. Example:
2603 2703
2604 ev_unref (EV_A); 2704 ev_unref (EV_A);
2605 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher); 2705 ev_timer_add (EV_A_ watcher);
2606 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0); 2706 ev_loop (EV_A_ 0);
2607 2707
2608It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope, 2708It assumes the variable C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *> is in scope,
2609which is often provided by the following macro. 2709which is often provided by the following macro.
2610 2710
2611=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_> 2711=item C<EV_P>, C<EV_P_>
2612 2712
2613This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev 2713This provides the loop I<parameter> for functions, if one is required ("ev
2614loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter, 2714loop parameter"). The C<EV_P> form is used when this is the sole parameter,
2615C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example: 2715C<EV_P_> is used when other parameters are following. Example:
2616 2716
2617 // this is how ev_unref is being declared 2717 // this is how ev_unref is being declared
2618 static void ev_unref (EV_P); 2718 static void ev_unref (EV_P);
2619 2719
2620 // this is how you can declare your typical callback 2720 // this is how you can declare your typical callback
2621 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2721 static void cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2622 2722
2623It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite 2723It declares a parameter C<loop> of type C<struct ev_loop *>, quite
2624suitable for use with C<EV_A>. 2724suitable for use with C<EV_A>.
2625 2725
2626=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_> 2726=item C<EV_DEFAULT>, C<EV_DEFAULT_>
2642 2742
2643Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above 2743Example: Declare and initialise a check watcher, utilising the above
2644macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported 2744macros so it will work regardless of whether multiple loops are supported
2645or not. 2745or not.
2646 2746
2647 static void 2747 static void
2648 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents) 2748 check_cb (EV_P_ ev_timer *w, int revents)
2649 { 2749 {
2650 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w); 2750 ev_check_stop (EV_A_ w);
2651 } 2751 }
2652 2752
2653 ev_check check; 2753 ev_check check;
2654 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb); 2754 ev_check_init (&check, check_cb);
2655 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check); 2755 ev_check_start (EV_DEFAULT_ &check);
2656 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0); 2756 ev_loop (EV_DEFAULT_ 0);
2657 2757
2658=head1 EMBEDDING 2758=head1 EMBEDDING
2659 2759
2660Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host 2760Libev can (and often is) directly embedded into host
2661applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra 2761applications. Examples of applications that embed it include the Deliantra
2668libev somewhere in your source tree). 2768libev somewhere in your source tree).
2669 2769
2670=head2 FILESETS 2770=head2 FILESETS
2671 2771
2672Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files 2772Depending on what features you need you need to include one or more sets of files
2673in your app. 2773in your application.
2674 2774
2675=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP 2775=head3 CORE EVENT LOOP
2676 2776
2677To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual 2777To include only the libev core (all the C<ev_*> functions), with manual
2678configuration (no autoconf): 2778configuration (no autoconf):
2679 2779
2680 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2780 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2681 #include "ev.c" 2781 #include "ev.c"
2682 2782
2683This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a 2783This will automatically include F<ev.h>, too, and should be done in a
2684single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use 2784single C source file only to provide the function implementations. To use
2685it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best 2785it, do the same for F<ev.h> in all files wishing to use this API (best
2686done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and 2786done by writing a wrapper around F<ev.h> that you can include instead and
2687where you can put other configuration options): 2787where you can put other configuration options):
2688 2788
2689 #define EV_STANDALONE 1 2789 #define EV_STANDALONE 1
2690 #include "ev.h" 2790 #include "ev.h"
2691 2791
2692Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++ 2792Both header files and implementation files can be compiled with a C++
2693compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated 2793compiler (at least, thats a stated goal, and breakage will be treated
2694as a bug). 2794as a bug).
2695 2795
2696You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory 2796You need the following files in your source tree, or in a directory
2697in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev): 2797in your include path (e.g. in libev/ when using -Ilibev):
2698 2798
2699 ev.h 2799 ev.h
2700 ev.c 2800 ev.c
2701 ev_vars.h 2801 ev_vars.h
2702 ev_wrap.h 2802 ev_wrap.h
2703 2803
2704 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only 2804 ev_win32.c required on win32 platforms only
2705 2805
2706 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default) 2806 ev_select.c only when select backend is enabled (which is enabled by default)
2707 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2807 ev_poll.c only when poll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2708 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2808 ev_epoll.c only when the epoll backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2709 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2809 ev_kqueue.c only when the kqueue backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2710 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default) 2810 ev_port.c only when the solaris port backend is enabled (disabled by default)
2711 2811
2712F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need 2812F<ev.c> includes the backend files directly when enabled, so you only need
2713to compile this single file. 2813to compile this single file.
2714 2814
2715=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API 2815=head3 LIBEVENT COMPATIBILITY API
2716 2816
2717To include the libevent compatibility API, also include: 2817To include the libevent compatibility API, also include:
2718 2818
2719 #include "event.c" 2819 #include "event.c"
2720 2820
2721in the file including F<ev.c>, and: 2821in the file including F<ev.c>, and:
2722 2822
2723 #include "event.h" 2823 #include "event.h"
2724 2824
2725in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>. 2825in the files that want to use the libevent API. This also includes F<ev.h>.
2726 2826
2727You need the following additional files for this: 2827You need the following additional files for this:
2728 2828
2729 event.h 2829 event.h
2730 event.c 2830 event.c
2731 2831
2732=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT 2832=head3 AUTOCONF SUPPORT
2733 2833
2734Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your config in 2834Instead of using C<EV_STANDALONE=1> and providing your configuration in
2735whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your 2835whatever way you want, you can also C<m4_include([libev.m4])> in your
2736F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then 2836F<configure.ac> and leave C<EV_STANDALONE> undefined. F<ev.c> will then
2737include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly. 2837include F<config.h> and configure itself accordingly.
2738 2838
2739For this of course you need the m4 file: 2839For this of course you need the m4 file:
2740 2840
2741 libev.m4 2841 libev.m4
2742 2842
2743=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS 2843=head2 PREPROCESSOR SYMBOLS/MACROS
2744 2844
2745Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to 2845Libev can be configured via a variety of preprocessor symbols you have to
2746define before including any of its files. The default in the absense of 2846define before including any of its files. The default in the absence of
2747autoconf is noted for every option. 2847autoconf is noted for every option.
2748 2848
2749=over 4 2849=over 4
2750 2850
2751=item EV_STANDALONE 2851=item EV_STANDALONE
2757F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone. 2857F<event.h> that are not directly supported by the libev core alone.
2758 2858
2759=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC 2859=item EV_USE_MONOTONIC
2760 2860
2761If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2861If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2762monotonic clock option at both compiletime and runtime. Otherwise no use 2862monotonic clock option at both compile time and runtime. Otherwise no use
2763of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you 2863of the monotonic clock option will be attempted. If you enable this, you
2764usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when 2864usually have to link against librt or something similar. Enabling it when
2765the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have 2865the functionality isn't available is safe, though, although you have
2766to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime> 2866to make sure you link against any libraries where the C<clock_gettime>
2767function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>). 2867function is hiding in (often F<-lrt>).
2768 2868
2769=item EV_USE_REALTIME 2869=item EV_USE_REALTIME
2770 2870
2771If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the 2871If defined to be C<1>, libev will try to detect the availability of the
2772realtime clock option at compiletime (and assume its availability at 2872real-time clock option at compile time (and assume its availability at
2773runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the realtime clock option will 2873runtime if successful). Otherwise no use of the real-time clock option will
2774be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get 2874be attempted. This effectively replaces C<gettimeofday> by C<clock_get
2775(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the 2875(CLOCK_REALTIME, ...)> and will not normally affect correctness. See the
2776note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though. 2876note about libraries in the description of C<EV_USE_MONOTONIC>, though.
2777 2877
2778=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP 2878=item EV_USE_NANOSLEEP
27892.7 or newer, otherwise disabled. 28892.7 or newer, otherwise disabled.
2790 2890
2791=item EV_USE_SELECT 2891=item EV_USE_SELECT
2792 2892
2793If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the 2893If undefined or defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the
2794C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at autodetection will be done: if no 2894C<select>(2) backend. No attempt at auto-detection will be done: if no
2795other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend 2895other method takes over, select will be it. Otherwise the select backend
2796will not be compiled in. 2896will not be compiled in.
2797 2897
2798=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET 2898=item EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET
2799 2899
2800If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set> 2900If defined to C<1>, then the select backend will use the system C<fd_set>
2801structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing 2901structure. This is useful if libev doesn't compile due to a missing
2802C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it misguesses the bitset layout on 2902C<NFDBITS> or C<fd_mask> definition or it mis-guesses the bitset layout on
2803exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some 2903exotic systems. This usually limits the range of file descriptors to some
2804low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only 2904low limit such as 1024 or might have other limitations (winsocket only
2805allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might 2905allows 64 sockets). The C<FD_SETSIZE> macro, set before compilation, might
2806influence the size of the C<fd_set> used. 2906influence the size of the C<fd_set> used.
2807 2907
2856otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred 2956otherwise another method will be used as fallback. This is the preferred
2857backend for Solaris 10 systems. 2957backend for Solaris 10 systems.
2858 2958
2859=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL 2959=item EV_USE_DEVPOLL
2860 2960
2861reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above. 2961Reserved for future expansion, works like the USE symbols above.
2862 2962
2863=item EV_USE_INOTIFY 2963=item EV_USE_INOTIFY
2864 2964
2865If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify 2965If defined to be C<1>, libev will compile in support for the Linux inotify
2866interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will 2966interface to speed up C<ev_stat> watchers. Its actual availability will
2873access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such 2973access is atomic with respect to other threads or signal contexts. No such
2874type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type 2974type is easily found in the C language, so you can provide your own type
2875that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking" 2975that you know is safe for your purposes. It is used both for signal handler "locking"
2876as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers. 2976as well as for signal and thread safety in C<ev_async> watchers.
2877 2977
2878In the absense of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile> 2978In the absence of this define, libev will use C<sig_atomic_t volatile>
2879(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms. 2979(from F<signal.h>), which is usually good enough on most platforms.
2880 2980
2881=item EV_H 2981=item EV_H
2882 2982
2883The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if 2983The name of the F<ev.h> header file used to include it. The default if
2922When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search 3022When doing priority-based operations, libev usually has to linearly search
2923all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space 3023all the priorities, so having many of them (hundreds) uses a lot of space
2924and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually 3024and time, so using the defaults of five priorities (-2 .. +2) is usually
2925fine. 3025fine.
2926 3026
2927If your embedding app does not need any priorities, defining these both to 3027If your embedding application does not need any priorities, defining these both to
2928C<0> will save some memory and cpu. 3028C<0> will save some memory and CPU.
2929 3029
2930=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 3030=item EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE
2931 3031
2932If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If 3032If undefined or defined to be C<1>, then periodic timers are supported. If
2933defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of 3033defined to be C<0>, then they are not. Disabling them saves a few kB of
2960defined to be C<0>, then they are not. 3060defined to be C<0>, then they are not.
2961 3061
2962=item EV_MINIMAL 3062=item EV_MINIMAL
2963 3063
2964If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some 3064If you need to shave off some kilobytes of code at the expense of some
2965speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently only used for gcc to override 3065speed, define this symbol to C<1>. Currently this is used to override some
2966some inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% codesize of amd64. 3066inlining decisions, saves roughly 30% code size on amd64. It also selects a
3067much smaller 2-heap for timer management over the default 4-heap.
2967 3068
2968=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE 3069=item EV_PID_HASHSIZE
2969 3070
2970C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by 3071C<ev_child> watchers use a small hash table to distribute workload by
2971pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more 3072pid. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), usually more
2978inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>), 3079inotify watch id. The default size is C<16> (or C<1> with C<EV_MINIMAL>),
2979usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat> 3080usually more than enough. If you need to manage thousands of C<ev_stat>
2980watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of 3081watchers you might want to increase this value (I<must> be a power of
2981two). 3082two).
2982 3083
3084=item EV_USE_4HEAP
3085
3086Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3087timer and periodics heap, libev uses a 4-heap when this symbol is defined
3088to C<1>. The 4-heap uses more complicated (longer) code but has
3089noticeably faster performance with many (thousands) of watchers.
3090
3091The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3092(disabled).
3093
3094=item EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT
3095
3096Heaps are not very cache-efficient. To improve the cache-efficiency of the
3097timer and periodics heap, libev can cache the timestamp (I<at>) within
3098the heap structure (selected by defining C<EV_HEAP_CACHE_AT> to C<1>),
3099which uses 8-12 bytes more per watcher and a few hundred bytes more code,
3100but avoids random read accesses on heap changes. This improves performance
3101noticeably with with many (hundreds) of watchers.
3102
3103The default is C<1> unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set in which case it is C<0>
3104(disabled).
3105
3106=item EV_VERIFY
3107
3108Controls how much internal verification (see C<ev_loop_verify ()>) will
3109be done: If set to C<0>, no internal verification code will be compiled
3110in. If set to C<1>, then verification code will be compiled in, but not
3111called. If set to C<2>, then the internal verification code will be
3112called once per loop, which can slow down libev. If set to C<3>, then the
3113verification code will be called very frequently, which will slow down
3114libev considerably.
3115
3116The default is C<1>, unless C<EV_MINIMAL> is set, in which case it will be
3117C<0.>
3118
2983=item EV_COMMON 3119=item EV_COMMON
2984 3120
2985By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining 3121By default, all watchers have a C<void *data> member. By redefining
2986this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of 3122this macro to a something else you can include more and other types of
2987members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files, 3123members. You have to define it each time you include one of the files,
2988though, and it must be identical each time. 3124though, and it must be identical each time.
2989 3125
2990For example, the perl EV module uses something like this: 3126For example, the perl EV module uses something like this:
2991 3127
2992 #define EV_COMMON \ 3128 #define EV_COMMON \
2993 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \ 3129 SV *self; /* contains this struct */ \
2994 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */ 3130 SV *cb_sv, *fh /* note no trailing ";" */
2995 3131
2996=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type) 3132=item EV_CB_DECLARE (type)
2997 3133
2998=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents) 3134=item EV_CB_INVOKE (watcher, revents)
2999 3135
3006avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use 3142avoid the C<struct ev_loop *> as first argument in all cases, or to use
3007method calls instead of plain function calls in C++. 3143method calls instead of plain function calls in C++.
3008 3144
3009=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS 3145=head2 EXPORTED API SYMBOLS
3010 3146
3011If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a dll) and you need a list of 3147If you need to re-export the API (e.g. via a DLL) and you need a list of
3012exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list 3148exported symbols, you can use the provided F<Symbol.*> files which list
3013all public symbols, one per line: 3149all public symbols, one per line:
3014 3150
3015 Symbols.ev for libev proper 3151 Symbols.ev for libev proper
3016 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation 3152 Symbols.event for the libevent emulation
3017 3153
3018This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with 3154This can also be used to rename all public symbols to avoid clashes with
3019multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in 3155multiple versions of libev linked together (which is obviously bad in
3020itself, but sometimes it is inconvinient to avoid this). 3156itself, but sometimes it is inconvenient to avoid this).
3021 3157
3022A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to 3158A sed command like this will create wrapper C<#define>'s that you need to
3023include before including F<ev.h>: 3159include before including F<ev.h>:
3024 3160
3025 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h 3161 <Symbols.ev sed -e "s/.*/#define & myprefix_&/" >wrap.h
3042file. 3178file.
3043 3179
3044The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file 3180The usage in rxvt-unicode is simpler. It has a F<ev_cpp.h> header file
3045that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices: 3181that everybody includes and which overrides some configure choices:
3046 3182
3047 #define EV_MINIMAL 1 3183 #define EV_MINIMAL 1
3048 #define EV_USE_POLL 0 3184 #define EV_USE_POLL 0
3049 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0 3185 #define EV_MULTIPLICITY 0
3050 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0 3186 #define EV_PERIODIC_ENABLE 0
3051 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0 3187 #define EV_STAT_ENABLE 0
3052 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0 3188 #define EV_FORK_ENABLE 0
3053 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h> 3189 #define EV_CONFIG_H <config.h>
3054 #define EV_MINPRI 0 3190 #define EV_MINPRI 0
3055 #define EV_MAXPRI 0 3191 #define EV_MAXPRI 0
3056 3192
3057 #include "ev++.h" 3193 #include "ev++.h"
3058 3194
3059And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled: 3195And a F<ev_cpp.C> implementation file that contains libev proper and is compiled:
3060 3196
3061 #include "ev_cpp.h" 3197 #include "ev_cpp.h"
3062 #include "ev.c" 3198 #include "ev.c"
3063 3199
3064 3200
3065=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES 3201=head1 THREADS AND COROUTINES
3066 3202
3067=head2 THREADS 3203=head2 THREADS
3068 3204
3069Libev itself is completely threadsafe, but it uses no locking. This 3205Libev itself is completely thread-safe, but it uses no locking. This
3070means that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as 3206means that you can use as many loops as you want in parallel, as long as
3071only one thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop 3207only one thread ever calls into one libev function with the same loop
3072parameter. 3208parameter.
3073 3209
3074Or put differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done in 3210Or put differently: calls with different loop parameters can be done in
3075parallel from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter must be 3211parallel from multiple threads, calls with the same loop parameter must be
3076done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as only one 3212done serially (but can be done from different threads, as long as only one
3077thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using a mutex 3213thread ever is inside a call at any point in time, e.g. by using a mutex
3078per loop). 3214per loop).
3079 3215
3080If you want to know which design is best for your problem, then I cannot 3216If you want to know which design (one loop, locking, or multiple loops
3081help you but by giving some generic advice: 3217without or something else still) is best for your problem, then I cannot
3218help you. I can give some generic advice however:
3082 3219
3083=over 4 3220=over 4
3084 3221
3085=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop 3222=item * most applications have a main thread: use the default libev loop
3086in that thread, or create a seperate thread running only the default loop. 3223in that thread, or create a separate thread running only the default loop.
3087 3224
3088This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev 3225This helps integrating other libraries or software modules that use libev
3089themselves and don't care/know about threading. 3226themselves and don't care/know about threading.
3090 3227
3091=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model. 3228=item * one loop per thread is usually a good model.
3092 3229
3093Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model 3230Doing this is almost never wrong, sometimes a better-performance model
3094exists, but it is always a good start. 3231exists, but it is always a good start.
3095 3232
3096=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one 3233=item * other models exist, such as the leader/follower pattern, where one
3097loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robbin fashion. 3234loop is handed through multiple threads in a kind of round-robin fashion.
3098 3235
3099Chosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you cna do 3236Choosing a model is hard - look around, learn, know that usually you can do
3100better than you currently do :-) 3237better than you currently do :-)
3101 3238
3102=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the 3239=item * often you need to talk to some other thread which blocks in the
3103event loop - C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other 3240event loop - C<ev_async> watchers can be used to wake them up from other
3104threads safely (or from signal contexts...). 3241threads safely (or from signal contexts...).
3105 3242
3106=back 3243=back
3107 3244
3108=head2 COROUTINES 3245=head2 COROUTINES
3109 3246
3110Libev is much more accomodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"): 3247Libev is much more accommodating to coroutines ("cooperative threads"):
3111libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different 3248libev fully supports nesting calls to it's functions from different
3112coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two 3249coroutines (e.g. you can call C<ev_loop> on the same loop from two
3113different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the 3250different coroutines and switch freely between both coroutines running the
3114loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that 3251loop, as long as you don't confuse yourself). The only exception is that
3115you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks. 3252you must not do this from C<ev_periodic> reschedule callbacks.
3156correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually 3293correct watcher to remove. The lists are usually short (you don't usually
3157have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal). 3294have many watchers waiting for the same fd or signal).
3158 3295
3159=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1) 3296=item Finding the next timer in each loop iteration: O(1)
3160 3297
3161By virtue of using a binary heap, the next timer is always found at the 3298By virtue of using a binary or 4-heap, the next timer is always found at a
3162beginning of the storage array. 3299fixed position in the storage array.
3163 3300
3164=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd) 3301=item Each change on a file descriptor per loop iteration: O(number_of_watchers_for_this_fd)
3165 3302
3166A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires 3303A change means an I/O watcher gets started or stopped, which requires
3167libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending 3304libev to recalculate its status (and possibly tell the kernel, depending
3168on backend and wether C<ev_io_set> was used). 3305on backend and whether C<ev_io_set> was used).
3169 3306
3170=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1) 3307=item Activating one watcher (putting it into the pending state): O(1)
3171 3308
3172=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities) 3309=item Priority handling: O(number_of_priorities)
3173 3310
3180 3317
3181=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers) 3318=item Processing ev_async_send: O(number_of_async_watchers)
3182 3319
3183=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number) 3320=item Processing signals: O(max_signal_number)
3184 3321
3185Sending involves a syscall I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send> 3322Sending involves a system call I<iff> there were no other C<ev_async_send>
3186calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events 3323calls in the current loop iteration. Checking for async and signal events
3187involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers. 3324involves iterating over all running async watchers or all signal numbers.
3188 3325
3189=back 3326=back
3190 3327
3191 3328
3192=head1 Win32 platform limitations and workarounds 3329=head1 WIN32 PLATFORM LIMITATIONS AND WORKAROUNDS
3193 3330
3194Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev 3331Win32 doesn't support any of the standards (e.g. POSIX) that libev
3195requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX 3332requires, and its I/O model is fundamentally incompatible with the POSIX
3196model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in 3333model. Libev still offers limited functionality on this platform in
3197the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket 3334the form of the C<EVBACKEND_SELECT> backend, and only supports socket
3198descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using 3335descriptors. This only applies when using Win32 natively, not when using
3199e.g. cygwin. 3336e.g. cygwin.
3200 3337
3338Lifting these limitations would basically require the full
3339re-implementation of the I/O system. If you are into these kinds of
3340things, then note that glib does exactly that for you in a very portable
3341way (note also that glib is the slowest event library known to man).
3342
3201There is no supported compilation method available on windows except 3343There is no supported compilation method available on windows except
3202embedding it into other applications. 3344embedding it into other applications.
3203 3345
3346Not a libev limitation but worth mentioning: windows apparently doesn't
3347accept large writes: instead of resulting in a partial write, windows will
3348either accept everything or return C<ENOBUFS> if the buffer is too large,
3349so make sure you only write small amounts into your sockets (less than a
3350megabyte seems safe, but thsi apparently depends on the amount of memory
3351available).
3352
3204Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and the 3353Due to the many, low, and arbitrary limits on the win32 platform and
3205abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets is not 3354the abysmal performance of winsockets, using a large number of sockets
3206recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use more than 3355is not recommended (and not reasonable). If your program needs to use
3207a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally different 3356more than a hundred or so sockets, then likely it needs to use a totally
3208implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX model, which cannot 3357different implementation for windows, as libev offers the POSIX readiness
3209be implemented efficiently on windows (microsoft monopoly games). 3358notification model, which cannot be implemented efficiently on windows
3359(Microsoft monopoly games).
3360
3361A typical way to use libev under windows is to embed it (see the embedding
3362section for details) and use the following F<evwrap.h> header file instead
3363of F<ev.h>:
3364
3365 #define EV_STANDALONE /* keeps ev from requiring config.h */
3366 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* configure libev for windows select */
3367
3368 #include "ev.h"
3369
3370And compile the following F<evwrap.c> file into your project (make sure
3371you do I<not> compile the F<ev.c> or any other embedded soruce files!):
3372
3373 #include "evwrap.h"
3374 #include "ev.c"
3210 3375
3211=over 4 3376=over 4
3212 3377
3213=item The winsocket select function 3378=item The winsocket select function
3214 3379
3215The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it requires 3380The winsocket C<select> function doesn't follow POSIX in that it
3216socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors>. This makes select 3381requires socket I<handles> and not socket I<file descriptors> (it is
3217very inefficient, and also requires a mapping from file descriptors 3382also extremely buggy). This makes select very inefficient, and also
3218to socket handles. See the discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, 3383requires a mapping from file descriptors to socket handles (the Microsoft
3219C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor 3384C runtime provides the function C<_open_osfhandle> for this). See the
3220symbols for more info. 3385discussion of the C<EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET>, C<EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET> and
3386C<EV_FD_TO_WIN32_HANDLE> preprocessor symbols for more info.
3221 3387
3222The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the microsoft runtime 3388The configuration for a "naked" win32 using the Microsoft runtime
3223libraries and raw winsocket select is: 3389libraries and raw winsocket select is:
3224 3390
3225 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1 3391 #define EV_USE_SELECT 1
3226 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */ 3392 #define EV_SELECT_IS_WINSOCKET 1 /* forces EV_SELECT_USE_FD_SET, too */
3227 3393
3228Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a 3394Note that winsockets handling of fd sets is O(n), so you can easily get a
3229complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32. 3395complexity in the O(n²) range when using win32.
3230 3396
3231=item Limited number of file descriptors 3397=item Limited number of file descriptors
3232 3398
3233Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things. Early versions 3399Windows has numerous arbitrary (and low) limits on things.
3234of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a max. of C<64> handles 3400
3401Early versions of winsocket's select only supported waiting for a maximum
3235(probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels can only wait for 3402of C<64> handles (probably owning to the fact that all windows kernels
3236C<64> things at the same time internally; microsoft recommends spawning a 3403can only wait for C<64> things at the same time internally; Microsoft
3237chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the previous thread in each). 3404recommends spawning a chain of threads and wait for 63 handles and the
3405previous thread in each. Great).
3238 3406
3239Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE> 3407Newer versions support more handles, but you need to define C<FD_SETSIZE>
3240to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select 3408to some high number (e.g. C<2048>) before compiling the winsocket select
3241call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own 3409call (which might be in libev or elsewhere, for example, perl does its own
3242select emulation on windows). 3410select emulation on windows).
3243 3411
3244Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the microsoft runtime 3412Another limit is the number of file descriptors in the Microsoft runtime
3245libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish 3413libraries, which by default is C<64> (there must be a hidden I<64> fetish
3246or something like this inside microsoft). You can increase this by calling 3414or something like this inside Microsoft). You can increase this by calling
3247C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another 3415C<_setmaxstdio>, which can increase this limit to C<2048> (another
3248arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the microsoft runtime 3416arbitrary limit), but is broken in many versions of the Microsoft runtime
3249libraries. 3417libraries.
3250 3418
3251This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on 3419This might get you to about C<512> or C<2048> sockets (depending on
3252windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to 3420windows version and/or the phase of the moon). To get more, you need to
3253wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of 3421wrap all I/O functions and provide your own fd management, but the cost of
3254calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable. 3422calling select (O(n²)) will likely make this unworkable.
3255 3423
3256=back 3424=back
3257 3425
3258 3426
3427=head1 PORTABILITY REQUIREMENTS
3428
3429In addition to a working ISO-C implementation, libev relies on a few
3430additional extensions:
3431
3432=over 4
3433
3434=item C<void (*)(ev_watcher_type *, int revents)> must have compatible
3435calling conventions regardless of C<ev_watcher_type *>.
3436
3437Libev assumes not only that all watcher pointers have the same internal
3438structure (guaranteed by POSIX but not by ISO C for example), but it also
3439assumes that the same (machine) code can be used to call any watcher
3440callback: The watcher callbacks have different type signatures, but libev
3441calls them using an C<ev_watcher *> internally.
3442
3443=item C<sig_atomic_t volatile> must be thread-atomic as well
3444
3445The type C<sig_atomic_t volatile> (or whatever is defined as
3446C<EV_ATOMIC_T>) must be atomic w.r.t. accesses from different
3447threads. This is not part of the specification for C<sig_atomic_t>, but is
3448believed to be sufficiently portable.
3449
3450=item C<sigprocmask> must work in a threaded environment
3451
3452Libev uses C<sigprocmask> to temporarily block signals. This is not
3453allowed in a threaded program (C<pthread_sigmask> has to be used). Typical
3454pthread implementations will either allow C<sigprocmask> in the "main
3455thread" or will block signals process-wide, both behaviours would
3456be compatible with libev. Interaction between C<sigprocmask> and
3457C<pthread_sigmask> could complicate things, however.
3458
3459The most portable way to handle signals is to block signals in all threads
3460except the initial one, and run the default loop in the initial thread as
3461well.
3462
3463=item C<long> must be large enough for common memory allocation sizes
3464
3465To improve portability and simplify using libev, libev uses C<long>
3466internally instead of C<size_t> when allocating its data structures. On
3467non-POSIX systems (Microsoft...) this might be unexpectedly low, but
3468is still at least 31 bits everywhere, which is enough for hundreds of
3469millions of watchers.
3470
3471=item C<double> must hold a time value in seconds with enough accuracy
3472
3473The type C<double> is used to represent timestamps. It is required to
3474have at least 51 bits of mantissa (and 9 bits of exponent), which is good
3475enough for at least into the year 4000. This requirement is fulfilled by
3476implementations implementing IEEE 754 (basically all existing ones).
3477
3478=back
3479
3480If you know of other additional requirements drop me a note.
3481
3482
3483=head1 COMPILER WARNINGS
3484
3485Depending on your compiler and compiler settings, you might get no or a
3486lot of warnings when compiling libev code. Some people are apparently
3487scared by this.
3488
3489However, these are unavoidable for many reasons. For one, each compiler
3490has different warnings, and each user has different tastes regarding
3491warning options. "Warn-free" code therefore cannot be a goal except when
3492targeting a specific compiler and compiler-version.
3493
3494Another reason is that some compiler warnings require elaborate
3495workarounds, or other changes to the code that make it less clear and less
3496maintainable.
3497
3498And of course, some compiler warnings are just plain stupid, or simply
3499wrong (because they don't actually warn about the condition their message
3500seems to warn about).
3501
3502While libev is written to generate as few warnings as possible,
3503"warn-free" code is not a goal, and it is recommended not to build libev
3504with any compiler warnings enabled unless you are prepared to cope with
3505them (e.g. by ignoring them). Remember that warnings are just that:
3506warnings, not errors, or proof of bugs.
3507
3508
3509=head1 VALGRIND
3510
3511Valgrind has a special section here because it is a popular tool that is
3512highly useful, but valgrind reports are very hard to interpret.
3513
3514If you think you found a bug (memory leak, uninitialised data access etc.)
3515in libev, then check twice: If valgrind reports something like:
3516
3517 ==2274== definitely lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3518 ==2274== possibly lost: 0 bytes in 0 blocks.
3519 ==2274== still reachable: 256 bytes in 1 blocks.
3520
3521Then there is no memory leak. Similarly, under some circumstances,
3522valgrind might report kernel bugs as if it were a bug in libev, or it
3523might be confused (it is a very good tool, but only a tool).
3524
3525If you are unsure about something, feel free to contact the mailing list
3526with the full valgrind report and an explanation on why you think this is
3527a bug in libev. However, don't be annoyed when you get a brisk "this is
3528no bug" answer and take the chance of learning how to interpret valgrind
3529properly.
3530
3531If you need, for some reason, empty reports from valgrind for your project
3532I suggest using suppression lists.
3533
3534
3259=head1 AUTHOR 3535=head1 AUTHOR
3260 3536
3261Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>. 3537Marc Lehmann <libev@schmorp.de>.
3262 3538

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